Lansing Middle School
Parent Newsletter - February 2024
A Note From Mr. Jenkins on Student-Led Conferences
Lansing Middle School conducts Student-Led Conferences in the spring. The conferences this February will be the fifth year that we have conducted Student-Led Conferences. We implemented Student-Led Conferences as a goal to give students more responsibility for their academics as part of the KESA accreditation process and to gather more parental involvement.
The month leading up to Student-Led Conferences is a busy one for students and staff from a preparation standpoint. As part of the Student-Led Conference design, students prepare a slideshow that highlights their first semester grades and their current grades for the third quarter. Students also explain how they earned their grades. The slideshow contains work samples students have gathered from their classes throughout the year. Additional pieces include looking at their attendance and behavior for the school year and setting goals in these two areas, if necessary. Finally, students are asked to incorporate a vision for their future from the informational results gathered from their interest inventories on the software program, Xello. The bulk of the work on the slideshow takes place in January and early February.
The sign-up process for parents takes place in two parts โ a) we first allow parents that have multiple students at LMS to sign up so they can arrange back-to-back conferences, if needed; and b) we then allow all parents with just one student at LMS to sign up for their conference. All parents use Sign-Up Genius to schedule their conference. We set aside 30 minutes for each conference with the goal that it is completed in roughly 20 minutes.
To make sure students are fully prepared for their conference, this year we are continuing the model of adjusting our schedule and adding an extra five days with Advisory. This allows time for students to complete the slideshow and to practice their conference with peers and with their Advisory teacher.
Another important piece for parents is to make sure that they do get a chance to speak to their childโs teachers, if they feel it is necessary. At the conclusion of each conference, Advisory teachers ask parents if there are any teachers from which they would like to receive follow-up communication. Teachers are then given this information and they are asked to speak to the parent within one week.
The amount of work that goes into the conferences on both the student and staff end is overwhelming at times. The culminating conferences at the end though are one of the best things Iโve seen in education. Students feel extremely proud of the work theyโve put into the conference and the parents enjoy seeing their child take responsibility for their own learning. We look forward to seeing parents at Student-Led Conferences again in February.
SLC with Mrs. Evans
SLC with Mr. Cretors
Student Presenting During SLC
Academic Updates from Teachers
6th Grade Language Arts โ Kathy Baughman, Tiffany Finn, Rachel Szmed
The beginning of the 3rd quarter found 6th graders learning about pronouns-antecedent agreement and the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns. Pronouns are a large portion of the 6th grade โlanguage in writingโ standards (W.6.10 d and e).
Next up is more creative writing as we explore reading and writing poetry (W.6.3; W.6.10; W.6.11). Students will read and analyze several poems (RL.6.4; RL.6.5; RL.6.7) before exploring different styles and trying their hand at writing some. This unit culminates in a Poetry Cafรฉ during class time where students will share their best work with classmates and family members (SL.6.4; SL.6.5; SL.6.6).
6th Grade Literature โ Kathy Baughman, Cheryl Borgeson, Connie Evans, Tiffany Finn, Alisha Holyfield, Diane Peintner, Rachel Szmed, Amanda Thomas, DeeDee Wiley
All of the 6th grade literature classes are reading the novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham โ 1963 (a novel unit from our textbook resource, Study Sync; RL.6.13). During this unit we explore theme, character development, figurative language, point of view, and text structures. (RL.6.2, RL.6.3, RL.6.6., and RL.6.12, RL.6.12a) The common formative assessment (CFA) for 3rd quarter focuses on text structures, so mini lessons and practices are used throughout. At the end of the novel unit, we will watch the Hallmark Channel movie based on the novel to compare a retelling of the story (RL.6.7).
6th Grade Math โ Diane Peintner, DeeDee Wiley
This past quarter, 6th grade has been focusing on completing proportions. We have sometimes had parts unknown, and sometimes the total amount unknown. The students have done well with understanding that there is a relationship that develops between two numbers and that the ratios stay the same, even if one number changes. We took this knowledge and are currently building upon that to work with percentages. The students will have real-world connections to calculate the best option for purchases, calculating taxes and percentages off of items.
6th Grade Science โ Alisha Holyfield, Amanda Thomas
Since returning from Winter Break, we have continued our investigations in our Electromagnetic Force unit. The focus of this unit is finding the relationship between magnetic and electric forces. We have investigated the force of invisible magnetic fields, learned how to build circuits, designed electromagnets, and explained how transfer of energy makes this possible. To end the month of January, we will be taking our third common formative assessment (CFA) of the year. We will start February with our Waves unit and continue this until Spring Break.
