IMPORTANT DATES:

September 17              Family Life Parent Orientation, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
September 18             Drama Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
September 24              Drama Auditions, 3:15 p.m.
September 24              Michael Fowlin, Atholton High School, 7:00 p.m.
September 25              Community Drum Circle, 7:00 p.m.
September 27              Back to School Night, 7:00 p.m.
October 2                    PICTURE DAY
October 5                    Progress Reports go home
October 17                  PTA Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
October 19                  MSTA Convention, schools closed for students

INTRAMURAL SCHEDULE
STUDENTS MUST HAVE A SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP ON FILE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE

Football 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11

Please note: Intramurals are from 3:10 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Dear Friends and Families of Lime Kiln Middle School,

Last year, Howard County kicked off a countywide initiative, “Choosing Civility.” The focus is how we can connect effectively with each other at home, at work, and in our daily encounters. Written by P. M. Forni, the cofounder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project, the book, Choosing Civility, offers twenty-five rules of considerate conduct. In my weekly newsletter, I write a column devoted to one of the rules. At this week’s PTA Executive Board meeting, it was decided that the week’s civility focus would also appear in The Leopard’s Tale. Below you will find the first two columns.

On September 24th at 7 p.m. at Atholton High School, Dr. Michael Fowlin will be back to perform “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me.” This incredibly dynamic performance deals with issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity to name a few. Dr. Fowlin slips in and out of nine characters, both male and female, who “share their stories.” The characters share their stories in an often humorous, but at times, heartbreaking manner. Dr. Fowlin was seen by our eighth graders last year and had a tremendous impact on them. Many of them returned with their parents for the evening show. It is especially appropriate for more mature early adolescents. If you have not had the experience of seeing Dr. Fowlin, I encourage you to attend the Atholton performance.

Sincerely,
Brenda Thomas

Our students of the week are: Elaine Mann, Patrick Linden, Hannah McFadden, Kyle Kadamian, Jared Caplan, Psalms Wran, Everitt Tyrie, and Nicole Love. CONGRATULATIONS!!

THE RULES OF CIVILITY

Pay attention

   Several middle schoolers are walking down the hall. They are laughing & they are loud. As they walk by a closed classroom door, one of them does the unexpected. She glances at the door thinking at a class or an exam may be taking place. Immediately, she lowers her voice & hastens to hush her friends.
    A small act? Yes, but impressive nonetheless. First, she managed to see what might be happening; then, she could imagine the discomfort her group’s noisemaking could cause; finally, she was willing to act upon her empathic imagination. This process could not have started had she not been aware of her surrounding. She could be considerate because she was paying attention.
   Without attention, no meaningful interaction is possible. Our first responsibility, when we are with others, is to pay attention, to attend to.

Acknowledge Others

Acknowledgment comes in many forms: remembering someone’s name, paying a thoughtful compliment, summarizing what was just said for a newcomer to the conversation, holding a door open to let someone through, welcoming, thanking, and just plain saying hello.

Too often we play the game of invisibility. We see someone we know coming our way, but we proceed as if that someone were invisible or we weren’t there. Are we shy? Are we lazy? Are we so goal-directed we don’t bother with anything that doesn’t advance our progress?

A greeting is a minimal yet meaningful conferral of honor on a person just for being a person. We announce that we intend no harm & express our concern for the well-being of others. This is the stuff civility is made of.

A Family Life and Human Sexuality Parent Orientation will be held on Monday, September 17, 2007 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Lime Kiln cafeteria. The purpose of the Family Life orientation is to review the regulations and state mandates surrounding the program and to become familiar with course content and procedures. All parents/guardians, not just those with students in Health Education first quarter, are invited to attend since this is the only formal orientation to be held for the year. I hope to see you on the September 17!

Community Drum Circle…Lime Kiln's monthly Community Drum circle will be starting up again on Tuesday September 25. We begin around 7pm and finish around 8:30. Instruments are provided, no experience is necessary. Come experience the joy of finding the rhythm that you didn't know you had. All ages and levels of experience are very welcome. Bring your family and friends. We meet in the music room. See you September 25th!
Nellie T. Hill, Vocal Music Director

TeacherEase
Thank you for sending in your forms to have access to the TeacherEase program. This program allows you so see grades, comments and assignments for each student you have enrolled at Lime Kiln. On Monday you should receive a "Welcome Email" from the TeacherEase company. Your log in will be your email address and your password will be assigned. This is a generic password and should be changed. Once you log in you should be able to view your students current grades. If you do not receive a "Welcome Email" or have trouble accessing your student's grades please contact Janet Yarn at jyarn@hcpss.org or call the Lime Kiln office at 410-880-5988. Often times the problem lies within how the email address was typed in, so sending an email with the correct address typed out helps to correct the problem quickly. If you have not yet signed up for TeacherEase please contact the office or Janet Yarn and they will assist you.

Janet Yarn
Reading Teacher/ Technology
Reading Team Leader

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT: Since studies clearly indicate that balloons have an exceedingly negative impact on wildlife in particular as well as the environment in general, therefore, balloon launches and other activities that result in the release of helium-filled balloons into the atmosphere are prohibited. The presentation of helium-filled balloons and balloon bouquets as well as their use as decorations inside the building is permitted, provided the recipient or sponsor assumes full responsibility for the appropriate disposal of the balloons after the activity.

