Current School Newsletter - W. Mack Lyon Middle School

W. Mack Lyon
5 Star
a CCSD
School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Home of the Mustangs
August-September 2015 NEWSLETTER
Respect/Spirit Week
Sept. 28-Oct. 2
Monday
Fake Injury Day-Dance `till you break,
Respect Dance
Tuesday
Pajama Day -Respect yourself by
getting enough sleep.
Wednesday
Pink Shirt Day– No Bullies
Thursday
Nerd or Professional Dress Day
Respect Education
Friday
Blue & Gold Day
Respect our Community
PAC Meetings
Parent Advisory Council
If you would like to become involved in
our Parent Advisory Council please
come to our conference room located in
the front office. The purpose of the PAC
is to provide feedback to the school
administration on school related issues
and be a voice in promoting positive
change in academic and social educational issues.
Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. on the first
Thursday of every month. Please do not
hesitate to call if you have any questions
Inside WMLMS Newsletter
Dean of Students Message
Counselor Corner
Back-to-School Bash
Sixth Grade Success
Special Speaker DJ Eagle Bear Vanas
Safety Information
Crisis Response Information
Technology and Communication Devices
Bell Schedule & After School Clubs
A Message From The Dean Of Students
Aimee Lewis
Dear W. Mack Lyon Families,
The administration, faculty, and staff at
W. Mack Lyon Middle School hope that everyone
has had a great start to the school year. This year
we added some new faces to our staff. Mrs. Garlick as the new 8th grade Special Education Teacher, Mrs. Becker as the new Read 180 teacher, Mrs.
Hymas as one of the 6th grade math teachers and Mrs. Blackwell as
one of the Special Education Specialists. We also had some staff
members change positions. Mrs. Lewis is the new Dean of students,
and Mr. Vallet is a Read 180 specialist, and Mrs. Nelson is one of the
6th grade math teachers.
It’s hard to believe we are already almost through the first quarter of
school. Please remember to check Campus Portal regularly to view
your student’s grades. To promote homework success students
should plan a time to study each day, check their work, and turn it in
on time. Another tool to be successful at school is to participate in
homework help or other after school activities.
Don’t forget to check out the school website. The student/ Parent
Handbook is currently under revision. The handbook is a great place
to get information about the school tardy policy, the district attendance policy, and the school dress code. The website also has links to
the Bullying website, calendar of activities happening at school, and
to CCSD links.
Students should not arrive in the morning before 7:05 am. All students must be in the cafeteria or courtyard until the bell rings. Buses
depart at approximately 2:15 p.m. Late activity buses depart at 3:35
p.m. Students on campus after school must be in a supervised activity. Loitering on campus before or after school is not allowed. Students must be in a supervised activity while on campus. Trespassing
on campus is a misdemeanor as per NRS 207.200.
At W. Mack Lyon Middle School we are “Learning for Mastery.”
Our teachers continuously work hard to provide rigor, relevance, and
relationships in the classroom. Thank you for your continued support
and for being an active partner in your student’s education.
Have a wonderful school year,
Aimee Lewis,
Dean of Students
Volume 3 Issue 1
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 28
Sept. 29
Respect/Spirit Week
Student of the Month
Luncheon
Oct. 1
PAC Meeting 9:30am
Oct. 14
Picture Retakes
Oct. 23
End of 1st quarter
Oct. 27
Student of the Month
Luncheon
Oct. 28
Halloween Carnival
Oct. 29
6th Grade Movie Day
Oct. 30
NV Day No School
Nov. 2-3
Staff Development
No School
Nov.5
7th Grade Health
Screening
Nov. 5
PAC Meeting 9:30am
Nov. 11
Veterans Day No School
Nov. 16-20 Book Fair
Nov. 16-20 Food Drive
Nov. 24
Student of the Month
Luncheon
Nov. 25
Talent Show
Nov. 26-27 Thanksgiving/Family Day
No School
Dec. 3
PAC Meeting 9:30am
Dec. 8
Orchestra Concert 6:30pm
Dec. 10
Band concert 6:30pm
Dec. 21-Jan1 Winter Break No School
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
W. Mack Lyon MS
702-397-8610
Ken Paul, Principal
Aimee Lewis, Dean
Amy May, Counselor
Maria Dominguez, OM
MaryAnn Cox, AP Sec.
