Parents' Guide to 8th Grade at LMS - 2025/26 School Year

 

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

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

 

 

SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS

 

8th Grade Sports - Find all the details about 8th grade sports here!

  • Fall (September - October)
    • Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
    • Volleyball (Girls)
  • Winter (mid-December - February)
    • Basketball (Boys and Girls)
  • Spring (mid-March - May)
    • Track and Field (co-ed)
    • Field Hockey (girls)

 

Practices will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. 

Games/competitions will be scheduled after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

After school buses are available.

 

Fall sport deadline: online permission form and physical must be filed no later than Thursday, August 31.

 

Information and Transition Activities - January 

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

 

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

Six Flags - May

  • 8th graders have a special day at Six Flags usually on a Friday in May
  • Kids leave from and return to LMS; buses are provided by school
  • There is a cost for the group rate ticket unless kids have a season pass
  • Food can be purchased at Six Flags

Promotion (aka Graduation) Ceremony: 

  • Ceremony held in the evening the last week of school at LHWHS with light refreshments afterwards
  • Students walk across the stage one by one providing a  great photo opportunity 
  • Students are recognized for achievements during their three years at LMS like honor society or club participation
  • Special awards are given for students who contribute to the school in exemplary ways
  • LMPSA  provides a special congratulation sign placed in front of the school for photos

Boat Races:

  • Event held at the high school pool in May – 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 - and 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

 

LMSPA SPONSORED EVENTS

 

8th Grade Party: 

  • 8th grade student event held at the school in May.
  • Suggested donation of $30/student.  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

8th Grade Photo-op Before Graduation:

  • LMSPA sponsors a photo opportunity for your 8th grader and their friends 
  • Stop by the front of the LMS before or after the Farewell Ceremony (at the high school) and take some pictures.  Or come by on the last day of school to capture a cherished memory of your student!

 

8th Grade Fundraisers:

 

Car Wash: 

  • Usually on a Saturday morning/afternoon in September
  • 8th graders work the car wash to raise money for their end-of-year party
  • Kids get to hang out with friends and make some new ones
  • Kids can also make signs for the car wash, if they cannot be there 
  • Parent volunteers are needed to supervise during the event

Yearbook Baby Ads - Fall

  • 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/ad
  • 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 their ad online using the yearbook vendor's platform

Change Wars - February 2-6, 2026

  • At the school held for a week in early February
  • 8th graders compete as Teams (Patriot, Pioneer, and Trailblazer) 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

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

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