September Newsletter

We've had a fantastic start to the school year! It's been wonderful to see our students' excitement and energy as they settle into their classrooms and reconnect with friends and teachers.

Over the next few weeks, our focus will be on establishing a strong sense of routine and rhythm in the school day. These consistent routines are key to helping students feel secure and ready to learn. We encourage you to take the time to review the course syllabus and classroom management plans from your child's teachers. When everyone is aware of expectations, we create a stronger team for student success.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a wonderful month of learning and growth!

Think of these days as a "reteaching" day. It is extra dedicated time in the school day designed to help students who may be struggling, need review, or need enrichment. It is a proactive time to use what we know about students to individualize what they need. This is not a punitive measure. Students may receive targeted one on one or small group instruction to close learning gaps. We believe this approach is a great way to help our students feel on track and confident in their academic abilities. Remediation Days occur on select Fridays and has a unique schedule to ensure all kids still attend their classes.

This is the schedule we will follow most days. The schedule can change for various reasons such as early dismissal, 2 hour delay, remediation day, club day or testing days.

Breakfast & Lunch Menus can be accessed via our school website: https://lehighton.nutrislice.com/menu/lehighton-middle

All students can receive FREE breakfast and lunch daily.

After-school meals begin Monday, September 8th. (This is great for the athletes who have practice or game after school, and even for students who would like something to eat before going home.) Please note that if your child takes Bus Transportation home, they can't eat on the bus.

We are off to a fantastic start to the school year! The energy in the building is positive, students are engaged, and learning is already in full swing. Thank you for your support in helping us create a welcoming and productive environment for all students.

As we move forward, we want to emphasize how important regular, on-time school attendance is to your child’s success. Students who attend school consistently perform better academically, build stronger relationships, and feel more connected to their school community.

Here are a few tips to help ensure great attendance all year:

• Establish a routine: Set regular bedtimes and morning routines to make getting to school on time easier. First bell rings at 7:26 am.

• Plan ahead: Schedule vacations and appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Stay in communication: Communicate with the school if your student is ill or facing challenges attending school. Please visit https://www.lehighton.org/excuseblankandeducationaltripform to submit an electronic excuse form within three days of the absence.

• Make school a priority: Talk with your child about the value of showing up every day and how it helps them reach their goals.

Let’s work together to make this an exceptional year for your student! If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to contact your Attendance Team at Lehighton Area Middle School.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

This month is about reminding everyone that it's okay to ask for help. Many people struggle with tough feelings, but no one has to go through it alone. Talking about our mental health helps us stay strong and helps others feel supported, too.

Remember:

• It’s okay to not be okay.
• Reaching out to a trusted adult shows courage.
• Checking in on friends can make a big difference.
• Hope and help are always available.

Where to Get Help:

• Talk to a school counselor, teacher, or trusted adult.
• If you are concerned about another student, you can make a Safe2Say report to keep them and others safe.
• Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is in crisis.

Resources for Families:

• Suicide Prevention: 12 Things Parents Can Do
• Conversation Starters: For When You Are Concerned
• Talking to Kids about Mental Health

We want your child to be successful at school and that means supporting and encouraging their whole development. While excelling in academic classes is important, students also need skills to help them overcome challenges, make good decisions, handle strong emotions, and get along with others.

This month we will begin Second Step Middle School, which is a research based program designed to improve these skills and help students both in and out of school. Units will be taught by a school counselor or social worker. For more information, please review our parent flyer.

Wondering how to create a canvas parent account? Watch this video to assist you with set up.

Join us for a night of fun at the Back to School Dance hosted by the LAMS Student Council.

6th grade dance: 6-7:30 pm

7th & 8th grade dance: 7:45-9:30 pm

Tickets will be going on sale starting September 9th. Purchases will occur in the morning in the foyer, during lunch, or at enrichment outside Mrs. Sharrow's Classroom. Tickets will be $3

Parents: Please drop off your student in the main lot. Pick up occurs at the lower south lot (by the football stadium) We appreciate your cooperation with this!

All school behavior expectations and dress code applies to the dance!

As you come back to campus, you will notice not all the doors have door handles. This is a safety update to ensure that doors cannot be blocked from the exterior for people to exit. We will update you as more safety updates come to our school!

• Returning student information for the upcoming school year is now available! This process replaces the Student Emergency Forms sent home at the beginning of each school year. You will use Power school Parent Portal to access Power school registration. Visit https://powerschool.lehighton.org. For more information please see your email from LASD on 8/26/25.
• Please review our student handbook and keep handy throughout the school year.
• Check your email frequently for communication from the school or your child's teachers.
• If you have questions about a specific class, please email or contact the specific teacher. Homeroom teachers are great for general info, but won't know class specific answers.
• Device Liability forms must be completed digitally (within the student emergency forms in Powerschool) before a student can bring their Chromebook home.

Paper flyers were distributed to students on Thursday, August 28th.

All students must have their picture taken for identification purposes.

What to expect on picture day

1. When an order is placed online, the parent/guardian will receive a camera pass via email. This can either be printed or texted to the student and brought to picture day. The photographer will photograph the printed camera pass along with the student.
2. If a student is not able to print their camera pass, that is not a problem. We will match up the student to their order manually in the production process.
3. A parent may order from the flyer up until 24 hours after picture day. After 24 hours, the online ordering access may close. This will allow our imaging team to "Pull" all orders submitted and match them with the students photographed.
4. When pictures are returned to school, all students that purchased pictures will receive their prepaid package. Any student that was photographed but did not order a package, will receive a "Proof" (PX) of their picture that was taken on picture day.

All proof packages offer parents a second opportunity to order prints. All orders are subject to shipping and handling costs of up to $8.50 and will be shipped directly to home.

We welcome parents and guardians to get involved in our PTO!

Follow them on Facebook - Lehighton Area Middle School PTO.

First PTO Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18th @ 7pm in the Middle School Auditorium. All are welcome!