Shelley Jones, Registrar
Pam Waite, Health Office
4100
4200
4301
4100
4200
4065
4020
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W. Mack Lyon Middle School
Middle School 6-8 How to Support Your Child’s Education
-Set academic goals with your child.
-Encourage your child to enroll in the most challenging coursework throughout middle school.
-Review your child’s online academic plan at www.ccsd.net > Search: Academic Plan.
-Help your child understand the policy for promotion to high school.
-Explore middle school and high school magnet school/career and technical academy options with your child.
-Attend magnet school/career and technical academy presentations with your child. www.ccsd.net/schools/
magnet-cta/
-Review the Moving On High School Transitional Planning Guide prior to high school pre-registration. www.ccsd.net/departments/
guidance-counseling > Document Library
-Understand the 21st Century Course of Study and how it provides postsecondary educational opportunities as defined in the Moving
On High School Transitional Planning Guide.
-Attend college information programs at your child’s school to find out about Nevada colleges and universities.
-Utilize the Nevada Career Information System Junior and the Nevada Career Information System to explore career, college and
scholarship information from home using the free Zip Code Access. www.nvcis.intocareers.org
Become involved in school and community-based extracurricular activities with your child.
Continue to:
-Promote healthy sleep and eating habits so your child can be rested and well-focused at school.
-Be sure your child attends school regularly and on time.
-Dress your child appropriately for school in compliance with the CCSD dress code.
-Assist your child daily with staying organized and time management.
-Schedule a time and provide a quiet area for homework to be completed.
-Request make-up assignments and have your child complete them when absent.
-Stay abreast of your child’s weekly progress using the school-based ParentLink online program.
-Schedule a parent-teacher-student conference to discuss your child’s needs to be successful in school.
-Talk about career choices focusing on the level of education needed for specific jobs.
-Investigate college savings plans including the Nevada Pre-Paid Tuition Program. www.nevadatreasurer.gov
-Attend and support school-sponsored events.
-Encourage summer reading. www.collegeboard.org
-Encourage your child to get involved in sports, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, church youth groups or other extracurricular activities.
For more information, go to www.ccsd.net/departments/guidance-counseling
Back - to - School Bash By. Mrs. Bunker
On Thursday, August 27th, the Student Council held their “Back to School Bash”. This is an annual event
and is always a favorite among the students. A few of the activities were swimming and diving contests. The belly flop contest proved to be a hit this year. Who knew there were so many graceful belly floppers in middle
school? The Student Council provided music and sno-cones for everyone in attendance. The sno-cones were a
crowd favorite and will most likely become a part of this tradition. The “Bash” is a great way to begin the school
year and to welcome everyone back.
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W. Mack Lyon Middle School
Success in Sixth Grade By Mrs. Brinker
Future 6th graders of W. Mack Lyon Middle School enjoyed a two-day orientation called “Success in Sixth Grade” at the
end of the summer. The purpose of the orientation was for students to meet new friends and teachers, get to know the
school campus, and play around a little in some of their classes. The first day began with a rousing game of water balloon
volleyball after which students rotated between four groups. The science group rotation was treated to two mini experiments. First they made goop and tested a non-Newtonian fluid. They then played with friction. In the math rotation, students completed a math obstacle course. The third rotation was a tour of the whole campus and the last activity was a trip
to the computer labs to create a PowerPoint slideshow titled “All About Me.” After lunch featuring “Lorenzo dogs”, the
day was complete. Day two featured an instrument petting zoo where students were allowed to “play around“ with musical
instruments to decide which ones they want to play this year. After which they returned to the 6th grade hallway to learn
how to open lockers, a traditional issue the first week of school. Finally, just before lunch and dismissal, 6th graders had a
meet and greet with this year’s Student Council and played some games to get to know them. In all, 45 students attended
the first day and that number grew to 68 on the second day. 6th graders who attended came to school on the first day
more relaxed and ready to start the year. I guess you could say the “Success in Sixth Grade” Open House was a big success.
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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Motivational Speaker Inspires With His Warrior Spirit By Mrs. Prisbrey
Lyon MS recently welcomed motivational speaker and author, DJ Eagle Bear
Vanas, to our school. During his presentation, Mr. Vanas delivered his powerful message about “the warrior spirit” to students. Students were captivated by his personal (and sometimes humorous) anecdotes about how he
has overcome difficulties to excel in both his personal life and career.
