Lancer Legend
January 2024
LTMS Mission and Vision
Our goal is to provide students with experiences that will empower them to become thoughtful, meaningful contributors to society. Our teachers and staff are committed to offering students a wide range of learning experiences that will enable them to discover their passion and how they learn best. While empowering students to uncover their true passion, Loyalsock Township Middle School prepares, engages, and inspires all students to seek academic and personal excellence.
Dear LTMS Families,
We hope this message finds you well as we kick off the new year at Loyalsock Township Middle School. Here is a sneak peek at what's happening in January and some essential tips to prepare for the upcoming diagnostic tests beginning on Monday, January 8th.
As we gear up for the mid-year iReady diagnostic tests, it is crucial for our students to be well-prepared. Being well-prepared includes students getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and ensuring their iPads are fully charged daily. Remind and encourage your student(s) to ask questions and to stay positive throughout the iReady assessment process. We are excited to see and to celebrate the academic growth of our middle school students at the midway point of the 2023-2024 school year.
To foster a spirit of healthy competition and academic growth, we are introducing a friendly rivalry between grade levels based on the most growth achieved on the iReady diagnostic tests. This initiative is designed to encourage students to strive for continuous improvement and to celebrate their academic progress as a collective community. More details about the competition, including incentives and rewards, will be shared in the coming weeks.
We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support of and partnership with us in your child's education. We value a strong bond between our school and our families and know that together we can continue to build and foster a nurturing and enriching environment for our students.
Please feel free to reach out to our teachers and staff if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to assist you and to provide the best possible educational experience for your student(s).
Warm regards,
Mrs. Rachelle Ackerman, Principal
Mrs. Dayne Waller, Assistant Principal
Important Dates to Remember
- Monday - Friday: Teacher Office Hours 2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
- Includes Academic Support
- 30 min. After School Detention (2:45 PM - 3:15 PM)
- 60 min. After School Detention (2:45 PM-3:45 PM Tuesday and Thursday)
- Monday - Thursday: After School Program (2:40 PM - 3:30 PM)
- Monday, January 8th - Friday, January 12th: iReady Reading Diagnostics
- Wednesday, January 10th: School Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM in MS/HS MPR (D10/11)
- Monday, January 15th: No School for Students - Professional Development for Staff (K-12)
- Tuesday, January 16th - Friday, January 19th - iReady Math Diagnostics
- Thursday, January 25th - Last Day of 2nd Marking Period
- Friday, January 26th - No School for Students - Teacher (K-12) Clerical Day
- Monday, January 29th - First Day of 3rd Marking Period
- Friday, February 2nd - Report Cards Issued on Parent and Student Portals
December Students of the Month
Congratulations to our LTMS December Students of the Month! These students are respectful (role models to their peers), responsible (take personal accountability), kind (helpful to others), and courageous (strive to improve the well-being of others)!
December Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to our December Teacher of the Month, Ms. Alexis Joyce. Our students recognize her as a talented art teacher that is kind and caring. "Ms. Joyce makes art class fun and she is an awesome person!" Ms. Joyce reminds students: "The art of being kind is all the world needs." - Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Landmarks of Loyalsock Township
Ms. Antonacci's 6th grade social studies classes have been learning about the history of Loyalsock Township. Using technology and maps of the township, students identified various historic sites and special landmarks in the area. Students visited the Loyalsock Township Fire Station to view the original section of the building. Thanks to Mr. Mike Minnier and Brendan Kriner for leading our sixth graders through the tour.
8th Grade Debate
In Mr. Wagner's 8th grade social studies classes, students eagerly took on the roles of American colonists and the British in a lively debate that mirrored the tensions leading to the Revolutionary War. Students delved into the issues of taxation, representation, and individual freedoms. The class prepared for the debate with team members as a way to represent a deeper understanding of the underpinnings that ultimately ignited the flames of revolution in colonial America.
Endothermic vs. Exothermic
Mr. Williams's 6th grade science classes completed a lab designed to help refine and reinforce student understanding of chemical reactions. Students were asked to record the temperatures of vinegar before adding a specified amount of baking soda. After a chemical reaction was observed, sixth graders noticed a drop in the temperature of the new solution. At the conclusion of the lab, the chemical reaction resulting from the interaction of baking soda and vinegar was classified as endothermic.
G.O.A.T.s of the Week
Each week, two LTMS staff members are celebrated for their accomplishments, support, and dedication to education and our school community. Nominated staff are given the title of G.O.A.T (GREATEST OF ALL TIME) and presented with a goat mascot that is placed in their respective rooms for all to see! Congratulations to our December winners!
Mrs. Dayne Waller (MS Assistant Principal)
Mr. Jacob Dame (Custodian)
Mrs. Katrina Rupert (MS/HS Head Cook Supervisor)
Mrs. Kate Preisch (MS Counselor)
Ms. Wanita Antonacci (6th Grade Social Studies teacher)
Mrs. Amy Fessler (MS/HS Nurse)
Minute-To-Win-It Holiday Style
Our middle school students and staff engaged in some friendly competition to kick off our winter break. Students, chosen from a pool of N.E.A.T. (Never, Ever, Absent, or Tardy) students faced off against fearless staff members in three thrilling races: Reindeer Hooves, Wrap It Up, and Snowball Scoop. The one-minute contests were exciting and intense with "Team Staff" emerging victorious.
