Welcome Mustangs!

We are excited to welcome our herd! Middle school is a time of incredible growth, and we are honored to share this journey with you.

• Our Mission: At Little Mill Middle School, we inspire learning by providing a challenging, supportive environment grounded in respect, integrity, and high expectations.
  
  

• Our Vision: Where learners grow with curiosity, character, and confidence
  
  

• Our Partnership: We believe in open communication between school and home. Your involvement is key to your student's success.
  
  

• Transitions: Use this newsletter to prepare for the year ahead. We are here to help you navigate new routines and expectations.

The school day officially begins at 9:00 a.m. If your child arrives to school after 9:00, they should check themselves in at the front desk (there is no need for a parent to walk them in). Students can place their excuse notes in the bin outside the front office.

8:00 a.m. - School doors open

8:40 a.m. - Breakfast is available for all students

8:45 a.m. - Student can report to their academic hallways

9:00 a.m. - Classes begin

4:15 p.m. - Dismissal

This is the 2025-2026 bell schedule. Each 9 weeks, classes rotate schedules. The 2026-2027 schedule has not yet been finalized.

• Car Drop-off: Begins at 8:00 a.m. at the front of the school. Students wait in the cafeteria until the 8:45 a.m. bell. Do not drop off students before 8 am.

• Bus Riders: Dropped off at the gym entrance. Students wait downstairs until breakfast is served at 8:40 a.m. (or the 8:45 a.m. academic bell).
  
  

• End of Day: Dismissal begins at 4:15 p.m. using a staggered process.

• Car Riders & Walkers: Dismissed first from the front of the school.

• Note: Walkers must exit to the right; crossing Little Mill Road is not permitted.

• Bus Riders: Remain in 7th period until their bus number appears on screen, then exit through the gym doors.

• Pickup Window: All car riders should be picked up by 4:45 p.m.
  
  

If your child has a transportation change, please contact the front office directly, as students are not able to access text messages during the school day. Written notes are not required in middle school. Please note that bus changes are only approved for emergency situations and must be authorized by an administrator.

Students will attend the following academic classes each day:

English Language Arts (ELA)

Math

Science

Social Studies

Every student will also attend an advisement period daily, called Mustang Time. The order of classes will change each quarter, but classes and teachers for academic courses remain the same throughout the year.

Students will also have two connections classes each day.

Connections courses are 9 weeks and randomly assiged to all students. The only colasses students are allowed to select are Band and Chorus. Both Band and Chorus are yea year long commitment.

At Little Mill, we offer a variety of classes. Below is a list of classees your child may take.

Band

Chorus

Drama

Art

Health

Physical Education (PE)

Business

Architecture &Construction

Computer Science

Student course placements are determined based on fifth-grade teacher recommendations. Teachers consider multiple factors when identifying the best fit for each student, including:

• Classroom performance (including the need for reteaching or reassessment)
• i-Ready diagnostic scores
• Milestones performance
• Classroom assessment grades

Course recommendations will be available for families to view in the Parent Portal during the week of May 4–8.

• Summative Assessments (75%): These are major assessments, including unit tests, projects, midterms/final exams, and end-of-unit tasks, that measure what a student has learned after instruction.
• Formative Assessments (25%): These are smaller, ongoing checks for understanding—such as classwork, quizzes, or practice activities—that help guide instruction and support student learning along the way.
• Overall Course Grade: The average of the Semester 1 and Semester 2 grades

Progress reports are available in Parent Portal at the end of Quarter 1 and Quarter 3.

Report cards are issued at the end of each semester. Final report cards are mailed home at the end of the school year.

Sixth grade students will participate in several assessments throughout the year to support their learning and measure progress. Students will take the i-Ready Diagnostic three times a year, which helps us better understand individual needs and guide instructional placement. In addition, students will take a midterm and final exam in each academic class. These cumulative exams are given during the last week of each semester, follow a county-set schedule, and are the same for all 6th graders across Forsyth County. Each exam counts as a classroom assessment grade and cannot be taken early or retaken. In the spring, students will also take the Georgia Milestones assessment in Math and English Language Arts. All assessments are administered on the computer.

Students will take three key tests this semester: I-Ready (March), Milestones (April/May), and final exams (last week of school).

I-Ready helps guide instruction and supports placement recommendations, making it highly valuable for teachers, students, and parents.

Milestones is issued from the State of Georgia, and is based on Georgia standards. While it does not count toward middle school grades, participation and performance significantly impact our school. The state no longer allows opting out; refusals are recorded and can negatively affect our participation rate. Falling below 95% participation lowers our CCRPI score and school report card rating, which can impact our school’s reputation, property values, and community.

Midterms/Final Exams do count toward students’ grades. We are seeing strong alignment between midterm scores, I-Ready data, and classroom performance, and we hope to continue that trend.

Thank you for helping us emphasize the importance of student participation and effort on these assessments.

Stay connected and informed by visiting our LMM Community Hub! We created this online space to make it as easy as possible for our families to find what they need. Visit the hub to:

• Stay Informed: Access the latest school newsletters, announcements, and document links.

