Lancer Legend
March 2023
Dear LTMS Families,
We hope to find you and your families well as we anticipate some warmer weather coming our way as we approach our spring activities and athletics season! The 2022-2023 school year is certainly moving rapidly as we make our way through the last semester at our middle school. The month of March will be quite a busy one for us here at LTMS!
Please take a moment to review some very important information and dates:
Monday - Friday - Academic Support 2:40- 3:00 PM
Monday - Tuesday - Math After School Program 3:00 - 3:30 PM
Wednesday - Thursday - ELA After School Program 3:00 - 3:30 PM
Monday, February 27th - Friday, March 3rd - Read Across America Spirit Week
Friday, March 3rd - Marking Period 3 Progress Reports Mailed Home
Friday, March 3rd - 7th and 8th Grade Band to Hughesville
Saturday, March 4th - OM Regional Competition at Penn College
Saturday, March 4th - Junior County Band at Hughesville
Wednesday, March 8th - School Board Meeting
Friday, March 10th - PBIS Candle Fundraiser Due
Friday, March 17th - LTMS Jazz Ensemble Performance at State Capitol
Friday, March 17th - Early Dismissal for Students 12:25 PM (Act 80)
Thursday, March 16th - Truancy Court Meetings
Friday, March 17th - Sunday, March 19th - Sister Act Musical
Tuesday, March 21st - All District Band Concert at CAC 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 25th - Saturday Detention
Tuesday, April 4th - Marking Period 3 Last Day
Wednesday, April 5th - Marking Period 4 First Day
- Please follow any or all of our social media accounts on Facebook: @ltmsprincipal, Twitter: @LTMS_Principal and/or Instagram: ltms_principal
Remember... be respectful, be responsible, be kind and be courageous... in everything you do and say... be a LANCER!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ackerman, Dean of Students
Mrs. Sekel, Proud Principal
Loyalsock Township Middle School
Students of the Month
LTMS congratulates our Student of the Month nominees for the month of February. These students are respectful (role models to their peers), responsible (take personal accountability), kind (helpful to others) and courageous (strive to improve well-being of others)!
Teacher of the Month
LTMS congratulates Mrs. Fry, our 8th grade writing teacher, for being nominated as Teacher of the Month for February. She was described by her students as caring, smart and resourceful! She has previously taught our learning support students and led our Literary Lancers group. Mrs. Fry reminds our students, "Stay optimistic because positive attitudes lead to positive circumstances, and never forget that today is a new day with a new opportunity to make your world a better place to be!"
PBIS Fundraiser
We would like to bring your attention to an exciting fundraising opportunity that will support the Loyalsock Township Middle School PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) programming. As part of our PBIS programming, we aim to foster a safe and respectful learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to make positive choices. This fundraiser will help us to continue providing rewards and recognition for students who demonstrate positive behavior. Miles Welby, a candle company, has graciously offered to partner with us to raise funds for our school.
Miles Welby is a small business that specializes in making high-quality, all-natural soy candles. Their candles come in a variety of scents that will appeal to everyone's senses. By purchasing these candles, you not only support our school's PBIS initiatives, but you also get to enjoy a beautiful and calming ambiance in your home.
To participate in this fundraiser, all you need to do is find an LTMS student and place your order. You can also share the order form with your friends and family, encouraging them to purchase candles and support our school as well. I cannot stress enough how important this fundraiser is for our school. With your help, we can continue to improve the school culture and promote positive behavior amongst our students. Every purchase, no matter how small, can make a difference. In an effort to help motivate and incentivize students to participate, we have built a 4-tiered reward system with an additional top seller $50 gift card reward at each grade.
Tiered Rewards
Tier 1: $10 in sales receive LTMS school supply gift
Tier 2: $50 in sales receive Tier 1 reward and a $5 gift card
Tier 3: $100 in sales receive Tier 1 reward and a $10 gift card
Tier 4: $200 in sales receive Tier 1 reward and a $20 gift card
*Grade level top seller wins Tier 1 reward, Tier 4 reward, and a $50 gift card
Students that sell candles are encouraged to participate in our incentive/gift card survey!
Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can make a positive impact on our school and our community!
Learning Hub's & Team Leaders
We are hopeful our learning hub's will enable success for each student particularly during absences. If you wish to have a conference in the future, please reach out to individual teachers or grade level team leaders directly. We will have an opportunity for conferences again on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
6th Grade - Ms. Antonacci wantonacci@loyalsocklancers.org
7th Grade - Mr. Godin dgodin@loyalsocklancers.org
8th Grade - Mrs. Bomboy jbomboy@loyalsocklancers.org
be respectful, be responsible, be kind and be courageous... in everything you do and say... be a LANCER!
Daily Reminders
1. Cell phones put away out of sight (inside locker or leave at home) from 7:40AM - 2:40PM.
2. Hats, hoods and winter jackets should not be worn during the school day for safety reasons.
3. Tops must have a 3” strap and sleeve that covers the underarm and must be long enough to cover the individual's midriff.
4. Shorts must have a 3" inseam.
5. Earbuds, headphones, etc. are not permitted in hallways.
- They are only to be used with teacher permission.
6. Transfer big backpack to locker, use drawstring bag or trapper keeper.
- To ensure safety and minimize locker usage.
After School Program
LTMS will continue to host an after school program during marking period 3 (January 31 – April 5) and marking period 4 (April 10 – April 20). This program offers a two-tier remediation to assist students with a variety of needs, including (1) students failing current courses, and (2) students who have been basic or below basic on benchmark and PSSA exams. In addition to our daily academic support program from 2:40 - 3:00 PM. Our after school program will run 3:00 - 3:30 PM Monday - Thursday. Focus on math will be Monday/Tuesday and focus on ELA will be Wednesday/Thursday.
If you are interested in signing up your student, please complete the enrollment survey!
If you have any questions, contact our school counselor Mrs. Preisch at kpreisch@loyalsocklancers.org.
Summer School Enrollment
LTMS is excited to announce that we will once again host a summer school site this summer! This is a 3/4 day, five-week program for our incoming sixth graders and current sixth and seventh grade students at Loyalsock Township Middle School. Students will get empowering literacy, math and science/social studies instruction and get to be a part of fun activities like history, cooking, sports, art, music and weekly field trips. Students will also be provided FREE breakfast and lunch snacks daily.
Summer school will take place June 26th – July 27th and run approx. 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday–Thursday.
If you are interested in signing up your student, please complete the enrollment survey!
If you have any questions, contact our school counselor Mrs. Preisch at kpreisch@loyalsocklancers.org.
PTO Winter Valentine Dance
We had approx. 200 students attend the winter Valentine dance on Friday, February 10th. Thanks to our PTO for hosting and providing many sweet treats from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in our cafeteria.
American Heart Month
Valentines for Vets
This year the National Salute to Veteran Patients week was February 12-18, 2023. The purpose of the program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to Veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA Medical Center and to encourage citizens to correspond with hospitalized Veterans and to let them know they are not forgotten! A few of our middle school students (L. Sauers, A. Bower, A. Berger, M. Fry) personalized Valentines and made lap blankets to be delivered to Veterans in our area by Ms. Clayton, Deputy Director for Lycoming County Domestic Relations.
Welcome Trauma Counselor Mrs. Sauers
Prior to serving as the K-12 Trauma Counselor substitute earlier this year with Loyalsock Township School District, Mrs. Sauers was our long-term school counseling substitute for 11th and 12th grade. Mrs. Sauers is now our full-time K-12 Trauma Counselor as of Monday, February 14th. Mrs. Sauers holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with minors in criminology and sociology and a Masters in Education in professional school counseling. When not at school, she enjoys the outdoors, working out and hanging out at her cabin with her husband and two dogs.
Odyssey of the Mind
Students have been working hard to prepare for their Regional Competition at Penn College on Saturday, March 4th at 11:00 AM!
