LCS Monthly Newsletter

The month of August has been one big roller coaster ride—full of anticipation, excitement, and all the emotions that come with beginning a new school year. Preparing for the first days of school throughout the summer always brings a sense of eagerness and careful planning. But as any educator knows, once teachers and students arrive, adjustments must be made, and flexibility becomes key in making everything run smoothly.

Our Back-to-School Orientation Evening was a great success, with so many sweet families eager to meet teachers and reconnect with classmates. The first days of school went very well, and once again I am reminded that LCS is like a well-oiled machine—it just works! The month has been long and busy, but as everyone settled into routines, meaningful instruction began, and now we find ourselves nearly halfway through the first nine weeks.

As I work to keep my finger on the pulse of the school, I make it a priority to visit classrooms daily, interact with teachers and students, and communicate with parents. I want to be available—whether to address a concern, listen to a suggestion, or simply offer support. Entering my second year as Head of School and my third year at LCS, I can see and feel a difference in the attitudes and culture of our community. There is a renewed sense of positivity and optimism about the future. The improvements and adjustments we have made are noticeable in the daily life of the school, and I truly believe we are moving in the right direction.

With everyone working together, LCS will continue to thrive, grow, and improve. Thank you for your encouragement and support—it makes all the difference.

Mrs. Jamie Rogers

Head of School

Our beginning-of-school orientation was such a sweet time for both students and families! Students enjoyed meeting their new teachers and getting a glimpse of the exciting year ahead, while families had the chance to connect with teachers and one another.

The family atmosphere of LCS was evident throughout the day as returning families were warmly welcomed back, greeted by last year’s teachers and classmates, and joined in the excitement of preparing for a new school year. We are especially blessed this year with many new families, and it was a joy to welcome them into our school community.

The energy and enthusiasm in the halls set a wonderful tone as everyone looked forward to the first day of school!

After meeting and greeting, families joined together at the upper school campus for a time of fellowship, prayer, and worship. Mr. Josh Jones represented the LCS Board of Trustees and welcomed everyone. Mr. Tyler Clark, Associate Pastor of Audubon Drive Bible Church, brought the devotion and charge for the year. Everyone then enjoyed a time of worship lead by the LCS Praise Team and Mr. Hook.

The charge for the year is MOC - Keep our minds on Christ.

Traditions are an important part of life at Laurel Christian School, giving students memories to cherish and moments to look forward to each year. One tradition we began last year is starting the first day of school at the upper school campus with a pancake breakfast.

This year’s 2025–2026 Pancake Breakfast was a wonderful success! The meal was prepared by Mr. Timmy Blackwell, Mr. Tyler Blackwell, and LCS School Board members, and it provided students with a special time to reconnect after a long summer and enjoy fellowship with one another.

Following breakfast, students attended orientation, where expectations were clearly outlined to help ensure that structure, order, and routines remain in place—key elements that allow LCS to run smoothly each day. Students then had the opportunity to walk through their schedules, meet teachers, and prepare for a great year ahead.

We are grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff who faithfully serve the mission of LCS and do whatever is needed to make our school successful. The first day was truly a blessing and a wonderful start to the year!

We are excited for another year of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at LCS! While FCA traditionally stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we like to think of it as Fellowship of Christians, because all students are welcome to attend.

The group is sponsored by Mr. Derek Fretwell, pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church. This year’s FCA Lead Team includes: Emma Risher, Leyla Rigby, Mykenzie Piper, Tylen Jones, Chastelyn Velasco, Willa Read Pitts, Abby Hilton, Zach Kenny, Avery Risher, Lily Shoemake, and Merci Maner.

FCA meets each Thursday at 7:30 a.m. for a time of devotion, prayer, and encouragement. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in their faith and fellowship together before the start of the school day.

The FCA Lead Team attended the FCA Reload at First Baptist Church, Ellisville, on August 26.

The lower school is off to a wonderful start this year! Faculty, staff, and students have settled into their routines, and classrooms are buzzing with learning activities and student engagement.

