The Bark
Lamar's Weekly Newsletter
April 15th, 2023
Upcoming Dates
4/17 - Phil's Icehouse/Amy's Ice Cream Spirit Night - Band Fundraiser
4/17- Track Meet - Boys' Field & Girls' Running (6 pm, Burger Center)
4/18 - Dance Guild Fundraiser at Torchy's Tacos (5119 Burnet location, ALL DAY!)
4/18- Track Meet - Girls' Field & Boys' Running (6 pm, Burger Center)
4/19 - Open Studio w/ Ms. Acevedo (Rm. 504/506)
4/20 - STAAR Reading (6-8th grade)
4/20 - Friends of Lamar Orchestra (FOLO) Booster Meeting (7p, Zoom)
4/21 - STAAR Reading Make-ups
4/21 - Band Solo & Ensemble (4-7p, Rm. 700)
4/21 - LamARTe - Adults-Only Visual Arts Event
4/21 - AISD Latino Academic Achievement Awards @ PAC
Week re-cap
Campus Advisory Council met on Monday
Trustee Whitley Chu joined the Lamar CAC to discuss the search for AISD's next superintendent and TEA's plan to assign a conservator to AISD Special Education Department. She shared that the board voted to extend Interim Superintendent Matias Segura's contract into the next year. She also shared about the work that is being done by Mr. Matia and the Board to respond to the concerns surrounding Special Education.
Ms. Tesano updated the CAC on campus efforts to support inclusivity at Lamar and the budget for the 23 - 24 school year.
PTA met on Monday as well
In addition to general PTA business, Lamar Librarian, Ms. Bowman, presented to the PTA about strategies to support "Digital Drama". Thank you to Ms. Bowen for this informative presentation that included student perspectives and strategies for adults and students to maintain healthy interactions with social media.
Musical Theatre Revue
The Musical Theatre performed their annual revue in the Lamar Cafeteria. Performers wowed the audience with their musical skills and stage presence. Way to go!
Stetson Special Education training
Ms. Tesano and the team completed part two of the Stetson training to support students who access Special Education services. We were excited to learn that the Lamar staff had already received some of the training recommended by Stetson. We also learned some new strategies that we are planning to implement in the coming school year.
Celebrations!
Friday was a busy day at Lamar! Ms. Berrean received the Region 13 Educator of the Month award on Friday, April 14th. Of the over 60 districts served by Region13, she was the only educator recognized for her dedication to students and staff! Ms. Berrean is such an amazing counselor and we are thrilled that she was recognized on this level! Congratulations!
National Junior Honor Society students had their Spring field trip on Friday. Thankfully the rain held off so they could enjoy the day! We are proud of the citizenship, leadership, and volunteering that the NJHS students demonstrate throughout the year. Thank you to Ms. Sanders and Ms. Kestner or all their efforts to reward NJHS students!
Lamar Band revitalized the Lamar Talent Show on Friday evening to an enthusiastic crowd! The Jazz Band warmed up the audience with several acts before the contestants took the stage. The evening was filled with witty emceeing, celebrity judges, and a showcase of the sometimes hidden talents of Lamar students. A huge shout out to the staff and parents who made the night a wild success. Thank you to judges Trevor Scott of host of We Are Austin on KEYE, children's entertainer, Staci Gray, and Austin musician, Susanna Sharpe. They had the most difficult job of selecting winners of the evening. Winners of the show are:
Honorable Mention, Sommy N (comedy)
Audience Choice, Defund Barney (rock band)
3rd Place - Graham T (original piano)
2nd Place - Caroline A (Dance performance)
1st Place - Sofia M (Singing and piano)
STAAR Updates - 4/16
Please help make sure that students bring their Chromebooks, chargers, and corded headphones (if you have them) this week! Here is a reminder of important STAAR information:
- In the past, students had 4 hours to complete the assessment but this year, they will have as much time as needed.
- In addition to multiple choice questions, students will answer technology enhanced questions (eg. matching, graphing, etc.) and short constructed response questions (eg. short answer). These new answer types will appear in all tested areas.
- All students will take STAAR on a computer.
Given this is the first year for these changes, we cannot predict how long the test will take. Therefore, students will be eating lunch in their testing rooms. They will either need to order a lunch or bring a lunch on that day, as they will not be going to the cafeteria.
All students must use their AISD Chromebooks for testing. We do not have extra Chromebooks for students to borrow for testing, and students cannot use personal devices for testing.
In order to ensure students have their Chromebooks on test days, students will be asked to leave their Chromebooks here at school for the two days prior to each STAAR test. Student Chromebooks will be left at school on the following days:
- All students, grades 6-8 April 18-20 and May 1-3
- 8th grade only April 24-27
Teachers will not give computer-based homework during this time. However, they may have computer-based assignments in class.