• Find Support: Quickly link to academic tools, the Family Resource Center, and contact information for school staff.

To help you stay connected without overwhelming your inbox, we send out an easy-to-read newsletter every other Friday. We know your time is valuable, so we keep it brief while making sure you have all the essential information you need. Inside every issue, you will find:

• Academic Snapshots: A quick look ahead at what your student will be learning in their classes.

• Important Updates: Essential school news, announcements, and reminders.

• Upcoming Events: Dates, times, and details for school activities and community events.

Get social with us! We post frequently on Facebook and Instagram to share pictures of our recent activities, classroom highlights, and the latest school news! Be sure to follow along to stay connected and see all the great things happening at Little Mill.

• Facebook: Little Mill Middle

• Instagram: @littlemillmdl

LMMS Behavior Expectations

How do I report an absence?

If your child misses school due to an excused absence, please submit a note using the button below or link found on the Community Hub. You can also email our front office staff.

For an absence to be considered excused, notes or completion of form must be received within five (5) school days of the student's return. If a note is not received within the five-day time limit, it will be considered an unexcused absence. If you are submitting a Doctor's Excuse digitally, please do not send the paper form into school. The digital upload of the note is sufficient.

Why attendance matters:

In middle school, every day counts—regular attendance supports learning, builds responsibility, and helps students stay connected.

1. Missed Classes = Missed Connections: Learning moves quickly between classes. Missing even one day can mean falling behind in multiple subjects, group work, and important discussions that are hard to recreate.
2. Builds Skills for High School and Beyond: Regular attendance helps students strengthen critical reading, writing, and math skills, setting the foundation for success in high school, college, and future careers.
3. Develops Independence and Accountability: Showing up each day helps students take ownership of their learning, manage responsibilities, and build habits that support increasing expectations.
4. Staying Connected Socially: Middle school is a key time for building friendships and a sense of belonging. Being present helps students stay connected to peers, teachers, and school activities.
5. Creates Consistent Routines: Attending school regularly helps students maintain a balanced routine, supporting overall well-being, organization, and readiness to learn each day.
   
   
   

To foster a focused and positive environment, Forsyth County Schools implements a Distraction-Free Education Policy. This legislation helps students stay engaged, supports their well-being, and encourages stronger peer connections.

Key Expectations

• The Rule: Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets) must be turned off and stored away during the school day.
  
  

• When It Applies: From the time the students enter school until the dismissal announcement, phones must be turned off and stored away.
  
  

• Exceptions: Students may use devices while riding the bus.
  
  

• Phones, smartwatches, and tablets should not be visible or used at any point during the school day.
  
  

Supporting Success

If students choose not to follow these expectations, the school will respond with a tiered series of discipline, including seizure of the phone, parent conferences, and school-level discipline.

For more details, please visit the Forsyth County Schools Policy Webpage.

Forsyth County Schools (FCS) provides a Chromebook to every student in grades 6–12 to support learning both in school and at home. In alignment with the FCS Strategic Plan and Learner Profile, students engage daily with a variety of digital tools and resources. This 1:1 device program allows us to intentionally integrate technology into instruction, build digital literacy skills, and ensure all students have consistent access to learning materials.

Just like textbooks and other assigned supplies, the Chromebook is an essential instructional tool and should be brought to school each day, fully charged. For additional information or questions about the program, please visit the district’s Chromebook webpage.

At LMMS, our PBIS program continues to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive school community where students are recognized for making responsible choices and demonstrating our school expectations each day. Throughout the year, students are celebrated through quarterly and semester-wide PBIS events that honor their hard work, growth, and positive behavior. These celebrations have included engaging experiences such as our Hot Chocolate Celebration and Silent Disco Event, giving students fun and meaningful opportunities to come together as a school community.

In addition, students earn points for meeting behavioral and academic expectations, which can be redeemed for prizes and incentives through our HERD Store. Each month, teachers also nominate one student from each grade level as Student of the Month, recognizing those who exemplify leadership, respect, responsibility, and perseverance. Through these initiatives, PBIS helps us build a culture where positive behavior is acknowledged, celebrated, and encouraged schoolwide.

We are committed to supporting every student’s academic success. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s academic progress, including support through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program, please reach out to Jill Sullivan. She is available to help discuss options and ensure your child receives the support they need.

Additionally, if you need academic resources to utilize with your student at home, please reach out to Whitney Strickland, our Family Engagement Coordinator, or visit our Family Resource Center at Little Mill.

Every day, students will participate in a period called Mustang Time. On Mondays, the focus is typically on forecasting the week and building executive functioning skills. Throughout the rest of the week, this time is used for academic support, including reteaching, study sessions for upcoming tests, summative retakes, and enrichment opportunities. We also use Mustang Time to build and reinforce our HERD expectations, helping students grow both academically and socially.

