Pleasant Lea Middle School

Address: 630 SW Persels Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081

Phone: (816) 986-1175

Attendance Phone: (816) 986-1177

Office Hours: 7:45am - 3:45pm

Summer Office Hours: 8:00am - 2:00pm

School Hours: 8:20am - 3:15pm

Late Start Friday Hours: 9:20am - 3:15pm

Early Release Hours: 8:20am - 12:45pm

Dear PLMS Families,

It is an honor to serve as principal of Pleasant Lea Middle School for the 2026–2027 school year. Since joining PLMS in the fall of 2022, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a passionate team of educators and a remarkable group of students and families. I’m excited to continue building on our school’s strong tradition of excellence.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to serve as a mathematics teacher, instructional technology facilitator, and building administrator across several districts. Each experience has shaped my commitment to creating a school culture grounded in high expectations, mutual respect, and a shared belief in every student’s potential.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the power of relationships. I strive to create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to make a difference. I believe that strong partnerships between school and home are key to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. As we look ahead, I’m eager to continue building meaningful connections with families and strengthening our ties to the Lee’s Summit community.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your students. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Andrew Haws

Meet our incredible Student Support Team at PLMS! Student support consists of our Student Administration (STAD) and Counseling teams.

Important information for you to be school ready for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

You may notice some exciting construction taking place around the PLMS campus this year! Thanks to the district's most recent bond project, several improvements are underway, including:

• A new sixth-grade addition on the north side of the building
• Traffic improvements, including a new roadway, re-designed parking, and an improved car rider drop-off/pick-up area
• A new track and field event area on the west side of the football field
• Interior renovations to create dedicated seventh- and eighth-grade learning pods (scheduled for the 2027–2028 school year)
  
  

These improvements will enhance our campus for students, staff, and families for years to come. Be sure to look for construction updates and progress photos in future newsletters throughout the school year!

⭐Additional Dates

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Oct 21st-22nd, 2026

Thanksgiving Break: Nov 25th-27th, 2026

Last Day of First Semester (Early Release): Dec 22nd, 2026

Winter Break: Dec 23rd, 2026–Jan 4th, 2027

Spring Break: April 5th-9th, 2027

Last Day of School (Early Release): May 26th, 2027

Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year will open on Monday, July 27th, and close at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10th. Annual enrollment is required for all students.

Please contact Sarah Huitt (PLMS Registrar) with any registration questions:

(816) 986-1178

Step 1: Gather all necessary documents

Step 2: Login to PowerSchool at the link below

Step 3: Select your students name and elect "LSR7 Enrollment" at the bottom of the navigation

Step 4: Update and enter your student's information. You will need to repeat this process for ach of your LSR7 students.

Step 5: Upload and necessary documents, including proof of residency

Step 6: Click on the "Make Payment" link to view any required payments or optional items to purchase.

Welcome!

If you are new to the district, please fill out the below google form to get the enrollment process started. After completion, our registrar will contact you with next steps.

Please contact Sarah Huitt (PLMS Registrar) with any registration questions:

(816) 986-1178

sarah.huitt@lsr7.net

Bus number, bus stop and pick-up time will be available to families (in Powerschool) in August for students who have completed the enrollment process.

Transportation : (816) 986-4BUS

• Information cannot be edited once you've hit submit. Be careful to read all instructions to avoid any errors.

• Do not submit your enrollment without uploading proof of residency, age and immunization records.

• There is a Free and Reduced Lunch program. Check the eligibility to see if you qualify. If your family meets the guidelines, you can fill out an application online. Just one application is needed per family.
• You can watch step-by-step PowerSchool instructions on our how-to videos.

In your Parent PowerSchool account, you will have the option to purchase any of the below items on your students account. To make a payment:

🟡Student and Parent PowerSchool Sign In

🟡Click "Make Payment" on the left side

🟡Add optional items to cart and checkout

Don't forget to add funds to your student's lunch account before the start of the school year!

MySchoolBucks makes it easy to manage your student's meal account by allowing you to:
• Monitor spending
• Check account balances
• Make secure payments
• Set up automatic payments (AutoPay)

Choose the option that works best for you:

Option 1: Visit the MySchoolBucks website

Option 2: Download the MySchoolBucks mobile app (App Store or Google Play)

Option 3: Send cash or a check with your student to the cafeteria (during the school year - checks made out to LSR7 Nutrition)

Applications for free and reduced-price meals for the 2026-27 school year are now available. We encourage all families to complete an application as soon as possible.

Only one application per household is required.

Families are strongly encouraged to apply online using a computer, tablet, Chromebook, or smartphone. The online application is available here.

Please note that students will be charged for meals served until an application is submitted and approved. Parents/guardians are responsible for any breakfast or lunch charges incurred before eligibility is determined and notification of approval is received. Submitting your application early helps ensure that meal benefits are available as soon as possible.

We’re excited to see you at Open House and kick off an amazing school year together!

This is the perfect time to:

• Pick up your schedule
• Practice your locker
• Find your classes
• Buy spirit wear at the Tiger Zone School Store
• 6th graders - pick up your class shirt
• Ask any questions you may have!

* Please note: Students will not be able to pick up their schedule or start school in the fall until immunization records are in compliance with state guidelines and enrollment has been approved.

Monday, August 24th

8:20 am - 11:30 am

Transition Day gives your student the chance to visit Pleasant Lea Middle School and get a preview of middle school life. Students will participate in a "test run" of their schedule, meet their teachers, and learn important information about becoming a Tiger. Bus transportation will be provided, and additional details will be emailed prior to August 24th. PLMS will have lots of helpers available for any questions your student may have!

Please note, this event is for 6th grade students only (no parents/guardians).

