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Horace Mann Arts and Science

Magnet Middle School

Parent Information Packet

2014-2015

Principal-Mr. Keith McGee

(447-3100)

Parent Facilitator-Susan Merry

(447-3113)

PTSA President-Dawn Anderson

HORACEMANNMAGNETPTSA@GMAIL.COM

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MANN MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT INVOLVEMENT PLAN

2014-2015

School Mission: It is the mission of Mann Arts and Science Magnet Middle School to create an environment that

actively engages all students in a rigorous, relevant and challenging curriculum (with emphasis on science and fine

arts) which results in high levels of student achievement and student pride. We will support this effort through high

expectations and by working collectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, parents, students, and community

support systems to achieve this shared educational purpose.

Horace Mann Magnet Middle School serves students 6th-8

th grades. Mann is an improvement school, 60 % of our students

participate on the free/reduced lunch program, and is a school-wide Title I School. Our students have not met the AMO

due to our school being in the higher level of the district/state percentile range.

Principal:

Mr. Keith McGee

Assistant Principals:

Mr. Darryl Powell

Mr. Samuel Loya

Ms. Sherry Rogers

Parent Involvement Committee Members

Keith McGee, Principal

Susan Merry, Parent Involvement Facilitator

Cassandra Harding, Teacher

Cynthia Fuller, Teacher

Carolyn Johnson, Teacher

Chester Thornton, Teacher

Dawn Anderson, PTSA President

Gina Goad, Parent

Robert Beard, Parent

Izzie Bradford, Parent

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Communication Strategies Mann Magnet Middle School will communicate with parents in the following ways to increase parent involvement and to support classroom instruction by:

The school will distribute a Horace Mann Parental Involvement newsletter to parents that is developed with participation of the parent-school organization, principal, staff and parent volunteers. It includes school news, a calendar of school activities, and parenting tips related to school achievement such as homework tips, organizational skills, and study skills.

Parents may use e-mail to communicate with members of the school staff.

Teachers will routinely contact parents on an individual basis to communicate about their child’s progress.

The school will engage the entire school community’s support for academic excellence in all students by establishing and maintaining an environment where instruction is strongly connected to the Common Core Standards (CCS).

The school will develop, maintain, and monitor a web-page for Horace Mann Magnet Middle School.

The school will promote and encourage parents and members of the community to volunteers as tutors/mentors addressing the specific standards associated with the CCS and utilizing available technology when appropriate.

The school will host parent conference days to discuss student achievement/progress using Academic Improvement Plans (AIP) that will be developed for each eligible student.

The school will engage the entire school and Mann parents by maintaining a parent center with informative resources and parent packets for review and parental checkout.

The school will maintain an email database (Edline) to be used for two-way communication with parents and school staff.

The school will utilize Parent Link to communicate school-wide information.

The school will continue to be a member of the National Networks of Partnership Schools (NNPS).

Parent Activities: Administrators and staff will plan the following activities to increased parent involvement; build staff and parent capacity at Horace Mann Middle School.

The school will establish and conduct parent conferences. Mann Staff – 447-3100( October 20, 2014 and February 16, 2015)

The school will develop Parent Night activities to increase their children’s success in Math, Science, and Literacy. (Math Science Night – October, 2014; D. Newcomb – 447- 3156) (Literacy Night – November, 2014; S. Merry – 447-3113) (ESL Night – November, 2014; C. Summons – 447-3139)

The school will provide the following opportunities for students to showcase their talents to their parents and community: piano recitals (December, 2014; Webb – 447-3177), choir concerts (December, 2014; Walker-Wheeler – 447-3176), band concerts (December, 2014; M. Johnson – 447-3153), orchestra concerts (December, 2014; Jarboe – 447-3129), visual arts (Spring, 2015; Chambers – 447-3172), winter production (Sharpley – 447-3162), drama production (Spring, 2015; Bell – 447-3157) dance performance (Spring, 2015; Sharpley – 447-3162), spelling bee (Winter, 2014; N. Trice – 447-3174), geography bee (Fall, 2014; C. Summons – 447-3139), and other activities.

