Longhorn Loop
Vol. 11 Issue 26 | Feb. 16- 21
Longhorn Legacy
Longhorn Legacy
Longhorn Sponsor
What another great week at Lanier Middle!
As I continue meeting students, staff, families, and community partners, I am constantly impressed by the care, kindness, and commitment that make this community so special. Everywhere I turn, I see people investing their time, talents, and energy into supporting our students, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of it.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with our PTO and learn more about the many ways they support both students and staff throughout the year. Their dedication to Lanier is remarkable, and I encourage you to consider joining if you have not already. You can find more information later in this edition of The Loop.
I also had the chance to learn more about VoLanier and our growing partnership with the City of Sugar Hill as we expand opportunities for service and community involvement. I love seeing students discover the impact they can make beyond our school walls. Service helps students build empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a positive contributor to their community.
Yesterday, our staff came together for a collaborative kickoff as we began important conversations about how we can collectively support every student who walks through our doors. During that time, I shared my belief that every student should have the opportunity to Learn. Lead. Succeed. That means creating engaging learning experiences that challenge students to grow, exposing them to new opportunities that broaden their horizons, and ensuring they have access to the support and resources needed to thrive. Together, these experiences help students discover what is possible and develop the confidence to pursue it. I am incredibly excited to work alongside a staff that has such a deep heart for students and a shared commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
This morning, I was surprised with a special "Aloha" welcome as our staff arrived for our faculty meeting wearing Hawaiian shirts. It was a fun and thoughtful gesture that made me smile, but it also gave me an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of aloha. While it is often used as a greeting, aloha represents love, peace, compassion, respect, and the sharing of positive energy with others.
As I think about the year ahead, that spirit of aloha is exactly what I hope defines Lanier. I hope every student feels welcomed, valued, and known. I hope every family feels connected and respected. I hope our school continues to be a place where kindness, belonging, curiosity, and learning thrive together. When we lead with compassion and work together as a community, we create an environment where all students can learn, lead, and succeed.
As you enjoy the weekend, I encourage you to take time to explore something new with your family. Visit a new place, ask a big question, start a conversation, read a book, try a new activity, or simply spend time noticing the world around you. Curiosity is at the heart of learning, and some of life's most meaningful discoveries begin with a simple willingness to explore.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support of Lanier Middle School. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hook 'em Horns!
In a school full of world-class educators, being nominated by your peers is a huge honor. Please join us in recognizing and applauding our incredible 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year Nominees!
Each of these outstanding educators was officially presented with a certificate of recognition to honor their hard work, leadership, and impact on our campus. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to helping our Lanier Middle School students Learn, Lead, and Succeed every day!
Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Nominees: (From L to R starting on Bottom Row)
Linsey Novitske • Heather Lovelss • Pam Higgins
Jean Pappas • Michele Langhans • Meredith Hope
- Fong Ly
- Heather Rudell • Elise Wells • Karen Jones
Jill Onufrak • Melissa Hayes] • Bridgette Garnier
Lisa Taylor • Jordan Davis •Rebecca Spratlin
Helen Craig
Stay tuned as we announce our TOTY Finalists coming soon!
- Cell Phones & Devices: Must be powered off or silenced and stored in bookbags—not in pockets—all day. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Headphones: Bluetooth/wireless devices are prohibited. Students must use wired earbuds daily for their Chromebooks (one set is provided by the school).
Communication: Students can call home from any main office with a teacher pass, and parents can reach students by calling their grade-level office.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment!
Hey 6th Grade Parents! Wondering how your student is settling into middle school? Join Ms. Friedel for a relaxed check-in to get the latest updates, ask questions, and connect.
See you on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 PM in the Media Center!
The first All Pro Dad meeting for the 26-27 school year was held this morning at Lanier Middle School and what a turn out it was. If you missed this meeting, make sure you mark your calendars for the next one on Friday, September 11 beginning at 7:15 in the Media Center.
Partner with Us: Join the LMS PTO!
At Lanier Middle School, our PTO plays a vital role in supporting our students, celebrating our staff, and building a strong school community. When you join the PTO, your membership directly funds classroom resources, teacher appreciation events, and school-wide programs that enhance the middle school experience for every Longhorn.
No Required Time Commitment: Joining doesn't mean you have to volunteer—your membership alone makes a huge impact!
Stay Connected: Get an inside look at school events and collaborate with school leadership and fellow parents.
Support Our Staff & Students: Help us fund classroom grants, student celebrations, and campus improvements.
Together, we can make this school year extraordinary. Click here to join the Lanier Middle School PTO today!
Fall Picture day is just around the corner on Wednesday, September 16th. Students should wear your best and smile!
Cross-Country and Volleyball team and individual photos will be on September 16th as well. Players will need to be in uniform. More details to come from coaches.
Flag football has officially been added to our Fall Intramural lineup!
Please note: All participants must have a completed permission form on file. If you haven't filled yours out yet, please complete and submit the form here before joining in on the fun.
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.
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.
Let's fill the bleachers and show our Longhorn pride! We've got two big volleyball matches on deck this week.:
Home Game: vs. North Gwinnett Middle School
📍 Date: August 24
📍 Location: Lanier Middle School
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
Away Game: @ Moore Middle School
📍 Date: August 26
📍 Location: Moore Middle School Gym
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
🎟️ Reminders for Fans & Families
Cross Country is on the run this weekend! Come out and cheer on our athletes at the War Eagle Invitational
Mark your calendars and come support our athletes:
🏆 Cross Country War Eagle Invitational
📍 Date: Saturday, August 29
📍 Location: Chestatee High School
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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.
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.
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.
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!