Lake Ridge Middle School - November 2009 Newsletter

Lake Ridge Middle School

12350 Mohican Road ∙ Woodbridge, VA 22192

703.494.5154 ∙ FAX 703.494.8246 ∙ http://lakeridge.schoolfusion.us

Jo C. Fitzgerald, Principal

NEWS FROM WOLF COUNTRY

Vol. 2

November 10, 2009

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

The 2009-2010 school year has gotten off to a great start. Many thanks for preparing your children to begin the new school year.

The Wolfpack has been meeting to revise our strategic plan. Items that are a concern have been identified from various sources such as surveys and test data. As always our goal is to continue to be fully accredited by the State Department of Education and achieve Adequate Yearly Progress.

Additionally, we are focusing on inclusive practices, academic literacy, wellness and continue to develop our Professional Learning Communities within our organization to better carry out the objectives of our strategic plan. I would like to encourage you to remain involved in your child’s education. The following are just a few examples of what you can do to stay involved in your child’s education: check and monitor homework assignments, discuss new learning with your child, read the same book and share ideas, come to school and eat lunch with your child, chaperone a dance, sign up for Edulink In Touch Online and SchoolFusion which can be accessed through our school’s webpage, http://www.lakeridge.schoolfusion.us/. I would also like to encourage you to sign up to receive email from PWCS E-News at http://pwcs.medianext.com/pwcs/start.html. This will enable you to receive announcements and information by email from Prince William County Public Schools. Thanks to the many parents who were able to attend our Visitation Day in October.

At this time I would like to thank all parents for their continuing support. Raising children in our complex society is not an easy task. Lake Ridge Middle continues to have an excellent reputation in the educational community. Together we can ensure that it will continue.

Sincerely,

Jo Fitzgerald, Principal

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Lake Ridge Middle School will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. for
the Fall Break on Wednesday, November 25, 2009.

The merchants at Festival at Old Bridge shopping center in Lake Ridge will sponsor a holiday promotion again this year. Some lucky person will win a $500 shopping spree! To be eligible for the shopping spree participants just need to fill out an entry form and drop it off at any participating Festival at Old Bridge shopping center business. Each entry form includes space to fill in the name of your favorite school. This promotion will begin on November 12 and will end on December 10, 2009, when a drawing will be held to select the winner. For complete rules and an entry form visit www.promorules.info.

A Request from LRMS Library

A+ Bonus Bucks (Giant Grocery Cards) Benefit Our School

Dear Parents and Friends:



We want to thank all those parents who designated our school with their Giant Club cards. At the end of October, fifty eight people had designated LRMS with their cards. If you have not designated us yet, please do so. This program is designed to help us earn needed educational materials for our school. . With the money we earn this year, the library will purchase appropriate books relating to student requests and recommendations. Please support this program again this year.



Here's just how easy this program is!



1.   Make sure you have a Giant A+ Bonus Bucks Card. If you do not, please get one
      at any Giant grocery store.

2.   Fill out the form at the end of this notice and have your child return it to the
      school library as soon as possible. If you prefer, you may use the Internet on-line
      registration option to register yourself.

            Log on to www.giantfood.com/aplus.

            Go to “designate school”.

            Our School number is 02164.

                     Or, you may register at the local Giant store.

3.  Even if you registered your Club Card last year, you need to re-register this year.

4.  After you register, whenever you shop at Giant and scan your club card, our
     school will automatically receive credit for any purchases you make.

5.  When you purchase specially marked products with the Extra Credit designation,
      our school earns even more.

6.  You only have to register once this year. The Giant program runs from
      October 9^th until  March 25th.



The sooner you return the form, or register yourself on-line, the sooner we begin earning free educational supplies. Please take the time to register. Thank you in advance for your help and support. We will keep you updated on our progress.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Vranich

Librarian, LRMS

Giant A+ Bonus Bucks Participation Form

Return this form to Lake Ridge Middle School Library, if you wish to participate in the Giant A+ Bonus Bucks Program.

Giant A+ Bonus Bucks helps our school earn cash!

Sign up on-line at www.giantfood.com/aplus.

or

Fill out the form below and return it to the school library.

or

Sign up at the store.

Our school code is 02164.

You only need to sign up once, but you must register each new school year.



First three letters of your                                  Giant Club Card Number

            Last Name                                                  (There should be 12 digits)

            __ __ __                                          __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

            __ __ __                                          __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

            __ __ __                                          __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __



If you wish to register for more than one school, list the names of the other schools.

