The Spark Newsletter
February 10th, 2024
Leaman Junior High School
832-223-5200 (phone)
Michael Semmler, Principal
https://www.lcisd.org/campuses/leamanjh/home
Note from the Principal (Mr. Semmler)
Dear DLJHCharger Families,
This week we held the course selection meeting for our incoming 6th graders and current 7th graders. Continue to review the course selection schedule below for important dates and e-mail the counselors if you have questions. The alpha-split is accurate in the graphic below.
This is also Valentine's week. We want our students to partner with us on "Crazy Sock" day and wear valentine's gear that day. We want to lift everyone's spirits and have some fun during this week.
Finally, there are so many great accomplishments our students are making. Sports, Dance, Flag Corps, Academic UIL, Counseling Department, etc. There are so many upcoming things as well. If you ever get frustrated with something going on at this campus, please contact me and let me get you in touch with the adult that can help with your concern. I do want to focus on the positive and all of the great things going on so we will continue to push out informaiton on the Leaman Facebook Page and Twitter. We also have a "Be The One" link below to recognize staff who are doing great things. We hope you join those pages and share the information with others so they can know all of the great things going on as well!
Sincerely,
Michael Semmler
Principal of Leaman Junior School
6th & 7th Grade Course Selection Parent Meeting Video Information
For those of you who missed the Parent Meeting to talk about course selection at Leaman for 2024-2025, here is the information to rewatch the video:
Link for video: https://lcisd.zoom.us/rec/share/I96MpjV5NCLWRttXHOepO5l2u8OAMIl1KebYQBXh50EuPVbikhhpdkOD8ZRs3Igq._QJ74PZte31vvSO3
Passcode: mZcNC3+?
Leaman Junior High Admin Team
Leslie Spencer, 8th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha A-Om leslie.spencer@lcisd.org
Lisa Cirella, 7th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha A-Om lisa.cirella@lcisd.org
Karl Carlton, 7th & 8th Grade Assistant Principal - Alpha On-Z kcarlton@lcisd.org
Brandy Franks, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha A-Gr brandy.franks@lcisd.org
Azure Gaines, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha Gs-Om azure.gaines@lcisd.org
Latoya Session, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor - Alpha On-Z lsession@lcisd.org
Kevin Kracker, 7th & 8th Grade Counselor 504 - kkracker@lcisd.org
Sylvia Rodriguez, Counselor Assistant / Registrar srodriguez@lcisd.org
Derek Foster, Boys Athletic Coordinator derek.foster@lcisd.org
Nicole Smith, Girls Athletic Coordinator nsmith@lcisd.org
Leaman JH - Benchmark Testing Schedule
Leaman Junior High Community,
Benchmark testing is an opportunity to do a "run-through" for the real STAAR testing in April. Students will go to the same classrooms they will go to for the real test, and be with teachers who will be with them in April as well. Some reminders for parents:
1) Try to schedule personal appointments around these benchmark testing dates. If a child is absent, they are then pulled later to do makeups and may miss class time to do so.
2) During the real STAAR testing, we are locked down from the time the test starts (9:30 AM) until most of the students finish and have had lunch (2:00 PM). We will be following this same process during benchmarks. If you have a conflict, contact me directly for a benchmark in advance because we cannot accommodate the day of the test.
Here are the dates. When a grade level is mentioned, that grade level is locked down while the other grade level has a regular class day. You can check out your child whenever you want on a day they are not testing even though the other grade level is holding a benchmark test.
1) Wednesday, January 31st - 8th Grade Reading
2) Thursday, February 1st - 7th Grade Reading
3) Tuesday, February 6th - TEA Field Test for 8th grade Reading
4) Wednesday, February 7th - 8th Grade Science
5) Thursday, February 8th - 8th Grade Social Studies
6) Tuesday, February 13th - 7th Grade Math
7) Thursday, February 15th - 8th Grade Math & Algebra 1
If you have any questions regarding testing, please e-mail me and either I will answer your question/concern, or I can get you in touch with the classroom teacher who can give you more specifics regarding that specific test.
Sincerely,
Michael Semmler
Principal
Student of the Week
A-GR
I don't even know where to begin. Gabby is new to the area this year. She has hit the ground running and is doing an excellent job adapting and learning the ropes at Leaman! She also visibly helpful to other classmates that may need help with something. She's incredibly polite, is showing me every day that she's a hard worker that is willing to put in the work. Keep it up, Gabby!
GS-OM
Presley Medica was nominated by Mrs. Kracker
Presley is a hard worker, and always gives her best effort! She is organized, and responsible, and is always happy to help her classmates during AVID. I love that she encourages as she clarifies their questions and remains humble. Her positive energy is great to have in class!
ON-Z
Brylee Wardenburg was Nominated By Ms. Zotyka
I am nominating Brylee for the pillar of Citizenship. She is always willing to help others around her with whatever they may need : extra help on work, supplies, or just somebody to talk to. She is part of the FCS leadership committee and has done a great job with creating community in our school.
Leaman Counselors are Back-to-Back CREST Recipients
Congratulations to Leaman Junior High for back-to-back excellence! The counseling team won the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for the second year in a row for an exemplary program. The team was selected for leadership and advocacy in serving students, campus, district, and community. Winners are recognized at the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA) annual conference later this month.