One of the joys of walking through the halls of LCS is seeing interactive learning in action. Our teachers are intentional about creating hands-on experiences that help students engage with the material in fun and memorable ways.

In K5, students recently learned about the letter T by hosting a Tea Party with their Teddy Bears. In 4th grade, students practiced their money skills using magnetic money pieces to demonstrate understanding of value and counting. Meanwhile, our 5th and 6th graders made spelling practice exciting by writing their words in shaving cream on their desks—a favorite activity that makes learning both active and enjoyable.

These interactive activities not only reinforce academic concepts but also create lasting memories for our students. At LCS, learning is more than worksheets and books—it’s an experience that sparks joy and curiosity.

Each Friday, lower school students gather for chapel, where they enjoy singing and receiving a message about the Lord. At this age, students are eager to learn about God’s character and His love for them. In addition, students have opportunities for learning through music, library, and art each week. We love seeing the creativity displayed as art pieces line the hallways, and we always look forward to their music programs.

Students in grades 2–6 recently took the STAR Assessment in math and reading. These results will serve as a baseline for the year and will help teachers make informed instructional decisions for each student. The students will test again in the winter, either before or after the Christmas holidays, to measure progress.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) continues to be a growing area of study in education, and we are excited to expand its presence at LCS. In the past, our school has partnered with Central Creativity to provide STEM lessons. This year, however, STEM will be fully integrated into the regular math and science classrooms and taught directly by our teachers.

Our new math curriculum includes STEM units, and we will also supplement with additional resources to give students hands-on opportunities to explore and problem-solve. By integrating subject areas, students begin to see how learning connects across disciplines and how knowledge can be applied in meaningful, real-world ways.

This intentional approach not only strengthens critical thinking and collaboration skills but also helps prepare our students for future opportunities in higher education and beyond.

One of Mrs. Rogers’ goals this year is to unite the two campuses, and we are already seeing that happen. Seniors partnered with the 5th and 6th-grade students on a joint science and math project, where they measured height and shoe size. Seniors in Anatomy & Physiology are studying the skeletal system, while the 5th and 6th graders are learning about number systems, comparing, and estimating. It was a meaningful time of collaboration and learning.

In the coming weeks, upper school students will be visiting the lower school campus during study hall and math lab to tutor younger students. Members of Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club—who are required to earn volunteer hours—will be assisting with needs on the lower school campus as part of their service.

We are excited about these opportunities to strengthen the connection between campuses and look forward to many more ways for students of all ages to learn and grow together at LCS.

Laurel Christian Lady Lions Shine with Strong Season

The Laurel Christian Lady Lions softball team has made an impressive mark this season, showing both talent and determination on the field. With a regular season record of 8–2 and an overall record of 13–3, the Lady Lions have proven themselves as one of the toughest and most well-rounded teams in their division.

What makes this season especially exciting is the unique blend of players that make up the roster. The Lady Lions are a young but fearless group, combining leadership and experience from their senior and two juniors, with energy and skill from four sophomores, two freshmen, three eighth graders, and even one sixth grader who has stepped up to compete at a high level. This balance of seasoned athletes and up-and-coming talent has created a strong team culture built on hard work, resilience, and unity.

The Lady Lions’ success hasn’t come by accident. Their season has been fueled by consistent hitting, solid defense, and a “never quit” mentality that has carried them through tough matchups. Each game has been an opportunity for growth, and the players have embraced the challenges with confidence and heart.

As they move forward, the Lady Lions continue to represent Laurel Christian School with pride, both on and off the field. With such a strong record and a roster full of rising stars, the future looks bright for Lady Lion softball.

Despite the summer heat, our LCS cross-country runners have been putting in the miles, working hard to improve their times and set new personal records. We are excited to have a cross-country team this year and look forward to watching them compete.

Cross country is a sport that truly benefits all types of students. It builds confidence, encourages persistence and endurance, and teaches the importance of motivating and supporting one another along the course.