6th Grade Social Studies โ Cheryl Borgeson, Connie Evans
We began the 2nd Semester with our unit on Ancient China. As with all our preceding chapters, the importance of geography was discussed, and the role it played in the development of Chinese civilization. Students were introduced to Chinaโs first dynasties and shown how they helped Chinese society develop. Using Actively Learn, students compared and contrasted the Indus River of India and the Huang River of China and how they impacted ancient civilizations. Students learned about the different philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism and how they each attempted to bring order to China. Students were taught how to make a โclaimโ to prepare them for 7th grade state assessments. Students then created a poster stating a claim and using evidence to support it. Students will also be completing a project on either a dynasty or a Chinese emperor they have learned about from this unit. Next, we are preparing students for their next CFA over common characteristics of the ancient river civilizations. Looking ahead โ we will be starting our unit on ancient Greece.
7th Grade Language Arts โ Mindy Brinker, Brandy Hamilton
This month in 7th grade language arts classes, students are working on the mechanics of writing by perfecting the craft of writing different types of sentences. We are focusing on how to avoid common errors such as comma splices and run-ons. This will lead into a research unit. Students will be researching the dangers of vaping to gather facts that will enable them to write an informational report, using MLA format, on what vaping is and why teens should avoid it.
7th Grade Literature โ Adam Bremer, Charity Briggs, Tom Cretors, Katie Larson, Brandy Hamilton, Rachel Sheeley
Seventh grade students have been reading speeches and informational texts that have been written about or by activists such as Martin Luther King Jr, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi. Students are also working on figurative language and main idea with the texts being read and discussed in this unit.
7th Grade Math โ Denise Dixon, Theresa Fields, Theresa Jones
Math 1 Students are finishing up Unit 3 that covers Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities. They will begin Unit 4 Geometry before the end of the month. They are moving forward at a faster pace than last year. We are hopeful they will complete all standards before state testing and have time to review.
Math 2 Students are finishing up their Statistics Modules and will be moving to Probability. They should be finished will all 7th grade standards by the end of February and will have time to review before state assessments and will begin introducing 8th grade standards.
Math 2/Algebra Ready Students will be finished with all 7th grade standards by the end of January and will begin working on 8th grade standards immediately after that.
7th Grade Science โ Adam Bremer, Stacey Jenkins
Seventh grade Life Science started this semester with students learning about sensory receptors and memory to wrap up a unit on body systems. They quickly moved into a unit on ecology. Students learned about interactions between organisms and their environment, studying many basic concepts, creating picture books to demonstrate their knowledge and apply what they had learned about using different senses and methods to improve their memory. They studied the flow of energy looking at food chains, webs, and energy pyramids. Many examples of symbiotic relationships were discussed with practice in identifying mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. From here, students will move on to explore reproduction and DNA.
7th Grade Social Studies โ Tom Cretors, Edward Fenton
We are currently studying the reform movements that Kansas helped in leading in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Those reform movements include prohibition, womenโs suffrage, populism, and the progressive movement. We will be moving into covering how Kansasโ economy was changed due to technological advancements in the early 20th century and the impact World War I had on Kansans.
8th Grade Language Arts โ Shari Jacobs, Tracey Carney-Linn, Julie Price, Danielle Perry, Stacey Ward
Eighth grade started our unit, โFollowing the Crowdโ. All stories will share the common theme of, โis it harder to go against the crowd or to follow the crowd?โ We have read Cheboygan Day where a set of twins comes to a new school and receive a very different reception. Another article we read was Conformity, that gave different levels on following the crowd.
8th Grade Literature โ Dana Blew, Tracey Carney-Linn, Jessica Graves, Shari Jacobs, Julie Price, Danielle Perry, Stacey Ward
Quarter 3 will focus on, โMoral Compassโ and looks at a personโs ability to judge what is right and wrong based on family values. Students have read several stories like Abuela Invents in the Zero on how a teenager is trying to avoid her grandmother while she visits from Puerto Rico. She learns that her actions have a big impact on others. Another story we read is Home that shares how a father is going to approach his 6-year-old son who has been caught smoking. He goes through a series of events to then reach his son finally. Our novel, Adoration of Jenna Fox, has been started and provides students with inferences on what happened to Jenna Fox and her year-long coma.
8th Grade Math โ Miranda Cote, Theresa Jones, Penny Wagner
During the month of January, 8th Grade Math 1 students completed Unit 2, Linear Equations, and have moved on to Module 11, Angles. In February, they will work on Module 12, The Pythagorean Theorem, and begin Module 13, Volume of Three-Dimensional Figures.