From the Superintendent...

A message about child abuse

Dear Howard County Public School System Parent:

The school system is required to notify you each year about the specific child abuse reporting responsibilities of school system employees. Occasionally, there are factors in a student's appearance and behavior that lead to suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Maryland law and Board of Education policy require that all educators and other school employees, including volunteers, report suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities so children can be protected and families involved receive help.

It is important to note that it is not the role of the employee or the school system to investigate or determine the validity of a suspected child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect situation. Any doubt about reporting a suspected situation is to be resolved in favor of the child and an oral report is to be made immediately. At all times the intent is to protect children from harm by providing services to maintain and strengthen the child’s own family.

Please be assured of our continued interest in and concern for the education and welfare of the children enrolled in our schools. Should you have any questions regarding the information in this letter, please discuss them with appropriate staff in your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Sydney L. Cousin
Superintendent

Sixth Grade parents-

Leopard Day was held this Wednesday and much was accomplished. Our student's learned about the "Fish Philosophy" and discussed how we can follow the Fish Philosophy here at LKMS.

Our sixth graders also learned about the life skill of using IFESS when trying to meet new people (Introduce yourself, extend your hand in a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile, and ask a simple question). Mr. Barason and Mr. White were marvelous demonstrators!

We also tried to "mix up" our sixth graders into different groups throughout the day in an effort to help them "break the ice" in hopes that they might start to make new friends. Students were also introduced to our Bullyproofing program here at LKMS (Ms. Lucas, Ms. Meomartion, Ms. Rakshys) and learned about the statistics of bullying in middle school. Students generated lists stating examples of bullying, saw video clips and pointed out examples of bullying, and learned that bullying does not have to exist at LKMS. Lastly, we discussed what we can do to make sure that bullying doesn't exist here.

After lunch and recess, the entire sixth grade walked down to CLS (thanks Mr. Owens) to come up with team rules that we would follow for the coming school year. It was really impressive to watch our sixth graders generate hundreds of ideas - and under the direction of Ms. Rickard and Ms. Choinski - reduce that list to just FIVE rules! We are very proud to list the rules YOUR students came up with:

Respect others and their feelings.
Don't bully - and NEVER be a bystander.
Follow the Fish Philosophy ---- Play....Make learning fun...it can be contagious!
Be there!...Focus and give 100% in your classes

Choose Your Attitude...We have a choice as to how we go through our day
Make Their Day...Do somethiing nice for someone...even when no one is watching
Take responsibility for your actions.
Cooperate and compromise.

Last but not least, we had a LKMS puzzle which needed to be put together by:   1 student from Fulton
                                                                                                                        1 student
Clemens Crossing
                                                                                                                            1 student from Dayton Oaks
                                                                                                                            1 student from Pointers Run
                                                                                                                            1 student new to the area
                                                                                                                            1 staff member

The group worked furiously to "put the pieces together" (as the rest of the sixth grade counted down), that said:

It was a great day! Special thank you to the ENTIRE SIXTH GRADE TEAM OF TEACHERS FOR MAKING THIS DAY POSSIBLE!

Upcoming Important Dates to Note:
Monday, 9/17               Grades go LIVE on Teacherease! Use it...it's a great tool!
December 18th            Sixth grade goes to the National Aquarium in Baltimore (info coming home soon!)
March 13th                  Sixth grade goes to Toby's to see "Diary of Anne Frank"
May 21,22,23               Outdoor ED!!!!!!!

NEW DRAMA MEETING DATE!!

The Drama Parents meeting is changed to Tuesday, September 18 at 6:30. This is a question and answer time for those that need more information for the program. Auditions will be Monday, September 24 after school.

This year's musical production will be "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which provides numerous opportunities to sing, dance or simply speak. So come on out on the 18th to learn more.

Lime Kiln Middle School PTA is seeking a HC DrugFree Representative:
HC DrugFree is trying to get representatives at all the middle schools this year. Most of the communication will be through email with a few meetings. For more information contact myself, Lynn Martins lynn@seibelsrestaurant.com or Laura Smit, Executive Director, HC DrugFree www.hcdrugfree.org
Tel. & Fax: 410-799-4879.

STUDENTS GET CREATIVE WITH THE 2007-2008 REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

"I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY"... is the inspiring theme for the National Reflections Program. Participating students can interpret this theme in 6 creative categories: LITERATURE, PHOTOGRAPHY, VISUAL ARTS (Example: drawing, painting, collage and printmaking), FILM/VIDEO, DANCE and MUSIC! Don't limit yourself to just 1 category! Last year we had a record breaking number of Reflections entries. Each one was unique and they were all phenomenal creative efforts. The judges for our school entries are all professionals in those fields and they were highly impressed by the efforts last year. There are 4 levels of competition where the 4 winners in each category proceed to the next level: first is your school, then county, state and finally national. Award ceremonies and certificates of participation and winner placement are given out at each level. Those dates will be announced. Along with those honors is the extra credit that your teachers give for completed entries by the deadline date. Please ask ALL your teachers whether they are giving extra credit. Simple rule/participation forms will be available in the front office along with a drop box for completed entries and forms. It is extremely important to fill out your Title and brief Artist Statement on your forms. START DATE: OCTOBER 8TH/DEADLINE: DECEMBER 10TH.

