Welcome Back to School

Welcome to the upcoming school year! We hope your summer has been full of relaxation, adventure, and quality time with family. The entire staff is thrilled to open our doors soon and welcome both returning students and the new families joining our middle school community.

Middle school is a dynamic period of rapid growth, self-discovery, and increasing independence. We are dedicated to partnering with you to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where your student feels empowered to learn and thrive both academically and socially.

Please take a few minutes to review our first newsletter of the school year. In it you will find lots of important information to get your student and family off to a great start of the school year!

Our first day of school is Monday, August 24th! We can't wait to see you!

LAMS Administration

This year, our middle school community is excited to launch our schoolwide theme:

"Level Up: Every Student, Every Step!"

Middle school is an incredible phase of growth, self-discovery, and new challenges. Just like in a video game, progress isn't about starting out perfect—it's about tackling challenges, learning new strategies, gaining experience points, and unlocking your potential. Whether a student is mastering complex math, building stronger friendships, or learning how to organize their time, our goal this year is to help every child "level up" from where they start.

How We Support Your Student’s Journey

To make this vision a reality, we are implementing an Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (i-MTSS). Think of i-MTSS as our school's custom support system designed to give every student the exact "power-ups" they need to succeed:

• Integrated Growth: Success in middle school isn't just about test scores. We support the whole child by connecting academic instruction, social-emotional learning, and positive behavioral support.

• Targeted Support (The Right Tools at the Right Time): Learning isn't one-size-fits-all. Through regular check-ins and screening, we identify where students excel and where they need extra help. Whether your child needs advanced enrichment, short-term small group practice, or intensive one-on-one coaching, we provide targeted strategies to keep them moving forward.

• Celebrating Progress: We are focusing on personal growth and momentum. Every victory—big or small—is a step worth celebrating.

As parents and guardians, you are the most valuable members of your child's support team. Throughout the year, we look forward to partnering with you to celebrate achievements, navigate challenges, and help our middle schoolers level up together.

As we get the school year started- be on the watch to learn more about new things this year at LAMS!

• MyPowerHub dashboard for familes in Powerschool
• SafeArrival feature of Powerschool
• Students leveled based on academic needs for ELA & Math
• Common Canvas platform layout for all classrooms
• Benchmark Results Communications with parents
• New electives and CAT classes including Strength & Conditioning, Constitution, Economics, Personal Finance, Young Entrepreneurs, and Digital Marketing

On the first few days of school, we are very busy establishing the groundwork for a successful school year. To do this, our schedule may vary a bit. On the first day, students will participate in various tasks such as receiving their Chromebooks, participating in the rules and regulations assembly, reviewing safety procedures, learning how to read their schedule and settling into their lockers. During enrichment the first week, they will be learning expectations according to our positive behavior matrix. On select days in September they will be take beginning of the year assessments such as MAP, CDT or iReady. Most of all, students will have every class and get to know their teachers and new classmates. The days are sure to be busy and fly by!

This is the schedule we will follow most days. New this year is the Core + class as well as WIN/Enrichment will be at the end of the day.

Schedules are still in final stages of perfection! Schedules will be visible once Powerschool goes LIVE (about 2 weeks prior to school). Paper copies will be given at Open House by your homeroom teacher or on the first day of school. Students will be taught all about their schedule on the first day of school.

Lunch Menus can be accessed via our school website: https://lehighton.nutrislice.com/menu/lehighton-middle

All students can receive FREE breakfast and lunch daily.

This is a reminder to 7th grade students & parents!

All 7th graders need an updated physical, tetanus booster vaccine & meningitis vaccine.

The deadline to submit these requirements is 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 20th. You can email, screenshot, scan, or fax your documents. Please use 610.377.0908 as the fax number. The District has many resources, so please get in touch with me if you need help acquiring these.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Safety is a priority- so we ask all families to adhere to our drop off and pick up procedures.

Morning Drop Off :

6 & 7th grade need to be dropped off in our North Lot of the building (towards Coal Street). Please enter from Beaver Run Rd and exit out around the building to Ninth St. Doors open at 7:15 am. Please do not leave your child out of the car prior to this time. Doors close at 7:26 am.