Breakfast Club is our instructional extension program offered to students throughout the year. It takes place Tuesday through Thursday mornings from 7:45–8:45 a.m. In a smaller group setting, certified Math and ELA teachers preview upcoming grade-level content, helping students feel more prepared and confident in their academic classes. Students are also provided with a breakfast snack each day. Transportation is available for participating students. Additional information will be shared with families at the beginning of the year so you can register your child.

Gifted services in middle school differ from the elementary school model. Instead of a separate program, services are provided within academic subject areas.

Students identified as gifted will be recommended for at least one advanced course, with the opportunity to take up to four, based on their individual strengths and needs. Gifted students will learn in advanced classes alongside peers who have also been recommended for advanced coursework.

If your child has a 504 Plan, our school is committed to supporting their individual needs. Jill Sullivan serves as our 504 Coordinator and is available to assist with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to her at any time for support.

Menus are accessed through the Mealviewer App for each individual school. After downloading the app and choosing Little Mill Middle School, the menu along with allergy, calories and carbs can be viewed for each item, each day.

Our online meal payment platform is myschoolbucks.com. It allows parents to make payments to the student’s meal account with a debit or credit card. This online service can help parents monitor their child's account balance, view account transactions and history, set-up auto-payments, and receive low balance alerts.

For more information about pricing and meal assistance, please visit the FCS Food and Nutrition page.

Lunch periods are approximately 25 minutes. Families are welcome to join their student for lunch if the student would like them to visit during this time. Families may sit with their student in the upper mezzanine seating area. Please check your child’s lunch schedule in advance, arrive on time, and sign in at the front office upon arrival.

• Only essential items should be dropped off in the front office (i.e., medication, glasses).
  

• Outside food or drink (i.e., fast food) cannot be dropped off

• Students will need to finish outside beverages and food items before leaving the cafeteria in the morning.
  

Students will have the opportunity to purchase an early locker pass over the summer, which allows families to receive locker assignments and come in to set them up before Open House. We know lockers can sometimes cause added anxiety for rising 6th graders, so we encourage families to purchase a small combination lock and allow students to practice opening it at home. A video tutorial is included below to help. Students are responsible for the items stored in their lockers, so we strongly encourage all students to keep lockers secured and not share combinations with others.

Back to School Bash – August 1, 2026: This is a free, family-friendly event hosted by the One East community that provides students and families with essential resources—like haircuts, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, snacks, and sports physicals—to help start the school year strong.

Mustang Camp (Open House) - August 3, 2026

Annual Title I Meeting – September 2026: At this meeting, families will learn about our program and what it means to be part of a Title I school (including our schoolwide plan, Compacts, Family Engagement Policy, and parental requirements).

Parent Advisory – September, November, January, and March: This group meets four times throughout year to provide families with opportunities to share input and stay informed, with both in-person and virtual participation options available.

Parent University – October 2026: LMMS staff and guest speakers will discuss various academic strategies and study skills for parents to help their children with learning at home.

One East Family Connect: Supporting EL Learners – October 2026: An interactive event for families that provides information to help support multilingual learners at home and connections with valuable community resources.

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 2026: Parent conferences are scheduled at the request of family or teacher, so not all students will have a conference unless one is arranged.

Family Math and Literacy Night - February 2027: This is an interactive event where families learn about their child’s progress, and engage in fun, hands-on activities to support and strengthen students’ reading and math skills at home.

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences – March 2027: These are held as needed to discuss student progress and support.

Stakeholder Input Meeting – April 2027: This is an opportunity for LMMS families to help plan and provide input for our Schoolwide Plan for the upcoming school year.

At Little Mill Middle School, we know that families are the heart of our community. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Mustang Support Hub, a central place where families can find information about services and resources to support both students and caregivers. Whether you’re seeking academic guidance, social‑emotional support, help with basic needs, or connections to community organizations, the Hub makes it easy to know where to turn and how to request assistance.

We believe that small moments of care can make a big difference. The Mustang Support Hub ensures every family feels seen, supported, and valued. We encourage families to explore the Hub, reach out whenever needs arise, and stay connected with our Little Mill community. We also invite community members to support this work through donations, volunteer efforts, or partnerships—each contribution strengthens our ability to care for one another.

At Little Mill Middle School, we know that when families and schools work together, students thrive. Whether you have an hour to volunteer, a special talent to share, or simply want to stay connected, we'd love to find the right opportunity for you!

Complete our Family Involvement Interest Form to let us know how you'd like to be involved this year. Opportunities range from helping with school events and morning car rider line to sharing professional skills, supporting teachers, providing donations, and much more. There's no obligation—this simply helps us connect you with opportunities that match your interests and availability.

Parent advisory meets four times throughout the year. Some topics discussed at this year’s meetings:

• Family engagement highlights and opportunities
• Parent feedback, input, and ways to get involved
• Schoolwide initiatives and important updates
• Celebrations of student and school success
• Transition information to support rising 6th graders
• Community partner spotlights and resources
• Assessment and exam updates
• Announcements, reminders, and key dates
• PTO updates and upcoming events