Newsletter sent 8/12/2021
Dear Lake Elkhorn Families,
Greetings and welcome to the 2021-22 school year! In just under 3 weeks, students will start in-person classes as we kick-off another school year in HCPSS and at Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS). We can’t wait to see your children!
We have been busy this summer, preparing for all of our students to return to school this fall. Bulletin boards and display cases fill our hallways in bright colors, classrooms are ready for teachers and staff to return, lockers are ready for distribution to our students, our professional learning plan has been created to support our teachers and staff so they can best meet the needs of all of our students, our PTSA has been hard at work all summer, student orientations are scheduled and planned, and the floors are just about done getting their final coats of wax. In addition, there has been a significant change to the structure of our school building since last year, and that is the addition of a hallway near the science classrooms. We are really excited about this! For those of you who have had children pass through the halls of our school, you know how crowded they can become, and how most of our hallways result in “dead ends”. We are thrilled to have had this recent renovation which gives us a circular flow of traffic, and we are hopeful that this hallway is going to relieve a lot of the congestion in our school. Very exciting!
We know there are a lot of questions about what school will look like and be like when students return in a few weeks. As you know, HCPSS will resume fully in-person instruction for the 2021-22 school year. We will have a full day of classes, five days a week, and will follow our normal middle school 7-period day. Students will be asked to bring their fully charged laptops to school each day, but instruction will not rely on Google Meets, and laptops will be used to enhance the engaging, interactive classroom lessons that teachers create. Further, about two weeks ago on July 30, our Superintendent, Dr. Martirano, shared that masks are required in school buildings for all students, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status; his full statement can be found here. We ask that you start to talk to your child about the mask requirement in school (covering their mouth and nose) so that we can all work together to keep each other as safe as possible. Thank you for your continued support!
By now we all know that this pandemic has been unpredictable, and that plans continue to adjust based on guidance from the CDC, and the Howard County Health Department. While we do not anticipate major changes to the HCPSS plans for this school year, I encourage you to continue to check your emails for updates from LEMS and HCPSS, and to visit our website and the HCPSS website regularly. HCPSS also has a help site that you may find useful. I know this past year we have all felt inundated with emails and digital correspondence, but please continue to stay informed to the greatest extent possible. If there is anything we can do to assist with communication, please let me know.
Finally, on August 26 we are hosting two different opportunities for students and families to visit Lake Elkhorn. Be sure to keep reading this newsletter for information about the 6th Grade and Newly Enrolled Student Orientation, and the 7th and 8th Grade Open House. We are so excited to see our students and families, and to welcome you back into our school building!
In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer, be well, stay safe, and do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have. Thank you for being partners with us in your child’s education, and we look forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NEWS AND UPDATES
SAVE THE DATES!
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8/25/2021 |
Student schedules will be available to view in Synergy |
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8/26/2021 |
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8/26/2021 |
7th and 8th Grade Open House, 2:15 p.m. |
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8/30/2021 |
First student day of the 2021-2022 school year |
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9/6/2021 |
Schools and offices closed, Labor Day |
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9/7/2021 |
Schools and offices closed |
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9/8/2021 |
Back to School Night, 6:00 p.m. |
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9/16/2021 |
Schools and offices closed |
UPDATE YOUR FAMILY FILE!
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year. Parents/guardians can complete the Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting the “More Options” tab on the left and then selecting “Family File” in the center column.
6TH GRADE AND NEWLY ENROLLED STUDENT ORIENTATION
6th grade and newly enrolled students and parents are invited to join us on Thursday, August 26, from 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. for orientation. Click here for more information. We look forward to meeting you!
7TH AND 8TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE
7th and 8th grade students and families are invited to join us at LEMS for an Open House on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Click here for more information. We can’t wait to see you!
MASK REQUIREMENT AT HCPSS SCHOOLS
Howard County Public School System Superintendent, Dr. Martirano, outlined several health and safety updates for the 2021-2022 school year, including that, effective immediately, masks will be required in school buildings for all students, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Click here for Dr. Martirano’s full statement and more information.
HCPSS 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR UPDATES
HCPSS has dedicated a page on their website to 2021-2022 school year updates. You may want to bookmark this page, and visit regularly, for the most up-to-date information.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
Click here to see our 2021-22 school supply lists. It is important to keep in mind that this list is a guide. Due to online learning, some of these materials may not be needed in your child’s home work space. Further, your child will have different teachers for each subject, and there may be some variations once your child receives his/her schedule. We encourage you to keep your receipts in case items are not needed.
