Lancer Legend
Back to School News - August 2020
Dear LTMS Families,
Below you will find the LTMS Return to Learn Plan. This plan is a compilation of many weeks of planning with our administrative team and LTMS staff. We have also utilized the information from the family surveys that you completed earlier in the summer.
This is a plan specifically for Covid-19. We will begin the year more restricted, and make adjustments as appropriate. Our goal is to be able to stay in attendance, in person. Thank you in advance for all the sacrifices that everyone is making in order to best socially distance and provide sanitation. As of today, you have likely seen that LTSD will be returning to school in the "Green Phase" 5 days a week.
As a mom and as an educator, I want you to know that this plan was not easy to complete. It has been very difficult to make a schedule and building procedures that are so different than our norm. School is going to look different. However, we are committed to continue to make LTMS a place that relationships are first and that learning can happen, even if it looks different. It is PEOPLE not plans that make up the positive culture of a school.
First Day of School for Students – Monday, August 31 & September 1 (Hybrid Model)
In order to maximize time orienting students and training them on health and safety sanitation practices, we are staggering the start for all students district wide into two groups. This also enables us to practice our Health and Safety Plan in the event we need to move to a hybrid "Yellow Phase" daily schedule. Hybrid groups are based on K-12 students last household surname.
- Monday, August 31 will be the first day for any student whose household surname begins with the letters A-J (Group Maroon). Students whose household surname ends with the letters K-Z (Group Gray) will remain at home.
- Tuesday, September 1 will be the first day for any student whose household surname begins with the letters K-Z (Group Gray). Students whose household surname ends with the letters A-J (Group Maroon) will remain at home.
- Wednesday, September 2 all students will come to school as normal
As you are likely aware, our plans each day or week could change as a result of the newest and updated guidance on low, moderate and substantial transmission rates. As we continue to put much effort into planning and practicing health and safety practices to welcome staff and students to school we appreciate your partnership as we do our very best to accommodate and continue to educate students to the maximum extent possible during these uncertain times.
Two traits that I will use as my compass this year are patience and grace. I am hoping you can join me in extending these to our educators as well. It is going to be a year of so many unknowns and much re-calibration. Be mindful of how you speak about back to school to your students at home. Your amazing example at home makes such a difference at school.
If you have questions, please reach out. If you have suggestions, please reach out. If you have frustrations, please reach out. If you have celebrations, please reach out! I have one big favor to ask, please extend that patience (respect) and grace (kindness) when you do. I know that together, we can do this!
Back to School Info
- Guardians will need to complete Parent Portal accounts and our new Contact Verification process before student schedules are released
- New Student Orientation and Open House will be done virtually, videos are embedded in this newsletter
- 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!
Thank you again for all you do!
Mrs. Sekel
LTMS Proud Principal
Parent Portal
Our LTSD Student Information System (SIS) has been developed by Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU). The SIS is used to develop class schedules, take attendance, store grades, track discipline, produce report cards, and more. The CSIU Parent Portal provides guardians with the opportunity to access up-to-the-minute grades their children are earning in each of their classes, missing assignments, attendance records and other school information that parents may find useful. It may be accessed from any computer with Internet access.
Instructions to register on the Parent Portal are contained in the video tutorial. To register, you must know your student's ID (#####) number. Please ask your students or contact your LTMS/LTHS building secretary. Once the registration is completed and approved by the school district, families with more than one child in the district will be able to use one login to access student(s) information.
Contact Verification
LTMS/LTHS guardians (new for the 2020-2021 school year) will utilize the Parent Portal to verify and update Guardian and Contact Information for your student as well as acknowledge the receipt and acceptance of a number of district policies including but not limited to the Student Handbook, Photo Consent, etc.
The Google Chrome browser is strongly recommended when completing the Contact Verification process.
Please check your email that allows you to complete the Parent Portal registration process.
Instructions to complete Contact Verification are contained in the video tutorial. Schedule and locker information will be available in the portal upon the completion of this process at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21.
Building Traffic
When dropping off your student(s) between 7:30-7:45 a.m. between the LTMS gym and main entrance please use the single right lane in a one way traffic flow next to our sidewalks. The adjacent lane is for the use of LTHS guardians who have dropped off students at the west entrance.
Encourage your child to exit the right side of your vehicle and walk along the sidewalk as student(s) will all enter at the LTMS main entrance. Please do not drop off students one at a time. Using this procedure allows more vehicles to exit simultaneously and makes the process flow within minutes safely!
Please be mindful of our crosswalk designed for staff and their parking spaces. Do not use this parking lot to drop off students!
At the Loyalsock Dr. intersection (exiting the road which is on the back side of the baseball field), all vehicle traffic (middle school and high school parents) must turn left and head east.
Vehicles may then use either Fredna or Richards Ave. to gain access away from the school campus. Diverting vehicles in this direction will ease the congestion at the corner of Northway Rd. and Loyalsock Dr.
