Scripps Spotlight
School Newsletter - October 30, 2023
NJHS Speeches
Cross Country Pumpkin Invite
StuCo Hat Day Collection
Scripps Families,
Welcome to the October 30th edition of our school newsletter! Congratulations to all of our fall athletes for a great season! Girls' basketball ended with some nail-biting games, cross country got metals and broke records, and football and cheer were strong throughout the entire season. Next up is winter sports, starting with Boys Basketball tryouts beginning this week. Be sure to read this week's newsletter to find out more about proper Halloween wear, Parent Teacher conferences, winter sports, and more.
A big thank you to everyone for your extra flexibility on 10/30/23! I know it was a bit of a surprise (SMS staff included) but we got it done!
Go Dragons!
David McKay & Alisa Orlowski
Scripps Administration
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Knowing That My Words and Actions Affect Others. Everything that you say and do can affect others -- and your relationships with them.
Everything we do, say, text, tweet, snap, or post can positively or negatively impact other people. Our words and our actions are our choices to make, but they can have ripple effects long after we make them. Words and actions have the power to lift others up or tear them down, but, our words and actions also impact ourselves. When a group is comprised of individuals who are thoughtful about their words and actions -- individuals who show respect and consideration for the people around them -- we’re likely to have a happier and healthier culture.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
College Credit in High School!
Did you know that high school students can earn college credits as early as 10th grade? Join us on November 13th at 6PM in the KIVA to learn about the various opportunities we have for our students. This is open to our current 8th thru 11th grade students.
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
Rosa Everitt at rosa.everitt@lok12.org
Julie Barnes at julie.barnes@lok12.org
Attendance Information
What do all the attendance codes mean?
Lake Orion has adopted new attendance codes this year to help clarify a student's absence.
- If a student is absent from a class or the school day, the automatic code that is entered is a UA (unexcused absence).
- If a parent calls their student in because they are ill, or have something going on that is not school related, the code entered is RA (reported absence).
- If a parent chooses to send in a doctor's note, funeral card, or any type of written documentation regarding the student's absence, the code is entered as EA (excused absence).
- Students who attend a school related activity will have a code entered of SA (student activity).
- If you happen to see a B (building) as an attendance code, this simply means the student was not in class, but meeting with an administrator, counselor, in a meeting/school assembly, etc.
Truancy Department - School is Important!
What is Truancy? Truancy is essentially unexcused absences from school or an education system. Students that miss too many days of school are at risk of district or legal action. Learn what happens if a student misses too much school, seven reasons to stay in school, and why students miss school.
LOCS Millage Proposals
Lake Orion Community Schools will have two millage proposals on the February/March presidential primary ballot, each designed to maintain the current tax levies. One will be for the 10-year operational millage, which the state of Michigan requires every public school district to pass to receive full foundation allowance for each student. The second proposal is to replace the 10-year sinking fund, which pays for infrastructure repairs (parking lots, HVAC, computers, etc.) throughout the district. Information about the millage proposals, including Frequently Asked Questions, is located on the School Election Information page.
Bus Passes & Early Dismissal
Bus Passes
Bus passes should only be for child care, athletics and family emergencies. If your child needs a bus pass we must have documentation with a parent/guardian signature (a scan/picture will work) submitted to Mrs. Arnold in the main office. .
Early Dismissal
If your child needs leave school early, please remember to bring identification when you enter the building. Only adults who are listed in Powerschool as "school pickup" will be permitted to pick-up a student from school early.
Please note, students will only be dismissed from school after 2:00 p.m. if there is a family emergency. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Upcoming Events
Monday, October 30 - Boys Bball tryouts in Scripps gym 7th Grade @ 2:30 p.m., 8th Grade @ 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, October 31 - 1/2 Day 10:25 a.m. dismissal; Students may wear appropriate Halloween costumes.
