This Week at Lilburn Middle School

• 📣 Message from Dr. Irish

• 🎓 Eighth-Grade Updates: High School Transition, GSMST & Dues

• 📚 Title I: The Plan...The Promise

• 🎨 Hispanic Heritage Month: Student Winners & Guest Speakers

• 🎥 Informed with Irish: October 20 Meeting Recording

• 🐴 PBIS Fundraiser Week: Thank You, Mustangs!

• 🌟 Mustang Highlights: Chorus, Cross Country, Basketball & Peer Leaders

• 📅 Upcoming Events & Important Dates

• ✍️ Student Contests & Opportunities

• 📚 Adult English Classes, Family Learning & Student Resources

• 🤝 Fundraising, Recognition & Community Opportunities

• 🎓 Clubs, Student Activities & School Resources

Greetings, LMS Families!

Welcome back! We want to take a moment to celebrate our students for doing such a wonderful job during our first week back from Fall Break! Their energy, focus, and enthusiasm in the classrooms have been fantastic, and we are so proud of how quickly they jumped right back into learning.

Next week, Lilburn Middle School is proud to celebrate Red Ribbon Week! This annual observance gives us a dedicated, targeted time to focus on what it means to choose a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the week, our students will engage in daily SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) discussions focused on honoring their bodies, their minds, and their peace by choosing to live substance-free. We encourage you to talk with your child at home about making positive choices and choosing health and wellness every day. To learn more about the national campaign, please visit the RED RIBBON WEEK site.

We also have a busy week ahead featuring PSAT 8/9 testing for our 8th graders, our Relay for Life lunch store, and Early Release Days for Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Parent-Teacher Conferences & Community Updates

Early Release Parent-Teacher Conferences (October 28 & 29)

Please be on the lookout for conference invitations from your child’s teachers as we prepare for our Early Release days on Wednesday and Thursday. We strongly encourage all families to respond to these invitations to confirm a meeting time. If you have not received an invitation but would like to discuss your child's academic progress, please feel free to reach out directly to your child’s teachers to request a time to meet!

GCPS Instructional Resources Review Committee (Applications Close Oct. 25)

GCPS invites parents and community members to apply for the district’s Instructional Resources Review Committee (IRRC). Committee members evaluate instructional resources (this year focusing on French, German, and Spanish) to help select materials for district pilots. The review session takes place on December 3 at the ISC in Suwanee. The application deadline is today, Sunday, October 25. Please visit the GCPS website to learn more or click here to apply.

Scholastic Art & Writing Competition Now Open!

Is your child passionate about visual arts or creative writing? Entries are now open for the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! Creative students can submit work across a variety of visual arts and writing categories.

Eligibility: Students must be in grades 7–12 and at least 13 years old at the time of entry.

Submissions are open through December 15. Visit the Scholastic Art & Writing website for guidelines and entry details.

What’s Happening at LMS This Week

• Monday, October 26:
• Red Ribbon Week Kickoff: WEAR RED today to show your commitment to a healthy, substance-free lifestyle! See the flyer for the theme for each spirit day.
• Relay for Life Merchandise Store open during student lunches (all week)
• Tuesday, October 27:
• PSAT 8/9 Testing Day (8th Grade): 8th graders, please arrive on time with a fully charged Chromebook!
• Morning Tutoring: Connections (8:15 AM)

• Boy Scouts Classroom Visits — 2:00 p.m.

• Before/After-School Clubs: Chess Club, Gear Up Healthcare Science, & Environmental Club
• Wednesday, October 28:
• EARLY RELEASE DAY: Early dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Morning Tutoring: Math & Social Studies (8:15 AM)
• LMS Basketball vs. Sweetwater MS @ Berkmar HS (5:30 PM)
• Boy Scouts Sign-Up Night — 6:30–7:30 p.m., 6th Grade Hallway (during Parent-Teacher Conferences)
• Before/After-School Clubs: Campus Life (8 AM) & Student Council
• Thursday, October 29:
• EARLY RELEASE DAY: Early dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Morning Tutoring: Language Arts & Science (8:15 AM)
• Friday, October 30:
• LYLA (Lilburn Youth Leadership Academy) Meeting — 9:25 a.m. (participating students)
• Honors Chorus Showcase in Athens (Day 1)
• Meadowcreek High School Football @ Lakeside HS
• Saturday, October 31:
• LMS Basketball @ Summerour MS (9:00 AM)
• JLC Raider Meet at Dacula HS
• Honors Chorus Showcase in Athens (Day 2)
• English Classes for Adults

