Orientation for 6th Grade and Newly Enrolled Students and Families, 8/26/2021

Mon, 07/19/2021 - 9:42am

Greetings and welcome to the Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) community! 

We are so excited to meet our rising 6th grade and newly enrolled students and families on August 26 at our New Student Orientation.

Note: Please check back on August 25 in case adjustments need to be made based on the most updated CDC, Howard County Health Department, and/or HCPSS guidance. Updated 7/30/2021.  

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To help students get off to a great start, we will have a brief orientation for 6th grade and newly enrolled 7th and 8th grade students on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  Parents/guardians and students will begin with a brief introduction in the cafeteria.  Shortly thereafter, 6th grade students will go to their Eagle Nest (administrative homerooms) and newly enrolled 7th and 8th grade students will go with their grade level team leader to learn about Lake Elkhorn, and to receive their lockers and class schedules.   Parents/guardians will be asked to remain in the cafeteria for a family orientation to middle school.  Once completed, parents/guardians will be asked to meet up with their children to help them open their lockers and follow a self-guided tour of their daily schedule.

While in their Eagle Nest, students will:

  • Learn about the first day of school procedures
  • Meet their teachers
  • Receive an overview of their classes
  • Learn tips for having a successful transition to middle school
  • Practice opening their lockers
  • Practice following their schedules and finding their classrooms

This orientation will be very informative and we encourage you and your child to bring a pencil and notepad in case there are things you do not want to forget!  Students may also bring school supplies and other items needed for their lockers.

Click here for a list of Eagle Nests. Be sure to look under the proper grade.

Orientation Quick Facts:

  • Mask wearing - HCPSS has implemented universal indoor mask wearing for all students, teachers, students, and visitors to school buildings.  This applies to all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.  Please remember to bring a mask for every member of your family in attendance, as they will be required in order to attend the open house.
  • Students - Please meet us in the cafeteria for a brief overview of the afternoon. You will be asked to sit in the front of the cafeteria when you arrive. After an introduction from the teachers, you will move to your Eagle Nest for orientation.  Your parents/guardians will meet you in your Eagle Nest a short while later.
  • Parents/Guardians - Please meet us in the cafeteria for orientation. You will be asked to sit in the back of the cafeteria when you arrive. Once the students move to their Eagle Nest, we ask that you remain in the cafeteria for an orientation.    After the parent orientation, you will be able to meet your children in their Eagle Nest so you can help them with their lockers and in finding their classes. Student helpers and staff will be available to help and greet you.
  • Lockers - Students will receive lockers at orientation.  Sometimes students bring school supplies to leave in their lockers.  Other students bring items to decorate their lockers. We encourage both, as oftentimes this helps students feel settled before the first day of school.
  • Want to get involved this year? The PTSA will be available to answer questions. 
  • Unable to attend orientation? Students who are unable to attend the orientation will receive their schedule in their Eagle Nest (administrative homeroom)  on the first day of school.  The orientation PowerPoint will be posted on our website.
  • Eagle Nests:  Click here for the list of Eagle nests.
    • Don't worry!  These lists will be posted in the hallways and there are always teachers and staff assisting students in getting to the right place. 
    • Be sure to check for your child’s last name/Eagle Nest teacher in the appropriate grade so he/she goes to the correct room.
    • **Please check our website before the first day of school to make sure no adjustments were made due to changes in student enrollment.

Please note:  7th and 8th grade students and families are invited to LEMS for an open house at 2:15 p.m., so the hallways may get a little crowded during the brief overlap time.

Click here for information about our 7th and 8th grade Open House.