During the month of January, 8th Grade Math 2 students have completed Module 11, Angles, and Module 12, Pythagorean Theorem. They are working on a Pythagorean Theorem Activity, The Wheel of Pythagoras, to finish off the month. In February they will move on to Module 13, Volume of Three-Dimensional Figures and Module 14, Scatter Plots.
During the month of January, 8th grade Algebra students are covering 8th grade Geometry skills. They have already completed Module 11, Angles, and Module 12, The Pythagorean Theorem. During the month of February, they will work on Module 13, Volume of Three-Dimensional Figures and Module 14, Scatter Plots. Once we finish with these 8th grade skills, we will return to Algebra Unit 5, Systems of Equations.
8th Grade Physical Science โ Josh Yoakam
Students learned about chemical hazards and use of safety data sheets. Students completed a review of states of matter and classification in preparation for transition to learning about the structure and makeup of the atom. Students completed and presented a research project, โAdopt-an-Elementโ where they learned more about a chosen element. Students utilized the University of Colorado-Boulder PhETโs simulation to build an atom and learn about atom stability, isotopes, and ions. We will be learning about makeup and organization of the periodic table, elements, and their properties next.
8th Grade Science โ Jessica Graves, Kaylea Krumm
As we move into the second semester, 8th grade has begun studying the ever-changing surface of the earth. Students have completed CFA #3. This will conclude our unit on Earth's History and serve as an entry into Climate and Weather. At the end of January, students will be studying earth's atmosphere and its layers. We will continue with our heads in the clouds as we study the different types of clouds, how they form and the differences between weather and climate.
8th Grade Social Studies โ Ann Andrews, Dana Blew
At the beginning of this quarter, eighth grade Social Studies researched Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Once our research was complete, students created a video or slides to present to the class. We are currently learning about the changing geography of our nation during the Westward Expansion 1820-1860. Students will learn about individuals moving west and their motivation and determinedness (Mormons, missionaries, farmers, 49ers, etc.) to make the long and dangerous journey. We will study the impact the move west had on places like the Alamo and Chapultepec. Students will see how the acquisition of the Texas Annexation and Mexican Cession will bring more division to the U.S. as our government struggles to decide whether the new areas will be free or slave states. We will conclude our Westward Expansion unit by watching the classic Jeremiah Johnson. After which, Mrs. Lowery will bring an informative lesson on social/emotional awareness. Finally, we will begin our unit on The Nation Divided 1846-1861.
Advanced Studies โ Josh Yoakam
Students continued their work on small group and independent projects. Students completed a second quarter/first semester reflection to identify pros and cons of their performance, effort and identified changes that needed to occur to be more successful or have continued success in the second semester. Students participated in time limited verbal and hands-on creativity challenges. Sixth grade students worked as a class to develop a satirical written work. Seventh and eighth grade students began work on a credo statement to identify their three to five guiding principles.
Art โ Emily Bucher
6th grade art students: Sixth graders just completed a cave art pastel drawing inspired by the "Cave of Forgotten Dreams" documentary about Chauvet cave in France. Prior to this, students were encouraged to create a "Snow Daze" drawing challenge that illustrates how students spent time off from school. Currently, students are working on "Minion Selfies" where they "minionize" themselves and include features, accessories, and characteristics about themselves placed within a creative background.
7th grade art students: Students recently finished creating oil pastel drawings of bioluminescent creatures inspired by the deep sea. Prior to this, students were encouraged to create a "Snow Daze" drawing that illustrates how students spent time off from school. They also worked on "Draw Dinos" where students were provided various prompts to help them conceptualize and create a dinosaur-inspired artwork. Currently, students are learning about the history, inception, and requirements as they relate to the Federal Junior Duck stamp contest. Seventh graders will start their artwork later this week.
8th grade art students: Recently eighth grade students finished their graffiti and lava lamp artworks inspired by street art and use of fluorescent colors throughout their work. Students are currently working hard to finish and finalize their Federal Junior Duck Stamp artworks. Prior to this, students also worked on "Snow Daze" drawing illustrating how students spent time off from school.
9th hour art enrichment: Students recently created circular black and white ink winter landscapes featuring a colorful and highly chromatic sky or sunset. Currently, students are creating self-driven clay projects that will be fired later this quarter. We are hoping to get outside to spend some time chalking in the unseasonably nice weather we hope to expect for the beginning of February.
