Lower Moreland High School
Newsletter
February 10, 2021
Hello Lower Moreland Families,
Please enjoy the latest edition of the High School Newsletter.
Thank you,
Mr. William J. Miles, Principal
P.S.- Don't forget to follow us on Twitter! @LMTSD_LMHS and Instagram at lmtsd-highschool
COVID 19-Travel Restrictions
The PA Department of health has made SIGNIFICANT changes to the current travel restrictions effective Friday, November 20th for those who leave Pennsylvania to travel domestically or internationally and then return to Pennsylvania. (PADOH has done away with the list of states necessitating quarantining when you return from travel. The new order applies to travel to any other state or country.)
if you plan any out-of-state travel, please inform our school nurse, Ms. Lisa Weidman at LWeidman@lmtsd.org or 215 938 0220 ext. 2153
For additional information, please review the information contained on the PADOH state website: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx.
Important Reminders of Daily Health and Safety
- Maintain safe distancing at all times. Students should not congregate at any time.
- Masks need to be worn at all times and cover from the bridge of the nose to under the chin. The only exceptions are while eating or while outside at the direction of a teacher.
- Student drivers should wear a mask when they exit their car in the morning and should only remove a mask while back in their car in the afternoon.
- Bus riders need to wear a mask at all times.
- Wear a glove during the cleaning process.
- Use hand sanitizer at the beginning and end of each class, and throughout the day follow hand-washing guidelines as needed.
- Follow the directional arrows throughout the building
What's Happening
Keystone Testing
Keystone Testing Update
The state and federal government have waived the graduation requirement for the junior class (2021-2022). Juniors are no longer required to sit for the tests they would have taken during the pandemic last year.
For the ninth and tenth grade students the current waiver does not apply. Therefore the Algebra exam is still a requirement and will be given on February 17th. A form was emailed home so that parents can notify the school of participation and transportation needs.
Finally, seniors are still required to show proficiency in all three subjects. If a senior has not scored proficient on any of the three exams they are to complete the study island modules. Each senior that needs to complete the module has been set up with the class and can use their chromebooks to correctly log in to study island.
Graduation Gowns for the Class of 2021
Yearbook Photos
Parents of underclassmen (virtual and in-person): If your child was unable to get their school portraits, they can still have a picture included in the yearbook. Please follow these steps:
1. Go to this link: https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/
2. Enter the school code: LMHS
3. Fill out the required information
4. Click on the 'upload student portrait' and follow the directions
Note: other pictures from the year can be added in the same way, just click on 'upload general photos'. If your child had a school picture taken in school, those portraits will be included.
DUE DATE is 2/11/21.
SAM Club
The Richard David Kann Foundation ran a National Sun Safety Awareness Video PSA Contest in November and out of over 8 participating schools across the country, our school Students Against Melanoma Club student groups won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places!
Student winners include the following:
1st Place: Hanna Tran and Sophia Berman (11th grade)
2nd Place: Selina Lin (11th Grade)
3rd Place: Michelle Hall, Lainie Galdo, Isabella Ricciardi, Sara Frankel, and Sophia Chacko (10th Grade)
Along with awards, students won $500 in gift cards to be used for our club.
We are so proud of these students and their hard work in promoting our messaging for sun safety and melanoma awareness!
LMHS Choir
General News and Announcements
LM PTA Scholarship Application
Each year LM PTA awards scholarships to graduating seniors of the Lower Moreland High School.
There are 3 scholarships:
- the Mary Kay Feeley Scholarship
- the Gail Garber Scholarship
- the David Archbald Scholarship
TO APPLY for these scholarships, fill out this online application by April 15, 2021.
Class of 2021-Scholarships
School Newspaper- The Lion's Roar
The articles include a student spotlight, a piece detailing how the music program at LMHS has dealt with COVID, and an update on the new high school building, just to name a few. Hope you’ll give it a look.
From the School Nurse
11th Grade Parents/Guardians
Please send me your students Physical Exam documentation. This is a required document for this grade level.
My email: lweidman@lmtsd.org
Forms can be found on our Website under:
Virtual Backpack: School Forms: Medical Forms
Whether Hybrid or Virtual this information is needed.
12th Grade Meningococcal Vaccine
Letter, calls, and emails have been sent out to parents/guardians of students that I do not have the required vaccination. This is a mandatory State Regulation. Students cannot report to school, sports, or activities until I receive this information.
This information is usually needed within the first 5 days of school. Extensions have been made due to the Covid-19. We asked that documentation be provided ASAP.
Whether Hybrid or Virtual this information is needed. As we must report this information to the State.
Please email me the documentation to: lweidman@lmtsd.org
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Late Arrival/Early Release Privilege for 2020-2021
Updated Attendance Protocol
We are updating our procedures for daily attendance.
All of your attendance reporting needs for all learners (hybrid and virtual students) will be handled by one electronic form that will replace the Blue Card online form and the Yellow Card online form (used at Pine Road). This will also replace the need for a phone call to the attendance line.