Leaman JH Counseling Team
Kevin Kracker
Azure Gaines
Brandy Franks
Latoya Session
Course Selection Schedule
Hello Charger Parents,
Please review the following documents to prepare for the upcoming incoming 7th and 8th course selection. All of the documents can be found on the Leaman Counselors Canvas and Leaman campus website under the Counselor's Corner. Counselors will be working with students on campus beginning next week and the week of Feb. 20th counselors will go into Science classes to help students enter courses.
Please have conversations with your Charger about the classes they would like to request. Junior High School Overview and descriptions of all classes for junior high can be found in the LCISD Couse Catalog beginning on page 178.
Kind regards,
Leaman Counselors
DLJH Course Selection Webinar-Replay
Link for video: https://lcisd.zoom.us/rec/share/I96MpjV5NCLWRttXHOepO5l2u8OAMIl1KebYQBXh50EuPVbikhhpdkOD8ZRs3Igq._QJ74PZte31vvSO3
Passcode: mZcNC3+?
Be The One!
Be the One- Recognizing the Amazing Staff at Leaman Junior High
Think for a moment about the fantastic staff at Leaman. Who is going the extra mile? Nominate a teacher or staff member that you would like to recognize for their hard work below. You can fill this survey out for as many staff members as you'd like.
Results will be shared each week. Thank you for taking the time to send a little love to our staff!
Leaman JH Varsity Winter Guard- 2nd Place
The Leaman JH Varsity Winter Guard came away with 2nd place at our first Texas Color Guard Circuit competition this last Saturday. The girls had a phenomenal performance and are going to continue to have an amazing rest of their season! Congrats ladies!!
Dance Department - Division 1 Ratings
All three dance departments in the purple track received Division 1 ratings at their TDEA DEAL Assessment on February 5th, 2024. This was a great accomplishment for all 3 campuses. Congratulations ladies!
Valentine's Crazy Sock Day (Feb 14th)
Valentines Day - No Student Delivery Reminder
Valentine's Day Dance
How to Pay Badge Fees
DLJH Cheer Try Outs
Leaman Charger Theatre - The Addams Family
Online Tickets will be sold from 2/9 -2/23 all tickets after this date will be sold at the door.
Public Performance – March 1st - 7pm
https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/5373/315/False/True
Public Performance – March 2nd - 7pm
https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/5374/315/False/True
Public Performance – March 3rd - 2pm
https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/5377/315/False/True
Fulshear Cheer Tryouts
Annual Big Event (Event to support the Fulshear Athletic Booster Club)
LCISD Teacher Job Fair (March 2nd, 2024)
STAAR Testing April 2024
Student Badges
As part of the dress code requirements for the 2023-2024 school year, each student is required to wear a school ID Badge. Each student is given a new badge at the beginning of each year (or when a new student registers). Badges must be worn on a lanyard, around the neck all day. Student pictures must be visible and not covered.
If a student has forgotten their badge, they have an opportunity either to purchase a new badge ($5.00) or wear a sticker badge. Sticker badges will receive the consequence of 1-day lunch detention and $1.00 fine, place on the student's account for every printed sticker badge.
We are Hiring - Join the Team
988 Crisis Lifeline
PBIS Rewards and Donations
PBIS Expectations & Rewards - PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. One large piece is explaining expectations upfront. Another piece is rewarding students when we see those focused on positive behaviors. 3 campus-wide expectations posters are placed throughout the campus and added below.
We are using LiveSchool this year and your student can log through Classlink on the LCISD webpage (at the top) to start to explore what this is all about. They do NOT need a phone to do this. It can be done on a laptop or computer.
Parents if you are interested in donating to the PBIS school store the following list is a great start. We accept all donations both monetary and items. Student will begin being able to purchase items during lunch with their LiveSchool points.
Click below to order donations:
You can drop them off in the front off or have them mailed to the school.
Birthday Shout Outs
Did you know you can give your student a Birthday Shout Out over the announcements? You can purchase a shout out for $5 through School Cash. All shout outs must be made at least 5 days in advance. Thank you and happy early birthday to all our students.
Leaman Athletics
LEAMAN JR HIGH Track & Field/Cross Country Spirit Wear 2024
The 2024 Leaman Track and Field shirt and hoodie are available online until 2/11.
Please support our track program
https://leamantrack2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Online ordering for LEAMAN JR HIGH Track & Field/Cross Country Spirit Wear 2024 ends on Sun, Feb 11, 2024 (11:59 PM CST)
Leaman's Online Pay System
Cell Phone Reminder
"A student who refuses to turn over his/her electronic device when asked by a school employee will have a disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, ranging from a minor major offense to an expellable offense. The use of a mobile telephone or any device capable of capturing images of any violation of the student code of conduct is strictly prohibited while at school or at school-related or school-sponsored events."
Inappropriate Use of Cell Phone Practice Consequences
"If an individual uses a phone to video individuals in a private setting (bathroom/locker room) or compromising situation, then it will be coded a "State Jail Felony.
Car Rider After School Pick Up
Canvas Information
Did you know that LCISD has created a dedicated page that explains Canvas. This is where you can find details on how to log in, videos on how students and parents can utilize Canvas, how to create a parent login and find parent support.
Check it out!!! https://www.lcisd.org/students-parents/canvas/canvas-information
Leaman Counselors
Below you will find information from the Counselors and activities happening on campus.
Leaman Counselors present lessons through Character Counts