November 2026 Newsletter

Hello, Bulldogs!

The joys of winter will be coming soon. During times of unfavorable travel weather, we do our best to evaluate road conditions and make a determination as to whether or not we have a late start, early dismissal, or school cancellation; always with our students’ safety as the priority.

SchoolMessenger

Your best source for accurate and timely school-related weather announcements will be received by signing up to receive alerts through SchoolMessenger. SchoolMessenger will provide numerous types of communication, including emergency/security alerts, weather-related announcements, and communication from your child’s teacher.

Q & A

Below are questions and answers regarding school and winter weather that I hope will provide clarity as we prepare for the winter months.

How does the school district decide whether to have a late start, no school, or early dismissal?

Road conditions will always be a determining factor. Our general rule is that when the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls issues a Blizzard Warning, Winter Storm Warning, Ice Storm Warning, or an Extreme Cold Warning for our area, we take precautions to keep everyone safe. That may mean starting late, dismissing early, or canceling school while the warning is in effect. There are other times when roads are not suitable for driving, in which case the district will consider adjusting the school schedule.

LCSD will not make up late starts or early dismissals. This is because many classes meet on an abbreviated schedule these days, and students are able to receive instruction. However, LCSD will make up school days in which the entire school day was missed.

Will we make up missed school days if students must attend after Memorial Day?

If makeup days are needed during Memorial Day week, students will attend school only through Thursday. If just one day (Tuesday after Memorial Day) is needed, it will not be made up. All scheduling decisions are subject to the State of Iowa requirements.

What are the makeup dates for the 2026-27 school year?

The makeup dates are May 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28, and June 1, 2, and 3.

Go Bulldogs!

• Nov 2: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:00pm
• Nov 2: High School Indoor Marching Band Concert, 7:00pm, High School Competition Gym
• Nov 5: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:00pm
• Nov 9: Elementary School Picture Retake Day
• Nov 10: Middle School & High School Picture Retake Day
• Nov 11: 2-Hour Early Out
• Nov 12: High School Musical, 7:00pm, Middle School Auditorium, Purchase Tickets
• Nov 13: High School Musical, 7:00pm, Middle School Auditorium, Purchase Tickets
• Nov 14: High School Musical, 2:00 & 7:00pm, Middle School Auditorium, Purchase Tickets
• Nov 17: 6th Grade Band & Vocal Concert, 7:00pm, Middle School Auditorium
• Nov 24: 2-Hour Early Out
• Nov 25-27: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Congratulations to our October Employee of the Month, Molly Boeve!

Molly is the high school physical education and health teacher. She plays an important role in helping students develop healthy habits, build confidence, and understand the importance of physical activity and lifelong wellbeing.

Thank you, Molly, for your commitment to our students and the positive impact you make in our school community!

We would like to remind families that, due to limited seating capacity, students are only permitted to ride their assigned bus routes. Only under very special circumstances are students living in town allowed to ride country bus routes. Likewise, students who live in the country are not permitted to ride town bus routes.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for students to ride different bus routes for social activities, such as visiting friends, attending birthday parties, or participating in other gatherings.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide safe and reliable transportation for all students.

It's hard to believe we're already in the second quarter! As we move into November and the weather gets colder, we typically see an increase in student illness. If your child needs to stay home, please call the high school office to notify us. Your student can stay on top of their coursework by checking Schoology while they're home.

Thank You to Our Families

Thank you to all the families who attended parent-teacher conferences! For those who couldn't attend, we encourage you to reach out to your child's teachers directly. A quick conversation—even just a few minutes—shows your student how much you value their education.

Teachers are happy to discuss your child's progress, and you can connect with them via email, phone, or in person.

If you have concerns about how your child is doing in school, please contact their teachers, Mr. Moss, or myself. We're here to support your child's academic success.

Semester Tests

The semester will end before winter break, with semester tests scheduled as follows:

• December 18: Semester Tests for Odd Periods (1, 3, 5 & 7)
• December 21: Semester Tests for Even Periods (2, 4, 6 & 8)
• December 22: Semester Test Make-Up Day (for any tests students miss)

Important notes for semester test days:

• All students have open campus for lunch, including freshmen.
• Students will not need to attend study hall or success center.
• Students must still attend all other classes, even if they don't have a test that day.