Use this form to report your child’s absence. Submitting this form will both report the absence and document it. No follow up Blue card is needed.
Submit this form to inform us that your child has a change in his or her learning location (for example, will be learning from home instead of coming into school on a scheduled hybrid day).
Submit this form to sign your child into school late.
Submit this form to sign your child out for an appointment (early dismissal). This form allows you to enter a return to school time if your child will be returning to school.
Please Note:
If you are taking an extended vacation, you will still need to complete the Request for Excusal from Regular School Attendance, familiar to most families as a vacation request form. The form is found on the Virtual Backpack under Forms.
Doctors’ notes still need to be submitted to the school attendance secretary or sent into school.
National Honor Society
Message from the School Psychologist
Please welcome me in celebrating black history month. Every wonder why February was chosen as Black History Month? February coincides with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and of Frederick Douglass on February 20th, both of which dates have been celebrated together in black communities since the late 19th century. The colors that represent black history month include red, black and green. Red is the blood (shed for liberation) that unites all people of Black African ancestory. Black is for the affirmation of black people by the existence of the flag. Green represents the natural abundant wealth of Africa. Consider wearing these color combinations this month in acknowledgement and support of Black History Month.
The Latest Research on Teenage Video Game Addiction (Adapted from Newport Academy resources)
- Since social distancing began late March, the rate of teenage video game addiction has been steadily rising. Even before the pandemic, teens were playing video games for hours each day. But in 2020, those number skyrocketed, with at least 70% of kids under 18 on consoles. With remote schooling and limited activities outside of the home, teens are using gaming for distraction and to combat loneliness and isolation.
- A study published in January 2021 in the Journal, Addictive Behaviors, found that among 3,000 students, 19% of males were classified as having gaming disorder and 7.8% of females. “Process addictions” activate the brain’s reward center, releasing the “feel-good” chemical dopamine. This creates a craving for the behavior and a compulsion to continue it. Therefore, kids addicted to video games feel an uncontrollable urge to continue playing. They feel that gaming is more important than any other activity and they continue to play video games despite the negative consequences of the behavior on relationships, academic performance and/or work.
How can parents help prevent teengage video game addiction?
- Research shows setting rules about gaming tends to backfire when they are too restrictive and don’t allow kids autonomy in their decision making. Instead, families should create a contract together that teens are willing to abide by.
- Adults can model use of devices in general by taking regular times away from technology including phones, ipads, computers, and yes, video games.
- Help teens build positive coping mechanisms such as physical activity, time in nature, yoga, meditation, and creative expression.
- There may be underlying psychological factors. Keep the lines of communication open so teens feel encouraged to share their feelings and experiences.
- If you have concerns that your child may have a video game addiction, seek the support of a mental health professional.
School Counseling Department
Attention potential EASTERN students/families (Sophomore and Junior students only!)
There will be a virtual field trip on Thursday, 2/25 for all students interested in attending the Eastern Center for Arts & Technology next year. The field trip will take place from 10:00 - 12:30, either in the library if you are here in person, or via Google Meet if you are virtually attending. Students will watch videos of each program, and then enter a live Q&A with a representative from Eastern.
Please fill out this Google Form if you plan on attending. This form is due by Friday, 2/12 for any student who plans on attending the field trip and potentially enrolling at Eastern next year.
https://forms.gle/UUfK51P65fWfrjkp9
Please see Mrs. Specht with any questions. Thank you!
Junior Parents and Guardians:
The counseling team met with the junior class on January 6th to review where to find transcript and GPA information as well as the specifics of using Naviance for college research and brainstorm lists. The steps in Naviance are required to be complete in advance of the 1:1 follow-up conferences. As indicated in the letter that went home, the junior conference window is now open. Parents are invited to attend virtually; students may be in person or virtual. Appointments should be made through Mrs. Forcina at lforcina@lmtsd.org or 215-938-0114. Please schedule early. The window closes on February 24th and last-minute scheduling proves to be difficult once spots fill. We look forward to continuing our work with the juniors!
For all:
If ever needed, here is the link to the Emergency / Crisis Resources that are listed on our counseling website.
The High School Counselors have begun to utilize REMIND an app-based communication platform that creates and sends one-way messages in real time to an entire class, a small group, or just a single person.
We are excited to launch this new technology to our students and a parent within the household. Information about how to register will be mailed shortly.
