Longhorn Loop
Vol. 8 Issue 21 | December 19 - January 7

Important Links
Saturday Hoops
Longhorns Take Two from Lilburn to Open the Season
The Longhorn Basketball teams are back on the court Saturday morning, after earning two wins against the Lilburn Mustangs on Thursday, as they meet Dacula Middle School (@ Dacula HS). Girls tip off at 9 AM with the boys to follow.
Will You be iREADY?
Complete and Pass 10 Reading and 10 Math lessons in iREADY and be eligible for a Pizza lunch as well as having your name in the lottery for the Video Game Bus on December 20th. Competition begins November 18 and lessons must be completed by December 14.
Robotics Tournament
Our Lanier Stem Bots Robotics Team will host their second tournament of the year Saturday, November 16th. We will be live streaming the event on our YouTube Channel beginning at 7:45 AM. Last week we faced some technical difficulties. We are hopeful that those have been resolved for this week's tournament.
Friday Night Lights
Next Up
Game 11 Playoffs Round 1
Friday, November 15th
Lanier Longhorns @ Sprayberry Yellow Jackets
Kickoff: 7:30pm
We wish our Longhorns the best of Luck as they start the State Playoffs. Hook'em Horns!
Last Chance to Order Pictures
From the Vendor Magic Moments
Dear Parent/Guardian:
If you missed out on your chance to order your student(s) fall portrait, it's not too late! Order today so you receive your portraits before the Winter Break. You can order a digital copy (will be emailed to you) or you can order prints (will be mailed to your home).
Order here: https://magicmoment.morephotos.net/Collections/804241
**On a desktop/laptop, click "Order Prints/Products"
**On a mobile device, click "Click Here to Order...." and then "Order Prints/Products"
We will be taking this link down (offline) before the holidays and portraits will be moved in to the archives. Portraits make a great gift for relatives! Don't miss your chance to order today!
Table Talk
Each week we will post a question for students to discuss with their adults over the weekend. Questions can be funny, serious, or thought provoking, but each week provides a new occasion for a family discussion. Students will have opportunities to write about some of these topics as well as earn extra credit in language arts for their participation.
This Week's Table Talk Topic
What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? Why was it so special to you?
Deeper Dive
Support your teen by showing you care.
AI is Here Let's Talk About It
What parents need to know about kids and AI
Part 3 in our series from the article "What Parents Need to Know About AI" will look at
4 Ways to Prepare Our Kids for the Future. As children grow up in an increasingly AI-driven world, parents should consider the following strategies:
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Foster an environment where children question and analyze information, including what they encounter through AI tools.
- How? Check out 5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Generative AI from Common Sense Media.
- Promote Digital Literacy: Help children understand how AI works and its implications for privacy and data security.
- How? Check out Research Rescue from Internet Matters. In it kids will use what they know about online research or ask the helper they choose for some advice.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with developments in AI technology and its applications in education to better support your child's learning journey.
- How? Check out Tech & Kids Making the most of children’s digital futures for the latest tech news.
- Balance Technology Use: While embracing the benefits of AI, remind children of the importance of human experiences and interactions that technology cannot replicate.
- How? Check out this Personalized Digital Toolkit with online safety advice that keeps up with your child’s digital needs.
Learn More: Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence
WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, November 19
The Lanier 7th & 8th grade Fall Orchestra concert will take place at Lanier High School on Tuesday, November 19th. the concert will begin at 6:30 PM
Wednesday, Nov 20
Hardwood Home Opener
Our Longhorns will face Jones Middle School for their 2024-2025 home opener on Wednesday, November 20th. Come out and show your Longhorn spirit and support!
Thursday, November 21
LANIER LIVE
Get excited for Lanier Live on Thursday, November 21st from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM! This is the second phase of our Curriculum Night, featuring active student participation. Join us for an unforgettable evening where you can:
- Listen to concerts from our Fine Arts Programs
- Watch Robotics Demonstrations
- Tour an Art Gallery
- Connect with our Linked @ Lanier program
- Participate in Activities, Showcases, and Demonstrations in math, science, and social studies
- Root for the competitors at our Spelling Bee
- Chat with PTSA and LAA
- Partake in Food. Snacks and drinks from Sawmill Restaurant Food Truck and Lanier's own Louie's on the Go
Friday, November 22
All Pro Dad
All Pro Dad will be holding their November meeting on Friday, November 22 beginning at 7:15 AM. Mark your calendars now and come join in on the fun and fellowship.
A Request | Parent Square
We would like to urge you to disable the digest option in your Parent Square account settings for Lanier Middle School. Many of our communications are time-sensitive, and we don’t want you to miss any important updates. Your attention to this matter will ensure you stay informed and connected with all school activities and announcements.
Thank you for your consideration!
ParentVue Grade Alerts
Parents now have the option to be notified in the ParentVUE mobile app if their student’s grade fall below a preset threshold. Follow this link for more information.
Tutoring Schedule
At Lanier Middle School, mornings are an excellent opportunity for students to receive extra support in their core subjects. With that in mind, for the 2024-2025 school year we will target each core content area on a specific day of the week. If your student needs additional support or needs assistance in a Connection class, they can see their content teacher to arrange an additional day that works with the teachers morning schedule. In order for students to attend morning tutoring, they need to arrive at 8:05 AM.
New: Technology Fines to be Implemented for the 24-25 School Year
Beginning with the 2024-2025 )school year (Effective July 1) GCPS will be implementing fines for damaged and lost Chromebooks and power cords. Please discuss the importance of taking care of the equipment that has been issued to your student.
*A device could have multiple damaged components such as broken hinges as well as a cracked screen, this would result in a fine of $50. $25 for each damaged component.
ParentSquare App
Currently we have about 37% of our families using the Parent Square App. This is a great and easy way to stay connected to all things Lanier and GCPS. Consider downloading it this weekend.
Want to See More Great Things Happening at Lanier Middle School?
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!