We had a very successful Relay for Life day.  There were lots of haircuts, head shavings and hair painting.  Thank you to all who donated time and money.  The fun continues tonight at JL Mann.  Here are the grand totals…

6^th Grade – $1,886.15, 7th Grade – $3,856.89, 8^th Grade – $2,428.14,

Grand Total – $8, 171.18

Mr. Griffin’s APEX Adventure Day Camp Program
Parents!
Need to get your middle schooler out of the house for some excitement this summer? Check out Mr. Griffin’s APEX Adventures Day Camp Program! APEX offers 4-day sessions including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and more in the mountains of the Carolinas. Each APEX session includes transportation to and from each destination, guided activity, lunch, and a whole lot of fun!
APEX Adventures sessions are beginning to fill up but there is still room in all 6 sessions! Check out www.apexadventures.blogspot.com to see the available dates and to download the info and registration form!
Don’t let your student miss the APEX van this summer!

Summer Camps…  Visit the website for all the information on our summer camps.

Class of 2012 Legacy Gift Update

The graduating class of 8^th graders’ families has contributed over $2,500 so far in Legacy Gift contributions!!  You have just until May 23^rd to make a contribution to help Langston Foundation meet its goal of obtaining long term financing for our building.  Thank you to all who have contributed.  A mock check will be presented to the grade on Awards Day and will have the names of all contributing families included on the check.  Way to go Class of 2012!!!!!  Send donations of ANY size to your child’s Homeroom, marked Legacy Gift by next Wednesday.

Please continue to check the website calendar for end of the year events.  The Glee Club will be performing Monday evening.  Details are on the calendar.  http://www.langstoncharter.org/about-langston/calendar.html

Dear Langston Families,

Thank you to everyone who participated in the annual School Board elections in April.  As you read on the ballot instructions, we were unable at that time to find a candidate to fill the position of Governance Director.  We have now identified at least one person willing to serve, Mr. Ron Stuff.

In order to fill this position, our by-laws require us to reopen filing and hold an election.  The Board voted at its monthly meeting on May 8, to reopen filing, which will remain open for 1 month, closing on June 5.  The election will be conducted 7 days later on Tuesday, June 12 using Survey Monkey.  You will receive an email with complete instructions. (So while you are out voting in our local legislative primaries, don’t forget to vote in our school election on the same day.)

This is an open election, and if you are interested in running for this seat, you may complete the Self-Nomination form posted under the Board tab of the school website.

An information meeting for any interested candidates will be held on May 18 at 8:30 AM.  Please call Lisa Stevens if you plan to attend, or have other questions.  350-6666.

Book Fair  Our book fair will be opening Monday.  If you would like to volunteer to help with it please email Tracy Hoffert at hoffert@mac.com

Tennis Team Congratulations to Trip Crowley, Hallie Fite, James Otovic, and Marshall Hagen.  They are member of the Riverside Tennis Club team from Langston.  The won the U14 Advanced Flight Championship and will participate in the State Championship on July 20-22 in Florence.

The Langston Golf Team

The Golf Team wrapped up its spring 2012 season on Monday with an 18 hole tournament at Carolina Springs!  The season consisted of 7 matches at various courses and a weekly practice at our home course Hejaz.  Our team champion was Jacob Richardson (6th grade), followed by Brandon Sewell (7th grade), Eric Intile (8th grade), Amanda Schickler (7th grade), and Morgan Stewart (8th grade).

Average scores for 9 holes:

Jacob – 50

Brandon – 54

Eric – 56

Amanda – 56

Morgan – 57

Our team was not the best scoring but their amazing attitudes, integrity, and perseverance were above par!  Langston was represented well by the golf team and what a pleasure!  We had a great time!

If anyone has any questions or has a student considering playing next year feel free to contact us at RLSchick7685@gmail.com.  We would like to include you in our emails and practices when they start up again in the fall.  Some of our players will be at the Junior Golf Series this summer which is another good opportunity to participate in match style play.  http://www.gvillescjga.org/tournament-series.php

A special thank you to Steve at Hejaz for all the practice balls and rounds; and Bruce at Extreme Tees in Simpsonville, where we got our Langston Golf hats and visors.