Band โ Aaron Edwards
All our bands have had a smooth return to school after break. We picked up right where we left off with all groups. Our 6th grade beginning band is continuing to learn new notes and rhythms on their instruments. The 7thgrade band is also working on new rhythms that can be tricky at first; however, they are building confidence every day. The 8th grade band has been reviewing cut time, 6/8 time, and different combinations of eighth notes and sixteenth notes. All bands are working on music for their next concert on March 4th. The 7th and 8th grade bands are also working toward the KVL band festival performance, which we host at our middle school on February 28th. We welcome any board members that would like to attend the performances that day. Please email Mr. Edwards for performance times.
Choir โ Josiah Ketterman
All choirs at the middle school are beginning their music for the spring concert on March 6th. They are also working on their sight reading and daily work consisting of learning note names, rhythms, and solfรจge.
Students selected for KMEA All-State Mid-Level Choir are: Machlin Marshall, Carson Ellington and Hayden Reynolds. These students will represent Lansing Middle School at this yearโs state convention in Wichita at the end of February!
Auditions are underway for the middle school musical, Shrek Jr! Performances will be April 19th and 20th.
Computers โ Sara Meyers
The start of second semester and 3rd quarter is in full swing for computers class. 8th grade began the semester with creating Google Slideshows with an emphasis on โAll About Meโ. Students then explored potential future careers and created Google Slideshows informing others about the educational pathways necessary to obtain that career, as well as salary and promotion potential for the career selected. Piggybacking on career exploration, students explored colleges and technical schools that they were interested in possibly attending after high school graduation. Students created Google Slideshow presentations that featured top majors of the school of choice, graduation rates, what it takes to be accepted and admitted into the school, as well as college opportunities and activities available to them at their school of choice. This lesson was very inclusive and gave students the ability to seek out learning more about their future aspirations and possibilities for continuing their education for future career endeavors.
Currently, 8th grade is beginning to explore and learn a CTE pathway of business marketing and culinary. Students are learning about target markets, the 4 Pโs of marketing, and culinary attributes in order to create their very own business menu. Students will be using digital technology platforms to create, design, and implement their own business menu items, branding, and marketing to prospective customers.
7th grade students also kicked off the new semester creating โAll About Meโ Google Slides as well as creating their own digital family quilts. These assignments assisted students to learn more about one another and some of their family history. Students also integrated social studies into state research projects. 7th graders were tasked with researching an assigned state and inserting pictures, information, and fun facts into a Google Slideshow presentation.
Currently, 7th grade is continuing the integration of social studies and computers and are learning how to use Google Earth and find various landmarks, wacky and wild places, and coordinates to new and exciting locations.
With the start of the 3rd quarter, our 6th grade students began learning more about how to edit, format and create Google Slideshow presentations. Students began the new quarter by completing an โAll About Meโ flyer, listing all their favorite things. Students are currently working on completing an animal research project. Each student was assigned an animal. Researching more about their animals, students created original presentations to provide information about their animal and the animals way of life. Students will also begin learning how to edit, format, and create various documents in Google Docs.
Math Intervention โ Emerald Peters
During January, Tier II and Tier III groups were re-evaluated based on December 2023 Fastbridge data. Students were moved in and out of Tier groups based on data points from Fastbridge, IXL Diagnostic Assessment, and core content teacher recommendations. Students will be working on building in their missing math skills while also getting pre-teaching to help them with their core grade level math class. IXL Takeoff is a new component to IXL and we are using it to help systemically address missing skills using research based board approved tools.
PE โ Jennifer Bishop, Jon Bishop
In PE/Health, both boys and girls PE have started the semester with new classes and both have worked on policies and procedures and will start Health classes this week. We will start working on baseline testing in the area of situp and pushup pretests and will discuss goal setting for those in order to improve personal health and well-being. In addition, we have also started the basketball unit and have been working on fitness levels (specifically strength and conditioning). The students are starting to understand the overload principle and cardiovascular fitness in regard to their personal health goals. When weather permits, we will start going outside to the track and will also do a mile pretest and work towards improving that throughout the semester as well.
Reading Intervention โ Rachel Sheeley
We revamped the reading tier groups at the start of the second semester. We had some movement of students for third quarter. All groups are completing/updating their Diagnostics in IXL Language Arts. It is exciting to see how many students have improved their scores since early August.
We are using skills that students are deficit in to do some flexible grouping within each tier level. IXL provides some extra practice for some skills as well as using StudySync or FastBridge resources to boost skills. After working on specific skills with specific students one eye opening note was that some students donโt completely understand the diagnostic questions to pinpoint deficits and they answer questions posed to them rather than asking for clarification in what IXL is asking of them.
