jrunkles

Levelland Middle School didn’t want the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to pass without remembering and honoring those who lost their lives that day as well as those who continue to risk their lives each day as first responders and in service to our country. The LMS History Department hosted a Balloon Release to commemorate the tragic event. A poignant description of the events of that day was written and read by Mrs. Laurie Jones, History Department Chairperson. Students were asked to take a red, white or blue balloon as they respectfully exited the building and gathered at the flag pole where flags were flying at half-mast. LMS Principal Mr. Berry reminded students of the importance of remembering the events of 9/11 and led students and staff in a full minute of silence. Balloons were then released, filling the sky with red, white and blue. What a beautiful way to remember and honor a heartbreaking event in America’s history.

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For the past two years, the staff at Levelland Middle School has made it a priority to recognize students for the positive decisions and contributions they make at school every day. Using a points system created by LMS teacher John Unger and refined by the Positive Behavior Support Team at LMS, student behavior is monitored in all areas during their time spent on campus. Data is collected to both reward students for making positive decisions and to be proactive in helping students change their negative behaviors into something positive. The results have been tremendous. Students realize the LMS expectations and strive daily to promote positive actions.

Each six weeks, students achieving a positive point standard are treated to a reward party. The events at these parties vary, but they are always fun! During the final six weeks, the push for the positive was increased even more. The goal was for every student in the school to be able to attend the final reward party – by far, the largest celebration of the year!

For the months of April and May, the positive decisions students made at school were recognized by posting a green plus sign along the walls for every positive point that was entered into the system. The goal was to have the plus signs start at the front door, snake all the way around the inside of the school, and end up at the back door, which happens to be the entry point for the final reward party. This would take 2700- 2800 positive points. If the goal was reached, every LMS student who had a positive balance of points would be allowed to attend the final reward party.

In correlation with this positive effort, LMS decided to use this opportunity to teach students that their individual actions can affect others. Staff and students decided to raise money for Shelter In A Box, a non-profit organization that provides tents, tools, writing supplies, blankets, and cooking utensils for adults and children in areas where natural disasters have taken place. Through the combined efforts of promoting positive points and helping Shelter In A Box, LMS students would see that every positive action they take can affect them personally, their classmates who could get to attend the end of year party, and a stranger in another state or country who could benefit from their efforts.

Local businesses were solicited and asked to pledge a monetary amount for each positive point earned. Those pledges were collected and will be donated to Shelter In A Box. Over $1,300 was earned through donations from Independent Electric, Stueart’s Pitstop, and Bearing Wholesale.

By encouraging students to make positive decisions every day in order to reach this goal, the PRIDE of the campus was exhibited and Levelland Middle School proved that it is a VERY positive place to be!

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Levelland Middle School students know they have a responsibility to take care of their environment and they were recently given some tips on how to do that. Erik Rejino, City of Levelland Director of Administration Services and Holly Rand, owner of The Green Queens spent the day at LMS sharing information on the 3 R’s… Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Students were told how one of their own peers, 7th grader Morgan McCutchen, initiated the recycling center in Levelland when, as a 4th grader, she urged the Levelland City Council to establish a city-wide recycling program. Students were encouraged to begin recycling in their own homes. They also learned that The Green Queens will pick up and sort recycling twice a month for a minimal fee.

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On Tuesday, March 22, Levelland Middle School welcomed more than 60 students and their families to their inaugural LMS College Night. A College Fair featuring college-themed projects created by students and representatives from South Plains College, Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University and Upward Bound took place in the foyer. LMS teachers served hotdogs prepared by Hockley County School Employees Credit Union to the crowd. The LMS choir performed the SPC and TTU school songs and a student/parent seminar offering tips for preparing for college was presented in both English and Spanish. LMS students who attended the event received a t-shirt stating “I know where I’m going… to college!” made available by Covenant Hospital.

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Thursday afternoon at Levelland Middle School students and staff had the opportunity to show their amazing flexibility and character. At 11:55 the fire alarm sounded and the alarm messaging system indicated that the fire sprinkler system was activated. Students and teachers immediately evacuated the building, some having to leave directly from the cafeteria without coats. Administrators, Sodexo, and the Levelland Fire Department inspected the building and found that a pipe in the sprinkler system had burst, causing water to flood the hallway and run into classrooms in the 200 wing of the building. Because of the successful efforts of the entire LMS staff, though, the students were outside only a few minutes. Plans were being made to move students just down the street to the Levelland ABC, but by 12:10, the Levelland Fire Department gave the okay for students to return to the building and wait in the gym. Everyone was back in the warm building by 12:13. “The evacuation could not have gone better,” said LMS Assistant Principal, Ezra Chambers. “Students and staff evacuated the building in only three minutes and were cleared and back inside in less than eighteen minutes. Everyone did an amazing job,” he said.
The entire LMS staff and student body pitched in to make sure that students were safe. LMS secretary Cindy Albright evacuated her office taking all of the coats, hats and gloves from the Lost and Found box and passing them out to cold students. Teachers and students took their own coats off to share with students wearing only short sleeves.
Once back inside, students were taken to the gym where those who had not yet eaten were served lunch. The cafeteria staff worked hard to make sure that no one went without a meal. Because the building had been evacuated during lunch, trays and food had been left on the tables. Coach Dan Lassiter jumped in and began cleaning the cafeteria while Sodexo staff was already working to clean the flooded areas of the building.
School was dismissed at 1:30 p.m. and parents were notified using the Skylert system. The Levelland ISD Transportation Department sent busses and students were taken home. A line of vehicles extended down Alamo Drive south to Hwy 114, but while students waited indoors, all LMS staff stood outside to call the names of students as parents arrived. All students were safely headed home before 2:00 p.m.
Three classrooms were damaged by the water, and the Sodexo staff immediately began clean up and repairs. They worked late to ensure that the classes would be ready for use on Friday morning.
“We certainly don’t ever want our students to be outside in the cold, but of course our priority was the safety of our students and staff,” said LMS Principal Kenny Berry. “Our first task was to get students and staff evacuated from a building where there was a possible fire. Once we knew the building was safe, our second job was to make sure everyone was in a warm, dry place. And then, third, we made sure every student ate lunch. Our main concern was always the safety and well-being of our students. We are so proud of their behavior and we appreciate the patience of LMS parents.”
Everyone at LMS stepped up and went the extra mile to take care of one another. WAY TO GO LMS STUDENTS AND STAFF!

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