Longhorn Loop
Vol. 11 Issue 26 | Feb. 16- 21
Longhorn Legacy
Longhorn Legacy
Longhorn Sponsor
Dear Lanier Families and Community,
I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Lanier Middle School!
From the moment I arrived, I have felt the pride, tradition, and strong sense of community that make Lanier such a special place. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have already received from students, staff, families, and community members in these first few days.
My family and I are thrilled to join the Longhorn community! My husband and I are the proud parents of two children, Mila (4th grade) and Malakai (1st grade), who attend Gwinnett County Public Schools. As a parent myself, I understand how much families value knowing their children are supported, challenged, and cared for each day.
As I begin this new chapter, I wanted to share a little about what matters most to me as an educator and leader. I believe in the power of schools to change lives. I believe in students and their incredible potential. I believe in teachers and the impact they have every day. And I believe strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities create opportunities for students to succeed.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to helping every student feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired. I believe learning should spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and help students see possibilities for their future.
Some of the most meaningful moments in education happen when students discover a new passion, take on a challenge, or realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined. Those moments are what inspire me as an educator, and I am excited to build upon the opportunities and experiences that already make Lanier such a special place for students.
One way I hope to stay connected is through a weekly message at the beginning of our Loop Newsletter. Each week, I will share updates, celebrations, reflections, ways for us to partner, and/or a glimpse into the great things happening around Lanier.
Thank you for the warm welcome and the opportunity to serve this incredible community. I am excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months ahead.
Hook 'em Horns!
Megan Hathaway
Principal
Lanier Middle School
Important Bus Lane Update
In an effort to streamline afternoon dismissal, we want to make sure everyone gets home safely and on time, therefore our staff will be monitoring the bus lane to help every student head directly to their bus. Over the next few days, we will guide students through the process and help them learn the routine. However, please remember that starting on Monday, August 17th, a strict timeline goes into effect. Once all students have exited the building, they will have 60 seconds to board their bus. Once the bus drivers close their doors, they cannot reopen them, and any remaining students will be directed to the front office to call home for a ride.
Let’s work together to make our afternoon dismissal smooth, safe, and stress-free for everyone!
Lanier Middle School
Join us for the Lanier Community Kickoff Celebration—an event focused on engagement, collaboration, and community! 🎉
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Lanier High School
📍 918 Buford Hwy, Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Food: Free lunch will be provided! 🍕🥪
🎉 What to Expect
Community Resource Fair: Explore local programs and discover essential resources available in our community.
Exciting Giveaways: Enter a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! 🎁
Interactive Games: Enjoy a full day of fun activities and games suitable for the whole family.
Inspirational Speakers: Hear motivating messages from inspiring speakers and community leaders.
📲 Registration
Scan the QR code on the official flyer or sign up ahead of time to reserve your spot!
Hosted in partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Resilient Gwinnett.
At Lanier Middle School, we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where every student can thrive. One way we do this is through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This program helps us recognize and celebrate positive choices while supporting students' success both in the classroom and beyond.
Our families and community play an important role in making PBIS successful. Here are a few ways you can help:
· Build strong, positive relationships with our school and other families.
- Encourage problem-solving and positive decision-making skills at home.
- Support our rewards program by donating prizes: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R6BG5GU7JM4X?ref_=wl_share or volunteering at our PBIS Hangout Day which happens twice a year.
When we work together, amazing things happen for our students!
For more information about PBIS or ways to get involved, please contact Kayla McClure at kayla.mcclure@gcpsk12.org.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us continue building the positive culture that makes Lanier Middle such a special place for students and staff alike.
Do you have old backpacks sitting in closets or garages from past school years? Donate them to the Lanier Middle School Care Closet!
Our school counselors use these donations to support students who need a backpack for the school year or need a quick replacement when an existing bag suffers a sudden rip or tear.
What We Need: Clean, gently used backpacks in good condition (zippers intact, no major damage).
Where to Donate: Drop off items at the Front Kiosk or have your child bring them to their grade level counselor.
Why It Matters: Your donation directly helps a fellow student stay Ready and Responsible every day.
What You Get: Students will receive VoLanier Credit and PBIS points for modeling leadership by demonstrating empathy and kindness while supporting your community.
Clear out the clutter and support our school community! If you have any questions about donating to the Care Closet, please contact our counseling department.
Our school is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21st and 22nd, 2026! Created by the University of Georgia, this fun citizen science project invites students, families, and community members across the Southeast to help count local pollinators.
How to participate:
Pick a spot: Choose a favorite flowering plant in your yard, garden, or school grounds.
Count for 15 minutes: Observe and tally any insects (bees, butterflies, flies, beetles) that land on your plant.
Submit your counts: Upload your results online to help real scientists track pollinator health in our region!
No prior entomology experience is required! You can download a printable Counting Sheet and check out the Insect Identification Guide on the Pollinator Census website to get ready. Let's make every count matter!
Students will be able to earn volunteer hours for this activity.
Get ready to pack the stands and bring the energy! Our volleyball team has two big matchups lined up this week. Mark your calendars and come support our athletes:
Away Game: @ Osborne📍 Location: Osborne School Gym
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
Home Game: vs. Jones
📍 Location: Lanier Middle School
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
🎟️ Reminders for Fans & Families
Tickets: Available via GoFan
LMS Athletic Department invites all parents including current 5th grade cluster parents, to an informational meeting August 25th at 6:00pm in the LMS cafeteria.
Learn more about all sports programs offered at LMS, student requirements, tryout formats, season schedules, and costs associated with participation in athletics.
Basketball Clinic
There will be a Basketball Clinic prior to tryouts for any interested student in grades 6-8.
When: Tuesday, September 15 - Thursday, September 17 from 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: Lanier Middle School Gym
Other: Clinic is not mandatory to be able to tryout
Registration: My Payments Plus Cost is $45
Limit: Clinic will be capped at 40 participants.
Basketball Tryouts
Girls/Boys Basketball Tryouts will be held on
- Monday, September 28th through Tuesday, September 29th from 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 30th through Friday, October 2nd, tryouts will be held from 4:15-6:00 pm.
Teams will be announced Friday afternoon, October 2nd.
All paperwork including a current physical must be uploaded in RankOne in order to tryout. See the Athletics page on the Lanier Middle School website.
Start the Year Strong: Join Us for All Pro Dad on August 21st!
Hey Dads!
Looking for a fun, impactful way to connect with your child and meet other great dads in our school community?
All Pro Dad is officially back for the 2026–2027 school year!
Date: Friday, August 21st
Time: 7:00 AM
Location: Media Center
Don't miss out on our big kickoff meeting. It’s quick, inspiring, and the absolute best way to start your Friday. Let's make this year our best one yet—see you there!
ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to receive and send information, such as:
- Weather-related closings & delays
- School and class information
- Share pictures and files
- See calendar items
- Upcoming class activities
Parents now have the option to be notified in the ParentVUE mobile app if their student’s grade falls below a preset threshold. Follow this link for more information.
Keep up to date with all the great things happening at Lanier Middle School by joining our social media platforms. See the Bottom Banner of this newsletter for Links to our Twitter, Facebook pages OR see the "Let's Be Social" section of the Lanier MS Homepage for links to all our social platforms including Instagram and our YouTube Channel. It is here you will see many more pictures and videos of all the activities and events happening here at LMS!