SCHEDULE AND LOCKERS
Students who attend orientation on Thursday, August 26 will receive their schedules and lockers at that time. All other students will get their schedule and locker in their Eagle Nest (administrative homeroom) on the first day of school.
WHERE DOES MY CHILD GO WHEN THEY ARRIVE ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?
Students should be at Lake Elkhorn by 7:50 a.m. When they arrive, they will go directly to their Eagle Nest (administrative homeroom) on the first day.
CAN MY CHILD CARRY A BACKPACK DURING THE SCHOOL DAY?
Backpacks are permitted in school this year, since students will want something to protect their laptops while moving from class to class. Our hallways are narrow, and we ask that students carry a small bag or backpack to prevent overcrowding, and leave their larger backpack in their locker. If your child does not have a small bag or backpack, we will permit larger backpacks to be carried, as long as they are not full or bulky. Thanks for understanding so that we can ensure safe hallway experiences for our students!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS – 7TH GRADE STUDENTS
This is a reminder to parents of incoming 7th grade students: All children must have the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school, including in districts utilizing virtual instruction. The following are required by the state of Maryland for all students entering Grade 7:
● 1 dose of Tdap vaccine
● 1 dose of Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine
Click here for more information about this requirement.
Click here for information about a back-to-school vaccination clinic!
Many students may have already received these immunizations, but the Health Room may not have the updated immunization record. Please contact your child’s doctor and send/fax us an updated copy of your child’s immunizations to the Health Room. Our fax # is 410-290-6430 or you may email a copy to anna_quinn@hcpss.org.
STUDENT SCHEDULES
On August 25, student schedules will be available for all parents/guardians and students to view in Synergy. More information will be shared by HCPSS prior to August 25.
BUS SCHEDULES
Bus schedules should be posted on the HCPSS Transportation webpage by mid-August, at www.hcpss.org/schools/transportation. As you prepare for a great start to school, keep in mind that sometimes it takes a week or two for the arrival times to be completely accurate due to the variety of bus routes. For this reason, we recommend that students arrive 15 minutes prior to the published, scheduled pick-up time. Thanks for your patience!
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED TO TAKE MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?
Any medications required during school hours including prescription, “over-the-counter” (OTC) and homeopathic/herbal medications require a medication order signed by an approved health care provider and are subject to the HCPSS medication policy and procedure. For more information click here to visit our website.
TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNTS FOR NEW STUDENTS
Students new to HCPSS will receive technology accounts once their registration is finalized. If your child is newly enrolled in HCPSS, click here for more information regarding technology accounts.
SCHOOL MEALS
Through funding from the federal government to support nutrition for children during the pandemic, meals for both school years and the summer are served at no cost to families:
● Until August 13 (summer meals)
● Beginning August 30 (2021-2022 school year)
For information about sites, dates, and times, click here.
FREE AND REDUCED MEALS PROGRAM - MORE THAN MEALS!
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of hardship for many of our friends and neighbors. Many HCPSS families have been impacted financially by the pandemic, and may be eligible now to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program. Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including testing fees, tuition, internet and more. Click here to learn more about the additional resources available for qualifying families.
For more information, or to apply, click here.
Important Note: If your student received Free or Reduced Meals during the 2020-2021 school year, please be reminded that a new application must be completed each year. For more information about school meals and programs, please visit the HCPSS website at: http://www.hcpss.org/food-services/.
LEMS LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Is your child looking for a good book to read this summer? Be sure to stop by and visit our Little Free Library, located right outside near our school’s main entrance. Take a book, share a book, and visit often!
WELLNESS TELEMEDICINE CENTER COMES TO LAKE ELKHORN
HCPSS and the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) have partnered to implement school-based wellness telemedicine centers. Telemedicine centers use a secure, two-way link to transmit videos and images between our school’s private health suite and the telemedicine provider. For more information, or to enroll in the Wellness Telemedicine Center at Lake Elkhorn, click here.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phone use is a popular topic among middle school students. Click here to review the "LEMS Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Policy", and please, please, please review this with your child before the first day of school. Thank you for your ongoing support!
WELCOME NEW STAFF!