Holiday Music for All
Our middle school band and chorus members shone brightly as they took the stage for their holiday concerts. Students showcased their talents and filled the auditorium with joyous, seasonal melodies. Congratulations to all our middle school musicians and music teachers for mesmerizing families and friends with inspiring sounds to jump start the holiday season.
And the Winner Is...
Congratulations to Mr. Wagner's door decorating crew for winning the 2023 LTMS Tour the Doors 1st Place prize! Students were treated with pizza and ice cream from our superintendent, Mr. McLaughlin, for their door decorating efforts. Our second place winners were Mrs. Fry's and Ms. Ziminski's classroom doors, while Mrs. Casale's door placed third. Winners were determined by votes cast by the Loyalsock Township School District Service Center administration and staff. Thanks to all of our hardworking students who participated in making our hallways a beautiful sight!
School Menu - January
Breakfast: $2.50
Lunch: $3.50
Prepayment using the MySchoolBucks app is the preferred method of payment for those wishing to make additional purchases. With this account, a parent/guardian can:
1. View and print the student's cafeteria transaction history.
2. Check to see how much money the student has in his/her cafeteria account.
3. Quickly access the account to deposit funds.
There is no charge for checking your student's balance. To use this service, a parent/guardian should go to the login page available on the school website and register as a new user.
Health Services Update
A health services section has been added to the district website. Information regarding required immunizations according to Pennsylvania school guidelines, health screenings, physical exams, and medical forms are included for convenient access.
Attendance Requirements
Following Pennsylvania School Code, all students under the age of 18 are mandated to attend school within the Commonwealth.
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE PA CODE: 24 P.S. 13-1327 Pennsylvania state law defines compulsory attendance and school age as, “the period of a child’s life from the time the child enters school as a beginner, which may be no later than six years of age, until the age of eighteen or graduation from high school, whichever occurs first.” Therefore, school attendance is mandatory for all resident children within the compulsory ages to attend a school where the Standards of the State Board of Education are taught. School districts have the responsibility to maintain accurate and effective attendance records for their students. The Compulsory Attendance Law treats every absence as unlawful (unexcused) until the school receives a written excuse explaining the reason for the absence.
Excuses should be submitted to the school within three (3) days of the student’s absence. If an excuse is not received, the day(s) of absence is permanently classified as unlawful. Email excuses to MS-excuse@ltsd.k12.pa.us.
Students are permitted a maximum of ten (10) absences (parent/guardian notes) per school year. All absences beyond the lawful allowance require a physician’s excuse. The Compulsory Attendance Law can be found in detail at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.School Hours
The middle school doors open daily at 7:20 AM, and students may receive a free breakfast in the lobby area and enjoy some social time with classmates until they are released to their lockers and Lancer Period classrooms at 7:30 AM. Our instructional day is between 7:40 AM and 2:40 PM, and students MUST be in their Lancer Period classrooms no later than 7:40 AM. Students arriving to their Lancer Period classrooms after 7:40 AM are considered tardy to school, may be subject to disciplinary action, and may accumulate demerits. Let's strive to arrive on time!
Cell Phones and Dress Code
We recognize that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. However, it is necessary that all students dress appropriately for all school functions to maintain a safe, healthy, and learning-focused environment. The Loyalsock Township School District supports the dress and appearance of students to reflect and prepare them for the business and social world.
- Midriffs should be covered on all sides of the body, including while raising hands or stretching.
- The shoulder area should be covered at all times. Please refrain from wearing tank tops, spaghetti straps, muscle tees, etc.
- Shorts and skirts should have a 3" inseam or longer.
- Holes in pants should be below the 3" inseam.
- Undergarments should be covered at all times.
- If wearing leggings, a shirt covering the buttocks area is required.
- Pajama bottoms are discouraged.
- Winter outerwear should be placed in lockers during the school day. It is not permitted to be worn throughout the school day.
- We recommend that students keep an extra sweatshirt in their lockers as some areas in the building may be cooler than others.
2023-2024 Bell Schedules
2023-2024 School Calendar
Winter Athletics
We encourage our student spectators to follow school-wide expectations during the athletic season. Remember to use encouraging and positive words towards student athletes on both teams and respect others around you in the stands. Students who refrain from meeting the expectations on school grounds during events will be asked to leave and further disciplinary actions may follow. Let's be true fans during the athletic competitions and cheer for our Lancers!
Athletics Website
Please visit our website to view team schedules, photos, announcements, events, etc. Don't forget, while visiting the website, to sign up for your own "Fan Account" so you can stay up to date with all your team’s schedules and scores. You can also download your favorite teams schedule right to your own personal calendar. Find your team's calendar, click on subscribe, and follow the instructions. Changes to events, including day, time, location, etc., will automatically be updated on your personal devices.
General athletic questions may be directed to :
Athletic Director, Mr. Ben Lorson blorson@ltsd.k12.pa.us
Athletic Secretary, Mrs. Shannon Butters SButters@ltsd.k12.pa.us
LTSD Blackboard App
School calendars
Student/parent portal
News feeds & announcements
MySchoolBucks (cafeteria)
Various resources/forms
Moodle access
Clubs and activities