Gain access to REMIND: there are two ways to receive REMIND notifications:
Class of 2024 - on smartphone, go to browser and type: rmd.at/lmtsd2024
OR if you do not have a smartphone, text @lmtsd2024 to (765) 598-5198
Class of 2023: on smartphone, go to browser and type: rmd.at/lmtsd2023
OR if you do not have a smartphone, text @lmtsd2023 to (765) 598-5198
Class of 2022: on smartphone, go to browser and type: rmd.at/lmtsd2022
OR if you do not have a smartphone, text @lmtsd2022 to (765) 598-5198
Class of 2021: on smartphone, go to browser and type: rmd.at/lmtsd2021
OR if you do not have a smartphone, text @lmtsd2021 to (765) 598-5198
Foundation for Lower Moreland Schools
As we move into Tax Season, we invite you to learn more on how you can decrease your Tax Liability while investing in your school. If you own a business or work for a company in the state of Pennsylvania, now is the time to act. Through Education Tax Improvement Credit Program, businesses can donate up to $750,000 each year to EITC-eligible organizations, and then claim 75 percent of that donation as a credit that offsets their state tax bill. For more information please visit our website: www.lmtsdfoundation.org . You can also email us at flms@lmtsd.org
Follow us:Instagram: @foundationforlmschools
Twitter: @LMTSD_FLMS
Resources for Parents and Guardians
Anti-Bullying FAQ
We wanted to provide some information to families following our LMTSD Parent/Guardian Bullying Prevention Information survey. Below are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions and information related to district procedures.
Are you aware of the anonymous reporting system being used in Pennsylvania, Safe2Say Something?
Safe2Say Something is a statewide anonymous, 24-7, reporting process for a variety of safety concerns. Click HERE for more information on this initiative.
Are you aware of the Lower Moreland Township School District Harassment/Bullying Reporting Form?
This form is used to gather information about incidents related to bullying. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators can all use this form. This form can be found on each school’s website. Click HERE to view the form.
As a parent, I have a clear understanding of the school's policies, practices, and procedures related to issues of harassment and bullying.
All reported incidents related to bullying are investigated, regardless of how they are reported. The District Code of Conduct is the structure used to apply consequences. Cases are referred to the police if the nature of the incident requires it.
We continue to partner with students, staff, and families to provide a safe environment for all students.
Lower Moreland Township School District is committed to preventing all forms of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. For more information please see the district web site: https://www.lmtsd.org/Page/13723 In addition, please know that at the High School, bullying and harassment forms are available in the main office as well as the guidance office.
Vaping Tool Kit: Please use the link below to access the Montgomery County Dept. of Health's vaping tool kit. It has educational materials on vaping and e-cigarettes.
Food Services Department
Free breakfast and lunch for anyone 18 years old and younger was extended through the 20-21 school year! Students can eat breakfast and lunch in school for free or families can pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays at Murray Ave from 3:30-5:30. Please email Ms. Logan Myers at lmyers@lmtsd.org if interested in picking up.
The Giant Company is partnering with Lower Moreland to help support children in our school district facing food insecurity. Anyone shopping at Giant will be invited to "round up at the register" their grocery purchase to donate to local school food programs. After February 28th, The Giant Company will match the donation and a portion will go to Lower Moreland students that need help the most. Please spread the word to help make this program a great success!
Athletics
Spring Sports Registration Is Now Open! Please click the button below to register.
If you are interested in a sport please contact the following coaches.
Baseball - Coach Martino - TMartino@lmtsd.org
Softball - Coach Reese - KReese@lmtsd.org
Track & Field - Coach Green - GGreen@lmtsd.org
Lacrosse - Coach Wittmer - SWittmer@lmtsd.org
Tennis - Coach Hausman - JHausman@lmtsd.org
Congratulations to two swimmers who have broken two separate records. Freshman Sue Bin Park who broke the pool record at William Tennent in the 100 Breaststroke. Senior Sam Becker broke the school record in the 200 Freestyle last Thursday vs. Cheltenham.
- Girls Diving will compete in the SOL Freedom Division Championships at William Tennent on Thursday February 11th.
- Girls and Boys Swimming will compete in the SOL Freedom Division Championships at North Penn on Friday February 12th.
- Wrestling will compete in the SOL Freedom/Liberty Division Championships at Quakertown on Saturday February 13th.
The Lower Moreland Township High School has entered into a collaboration with Special Olympics Pennsylvania Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS). IUS is a fully-inclusive co-ed high school sports program with a history of successfully bringing together students with and without disabilities. The students train together and compete as equal teammates and, through this experience, build social skills and develop friendships. IUS teams are regarded like every other interscholastic sports team at the high school and follow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association schedule.
This spring we will be offering Interscholastic Unified Track & Field. A Unified Track and FIeld team can have a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 participants who are in 9th-12th grades. Students receiving services from the school district until age 21 also are eligible. The team is co-ed and consists of a proportional number of high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities and without intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Events for Lower Moreland students will include:
Track Events: 100 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters; 4x100 and 4x400 relays
Field Events: Shot put, running long jump, mini javelin
The season is 10 weeks long and is set to begin in early March and end in May. Teams practice after school twice a week with schedules to be developed by the coaches and will participate in at least three competitions against other high school Unified Track and Field teams. Members will wear uniforms with their school's name and colors. For more information please contact the District’s Athletic Director, Mr. Matt Heiland at mheiland@lmtsd.org.
About Us
Email: acurry@lmtsd.org
Website: lmtsd.org
Location: 555 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
Phone: 215-938-0220
Twitter: @LMTSD_LMHS