New Student Orientation and Open House Videos
Greetings! As you likely are aware, we annually hold a new student orientation each August prior to the beginning of the school year. As a result of continuing and updated guidance from the Department of Health, Department of Education and the Governor’s office, we will have a virtual orientation instead of an in person event. We apologize for any inconvenience or displeasure this poses as we take great pride in welcoming our new students and parents each and every year.
We will be sharing a few virtual slideshows with video explanations and illustrations of procedures, expectations, and guidelines that we normally do each year. This will also include a video tour of a student schedule to view transportation, common areas, classrooms, cafeteria, library, and office areas throughout the the building.
The videos will be released via email, text and social media starting on Friday, August 21, 2020. Thank you for your cooperation as we prepare for this very unique beginning to the 2020-21 school year. We appreciate your patience and grace as we welcome students to Loyalsock Township Middle School!
Friday, Aug 21, 2020, 01:30 PM
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6th Grade
Dear 6th grader and families,
The backpacks are anxiously being unzipped and filled with “Back to School” items. For some, this idea is rather overwhelming: new school, lockers, and new teachers. For others it is a bit depressing: early to bed, early to rise, and another routine to follow! Others will find it interesting and somewhat exciting. We hope that after we get acclimated and our jitters settle down, this will be a year where you will experience success, enjoyment, and have great memories to share.
Our team is very excited about the upcoming year and can’t wait to share some great experiences with you. You will engage in assignments and projects that will demonstrate your understanding of specific skills and strategies across all subject areas.
We our hopeful each of you will watch our team video, slideshow and orientation videos that we worked hard to create virtually this year. We look forward to a hybrid/partial to teach many of these unknowns and new practices in person. We look forward to it being a successful and enjoyable year even though many of us are venturing into unknown territory. Please --- “no worries” --- enjoy the remainder of your summer!
7th Grade
As everyone is gearing up for another school year full of excitement and achievement, your teachers want to take a moment to welcome you to seventh grade. We are dedicated to helping every student to reach his or her potential and have an engaging and challenging year planned! We truly look forward to making this a memorable and successful year for everyone.
Kindest Regards,
The 7th Grade Team of Teachers
Mr. A. Cook (social studies)
Ms. A. Cozza (mathematics)
Ms. A. Hook (mathematics)
Mrs. V. Krout (ELA reading)
Mrs. S. Puderbach (science)
Mrs. B. Rohrer (ELA writing)
Ms. J. Ziminski (learning support)8th Grade
Our team wants to extend a warm welcome to you and your student. We hope that your student is as excited as we are to begin this new school year! We look forward to getting to know each and every one of our new students, and you as well!
Each student will receive an iPad at the beginning of the school year. You will need to bring your charged iPad to class each day. You will also need the supplies included almost daily on the list provided by Mrs. Sekel on social media and within this ParentLink notification.
Enjoy the rest of the summer! We are excited to meet you and looking forward to another great year in 8th grade!
Sincerely,
Your 8th Grade Core Teachers
Mr. Asiello (learning support)
Mrs. Bomboy (mathematics)
Mrs. Casale (ELA reading)
Mr. Gerber (social studies)
Mr. Godin (ELA - writing)
Ms. Hook (mathematics)
Mr. Martin (science)Cafe
The student ID cards will be distributed to LTMS students on their first day (Household surnames A-J on Monday or K-Z on Tuesday) during Lancer Period (homeroom).
FREE grab and go breakfast will be available to all students in the MS lobby on first day (Monday or Tuesday) as welcome back!
Beginning Wednesday, September 2 students will need to have their ID card on them daily for breakfast and lunch purchases. We have purchased breakaway lanyards for students to easily access their cards. These will also be helpful for staff in identifying students and learning names.
Return to Learn FAQ's
Universal Precautions
- Any of these protocols could be modified as needs and mandates change
Social Distancing
Reminder signage has been placed in common areas about proper mask use, hand washing, social distancing, one way arrows, etc.
Reminder signage has also been distributed to each classroom to be placed in appropriate areas
Sanitation
Hand sanitizer readily available (Building Entrances, Hallways, Cafeterias, Buses, Offices)
Soap dispensers are filled in all restrooms and classrooms/area that contain a sink
Plexiglass/sneeze guards have been placed at teacher desks and throughout science labs, computer labs, art rooms and most areas that require students to share a table
Limit visitors to buildings
Masks are required per Governors order on the PDE website
Drinking fountains will be used for bottle filling only (bring transparent water bottle)
Arrival
Our Health and Safety Plan asks parents/guardians to screen the status of their student and take the student’s temperature prior to leaving home for school. Students will also be screened by staff as they enter the building and throughout the day randomly as necessary.