Looking Ahead

• Sunday, November 1: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour!)
• Sunday, November 1: Native American Heritage Month Begins
• Tuesday, November 3: Digital Learning Day — Students will learn from home. No in-person classes.
• Wednesday, November 4: LMS Basketball vs. Trickum Middle School at Meadowcreek High School, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5: LMS McDonald's Fundraiser — 1650 Indian Trail Lilburn Road, Norcross.
  
  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, support, and involvement in our Lilburn community. We look forward to connecting with many of you during Parent-Teacher Conferences this week! Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Irish

It's time to start planning for high school! During our October 20 Informed with Irish meeting, our eighth-grade team shared important information about the transition to ninth grade, including course selection, academic pathways, and high school registration.

Upcoming Family Information Sessions:

• Monday, November 9, 6:00–7:00 p.m. — Meadowcreek High School

• Monday, November 16, 6:00–7:00 p.m. — McClure Health Science High School

Families are encouraged to attend these sessions to learn about academic programs, electives, career pathways, athletics, clubs, and student support opportunities.

High School Selection Window: November 30–December 4, 2026

Parents and guardians will need to complete the high school selection process during this window. Students cannot complete the selection themselves. Families who do not submit a selection will be assigned the default high school, Meadowcreek, according to the information shared during the meeting.

Families of students attending LMS through a permissive transfer should contact their grade-level team about their assigned high school and applicable transfer procedures.

Missed the meeting? Watch the October 20 Informed with Irish recording for additional information from Mrs. Cooks, Mr. Brogdon, and Mrs. Burger.

The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) offers a rigorous high school program focused on engineering, bioscience, and emerging technologies.

Eligible eighth-grade students may apply for admission to the 2027–28 freshman class through a lottery process.

Important Dates:

• November 1, 2026: Application window opens

• December 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.: Information meeting for families in the Meadowcreek cluster at GSMST

• January 15, 2027: Application deadline

Students must meet specific academic eligibility requirements, including the required eighth-grade mathematics coursework.

Families interested in GSMST should review the admissions information and application instructions at gsmst.gcpsk12.org.

It's never too early to start preparing for our eighth-graders' end-of-year celebrations!

Eighth-grade dues are currently $65 per student and help cover special activities and keepsakes, including the eighth-grade dance, field trip, T-shirt, and other end-of-year events.

Payment Deadline: December 2026
Where to Pay: MyPaymentsPlus

Families are encouraged to pay by December, as the cost is expected to increase afterward.

We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with our eighth-graders!

Lilburn Middle School's 2026–27 Family and Community Engagement Plan/School-Family Promise, known as The Plan...The Promise, explains how our school, families, and students work together to support academic success.

If you haven't already completed your ParentSquare acknowledgments, please take a few minutes to do so. The Plan...The Promise is included with other important school documents and agreements in ParentSquare.

View The Plan...The Promise on the LMS Website.

Prefer a paper copy? Families may obtain The Plan...The Promise and its signature cover page from the LMS Family Engagement Center. Signed cover pages should be returned to school before October 30, 2026.

English and Spanish versions are available. Families who need assistance may contact the Family Engagement Center.

Thank you for being an important partner in your child's education!

As we conclude our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we're excited to recognize the winners of our Student Art Contest, inspired by this year's theme, “Unidos, Somos Más. Together, We Are More.”

Congratulations to our winners!

• 1st Place: Allison Esquivel, “Unidos Somos MAS”

• 2nd Place: Makayla Sharpe, “Together We Are More”

• 3rd Place: Vrunda Patel, “Together We Are More, Celebrating Success”

Honorable Mentions: Judith Canales and Ruth Hernandez

We look forward to presenting awards to our winners and thank all students who shared their creativity and cultural perspectives through their artwork.

A Special Thank-You to Mrs. Guerra!

