This Week at Lilburn Middle School

📣 Message from Dr. Irish
📌 This Week at LMS & Important Reminders
🎉 Hispanic Heritage Month: Closing Celebrations
💻 Informed with Irish: Cancer Awareness, Corners Outreach & 8th Grade Updates
🐴 PBIS Fundraiser Week & Red Ribbon Week
🏫 Parent-Teacher Conferences & Early Release: October 28–29
🏀 Basketball, Clubs & Student Activities
📅 Upcoming Events & Important Dates
✍️ Student Contests & Opportunities
📚 Family Workshops, Literacy & Student Resources
🤝 Fundraising, Service & Community Resources

Greetings, LMS Families!

Welcome back! We hope all of our Mustangs had a restful, safe, and enjoyable Fall Break with family and friends. We are so excited to welcome our students back to campus as we dive into the second half of the semester with renewed energy and focus!

This coming week is filled with important campus activities, including National Bus Safety Week and our PBIS Fundraiser.

Campus Spotlight & Safety Updates:

1. National Bus Safety Week (October 19–23)

This week, Lilburn Middle School is celebrating National Bus Safety Week! Our school buses are an extension of our classrooms, and keeping our students safe on their journey to and from school is a top priority. Throughout the week, we will be reminding students of key bus safety expectations: staying seated, keeping voices at a respectful volume so the driver can focus, keeping aisles clear, and watching carefully when loading and unloading. LMS students will be watching a bus safety video and engaging in conversation about safety on the bus. Please take a moment at home to review bus safety with your child and join us in thanking our wonderful GCPS bus drivers for all they do to keep our Mustangs safe every day!

Support Our School: PBIS Fundraiser Week

We are kicking off our PBIS Fundraiser Week! Funds raised during this week directly support our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program, allowing us to reward students for making great choices, showing Mustang PRIDE, and building a positive school culture. Thank you in advance for supporting our reward events and incentives!

What’s Happening at LMS This Week

• Monday, October 19:
• Students Return from Fall Break!
• Bus Safety Week & PBIS Fundraiser Week Begin
• After-School Club: GoSTEM Club
• Tuesday, October 20:
• 8th Grade PSAT Readiness Check
• Morning Tutoring: Connections (8:15 AM)
• Before/After-School Clubs: Chess Club, Gear Up Healthcare Science, & Environmental Club
• Wednesday, October 21:
• Morning Tutoring: Math & Social Studies (8:15 AM)
• Before/After-School Clubs: Campus Life (8:15 AM) & Student Council
• Thursday, October 22:
• Progress Reports Distributed: Be on the lookout for updated progress reports coming home today!
• Parent Mentor Workshop: Supporting Your Child's Educational Journey (10:00 AM in-person or 6:00 PM virtual)
• Cross Country Season Celebration- Students will receive information from their coaches
• Morning Tutoring: Language Arts & Science (8:15 AM)
• Friday, October 23:
• Meadowcreek High School Football vs. Midtown HS
  
  

Looking Ahead

• Tuesday, October 27: PSAT 8/9 Testing Day for 8th Grade students! Please ensure students arrive on time with fully charged Chromebooks.
• Monday, October 26- Friday, October 30: Red Ribbon Week. Students will engage in activities and lessons that support drug-free awareness.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, support, and dedication to our Lilburn community. We look forward to a fantastic week ahead!

Sincerely,

Dr. Irish

Principal, Lilburn Middle School

Although Hispanic Heritage Month officially ended October 15, LMS will conclude our celebration with special guest speakers during our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Moments, October 19–22. We'll also announce the winners of our Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest this week as we recognize our students' creativity and celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture.

Join Dr. Nicole Irish for our next virtual Informed with Irish session on Tuesday, October 20, at 11:00 a.m. Topics will include cancer awareness, information from a Corners Outreach representative, and important updates specifically for families of eighth-grade students.

Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting

Meeting ID: 241 250 662 518 271
Passcode: ak9x7sJ2

It's PBIS Fundraiser Week at LMS! From October 19–23, students can participate in special dress-up days and activities to support our school's PBIS program and celebrate Mustang PRIDE.

• Monday, October 19: Beary Fun Day! Bring a teddy bear for $1.

• Tuesday, October 20: Mustang Cozy Day! Wear pajamas for $2.

• Wednesday, October 21: Hats Off to PBIS! Wear your favorite hat for $1.

• Thursday, October 22: Poppin' for PBIS! Get a bag of popcorn for $2.

