The Spark Newsletter
January 12th, 2024
Leaman Junior High School
832-223-5200 (phone)
Michael Semmler, Principal
https://www.lcisd.org/campuses/leamanjh/home
Note from the Principal (Mr. Semmler)
REMINDER: Student Safety To Prevent Unauthorized Entry
Dear DLJHCharger Families,
As your principal, I am committed to the safety and security of our campus and would like to ask for your cooperation and support with our students, which includes some important reminders about our visitor check-in process and the consequences for failing to follow these procedures.
It’s important to understand that the visitor check-in process is in place to safeguard the well-being of everyone within our school community. Allowing unauthorized individuals into the school or using the wrong entrance poses a potential risk to the safety of our students and staff. All campus visitors must check in at the campus front office. Throughout the building, all students and staff members must have their badge visible and should also use primary entrances.
If a student violates the visitor check-in process and allows individuals to enter the campus through side doors and back doors, they will face the consequences. Any student permitting individuals into the school without proper check-in or through the wrong door will face disciplinary consequences.
To maintain a safe and secure learning environment for everyone, we would like your help in reinforcing these security measures with your students. Please contact your student’s Assistant Principal with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your partnership in upholding our safety standards. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Michael Semmler, Principal
Leaman Jr High School
Leaman Junior High Admin Team
Leslie Spencer, 8th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha A-Om leslie.spencer@lcisd.org
Lisa Cirella, 7th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha A-Om lisa.cirella@lcisd.org
Karl Carlton, 7th & 8th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha On-Z kcarlton@lcisd.org
Kevin Kracker, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha A-Gr kkracker@lcisd.org
Azure Gaines, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha Gs-Om azure.gaines@lcisd.org
Latoya Session, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha On-Z lsession@lcisd.org
Sylvia Rodriguez, Counselor Assistant / Registrar srodriguez@lcisd.org
Derek Foster, Boys Athletic Coordinator derek.foster@lcisd.org
Nicole Smith, Girls Athletic Coordinator nsmith@lcisd.org
School Board Recognition Month
Lamar CISD Communications
January 2, 2024 – Rosenberg, Texas – The month of January has been declared as School Board Recognition Month by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
Our District is proud to celebrate the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees this month, and every day. This year’s theme is “locally elected, community connected,” which highlights the bond among our Trustees, families, staff, and partners in education.
“Only two people do this [education] for free – our students and our Trustees,” Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens’ said. “I’d like to thank every Trustee for the countless hours and important decisions they make – all with the best interest of our students in mind.”
Lamar CISD currently serves more than 44,600 students and continues to grow. All seven Board members are volunteers from our community who help the District make decisions that ensure student access to a superior education through inspired leadership. Our Trustees include:
Mandi Bronsell President, District 3
Zach Lambert Vice President, District 1
Kay Danziger Secretary, District 2
Suzanne Box Member, District 7
Jacci Hotzel Member, District 4
Joe Hubenak Member, District 6
Jon Welch Member, District 5
To learn more about the Trustees, please click HERE.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day -Student & Staff Holiday 1/15/2024
Student of the Week
A-GR
Katherine “Kate” Barton was nominated by Mr. Henningson
Kate is a very respectful and kind student. She is a joy to have in the classroom.
GS-OM
Brad Kesterson was nominated by Ms. Zotyka
I am nominating Brad for the pillar of caring. Since day one in the classroom, he has been polite and willing to help all of those around him. Whether it be turning in group papers, lending a pencil, or just a willingness to help others around with whatever they may need, Brad is always willing to be there for his classmates.
ON-Z
Cami Thompson was nominated by Ms. Bennett
Cami shows responsibility by making sure calculators are put in the correct pockets when entering the classroom as well as taking the responsibility of changing the date on the board daily. Cami honors the social contract that we have for our class, specifically the statement that says "We will respect the classroom environment".
Be The One!
Be the One- Recognizing the Amazing Staff at Leaman Junior High
Think for a moment about the fantastic staff at Leaman. Who is going the extra mile? Nominate a teacher or staff member that you would like to recognize for their hard work below. You can fill this survey out for as many staff members as you'd like.
