Lutherville Lab Report

What's gone down & what's coming up at the leopards' lair.

January 26, 2024

Lutherville Families,

It was great to get back to routine and a five-day-week this week! Since I last wrote there have been some wonderful classroom visits that I wanted to share with the community. Last week, we were asked last minute to host principals from other BCPS elementary schools, executive leadership, and a consultant from the company that provides our new ELA curriculum to observe implementation and discuss instruction. We visited classrooms in grades 2-5 and in debrief, the group was thoroughly impressed with the structures, routines, and strategies that our teachers were implementing and the level of work our students were producing. Some of the visitors who had visited many schools across the district noted that they had not seen better implementation to date. I am so proud, and not at all surprised, by what the guests saw from our exceptional staff and students.

I was similarly reflecting on the efforts and effectiveness of our teachers during classroom observations this week and last. I saw teachers and support staff meeting an exceptional range of needs, supporting students in becoming strong independent learners, and creating nurturing learning environments. This includes a steadfast effort to be intentional in making sure every student's voice is heard in the classroom and being inclusive of students with special needs.

These visits reflect our school living out our beliefs and mission to create the environment and relationships to build a lasting foundation for every student to pursue excellence in future endeavors.

In partnership,

-Mr. McComb

Calendar Reminders:

1/29 through 2/2 - Scholastic Book Fair shopping during Library time (Tues & Thurs Evening Hours)

1/30 - Middle School Academic Readiness, 6:00pm

2/8 - 100th Day of School! Student may dress with 100 things, or as a 100-year-old to celebrate!

2/9 - Schools Closed

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Now THAT is collaboration!

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Finding the rhythm

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Purple Friday!

Attention 5th Grade Parents!

We have our first session in the Middle School Readiness Parent Series coming up on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:00. We will meet in the cafeteria and have a presentation from Principal Shanks and 6th Grade Team Leader Elliott followed by question and answer. Childcare will be provided by Caliday.

We hope to see you there and please note the future presentations and locations in the image below!

Hour of Power

Our students and staff continue to do an excellent job getting some extra game-based math practice and extra reading time in on Thursday and Friday afternoons. If you've been meaning to reach out about donating snacks or perhaps volunteering if your schedule allows, we still have 7 weeks left and would love the support!

Mr. Weigle Seeking Art Supply Donations

Dear Lutherville Lab families,

If you have any donatable art supplies, bring them to school for donation to the art room! The following supplies would be terrific donations: sharpies, paper, pencils, erasers, glue, and watercolor paint. Don't let the list end there, though! Cloth, fabric, illustration markers, pens, clay and stencils are also wonderful donations. Feel free to drop off donations at the front office, or have students bring supplies to Mr. Weigle directly.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students have a joyful, materially bountiful art-making experience!"

-Mr. Weigle

The Scholastic Book Fair is here and help is needed!

Class visits and shopping: Mon Jan 29th - Fri Feb 2nd, according to Library schedule

Family shopping: Tues Jan 30th and Thurs Feb 1st from 5:00-7:30 pm

Help please:

Volunteering for the Book Fair is fun, easy and a short time commitment with no prior experience needed! Having parents and family members serve as our cashiers and floaters makes this event possible. Please click here to view available times and sign up for a shift. We especially need assistance with Tues and Thurs evenings and there are a few remaining weekday spots during class visits.

Payment options:
You can send your child in with cash or even easier, you can set up an e-wallet. Money that is not used in this round of the Book Fair can be used online or saved for your child for next year's event. Here are e-wallet instructions and more FAQs. Credit cards and checks made out to Lutherville Lab PTA are also options that are especially convenient for the evening shopping events.

Online shopping:

Beginning today, Fri Jan 26th you may also shop online! Perhaps you're looking for an expanded selection of exclusive books, new releases, value packs, and more or know of other family members who would like to support LL. All orders ship home and book-only orders over $25 ship free.

PTA support:

With PTA funds, we ensure that every LL student is able to select a book and each teacher also receives a stipend for books for their classroom so thank you for supporting the PTA and our literary leopards!

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

Chic-Fil-A Spirit Night

Wed Feb 7 from 3-7 pm, two locations to choose from:

Cockeysville - 10142 York Rd

Hunt Valley - 6 Hyland Avenue

3 ways to participate - must show flyer* and tell them you are with Lutherville Lab

1. Order at the drive-thru

2. Order in the restaurant

3. Pre-order party trays - must place order and pay that night, can pick up at a future date (hmmm Super Bowl or birthday parties anyone? 😉)

*Flyer will be coming home and will be in Lab Report next week

Equity Guiding Coalition (EGC) & PTA NEW Joint Meeting Dates

Letter to Board of Education re: Boundary Study

Tues Feb 20th and Mon Feb 26th from 6:00-7:30 pm, Library

Due to the weather, previous meeting dates were cancelled. New dates are above. To recap: for many, the Boundary Study process has been difficult to follow and has also brought forth questions concerning diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The EGC and the PTA invite you to help us write a joint letter to the Board of Education to express our frustrations and concerns. We hope you will please attend either or both meetings to learn more, share your thoughts and support both groups. Caliday will provide childcare in the cafeteria. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute thoughts, please kindly email us at luthervillelabpta@gmail.com.

Hop for Hopkins

Fri Feb 23 from 6-8 pm, Gymnasium

An annual favorite - Hop for Hopkins is a great opportunity to have fun with our LL community and to join in service for Kids Helping Hopkins. Join us for a dance party with a DJ from 6-8 PM. Students will be able to create activity kits for children at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center so they can have something fun to do while they are at the hospital. We will also be raising money for Kids Helping Hopkins. More details to come!