Lisa and Randy Schickler

Class of 2012 Legacy Gift  We have received nearly $2,000 from the graduating 8^th grade class towards our goal of $13,000 which we hope to raise by Awards Day, May 24!

A detailed letter was emailed to all 8^th grade families yesterday.  Contributions of all sizes are welcomed.

Mr. Griffin’s APEX Adventure Day Camp Program
Parents!
Need to get your middle schooler out of the house for some excitement this summer? Check out Mr. Griffin’s APEX Adventures Day Camp Program! APEX offers 4-day sessions including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and more in the mountains of the Carolinas. Each APEX session includes transportation to and from each destination, guided activity, lunch, and a whole lot of fun!
APEX Adventures sessions are beginning to fill up but there is still room in all 6 sessions! Check out www.apexadventures.blogspot.com to see the available dates and to download the info and registration form!
Don’t let your student miss the APEX van this summer!

Summer Camps  Visit the website for all the information on our summer camps.

From Claire Wooten Please join us at Langston for ice cream to celebrate Mr. Wooten graduating with his Ed. S degree in administration from Clemson University.  Please drop in between 2:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday, May 13th. We hope to see you all there!  Please no gifts, cards welcome. Please RSVP to Mrs. Myers at bmyers@langstoncharter.org.

HATS, HATS, HATS

The first ever Langston hat will be for sale on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at lunch for $5.00.  Students will be able to wear the hats at school on Friday for Relay for Life. No hats will be sold on Friday.  We have a limited supply of just 250 hats.  After Relay any leftover hats will be $10.

Please keep checking the school calendar on our website. There are several events scheduled and deadlines approaching.

Governor Nikki Haley,  and State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais, will be a Greenville Tech Charter High School at 11:00am on Monday, May 14 to sign the new Charter School Bill.  The public is invited to attend.

Fundraiser…Karen Sweet has set up a display of “thirty-one” products in our conference room.  20% of the profits will be donated to Langston.  Please stop by and shop.

From the Faculty and Staff,

We want to say thank you to our Langston families for all the goodies and special treats this week.  We are truly blessed to work in such a wonderful place and you have spoiled us all this week.  A special thanks to the parents on the committee.

Hey Everybody!

Please don’t forget to come to Chick-fil-A of Woodruff Road on Tuesday night, the 8th from 5-8pm.  We need to get as many Langston families out here as we can!  As a Special Treat, I will be giving the first 25 families that come from Langston an awesome digital offer card that has 3 Free Desserts on it!  You get a free dessert a month for the next three months!  I will also be sampling our new DELICIOUS chocolate chunk cookies that night!  Make Langston proud and support the amazing school that we are privileged to send our kids to!

See you Tuesday!

Warmly,
Jennifer Hubbell

Restaurant Marketing Director

This spring, during their inaugural season, the Langston girls’ soccer team won their conference. They will play for the conference championship the week of the 7^th … more details to come. Any Langston student who goes to the game will receive a pass for a Jeans Day.  Stay tuned for the date and time of the championship game.  We expect a huge turnout to support our girls!

Please use the Langston calendar on our website (www.langstoncharter.org) to stay informed about upcoming events and deadlines.  There will be a band and strings concert, PASS testing, payment on the DC trip and tons of other things you need to be aware of.

8th Grade Families:

Thank you for your donations to the Class of 2012 Legacy Gift!  We have received over $1,000 toward the goal of $13,000 which we hope to raise by Awards Day.  A detailed letter was emailed to all 8th grade families yesterday.  Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated!

Book Fair…

It’s Time once again for the spring book fair.  The dates are May 14th-18th.  Our theme is Palmetto Pride. We are doing 2 hour shifts.  If you are interested please e-mail me at Hoffert@mac.com.  Thank you for all your help in the fall.  I’m sure the spring book fair will be a success with your help.  Do to liability, please remember, no siblings.   Please wear indigo blue if at all possible.  Thank you all very much.  Mark your calendars-Family night Thursday 17th 4:30-7:30.  We’ll be having a dunk tank!!!