8th grade can be dropped off in our Main Lot of the building. Please follow the traffic pattern and avoid cutting through the lot as many staff and student are walking through this lot entering the building. Please note: the only exception to getting dropped off here as a 6/7 grader is if they are going to breakfast before 7:15 am or have special medical needs.

Walkers & Bike Riders (all grades) will enter through our main entrance.

*Note: Bike Riders need to complete a permission form with the office.

Afternoon Pick Up:

Parent Pick Up (all grades) will be dismissed from the South Lot (side towards old stadium). Please get into the car line to pick up your child. We ask that you do not park and ask your child to cross through pick up traffic. Absolutely no parents should be picking up in the main lot due to bus dismissal traffic.

Walkers/ Bike Riders: Exit through Main Lot or North Lot

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to welcome you and your child to the start of a new school year! As we begin this journey together, we look forward to a year full of learning, growth, and success.

One of the most important factors in helping your child succeed in school is regular, on-time attendance. Each day of school builds on the previous one, and students who are present consistently are more likely to stay on track academically and socially.

Here’s how you can support strong attendance:

• Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine

• Be on time - Students entering the building at 7:28 am will be marked tardy

• Plan for transportation (create a back up plan in case of unforeseen circumstances)

• Schedule appointments/vacations outside of school hours whenever possible

• Communicate with the school if your child is ill or facing any challenges attending school

• Visit https://www.lehighton.org/excuseblankandeducationaltripform to submit an electronic excuse form within three days of the absence

• Encourage your child to stay engaged and excited about learning

Let’s work together to build positive habits from day one. Please reference www.lehighton.org for district Attendance and Truancy policies. If you ever need support or have questions about attendance, please reach out to Lehighton Area Middle School at 610-377-6535.

Join us for our annual Back to School Night & New Student Orientation. Tuesday, August 18th!

Students attending should be accompanied by their parents/guardians.

Incoming 6th graders & new families are encouraged to attend an orientation presentation in the auditorium from 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm. Here we will review middle school essentials such as schedules, drop off & pick up procedures, dress code and student services & activities. Staff will be on hand for questions and support.

Meet the Teacher will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm. This is available for all middle school families grades 6-8. Take an opportunity to meet your new teachers, have a glimpse of your schedule and connect with your peers and school staff. You can tour the building and become acquainted with all that there is to offer for the school year!

The Guidance Department will be available in the main lobby throughout the night to assist with homeroom assignments and schedule questions.

• LASD will be providing school supplies to ensure academic success for students. Families may still choose to provide personal items such as backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, organizers, water bottles, earbud/headphones and sanitizer or tissues.
• Please review our student handbook and keep handy throughout the school year.
• Check your email frequently for communication from the school or your child's teachers.

Here are some helpful tips for parents to support their child’s transition to middle school:

• Establish a Routine: Set consistent wake-up, bedtime, and homework times to build good habits.
• Visit the School Together: If possible, tour the building to familiarize your child with classrooms, lockers, and common areas. Attend our orientation and Meet the Teacher night.
• Discuss Expectations: Talk about changes in schedule, responsibility, and behavior expectations. Review the LAMS Student Handbook.
• Encourage Organization: Help your child use planners or apps to track assignments and activities. Consider organization style when selecting back to school supplies.
• Promote Independence: Encourage your child to advocate for themselves and ask questions when needed.
• Stay Connected: Maintain open communication with teachers and staff to monitor progress and address concerns. Check the school website and follow us on X- @LAMSLehighton
• Boost Social Skills: Encourage involvement in clubs or teams to build friendships and a sense of belonging.
• Normalize Feelings: Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous and that many students share similar feelings.
• Support Self-Care: Emphasize healthy eating, exercise, and enough sleep to keep energy and focus up.

These steps can help your child feel confident and ready for this exciting new chapter!

If your child is struggling with transition- reach out to your guidance counselor!

School Picture Day at LAMS is scheduled for September 9th. More information will be released in the first few days of school!

We welcome parents and guardians to get involved in our PTO!

Follow them on Facebook - Lehighton Area Middle School PTO.

First PTO Meeting will be announced soon. You can always check out their facebook page or the middle school website.