• Friday, October 23: Soak the Staff! Purchase water balloons for $2 each or 3 for $5 for a chance to soak a teacher or administrator.

See the flyer below for details!

Get ready for Red Ribbon Week, October 26–30! LMS students are invited to participate in themed dress-up days as we promote healthy, drug-free choices.

• Monday, October 26: Wear red!

• Tuesday, October 27: Wear Mustang spirit wear or blue!

• Wednesday, October 28: Dress in your best outfit for a picture-perfect, drug-free future!

• Thursday, October 29: Wear tie-dye!

• Friday, October 30: Dress like a superhero! School dress code applies. No masks or props.

See the flyer below for each day's theme!

Parent-teacher conferences will primarily take place on Wednesday, October 28. Teachers will begin contacting families this week to schedule conferences. If you would like to request a conference, please contact your child's homeroom teacher. Teachers will work to accommodate requests, although some conferences may need to be scheduled for another day.

Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29, are both early release days. Students will be dismissed earlier than usual on both days. Families should plan accordingly.

The Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition begins at LMS this week! Students can showcase their creativity and writing skills. Interested students should check with their Language Arts teachers for information about participating.

Our boys' and girls' basketball teams begin their regular season this week! Come out and support our Mustangs at their first two games:

• Wednesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. vs. Richards Middle School at Meadowcreek High School

• Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m. vs. Pinckneyville Middle School at Meadowcreek High School

We're excited for another great season of Mustang basketball. Go Mustangs!

LMS Theatre is offering a $20 VIP ticket that includes admission, popcorn, and water for all four daytime performances during the 2026–27 school year.

Purchase tickets here: GoFan LMS Theatre Tickets

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and celebrate the strengths of students with dyslexia. Families can explore literacy resources, reading supports, and tools to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Literacy Resources for Families

Applications for the 2027–28 School of the Arts @ Central Gwinnett High School are now open. Students interested in applying can review application and audition requirements online. Applications are due November 30.

Click here for application information.

GCPS is inviting parents and community members to apply for the World Languages Instructional Resources Review Committee, which will help evaluate digital instructional resources. Applications are due Sunday, October 25.

Click here to apply.

GCPS is inviting parents and community members to share their experiences and ideas as part of Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella's transition planning. Families can complete an online survey or participate in a virtual focus group on October 27 or 28, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Complete the Parent/Community Survey

Register for a Virtual Focus Group

Tuesday, November 3, will be a Digital Learning Day for GCPS students due to Election Day. Students will complete schoolwork remotely rather than attend classes in person.

GCPS is seeking feedback from families and community members to help guide budget priorities for the 2027–28 school year. The brief FY2028 Budget Development Stakeholder Survey is available in multiple languages and closes Friday, October 30.

Calling all creative LMS students! Georgia K–12 public school students are invited to participate in the 2026 Cybersecurity Poster Contest sponsored by the Georgia Leaders of Educational Technology (GLET). First-place finalists in each category will receive prizes and state-level recognition.

📅 Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026

🏆 Open to Georgia K–12 public school students

🔗 Contest Rules and Entry Information

Registration is still open for our free adult English classes at Lilburn Middle School! Classes begin Saturday, October 31, and meet weekly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. New participants will complete a placement test on October 31.

For more information or to register, contact Michael Doyne at michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org or 404-683-3445.

Don't miss out on the memories! Yearbooks are now on sale. Reserve your copy today and celebrate the 2026-27 school year with photos, events, and special moments from Lilburn Middle School.

Order Your LMS Yearbook

Lilburn Middle School offers a variety of clubs and activities that help students explore their interests, develop leadership skills, serve their community, and connect with other students. Explore the opportunities below and contact the club sponsors for more information.

Campus Life

Campus Life meets Wednesdays from 8:00–8:45 a.m. in the Old Gym. Students can participate in interactive games, activities, open gym, community-building, and encouraging conversations about relevant topics. The club is free, and snacks are provided.

Permission is requested for participation.

Register for Campus Life.
School Contact: Michael Doyne, michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org

Chess Club
Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m.
Room: Mr. Ponraj's classroom
Contact: Christ.Ponraj@gcpsk12.org
Open to students of all experience levels. Students should pick up a permission form from an academy office.

Crochet Club
Thursdays at 8:15 a.m.
Sponsors: Ms. Checkwood and Ms. Constantino
Contact: Jennifer.Checkwood@gcpsk12.org

Environmental Club
Tuesdays after school until 6:00 p.m.
Family Engagement Center/LMS Garden

Contact: Michael Doyne, michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org

GoSTEM Club

Mondays after school, 4:30–6:00 p.m.