Shifts:

Mon-Thurs: 8:15-10:15, 10:15-12:15, 12:15-2:15, 2:15-4:15

Family night Thurs: 4:30-5:30, 5:30-6:30, 6:30-7:30

Fri: 8:15-10:15, 10:15-12:15, 12:15-2:15

Please e-mail or call me with any questions/concerns.

Tracey Hoffert 360-0501 or Hoffert@mac.com

Report from Lisa Stevens on the State of the School Annual Meeting…

In accordance with our school by-laws, the annual State of the School meeting was held on April 26.  The meeting began with The Glee Club performing “The Man in the Mirror” and “Footloose”.  The Glee Club under the direction of their leader, Mrs. Purcell, are to be commended for their fabulous sound and choreography!  Great job Glee Club!!

Mr. Abel gave a report highlighting the academic achievements of this past year:

• School Report Card: Excellent rating
• Achieved Palmetto Gold Award for Academic Performance
• Met AYP for 6th year in a row
• 100% pass rate for End of Course exams
• All Spring MAP test scores were ABOVE the national average
• 31 8th grade students qualified as SC Junior Scholars
• 17 7th grade students earned State Recognition and 2 earned Grand Recognition from the Duke TIP program

Academic achievement continued outside the classroom with Youth in Government, Model UN, and Speech and Debate Club award winners.

Mr. Abel also announced that Ms. Tate will not be returning next year. She has decided to stay home with her 2 young children. Ms. Cannon will be the new Leadership teacher.  Mrs. Inabinet will teach Social Studies next year.

Lisa Stevens gave a report highlighting some of the major accomplishments of the school board.

This is the first year with the school at its permanent size of 450 students and fully staffed.  The current students have left their permanent mark on the school by choosing the Chargers as the school mascot.

Regarding the budget and financial situation of the school, we are on track for finishing this year under budget!  Next year has a very conservative budget based on the current funding of $4,455 per student.  We have been notified that the state budget may increase the per student funding by $215.  The board would welcome this, as they plan an increase in teachers’ salaries.

Besides keeping Langston true to its charter and mission, the board must also develop a strategy for securing the future of the school.  Working with the Langston Foundation, Alison Thompson has been hired as the Director of Development. Alison will be working with our families to raise $1.2 million within 5 years. This will enable us to secure traditional financing before our balloon payment becomes due.

Alison Thompson presented a brief outline of the letter sent to all families encouraging them to participate in our capital campaign. She reported the 8th grade gift giving is well underway.  This fall everyone can look forward to Grandparents day.

Scott Zemitis was introduced as the newly elected Board Chair and he then introduced the new board members. The Foundation is actively seeking 3 to 5 new members.

Thank you to all who voted.

Langston PR Announcements-

Community Service Day is an incredible opportunity to showcase all the different ways our students serve our community and how Langston makes the greater Greenville area a better place to live.   Please, please, please send your pictures from Community Service Day to news@langstoncharter.org .  (Did I say please? J)  Remember to include first and last names of all recognizable people in the photo and make sure the resolution is 250KB or higher.  Thank you!!

Congratulations to Langston students, Erin Berry, Kristianna Williams, Hannah Wilde and Eleanor Burch, for having their picture published in the Tribune Times (Wed, April 25 edition) for their service to children in the Special Olympics!

Congratulations to Langston students, Rachel Dolleman and Miah Einhorn, for having a picture of their neighborhood lemonade stand to raise money for Relay for Life published in the Greenville News (Wed, April 25 edition, City People section)!

Congratulations to Langston students, Trey Gibson and Jacob Wild, for having their picture published in the Greenville News (Wed, April 25 edition, City People section) for their participation as volunteers at the Special Olympics!

Keep sending your school news to news@langstoncharter.org .  Thanks so much!!