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Guerra for her generous $100 donation in support of our Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Contest awards. Thank you for helping us celebrate our students' creativity and achievements!

Thank You to Our Heritage Spotlight Speakers!

We also extend our appreciation to Dr. Benjamin Bradshaw, Mr. Salazar, Juan Terrazas, and Coach José Rodriguez for sharing their perspectives and experiences with our students during last week's SEL Moments.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Hispanic Heritage Month a meaningful celebration of the cultures, experiences, and traditions that strengthen our Mustang community!

Did you miss our October 20 Informed with Irish virtual meeting? Families can watch the recording to learn about cancer awareness, hear from Corners Outreach, and receive important information for eighth-grade families.

Click here to watch the recording.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for supporting PBIS Fundraiser Week, October 19–23! From Beary Fun Day to Soak the Staff, it was a fun week celebrating Mustang PRIDE while raising funds for student rewards and positive behavior incentives.

We appreciate everyone's participation and support!

What a week for our Mustangs!

Chorus: Congratulations to our student singers on their wonderful Fall Concert on Tuesday, October 20! Thank you to our chorus director and families for supporting our musicians.

Cross Country: On Thursday, October 22, we celebrated our 24 runners and their accomplishments during the 2026 season. Thank you to our coaches and families for making the season special!

Basketball: Our boys' and girls' teams kicked off their regular season with games against Richards and Pinckneyville middle schools. We're excited to cheer them on this season!

Peer Leaders: Congratulations to our students who represented LMS at the October 23 “You Got a Leader in Me!” leadership conference!

Students in grades 6–8 are encouraged to showcase their creativity and writing skills. School-level competitions are taking place through December 4, with selected entries advancing to the district level and potentially the state competition.

Interested students should contact their Language Arts teachers for participation guidelines and LMS submission deadlines.

LMS Theatre is offering a $20 VIP ticket that includes admission, popcorn, and water for all four daytime performances during the 2026–27 school year.

Purchase tickets here: GoFan LMS Theatre Tickets

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and celebrate the strengths of students with dyslexia. Families can explore literacy resources, reading supports, and tools to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Literacy Resources for Families

Applications for the 2027–28 School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett High School are now open. Students interested in applying can review application and audition requirements online. Applications are due November 30.

Click here for application information.

SOTA Spotlight Night — Monday, November 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Interested families are invited to explore the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School! The evening will include student performances, school tours, opportunities to meet teachers, and information about auditions.

Location: Central Gwinnett High School, 564 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

Learn more at sota.gcpsk12.org.

Gwinnett County Public Schools invites families and community members to share their input as the district develops its FY2028 budget.

The survey closes Friday, October 30. Your feedback can help inform district budget priorities and decisions.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts before the deadline.

Calling all creative LMS students! Georgia K–12 public school students are invited to participate in the 2026 Cybersecurity Poster Contest sponsored by the Georgia Leaders of Educational Technology (GLET). First-place finalists in each category will receive prizes and state-level recognition.

📅 Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026

🏆 Open to Georgia K–12 public school students

🔗 Official Cybersecurity Poster Contest Rules and Entry Information

Lilburn Middle School's free English classes for adults begin Saturday, October 31, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

We're excited to welcome our adult learners as they begin developing their English communication skills!

What to Expect on the First Day:

• Participants who completed their placement assessment on October 7 will take part in a learning activity.

• Participants who have not yet completed the assessment will take it on October 31.

For questions about the program, please contact Mr. Doyne at michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org or 404-683-3445.

Don't miss out on the memories! Yearbooks are now on sale. Reserve your copy today and celebrate the 2026-27 school year with photos, events, and special moments from Lilburn Middle School.

Order Your LMS Yearbook

Lilburn Middle School offers a variety of clubs and activities that help students explore their interests, develop leadership skills, serve their community, and connect with other students. Explore the opportunities below and contact the club sponsors for more information.

Boy Scouts Sign-Up Night — Wednesday, October 28!

Interested in learning more about Boy Scouts? Representatives will visit LMS classrooms on Tuesday, October 27, and families will have an opportunity to sign up during Parent-Teacher Conference Night.

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Lilburn Middle School, 6th Grade Hallway

Families are welcome to stop by during the scheduled time to learn more!