Don't hesitate to call with any questions. Be sure to visit: www.pta.org/local_leadership_subprogram_1116958614281.html for more information and to view last years winning entries. The Reflections Committee is looking forward to seeing all your creativity in interpreting the theme "I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY"...

REFLECTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR, Judi Neckritz
H443-535-8632 OR jneckritz @comcast.net

Box Top$ for Education – Support Lime Kiln Middle School by clipping those box tops and dropping them in the box in the entry way near the office. Each box top is worth 10 cents so start clipping!!!!!

Direct Donations - Direct Donation Letters and Envelopes came home last week and can be sent in with your child to their homeroom teacher. The PTA provides many valuable services for you and your children at Lime Kiln Middle School. To be able to provide these services, the PTA raises money throughout the school year with several different fundraisers. One alternative the PTA offers those families who do not wish to participate in fundraisers is direct donation. The PTA estimates that it spends $60.00 a year for each child on items such as helping to purchase TeacherEase, the grading program so many parents and students rely on, as well as over $10,000 worth of PTA cultural arts events such as drug and smoking awareness. Your donation is completely tax deductible and you will receive a receipt acknowledging your gift. Donations of any size are welcome, and every dollar will be used to support our students and teachers. If you have any questions, please contact Leanne Glueck, lglueck@earthlink.net, 301-604-7150.

Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) hearing – Sept. 19 - The Maryland Department of Education is holding public hearings around the state in September for the public to provide comment on the new Maryland High School Assessments (HSA's). The HSA's consist of 4 tests covering English, Algebra, Biology and Government that must be passed by every student in order to graduate from high school starting in 2009. The Howard County PTA Council; the CAC (Community Advisory Committee), and school system staff will all present (separate) testimony at the hearing on Sept. 19 at Poly/Western high school in Baltimore. For more information on the hearings, go to http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/testing/hsa/hsa_reg_meet. If you would like to participate in the hearings, you are encouraged to do so! For more info about the HSA's, please go to http://hsaexam.org/what.html

MAGAZINE DRIVE UPDATE - Next Wednesday’s sales incentive is “Terp” Day. For every subscription sold students will receive 1 coin and for every 2 subscriptions they will receive a coupon to select a turtle. The turtles are stuffed with additional coins!
Please support your school by buying/renewing magazines and encouraging reading at the same time…they also make great holiday gifts!
Any questions please contact Kelly Cidre on 301-362-1262 or kcidre@sage-x.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

FRIDGE NOTE – SAVE THE DATES

Thurs, Oct. 2nd Seibel’s LKMS Dine for Charity

Saturday, Oct. 27th LKMS Daedalus Book Fair

Tues, Nov. 13th Cheeburger, Cheeburger “Gotta Eat” Night

Weds, Feb. 27th Three Brothers “Gotta Eat” Night

Watch for details regarding these no-pain/all gain fundraisers in upcoming Leopard’s Tale issues.

Seibels Dine for Charity
For four weeks, from September through October, Seibel’s dining customers will be given a Charity Ballot with their check. Each customer will have the opportunity to select a nonprofit organization or local school from the ballot at each visit. That organization will receive a donation equal to 5% of the amount of the guest’s check. On Tuesday, OCTOBER 2nd, a Special LKMS Night, the PTA will get 10% vs. 5% of sales from customers designating the middle school on their ballot. Be sure to stop by and enjoy a relaxing dinner while helping to raise money for the many programs supported by Lime Kiln’s PTA.

FROM THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: If you have not already sent in your membership form and payment, please do so as soon as possible. We would like to have every parent join the PTA this year. Signing up to be a member of the PTA does not mean that you are volunteering for any job within the PTA. A separate form came home for that purpose. No need to wait until Back-to-School Night at the end of the month. We want your name on our membership roster now. Please get your form and payment in today. If you have any questions regarding membership in the PTA, please contact Jeanne Lineberry at jeanne_lineberry@verizon.net or (301) 317-1766.

School Directory… As a reminder forms are due by Sept. 16th so if you have not already done so, please return the directory information form indicating whether you do or do not want to be included in the directory. If you can’t find the form there are extra forms in the office or you can download them from the website, http://www2.hcpss.org/lkms/pta/DirectoryPermission2007.htm

PTA Events for September and October:

SEPTEMBER

      MAGAZINE DRIVE & SPIRIT WEAR

        18    6:30 Parents Drama Meeting
            24    3:00 SIT Meeting
            24    3:15 Drama Auditions
27    Back to School Night

OCTOBER

              2   Gotta Eat Night ‘Seibel’s’
        17    7:00 PTA Meeting
            27   Daedalus Book Fair
            29    3:00 SIT Meeting

COMMUNITY INFORMATION