During the transition day, students will:

• Follow their class schedule
• Meet their teachers
• Learn how lunch works
• Practice using their lockers
• Get comfortable and confident for their first day!

The counselors want all students at PLMS to achieve academic and social success, and are available to meet with students individually or in groups.

In addition, the school counselors work with parents, staff, and outside agencies to help meet the needs of our students.

You can contact the counseling office at (816) 986-1178.

Our PLMS counselors are available to meet one-on-one with students during school hours, providing support for academic, social, or emotional needs. Parents are also welcome to schedule a meeting with a counselor or arrange an appointment for their child.

• After school tutoring program
• Contact your grade level administrator for more information

Confidential support is available for families experiencing food insecurity or facing changes in household or employment circumstances. Click here for more info.

🔹Student Pick Up

When picking up a student during the school day, you must be physically present at the attendance window (with your photo ID) before we can call your student. We are not able to call your student to the front office before your arrival.

🔹Cell Phones

Students are prohibited from displaying or using personal communication devices during the school day. Students who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, including potential device confiscation, as detailed in JG - R1 and the student handbook. Click here to view the LSR7 Board Policy JFCD and PLMS Electronic Device Policy.

🔹Lunch Drop Offs

Lunches may be delivered only by a parent or guardian and must be intended for their student only. Students may pick up dropped-off lunches during their designated lunch period. Please note that students will not be called out of class; they should watch for an E-Hall Pass. Food deliveries from third-party services (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) are not permitted and will not be accepted or delivered to students during the school day.

🔹Backpacks and Coats

Students who bring backpacks to and from school are expected to store them in their lockers during the school day. Backpacks are not permitted in classrooms or the cafeteria. Students should also keep coats, purses, and other personal belongings in their lockers.

• Wired earbuds/headphones (Chromebook compatible)
• Zippered, 3-ring binder (laptop slot recommended): Click here for an example!
• Scientific Calculator (TI-30XS Multi-view)
• Single subject spiral notebooks (2)
• Composition notebooks (2)

• Dividers with tabs (1 pkg of 8)
• Pencils (2 packages)
• Highlighters (2)
  
  

Individual teachers may have specific supplies needed for individual classes. These supply requests will come from the teacher in the first few weeks of school.

The Tiger Zone school store will be available to all students at scheduled times during the week and during special events, including our Open House and Back to School Night. This is the perfect time to stock up on some new Tiger swag!

Some items you will find at the Tiger Zone School Store:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Ear Buds
• Hoodies
• T-shirts
• Stickers
• Beanie Hats
  and much more!

Whether your interests are in athletics, academics, the arts, service or simply connecting with others who share your passions, PLMS offers a wide variety of clubs, activities, and sports during and after the school day.

Please look through our PLMS Tiger Clubs and Activities Sheet to see all the opportunities you have to be involved at PLMS!

All sports will communicate through the SportsYou website/app. Please refer to the access codes below if interested!

All parents/guardians of 6th-8th grade athletes need to create their FinalForms account to have their student participate in any MSHSAA sport or activity. Once an account has been created, you will be able to complete all forms and upload any documents. For more details, here is a step-by-step process.

Students participating in any MSHSAA sponsored sport or activity are required to pay a yearly participation fee of $25 (free/reduced for qualifying families) to help offset the costs associated with providing these opportunities. This fee must be paid through PowerSchool or at the main office before the first event/competition.

You must have a physical on file to participate!

• Register your student
• Get a physical from a doctor (or attend the LSR7 sports physical clinic on July 21st)
• Complete forms and upload all documents
• Make sure both parents, and the student, sign the forms electronically

We no longer accept paper physical copies at the school.

• Login to your Parent PowerSchool Account
• Click "Make Payment" on the left side
• Add the MSHSAA fee to your cart and proceed to checkout
• The cost is $25 (Reduced with approved Free/Reduced application)

The LSR7 School District does not directly sell or offer accident, health, or dental insurance to students. However, the District has selected HSR, Health Special Risk, Inc. to offer student insurance programs. Various plans and low-cost options are offered through the company website to allow for online enrollment. To enroll in the student insurance program, please call 866-409-5733.

Please contact Bridgette Elliott with any questions!

bridgette.elliott@lsr7.net

(816) 986-1184

Mark you calendars!

When: July 21st, 2026

Where: Lee's Summit North High School (East Entrance-Fieldhouse Entrance)

Time: 4:00-7:00 pm

Who: R-7 SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENTS

Entering Grades 6th-12th for the 2026-2027 school year

Cost: $30.00

Register:

1.) Create an appointment through Signup Genius.

2.) Pay for your physical by purchasing a ticket through GoFan.

View the flyer below for more information!

We work hard to limit the number of fundraising requests families receive throughout the school year, which is why our Tigers Together Fundraiser is our biggest fundraiser of the year!

This year's fundraiser will run from July 26 through September 13, and our goal is to raise $20,000 to support student success, enhance learning opportunities, and strengthen our school community through events and activities.

Together, we can make a difference for our students! For more information, please visit the PLMS website, your Parent PowerSchool account, or the links below.

PLMS is proud to partner with local businesses that support our students, staff, and school community. If you are interested in becoming a PLMS business partner or sponsor, please contact Dr. Shannon Cunningham at shannon.cunningham@lsr7.net. Thank you for your support of PLMS and our students!

Cost to Join PTA:

The PLMS PTA is hard at work to make the 26-27 school year one of the best! From small donations to volunteering for events, we would love it if you joined in the fun!

$25 per family
$10 teachers
$100 business

The first monthly PTA meeting is Wednesday, September 9th in the PLMS Library. We would love for you to join!

For more information, please email LSPLMSpta@gmail.com, or visit our website below!