A special thanks goes to Ms. Kim Chancellor for her dedication to getting this program started. We are grateful for her leadership and excited to see this new athletic opportunity grow at LCS!

The first meet is September 11 in Hattiesburg at Lake Shore Trails.

There will be a work day in the near future to help clear a cross-country trail behind the upper school.

The 2025–2026 athletic season is off to a strong start! Our girls’ and boys' basketball teams have been working hard, practicing daily, and growing both in strength and in teamwork. We are excited to see their dedication translate into a great season ahead.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough players this year to have a boys’ varsity team. However, the size of our JV boys’ team is very promising for the future.

This season, LCS will compete with a JV girls’ team, a varsity girls’ team, and a JV boys’ team. We are proud of all our student-athletes and the commitment they show both on and off the court. We look forward to cheering them on throughout the season!

Our LCS archers are off to a great start, with a couple of practices already under their belts! Interest in archery continues to grow, and we are excited to see how the team develops and performs throughout the season.

Archery is a winter sport, so there is still time to sign up if you are interested in being part of the team. We look forward to another exciting season and to watching our students sharpen their skills.

Athletics are an important part of student life at LCS, offering opportunities for growth, teamwork, and Christlike competition. In order for us to sustain and strengthen our athletic programs, it is essential that both parents and students remain committed to LCS and to building these programs together. We will only grow and improve if we work hand in hand as a school family.

At present, we have more girls than boys enrolled on campus, which makes it challenging to field full boys’ teams. To continue offering sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer, we need more boys to join us and help carry these programs forward.

The wonderful thing about athletics at LCS is that they provide a place where students can participate in sports both for enjoyment and healthy competition, all within an environment that reflects Christ.

It is especially important for families in the lower school who have children interested in athletics to commit to staying at LCS and being a part of this growth. The school is in a strong position to expand, and both the administration and school board are planning intentionally for the future to ensure that our athletic programs remain successful for years to come.

Together, with commitment and faithfulness, we can continue to provide opportunities that honor God and bless our students.

If you have any specific questions, suggestions, or comments about the athletic program, please contact Kim Chancellor, Athletic Director, at kchancellor@laurelchristian.org or Jamie Rogers, Head of School, at jrogers@laurelchristian.org

Expanding Honor Clubs at LCS

At LCS, we are committed to encouraging students to set goals, strive for excellence, and live up to high expectations. In keeping with this vision, our honor organizations continue to grow and provide meaningful opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and service.

The MAIS Honor Society, reestablished in 2023, continues to expand as students demonstrate academic excellence and character. Our Key Club remains a strong presence on campus, giving back to the community through service projects and outreach efforts.

This year, LCS proudly added two nationally recognized organizations: National Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta (MAΘ). National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America, dedicated to leading by serving others. Mu Alpha Theta is a National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society that inspires interest in mathematics, promotes scholarship, and fosters leadership through competitions, service, and peer collaboration.

Through these honor clubs, LCS is strengthening its academic program while providing students with opportunities to grow beyond the minimum requirements. We are excited to see our students rise to the challenge and lead with excellence in academics, service, and character.

The Inducation Ceremony will be on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00pm at the Upper School.

Quiz Bowl Opportunities at LCS

Students who enjoy academic competition will soon have the chance to represent LCS in Quiz Bowl! Our middle school team will compete in their tournament on October 29, and the high school team will take the stage on January 23. Students are already practicing during 4th block to sharpen their skills, and more details about the tournaments will be shared soon.

What is Quiz Bowl?
Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition where students work in teams to answer questions from a wide range of subjects—including literature, history, science, math, fine arts, current events, and more. It challenges students to think quickly, recall knowledge, and work collaboratively, making it both exciting and educational.

We are proud of our students’ dedication and look forward to seeing them showcase their knowledge and teamwork at the upcoming competitions.