Progress monitoring for fluency and comprehension continues. Students will be able to share their progress with parents at their student led conferences. We celebrate student gains each time we do progress monitoring while discussing possible reasons if there were drops in their scores.
During Thursdayโs Game Days, we continue to reinforce skills we work on during the week. There are definitely some games which have become favorites.
Spanish โ Regan Gatson
The 6th graders and 7th graders have finished their Spanish alphabet and Greetings section. They can now greet me and one other in the correct ways (that being formal or informal). They are now focusing on pronouns and SER, it is the beginning of being able to learn how to describe themselves or talk about others. "I am, He is, etc."
The 8th Graders are currently learning how to conjugate Verbs ending in -AR, -ER, and -IR. So, they now not only know the verbs and what they mean, but they can now also explain who is doing the action. This has been a great step in the directions of students creating their own sentences on their own with less prompting. We also are doing this with an emphasis on school, so they can talk about classes and what they do in said classes.
Technology โ Ron Averill
Technology classes have gotten off to a great start for this semester. We have worked our way through orientation and are beginning to work in the modules where the students will experience different areas of technologies as they are applied in various Expeditions of study. Hopefully, this will give them a direction that they want to follow as they pursue their educational experiences in high school.
Social Workerโs Information โ Maggie Peterson
We started our Angel Tree again at Lansing Middle School. I reached out to our middle school staff and our Lansing community, and we were able to help 10 families and 34 kids across our district. Our staff and community provided gift cards for groceries, clothes, and gas for families as well as presents for the kids to open on Christmas Day. Thank you to our Lansing Middle School Staff and our Lansing Community for helping us to provide for our families over the Holidays.
Peer Leadership raised over $200 for the angel tree to purchase extra things for kids. They also helped me pick out some of the things for our families such as board games and clothes. Many thanks to our students and families for their contributions and to Peer Leadership for organizing this event!
LMS Science Club Awarded As "State Winner" in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition
A huge shout-out to our Lansing Middle School Science Club. Last year (โ22-โ23), they were awarded the distinction of being a โstate finalistโ in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition. This year, during the 2023-2024 school year, they submitted more entries in the same competition. They were awarded as a โstate finalistโ earlier this fall. This past week though, they were notified that they were awarded as a โstate winnerโ. Only 50 schools in the state of Kansas receive this award. Mrs. Jessica Graves is the Science Club sponsor for Lansing Middle School. She took over the science club at the start of last school year after it had been defunct for the two years prior. Mrs. Graves is a second-year teacher and has done a fantastic job! According to Mrs. Graves, the science club is โworking on creating a small aquaponics system using reclaimed and new materials. Our purpose is to look at sustainability in agriculture in to reduce food scarcity.โ Students that are working consistently on the project include โ Jacob Finnigin (7th Grade), Amelia Gould (8th Grade), Madilyn Jones (6th grade), Kamel Nieto (6th Grade), Javian Ramirez (6th Grade), and Chelsea Zishka (6th Grade). As a state winner, the science club will receive a prize package of $12,000 worth of Samsung technology. Additionally, they are now eligible to become one of the ten National Finalists.
8th Grade Students Participate in Virtual Health Career Fair
A total of 15 Lansing Middle School 8th grade students will take part in the State of Knasas Healthcare Virtual Career Day on Thursday, February 1st. Students submitted an application to take part in the Career Fair. Students will receive information on the following career fields โ Phyical Therapy, Radiology, Behavioral Health, Nursing, EMT/Paramedic, as well as general information on the business sideon of medicine, laboratory practices, and surgery. Ms. Becky Lowery, LMS Counselor, organized and set up the Career Fair so LMS students could take part.
REMINDER - District STEM Night - Wednesday, February 7th
YOU ARE INVITED! Lansing USD469 STEM Night for Grades PreK - 12!
Lansing USD469 is thrilled to invite families to an evening of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exploration! In collaboration with KCKCC Career & Technical Education and local trade professionals, Lansing USD469 is hosting STEM Night on February 7th, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
๐ What to Expect:
- Engaging stations for pre-k through 12th-grade students.
- Hands-on activities showcasing various STEM professions.
- An opportunity to interact with professionals from the field.
๐ Date and Time:
- February 7, 2024
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
๐ Location:
- Commons Area, Lansing High School
๐ Ignite Your Curiosity: Embark on an unforgettable STEM adventure! Discover the wonders of Cosmetology, HVAC, Multimedia Production, Computer Support, and explore the exciting world of trade professions, including Automotive Mechanics, Granite Distribution, Plumbing, Home Remodeling, and Welding.