Campus Life

Campus Life meets Wednesdays from 8:00–8:45 a.m. in the Old Gym. Students can participate in interactive games, activities, open gym, community-building, and encouraging conversations about relevant topics. The club is free, and snacks are provided.

Permission is requested for participation.

Register for Campus Life.
School Contact: Michael Doyne, michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org

Chess Club
Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m.
Room: Mr. Ponraj's classroom
Contact: Christ.Ponraj@gcpsk12.org
Open to students of all experience levels. Students should pick up a permission form from an academy office.

Crochet Club
Thursdays at 8:15 a.m.
Sponsors: Ms. Checkwood and Ms. Constantino
Contact: Jennifer.Checkwood@gcpsk12.org

Environmental Club
Tuesdays after school until 6:00 p.m.
Family Engagement Center/LMS Garden

Contact: Michael Doyne, michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org

GoSTEM Club

Meeting dates may vary. Please contact Ms. Luna to confirm the schedule.

GoSTEM is underway! Students interested in joining should turn in an application to their grade-level academy.

This free program, offered in partnership with Georgia Tech, includes weekly STEM activities and lessons, college and career exploration, mentorship from Georgia Tech students, and a spring field trip to Georgia Tech.

Contact: Ms. Erin Luna at erin.luna@gcpsk12.org

Mustangs United Student Council Leadership

Interested in Student Council? Student Council members will meet on Wednesdays after school.

Sponsors: Dr. Maymmie Seivright, D.J. Johnson, Egline Cherono, and M. Fatima
Contact: Maymmie.Seivright@gcpsk12.org

Readers Rally
Thursdays at 8:15 a.m.
Sponsors: Ms. Checkwood and Ms. MacDaniel

Contact: Jennifer.Checkwood@gcpsk12.org

LMS Science Fair

Have a question you’ve always wanted answered, a problem you want to solve, or an idea that could make a difference? Students interested in participating in the LMS Science Fair can pick up an interest sheet from their grade-level academy office. The sheet includes a Google Classroom code with everything students need to get started.

Yearbook Photography Opportunities

Students interested in helping photograph school events throughout the year can join the Yearbook Google Classroom. Students in the Classroom will receive information about upcoming photography opportunities, with Creator Team members receiving priority for assignments.
Google Classroom code: hmnd5ujd

Lilburn Middle School is preparing for another year of student nominations for C5 Georgia, a five-year leadership development program that helps young people build confidence, leadership skills, and prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond.

LMS seventh-grade teachers will be invited to nominate students who demonstrate high potential, are ready for new challenges, and could benefit from additional opportunities and support.

Applications open November 1. We are working with C5 Georgia to arrange an informational presentation for nominated students and an evening meeting for their families.

More information will be shared as plans are finalized.

Learn more: C5 Georgia

LMS homerooms are competing to spell M-U-S-T-A-N-G by earning a letter each day their class has 100% attendance and on-time arrival. Families can help by making sure students are at school and ready to learn each day. The first homeroom to spell M-U-S-T-A-N-G will have its class recognized on the school marquee and receive freshly baked cookies!

Use ParentVUE to view your student’s schedule, grades, assignments, attendance, report cards, and bus information. Families can use the ParentVUE mobile app or access ParentVUE online.

Lethargic (adjective) — Exhausted or unmotivated.

Example: After a long week of studying and activities, the student felt lethargic and had trouble concentrating.

A few quick ideas from this week's family eTIPS to help your middle schooler succeed:

• Make attendance a priority. Missing even one or two classes can make it harder for students to keep up. Encourage consistent school attendance and healthy nighttime routines.
  

• Help your teen get enough sleep. Encourage completing assignments earlier in the day, establish a nighttime screen cutoff, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Help your student overcome schoolwork challenges. Suggest using a to-do list, praise progress, and encourage your child to ask teachers for clarification when assignments are confusing.

See more family eTIPS for this week.

Know an LMS teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, counselor, nutrition professional, custodian, coach, administrator, or staff member who is making a positive difference? Families can nominate a Hidden Hero through October 30 as part of the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement recognition program.