Trimester Classes Update

A few trimester classes will end on November 16. Students in College English will start their new classes on November 17.

FAFSA Reminder for Senior Families

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that determines your student's eligibility for financial aid for college. This includes federal grants like the Pell Grant, which doesn't need to be repaid.

Why fill it out now?

The FAFSA typically becomes available in November. The sooner you complete it, the better your chances are of receiving available funding. Pell Grants have limited funding, so applying early increases your student's chances of being awarded one of these valuable grants.

Tips for Parents

• You'll need your Social Security number, tax information, and your student's information.
• The form is free—beware of websites charging fees.
• Complete it even if your student might qualify for scholarships; many schools require the FAFSA for all students.
• Visit the Federal Student Aid website to get started.
• The LCHS counseling office is available to answer questions about the FAFSA process.

Don't let the deadline slip by! Taking 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA could make a real difference in your student's college affordability.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students!

LCHS is hosting a LifeServe Blood Drive on Friday, November 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the new high school gym entryway.

The blood drive is open to eligible students, staff, and community members. High school seniors who donate blood at least three times will receive a red cord to wear at graduation in recognition of their contributions.

Those interested in donating can sign up in the high school office or register online.

As we head into November, it is a great time to focus on gratitude, kindness, and taking care of ourselves and others. Middle school can be a busy time for students as they balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, friendships, and responsibilities at home.

Encouraging students to pause and recognize the positive things in their lives can help build a more positive mindset and strengthen relationships with those around them. Simple actions, such as thanking a teacher, helping a classmate, including someone in a conversation, or expressing appreciation for family members, can go a long way. We encourage families to make time to talk about what they are grateful for and look for small ways to show kindness each day.

November is also a good reminder to check in with our students’ overall wellbeing as we approach the busy holiday season. Getting enough sleep, staying active, eating regular meals, and making time to relax can help students manage stress and feel their best. It is also important to remind students that it is okay to ask for help when they feel overwhelmed.

As middle school counselors, we are here to support students with academic concerns, friendships, emotional challenges, and other situations that may arise throughout the school year. We are thankful for the opportunity to work alongside our students and families, and we hope everyone finds time this month to slow down, connect with others, and appreciate the little things that make a difference.

Congratulations to Jess Kopperud, Audrianna Schultz, and Asher Zittritsch on being selected to participate in the 40th Annual Opus Honor Choir Festival!

The three students were chosen from a competitive pool of more than 3,000 students nominated by their choir directors for just 720 positions across four honor choirs. Selections were based on recorded auditions.

This year's guest conductors include Joy Augustine, 5th/6th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; Ryan K. Riewerts, 7th/8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Jorie O'Leary, 7th/8th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Dr. Jeremy Manternach, 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir.

The 2026 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. on November 19 at Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association.

Students at all three elementary schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week October 26-30. The national theme this year was “Be A Hero! Stay Drug Free!" They observed this important week by participating in hero-themed dress-up days, wearing red wristbands with drug-free slogans, and hearing informative daily announcements.

In 1985, drug dealers in Mexico murdered Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, an undercover agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Angered by his death and the damaging effects of drugs on our culture, residents of Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California, wore red ribbons in his honor. The trend spread across the country, and in 1988, Congress proclaimed the last week of October as National Red Ribbon Week.

October was the perfect time to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, as the character trait of the month was RESPONSIBILITY, and students learned how it is important to make healthy and responsible choices for their bodies and lives by saying NO to drugs and alcohol! Families can be a huge influence in their children's choices when it comes to use of drugs and alcohol. Take time to talk with your child today about the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol on a child’s growing brain!

The LCSD middle and high school marching bands were highlights of the annual homecoming parade on October 2. The bands then joined forces for a special pregame performance featuring several fan-favorite tunes.

The Big Red Marching Band continued its success on October 10, earning a Division I "Superior" rating at the IHSMA State Marching Band Competition. Later that evening, the band earned second place in Class 3A at the Dutchmen Field Championships in Orange City.

Congratulations to our talented student musicians and band directors on their outstanding performances and achievements!