๐ค Connect with Us: If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to Suzanne Phillips at suzanne.phillips@usd469.net. We also welcome local STEM professionals who would like to participate in this enriching event.
Let's make STEM Night a night to remember as we inspire the next generation of innovators and thinkers. ๐โจ
Staff Spotlights
Mrs. Mindy Brinker and Mrs. Brandy Hamilton, 7th Grade English/Language Arts teachers, were featured in the Staff Spotlight by Miles Azzeh in December. The story is linked below.
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/ART/657cd42a2645a?in_archive=1Mrs. Denise Dixon, 7th Grade Math Teacher, was recognized at the December BOE meeting as the Staff Member of the Month. Congratulations to Mrs. Dixon!
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/ART/657a181024a75?in_archive=1
Mrs. Theresa Fields, 7th Grade Math Teacher, was recognized as the November Staff Member of the Month and received her award at the December BOE meeting. Congratulations to Mrs. Fields!
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/ART/657a02de1ca9e?in_archive=1
Mrs. Sara Meyers, LMS Computers Teacher, was recognized as the USD 469 Staff Member of the Month for January. She received her award at the January BOE Meeting. Congratulations to Mrs. Meyers!
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/ART/65aa96429f128?in_archive=1
Denise Dixon, 7th Grade Math Teacher - December Staff Member of the Month
Theresa Fields, 7th Grade Math Teacher - November Staff Member of the Month
Sara Meyers, LMS Computers Teacher - January Staff Member of the Month
Mr. Edwards Recognized
Winter Concerts/Fine Arts Updates
In addition to Mr. Aaron Edwards being honored at the NEKMEA band performance on Saturday, December 2nd, Lansing Middle School also had five students selected to the honor band for 7th and 8th grade. The following students were recipients of this honor โ Caroline Bromell (Clarinet), Piper Wagner (Clarinet), Declan Blacketer (Bass Clarinet), David-Michael Bonds (Horn), and Tobias Yoakam (Percussion). As part of this award, they practiced with a guest conductor in the morning and then played a performance at 1:00 in the afternoon. Mr. Blake Vignery serves as Assistant Band Director at LMS and does a great job working with LMS band students.
Before school on the last day before winter break, Mr. Ketterman and Mrs. Brice led students in sing-along caroling in the commons before school. We had a high number of students that took part and it was an excellent start to the day and a great way to end the semester.
Lansing Middle School also had several students recognized for NEKMEA honor choir. This event followed the same format as band and was held on Saturday, December 2nd, as well. It was at Topeka High School. Students selected for honor choir from LMS included โ Avery Baragary, Laney Chastain, Madeline Huhn, Machlin Marshall, Eliana Silva, and Ethan Valverde. Mr. Josiah Ketterman directs the LMS choirs and Mrs. Jonnie Brice is the accompanist.
Caroling
Mr. Ketterman and Mrs. Brice lead students in sing-along caroling on Friday, December 15th.
LMS Choir Concert - 12/13/23
LMS Band Concert - 12/11/23
Athletic Information
Winter athletic competitions finished in December for girls basketball and wrestling.
- The 7th and 8th grade girlsโ teams experienced a lot of growth during their seasons. Wins were difficult to come by, but progress was still made. Both teams failed to qualify for the Kaw Valley League tournament that concludes the year for the top eight KVL schools.
- Wrestling capped off their season on Saturday, December 2nd, at the Bonner Springs Invitational. Additionally, Lansing Middle School hosted two tournaments this season. On Saturday, November 11th, the KVL Wrestling Tournament was held in the LMS gym. Close to 350 wrestlers competed in the boys and girls competition and the gym was jampacked all day long. The following weekend, LMS again hosted a tournament, this time it was the Lansing Invitational, which has been an annual tournament for many years. Coach Ron Averill did a fantastic job with the organization of the meets and we had several wrestlers do well in both tournaments and on the season. From Coach Averill, regarding the Bonner Springs Invitational, โCongratulations to the wrestlers for their performances at the Clark Invitational. Medalists were: 1st Place - Carson Ellington, Michael Lopez, Baylee Baragary, Hillary Ward, Mikayla Guenther, and Briana Adams; 2nd Place - Wesley Kannaday; 4th Place - Lillian August and Briana Adams. Special congratulations to the girls wrestling team who placed third at the tournaments out of 14 teams. Way to go Lions!โ
- With weather cancellations, we are about a third of the season into boysโ basketball season right now. We have had good participation and the players are growing in their skillset. Our "B" teams have gotten a few wins but our "A" teams are yet to get a win in either 7th or 8th grade but we are hoping that changes very soon.