________________________________________________________________________

HELP US EARN MONEY FOR LRMS

Do you want to help earn money for our school? In addition to the Giant "Bonus Bucks" program, Lake Ridge Middle School participates in four additional programs:

1. Families can sign up for the "Together in Education" program at Harris Teeter. Simply give the cashier our school code, 7413, with your VIC card the next time you check out, and your card will be linked for the entire school year. You may also sign up at www.harristeeter.com/community and follow the instruction on the Together in Education link.

2. We also participate in the Safeway E-scrip program. Up to 3% of your monthly purchases can be earned for your school. You can register online at www.escrip.com or at any Safeway store. Our school ID is 6525768.

3. The Target "Take Charge of Education" program donates 1% of purchases made with the Target RED card to our school. You can register online at www.target.com/tcoe or any Target store with school ID 104490. Proceeds from this program benefit our school library.

4. Recycle your empty inkjet cartridges by bringing your empty cartridges to school and placing them in the collection boxes in the library. We receive up to $4 per cartridge and currently accept HP, Lexmark, Dell and Canon brands.

Every little bit helps us purchase educational materials and equipment. We appreciate your support!

NURSE’S NOTES

Parents, as the colder weather approaches, please be reminded that school opens at 7:20 a.m. for students to use the library. With the weather changes, please see that your student dresses accordingly for the weather.

As the “flu season” is upon us, we will be doing our best to be encouraging frequent hand washing and proper attention to illness. I will do my best to speak to families in a timely fashion if I have seen your child with a medical complaint in the school clinic. For flu updates, please refer to the LRMS website: www.lakeridge.schoolfusion.us.

This is a busy time at Lake Ridge Middle and we will work together to encourage our students to maintain good health by eating healthy and getting a good night’s sleep. School attendance is vital to a positive learning environment and personal success. We all look forward to a successful and healthy winter season. Please call with any questions.

Please remember that students who have had a fever one hundred degrees or above or any vomiting or gastrointestinal issues should be kept home from school for twenty-four hours. Your student may return to school when they are symptom and fever free.

Thank you for your continued support and assistance.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Ruppert, RN

PTSO NEWS

We would like to thank all the families and staff members who have joined the PTSO. It's never too late to join! Send your $6 in an envelope with your child's name, advisory and your name and we will send you a membership card. This money helps to supports the students and teachers at Lake Ridge Middle School.

On November 7, once again this year the PTSO sponsored Skate Night at Prince William Ice Center. As always it proved to be a fun time for everyone who participated.

On December 10, the PTSO will be providing an appreciation luncheon for the staff. Donations of food would be greatly appreciated. Just drop it off at the front door by 10 a.m. that morning. Please mark anything you want returned with your name and we will have it in the front office by 2 p.m. that afternoon. The staff really enjoys everything you send in and they are most appreciative.

Our second annual Cabin Fever Family Bingo night will be held on January 29 and we are already making plans for this exciting event. If you know of anyone who would be willing to donate prizes, please contact me at radoyesd3andb@aol.com . The names of the donors of all prizes to be awarded that evening will be included in the Cabin Fever brochure.

We hope this year is off to a great start for you and your family! Please consider donating to your PTSO. We can always put your time, ideas and suggestions to good use! You are our most valuable asset!

Dani Radoye

PTSO President

703-494-8022

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER WOLVES OF THE MONTH

September: 6^th Austin Bolander Megan Hill

7^th Diana Buckley Kevin Serrano

8^th Devin Treger Tristin Foley

October: 6^th Veronica Schaufele Cole Trullender

7^th Clare McNulty Michael McInnis

8^th Bahar Omar Aaron Pekala

YEARBOOK INFORMATION

Pre-order a 2009-2010 LRMS yearbook now and save $5. The entire 2010 LRMS yearbook will be in color. All yearbooks will come with an eight page autograph supplement. You can help prevent yearbook mix-ups, theft and loss by ordering a yearbook with the student’s name stamped on the front cover for an additional $4.

Orders are being taken during all lunches from Wednesday, November 4 through Tuesday, November 10. Orders will be taken again during all lunches from Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 4. Make checks payable to LRMS.

Option 1: $31 – For a yearbook with the student’s name stamped on the front cover.

Option 2: $27 – For a plain yearbook with NO student name stamp

If you do not pre-order now, there is a possibility there will not be enough extra yearbooks to buy when they are delivered in the spring. Any available yearbooks in the spring will cost an additional $5 make the price $32.00 in the spring.

