Landstown Middle School- The Shield
September 30 , 2022
Greetings Lancer Families,
It is hard to believe we have completed our first month, and October is here! Students and staff are settled into their classes and we are well on our way for the 2022-2023 school year. As we move into October, it is important for our families to monitor grades in ParentVue. The 1st Progress Reports will be released on Monday, October 10, 2022, in ParentVue. Please take time to review your students' grades and encourage your students to complete all missing assignments. The 1st Quarter ends November 3rd and 1st Quarter report cards will be issued November 9, 2022. If you need to schedule a parent-teacher conference, please contact your students guidance counselor. This is a great strategy to assist you and your student with monitoring grades. If your family needs assistance, if you have any questions, or if you need to schedule an appointment, please contact the school during office hours at 757-648-4750. We hope you enjoy today’s edition of “The Shield.”
The American Heart Association is hosting a webinar titled, “Vaping.Toxic, Addictive, Unsafe.” The webinar is scheduled for October 6 beginning at 6PM. Please review the flier in today's newsletter for more information.
1st Progress Reports will be available in ParentVue on Monday, October 10, 2022.
Academy Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from 5PM-8PM. This is a great event for anyone interested in applying for the Academies.
Beach Girls Rock Empowerment Program is scheduled for October 22, 2022, from 9AM-12PM at Landstown High School. There is a flier with more information in today’s newsletter.
The Office of Instructional Technology is sponsoring the 2022 Digital Citizenship Contest for all schools. Students are eligible to participate. You may access the guidelines, procedures and rules by following this link: Digital Citizenship Contest Site
All families in VBCPS have access to Focused EduVation (FEV) Tutor. FEV Tutoring offers free on-demand homework, tutoring assistance, scheduled tutoring sessions, and online modules for all students. Please follow this link for a brief video: FEV Tutor Informational Video and click on this link for login directions: FEV Tutor Classlink Directions.
Schools are closed on Friday, November 4, and Monday, November 7th, for All Staff Days.
Schools are closed on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, for Election Day.
1st Quarter Reports Cards issued November 9, 2022.
Schools are closed on Friday, November 11, 2022, for Veteran’s Day.
Upcoming Activities
- Digital Citizenship Contest – Building Digital Citizens! Begins October 3rd
- October 3rd- Girls and Boys Soccer game against Kempsville. (Boys home, girls away)
- October 4th- Football against Independence at Princess Anne High School
- October 6th @ 6pm Family Connection Webinar: Vaping: Toxic, Addicting, Unsafe. Find information and registration below.
- VBCPS Academy Night, October 13th!
- SPOOKYFEST dance is back at Landstown Middle! Friday, October 28th. Tickets will go on sale the week of October 17th.
Landstown PTSA Membership-Our goal is 100%. Please consider joining-membership fee $8
1. Click here for the pdf form to print and send in with $8
2. Go to the member hub store: https://landstownmiddleschool.memberhub.com/store and complete digitally.
2022-2023 BEACH GIRLS ROCK!
• DATE & LOCATION: Beach Girls Rock! is scheduled for Saturday, October 22 at Landstown High School, 2001 Concert Drive, Virginia Beach, 23453. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. the event starts at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 12:00 p.m. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Landstown High School.
• WHO ATTENDS: Students in grades 5-8.
• COST: Virginia Beach City Public Schools will assume all expenses for the workshop. Snacks/Pizza will be provided at no cost to the BGR! participants. All supplies needed for the day will be provided.
• DRESS: Participants will be involved in various workshop activities, including team-building, discussion, action planning, etc. The dress is casual (comfortable clothes and shoes that meet the school system dress code). A complimentary bag will be provided to BGR! student participants.
Fall Athletics
Thank you to our cheerleaders for all their hard work and dedication to our teams!
Football beat Princess Anne 26-16 on Wednesday! Our next game is on Tuesday against Independence. The game will be played at Princess Anne High school. If you haven't already paid for your ticket, scan the QR code below for quicker access into the game.
Fall Athletic Schedule- games start at 5:30 pm unless noted. See Online ticket sales below as well.
(No tickets needed for Soccer)
SchoolCash Online
To make it easier for you to pay for your child’s school items and fees, our online payment system, SchoolCash Online, we will be sending out an email.
If you are a parent or legal guardian in the school’s Student Information System and you don’t yet have a SchoolCash Online account with that email address, you will receive an automated invitation from SchoolCash Online to create one. You can always create an account at any time by visiting https://vbschools.schoolcashonline.com/. More VBCPS schools will be using SchoolCash Online this year.
If you are a parent or legal guardian in the school’s Student Information System, and if you already have a SchoolCash Online account with that email address, but you haven’t yet linked your student(s) to your account, you will receive an automated email from SchoolCash Online for each unlinked child. This email will ask you to confirm that you want the system to automatically connect your child to your account.
For SchoolCash Parent Help Desk assistance, visit https://vbschools.schoolcashonline.com/support or call 1-866-961-1803.
I Make A Difference!