Nominate here: https://hiddenheroes.glisi.org/2026

There are many ways families, friends, neighbors, businesses, and community members can support Lilburn Middle School this year.

Join the PTSA: Membership is open to everyone, including parents, guardians, students, relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members. First create an account through Totem, then complete your $10 membership payment. Volunteering is not required to become a member.

Join the Lilburn Middle School PTSA

Volunteer at LMS: We are looking for family and community volunteers to help with PTSA activities, school programs, events, and other opportunities throughout the year.

Become a Business Partner: Local businesses and organizations can support LMS students and staff through our Business Partner Program.

Learn More About the LMS Business Partner Program

Other Ways to Support LMS:

• Box Tops for Education
• Kroger Community Rewards

For more information about PTSA membership, volunteering, or becoming a Business Partner, contact Michael Doyne at michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org or 404-683-3445 by phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Breakfast is available at no charge to all Lilburn Middle School students during the 2026–27 school year.

Lunch prices are:

• Full price: $2.75

• Reduced price: $0.40

• No charge for students approved for free meals

Families can view the daily breakfast and lunch selections online.

Looking for extra academic support for your child? Gwinnett County's Community Resource Center at Georgia Belle Court offers tutoring and homework assistance in math, reading, and writing for students ages 5–18.

Upcoming Saturdays: October 31, November 14 and November 21

Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Location: 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross, GA 30093

Cost: $5 per child (additional fees apply to non-Gwinnett residents)

Registration: GwinnettOneStop.com

Questions: 678-225-5400

Corners Outreach offers an after-school program for middle and high school students focused on academic support, leadership, skill development, and preparation for future opportunities.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2:30–6:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 per family
Transportation: Available for $20 per month

Families may register Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at:

Corners Outreach
1854 Shackleford Ct.
Norcross, GA 30093

Questions: 678-896-6978

Mixtura Clubhouse offers free after-school programming for young people ages 11–17, including mentoring, family activities, transportation, life-skills development, recreation, and community activities.

Location: 6500 McDonough Dr., Suite D9, Norcross
Contact: 770-862-4886 or 470-618-7429 | mixtura@vphealth.org
Learn more about Mixtura Clubhouse

The 8th annual GCPS Book Mobile 5K will be held October 31. The event supports the GCPS Book Mobile program, which helps provide books directly to students. Families and community members of all ages and abilities are invited to participate.

Register here.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host its 6th Annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Friday, November 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

For more information, contact the Community Outreach Unit at 770-619-6795 or GCSOCommunityOutreach@gwinnettcounty.com.

See the flyer below for additional information, including volunteer and donation opportunities.

The Heart of GIVE Food Pantry serves families on the first Friday of every month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at GIVE Center East, 723 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville. The pantry provides food, support, and community resources, and volunteers are also welcome.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ms. Foote at 770-919-5633 or heartofgive365@gmail.com.

Gwinnett County Public Schools has published the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school year calendars.
View GCPS School Year Calendars

You can also view the LMS School Calendar for school events, activities, and important dates.
View the LMS School Calendar

Find support for academics, emotional wellness, high school planning, and more.

Visit the LMS Counselors’ Resource Page

Lilburn Middle School

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• X (formerly Twitter)

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

PTSA

• Facebook

• Instagram

Athletics & Clubs

• LMS Athletics Instagram

• Band Instagram

• Chorus Instagram

• Cross Country Facebook | Instagram

• Orchestra Facebook | Website

• Soccer Instagram

• Theatre Facebook | Instagram

• FBLA Instagram

• Environmental Club Facebook | Instagram

Explore the schools of the Meadowcreek Cluster

We are grateful for the families and community members who generously give their time to support Lilburn Middle School!

• The James family — Thank you for helping at both of our first two basketball games this season!

• The Ho/Pham family and Leslie Domingo — Thank you for helping decorate the outside of our school on Saturday, October 24, in preparation for Red Ribbon Week!

• Josh Ham — Thank you for your continued dedication and support of our Cross Country team!

• Our Great Days of Service contributors — Thank you to all the families who donated items to support our community!

Did we miss someone who supported LMS recently? Please let us know so we can recognize them in a future newsletter. We appreciate everyone who helps make our Mustang community special!

View Previous LMS Newsletters

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