Chess Competition

Students who enjoy the game of chess will have the opportunity to compete in a tournament this year. Practices are currently taking place during 4th block as students sharpen their strategies and prepare for competition.

The official date and time of the chess tournament will be announced as soon as we receive notification. We look forward to seeing our students represent LCS with focus, patience, and skill in this classic game of strategy.

Research has shown that chess provides a wide range of academic, cognitive, and personal benefits for young students. Here are some of the most important:

Academic & Cognitive Benefits

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Chess requires players to analyze situations, plan ahead, and consider consequences.

• Improved Memory – Remembering moves, strategies, and positions strengthens both short-term and long-term memory.

• Mathematical Skills – Chess builds logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and strategic calculation, all of which support math learning.

• Reading Comprehension – The focus and pattern recognition skills used in chess often transfer to reading fluency and comprehension

Robotics Team Prepares for the Next Challenge

The LCS Robotics Team has been hard at work behind the scenes! Students have been busy cleaning and organizing the robotics classroom and completing a full inventory of materials. These preparations are an important step as the team gets ready to take on their next challenge.

We are proud of their dedication and teamwork and look forward to seeing the innovative solutions they will create this season.

One of the most meaningful parts of life at LCS is our weekly chapel service, held each Friday at 9:40 a.m. During this time, faculty, staff, students, and guests step away from the busyness of the school day to worship together and center their hearts on the Lord.

The LCS Praise Team, led by Mr. Dave Hook, fills the room with beautiful music that magnifies our Lord and Savior. Each week, a local pastor shares a message focused on a specific verse from our semester’s chapel theme. This year’s theme comes from 2 Peter 1:5–7, which encourages us to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love.

It has been a blessing to watch the Praise Team grow in both talent and spirit, and to see more students actively participating in worship. Chapel is just another example of what makes LCS a special place—where Christ is at the center of all we do.

Everyone is invited.

Laurel Christian School is excited to welcome our alumni back home for a special Homecoming Event filled with memories, fellowship, and fun! Join us as we honor the legacy of LCS and celebrate the role our alumni continue to play in our school’s story.

The evening will kick off with a delicious barbecue dinner—a time to reconnect with former classmates, teachers, and friends. The evening will include food, fun, and fellowship.

Our alumni are a vital part of LCS's past, and we are thrilled for them to be part of the school’s bright future. We hope you can join us!

👉 Please complete the RSVP form to let us know if you’ll be attending. https://forms.gle/NLdxS13tsZvhXGRT9
We can’t wait to see you back on campus!

Austin Buehler - Class of 2011

Erin Leist - Class of 2020

Joshua Daye - Class of 2018

💛GOLD SPONSORS

Walters Construction

LaBlanc Orthodontist

Community Bank

International Fire & Safety

💙BLUE SPONSOR

Play It Again Sports

🦁LION PRIDE SUPPORTERS

Laurel Dental Group

Rogers Farm

Dunkerton Sod Farm

Classic Cookie

CERRA CPA

Heritage Vision

Cadence Bank

Al Moore

OTHERS

All About Travel - Allison Travis

Dear LCS Families, Alumni, Community Members, and Local Businesses,

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, we are filled with excitement and expectation for what God will continue to do at Laurel Christian School. With a renewed commitment to excellence, growth, and Christian education, we are working diligently to build a strong foundation for our students—academically, spiritually, and athletically.

To help make this vision a reality, we are reaching out to ask for your support through sponsorships and donations.

While tuition helps cover many basic expenses, it does not fully support the additional, yet essential, services that are critical to our mission. This year, we are seeking funding for two key areas in our general operating expenses:

• Security Officers at both the Lower and Upper School campuses to ensure the safety and protection of our students and staff.

• The Dyslexia Therapy Program, which offers specialized instruction to help struggling readers thrive—an invaluable resource for many families.