I was honored by the nomination last week because I am nothing without the support of this staff. I also could not be as effective without the support of this week's nominee. This difference maker wears a lot of hats within this building, and we'd all be lost without their guidance. From helping with school events to mentoring new teachers to running their committee, it's amazing how well they juggle everything. They not only make a difference in students' lives, but also in their coworkers as well. Brandy Bertucci, you truly make a difference here at LMS!
WORTH REPEATING-ALL Information Below has been shared in earlier editions of "The Shield"
Gifted @ Landstown Middle
Please see the attached flyers for information regarding how students are referred for gifted services in VBCPS. Notice there are separate flyers for Grades 2-7 and Grades 8-12.
Applications for the Gifted Dance and Visual Arts Programs are due by February 1, 2023.
Parents interested in referring their child for gifted services can contact our gifted resource teacher at AshleyM.Smith@vbschools.com to begin the application process.
Sa'Deria Brace, MSW, LCSW CYBC – MFLC Landstown MS
Hello there!! My name is Sa'Deria Brace and I am beyond excited to be your Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC). I have provided counseling to children and families within the public school system for over 7
years. As a military child myself, working in the capacity as a MFLC has become even more rewarding. Military children have unique needs and challenges and I am here to help provide resources to navigate those issues. My duty as your MFLC is to collaborate with your family to build resilience to persevere.
If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We can connect in person or by phone. I can be reached at 757-350-9165.
I look forward to collaborating with you and your family!
Canvas (Learning Management System)-What is it? & How do I navigate it?
AVID Corner-Tips to help support your student at home!
Ensure that your student’s binder is organized and prepared for class everyday (papers placed in the appropriate sections, pockets emptied, table of contents filled out, etc.)
Check your student’s planner and class calendars for assignment/assessment dates
Encourage your student to review their class notes to engage in the focused note taking process
SOL Lab-1st Nine Weeks
The Academic Support and SOL Lab programs are designed to respond to the needs of students who have demonstrated deficiency in English/Language Arts and/or mathematics. Students failing the spring English or Mathematics SOL test must participate in SOL lab during the first nine-weeks, in lieu of a nine-week elective course to participate in Academic Support. Additional information regarding this program may be obtained by contacting the school's School Improvement Specialist.
Cell Phone Policy (SB Reg. 3-65.1)
As we head into a new school year, you should be aware of a recent policy change approved by the school board regarding cell phones at school. We have received overwhelming feedback from our stakeholders, including students, teachers, administrators, parents and school board members on the negative impact of cell phones and ear buds on student engagement, participation, and learning in the classroom. As a result, student use of personal cell phones, personal communication devices and accessories, such as earbuds, or personal wireless headphones are prohibited during instructional time and in instructional settings. These items must be stored in a backpack or similar personal bag, teacher designated areas within the instructional setting, lockers, or in a personal vehicle. Such items should not be kept on the person or in the clothing of a student as doing so allows students to access the device with ease.
The Department of School Leadership, in working with school principals, may establish restrictions specific to the elementary, middle and high school levels as necessary to prevent disruption of the educational environment. If it is necessary to contact your child during the school day, call your school’s main office. Should students need to contact a parent or guardian, they should use the main office phone. Please reference Policy (3-65) and Regulation 3-65.1, for additional details.
We realize this change may cause some anxiety for your child, and perhaps even yourself. Many factors were considered when making this decision. What we know is that cell phones and ear buds have created a significant disruption to the educational environment, are not conducive to productive learning experiences and are often the source of disciplinary intervention.
The information about this policy update can be found on VBschools.com. Thank you for playing an important and supportive role to ensure a highly engaged, student-centered learning environment for all students.
So what does the cell phone policy mean at the middle school level?
All middle school students are required to power off their personal cell phone, Smart Watch and other personal communication devices before entering the building and may not activate until students are dismissed at the end of the school day. Throughout the school day, students must store communication devices as well as AirPods or any other bluetooth devices in their assigned locker. Bookbags must also be stored in their assigned lockers during the school day. This policy is a proactive approach to actively engaging students in learning, preserving instructional time, and to reducing behaviors that interfere with the learning environment. If it is necessary to contact your child during the school day, call our main office. Should students need to contact a parent or guardian, they must use the main office phone. Please reference Policy (3-65) and Regulation 3-65.1, for additional details.
Thank you for playing an important and supportive role to ensure a highly engaged, student-centered learning environment for all students.
Dismissal Procedures
For parent pick-up, please use the traffic flow graphic below to assist in safely and efficiently getting your student to you.
Bus Location App-Empowering Parents!
6th Grade Parent Meetings from August
If you missed the meetings, please access our recorded meeting linked below or the presentation, also linked below. If you have any remaining concerns, please feel free to contact us at 757-648-4750 with questions.
Landstown Middle School Hours
- Monday-Friday 9AM-4:45PM
Student Hours: (First Day: Tuesday September 6th)
- 9:35am to 4:15pm
Landstown Middle School ❤️
Website: landstownms.vbschools.com
Location: 2204 Recreation Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: (757) 648-4750
Facebook: facebook.com/LandstownMiddleSchool
Twitter: @landstownms