La Porte Middle School
Home of the Slicers
Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year
Upcoming Dates
- August 6th and 7th - Registration/Orientation
- August 7th - Rock the Block at the Civic, 3:30-6:30 pm
- August 14 - First Day of School
- September 1 - Labor Day, no school
- September 12 - School Pictures
- September 4 - PTO Meeting - Media Center, 3:45 pm
- October 2 - Student eLearning Day/Professional Development
- October 16 - PSAT 8th Grades Students Only
- October 17 and 18 - No School
- October 23 - Picture Retakes
Registration and Orientation for Returning La Porte Middle School Students August 6th and 7th
In preparation for the new school year, we have established the following dates to allow students and families the opportunity to visit the Kesling Campus, tour the building, pick up tentative schedules, find their lockers, make lunch/breakfast deposits, obtain bus information, campus traffic routes and other useful information to prepare for a fantastic school year. Building maps and volunteers will be available to assist.
August 6th → 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
August 7th → 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Please call the school to schedule an appointment, 219-362-7507
Mrs. Elizabeth Krutz - Principal
Mr. Mark Fridenmaker - Assistant Principal
Mr. Ben Braden - Assistant Principal
Welcome our New Administrators!
Principal - Mrs. Elizabeth Krutz
I am extremely proud and excited to begin my role as the principal of La Porte Middle School. In over 25 years as an educator, I have taught grades kindergarten through second grade in both the Chicago Public Schools and the Merrillville Community Schools as well as serving as an administrator in all levels of education in Merrillville and Valparaiso.
I attended Indiana University, where I received a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. I completed my M.S. degree in Elementary Education through Indiana University Northwest, and obtained my Administrative license from Indiana State University. I am married and have four sons. My husband, Mike, is the Principal at Merrillville High School. Our oldest son, Michael, is a graduate of Wabash College and lives and works in Chicago. Our second son, Carson, attends Indiana University where he is majoring in secondary education mathematics. Our two youngest sons, Peyton and Ian, attend Valparaiso High School, entering their senior and junior years this fall. I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, and I love my job.
Assistant Principal - Mr. Mark Fridenmaker
I am excited to start my 14th year with La Porte Community Schools. Spending the past 13 years as assistant principal at Kesling Middle School. I attended Ball State University graduating with a BS in Music Education and Business Management. I attained my MA in School Administration from Ball State University. I have two children and Morgan the oldest graduated from La Porte High School in 2017. Regan the youngest is still attending La Porte High School as a Junior this year. I like to do outdoor activities and work out at the gym.
Assistant Principal - Mr. Ben Braden
I cannot wait to get this school year started! I am going into my 12th year in education after having served students in Georgia, Texas and Indiana. I attended Ball State University where I earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and followed that up with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. I have a beautiful wife named Cathy and a wonderful 6 year cancer surviving daughter named Avery. When I am not at school or spending time with my family, I enjoy playing golf and reading. I love being an educator and I truly believe in the nobility of our mission. I believe we can change the world by preparing our students to positively contribute to our society. Let's go!
Student Schedules and First Day of School - August 14
Our doors open at 7:10 am and students will need to report to the areas below upon arrival. They will then be released for breakfast from these areas.
- 7th - Auxiliary Gym
- 8th - Main Gym
Textbook Rental
Food Service
Student Lunch - $2.05
Second lunch - $2.30
Student Breakfast - FREE, beginning this school year.
Extra Milk - $.50
Beginning this year, once students receive their ID's they will be required to wear them and scan them when purchasing their lunch from the cafeteria.
- Free and Reduced Applications are online for Meal and Textbook Rental Assistance.
Book Bags and Cell Phones
Book bags are not permitted in the classrooms and should be kept in the student's locker.
Cell Phones are not permitted in the classrooms. With the availability of one-to-one devices, there is not a need for cell phones in the classroom. If needed, a student may use their phone at their locker during passing periods and they may be taken to lunch. Please refer to the student handbook for more information.
Sports
All sport participants MUST have a sports physical and Final Forms completed BEFORE any practice or tryout begins. All forms are available in the office.
Football
- There will be a $40.00 helmet/shoulder pads reconditioning fee. Students must have a physical to get equipment.
- Equipment handout: Monday August 13th. Players should report to back of LPMS near football field.
- 8th Grade – from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- 7th Grade – from 3:00 – 4:00 pm
- First Practice: Wednesday, August 14th from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Volleyball
- 8th grade – Tryouts Tuesday, August 20th from 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, August 21st and August 22nd from 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
- 7th Grade – Tryouts Tuesday, August 20th, 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm, Wednesday and Thursday, August 21st and 22nd from 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Cross Country: Calling all 7th, 8th grade boys and girls….
- Informational meeting is: Thursday, August 22nd, after school until 3:30. The First practice is: Monday, August 26th from 2:40 pm – 4:00 pm
Bus Information
The transportation department will be sending out busing information to all parents through the mail. A table will also be available at the registration and orientation dates to provide busing information. After registration, please call the transportation department for specific questions, 219-362-1023.
Skyward Family Access
PTO
We are currently looking for parents to become actively involved in the Kesling Campus PTO by serving as an active member, officer or just contribute. Please contact Mrs. Krutz, if you are interested in serving in this capacity. The Kesling Campus PTO will consist of both Kesling Intermediate School and LaPorte Middle School representatives. The main responsibility of the PTO officers/active member is to attend monthly meetings and organize the various activities planned at the Kesling campus. General information regarding PTO involvement will be available at orientation. Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of the month, in our media center at 3:45 p.m.; however, these meetings may change as new parent leaders volunteer to serve as an officer. The first meeting for this school year has been set for on Wednesday, September 4th.
LPMS Student Handbook & LPCSC Corporation Handbook
All students will receive a school planner on the first day of school. This planner includes LPCSC Corporation Policies, student rules, student hall passes, a school calendar, and ample space to record homework assignments. There are papers at the end of the handbook that must be signed and returned to the school.
Daily Bell Schedule
Dress Code
School is a place of learning and appropriate attire should be worn at all times. LPMS reserves the right to alter student dress when the dress is determined to be unsafe, inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive to the learning environment.
- Shirts and Tops: All tops and shirts must be capable of being tucked in. Bare-midriff tops, tank tops, string tops, and halter tops, and see through tops are unacceptable. Any shirts worn to school must have sleeves.
Dresses and Skirts: Students wearing skirts or dresses (if shorter than above the knees) to school must have on leggings (not shorts) under the garment.
Length of shorts, dresses, and skirts must be longer than the edge of fingertips with arms extended to the side.
No tights, yoga pants, workout pants, leggings, or similar fitting pants are permitted unless they are worn under other pants or covered by a permissible skirt or long shirt that covers the backside.
Pants with holes: Holes in pants above the knees are not to be worn.
Basketball jerseys must be worn with an undershirt. Tops with large armholes should be worn with an undershirt.
Coats or outdoor wear are not permitted in the classrooms and should remain in locker until dismissal.
No jewelry or chains that could be used as a weapon or depicts a weapon are allowed.
Pants must be of an appropriate size that matches the stature of the individual and must be worn at the waist. No sagging pants.
No undergarments should be visible.
Pajama pants and house slippers are not allowed.
Torn and ripped clothes are not to be worn.
Hats are not permitted inside the building unless specified for a special day.
No clothing or accessories suggesting gangs or gang related activities may be worn.
Painting or writing on the body or clothing is forbidden.
La Porte Middle School
Email: ekrutz@lpcsc.k12.in.us
Location: 304 East 18th Street, La Porte, IN, USA