Longhorn Loop
Vol. 11 Issue 26 | Feb. 16- 21
Longhorn Legacy
Longhorn Legacy
Dear Lanier Families and Community,
As we wrap up another week at Lanier, I want to begin by thanking our families for their patience and flexibility regarding transportation. We know that late buses and changing arrival times can be frustrating and can impact family routines. Like many school districts, we continue to navigate bus driver shortages that are affecting schools throughout the region. Throughout this week, our transportation department has been highly responsive in working through challenges and making adjustments, and we are already seeing positive improvements. We also know that timely communication is important. Beginning next week, if a bus is expected to arrive after 4:30 p.m., we will send a ParentSquare notification so families can better plan for delays. Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding as we work together to support our students.
This week was also full of opportunities to celebrate and support our students. On Wednesday evening, we recognized our 8th-grade volleyball players during their final home match, celebrating their hard work, leadership, and commitment to Lanier. We were also excited to welcome the Lanier High School Drum Majors, who spent time working with our band students. I love seeing experiences like this that connect our students with older student leaders and help them see the opportunities ahead as they continue their journey through the Lanier cluster.
A quick reminder for families that 6-week progress reports will be available electronically next Wednesday. We encourage families to take time to review their student's progress and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns. Strong communication between home and school is one of the best ways we can support student success.
Today is also a day of remembrance as we reflect on September 11. Like many Americans, I remember exactly where I was when I learned about the events of that day. I was a student living in Niagara Falls, New York, and I can still remember the emotions and uncertainty that followed.
While our students were not yet born when these events occurred, the lessons from that day remain important. September 11 reminded us that in challenging times, people can come together with courage, compassion, and a commitment to supporting one another. Those same qualities strengthen our schools and communities every day. Whether it's helping a classmate, encouraging a teammate, supporting a neighbor, or simply choosing kindness, each of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Lanier Middle School. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and take time to appreciate the people who make your community stronger.
Megan Hathaway
Principal, Lanier Middle School
All 6th and 8th Grade students will be screened for Scoliosis on September 23rd. If your child already has been screened or is under the care of a private healthcare provider/ pediatrician? Complete the attached form and return to the Lanier Middle School clinic to opt out of this screening.
GCPS Scoliosis Screening Parent Letter English
We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday nights this season for Longhorn football! Please note that all elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult to attend. Students arriving without an adult will not be admitted. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Lace up those running shoes and come make some noise! Our Cross Country team is headed to the North Oconee Titans Invitational this Saturday. Mark your calendars and come support our athletes:
🏆Rangers XC Invitational
📍 Date: Saturday, September 12
📍 Location: Frogtown Trail in Cumming, Georgia, hosted by Fideles Christian School
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.
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.
6-Week Progress Reports will be sent home electronically on Wednesday, September 16. Families will receive a 6-class progress report showing overall grades for each class. For a more in-depth analysis and detailed assignment breakdowns, please log in to ParentVUE to review your student’s latest academic progress.
Friday, September 18, is a Digital Learning Day (DLD) for all students. Rather than attending live virtual classes, students will complete asynchronous lessons in Google Classroom via their Learning Space. Teachers will post activities to the "Classwork" tab by 8:15 AM (requiring about 15–30 minutes to complete) and will monitor email and ParentSquare throughout the afternoon to assist students.
Additionally, free meals will be delivered directly to all bus stops between 10:45 AM and 12:00 PM by our School Nutrition Program and bus drivers. These meals are provided at no cost to any child 18 years old and under.
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!
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!