From Ms. Cannon…

Model UN April 12-13, 2012

All our delegates did very well representing their country to the YMCA Model UN held last week at Kanugua Conference Center.   Langston sent 37 delegates to this conference.

These delegates were recognized for the following:

These proposals advanced to General Assembly:

Representing Zimbabwe, Serenity Dobbins & Zadiyah Kissai & Amanda Teague

Representing Somalia, Cohen Black & Ankith Khandavalli & Nikhil Vallabhaneni

These proposals advanced to Plenary:

Representing The Gambia, Mary Frances Behnke & Varsha Gopal & Aleeza Massod

Representing Afghanistan, Sarah Alvarez & Virginia Britt & Ananya Manian

Outstanding Proposals:

Representing The Gambia, Mary Frances & Varsha Gopal & Aleeza Massod

Representing Myanmar, Anish Chaluvadi & Austin Sweet

Outstanding Native Attire:

Representing Somalia, Cohen Black & Ankith Khandavalli & Nikhil Vallabhaneni

Representing The Gambia, Mary Frances Behnke &  Varsha Gopal & Aleeza Massod

Outstanding Booth at Festival of Nations:

Representing Bangladesh, Cora Bisbee & Hasna Karim & Pooja Patel

Outstanding Statesman (individual awards for great speaking, debate, and logic skills)

Varsha Gopal, Hasna Karim, Aleeza Masood, Amanda Teague, & Nikhil Vallabhaneni

Dear Cat in the Hat Volunteer,

Ready 4 Reading would like to thank you for your participation in our annual Early Language Fun with Cat in the Hat on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Your energy and interactions with the children resulted in a truly remarkable morning!

The event was excellent again this year:

• 465 children overall (21 babies, 51 ones, 90 twos, 85 threes – our target ages)
• 855 visitors including parents/caregivers and all ages of children
• 173 volunteers (Junior League, Girl Scouts, AHAM, students from USC Upstate &    Greenville Tech, Langston Charter Middle School and the community)
• 2500 new and gently used books given away

Ready 4 Reading sponsors Cat in the Hat as our gift to the community. Our mission is to provide learning resources and books for parents and caregivers of newborns to four year olds primarily in underserved communities of the upstate. R4R lays a foundation for school success to enable a child to complete high school and grow the upstate’s literate workforce.

We accomplish this goal by fostering a love of language using fun, book-related activities; educating parents and caregivers about the “crucial years” in brain development as it relates to literacy; and constructing and encouraging children’s book-filled environments at home, in child care centers and public waiting rooms.

Current volunteer needs include site readers in child development centers and book collectors/sorters.  Please call the office, 250-8868 for additional information.

The Cat in the Hat Event is possible only with the generous contributions of our donors, partners and volunteers, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We would love to hear any comments or reflections you have been thinking about. You may send them to office @ready4reading.org.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Beckie

Cat in the Hat Chair

Class of 2012 Legacy Gift Update…

Almost $1,000 has been received from parents of graduating 8^th graders!!!  All gifts will go toward securing long-term permanent financing for our building.  Our goad is $100 from each of our graduating 8^th grade families.  We thank those who have given recently as well as during the school year.  If you intended on making a contribution to the Legacy Gift, or need to catch up on your annual donation, please do so by May 23^rd.  Put your check in an envelope marked Legacy Gift and have your child turn it in to Homeroom.

Continue to use the website school calendar to stay informed.  Don’t forget to sign up for summer camp!

Thanks to all of our wonderful students that participated in our Community Service Day.

The Box Tops Contest had been extended to May 11th.  The top TWO classes will receive a pizza and brownie party. Keep clipping and sending in your box tops!!!

Class of 2012 Legacy Gift…

Parents of 8^th grade students will have an opportunity to contribute, on behalf of their graduating child, to the “Class of 2012 Legacy Gift” to Langston.  All gifts will go toward securing long-term permanent financing for our building.  We sincerely thank those who have given during the school year and hope you can make an additional impact toward our goal.  This is a great opportunity for those who need to get caught up on their pledge from the beginning of the school year.  Grandparents may wish to send a gift – please give them a copy of your Legacy Gift form.  Families will be receiving a letter from Alison Thompson, Director of Development, Langston Foundation, over the next few days.  Contributions are tax deductible.