The school will organize an honor's convocation to highlight student successes important to local and state requirements. (May, 2015; Kindrick – 447-3138)

The school will provide parent information packets during “Students Check-in” – August 5-6, 2014, “New Student Orientation/6th Grade Orientation” - August 15, 2014, the week before students report to school, and available on line and on the office counter during the school year (Office – 447-3100).

The principal will work with members of the staff, district leaders, and the community (PTSA/PTO) to provide notification about the school improvement status via letters, phone calls, newsletters, memorandum, open discussion meeting, etc.

The school will make available a 2014-2015 Mann Magnet plan book.

The school will have a Grandparents’ Day during both semesters (Parent Facilitator Susan Merry – 447-3113).

The librarian will conduct a Book Fair for all students, parents and staff. A special night will be held for parents to visit the Book Fair with activities provided (Librarian C. Ray – 447-3106).

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Mann will provide opportunities for parents to be involved in the development, implementation and

evaluation of the school wide school improvement plan, parent involvement efforts and the Annual

Title I Meeting to engage them in the decision-making processes regarding the school’s Title I, Part

A Program in the following ways: Parents will be represented on the Campus Leadership Team, the Action Team of Partnerships (ATP), the

School-Parent-Student Compact Committee (ASCIP), and the Parent-Teacher-Student Association.

School resources for parents/Volunteer Opportunities:

Mann will maintain the Parent Center for parents to check out books, get reading materials, and other informative materials regarding responsible parenting.

Informational packets will be provided that includes the parental involvement plan, LRSD calendar, staff phone and emails addresses, important dates for the school year, and a sign up volunteer sheet.

Mann’s principal, Mr. McGee, will designate a certified staff member to be the parent facilitator for the 2014-2015 school year. (Susan Merry – 447-3113)

Parents will be given the opportunity to sign up for volunteer work at Mann.

Mann will develop and implement a school website to provide parents with information essential to school involvement.

The school will post grades weekly on Edline for parents and students to access academic performance and homework assignments.

Parent Link will be part of the parent involvement opportunities.

Edline will also provide monthly school calendars and lunch menus.

Volunteer training will be provided by the PTSA president, Dawn Anderson.

Parent Committees: Mann, staff, parents, and students will develop a school-parent-student compact. This compact will be a

part of the ASCIP (Parent Facilitator Susan Merry – 447-3113).

Mann will involve parents on school improvement planning committees.

Mann will create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement.

Mann will be 100% endorsed in the PTSA.

Mann will involve parents in the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) Action Team for Partnerships (ATP).

Parent Involvement Surveys:

Mann will conduct an annual parent involvement survey. The survey’s purpose is to collect evidence about the satisfaction with parent involvement program, needs of parents, effectiveness of specific strategies, and engagement of parents in activities to support student academic growth.

A volunteer spreadsheet will be compiled from the surveys. Mann will conduct seminars to inform the parents of high school requirements and how to be involved in

the decisions affecting course selections for the upcoming high school years.

Annual Title I Meeting: The Title I meeting will be held in October, 2014, and our Middle School Recruitment Night will be

November 5, 2014.

National Network of Partnership Schools: Horace Mann Magnet Middle School is a member of Johns Hopkins University National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS). The NNPS School, Family and Community Partnership family model is designed to enhance parent participation and involvement in the school and community. The family model is researched based and references engagement, activities, and resources for the six types of involvement: Parenting, Communicating, Volunteering, Student Learning, Decision-Making and Collaborating with the Community. To support the six types of involvement, Mann participates on the LRSD NNPS Central-East School Cluster Team. Contact Person: Susan Merry (501) 447-3113.

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LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mann Magnet Middle SCHOOL PARENT/STUDENT LEARNING COMPACT

School Name:_____________________________________________________

Student Name:____________________________________Grade____________

PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT

(Any parent who is interested in helping with this student may sign in lieu of the parent.) I want my child to achieve.