Save the date for Spring Semester Finals
Wednesday, May 17th (finals in periods 1&2)
Thursday, May 18th (finals in periods 5&6)
Monday, May 22nd (finals in periods 3&4)
Tuesday, May 23rd (finals in periods 7&8)
Bell schedule to follow.
SAVE the date for 8th grade Advancement Ceremony
Cell phone and electronic device policy reminder
NOTE: Students with accommodations that require the use of audio functions such as text to speech may use corded headphones. A limited number of headphones are available for check out from the school. Students may see their teacher with to sign up for headphones.
📸 KEEP LAMAR WEIRD PHOTOS! 📸
April is International and National Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal and interpersonal communication.
In honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, families, community members, and staff are invited to attend a three-part, virtual learning series focused on Autism presented from VELA hosted by the Austin ISD Special Education Department.
Date April 11, 2023
Time 10-11 am Spanish/12-1 pm English
Topic & Flyer Understanding Autism
flier: English/Spanish
RSVP Link RSVP Link
Date April 18, 2023
Time10-11 am Spanish/12-1 pm English
Topic & Flyer Supporting Your Child’s Communication, Social Skills, Play, and Sensory Processing
flier: English/Spanish
RSVP Link RSVP Link
Date April 25, 2023
Time 10-11 am Spanish/ 12-1 pm English
Topic & Flyer School Services: Autism Supplement, Goals, and Services
flier: English/Spanish
RSVP Link RSVP Link
Save the Date for STAAR!
Grades 6 - 8 Reading: April 20 with make ups on April 21
8th Grade Science: April 26
8th Grade US History: April 27
Science and US History make ups: April 28
Grades 6 - 8 Math & Alg EOC: May 3 with make ups on May 5
Algebra EOC additional Make up - May 9
Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
These recommendations have been in place since the beginning of the year after several consultations with AISD PD and Transportation as well as the City of Austin.
Between 7:50 am and 8:20 am, the curb along Wynona Ave should be for immediate loading and unloading only (similar to the airport). Thank you for your cooperation to keep this congested area moving.
Drop off should occur on the northbound side of Wynona only. There are no sidewalks on the southbound side of Wynona so students are forced to cross through traffic.
Also, please do not drop off or pick up in the parking lot on White Horse Dr, which is reserved for school buses and staff parking.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping our students safe.
Attendance Reporting Updates
Students who leave campus and return the same day should bring their pink slip back with them to check back in.
Twilight
Twilight will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6PM in room 103. Due to the number of students who attended in the fall, we will be instituting some new expectations in order to have a successful experience for all students. These are as follows:
- Report to Twilight room immediately after school. Students will not be admitted late unless they have prior approval from Twilight staff. Students are allowed to leave early with parent/guardian permission.
Their ride must arrive no later than 6PM. A bus is provided with limited stops. Please see the attached bus route.
Students must bring assignments and a computer to complete work. Students will be asked to leave if they have no work to complete.
Quietly complete their work. If a student needs help, they can raise their hand and a teacher will assist them. If a student does not have work to complete, they will be asked to leave.
Follow all instructions from Twilight staff. If a student refuses to comply, they will be asked to leave.
Twilight will not be held on the following days: 2/14, 3/14, 3/16, 3/31, 4/6.
There will be NO Twilight during Spring Break!
Office Hours
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering, the first step is completing an application with Austin Partners in Education.
From The Library
LOG YOUR READING MINUTES: Families, please encourage your student(s) to log their reading minutes for the One Million Minute Reading Challenge. I sent an announcement earlier this week and the link was broken. Mea culpa! At the moment I type this, we're in first place. Let's keep it that way. Go here to log.
RETURN OVERDUE BOOKS: Want to know if that book on your nightstand is a Lamar book? Flip it over and look at the barcode. It ought to say LAMAR MIDDLE SCHOOL. Email Mrs. Bowman if you think you have an overdue book, but can't remember the title: tara.bowman@austinisd.org.
APRIL STAFF BIRTHDAYS
Apr. 3rd - Ms. McGrath (French)
Apr. 25th - Ms. Godina (Digital Arts/Yearbook)
Apr. 27th - Ms. Caudle (Math)
Counselor's Corner
ANDERSON SPEECH & DEBATE SHOWCASE
Attention 8th Graders!
Anderson High School Speech & Debate Team
presents
SHOWCASE!
Saturday night, April 29th * 7:00 pm
Anderson High School Theater
Please join us for an entertaining evening with select performances highlighting the diversity of events and tremendous talent of our Speech & Debate team. It’s a rare moment for incoming freshman to see what the team is all about. Middle school students receive free admission!
