Parents' Guide to 8th Grade at LMS

The final year for LMS students is a special one filled with memorable events involving special opportunities for leadership, academics, friends and fun.

The year culminates with a promotion ceremony and a truly special end of year celebration with rides, games, DJ, and lots of food for our graduates with near 100% attendance made possible by lots of parent volunteers. Learn more about all the opportunities for you and your student to get involved in the fun!

8th Grade Party for Students: Saturday, May 2, 2026 (note: this is part of a long weekend)

• 8th grade student event held at the school
• The 8th grade celebration fund is supported by voluntary contributions directly earmarked for the year-end party  (~$30/student) and year – round fundraising efforts. Make a donation here..
• Party includes music, carnival rides, games, other activities, photo booth, and plenty of food
• Students can wear whatever they like - dress up or go casual
• Many opportunities for parents to volunteer in planning/organizing the party and at the party itself.
  SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR PARTY PLANNING
• No time to volunteer? Make a donation to the 8th grade party fund here.

8th GRADE FUNDRAISERS FOR THE PARTY

Yearbook Baby Ads - November 2025

• Information comes with the yearbook in the Fall
• 8th grade families have the opportunity to purchase an ad in the school yearbook usually around $30
• Only 8th graders get this feature in the yearbook and there's only one size for all ads
• Consists of a baby photo or photo of their child at a young age with a short sentiment of well wishes from the families
• Parents can create it online using the yearbook vendor's platform

Change Wars - February 2026

• At the school held for a week in early February
• 8th graders compete as Teams ( Platinum, Mercury, Iron and Copper) to raise the most money toward their party
• 8th graders bring in spare change or bills
• Winning team gets a special treat in school and bragging rights
  NO CHANGE? NO PROBLEM.  Link coming soon showing how to donate! (*Be sure to note which team your student is on)

Auction & Raffle for 8th Grade Promotion VIP Seats - Spring

• Two ways to beat the crowds on promotion night. Either buy a raffle ticket for a drawing or be the highest bidder in the auction. Good luck!

SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS

8th Grade Sports

• Find all the details about 8th grade sports here!

Junior National Honor Society

• Look for applications spring of 7th grade year to participate in 8th grade
• There is also an opportunity to apply spring of 8th grade year

Information and Transition Activities - Spring

• Middle school and high school work together and provide several information sessions for students and parents
• Held usually in early Spring when students determine their class schedule for 9th grade
• Students get a chance to tour the high school
• Parents get a chance to attend a session in the evening

Six Flags Day (a Friday in May)

• Students will enjoy a pancake breakfast courtesy of the LMSPA before leaving for Six Flags
• 8th graders have a special day at Six Flags
• Kids leave from and return to LMS on chartered buses
• There is a cost for the group rate ticket unless kids have a season pass
• Food can be purchased at Six Flags
• Park opens at 11 am

Promotion (aka Graduation) Ceremony - Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 6-8 pm at LHWHS (Nielsen Gym)

• Ceremony is held in the evening the last week of school at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, with light refreshments afterward
• Students walk across the stage one by one, so it is a great chance to capture a photo
• Students are recognized for achievements during their three years at LMS, like honor society or club participation
• Special awards are given to students who contribute to the school in exemplary ways
• Parent Association provides a special congratulation sign placed in front LMS of the school for photos

Boat Races - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

• The event is held in the swimming pool at Ladue Horton Watkins High School  – Parents are invited to come watch!
• 8th graders build a boat of cardboard and duct tape in small groups determined by the students in class
• Parents are expected to provide these supplies - information is sent home - it's integrated into their class instruction.
• Kids can create a theme for their boat and dress up at the event like "Pirates of the Caribbean, Mermaids, Titanic"
• Each team gets a time slot for races, and these are done in heats until there is a winner for each team.

The 8th Grade Science Department organizes this event.