GoSTEM is underway! Students interested in joining should turn in an application to their grade-level academy.

This free program, offered in partnership with Georgia Tech, includes weekly STEM activities and lessons, college and career exploration, mentorship from Georgia Tech students, and a spring field trip to Georgia Tech.

Contact: Ms. Erin Luna at erin.luna@gcpsk12.org

Mustangs United Student Council Leadership

Interested in Student Council? Student Council members will meet on Wednesdays after school.

Sponsors: Dr. Maymmie Seivright, D.J. Johnson, Egline Cherono, and M. Fatima
Contact: Maymmie.Seivright@gcpsk12.org

Readers Rally
Thursdays at 8:15 a.m.
Sponsors: Ms. Checkwood and Ms. MacDaniel

Contact: Jennifer.Checkwood@gcpsk12.org

LMS Science Fair

Have a question you’ve always wanted answered, a problem you want to solve, or an idea that could make a difference? Students interested in participating in the LMS Science Fair can pick up an interest sheet from their grade-level academy office. The sheet includes a Google Classroom code with everything students need to get started.

Yearbook Photography Opportunities

Students interested in helping photograph school events throughout the year can join the Yearbook Google Classroom. Students in the Classroom will receive information about upcoming photography opportunities, with Creator Team members receiving priority for assignments.
Google Classroom code: hmnd5ujd

Monday, October 19

• Students Return from Fall Break

• Bus Safety Week Begins

• PBIS Fundraiser Week Begins

• GoSTEM Club, 4:30–6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20

• Connections Tutoring, 8:15–8:45 a.m.

• Chess Club, 8:15 a.m.

• Eighth Grade PSAT Readiness Check

• Gear Up Healthcare Science

• Informed with Irish: Cancer Awareness, 11:00 a.m.

• Environmental Club, After School

• Parent Meeting for ML Afterschool program, 5:30 PM (Virtual)

• Chorus Fall Concert, 6:00 p.m., LMS Cafeteria

Wednesday, October 21

• Campus Life, 8:00–8:45 a.m.

• Math & Social Studies Tutoring, 8:15–8:45 a.m.

• Student Council, After School

• Basketball vs. Richards MS @ Meadowcreek, 5:30 PM

Thursday, October 22

• Language Arts & Science Tutoring, 8:15–8:45 a.m.

• Progress Reports Distributed

• Special Education Parent Mentor Workshop, 10:00–11:30 a.m. (In Person) (register HERE)

• Special Education Parent Mentor Workshop, 6:00–7:30 p.m. (Virtual) (register HERE)
  

• Cross Country End-of-Season Celebration, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, October 23

• Bus Safety Week Ends

• PBIS Fundraiser Week Ends

• Meadowcreek High School Football vs. Midtown High School

Saturday, October 24

• Basketball vs. Pinckneyville MS @ Meadowcreek, 9 AM

Looking Ahead

• October 26–30: Red Ribbon Week

• October 27: PSAT 8/9 for 8th Grade Students

• October 28–29: Early Release for Parent-Teacher Conferences

• October 28: Basketball vs. Sweetwater MS @ Berkmar HS, 5:30 PM

• October 30: Hidden Heroes Nomination Deadline

• October 31: Free English Classes Begin, 9:30 a.m.

• October 31: GCPS Book Mobile 5K

• October 31: JLC Raider Meet at Dacula High School

• October 31: Basketball at Summerour MS, 9 AM

LMS homerooms are competing to spell M-U-S-T-A-N-G by earning a letter each day their class has 100% attendance and on-time arrival. Families can help by making sure students are at school and ready to learn each day.

Use ParentVUE to view your student’s schedule, grades, assignments, attendance, report cards, and bus information. Families can use the ParentVUE mobile app or access ParentVUE online.

Our featured word for October 11–23 is knave, a noun meaning a dishonest person.

Example: “The knave tried to trick others into believing his story.”

Ask your student to use knave in a conversation or in their writing.

A few quick ideas for supporting your middle schooler at home this week:

• Help your student set goals. Encourage your child to identify something they'd like to accomplish, break it into smaller steps, and think about how to overcome possible obstacles.

• Teach your child to evaluate online information. Encourage your student to check who created a website, whether the information is reliable, and when it was last updated before trusting or sharing it.