We would love for you to join us!
Buy your advance tickets HERE or pay cash the night of the event. (age 18+ is $10).
Questions? Contact vpevents@andersonspeechdebate.com
For 6th Grade ONLY: Breakthrough Central Texas is Partnered with AISD!
For 6th Grade Students ONLY!
BREAKTHROUGH Central Texas has partnered with Austin ISD!!
Sign up for FREE!!
Breakthrough is a FREE program that helps students be the first in their families to graduate from college. Breakthrough is an exciting and challenging journey that starts the summer before 7th grade and continues through high school and college.
Breakthrough is looking for middle school students to join their community who...
- will be the first in their family to graduate from a 4 year college or university in the U.S.
- are interested in school support and advising
- want to participate in fun after-school events and summer programming
*See flyer attached below in English and Spanish for more details*
Illustrated Poem Contest
DO YOU HAVE AN 8TH GRADER? CHECK OUT OUR HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM TEACHERS
Join us for an evening of live music & an artistic silent auction on Friday, April 21 from 7p - 10pm at St. John Studios. Each ticket includes appetizers and drinks.
All proceeds will support the Visual Arts Department of Lamar Middle School's Fine Arts Academy.
Austin's local artists have stepped up to show their support to Lamar by donating some amazing pieces of art to the silent auction!
Can't attend but still want to support the Visual Arts Department? You can also donate on this site, or buy a ticket for your friends!
Tickets to LamARTe | Lamar Visual Arts Booster Club (square.site)
🎉CONGRATULATIONS TO COACHES BALLEE AND PEREZ! 🎉
Coach Ballee and Coach Perez have been nominated for the Netspend Coach of the Year!
Because the winner is based on overall nominations, I invite you to visit the nomination website to show them support. People can also nominate additional coaches from Lamar if they'd like.
Whatever the outcome, we congratulate Coach Ballee and Coach Perez on this honor and recognition!
FREE ACC SUMMER CAMP JUNE 2023 for Middle Schoolers!
See links below for application English and Spanish. Students may choose 1, 2 or all 3 camps.
There will be (3) choices for our AISD Middle School Students to choose from, which include:
Health Sciences - June 12 - 16, 2023, at ACC Eastview Campus, located at 3401 Webberview Road, Austin, TX
Advanced Manufacturing - June 20 - 23, 2023, at ACC Highland Campus, located at 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX (*note: 6/19 is a holiday - camp will be closed on this day)
Information Technology - June 26 - 30, 2023, at ACC Highland Campus, located at 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX
Students can select one, two or all three choices. Please see the attachment (in both English and Spanish) for more details and the QR code to apply while space is available.
Here is the English version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gKfeZuP1U_-wu6kNBjSxD2LUYnOYfwAN/view?usp=share_link
Here is the Spanish version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wmZNwL6bVMu0MTHXAm-sU5tG8hI1gRLC/view?usp=share_link
REC SPORTS SUMMER CAMP INTEREST?
We are checking interest in a possible Rec Sports Summer Camp over the Summer. Our plan would be to meet around 90 minutes per day, 3-4 days a week per week, for around 6 weeks. Our plan will be to work our timing around McCallum's Strength & Speed camp, so those who want to do both should be able to do so. This will be open to all current LMS students (2022-23 school year).
This is simply an opportunity to get our students together to be active (soccer, basketball, flag football, spike ball, racquet sports, four square, tag games, etc.) in a controlled environment. There would be a small cost associated to cover the cost of our staff workers. Scholarships would be available for those unable to cover the costs.
Please fill out this link if you are interested!
Save the date for Lamar's Spring Dance Show!
YEARBOOK!
Only 50 Books Left!
What This Means....
Be a "Yearbook Angel"
In the Community
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LAMAR PTA
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
After school clubs for the current grading period are now in session! The clubs meet from 4-4:45pm.
The new clubs offered last grading period will continue based on great participation and positive feedback. We heard several stories from happy kids and enthusiastic club leaders. No need to sign up, just turn up and join the fun!
1) Board Games Club, weekly on Fridays with Mr. Jackson (room 406)
2) Rec Sports & Ultimate Club, weekly on Fridays with Ms. Roe (the track)
3) Photography Club, sort of bi-weekly with Ms. Godina (room 206)
The D&D Club (Mr. Smith) and the GSA Club (Ms. Vouvray) continue their regular dates and times.
Lamar Merch - SHOP NOW!
Scottie merch for sale - NOW OPEN!
Orders are fulfilled every Friday, with pick-up in the Library on Monday.
Get yours today & show your school spirit!