Therefore, I will encourage him/her by doing the following:

Ensure that my child is on time each day and attends school regularly

Support the school discipline policy

Establish a time for homework and review it regularly

Provide a quiet well lighted place for study

Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions

Stay aware of what my child is learning

Provide a library card for my child

Read with my child and let my child see me read

Signature: _______________________________

STUDENT AGREEMENT

It is important that I work to the best of my ability. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:

Attend School regular;

Come to school each day with pens, pencil, paper, and other necessary tools for learning

Complete and return homework assignments

Observe regular study hours

Conform to rules of student conduct

Signature: _______________________________

TEACHER AGREEMENT

It is important that student achieve. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:

Provide appropriate and meaningful homework assignments for students

Provide necessary assistance to parents so that they can help assist with the assignments

Encourage students and parents by providing information about student progress;

Use special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable

Signature:________________________________

PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT

I support this form of parent involvement. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:

Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teachers, parents and student

Ensure teachers homework assignments that will reinforce classroom instruction regularly.

Ensure high-quality curriculum and instruction that meets the State’s student academic achievement standards

Engage parents in parent-teacher conferences in which this compact will be discussed

Ensure that parents receive frequent reports on their child’s progress

Ensure parental access to staff to support partnerships

Provides parents opportunities to volunteer and observe classroom activities

Signature: ______________________________

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Mann Magnet MiddleSchool

Calendar of Activities

2014-2015 Administrators and staff will plan the following activities to increase parent involvement; build staff and parent capacity

at Horace Mann Middle School.

The school will establish and conduct parent conferences. Mann Staff – 447-3100 ( October 20, 2014 and February 16, 2015)

The school will develop Parent Night activities to increase their children’s success in Math, Science, and Literacy. o Math Science Night – October, 2014 - D. Newcomb – 447- 3156 o Literacy Night – February, 2015 - S. Merry – 447-3113 o ESL Night – November, 2014 – C. Summons – 447-3139

The school will provide the following opportunities for students to showcase their talents to their parents and community:

o Piano recitals (December, 2014; Webb – 447-3177), o Choir concerts (December, 2014; Walker-Wheeler – 447-3176), o Band concerts (December, 2014; M. Johnson – 447-3153), o Orchestra concerts (December, 2014; Jarboe – 447-3129), o Visual arts (Spring, 2014; Chambers – 447-3172), o Winter production (Sharpley – 447-3162), o Drama production (Spring, 2015; White – 447-3157) o Dance performance (Spring, 2015; Sharpley – 447-3162), o Spelling bee (Winter, 2014; N. Trice – 447-3174), o Geography bee (Fall, 2014; – C. Summons - 447-3139), o And, other activities (S. Merry – 447-3113)

The school will organize an Honors Convocation to highlight student successes important to local and state requirements. (May, 2015; H. White – 447-3162)

The school will provide parent information packets during “Students Check-in” – August 5-6, 2014, “New Student Orientation/6th Grade Orientation” - August 15, 2014, the week before students report to school, and available online and on the office counter during the school year (Office – 447-3100).

The principal will work with members of the staff, district leaders, and the community (PTSA/PTO) to provide notification about the school improvement status via letters, phone calls, newsletters, memorandum, open discussion meeting, etc.

The school will make available for each student a 2014-2015 Mann Magnet plan book. The school will have a Grandparents’ Day during both semesters (Parent Facilitator Susan Merry – 447-3113). The librarian will conduct a Book Fair for all students, parents and staff. A special night will be held for parents

to visit the Book Fair with activities provided (Librarian C. Ray – 447-3106).

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17 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Turning the Pages

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/more-reading-resources/17-ways-to-keep-your-middle-schooler-turning-pages

over over each Learning Benefit below for a detailed explanation.

1. Let your child choose what to read. While you may cringe at his preferences, he may never touch a title if

it's force-fed.

2. Talk about what she reads. Ask her what she thinks of a book and make connections with ideas or issues

that are relevant to her life.

3. If he's struggling or bored with a book, let him put it down. Forcing him to stick with a difficult or dull

book that's intended for pleasure will reinforce the idea that reading is a chore.

4. Subscribe to magazines that will interest her. Ask her to choose one or two titles and put the subscription

in her name.

