Parents' Guide to 8th Grade at LMS

The final year for LMS students is a special one filled with memorable events throughout the year 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 3, 2025 6-9 pm

• 8th grade student event held at the school
• No cost to students because it's covered by LMSPA thru fundraising activities year round 
• 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

Parent Party: Saturday, November 9th, 2025, 

• This adult event for 8th grade parents is held off site hosted by an 8th grade family
• Great opportunity to mingle with other 8th grade parents in the kids' last year at LMS
• Food and drinks are included in ticket price
• Parents buy tickets for the event and money goes toward the party
• Casual happy hour, not a formal event
  BUY YOUR TICKET FOR THE PARENT PARTY
  

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 $20
• 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

• 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
  NO CHANGE? NO PROBLEM. DONATE TO CHANGE WARS HERE.
  *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

• Boys & Girls Cross Country - Fall
• Boys & Girls Cross Country – Spring

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

• Return to where your LMS journey all started and relive the best memories of camp
• 8 am-8 pm
• Lunch and dinner included
• Bus transportation provided
• $50/student 
• Sign-up deadline: Thursday, March 13, 2025
• A sign-up form will be sent out shortly
• Parents will be required to sign a waiver for student participation
• This trip is voluntary
• LMSPA is looking for parent volunteers. Approximately 20 parents are needed. 
• Pool will be open

May 23 - Six Flags Day   

• 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: Wednesday, May 28th, 6pm

• 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
• Time 6-8pm (1.5 hour ceremony)
• Ceremony rehearsal for 8th graders 1-2pm on May 28th at LHWHS.  

Boat Races - Thursday, May 29, 2025

• 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.
  
  8th Grade Boat Races will occur at the following times:
  Pioneer 8:20-9:20

  Patriot 9:20-10:30

  Trailblazer 10:30-11:40
  Parents are welcome to attend their child's team races. There will be a live stream set up for any parent who is unable to attend in person.