Do you have candid pictures for the yearbook??

Did you know that students, parents, and teachers can contribute pictures to the yearbook staff by uploading photos directly to the yearbook website. Who knows, you may see a photo you took in the yearbook. You can eShare photos of fieldtrips, sporting events, school and community activities or shots of you and your friends that otherwise might be missed by out staff photographers.

Please eShare your pictures quickly. Provide as much detail as possible (including names and grades) for each photo, so we have all the information needed for accurate identification. The more you eShare, the better our coverage can be. Start eSharing today!

Go to: www.hjeshare.com; Enter your school code: 3009188

Locate the picture (file) you want to upload. Click on the filename to select it, click “open.”

Click each thumbnail to select it, and enter information about all images. Following these instructions will assure that the information in the yearbook is correct if your photo is used.

Click “Submit Image Information” when you are done.

“THANK YOU”

We would like to thank those individuals who supported LRMS by participating in the magazine fundraiser. The orders are being sent to the publisher and customers should start receiving their orders within the next six to eight weeks. Should you have any questions, you may call QSP Fulfillment Center directly at the toll free number 1.800.678.2673, which is printed on the customer’s pink receipt. Your support is greatly appreciated.

LRMS SPIRIT WEAR SALE

Lake Ridge students and families will have another opportunity to order spirit wear between November11th and November 20th. The order forms are located on the stage in the cafeteria. Orders and payments must be received by Mrs. Perkins no later than November 20th. All items are navy blue with white lettering and prices are:

Short sleeve T-shirt $10

Long sleeve T-shirt $17

Crew neck sweatshirt $22

Hoodie sweatshirt $28

Sweatpants $18 *Sweatpants are a new item, and they can be worn during PE classes.

Sizes: Adult Small – XXL (add $2 for XXL)

These items also make very nice Christmas gifts! The last day to order will be November 20, 2009. Checks should be made out to LRMS.

INFORMATION

FROM

THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress you may schedule a parent/teacher conference by calling the guidance secretary, Mrs. Wessolleck, at 703.494.5154 or by emailing her at wessolsl@pwcs.edu

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

Homework for students who are absent three or more days may be requested by calling Mrs. Wessolleck in Guidance. Please call before 10 a.m. and expect to pick up the work the following afternoon. Students may also visit their teachers’ websites for homework: www.lakeridge.schoolfusion.us.

SPECIALTY PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

FOR RISING NINTH GRADERS

I know that you are just getting used to the 8^th grade, but it is time to begin thinking about High School.

High school should be challenging, but not overwhelming. When choosing classes your child will be successful in please take the time to consider the following things:

Their current grades
Their work habits
Their academic strengths and weaknesses
Their interests
Their after school activities
Their future plans and goals
The diploma that they are aiming for

All Prince William County Schools offer Advanced, Pre-AP, and AP classes for students who have maintained an “A” or high “B” average for that particular class. These classes require a teacher recommendation unless they are participating in a specialty program that requires them to take it.

THE SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

Specialty programs give students the opportunity to get more information and experience in a field or career before they get to college. Participating in these programs may help students make a better decision about what they would like to major in when they apply to college.

Students who are more interested in aquariums, greenhouses, diverse habitats and interactive science research and projects should consider FreedomHigh School’s Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences.

Students who have more of an interest in biology, medical sciences, and interrelationships among scientific disciplines should consider The Biotechnology Center at OsbournPark.

Students who enjoy math, computer programming, graphics, multimedia, and hardware networking should consider Forest ParkHigh School’s Center for Information Technology.

The Cambridge Programme at Potomac High School offers innovative international pre-university curriculum and examination system to help prepare students to receive the AICE diploma.

Gar-FieldHigh School offers a rigorous academic program in all academic areas to prepare students to obtain the full IB diploma in the International Baccalaureate Programme.

Students who have an interest in global awareness, cultures, languages, communication, politics and economics should consider the Center for International Studies and Languages offered at C.D.HyltonHigh School.

Woodbridge High School’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts offers an opportunity for students who are interested in self expression, creative writing, dance, music, theater and visual arts to develop the necessary skills to be successful in a university arts program.

More detailed information has been sent home regarding information meeting dates for each Specialty Program. If there is an interest in any of these programs please attend the information meetings and pick up an application.

All applications for the specialty programs are due on 2.16.2010 except the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The applications and audition materials are due to Woodbridge by 1.15.2010.