• Make time to laugh together. Share a funny story, watch something amusing, or enjoy a few jokes. Finding humor in everyday moments can strengthen your relationship with your child.

See more family eTIPS for this week.

Know an LMS teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, counselor, nutrition professional, custodian, coach, administrator, or staff member who is making a positive difference? Families can nominate a Hidden Hero through October 30 as part of the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement recognition program.

Nominate here: https://hiddenheroes.glisi.org/2026

There are many ways families, friends, neighbors, businesses, and community members can support Lilburn Middle School this year.

Join the PTSA: Membership is open to everyone, including parents, guardians, students, relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members. First create an account through Totem, then complete your $10 membership payment. Volunteering is not required to become a member.

Join the Lilburn Middle School PTSA

Volunteer at LMS: We are looking for family and community volunteers to help with PTSA activities, school programs, events, and other opportunities throughout the year.

Become a Business Partner: Local businesses and organizations can support LMS students and staff through our Business Partner Program.

Learn More About the LMS Business Partner Program

Other Ways to Support LMS:

• Box Tops for Education
• Kroger Community Rewards

For more information about PTSA membership, volunteering, or becoming a Business Partner, contact Michael Doyne at michael.doyne@gcpsk12.org or 404-683-3445 by phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Breakfast is available at no charge to all Lilburn Middle School students during the 2026–27 school year.

Lunch prices are:

• Full price: $2.75

• Reduced price: $0.40

• No charge for students approved for free meals

Families can view the daily breakfast and lunch selections online.

Corners Outreach offers an after-school program for middle and high school students focused on academic support, leadership, skill development, and preparation for future opportunities.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2:30–6:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 per family
Transportation: Available for $20 per month

Families may register Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at:

Corners Outreach
1854 Shackleford Ct.
Norcross, GA 30093

Questions: 678-896-6978

Mixtura Clubhouse offers free after-school programming for young people ages 11–17, including mentoring, family activities, transportation, life-skills development, recreation, and community activities.

Location: 6500 McDonough Dr., Suite D9, Norcross
Contact: 770-862-4886 or 470-618-7429 | mixtura@vphealth.org
Learn more about Mixtura Clubhouse

The 8th annual GCPS Book Mobile 5K will be held October 31. The event supports the GCPS Book Mobile program, which helps provide books directly to students. Families and community members of all ages and abilities are invited to participate.

Register here.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will host its 6th Annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Friday, November 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

For more information, contact the Community Outreach Unit at 770-619-6795 or GCSOCommunityOutreach@gwinnettcounty.com.

See the flyer below for additional information, including volunteer and donation opportunities.

The Heart of GIVE Food Pantry serves families on the first Friday of every month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at GIVE Center East, 723 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville. The pantry provides food, support, and community resources, and volunteers are also welcome.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ms. Foote at 770-919-5633 or heartofgive365@gmail.com.

Gwinnett County Public Schools has published the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school year calendars.
View GCPS School Year Calendars

You can also view the LMS School Calendar for school events, activities, and important dates.
View the LMS School Calendar

The 2026–2027 PTSA Reflections theme has been announced:

“What My Culture Means to Me”

Students interested in dance choreography, photography, film production, literature, music composition, and visual arts are encouraged to begin thinking creatively about this year’s theme. Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Find support for academics, emotional wellness, high school planning, and more.

Visit the LMS Counselors’ Resource Page

Lilburn Middle School

• Facebook

• Instagram

• X (formerly Twitter)

• LinkedIn

• YouTube

PTSA

• Facebook

• Instagram

Athletics & Clubs

• LMS Athletics Instagram

• Band Instagram

• Chorus Instagram

• Cross Country Facebook | Instagram

• Orchestra Facebook | Website

• Soccer Instagram

• Theatre Facebook | Instagram

• FBLA Instagram

• Environmental Club Facebook | Instagram

Explore the schools of the Meadowcreek Cluster

• Thank you to the family members who helped support our LMS Theatre performances this past week.

• Thank you to Lesbia Gonzalez Torres for her continued support of our Environmental Club.

• Thank you to Josh Ham for his ongoing dedication to our Cross Country team.

• Thank you to all the families who contributed donations during Great Days of Service.

Did we miss someone who supported LMS this week? Please let us know so we can recognize them in a future newsletter. We are grateful for everyone who contributes to the LMS community!

View Previous LMS Newsletters

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Please contact me with any corrections or concerns. I want to keep this resource accurate and helpful!

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