5. Read the newspaper together. Whether it's for 15 minutes over breakfast or on weekends, establish a

routine and discuss what you each read.

6. Be flexible with bedtime and chores when your child is reading.Within reason, avoid asking your child to

stop reading.

7. Play games that utilize reading. Word- and vocabulary-building games like Scrabble or Boggle are great,

but many board games provide reading opportunities (even if it's just the instructions). Crosswords provide

opportunities for learning new words and spelling practice, too.

8. Encourage your middle-schooler to read to a younger sibling. Letting him take over ritual reading at

bedtime once a week will ensure he reads something, and he may find his sibling's enthusiasm for stories

contagious.

9. Visit the library together. Try to make it an event where you share some quality one-on-one time and both

choose a few books.

10. Find an outlet for your child to "publish" a book review. When she finishes a book, encourage her to

write it up for a family or school newspaper, magazine, or Web site. She could also try posting a review at a

local bookseller or an online retailer.

11. Ensure he has a good reading space. He should choose where it is, but you can make sure it's well lit and

inviting so he stays a while.

12. Keep up on what she's reading. If you can, read a few pages of her books yourself so you can discuss

them with her.

13. Encourage writing. Whether it's via snail- or e-mail, suggest that he keep in touch with distant friends or

relatives. Keeping a journal or chronicling a family vacation will also provide reading practice.

14. Provide a good dictionary. She may not want to ask for your help with words anymore, so make sure she

has a good reference.

15. Suggest books from movies he liked. He may enjoy getting even more detail in the book.

16. Listen to books on tape in the car. If you're heading on vacation, or even back-and-forth to school, try

listening to a novel that will appeal to everyone.

17. Model reading. Your pre-teen will still follow your reading habits (though she'll never let you know it!). Let

her see you reading, make comments, and share interesting passages with her.

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Mann Magnet Middle School

2014-2015 PTSA OFFICERS

President

Dawn Anderson

Vice-President

Michael Woolfolk

Secretary

LaFrancis Pfeiffer

Treasurer

Tammy Gridley

Teacher Rep.

Cassandra Harding

PTA dues is $8.00

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Mann Magnet Middle School

PARENT INTEREST SURVEY

What are your hopes and dreams for your child?

How can you partner with your child’s teacher to ensure that the academic hopes and dreams

that you have for your child will come true?

What day (s) will you volunteer in your child’s classroom this month?

What are you interested in doing as a volunteer at your child’s school this school year?

How often will you communicate with the school staff this year about your child’s progress

both academically and socially?

Return this survey to: Susan Merry, Mann Magnet Parent Facilitator (susan.merry@lrsd.org)

THANK YOU!

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Horace Mann Magnet Middle School

Staff Directory

Position Phone # Room # Email Address

Mann Mann # 447-3100

Mann Fax # 447-3101

Laidlaw 447-4130

LRSD Transp 447-7550

NLR Transp 340-5151

PCSSD Transp North of River 982-9416

PCSSD Transp South of River 490-5760

LR Student Assign 447-2950

PCSSD S. Assign 490-2000

NLR Student Assign 771-8000

McGee, K Principal 73100 Office keith.mcgee@lrsd.org

Rogers, S VP - 6th 73159 Admin office sherry.rogers@lrsd.org

Loya, S VP - 7th 73149 Admin office samuel.loya@lrsd.org

Powell, D VP - 8th 73117 Admin office darryl.powell@lrsd.org

Washington, R Counselor- 6th - 8th A - K 73179 Office ruby.washington@lrsd.org

Zimmer, R Counselor- 6th - 8th L - Z 73145 Office robin.zimmer@lrsd.org

WHEN CALLING MANN PHONE NUMBERS FROM OUTSIDE THE BUILDING, DIAL THE PREFIX 447- AND THEN THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF THE NUMBER.