Prince William County also offers a couple of Career and Technical Education programs that are available to rising 9^th graders. Seats in these programs are limited. Students need to apply during course registration of this year for program entry.

Woodbridge High School offers Project Lead The Way which is a 4-year engineering program.

Television Production is a 4-year program available at C.D. Hylton High School.

JROTC

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs are also offered. These programs were designed to promote leadership, communication, self-discipline and educate students about the customs and courtesies of each branch. Applications are due before the end of March 2010.

Air Force- C.D. Hylton and Freedom High Schools

Army- Woodbridge High School

Marine- Gar-Field High School

Navy- Potomac and Osbourn Park High Schools

Students can only apply for the JROTC program that is offered at their base high school.

ALL-COUNTY HONORS CHOIR

Congratulations to the following students who were selected from Lake Ridge Middle School for All-County Honors Choir! Competition was tough and these students are to be commended for their efforts.

Sopranos: Mandy Addington

Jordan Frederick

Kimberly Galarza

Alternate: Bahar Omar

Altos: Alexandra Gauthier

Ariana Izquierdo

Shay Weasler

Alternate: Genesis Flores

Baritones: Nickolas Bugg

Thomas Caudle

Philip Shafer

Zack Zimmerman

Alternates: Jacob Hutton
Christian Lamoureux

JUNIOR REGIONAL ORCHESTRA

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for Junior Regional Orchestra:

1^st Chair Viola: Katie Petway

3^rd Chair Viola: Lawson Long

JUNIOR ALL-COUNTY ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

Auditions are November 17, 2009, at Stonewall Middle School from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. All orchestra students in 7th and 8th grade are eligible to audition for this "Honors Orchestra. The All County Honors Orchestra Event will be February 19 and 20, 2010, at Battlefield H.S. We will be working on the music "Hot Potato" in class to get ready for the auditions. The G Major Scale -2 octaves and the e harmonic minor scale -2 octaves are also required to be played at the auditions.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONCERT SCHEDULE

Dec 9^th Mr. Neal’s 6^th & 7^th Grade Chorus Concert

in the Gym at 7 p.m.

Dec 10^th Mrs. Addington’s 7^th & 8^th Grade Chorus Concert
in the Gym at 7 p.m.

Dec 15^th Ms. vonBernewitz’s 6^th - 8^th Grade Orchestra Concert

in the Gym at 7 p.m.

Dec 16^th Mr. Trotta’s 8^th Grade Band Concert

in the Gym at 7 p.m.

Jan 13^th Mr. Trotta’s 7^th Grade Band Concert

in the Gym at 7 p.m.

WINTER SPORTS TRY-OUTS

Athletes who are trying out for the winter sports teams (boys’ & girls’ basketball and wrestling) are reminded that a sports physical dated after May 1, 2009, must be on file before you will be permitted to try out. Sports physical forms are available in the main office.

Girls’ Basketball is our first winter sport and try-outs for the varsity and junior varsity teams will be held November 10, 12 and 13, 2009. November 11^th is Veterans Day holiday and school will be closed.

Boys’ Basketball and Wrestling are our sports for the second half of the winter. Try-outs for these teams will be conducted January 26, 27 and 28, 2010.

SPORTS CALENDAR

Season II – Winter

A sports physical dated on or after May 1, 2009, must be on file before attending try-outs.

TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 10, 12 & 13, 2009.

Girls' Basketball
Thurs. – Dec. 3	Lake Ridge vs. Benton	H	Mon. – Dec. 21	Benton vs. Lake Ridge	A
Mon. – Dec. 7	Beville vs. Lake Ridge	A	Thurs. – Jan. 7	Lake Ridge vs. Beville	H
Thurs. – Dec. 10	Lake Ridge - Bye		Mon. – Jan. 11	Lake Ridge – Bye
Mon. – Dec. 14	Lake Ridge vs. Saunders	H	Wed. – Jan. 13	Saunders vs. Lake Ridge	A
Thurs. – Dec. 17	Metz vs. Lake Ridge	A	Thurs. – Jan. 14	Lake Ridge vs. Metz	H

*** Varsity plays first in games through December 17, 2009. ***

*** J.V. plays first in games beginning December 21, 2009. ***

Season III – Winter

TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD JANUARY 26, 27 & 28, 2010.

