The Paw Print

Dr. Dominique Falls, Principal

Dr. Rhonda Jackson, Assistant Principal

Dr. Lavetta Posey-Glover Assistant Principal

Mr. Tim Gardner, Home School Communicator

Email: dfalls@cpsk12.org

MOTTO: Back to Basics!

VISION: Shape the future, support growth, pursue greatness, and recognize excellence.

MISSION: Lead with character, learn with pride, and together we achieve success!

9/1 iReady Testing - Reading

9/1 Fall Athletic Photos

9/1 Back to School Night 5:30-7:30pm

9/2 iReady Testing - Math

9/2 8th Grade Volleyball Parent Mtg 5:30-6pm

9/7 No School - Labor Day

9/8 Intramurals Begin - Football

9/8 Activity Bus Begins

9/8 Volleyball Begins

9/9 Cross Country Begins

9/10 Football Begins

9/14 PTSA Mtg 6pm

9/16-9/17 7th Grade Science Camp

9/30 Early Release 12:05pm

Dear Lange Middle School Families,

I am honored and delighted to be a member of the Lange Middle School Family. As your principal, I look forward each day to strengthening the relationships that I have begun building with all of our wonderful students, families, teachers, and talented staff. High expectations, which have been established by our qualified and dedicated staff, will be maintained while also providing a safe and nurturing student-centered community that fosters respect for individual differences.

At Lange Middle School, we will strive to make the learning process a positive and rewarding experience while maintaining a desire to develop a generation of inquisitive young people who will become lifelong students in their various pursuits of excellence. I am excited about working with the active and involved parents that help to make Lange Middle School a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow. Everyone at Lange Middle School is looking forward to a productive and rewarding 2026-2027 school year as we work with your child and family.

Our school’s mission is to lead with character, learn with pride, and together we achieve success! Our school’s vision is to shape the future, support growth, pursue greatness, and recognize excellence. We believe that our vision focuses on all students achieving at high levels aligns with Columbia Public Schools’ vision to be the best district in the state. This work demands high expectations from our teachers, support staff, parents, and students. These high expectations are producing positive results. Below are some of the key achievements of this year, however there are many more!

• Met the district goal of increasing MSIP-6 attendance by 10%

• Met the district goal of increasing scholars’ performance on I-Ready by 3% in both Communication Arts and Mathematics

• Achieved “Exemplary Level” recognition for MO-PBIS 25-26

• Achieved "Distinction Status" recognition for AVID 25-26

• 57 students enrolled in the 7th & 8th Grade AVID electives

• Hosted the City-Wide K-8 Chess Tournament

In a commitment to fully engage our parents, please be sure to stay informed:

● Regularly check our school website for the most up to date information at https://www.cpsk12.org/Page/35

● Subscribe to our communication system by giving us your current email and phone number.

● Follow us on Twitter: @lmsleopards

● Attend LMS Back to School Night (September 1st, 5:30-7 PM)

● Joining and participating in our Parents, Teachers, and Students Association (PTSA) events

Warm Regards,

Dr. Falls

Please check our website regularly to stay updated on all the activities taking place here at Lange Middle School. The more you become involved the better connected you and your child will become with our school. Encourage your child to join one of our clubs or try out for an athletic team. During the adolescent years this is a huge factor in students’ level of success. Together we can help all our students achieve success. Thank you for being great supporters of Lange Middle School.

In a commitment to fully engage our parents, please be sure to stay informed:

● Regularly check our school website for the most up to date information at https://www.cpsk12.org/Page/35

● Subscribe to our communication system by giving us your current email and phone number.

● Follow us on Twitter: @lmsleopards

● Follow us on Facebook: John B. Lange Middle School

● Joining and participating in our Parents, Teachers, and Students Association (PTSA) events

FACEBOOK HANDLE

On August 19, 2025 in accordance with Missouri Senate Bill 68, CPS will not allow the use of Personal Electronic Devices, such as cell phones, at any school at any time during the instructional day.

What will that mean?

· All changes are consistent with Senate Bill 68 .

· The act defines an "electronic personal communications device" as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.