  
  

In addition to these vital services, we are also continuing to rebuild and grow our athletic programs. Sports at LCS are more than just extracurricular—they build leadership, discipline, and school pride, and are deeply valued by our board, administration, and families. Sponsorships will help offset costs such as:

• Uniforms and team gear

• Coaches’ salaries

• Equipment and facility needs

• Referee and official fees

• Tournament entries

  
  

We are launching our first fundraiser of the school year in connection with Fall Softball and Basketball, and we invite you to become a 2025–2026 LCS Sponsor. Sponsorships can be made by businesses, families, alumni, or community supporters. You may also choose to sponsor in honor of a student-athlete, graduating senior, or LCS graduate.

All sponsors will be recognized in meaningful ways throughout the year, including on our website, social media, gymnasium TV screen, and banners displayed at school events. Each sponsorship level includes a variety of benefits that allow your support to be publicly appreciated by the LCS community.

Your generosity helps us provide high-quality education, strong extracurricular programs, and a safe and nurturing environment for our students. Every gift makes a difference—and we are deeply grateful.

If you would like to become a sponsor, please review the attached sponsorship form or contact us directly at kchancellor@laurelchristian.org or 601-649-4190. There is also an online form on our website at www.laurelchristian.org under the Support LCS tab titled Fall 2025 Sponsorship.

Thank you for partnering with us to grow Laurel Christian School for the glory of God and the good of our students.

For His Glory,

Mrs. Jamie Rogers

Head of School

Laurel Christian School Sponsorship Form
2025–2026

Support the mission and momentum of Laurel Christian School by becoming a sponsor for the 2025–2026 school year! Sponsors will be recognized throughout the year—and it's not just for businesses! Sponsorships may honor a favorite athlete, a graduating senior, or even a proud LCS alumnus giving back.

Sponsorship Levels

🏆 Lion Legacy Sponsor – $2,500+

• Premier placement of name or message & logo/photo displayed on:

• Sponsorship banner

• LCS website & social media

• Gymnasium TV screen advertising

• Verbal recognition at select varsity home games

• Complimentary BBQ Meal Tickets (2) at Fall “Meet the Lions” event

💛 Gold Sponsor – $1,000

• Name, logo, message, or shoutout displayed on:

• Sponsorship banner

• LCS website & social media

• Gymnasium TV screen advertising

🟦 Blue Sponsor – $500

• Name or short message on:

• Sponsorship banner

• LCS website & social media

• Gymnasium TV screen

🦁 Lion Pride Supporter – $250

• Name listed on:

• Sponsorship banner

• LCS social media

• Gymnasium TV screen

💙 Other - $1 +

• Name listed on sponsorship banner

Sponsorship Can Be:

• A business name and logo

• A shout out to a student-athlete ("Go #10, Jackson!")

• A family message of encouragement

• A tribute to a graduating senior

• An LCS alumni contribution (“Class of 2010 – Once a Lion, Always a Lion”)

Sponsorship Commitment Form - You may print and complete this paper form and mail or email to jrogers@laurelchristian.org or go to https://payit.nelnet.net/form/qrza3yQl and complete the online form with payment option.

Sponsor/Business Name or Message: ___________________________________________

Contact Person (if applicable): _________________________________________________

Phone Number: ______________________________________________________________

Email Address: ______________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________

Website/Social Media Handle (if applicable): ______________________________________

Please select your sponsorship level:

_____Lion Legacy Sponsor - $2,500 +

_____Gold Sponsor - $1,000 +

_____Blue Sponsor - $500 +

_____Lion Pride Supporter - $250 +

_____Other $1 +

Logo or Message Submission:
Please email your logo, photo, or shoutout message (hi-res PNG or short text) to:
📧 jrogers@laurelchristian.org

Make Checks Payable to:
Laurel Christian School
Memo: "LCS Sponsorship 2025–2026"
Mail to: Laurel Christian School - Attn: Business Office
PO Box 8425, Laurel, MS 39441

Questions: Contact Kim Chancellor at 601-649-4190 or kchancellor@laurelchristian.org

Thank you for helping us build champions in character, competition, and Christ!