Mr. Vanas encouraged students to explore their world. He illustrated this
point by telling students how he took his first airplane ride at the age of 13.
This experience triggered a love of flying that led Mr.Vanas to obtain his
pilot’s license at age 17. Emphasizing the importance of setting goals, he
said, “You need to start thinking about the future now.” Growing up, he had
read about the world beyond his home and only dreamed of visiting such
faraway destinations. As a result of his persistence and education, Mr.Vanas made his dreams come
true. He has traveled the world as a motivational speaker and as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Throughout the assembly, Mr.Vanas reiterated his message that a good education will open doors
to the future. He said, “School is the right place to be. It won’t always be fun, but it will be worth
it.” Finally, he challenged students to apply the warrior spirit to their lives immediately by making
improvements in their lives. He encouraged students to be open to new experiences and to start
exploring their interests. Reflecting on his life, Mr.Vanas stated he would not be where he is today
had he not received an education and been open to new challenges.
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W. Mack Lyon Middle School
Safety Information
The Clark County School District suggests the following precautionary measures for
parents and their children. Parents are urged to have frank discussions with their children about the following:
1. Teach your children, regardless of age, their full name, your full name, their address, and phone number.
2. Explain the dangers of being abducted and/or molested.
3. Explain that private parts of their body should not be touched by anyone, and if
that happens, to report it immediately.
4. Police officers are to be trusted for help; explain that police can always be identified by their marked car or motorcycle and their uniform.
5. Emphasize the importance of staying close to a parent, relative, or friend when
away from home.
6. Explain the importance of noticing and remembering identifying characteristics
of strangers, such as their height, hair, eye color, voice quality, clothes, and unusual marks. Also stress the importance of remembering the vehicle description,
such as color, size, and license plate number.
7. Stress the importance of protesting and running away if a stranger tries to take
your child/children somewhere.
8. Never accept candy, money, or gifts from strangers.
9. Never go into a garage, shed, or alley with a stranger.
10.Never get into a car with a stranger. If a stranger asks for directions, be polite
but do not go near the vehicle. If a stranger gets out of his/her vehicle, run away
immediately.
11.Parents should occasionally accompany their child/children to school and monitor the area they are traveling.
12.Parents should know who their child/children normally walk to school with and
the route they normally take.
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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Kenneth Paul, Principal
Aimee Lewis, Dean of Students
Date: September 21, 2015
Dear Parent/Guardian
We in the Clark County School District (CCSD) place a high priority on protecting the safety of our students and
employees. In emergency situations, if everyone knows what to do, all involved can Stay Calm and Stay Safe.
This letter will inform you of how you and your child can stay safe in an emergency.
The CCSD Crisis Response Plan includes the following elements:
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A detailed plan, coordinated with national, state and county emergency action plans, with detailed procedures for protecting the welfare of students during an emergency event.
School-based and District-wide Crisis Teams, integrated with community emergency and mental health
resources.
Site-Based Crisis Plans, including drills for Evacuation, Soft Lockdown, Hard Lockdown, Shelter-inPlace, Reverse Evacuation, and plans for other potential emergency situations.
School–based and District-wide Health Services, integrated with community health and medical resources.
A reunification site to reunite parents and students if off-school site evacuation is necessary. All community media outlets will communicate site of reunification immediately after confirmation of need for reunification off-site.
As the parent of a Clark County student, you are a vital part of our plans to protect your child. You can assist the
various school police and fire personnel, or others engaged in the protection of your child and others by remaining
calm and following the steps outlined below.
BEFORE A CRISIS
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Practice family crisis response at home: have a plan and supplies organized, and discuss remaining calm
and asking for help when needed.
Make sure the school has updated information regarding your child, including contact names and numbers
and your child’s medical history.
Discuss with your child the school’s rules during drills for fire and other emergencies. Be sure your child
understands correct procedures and that they take the drills seriously.
Teach your child to stay with school staff and follow their directions.
Tell your child NOT to try to contact you by cellular phone or land line, thus allowing communication
channels to remain open for emergency responders.
Tell your child that you will remain at work or home and watch for information from CCSD Media and
Parent Link as to where and when you and your child can reunite.
Assure your child that the school staff will follow procedures to keep them safe.
Continued on page 7
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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DURING A CRISIS
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Stay calm and do NOT come to the school so emergency responders can complete their mission.