Summer Camps…

Several of our teachers are offering summer camps.  Check our website under Quick Links for more information. There is something there for everyone.  We will have Science Camps, English Camps, Lego Camps, Adventure Camps, The Hunger Games Camps, you name it, and we offer it.  It’s tons of fun and a great way to meet the kids you will be at Langston with.

Langston PR Announcements-

Congratulations to Langston students, Eleanor Burch, Amanda Royaards and Megan Martin for having their picture published in the Greer Citizen (Wed, March 28th edition, section c page 4) for their Honorable Mention award in the 2012 C-Span Student Documentary Competition!

Congratulations to Langston students, Faith Yeargin, Haley Smith, Davy Grace McGuirt, Erica Kozmic, Ananya Manian, Eleanor Burch, Victoria Sloan, Rylee Hammond, Brylie Guest, Kayla Hayes, and Heather Sloan for having their picture published in the Greenville News (Wed, April 18 edition, City People section) for their participation in providing Easter baskets for special needs children and adults!

Congratulations to Langston students, Mathew Erickson, Mathew Alexander, Bryonna Howard, Eleanor Burch, Kayla Hayes, Anania Manian, Alita Wanner, Davy Grace McGuirt, Erica Kozmic, Erin Streetman, Macy Southern, Meg McKinley, Haley Smith, Heather Sloan, Faith Yeargin, (standing) Caleb Dowden, Hunter Street, Haley Fite, Brylie Guest, Vitoria Sloan, Rylee Hammond, Lauren Lipscomb, Johnny Jajack, Grayson Hunter, Steven Owens, Nick Rodriguez for having their picture published on Mauldin Patch (online newspaper) for their participation in providing Easter baskets for special needs children and adults!  http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/news-from-langston-charter-middle-school-415781dd#photo-9474536

Congratulations to Langston students, Rachel Dolleman and Miah Einhorn for having a picture of their neighborhood lemonade stand to raise money for Relay for Life published on Mauldin Patch (online newspaper)! http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/news-abf7f611#photo-9645908

Congratulations to Langston students, Trey Gibson and Jacob Wild, for having a picture published on Mauldin Patch (online newspaper) for their participation as volunteers at the Special Olympics!  http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/news-abf7f611#photo-9645897

Keep sending your school news to news@langstoncharter.org .  Thanks so much!!

Congratulations to our girls’ soccer team.  Tied at 3-3 at the end of regulation, Langston girls won the game on penalty kicks – beating St. Joseph’s Junior Varsity girls’ soccer team.

All the more impressive considering their team consisted of 2 – 10th graders, 6 – 9th graders, 5 – 8th graders, & 5 – 7th graders.

Did you notice our recently painted parking lot?  Dr. McGuirt repainted our lot during Spring Break. Thank you, it looks great.

Thank you prayer group, for the wonderful lunch you provided to the teachers and staff on Tuesday.  The prayer group welcomes anyone to come and pray for the Langston students and staff on Tuesday mornings at 8:30.  They meet in our dance room.

Introducing Alison Thompson…

It is with great pleasure that The Langston Foundation announces Alison Thompson as our Director of Development.  Alison knows Langston well as both a parent and ardent supporter.  You will see her around campus and hear from her as she works to engage all of our families in supporting the purchase of our current facility.  Her office is in what the students call the “Fish Tank Room”.  Feel free to stop by and say hello!

Update from The Board…

We held an unusually long meeting this week, but it was well worth the time invested.  Plans are underway to develop a strategy to secure the necessary long-term financing for our beautiful facility.  We discussed some upcoming changes to the school program for next year and commend Mr. Abel for his forward thinking and pro-active leadership.  The Board approved the implementation of the new Student Leadership Recognition awards to be presented in May.  Of interest to many will be the changes approved to the Uniform Dress Code, which will take effect in August.  You will be receiving a copy of the updated version soon.  Thank you to all who responded to the urgent request for volunteers to serve on the board.  I believe we will have a full slate for the 2012-2013 board!

