The Eagle Eye

August 14, 2026

A Message From Administration

Greetings Lake Elkhorn Community,

The excitement is building, and we are truly ready for our halls and classrooms to once again be filled with smiles, laughter, friendships, and meaningful learning. It is hard to believe summer is coming to a close! Behind the scenes, our team has been hard at work, listening, learning, and preparing to ensure a strong and successful start to the 2026–2027 school year.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTA for providing a delicious breakfast for our staff on Thursday morning. Your thoughtfulness and support truly set a positive tone for the year ahead, and it means so much to our team.

Moving forward, our community newsletter will be shared each Friday at 12:00pm to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with all that is happening at Lake Elkhorn MS.

Now is the perfect time to begin establishing routines that will set your child up for success. Please take time to complete the following documents to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year.

Update your Family File (required for every student, every year)
Complete your FARMs application

We are especially excited to welcome you back to our building in just one week for our New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 20th. This is a wonderful opportunity for our new families and students to learn more about LEMS and to meet our amazing staff.

As we prepare for the first day of school, we encourage you to begin adjusting sleep routines and daily schedules to help your child feel ready and confident.

We are looking forward to an incredible year ahead and cannot wait to welcome our students back very soon!

LEMS Admin Team

🚨 Update Your Family File Today—It Matters!

Each year, all families must verify and update their Family File in HCPSS Connect. This is more than just a form, it’s essential to keeping your child safe and fully included in school experiences.

Accurate Family File information ensures we can quickly and effectively respond in the event of an emergency. It is also required for students to participate in field trips, and some grade levels already have trips scheduled early in the school year.

Please take a few minutes to complete this important step now.

Click the button below to update your Family File today!

What you need to know:

Family File must be completed every school year for every student.
Parents/guardians must log in using their own credentials (not their child’s account).
Your username is the email address provided at registration. If needed, you can reset your password directly from the login page.

What you’ll update:

Family and parent/guardian contact information
Emergency contacts
Student information, including health details
Permissions (directory, media release, etc.)
Arrival/dismissal procedures
Technology and program-related information

Please be sure to identify phone numbers as mobile to receive important text messages, including emergency alerts and weather-related updates.

New this year: Families can select additional race categories, including a Middle Eastern/North African option, in alignment with state guidance.

Some features in HCPSS Connect (such as teacher assignments, schedules, and transportation) are not yet available for the new school year—but your Family File can and should be completed now.

Thank you for taking the time to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date information to support your child’s safety and success!

Update Your Family File Now

🚨 Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) ~ IMPORTANT

We Need EVERY Family to Apply-Even if You Don't Think You Would Qualify

Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) programLinks to an external site..

Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.

Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.

Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.

Apply onlineLinks to an external site.
Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Additionally, I want you to know that there are school staff available to support you and your child.We have numerous supports in place, and I encourage you and your child to take advantage of them whenever they are needed.

Answers to frequently asked questionsLinks to an external site. on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMsLinks to an external site. or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.

Resources to help with this program

Direct link to apply for Free and Reduced MealsLinks to an external site.
FARMs paper applications - In print production, to be delivered to schools and made available to families
HCPSS Free and Reduced Meals webpageLinks to an external site.
FARMs participation additional opportunitiesLinks to an external site.
HCPSS FARMs FAQsLinks to an external site.

FARMS Application

Backpacks & Chromebooks at LEMS

For the 2026 - 2027 school year students will not be permitted to have their backpacks or chromebooks in the cafeteria. We will provide time for students to visit their lockers before and after lunch. Each student will automatically be assigned and locker and combination for their use.