Lion Family Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2026

Dear Lion Parents and Families,

What a great start to the school year! As we settle into routines, I want to focus your attention on three things that make the biggest difference in your child's success: being here, doing the work, and reading at home.

Attendance Matters — Every Day Counts
Middle school is where habits are built for life. Every day your child is in class, they're gaining ground — and every absence, even one that feels minor, is a missed opportunity to learn alongside their teachers and peers. If your child is struggling to get to school, please reach out to us - we're here to help problem-solve.

Finishing the Work
Completing assignments — fully and on time — is one of the clearest predictors of academic growth. This isn't about busy work; it's about giving your child the practice they need to truly master the State Standards for their classes. Please check in regularly about homework and long-term projects, and encourage your student to ask for help before an assignment becomes overdue.

Reading at Home
Even 20 minutes of reading a night builds vocabulary, comprehension, and stamina that pays off across every subject. It doesn't have to be a novel — graphic novels, magazines, or articles about something your child loves all count. Model it yourself when you can; kids notice what the adults around them value.

This year, our staff is embracing the idea that small, consistent improvements can compound into something powerful. Attendance, completed work, and nightly reading are three simple habits that, done consistently, can transform a student's year.

Thank you for partnering with us to make that happen. Go Lions!

Eric Ogle
Principal, Lamar Middle School

Tardy Sweeps

As we move into the school year, students have had ample time to learn their class schedules and the best routes to get there. At this point, there is no reason for a student to be late to any class.

Learning time is valuable, and we are committed to protecting it. When a student arrives late, it disrupts instruction — not just for that student, but for the entire class, as the teacher has to pause the lesson to let them in and get them caught up.

In addition to our existing tardy consequence system, we will be conducting random tardy sweeps throughout the building. Students found out of class without a valid pass during these sweeps may receive an after-school detention.

We ask that you partner with us by reinforcing with your student the importance of being at school, and on time to every class, every day. Together we can maximize learning time and set our students up for success.

Thank you for your continued support.

Upcoming Events

9/1 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Football vs. Austin MS (away game)
9/2 - 7:00 AM: All Pro Dad Launch Party, Library
9/3 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Volleyball vs. Austin MS (home game)
9/4 - College Colors Day
9/4 - 3:30 PM: Kona Ice School Fundraiser, front porch
9/7 - School Holiday
9/7 - 9/11: Homecoming Week
9/8 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Football vs. Crockett MS (away game)
9/9 - Homecoming Pep Rally
9/9 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Football vs. Crockett MS - Homecoming Game (home game)
9/9 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Volleyball vs. Crockett MS (home game)
9/10 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Volleyball vs. Crockett MS (away game)
9/14 - 9/18: Irving Goes to College Week
9/14 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Football vs. Houston MS (away game)
9/14 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Volleyball vs. Houston MS (home game)
9/15 - 4:00 - 5:30 PM: International Dot Day Event, Library
9/15 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Football vs. Houston MS (home game)
9/16 - 5:30 PM: State of Lamar Parent/Family Engagement Event
9/17 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Volleyball vs. Houston MS (away game)
9/18 - 3:30 PM: Kona Ice School Fundraiser, front porch
9/21 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Football vs. Johnson MS (home game)
9/21 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Volleyball vs. Johnson MS (away game)
9/22 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Football vs. Johnson MS (away game)
9/23 - 8th Grade Career Event
9/24 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Volleyball vs. Austin MS (home game)
9/28 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Football vs. Bowie MS (away game)
9/28 - 5:30 PM: 7th gr. Volleyball vs. Bowie MS (home game)
9/29 - 5:30 PM: 8th gr. Football vs. Bowie MS, at Nimitz HS
9/30 - 5:30 PM: Parent Education Class: Vaping and Edibles, cafe

Attendance Corner

Nurse's Corner

Illness Guidelines

Medication Policy

Over the Counter Medications

Librarian's Corner

Lamar's Maru-Championship Reading Challenge

Get ready to slurrrrrp up some amazing stories! From August 10th to October 30th, Lamar Middle School is hosting the Maru-Championship Reading Challenge—a two six-week Bingo showdown inspired by everyone’s favorite comfort food.

We’re putting your reading stamina to the test! Can you complete enough reading activities and log enough minutes to fill your Bingo card? Along the way, you’ll earn savory noodle-themed badges as you tackle reading streaks, explore new genres, and share your thoughts in book reviews. Whether you’re quickly devouring a graphic novel or taking your time with a thick fantasy epic, every square you complete brings you closer to the ultimate goal.

The Grand Prize: Fill your entire Bingo card by October 30th to earn an invite to our exclusive LMS Grand Ramen Party! Slurp your way to victory—it’s time to show us what you’re made of!

Counselors' Corner

This month, the counseling team will be visiting Social Studies classrooms to deliver guidance lessons focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. These lessons will help students develop a better understanding of their own mental health and the well-being of others, while learning strategies to seek help, support peers, and stay safe during the important middle school transition years.

In addition, Lamar Middle School offers weekend food bags for families in need. This service is designed to help ensure students have access to nutritious meals outside of school hours. If your family would benefit from this resource, please contact your child's counselor or the Parent Liaison for assistance and information on how to enroll.

College & Career Week is September 14-18.

Parent Center

Dear Lamar Families,

Please make sure your student brings an extra set of undergarments and a pair of pants and keeps them in their backpack. Accidents happen, and we have a limited supply of extra pants available at school. Having a change of clothes readily available will help your student feel comfortable and prepared.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us take care of our students! 💜🦁

Estimadas familias de Lamar,

Por favor, asegúrese de que su estudiante traiga un cambio adicional de ropa interior y un par de pantalones, y que los mantenga en su mochila. Los accidentes pueden ocurrir, y tenemos una cantidad limitada de pantalones adicionales disponibles en la escuela. Tener un cambio de ropa disponible ayudará a que su estudiante se sienta cómodo y preparado.

¡Gracias por su continuo apoyo y por ayudarnos a cuidar de nuestros estudiantes! 💜🦁

2026-2027 YEARBOOK

Information Coming Soon!

Important Information

Lamar School Policies - English

Lamar School Policies - Spanish

Parent Guide to Accessing Required Instructional Materials (HB 1605)

Irving ISD Libraries Parental Controls

Lamar Campus Improvement Plan

Lamar Middle School Parent and Family Engagement - English

Lamar Middle School Parent and Family Engagement - Spanish

Lamar Title I Parent Information Meeting - English & Spanish

Access to Gradebook

K-12 Curriculum Resources to Extend Learning at Home - English & Spanish

Resources by school level—elementary, middle, and high school, it features both digital and library-based tools, providing families with multiple ways to stay engaged in their child’s academic growth.

City of Irving Support Services

The City of Irving Support Services button is linked to the city's page for Support Services for Individuals and Families. It has information about food pantries, utility assistance, unemployment benefits, employment opportunities and much more.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Parents should only utilize the drop-off and pick-up lanes to drop their students off and/or pick them up. Both parking lots are unavailable for student drop-off or pick-up as this is a safety concern for our staff and students. Additionally, please note that the drop-off and pick-up lanes are moving lanes and therefore parking in the drop off lane is prohibited. Thank you for keeping #OURKIDS safe.