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.  Your school will only be as good as you make it!

Lisa Stevens,

Board Chair

Class of 2012 Legacy Gift…

Parents of 8^th grade students will have an opportunity to contribute, on behalf of their graduating child, to the “Class of 2012 Legacy Gift” to Langston.  All gifts will go toward securing long-term permanent financing for our building.  We sincerely thank those who have given during the school year and hope you can make an additional impact toward our goal.  This is a great opportunity for those who need to get caught up on their pledge from the beginning of the school year.  Grandparents may wish to send a gift – please give them a copy of your Legacy Gift form.  Families will be receiving a letter from Alison Thompson, Director of Development, Langston Foundation, over the next few days.  Contributions are tax deductible.

Summer Camps…

Several of our teachers are offering summer camps.  Check our website under Quick Links for more information.

From Beth Roueche…

How nice to hear Langston called over and over again for awards at the Science Fair.  The students that won:

Biology: third place Sierra “CC” Horne for “Private Eye” ($15 and certificate).

Environmental Science: first place Anish Chaluvadi for “Wasted Waste”($25 and certificate), third place Madeline Reilly for “Lettuce Beware”($15 and certificate).

Medicine and Health: first place Hasna Karim for “Do Natural Antibacterial Agents Work as Well as Synthetic Ones” ($25 and certificate), second place Kinley Anderson “Third Time’s the Charm”($20 and certificate).

Physics: first place Ankith Khandavalli “Archimedes Screw”, there were a great deal of physics entries this year so this was quite an achievement, ($25 award and certificate).

Overall individual awards:  second place Hasna Karim ($50 and trophy), and third place Anish Chaluvadi ($40 and trophy).

Special awards:

Greenville County Medical Society Alliance Award: Hasna Karim and Roann Abdeladl (each got $50 and a certificate). Greenville Soil and Water Conservation District Award: Anish Chaluvadi ($50 and a certificate). SC Society of Professional Engineers: Anish Chaluvadi ($100 savings Bond and certificate).

Day with India event at TD Convention center on Sat, May 5, 2012…

This is a cultural festival for the entire family.  Presented by the India Association of Greater Greenville (IAGG),it is aimed at giving residents of Greenville and surrounding areas “a taste of India” right here in our own backyard.   In addition to enjoying a fun event, visitors also help others. Proceeds from the event are used to support various charities. You can see more details about the event at http://www.iagg.org/dwi.

Some of our Langston families are helping organize this incredible event!

Stevi B’s…

Thursday, April 19^th , from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm is Spirit Night at Stevi B’s and “Meet and Greet” for rising 6^th graders.

If you are a Facebook Fan here are two pages you might want to “like”; Langston Study Skills Workshop, and The Community Pet Project.

Community Service Day and the 8^th grade rafting trip are coming up.  Watch your email please for more information.

Spring Break…Enjoy the break, and see you all again on Tuesday, April 10^th.

Congratulations to Langston student, Jenna Lannuier, for having her picture published in the Tribune Times (Wed, March 28 on page 6A) for receiving Kids’ Wish Network Hero of the month Award from the GHS Children’s Hospital!  Congratulations to Langston student, Holly Malik, for having her picture published on Mauldin Patch (online newspaper) for her community service at Frazee Dream Center http://mauldin.patch.com/articles/news-from-langston-charter-middle-school-7b1e5aa8!  Also congratulations to our science project finalists, C-span documentary winners, and the Langston Speech and Debate team for having their names published in the Greer Citizen, Tribune Times, Mauldin Patch and City People of the Greenville News.!  We are so proud of our Langston students and their achievements.

Teachers and parents – please continue to send Langston school announcements and pictures to news@langstoncharter.org .  Thanks so much for all the great pictures and info you have been sending!  Remember that sending in pictures can count toward your parent service hours.  We know our students are amazing; let’s share it with our community!