· From the beginning of the day to the end of the day, phone and personal electronic devices must be on silent and put away from the beginning until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, during instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes and study halls.

· Exceptions are allowed during emergency situations or when authorized under federal law for health or special education purposes.

How does this differ from 2024-25 procedure?

· This year students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices during any part of the day. This is a change from last year when secondary students in some schools were allowed to use personal electronic devices during non-instructional time, such as passing time and during lunch.

We wanted to share this information before the start of the 2025-26 school year so that students, families, and staff are aware of the updates of our Personal Electronic Device procedures.

We also invite our CPS families to join us in our efforts to minimize the use of Personal Electronic Devices by supporting our teachers and having conversations about this with their students at home. Our top priority has always been providing impactful learning opportunities for our students. In CPS, we believe part of that process includes more consistent and strict monitoring of cell phone and mobile device use.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal. Questions may also be shared by calling the Executive Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Ryan Day, or the Executive Director of Secondary Education, Mr. Josh Johnson, or at the CPS District Office: 573-214-3400.

• Cell phones are to remain off and out-of-sight from the time students arrive at school to the time they leave school. 7 AM - 2:40 PM

• Cell phones are not to be used for any reason during the school day

• NO phone calls - Must use office or classroom phone

• NO Schoology on phones

• NO E-Hallpass on phones

• NO earbuds

• SMART watches, when used in place of a phone, are considered the phone.

• This applies to all classrooms and common spaces at LMS…. NO EXCEPTIONS

Membership: Our Lange Parent Teacher Student Association

(PTSA) is asking parents to join the PTSA for this school year.

Membership is on $10 per parent/guardian. Applications are available in the main office.

Meeting: The next PTSA meeting will be held on September 14th, at 6PM in the Lange cafeteria. Please mark your calendar to attend this meeting. We hope to see you there!

Dear Lange Family,

This year school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

• who they can turn to at school for help

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. At the end of class, students will complete an exit slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk.

We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact us, LMS Counselors at 573-214-3250, Monday-Friday, 7:30-2:35 pm.

Mrs. Erynn Carey, ecarey@cpsk12.org

Mrs. Belinda Woods-Galbreath, bwoods@cpsk12.org

Ms. Jessica Hager, jehager@cpsk12.org

Sincerely,
Dr. Dominique Falls, Principal, dfalls@cpsk12.org

9/2 8th Grade Volleyball Parent Mtg 5:30-7:30p

John B Lange Leopards - COLUMBIA, Missouri - Sideline Store - BSN Sports

John B Lange Leopards Sideline Store. Find customizable apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more merchandise and gear. -launchsideline.bsnsports.com

Have you been dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower? How about experiencing a flamenco dance? If so, you’re invited to join Ms. Kline via Zoom this Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 as she introduces the next international trip - FRANCE AND SPAIN, June 2028. You’ll get a look at the logistics - itinerary, affordable payment options, travel insurance, etc - and help to navigate whether this trip is right for your student and/or family.

Looking for a different destination? Maybe you’re craving sushi and anime? No problem! The Japan trip is still enrolling for spring break of next year.

Bonus! - Ms. Kline’s colleagues will be on hand at this collaborative Travel Night to share information about other upcoming trips: South Africa (2028), Australia (2027), and the British Isles (2027)!

Please let us know you’re coming by registering here for the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4cronkq Feel free to share this flyer and link with friends and family!

Email vkline@cpsk12.org or vkline479@gmail.com with questions. These trips are not sponsored by CPS.

• Parents, please know that we are trying to keep our Lange Family safe.

• Please follow the directions of the signs, arrows and adults when dropping off and picking up.

• Please do not go around the parking lot or drive through the lot.

• Remind your student to look for your car and walk to get in on the passenger side of the vehicle.

• Look over map for visual description

Parents, please note that it is an Exit Only for the northeast drive. We want to make sure to be safe when driving through our parking lot. Notice the Exit Only drive and please never pass on the right of cars in the drop off and pick up area.