Results will be shared each week. Thank you for taking the time to send a little love to our staff!
We are Hiring - Join the Team
CREST Award for counseling excellence
Congratulations CREST Winner!
Congratulations on receiving a CREST Award for counseling excellence! Your leadership and advocacy for serving your students, campus, district, and community is commendable. It was a joy for the TSCA board to learn more about your comprehensive school counseling program.
CREST winners will be recognized during our annual TSCA conference, which will be held February 4-6 at the Henry B Gonzalez convention center in San Antonio, Texas!
Vaping Town Hall Meeting
Message for Current 8th Grade Parents - Course Selection
Parents, the counselors will be helping all 8th grade students select courses in their science classes Jan. 18th, 23rd-26th The window to select an high school classes opens on 1/16 and closes on 2/4 at 11:59 PM. Please review the following documents and begin discussing what courses your student would like to study. Descriptions of the courses can be found in the attached LCISD Course Catalog. Please have students bring their filled out Career Plan Worksheet the days of class presentations. Attached is also a video of how to enter classes at home via Skyward once the window opens.
Fulshear Strom Dance Team Try Out Meeting
Storm Dance Camp
Fun Food Friday !
Fulshear Softball Sisters
Track Tryouts
Must have a physical on file and all Rank One forms completed. Bring water, eat breakfast, and dress for the weather. If your practice time is at 6:30, do not arrive before 6:15. If your practice time is at 7:30, do not arrive before 7:15.
If you have any questions, email Coach Alvarez at laura.alvarez@lcisd.org
Car Rider After School Pick Up
Cell Phone Reminder
"A student who refuses to turn over his/her electronic device when asked by a school employee will have a disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, ranging from a minor major offense to an expellable offense. The use of a mobile telephone or any device capable of capturing images of any violation of the student code of conduct is strictly prohibited while at school or at school-related or school-sponsored events."
Inappropriate Use of Cell Phone Practice Consequences
"If an individual uses a phone to video individuals in a private setting (bathroom/locker room) or compromising situation, then it will be coded a "State Jail Felony.
988 Crisis Lifeline
Student Badges
As part of the dress code requirements for the 2023-2024 school year, each student is required to wear a school ID Badge. Each student is given a new badge at the beginning of each year (or when a new student registers). Badges must be worn on a lanyard, around the neck all day. Student pictures must be visible and not covered.
If a student has forgotten their badge, they have an opportunity either to purchase a new badge ($5.00) or wear a sticker badge. Sticker badges will receive the consequence of 1-day lunch detention and $1.00 fine, place on the student's account for every printed sticker badge.
UIL Competition Information
PBIS Rewards and Donations
PBIS Expectations & Rewards - PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. One large piece is explaining expectations upfront. Another piece is rewarding students when we see those focused on positive behaviors. 3 campus-wide expectations posters are placed throughout the campus and added below.
We are using LiveSchool this year and your student can log through Classlink on the LCISD webpage (at the top) to start to explore what this is all about. They do NOT need a phone to do this. It can be done on a laptop or computer.
Parents if you are interested in donating to the PBIS school store the following list is a great start. We accept all donations both monetary and items. Student will begin being able to purchase items during lunch with their LiveSchool points.
Click below to order donations:
You can drop them off in the front off or have them mailed to the school.
Leaman Athletics
Birthday Shout Outs
Did you know you can give your student a Birthday Shout Out over the announcements? You can purchase a shout out for $5 through School Cash. All shout outs must be made at least 5 days in advance. Thank you and happy early birthday to all our students.
Leaman's Online Pay System
Canvas Information
Did you know that LCISD has created a dedicated page that explains Canvas. This is where you can find details on how to log in, videos on how students and parents can utilize Canvas, how to create a parent login and find parent support.
Check it out!!! https://www.lcisd.org/students-parents/canvas/canvas-information
Leaman Counselors
Below you will find information from the Counselors and activities happening on campus.
Leaman Counselors present lessons through Character Counts