Feed a Bunny collected 54 bags of food.  Thanks Langston family.

Girls Soccer…Through 5 games our girls have remained undefeated.  They still have 5 games to play and would love your support.  The school calendar has the dates and times.

Concerned Citizens For Animals…Thanks to Michele O’ Conner and Levi for coming to talk to our 6^th and 7^th graders today.,

Thanks to DHEC for sending a representative to teach about recycling.

Parents, we need everyone to do their parent volunteer hours.  We expect each family to contribute 9 hours per quarter in service to Langston.

Blood Drive…There will be a blood drive at Langston on March 26^th from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.  Call Susan Druckenmiller at 288-0029 to sign up.

Bethel Elementary PTA is in need of volunteers for the 2012 Bethel Bash on April 27th from 4:30-7:45pm. They would love your help with the games and any other needs!

Honor Flight Concert…Come out on Saturday to hear some great music and help raise money for the Honor Flight organization.  Justin Hill and his band will be here along with Kylie Hinze.  The concert will be from 4 until 6.

Colby Feigenbaum…wants to say a big thank you to the Langston Family.  Girl Scout Troop 2226 was able to send about 150 boxes of cookies to soldiers overseas!!!

Be A Bunny…Langston students made over 60 baskets for Special Needs kids!!!

Parents and Students (and fans of the Hunger Games!) Mr Griffin at LCMS will be leading APEX Adventure day camp program again this year.  Experience whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and way more awesomeness in the mountains of the Carolinas during one of APEX Adventures’ 4-day-long day camp sessions.

Trips are designed to be safe and exciting and are available to all middle school aged boys and girls.  Trips are available to friends outside of LCMS as well!  This is a great opportunity for kids to experience adventure in their own back yard and it’s also a great chance for parents to get the kids out of the house for a few days!  Because it’s a day camp, kids leave home each morning and come home to sleep in their won bed each night.  Lunch is provided each day.

HUNGER GAMES FANS!  This summer, APEX Adventures will be making stops at locations where some of the most exciting scenes from the movie were filmed!  Unlike the movie, though, you won’t have to worry about fighting for your own food, APEX Adventures will be providing lunch for campers each day.

This summer, 5 sessions will be offered.  Each day, the APEX van will leave LCMS at 8:00 am and will return to LCMS the same evening.  Sessions run Monday through Thursday and will be offered on the following dates:

June 11th-14th

June 18th-21

June 25th-28th

July 9th-12th

July 16-19

-The price for a 4-day long session is $280.00.  This includes transportation, the activity, and lunch.

-If you are not able to do the 4-day session, the per-day rate is $80.00.

-APEX Adventures has a fleet of high-quality mountain bikes available for rental for $25.00.

-For more information, e-mail Matt Griffin at mgriffin@langstoncharter.org,  Check out the website at apexadventures.blogspot.com for more and “Like” the APEX Adventures facebook page.

March Board Report from Lisa Stevens…

March is the month we traditionally begin working on next year’s budget.  This week our treasurer, Barbara Rushing presented a draft budget based on our current per pupil funding of $4,452.00.  The budget process is a critical step in planning for next year, especially for our building, thanks for Sam Sims, Director of Facilities.  A final version will be presented and voted on at the April meeting.

We also heard a presentation from Phil Begley on the criteria for our forth coming 6, 7 and 8th grade Leadership Awards to be given in May.  Tina Zwolinski, Community Service Director, is working on a website feature to showcase Community Service opportunities.  Brian Woodard is assisting Mr. Abel on HR and planning for next year.  Dr. Lienne Medford, Academic Affairs has developed a survey for the teachers. Our Director of Alumni, MaryEllen Miller is planning our first ever Alumni Reunion Party for May.