Keep phone lines free so school personnel and community responders can communicate with each other.
Listen for information from CCSD over TV, radio, Parent Link, or the internet as this information will help you reunite
with your child in an orderly and safe manner.
Make sure you bring legal identification (driver’s license or passport) to the designated reunification site (may be at a
location other than the school.)
For the safety of your child, students will not be released to anyone who is:
1. Not listed on the enrollment form as a parent or guardian or
2. Who is on the enrollment form but has no identification.
WHEN YOU REUNITE WITH YOUR CHILD
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Be a model of Calm, Control, and Comfort: let your child know you will protect them.
Listen to your child and watch for temporary changes in behavior like being clingy or angry, having trouble sleeping,
acting younger, or acting scared.
Seek assistance for negative behavior changes that persist after two weeks: you may need to contact your child’s
school, your family doctor, or community counselors/psychologists.
Keep in contact with your child’s school and follow recommendations from CCSD and community experts.
We in CCSD take pride in responding to the needs of our students and employees. Training and awareness activities continue
in all areas of crisis response and school safety in an effort to stay current with national, state and county response plans. We
appreciate your efforts in doing all you can to help us protect your child in an emergency.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Paul
Principal
Success I
Sixth Grade
179 S. Andersen St /PO Box 580 /Overton, NV /89040
(702) 397-8610 /Fax (702) 397-2754
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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Kenneth Paul, Principal
Aimee Lewis, Dean of Students
Fecha: Septiembre 21,2015
Nosotros en el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Clark (CCSD) tenemos como prioridad principal la seguridad de nuestros
estudiantes y empleados. En casos de emergencia, todas las personas involucradas podrían mantenerse Calmadas y a Salvo,
si todos siguiéramos las indicaciones de lo que debemos de hacer. Esta carta le informará sobre como usted y su hijo(a)
pueden mantenerse a salvo en caso de emergencia.
El Plan de Acción de Emergencia de CCSD incluye los siguientes elementos:
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Un plan detallado y coordinado con los planes de acción de emergencia nacional, estatal y del condado, con procedimientos específicos para proteger el bienestar de estudiantes durante una situación de emergencia.
Equipos de Crisis ubicados en las Escuelas y por todo el distrito, unificados con las respuestas de la comunidad en
emergencias y recursos de salud mental.
Planes de Crisis Individuales en cada escuela, incluyendo simulacros de incendios, cierres de emergencia y refugios en el lugar para otros desastres de mayor magnitud.
Servicios de salud ubicados en la Escuela y en todo el Distrito, agrupados con la salud de la comunidad y recursos
médicos.
Un punto de reunión para reunir a los padres y estudiantes en caso de que se necesite una evacuación fuera de la
escuela. Todos los medios de comunicación de la comunidad informarán el lugar de reunificación inmediatamente
después de la confirmación de la necesidad de un punto de reunión fuera de la escuela.
Como padre de un estudiante del Condado de Clark, usted es una parte vital en nuestros planes para proteger a su hijo(a).
Usted puede ayudar al personal de seguridad o de rescate, involucrados en la protección de su hijo(a), permaneciendo calmado y siguiendo los pasos señalados a continuación.
ANTES DE UNA CRISIS
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En el hogar, practiquen en familia las reacciones ante crisis: tengan organizado un plan de evacuación y provisiones, y comenten que hay que tener calma y pedir ayuda cuando sea necesario.
Asegúrese de que la escuela tiene la información de su hijo(a) actualizada, incluyendo nombres de contacto y números, así como el historial médico de su hijo(a).
Comente con su hijo(a) las reglas de la escuela durante simulacros de incendio y otras emergencias; asegúrese de
que su hijo(a) entiende los procedimientos correctos y que al igual tomen estos procedimientos con seriedad.
Enseñe a su hijo(a) a permanecer con el personal de la escuela y a seguir sus instrucciones.
Continuad en page 9
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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Page 9
Diga a su hijo(a) que NO intente comunicarse con usted a través del teléfono celular o de alguna línea fija, de este
modo, se permitirá que los canales de comunicación permanezcan abiertos para los equipos y servicios de emergencia.
Diga a su hijo(a) que usted permanecerá en el trabajo o en el hogar y estará al tanto de la información de CCSD
Media and Parent Link para saber dónde y cuándo se pueden reunir.