• Students should arrive ready to learn each day in time to be in their classroom by 7:25AM.
• Once students arrive they should grab breakfast (optional) and go directly to their Period 1 class.
• Students will be supervised by teachers and other adults as they are leaving the building. They are expected to leave the building and go directly to their bus or car transportation for that day.
• Any students who wants to go home with someone other than their assigned bus or guardian, they will need a pass from the main office before the end of the school day. We are asking parents/guardians to make arrangements for a different mode of transportation (if needed) before 2:00PM. This will give us time to get the pass to the student before the bell rings at 2:35PM.

• Students will not be issued a locker. This will help minimize the chance of students congregating in the hallways.
• Passing periods are 3 minutes so students need to go directly from one class to their next class.
• Students should maintain as much physical distancing as possible when walking in the halls.

• A daily hot lunch
• Individual Pan Pizza
• Cheeseburger

***Please note that CPS does NOT accept food deliveries for students or made by students. Outside food must be delivered by the guardian(s) on students file.

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year! The Nutrition Services department would like to inform and remind all families that children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals if household income meets federal eligibility guidelines. A new application must be submitted each school year and can be completed online at MySchoolApps.com.

Your information is confidential and will only be used to determine eligibility.

To Be Considered, a Complete Application Must Include:

1. Total household income from all sources or a valid Food Stamp/TANF/FDPIR case number
2. Names of all household members
3. Signature of an adult and the last four digits of their Social Security number, or an indication that they do not have one

Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. District officials may verify your information.

Children May Also Qualify If They:

• Are in foster care
• Participate in Head Start
• Are identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway
• Live in households receiving WIC, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits

Important: Household Changes

If your household size changes or a family member becomes unemployed, you should update your application. These changes may make your child newly eligible for benefits.

Questions or Help?

Please contact Nutrition Services at lunch@cpsk12.org or call 573-214-3480 for help with the application or eligibility questions. Additional school meal information can be found at the Nutrition Services' website at cpsk12.org/nutrition.

Sincerely,
Nutrition Services
Columbia Public Schools

Attachments:

• Meal benefit form
• Nutrition Services Meal Procedures

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

• Visitors are asked to schedule visits in advance with the person you need to see.
• Visitors will not be allowed to come for lunch with students in the cafeteria. An alternate eating location may be arranged if you contact the LMS main office in advance at (573)214-3250. We will let you know if it is possible at the time of your call. Please keep in mind that health protocols change constantly and we can't guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your request to be in the building.
• To schedule an appointment, please e-mail the person you would like to meet with OR call the LMS main office.
• If picking up your student, remain in your car and call the LMS main office and your student will be sent to your car.

• Drinking fountains will be available for student use. Students should get permission from their teacher to fill their water bottle.
• Students are encouraged to bring a personal water bottle from home. We can provide a personal water bottle to any student who needs one.

Dear LANGE FAMILY,

We’re excited to share that our school is participating in Cash for Classrooms, part of Casey’s Rewards. This opens up LANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL to new funding opportunities to help improve learning environments for students.

The best part? Donations don’t come out of your own pocket. When you buy from Casey’s and use their rewards program you can simply turn your points into a donation to our school.

Help LANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL make the most of this program and learn more at caseys.com/schools.

Sincerely,

Dominique Falls

Earn Money for Lange Middle School PTSA when you use your Gerbes loyalty card!!!!

The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact and charitable giving at the national and local levels. Every community is unique, but our common goal is to partner with the neighborhoods we serve and help the people there live healthier lives.

One of the ways in which we do this is through our Gerbes Community Rewards program. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Gerbes and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a digital account.

A digital account is needed to participate in Gerbes Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.

2. Link your Card to an organization.

Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Gerbes Community Rewards selection on your digital account.

3. Sign in to your digital account.

4. Search for your organization here.

5. Enter the name (LANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA) or NPO number (UI506) of the organization you wish to support.

6. Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”.

Your selected organization will also display in the Gerbes Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.

7. Your organization earns.

Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Gerbes donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Gerbes Community Rewards organizations.

If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Center.

Whether you’re a customer or an organization, get started today!

Note: If you are a customer, make sure you have a preferred store selected (GERBES ON PARIS RD) to view participating organizations. If you are applying on behalf of an organization, please select a store in the same area as your organization.