Boys' Basketball			Wrestling
Thurs. – Feb. 18	Beville vs. Lake Ridge	A	Thurs.– Feb. 18	Lake Ridge vs. Beville	H
Tues. – Feb. 23	Lake Ridge - Bye		Tues. – Feb. 23	Lake Ridge – Bye
Thurs. – Feb. 25	Lake Ridge vs. Saunders	H	Thurs. – Feb. 25	Saunders vs. Lake Ridge	A
Tues. – Mar. 2	Lake Ridge vs. Metz	H	Tues. – Mar. 2	Metz vs. Lake Ridge	A
Thurs. – Mar. 4	Benton vs. Lake Ridge	A	Thurs. – Mar. 4	Lake Ridge vs. Benton	H
Mon. – Mar. 8	Lake Ridge vs. Beville	H	Mon. – Mar. 8	Beville vs. Lake Ridge	A
Wed. – Mar. 10	Lake Ridge - Bye		Wed. – Mar. 10	Lake Ridge – Bye
Fri. – Mar. 12	Saunders vs. Lake Ridge	A	Fri. – Mar. 12	Lake Ridge vs. Saunders	H
Tues. – Mar. 16	Metz vs. Lake Ridge	A	Tues. – Mar. 16	Lake Ridge vs. Metz	H
Thurs. – Mar. 18	Lake Ridge vs. Benton	H	Thurs. – Mar. 18	Benton vs. Lake Ridge	A
			Thurs. – Mar. 25	Regionals at Beville	A

***Varsity plays first through March 4, 2010. ***

***J.V. plays first beginning March 9, 2010. ***

Admission Prices: Adults: $2.00 HS & MS Students: $1.00

Senior Citizens: Free Elementary Students: $ .50

LRMS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 10 REPORT CARDS SENT HOME.

Try-outs for Girls’ Basketball begin today after school.

Students trying out for this team must have a current sports
physical on file in the office dated after May 1, 2009.

November 11 VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL.

November 17 Junior All County Orchestra Auditions at Stonewall Middle School

Information Night for The Center for Fine and Performing Arts
(CFPA) 7 p.m. at Woodbridge Senior High School.

November 19 Make-up Pictures/Retakes/Club Pictures.

November 25 School dismissed early at 11:25 a.m.

November 26-27 THANKSGIVING BREAK - NO SCHOOL.

December 9 Mr. Neal’s 6^th & 7^th Grade Chorus Concert – 7 p.m. in the Gym

Foreign Language Specialty Program Information Meeting.
7 p.m. in the Library

December 10 Mrs. Addington’s 7^th & 8^th Grade Chorus Concert –
7 p.m. in the Gym

December 11 6^th Grade Fun Night

December 12 All District Band Auditions at Marstellar Middle School

December 15 Ms. von Bernewitz’s Grades 6-8 Orchestra Concert –
7 p.m. in the Gym.

December 16 Mr. Trotta’s 8^th Grade Band Concert – 7 p.m. in the Gym

December 22 INTERIMS SENT HOME.

Dec 24 – Jan 1 WINTER BREAK/NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL.

January 4 School Re-opens

January 6 Information Night for The Center for Fine and Performing Arts
(CFPA) 7:30 p.m. at Woodbridge Senior High School.

January 13 Mr. Trotta’s 7^th Grade Band Concert – 7 p.m. in the Gym.

January 18 MARTIN L. KING’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL.

January 26                 Try-outs for Wrestling and Boy’s Basketball begins today after
                                         school. Students trying out for these teams must have a
                                         current sports physical on file in the office dated after
                                         May 1, 2009.

January 29 End of 2^nd Grading Period & End of First Semester.

PTSO Cabin Fever Night

February 1 TEACHER WORKDAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS.

February 5 Responsible Wolf Day

WIN A $500 SHOPPING SPREE FOR YOURSELF

& $1000 DONATION TO LRMS

The merchants at Festival at Old Bridge shopping center in Lake Ridge will sponsor a holiday promotion again this year. Some lucky person will win a $500 shopping spree! To be eligible for the shopping spree participants just need to fill out an entry form and drop it off at any participating Festival at Old Bridge shopping center business. Each entry form includes space to fill in the name of your favorite school. This promotion will begin on November 12 and will end on December 10, 2009, when a drawing will be held to select the winner. For complete rules and an entry form visit www.promorules.info.

Warning! This Web page may contain links to one or more Web sites outside the PWCS network, which are not PWCS venues and may not reflect the views or opinions of PWCS. PWCS does not control the content of such Web sites and does not sponsor or endorse any messages, products, or services contained on such Web sites.