Comente a su hijo(a) que el personal de la escuela va a seguir los procedimientos para mantenerlos fuera de peligro.
DURANTE UNA CRISIS
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Usted tiene que mostrar una identificación oficial (licencia de conducir, pasaporte).
Permanezca calmado y no se dirija hacia la escuela y así los equipos de servicios y de emergencia puedan completar su misión.
Mantenga las líneas telefónicas desocupadas para que el personal y los equipos de servicios comunitarios se puedan comunicar unos con otros.
Esté pendiente de la información de CCSD a través de la televisión, radio, Parent Link, o Internet: esta información
le ayudará a reunirse con su hijo(a) de una manera organizada y segura.
Por la seguridad de su hijo(a), los estudiantes no se entregaran a alguien que:
1. No esté registrado como Padre Titular o Tutor.
2. Quien aun estando registrado, pero que no cuente con ninguna identificación.
CUANDO SE REUNA CON SU HIJO(A)
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Sea un modelo de Calma, Control y Consuelo: haga saber a su hijo(a) que usted lo protegerá.
Escuche a su hijo(a) y esté al pendiente de cambios temporales de comportamiento: comportarse de manera poco
independiente o enojado, tener dificultad para dormir, comportarse como si fuera más pequeño o comportarse con
miedo.
Busque ayuda para los cambios negativos en la conducta que persistan después de dos semanas: tal vez tenga que
comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo(a), con su doctor de cabecera, o con los consejeros/psicólogos de la comunidad.
Manténgase en contacto con la escuela de su hijo(a) y siga las recomendaciones de CCSD y la de los expertos de la
comunidad.
Nosotros en CCSD nos sentimos orgullosos de responder a las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes y empleados. Las actividades de capacitación y conocimiento continúan en todas las aéreas del manejo/control de crisis y seguridad escolar esforzándonos para estar al día con los planes de control nacional, estatal y del condado. Les agradecemos sus esfuerzos de hacer todo lo posible para ayudarnos a proteger a su hijo(a) en una situación de emergencia.
Sinceramente.
Kenneth Paul,
Director
179 S. Andersen St /PO Box 580 /Overton, NV /89040
(702) 397-8610 /Fax (702) 397-2754
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
Page 10
Kenneth Paul, Principal
Aimee Lewis, Dean of Students
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Personal technology and communication devices, such as cell phones or tablet computers, are utilized in many ways
and are becoming a component of the educational setting. At school, it is critical that students only access personal
technology and communication devices when allowed and only for the intended purpose(s). Clark County School District (CCSD) Policy 5136, along with the CCSD Acceptable Use Policy, provides guidelines for the appropriate usage
of both District and personal electronic devices along with consequences for violations of the policy.
At all CCSD schools, students are allowed to use personal technology and communication devices during scheduled
nutrition or lunch breaks and while on District buses.
During the instructional day at W. Mack Lyon Middle School, students may only utilize these devices in the following
manner:
No Use: Students’ cellular phones and personal electronic devices must be turned off and remain off during the
instructional day and passing periods. Cellular phones may only be used prior to the first bell, after the final
bell, or during scheduled nutrition breaks or lunch periods.
Use of personal technology and communication devices that violate state or federal law, any District policies or regulations, or the CCSD Acceptable Use Policy is prohibited. When usage of devices is not allowed, devices must be
turned off and stored in a non-visible location such as in a backpack, purse, or pocket. Confiscated devices will only
be returned to a parent/guardian. Students who violate these laws or policies will be disciplined according to District
guidelines and the device will be subject to confiscation.
Cellular phones must remain off during a school evacuation, lockdown, or drill. During these situations, tell your child
NOT to try to contact you by cell phone until given the okay by school staff, thus allowing emergency communication
channels to remain open. The District’s communication system has the capability of contacting parents/guardians in
an emergency. Please be reminded that each school has intercoms and loudspeakers and the majority of our classrooms have hardwired telephones. Additionally, administrators and safety personnel are prepared with two-way radios
and cell phones.
Parents/guardians are asked to silence cellular phones and other devices while at the school. This ensures both compliance with the above guidelines and serves to set a positive example for students.
Should you have any questions regarding the usage of personal technology and communication devices, please contact the front office or an administrator at (702)-397-8610
Thank you,
Kenneth Paul,
Principal
W. Mack Lyon Middle School
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