Thank you to all our students, parents, staff and entire community for an outstanding first semester! Recently we honored more than 250 students with straight A’s!
As we pass the midyear we begin our preparation for next year! Eighth grade students received registration materials from Oviedo and Hagerty High Schools. Incoming fifth and our present sixth and seventh grade students received their registration materials. Please review the materials with your child and make a choice that will support and stretch skills. Students who demonstrate proficiency with the FCAT should strongly consider taking advanced classes to provide them with the necessary rigor which prepares them for high school. (Level 4s and 5s will be placed into advanced classes based on availability.) Meetings and deadlines have been scheduled for returning registration forms and are listed inside. All materials must be submitted by the deadline—honoring these dates will give your child the best chance to get their choice of courses.
FCAT is around the corner!! All 8th grade students will take FCAT Writes on Tuesday February 26. FCAT Reads, Math and Science begin April 15. Parents and guardians can assist student success by encouraging your child to give their very best!! Please try to avoid scheduling appointments and trips on FCAT testing days. Many outside leagues and organizations continue their busy schedule through this time. Please provide your coaches and sponsors with these dates and ask them to limit the amount of practice and play that occurs during this time. Late arrivals and early dismissals may result in make-up testing which will disrupt your child’s daily school schedule. During FCAT days, students should attend school and follow these important test-taking tips:
1. Get a good night’s sleep each night before the test
2. Eat a nutritional breakfast the morning of each test
3. Understand how the test is structured –teachers will review this with you
4. Plan your time—wear a watch and pace yourself
5. Review your answers for accuracy—use your time wisely!!
Finally, know that all of our students can be successful—encourage your child and emphasize that they have practiced the skills and we want them to be successful!
We want to thank Mr. Marc Pitters, Mrs. Loeb and Mr. Daly for their unending commitment to Lawton Chiles Middle School. Mr. Pitters was transferred to Rock Lake Middle School in January and Mrs. Loeb and Mr. Daly retired in January. We welcome Mr. John Antmann as the new Assistant Principal in 6th grade. Formerly, Mr. Antmann was in Orange County as an Band Director and an Academic Dean. We welcome Mrs. Tudor (8th grade US History) and Ms. Scerbo (8th grade LA). They are great additions to our already awesome staff.
We have increased our communication through the use of Skyward and our website. Make sure your information (email address) in Skyward is always up to date! Thank you for all that you do to support our students and our school!
Margaret M. Gunderson, Ed. D.
Principal |
