What is happening at the end of the year in Mrs. Lastner's ELA class?

Please note that on the last day of school, all students will come home with their report card. Inside the envelope will also be their MAP testing scores, summer homework assignments, and if applicable, a letter regarding a change in ELA and/or Math for next year. 7th grade parents will also receive their child's Pre-HSPT score.

***Next week, every day is a noon dismissal.***

Monday - Spirit wear day

Tuesday - Field day

Wednesday - Class picnic

FYI - Summer reading challenges and freebies if you want your child to participate this summer:

BCPL - Unearth A Story - The program begins this Saturday with a big kickoff party at Arbutus Branch from 11 am - 2pm. The game boards and online tracking will be available on this website or through Beanstack app starting June 6th.

Barnes and Noble - Read 8 books to receive a free book from the list. Print the Reading Challenge here.

Book It Summer Stories - Log reading to receive a Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hunt, just like the old days!

White House Summer Reading Challenge - This is new! Students read 12 books and complete the log. They should also write a reflection on their favorite book. When this is complete, students will receive acknowledgement and a bookmark from the White House and be entered for other prizes!

Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas

Sixth Grade:

6th grade classes are combining to do a final group project for the year that is both fun and educational. They will be working in small groups to create the ideal summer camp, and they will create a unique website to highlight the special features of their camp. It will be a fun way to end our year together!

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to read some information about what you need to do to have your 6th grader ready for 7th grade next year.

Seventh Grade:

Students will be doing one more fun project to wrap up the year. 7th graders are going to work together in small groups and make a video for incoming 6th graders with tips for surviving middle school. It should be a fun way to end the year together!

Eighth Grade:

Farewell to the 8th grade students! I wish them all the very best in the years to come!

Wishing you a blessed week ahead,

Mrs. Lastner

Reminder of Middle School Academic Policy for Late Work Submission

At the start of the second trimester, all middle school teachers implemented a standardized late work policy designed to promote responsibility and time management skills that are essential for academic success.

Homework and Practice Assignments

Students who fail to submit homework or practice assignments will receive a zero with no opportunity for makeup credit. This policy encourages consistent daily engagement with course material.

Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments

Late submissions will be accepted within one calendar week of the original due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Students receive an "Unprepared for Class" slip documenting the final submission deadline. Work submitted after this date will receive a grade of zero. Students must notify teachers via email when submitting late work—Google Classroom messages do not fulfill this requirement.

Assessments and Evaluations

Missed quizzes and tests due to absence must be completed upon return or within one week for extended absences. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule makeup assessments.

IMPORTANT SJS and HOMEROOM (6A) INFORMATION:

Attention Current 6th Grade Parents

Upon your child entering 7th grade for the 2026-2027 school year, all current 6th grade students are required to submit an updated immunization record reflecting the following immunizations have been administered prior to entering 7th grade:

One (1) Tdap vaccination
One (1) Meningococcal vaccination

Please review this letter from Nurse Mary with more details.

All health forms & documents are available on our school's website. Please feel free to contact Nurse Mary with any questions or concerns you may have.

Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year

Please click here to see all of our key dates for the 2025-2026 school year. These are subject to change at any time.

Spirit Wear-

View all spirit wear dates and the recommended order date HERE. There are always new items, so check out the website soon!

Homework Connection

The next session of dates for Homework Connection are available! Homework Connection is offered for both Elementary students (Gr 1-4) and Middle School students (Gr 5-8). Students may work on homework with the help of teachers on duty, if needed. A snack is provided.

Download the form for Gr 1-4 HERE. Questions about Elementary Homework Connection? Email Mrs. Bennett or Mrs. Meyer.

Download the form for Gr 5-8 HERE. Questions about Middle School Homework Connection? Email Ms. Westfall.

A little about me...

This is my third year at SJS. I have been a teacher for over 25 years and have taught both middle and high school English/Language Arts. I have a B.S. degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. I also have a Master's Certificate in Reading Instruction from Goucher College.

I am a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army, and am passionate about using my variety of experiences and knowledge to enhance my teaching.

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