Junior County Band
Shot in the Dark
A FREE show for the community will be held at Penn College of Technology on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 PM. Despite a lifetime of adversity, Anthony Ferraro, a blind high school wrestler attempts to defy the odds and win a New Jersey State Championship. The question is, does he have a shot in the dark? (PG-13). At approx. 7:30 PM there will be a question and answer session with Anthony Ferraro! Registration is encouraged. Tickets are not required for admission.
Trick of the Light
A FREE show for the community will be held at Bucknell University's Weis Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 7th. The Griegol/Trick of the Light Theatre (Family Discovery/Theatre) will be on display from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM at 217 Weis Center Concert Hall. An eerie, elegant wordless tale about death, love, grief and monsters. Suggested for ages 10+. Run time: 55 minutes, no intermission
Learn and Enjoy Math
- Perfect to engage your child in times tables in a fun way
- Get the whole family involved and compete with parents, siblings and friends
- Includes physical activity, mindfulness, quizzes and a leaderboard
- Work together with your child collaboratively or compete against them and their siblings
- Makes practice fun and not a battle
The Lancer Foundation was incorporated in 1992 to support the educational mission of the Loyalsock Township School District. In 2011, The Lancer Foundation was expanded to allow broad support for the academics, music, art, athletics, and other areas of student achievement. Our present projects include Mini-Grant Programs, Scholarship Programs, Capital Improvement Projects and Distinguished Alumni.
You can visit
https://www.raisetheregion.org/organizations/the-lancer-foundation to read more and to make your donation!
We're Going to... England!
Current middle school students are invited to join us on an upcoming educational travel experience to England (rising 8th-11th grade students) in Summer 2024!
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow. Come hear all the details, including the itinerary, activities, academic opportunities, and the cost of the trip at our informational meeting on Thursday, March 9th at 7:00 PM. The meeting will take place at LTMS (Room B10).
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Peters at jpeters@loyalsocklancers.org
Never Stop Asking Why Essay Contest
The Days of Remembrance program's inspiration started with the action of Congress in 1980. Their mission statement is aligned with the Holocaust Memorial Museum's message of “Never Stop Asking Why.” Submissions should be between 400 and 850 words and sent to our Days of Remembrance board office by Saturday, March 11th. Cash awards will range between $100 - $500! Winning and noteworthy contestants will, through analysis and writing skill, educate, inspire, and motivate others to be responsible, patriotic, and informed citizens. For more info go to: www.daysofremembrance.org.
Art Contest
If you’re ready to show off your creativity, ESS has the perfect opportunity for you! The 2023 ESS Art Contest. There's so much to see and do, time for a field trip! It is now open to students in grades K-12! Be sure to submit your artwork by Sunday, March 12th at 8:00 PM. Winning students will each receive a $500 American Express gift card and $500 for their school! Contest details can be found at ArtContest.ESS.com. ✏️🎨
Arts Night
Sister Act
Tickets for Sister Act are on sale! Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Our students have been working so hard on their production and it means so much to them to see our community there! Visit www.showtix4u.com/events/LTSD to purchase your tickets! You don’t want to wait to purchase your seats, they will sell fast! Thanks for supporting the theatre department and our LTMS student cast!
LTMS Jazz Ensemble
The LTMS Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the PA State Capitol Building as part of the Music in Our Schools Month concert series. The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and National Association for Music Education's Music Association selected LTMS Jazz Ensemble to perform on Friday, March 17th at 12:00 PM in the East Wing of the Capitol Building. Representative Flick and Senator Yaw have both been invited to attend the performance and have a chance to interact with the students after the performance. Approximately 55 6th through 8th grade students will travel to Harrisburg to perform as well as take a tour of the Capitol building.
All-District Band Concert
Camp Cadet
Lycoming County Law Day
Attached please find information regarding this year’s Lycoming County Law Day Competition. All students are invited to participate by entering either an essay or art project. All essay entries must be submitted electronically to the Lycoming Law Association via email to MFrey@lycolaw.org by Friday, March 31st at 12:00PM. Students are invited to present their winning entries to the judges, lawyer and community at a ceremony held on Friday, May 12th at the county courthouse.