We are pleased to welcome the following new staff members to our Lake Elkhorn community:
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Kara Burdette |
Student Services Secretary |
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Karen Daley |
Social Studies |
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Jason Fahie |
PE / Health |
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Frances Garcia |
Special Education |
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Shannon Horoszczak |
Leadership Intern |
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Tara Iraola |
Math |
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Stephfea Jackson |
Art |
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Alison Mariano |
Math |
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Ji Ryu |
ESOL |
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Charlene Williams |
Special Education |
STUDENT SERVICES
Our Student Services Team is made up of professionals dedicated to helping your child succeed in middle school. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our Student Services team whenever you have questions or concerns:
● Kara Burdette, Student Services Secretary
● Julie Fischer, School Counselor for 8th grade & 7th grade
● Ashley Fried, School Social Worker
● Jerome Jefferson, Alternative Education
● Melissa Lobdell, Data Clerk
● Bettina OliverMcCain, School Counselor for 6th grade & 7th grade
● Mercedes Ramirez, Hispanic Achievement Liaison
● Ashley Riley, Special Education Team Leader
● Michele Rudnicki, School Psychologist
● Tahesha Todd, Black Student Achievement Liaison
● Martha Torres-Gutierrez, Alternative Education Paraeducator
● Tracey Williams, Pupil Personnel Worker
The Howard County School Supplies Giveaway, sponsored by the Department of Community Resources and Services, will be a Grab ‘n Go Set-Up (held in a socially distant and safe manner). Pre-registration is required. Supplies will be distributed on Saturday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. For more information, including locations and registration information, click here.
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL AND JOIN THE PTSA!
At Lake Elkhorn, we are very fortunate to have such an active, supportive and involved PTSA. Get a jump start on the school year and join the PTSA today! Your membership helps support our students and school community! Click here for more information.
UPDATING COMMUNICATION & STAYING CONNECTED
UPDATING EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Family File is now available for the 2021-22 school year: Parent/guardians can now access and complete the family file for this school year using HCPSS Connect. Parents/guardians must complete the Family File every year to ensure HCPSS has the most current information for each child.
Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to verify, or update the following information: Student Information, Parent/Guardian Contact, Emergency Contact, Medical Information, Arrival/Dismissal Procedures, Photo Approval, Data Confidentiality, PTA/PTSA Directory.
Updating your information, including email addresses and contact information, and pushing the submit button will ensure that you are receiving the most recent news from Lake Elkhorn Middle School and HCPSS.
If you have forgotten how to access your HCPSS Connect account, or are new to the system, click here for more information and support including instructions in English, Korean & Spanish as well as a video link.
Please have this back-to-school necessity completed by August 30, the first day of school. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Lobdell at melissa_lobdell@hcpss.org who is available to assist you. Thank you for completing the Family File and for your continued support!.
Please note: changes of address may not be made through Family File. If you have recently moved, please contact your child’s new school as soon as possible. As we are preparing for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, it is imperative that we have accurate addresses on file for all of our students. If you have moved, and have not provided us with your updated information, we ask that you complete the following and send them to Ms. Burdette, Student Service Secretary, at kara_burdette@hcpss.org:
● A deed or deed of trust that has all required signatures or an original lease with all required signatures
● A current bill for cable television, non-cellular telephone, or gas and electric with your name and address
SCHOOL MESSENGER: STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH HCPSS AND SCHOOL NEWS
Parents and guardians of currently enrolled HCPSS students automatically receive HCPSS News emails from the district and from Lake Elkhorn; this is based on the contact information currently in your child's Family File account. The program we use is called SchoolMessenger. SchoolMessenger automatically uses your contact information in the Family File, which is another reason it is so important to update and confirm your information as soon as possible.
Contact information for parents and guardians of newly enrolled students and students changing schools (including incoming 6th graders) has been automatically added to each school’s main contact list.
Reminder: Parents and guardians do not have to sign-up to receive SchoolMessenger emails. Your information is automatically added to SchoolMessenger based on data from the Family File.
NEWSLETTERS
Our newsletter will be emailed every other Friday. PTSA newsletters will be emailed on opposite weeks. Important news and updates will be emailed, as needed, and posted on our website.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITES
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Website Principal's Instagram |
lems.hcpss.org @hcpss_LEMS principal_shindel |
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PTSA online |
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF SUMMER BREAK AND
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING OUR STUDENTS IN-PERSON ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!