Student Accolades
- Lansing Middle School recognizes students for improvement throughout the year as well as academic and behavioral success through our Student of the Month program. Lansing teachers nominate students by team periodically throughout the year for this honor. Students receive a certificate and pizza at lunch. Our first group of students were recognized on Tuesday, October 10th. Awardees included the following students โ 6th Grade โ Gage Bankston, Hunter Dilka, Maddie Everhart, Elliana Harwood, Andrew Hatzinger, Nora Kite, Derek Lorenzo, Javian Ramirez, and Gabby White. 7th Grade โ Addyson Agnew, Christopher Chocon-Andrade, Andi Delgado, Aeslynn Dodd, Stephan Espinoza, Chloe Ford, Stella Lawler-White, Bryce McGaan, Anthony Wahlberg, and Bree VadDeBerghe. 8th Grade โ Kinley Aufdemberge, Avery Baragary, GG Kane, Machlin Marshall, Mychael Murphy, Corey Sivils, Luca Swift, Ashlyn Turner, and Khaniya Walker.
Spelling Bee Results at Lansing Middle School
8th Grade
1st Place โ Chalotte Kuhn
2nd Place โ Mia Jaskowiec
3rd Place โ Avery Conley
7th Grade
1st Place โ Eliana Silva
2nd Place โ Conner Walsh
3rd Place โ Stephan Espinoza
6th Grade
1st Place โ Penelope Graetz
2nd Place โ Travis Koelting
3rd Place โ Clayton Marsh
All students taking 1st Place will represent LMS in the Leavenworth County Spelling Bee.
All students placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will attend the Kaw Valley League Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 1st.
State Assessment and Fastbridge Schedules - 2024
March 26, 27, April 2, 3 โ 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Reading Assessment
April 8, 9, 10, 12 โ 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Math Assessment
April 16 and April 17 โ 8th Grade Science Assessment
April 29 - May 17 โ 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Fastbridge Assessment in Reading and Math (this is not a state assessment but is an important end-of-the-year test for all students)
How our Parents Can Help โ
- Talk to your child about the importance of doing his/her BEST on the assessments
- Be positive and supportive regarding the assessments
- Make attendance a priority and please be on time for the start of the school day
- Make sure your child has a good nightโs sleep (minimum of 8 hours)
- Provide a healthy breakfast
- Help your child remember to charge his/her iPad
Lion's Paw - LMS Newspaper
Mrs. Tracey Carney-Linn is the sponsor for the Lansing Middle School newspaper. Under her direction, the LMS Newspaper continues to be an outstanding opportunity for student participation and excellent information source. Students in all grades can take part and they meet daily during 9th period. The newspaper comes out monthly and is usually 5-8 pages in length. Students are learning valuable writing and reporting skills as stories focus on relevant events and people at LMS. It has become something that students are interested in reading and look forward to each month. Their latest issue came out on Friday, February 2nd. The February issue is linked below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S8tBwBK3RU5e07dCNxklrIbb8LO8grGg/view?usp=sharing
Pep Rally - February 2nd
Lansing Middle School held its third and final pep rally of the year on Friday, February 2nd. During the pep rally, Boys Basketball teams were recognized by Head Coach, Tom Cretors. The LMS Pep Band and Cheerleaders also performed. For the first time, a student MC'd the pep rally - Ava Diaz, from Pep Club. She did a great job! Additionally, there was a competition between staff and students -- "Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes, Cup." Mrs. Thomas, 6th Grade Science/Literature Teacher, won the competition for the staff and beat Dempsey Hoppes, 6th Grade Student, for ultimate bragging rights.
Upcoming Events for LMS
- February 1st โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Leavenworth Warren; 8th Grade @ Home
- February 2nd โ 2:50 PM โ Winter Pep Rally
- February 5th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Home; 8th Grade @ Wheatridge
- February 6th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Home; 8th Grade @ Turner
- February 8th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Piper; 8th Grade @ Home
- February 12th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Basehor-Linwood; 8th Grade @ Home
- February 13th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade @ Home; 8th Grade @ Trail Ridge
- February 14th โ 4:00-8:00 PM โ Student-Led Conferences
- February 15th โ 7:00 AM โ 3:00 PM โ Student-Led Conferences
- February 20th โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade โBโ @ Lansing; 8th Grade โBโ @ Pioneer Ridge
- February 20, 21, 22 โ Boys Basketball โ 7th Grade KVL Tournament @ Basehor-Linwood
- February 20, 21, 22 โ Boys Basketball โ 8th Grade KVL Tournament @ Lexington
- February 28th โ Kaw Valley League Band Festival @ Lansing Middle School
- March 4th โ Band Concert @ LMS Auditorium
- March 6th โ Choir Concert @ LMS Auditorium
Substitute Teachers and Paraeducators Needed at LMS
Additionally, Lansing Middle School has several paraeducator vacancies. Paraeducators work with students that receive special education services.