Social Distancing
7:30 School Doors Opened
LTMS students will enter through the LTMS main entrance
Grade Level Cohorts (6, 7, 8) will go to a designated area in the building
6 - LTMS gymnasium lobby, 7 - LTMS main entrance lobby, 8 - LTMS technology education hallway
7:45 Students dismissal to first period Ignite or Band/Chorus
7:50-8:35 Teachers will stagger locker usage to put away and get materials
Drawstring backpacks can be used throughout the day
On the first day of school, 6th grade students will go directly to Lancer Period (Homeroom) when they get to school
Sanitation
Hand sanitizer available in all common areas and classrooms
Common areas will be sanitized after 1st period begins
Dismissal
Social Distancing
Teachers will stagger students to lockers to pack up during Lancer Period to limit congestion at the end of the day
Sanitation
Custodial staff will sanitize all rooms after each school day
Custodial staff will sanitize all common areas after school and activities
Breakfast
Social Distancing
Offered in the LTMS main lobby from 7:30 a.m. - 7:49 a.m.
Students may pick up a grab and go breakfast to eat in the classroom
Breakfast will be free to all students on their first student day
Sanitation
Sanitation supplies are available to clean classrooms after breakfast
Sanitize hands after eating
Follow food services guidelines
Lunch
Social Distancing
Students will eat in the cafeteria and alternative location(s) as mask guidance is now to have students 6 feet apart
Seating will be arranged by grade and class (homeroom) cohorts
Sanitation
Multiple hand sanitizer stations available
Use ID cards to eliminate touching of pin pad
Follow food services guidelines
Hallways
Social Distancing
Grade levels may stagger hallway usage so not all students are in the hallways at the same time
Locker use may be staggered per grade level for use during limited traffic times
Lockers have been assigned so that students in separate hybrid/partial (Maroon/Gray) learning groups (if and when needed) are located every other locker
Students must wear masks at all times in the hallways and common areas
Bells will ring as scheduled but please wait for teachers direction on dismissal/entry procedures
- A new system is in place that will be able to remind students of various procedures using voice messages, scrolling LED ticker messages, and bell tones to direct students as needed
Sanitation
Hallways have a wall mounted and or/portable hand sanitizer stations
Students are encouraged to sanitize before and after each passing period
Custodians will sanitize common areas throughout the day
Physical Education
Social Distancing
Separate classes will meet in separate areas: gymnasium or health room
Students will not dress or enter the locker room at this time
Students assigned to Wellness/Physical Education are asked to wear appropriate footwear on assigned days and have an extra shirt in their locker on an as needed basis
Whenever possible classes will go outside for activity. We will follow the same weather protocols that athletics follow
Activities will be limited to social distance guidelines and use of shared equipment will be limited. Focus will be on fitness activities and individual sports.
Locker rooms will be sanitized between use when the time comes they will be used
Equipment will be regularly sanitized by teachers and custodians
Students will need to be prepared, with appropriate outerwear, to go outside for PE unless:
- The temperature or wind chill is below freezing, raining steadily or there are dangerous conditions such as ice, powerful winds, etc.
Band/Choir
Social Distancing
Follow CDC/health department guidelines
Spacing between students, use of auditorium stage as available
Performing will only happen in designated areas with designated protocols (we are still working out the particulars with the health department)
Sanitation
Continual updates from music department
Sanitize instruments regularly
Art
Social Distancing
Spacing of students throughout the classroom and individual plastic plexiglass partitions have been built to divide each student
Sanitizing for materials that MUST be shared with classes
We have purchased a rotation of supplies per marking period and/or students will have individualized provided kits
Library
Social Distancing
Stagger checking out of books
Sanitation
- Books will sit for 72 hours before being put back into circulation
Computers
Social Distancing
Spacing of students throughout the classroom
Individual plastic plexiglass partitions have been built to divide each student
Extra sanitizing (wipes at computers)
Built in time for sanitation
All Classrooms
Social Distancing
Spacing of students throughout the classroom to the maximum extent possible
Elimination of large tables and addition of individual desks
If tables are still in use (art/labs/social studies classrooms) individual plastic plexiglass partitions have been built to divide each student
Sanitation
All teachers have been provided with sanitizer, and a handful of sanitation supplies to use between classes
Minimized shared supplies, students may carry supplies in zipper pouch
We plan to distribute TI-30 calculators (8th grade Algebra will need to purchase their own TI-84 calculator) to each student
Sanitize hands as coming in each class
Classroom sinks, where available, will be utilized to wash hands
Special Education Classrooms
Social Distancing
Utilize small group instruction classrooms when feasible
Additional supplies and materials that are student specific
Same as classroom (above)
Restrooms
Social Distancing
Classrooms will use a designated area in the building closest to their classroom
West of the main lobby - A hallway/gymnasium, East of the main lobby - C hallway
Sanitation
- Follow CDC and District guidelines
Back to School Nights, Events, Assemblies & Field Trips
Social Distancing and Sanitation
Virtual meetings at this time until less restrictions
Loyalsock Township Middle School
Email: asekel@ltsd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/schools/middle-school/
Location: 2101 Loyalsock Drive, Williamsport, PA, USA
Phone: 570-323-9439
Twitter: @LTMS_Principal