Acker, N S Studies- 6th 73180 417 natasch.acker@lrsd.org

Anderson, A Psych. Examiner Office amy.anderson@lrsd.org

Barton, D Para-professional diane.barton@lrsd.org

Blanks, T Math- 8th 73127 407 tina.blanks@lrsd.org

Blevins, S Centers for Youth and Family 73195 Aud sabrina.blevins@lrsd.org

Bolden, Y Lab Science- 7th 73116 309 yvonne.bolden@lrsd.org

Boshears, A Spanish 73133 304 ashley.boshears@lrsd.org

Brazle, W In School Suspension 73146 120 william.brazle@lrsd.org

Bunting, A PE/ Health 6th 73118 Gym abram.bunting.jr@lrsd.org

Burks, J Para-professional 73136 402 jonathan.burks@lrsd.org

Cerrato, J Speech Pathologist 73125 Office joseph.cerrato.lrsd.org

Chambers, S Art I/Exploratory Art 73172 117 susan.chambers@lrsd.org

Choat, B S Studies-7th 73148 410 brittney.choat@lrsd.org

Christopher, A Para-professional 128 alice.christopher@lrsd.org

Clark, A Dance 73170 522 allison.clark@lrsd.org

Click, M Security Rm in cafeteria meleasa.click@lrsd.org

Davis, L Special Ed 73109 402 loretta.davis@lrsd.org

Dennis, F Principal's Secretary 73103 Office franchelle.dennis@lrsd.org

Dukes, T Registrar 73171 Office terra.dukes@lrsd.org

Eller, K Instructional Coach 73111 301 kasey.miller@lrsd.org

Evans, I Para-professional 128 irma.evans@lrsd.org

Foster, V Sci- 8th 73141 314 virginia.foster@lrsd.org

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Fuller, C Special Ed 73187 303 cynthia.fuller@lrsd.org

Gaines, S Math- 8th/Alg 1 73140 408 sara.gaines@lrsd.org

Glenn, K East Lab/Yearbook 73115 119 kristen.glenn@lrsd.org

Green, Q Special Ed 73132 313 qwyla.green@lrsd.org

Harding, C S Studies- 8th 73131 401 cassandra.harding@lrsd.org

Harris, P Math- 6th 73135 421 paula.harris@lrsd.org

Harris, T Instructional Coach 301 dorothy.harris@lrsd.org

Haynie, K Nurse 73105 Nurse kathey.haynie@lrsd.org

Henderson, A Sci- 6th 73130 316 antonette.finney@lrsd.org

Henry, R Sci- 6th 73137 318 rebecca.henry@lrsd.org

Herrod, J Eng 7th 73168 412 james.herrod@lrsd.org

Ingram, S Sci- 6th 73154 320 starlette.ingram@lrsd.org

Jackson, A Head Custodian 73108 Cust Office andy.jackson@lrsd.org

Jackson, L Sci- 7th 73124 308 leslie.brooks.jackson@lrsd.org

Jacobs,M Special Ed melissa.jacobs@lrsd.org

Jarboe, J Orchestra 73129 501 john.jarboe@lrsd.org

Johnson, C Career Orientation 73194 315 carolyn.johnson@lrsd.org

Johnson, M Band 73153 508 marcus.johnson@lrsd.org

Joyce, S Special Ed 73128 218 sue.joyce@lrsd.org

Kimbrough, J School Resource Officer 73198 Rm in cafeteria joseph.kimbrough@lrsd.org