Lil O’Keeffee, Governance, is managing our election process this year.  The entire board is up for election.  Filing has opened and you can self-nominate by completing the form on our website. http://www.langstoncharter.org/board/board-self-nomination-form.html

We are still actively recruiting 2 board members for next year.  Ways and Means – Master delegator, motivational leader and Human Resources – some professional experience is desired. Serving on the board is a truly rewarding experience and I encourage you to read about all the board positions for next year. http://www.langstoncharter.org/board/board-position-descriptions.html

Filing for the board is open until April 10. The voting will take place by Survey Monkey between April 23-25.  The results will be announced at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 26.

Everywhere I go, people tell me they hear wonderful things about Langston.  That’s YOU they are talking about!

Lisa Stevens

Board Chairman

Volunteer Opportunities…

Several emails have been sent out with information on volunteer opportunities. There is the YMCA campaign, The Muscle Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, The Stop Hunger Now Meal Packaging Event, Palmetto Gymnastics meet, Feed a Bunny Food Drive, Be a Bunny Easter Baskets and the Benefit Concert for Honor Flight, just to name a few.  Check your emails or the school calendar for more details.

Bethel Elementary PTA is in need of volunteers for the 2012 Bethel Bash on April 27th from 4:30-7:45pm. They would love your help with the games and any other needs!

PASS testing will begin this month for 8^th graders only.  On March 20^th and 21^st, 8^th graders will complete the Writing portion of the test.  The rest of the PASS testing (for grades 6-8) will take place during the week of May 7^th.  Please make every effort to avoid late arrivals, early dismissals, and scheduled appointments on testing days.

Blood Drive…There will be a blood drive at Langston on March 26^th from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.  Call Susan Druckenmiller at 288-0029 to sign up.

Congratulations to Langston students Anish  Chaluvadi, Brittany Williams, Kinley Anderson, Sierra Horne, Hasna Karim, Sabrina Sabir, Lauren Ward, Roann Abdeladl, Matthew Langley, Ashley Avila, Madelyn Reilly, Branson Hall, Pimprenelle Serbource, Ankith Khandavalli, Mary Kathryn Sizemore for having their names published in the Greer Citizen (Wed, March 14 edition, section C, page 4) for being selected to compete in the 58th Annual Greenville County and South Carolina Regional Science and Engineering Fair 2012 on March 27 at the TD Convention Center!!

No School on Friday or Monday.

 Congratulations to Eleanor Burch, Amanda Royaards, and Megan Martin!!!  Their C-Span video won Honorable Mention in the Middle School StudentCam competition.   CLICK HERE to view their documentary.

7^th Grade Parents…The first $200.00 deposit for the DC trip is due on Friday, March 16.

PASS testing will begin this month for 8^th graders only.  On March 20^th and 21^st, 8^th graders will complete the Writing portion of the test.  The rest of the PASS testing (for grades 6-8) will take place during the week of May 7^th.  Please make every effort to avoid late arrivals, early dismissals, and scheduled appointments on testing days.

Bethel Elementary PTA is in need of volunteers for the 2012 Bethel Bash on April 27th from 4:30-7:45pm. They would love your help with the games and any other needs!

Please contact Jennifer Street at streetjn@gmail.com or 864-787-0298 with any questions.

Honor Flight Concert…There will be a concert here at Langston on March 24^th, from 4:00pm till 6:00pm.   The concert will benefit Honor Flight of the Upstate.  Admission will be free, but donations to Honor Flight of the Upstate will be accepted.  This is a senior project of a Langston alumnus, Trey Myers.  Come out and support our World War II veterans.  Students will earn community service hours for attending.

Langston Publicity would LOVE to have more pictures from our after school clubs.  Club parent volunteers can take pictures themselves and send them in to news@langstoncharter.org or someone from the newly formed photography committee can come and get some great pictures of our incredible kids.

Teachers and parents – please continue to send Langston school announcements and pictures to news@langstoncharter.org .  This time of year is a great time to send in pictures of students and their science projects, after school clubs, and every day student life and accomplishments.  Remember that sending in pictures can count toward your parent service hours.  We know our students are amazing; let’s share it with our community!

We are still collecting pop tops from cans and BoxTops for Education.