LTMS Athletics
Any students planning to play a spring sport should log in to their big teams account and complete the online registration. Please click here to log in. Just a reminder, student accounts have already been created for every student. You can log in to your account using your school email and the password "bigteams". If you have any trouble logging in, please contact Mrs. Butters in the LTHS office at 570-326-3581 ext. 1300.
Any students who have participated in a sport this year, will need to log in and sign their Section 8 – Physical Re-Certification forms.
Students will not be permitted to participate in any practices until their registrations are complete.
Please be sure to check out the LTSD Athletics Website for all your sports information needs, like schedules, rosters, registration and other important information.
You can click here for instructions on how to set up your Fan Account and start getting alerts and notifications today!
General athletic questions can be sent to:
Athletic Director – Mr. Lorson blorson@loyalsocklancers.org
Athletic Secretary – Mrs. Butters sbutters@loyalsocklancers.org
LTMS Coaches
Winter Sports
7th Grade Boys Basketball - Mr. Nagy ewn2@pct.edu
8th Grade Boys Basketball - Mr. Cioffi ryan.cioffi00@gmail.com
Cheerleading - Miss Maurer maurer.erika97@gmail.com
Wrestling - Mr. Tedesco rickytedesco4@yahoo.com
Spring Sports
MS Girls Soccer - Ms. Reitz - lreitz04@gmail.com
MS Boys Soccer - Mr. Ertel - S.Ertel@Rjertel.com
MS Track - Mr. Grieco - pastorbrycegrieco@gmail.com
Hiring LTMS Coaches!
Boys & Girls Track and Field Jumping Coach
Please click the link below to learn more about these positions!
RePlayIt App & Yearbook
The yearbook is in the final stages of creation and we need YOUR help! Unleash some of those great photos on your camera roll and send them to the yearbook staff! Submit using replayit, or email Mrs. Rohrer, brohrer@loyalsocklancers.org. Order a yearbook today for $20 by clicking here!
LTMS Science Teacher
LTMS is searching for a 6th grade science teacher. Applicants must possess vast content knowledge and a strong background in standards-based education, instructional design and delivery, assessment techniques, and classroom management. Appropriate certification is required. All mandated clearances, physical and TB test results required prior to employment. Please contact Mrs. Iachini, (ext. 1001) siachini@loyalsocklancers.org, with your letter of interest and apply on our website: https://ltsd.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=208
LTSD Transportation
We have had an increase of issues recently as students have been trying to ride the bus home with friends. This is not allowed unless there is prior approval from our transportation director, Mr. Bower, nbower@loyalsocklancers.org. Drivers have been instructed to not allow this to happen. A note from a guardian to the driver does not grant permission for this to happen.
LTMS Traffic Flow
Effective 02/13/2023, a revised traffic pattern is necessary for guardian drivers who drop off and pick up students each day at the middle/high school cafeteria. All traffic that, to this point, dropped off and picked up students will now drop off and pick up near the curve of the baseball field parking lot.
1. Drivers will continue to enter the campus from Fredna Avenue and into the stadium parking lot in single lane fashion.
2. Drivers will continue through the small lane in front of the Fire Pit, stop in the middle of the S-turn to drop off student(s). The the red star shown.
3. Drivers will continue left past the cafeteria and onto the access road. BE CAREFUL OF MERGING TRAFFIC.
4. 8th grade students will use the sidewalk and the C hall entrance.
5. 7th and 6th grade students will use the sidewalk and the main entrance.
6. Once dropped off/picked up, drivers will exit on to Loyalsock Drive.
Building Project
Seeking Substitutes
Weis 4 School
Box Tops Sweepstakes
Please download the Box Tops app and make every shopping trip count! Buy, scan and earn $ for LTMS! This month they are running Lucky Charms Lucky #7. The winner's designated school will receive 1,000 bonus Box Tops... 3/1/23 through 3/30/23.
Loyalsock Township Middle School
Email: asekel@ltsd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/schools/middle-school/
Location: 2101 Loyalsock Dr, Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: (570)323-9439
Facebook: facebook.com/ourschool
Twitter: @LTMS_Principal