Kindrick, L Art III/ Studio Art/ Tech Theater 73138 129 lisa.kindrick@lrsd.org

Lance, L Math- 6th 73175 419 linda.lance@lrsd.org

Livingston, T Eng- 6th 73147 424 tiffany.livingston@lrsd.org

Manley, E Security 73166 Security office eric.manley@lrsd.org

Marlin, L Art I and II 73152 409 lauren.marlin@lrsd.org

McKenna, M Attendance Secretary 73119 Office melissa.mckenna@lrsd.org

McNeary, C Math- 7th 73104 416 chastity.mcneary@lrsd.org

McSwain, J Math- 7th 73151 413 joyce.mcswain@lrsd.org

Merry, S Eng- 8th/Parent Fac/Dept Chair 73113 406 susan.merry@lrsd.org

Moore, C Math- 8th/ Dept Chair 73155 405 charles.moore.jr@lrsd.org

Morrison, A S Studies- 8th 73150 403 angela.morrison@lrsd.org

Newcomb, D Sci- 7th/ Dept Chair 73156 306 daryl.newcomb@lrsd.org

Nosari, R Eng- 6th 73143 418 robyn.barnes@lrsd.org

Parker, G Security Rm in cafeteria george.parker@lrsd.org

Parker, L Keyboarding/ Comp Tech 73182 116 lauren.parker@lrsd.org

Parker, T Keyboarding/ Comp Tech 73164 123 tammy.parker@lrsd.org

Pearson, M S S- 6th/ D-Hall Super/Dept Chair 73161 422 marva.pearson@lrsd.org

Piggee-Harris, M Para-professional media.harris@lrsd.org

Ray, C Librarian 73106 Library christy.ray@lrsd.org

Rice, K Sci- 8th/ Student Council 73126 312 karla.rice@lrsd.org

Richardson, K Para-professional kyle.richardson@lrsd.org

Ross, D Math- 6th 73134 420 diane.ross@lrsd.org

Sharpley, L Dance 73162 518 lekeisha.sharpley@lrsd.org

Simmons, K Special Ed Compliance Coach Office kelly.simmons@lrsd.org

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Sims, C Security Rm in cafeteria christopher.sims@lrsd.org

Skinner, C Keyboarding/ Comp Tech 73120 125 cara.skinner@lrsd.org

Smith, K Gifted and Talented 73121 310 kellie.smith@lrsd.org

Smith, O Eng- 7th & 8th 73136 402 olympia.smith@lsrd.org

Summons, C S Studies- 7th/ESL 73139 415 clarice.summons@lrsd.org

Sutton, A Math- 7th/8th 73112 305 amista.sutton@lrsd.org

Sutton, W Ark History 73110 319 wilma.sutton@lrsd.org

Sweazie, S Eng- 6th 73123 423 shakeila.sweazie@lrsd.org

Tanner, L Cafeteria Manager 73107 132 laura.tanner@lrsd.org

Thornton, C Eng- 6th 73186 411 chester.thornton@lrsd.org

Tollette, J PE 8th/ VB Coach 73173 Gym joan.tollette@lrsd.org

Trice, N Eng- 7th 73174 414 nancy.trice@lrsd.org

Walker-Wheeler, L Choir 73176 527 lisa.walker.wheeler@lrsd.org

Washington, K Lab Science- 6th/ 504 Coord 73178 307 kimberly.washington@lrsd.org

Webb, B Piano 73177 515 becky.webb@lrsd.org

Welch, W Lab Science- 8th 73122 311 wendy.welch@lrsd.org

White, H Speech/Drama 73157 219 holly.white@lrsd.org

White, J S Studies- 6th/7th/ FB/BB Coach 73158 317 john.white@lrsd.org

White, T Career Orientation, Engineering Tech 73144 127 tremayne.white@lrsd.org

Wilkerson, S Keyboarding/ Comp Tech 123,125 shelia.wilkerson@lrsd.org

Williams, M Eng- 8th 73142 404 mindy.williams@lrsd.org

Williams, P Media Clerk 73197 Library pam.williams@lrsd.org

Wilson, T Special Ed 73160 128 teresa.wilson@lrsd.org

Woodbury, M Para-professional 218 melvin.woodbury@lrsd.org

Woods, D PE/Health 6th/ FB Coach 73181 Gym danny.woods@lrsd.org

Athletic Sponsors: Coaches Office 73193 Intercom 218

Barnes, Belinda Cheerleading- 7/8th blenda.barnes@lrsd.org

Hunt, Daisy Soccer- 7/8th daisy.hunt@lrsd.org

Sutton, Amista Drillteam- 7/8th amista.sutton@lrsd.org

Cafeteria 73107

Conf Room (New) 73169 Intercom 35

Courtesy (Copy Rm) 73185

Gym

Gym Office Intercom 110

Lounge (Main Office) 73184 Intercom 701

Lounge (New Bldg) 73114 Intercom 700

Parent Center Susan.merry@lrsd.org

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