Lansing Middle School is a great place to work. These positions are an integral part of LMS. We are looking for dedicated individuals that would like to make a difference in the lives of adolescents.
The link below has information about employment, including how to apply.
https://usd469.socs.net/vnews/display.v/ART/5c24f6d07feae?in_archive=1
BIST (Behavior Intervention Support Team)
- I can be OK even when others are not OK
- I can make good choices even if I am mad
- I can do something even though I donโt want to
Through this model, staff try to ensure that students are offered grace and accountability, which simply means itโs OK to make mistakes but there is a need to take responsibility for choices.
Terms you might hear with BIST include
- Safe Seat and Buddy Room โ these are alternate locations intended to provide another opportunity for student to change behavior
- Processing โ this entails talking through what happened with the teacher or adult
All LMS staff received professional development in BIST before school started. Almost all LMS staff had been trained at some point but this was a great refresher for our staff. Furthermore, BIST is now a K-5 initiative as well, so the training was given to all K-8 personnel.
This link gives more information about BIST -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SAViHDcc3xEIebImYI30bLSlNQogPOnC/view?usp=sharing
The following article is from the USD469 website on the BIST training in August -
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/ART/64d545b63a3bf?in_archive=1
Advisory and Second Step
LMS has an Advisory class that meets every Thursday for a 45 minute block -- from 12:27-1:12. All LMS teachers have an Advisory class. This allows us to keep Advisory classes small -- around 13-17 students.
Advisory is a crucial component to Lansing Middle School and student success.
- At the start of each Advisory period, students work on GBA, which entails looking at grades, behavior, and attendance. Students use Skyward to track their current grades and attendance and teachers provide behavior information. Students then use this to write and monitor goals for improvement. Students also counsel with their classroom teacher to assess their goals.
- Advisory is also used to provide lessons from our Tier 1 behavior program, Second Step. A Tier 1 program means that all students are provided with it. "Second Stepยฎ Middle School helps early adolescents learn to cope with challenges, create and maintain positive relationships, and develop the mindset necessary for success in school and life." We began our third unit in Second Step on Thursday, February 1st.
- There are four units of study for Second Step. The third unit of study is, "Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions." The scope and sequence for Second Step is linked here -- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hsDDKW9sNKkGlV_FuHKJNRrMuG7wVtfk/view?usp=share_link
- Course components and outcomes - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mVTSWdApXUTfVH4OVgP2S_OHMKsaRinV/view?usp=share_link
- Initial parental information letter - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rEzDs4TIaiaOApbJmnni2jnyt1xfgsBR/view?usp=sharing
- Slideshow of Information about Second Step - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1varmKoHWOxJG0T3mDcw3W-vFBoI-0UNM/view?usp=sharing
Additional Components of Advisory include -
- During January, students had dedicated time in Advisory over three sessions to work on the software program, Xello. Xello is an interactive program that allows students to better assess themselves in terms of current interests and helps them to better prepared to make future choices. From the Xello website, "students complete interactive career, personality, and learning style assessments to help them better understand their unique interests, skills, and strengths. Each engaging assessment encourages reflection, helping students connect who they are with relevant career options." https://xello.world/en/middle-and-high-school/
- Student-Led Conferences and preparation take place during Advisory and with the student's Advisory teacher. Student-led conferences are held in February.
Lansing USD 469 Strategic Plan for 2023-2028
"Lansing USD469 is thrilled to announce that our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan was passed unanimously during the April 10th board meeting. Thank you to our volunteers made of community members, staff, and students who served on this important committee and provided feedback to form this plan. Thank you also to our Lansing USD469 board members who served on the committee and voted to make it a reality. The Strategic Plan aims to achieve action steps that ensure our district can meet the needs of its students, staff, and community for years to come.
Our administrators and district leadership staff are excited to start on action items this plan sets forth. We will provide monthly updates about our progress and look forward to embarking on this journey together to make Lansing the best district in Kansas."
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/SEC/2023-2028%20Strategic%20Plan
About Lansing Middle School
Kerry Wixon, Vice Principal
Becky Lowery, Counselor
Maggie Peterson, Social Worker
Website: https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/SEC/Lansing%20Middle%20School%20%28Grades%206-8%29
Location: 220 Lion Lane, Lansing, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 727-1197