Wednesday, November 1 - 6th Grade band concert 7 p.m. in Scripps Gym
Thursday, November 2 - Virtual parent teacher conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 3 - StuCo dress theme - Western
Friday, November 3 - Boys Bball tryouts in Scripps gym 7th Grade @ 2:30, 8th Grade @ 4:15
Friday, November 3 - Playoff varsity football vs. Clarkston - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, November 6 - Last day of boys bball tryouts in Scripps gym 7th Grade @ 2:30 p.m., 8th Grade @ 4:15 p.m.
Monday, November 6 - Competitive cheer tryouts @ LOHS 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 7 - Boys Bball practices begin
Tuesday, November 7 - Competitive cheer tryouts @ LOHS 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 8 - In-person parent-teacher conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 9 - Art GAP club after school
Friday, November 10 - StuCo Dress theme Barbie v. Ken (or pink v. blue)
Winter Athletics
Our next season of athletics will begin in early November. All athletes must have an athletic physical on file with the school prior to playing or trying out for any sport.
All families must complete Final Forms registration prior to the first competition.
Winter Season 1 Athletics Information is now posted on the athletics website.
Free Meals in 2023-2024
It is important that all families who qualify for free and reduced lunch complete the form within this registration process to receive additional services at reduced cost (pay to participate for athletics, holiday assistance, field trip assistance etc.) The forms are available at https://lakeorion.familyportal.cloud/.
The state of Michigan’s 2023 budget included a return to free meals for all students.
The standards for students to receive the meals for free:
- Every student is entitled to one free breakfast, and one free lunch per school day.
- Students must take a fruit or juice with their breakfast entrée for the meal to qualify as a complete meal and be FREE.
- Students must take a fruit or vegetable (they may take both) with their lunch entrée for the meal to qualify as a complete meal and be FREE.
More information is available at LakeOrionSchools.org/FoodService.
Distinguished Dragon Staff Recognition
Lake Orion Community Schools is launching a program in 2023-24 to recognize LOCS staff members for their excellence.
The intent of the Distinguished Dragon program is to ensure that staff members who go above and beyond their regular duties are appreciated. The additional effort or support can range from helping an individual to helping a group or any effort that seems worthy of praise.
The staff member can be nominated by a student, parent, community member or a colleague by completing the form at Distinguished Dragon Submission
We ask for the submitter's name and contact information to follow up with specific questions if necessary. Please make sure to select the appropriate school/department form so the message is routed in the proper direction.
Please complete the form entirely so the individual can be appropriately honored for their contributions.
International Students Seeking Host Families
Lake Orion High School has partnered with Exchange Mate International and is seeking host families to host a semester student. The student would arrive the weekend of January 19, 2024 to start 2nd semester on January 24. The student would depart the week of June 10,, 2024. There is a $600 monthly stipend that host family would receive to offset the cost of hosting. Students arrive with their own cell phone and health insurance and students are responsible for their own personal expenses.
There are 2 students available 2nd semester and seeking host families:
- 11th grade boy from Italy interested in golf, tennis, running and skiing. He loves pizza and pasta.
- 12th grade boy from Brazil interested in soccer, working out and swimming.
If you are interested in hosting either of these students or if you would more information, please reach out to program coordinator Michele Novak at michele.novak@lok12.org or 248-431-3098.
LO Winter Guard
Public Library Think Link
Important Links
OK2SAY
Post Graduate Opportunities
Looking to explore in-demand careers and discover the degrees or credentials needed to pursue them? Use Pathfinder, Michigan’s online career exploration tool that uses current information related to employment and the workforce, as well as data about the relationship between education and training programs, to help you learn about career paths and jobs in the state.
Start the journey at www.Pathfinder.MiTalent.org
This 30-second video may be used on social media for a visual presentation of the experience users will have on Pathfinder on a smart phone:
About US
Email: david.mckay@lok12.org
Website: https://www.lakeorionschools.org/scripps-middle-school
Location: 385 East Scripps Road, Lake Orion, MI, USA
Phone: 248-693-5440
Twitter: @Scripps_MS
Instagram: @scripps_ms