LMS Frequently Asked Questions

 

Have a question about LMS?  With the help of LMS Staff, we'll try to answer it!

 

 

Questions about the new 25-26 schedule

 

FAQ: What are the biggest differences in elective options from the current schedule to the new one? 

Answer: Students currently have three (3) elective periods, and one is dedicated to at least a semester of Physical Education. For some, there may be one fewer semester elective choice in the new schedule.

 

FAQ: What are the biggest benefits of the block schedule? 

Answer: More time to dive deeper into content, fewer minutes spent in hallway transitions, deeper connections with staff, time for support during longer periods, less nightly work, variety of teaching strategies used, reduction of stress

 

FAQ: Haven’t you tried a block schedule before? What makes this time different? 

Answer: In the past two years, block schedules have been used for testing windows (MAP, NWEA). Prior to that, it was used during COVID as a strategy to reduce daily content and intermittently (two days every 6 weeks) for bigger project work.

 

FAQ: Can I opt for my child to be out of Health and Wellness (PE)?

Answer:  The LMS Administration believes deeply that a revitalized approach to Health and Wellness is good for all learners. Research (as well as the CDC) tells us that our students will gain healthy habits, improved stress relief, and academic focus. We will also include team building and health education as part of this period, which are essential components of ensuring the academic and personal success of our learners. Therefore, there will not be an opt-out option for Health and Wellness. 

 

FAQ: How are LMS staff preparing for the change to their teaching? 

Answer: The LMS professional learning plan for the school year targets instructional and planning strategies that will support the shift to the block schedule. We have model classrooms embedding and displaying strategies that engage students with routines, collaboration, and movement to break up the longer class period into smaller chunks of varied instructional activities. We have and will continue to provide time for teachers to plan with their colleagues for the upcoming shift, as well as provide an opportunity for them to visit other schools utilizing the block or Flex time.

 

FAQ: When will my child receive their gifted, ESOL, Special Education or intervention services? 

Answer: LMS students who are identified in the gifted program will have Apogee during their Flex time, ensuring they do not miss opportunities with electives or other core instruction. Students who receive special education, ESOL, or other academic interventions will be assigned to their service-providing teachers during their Flex time.  There is a small number of students who receive multiple services and academic interventions for whom we will need to get creative with when we provide their services. Our team is already working on developing those schedules and will be in communication with any family who this impacts with any frequency.

 

FAQ: How does this change improve class size and teacher ratio?

Answer: The 2025-2026 LMS schedule change will adjust teams to 4 person teams, reducing the number of students they are serving. This will give more opportunity for staff to deepen connections and responsive communication with their students and families. 

 

FAQ: What happens during Flex time?

Answer: LMS staff meet with their same content/grade level colleagues each week and with their cross curricular content teams each week as well. During this time, LMS core staff will plan for their use of the Flex time. Students will have an opportunity to gain additional challenge or enrichment activities in their core content, receive support on content they missed or are struggling with, and have time to practice or complete learning activities. Once a week, this will also be the place for our Character Strong lessons and broadcasted announcements. Flex time will allow LMS staff to individualize and target their strategies for growing each student.

 

FAQ: How can I help my child during this transition to a new schedule?

Answer: LMS administration has embedded block schedule days into this year’s schedule for assessment windows and at the end of each quarter for cumulative learning activities. Have them explain the structure to you; discuss how after school routines will adjust; help build their stamina and focus by challenging them to participate and engage in a singular activity.

 

 

6th Grade Family Questions

 

FAQ: What are the new team names for 6th grade?

Answer: The new 6th grade team names are Team Topaz, Team Ruby, Team Sapphire, and Team Onyx.  

FAQ: When will I know what team my child will be placed on?

Answer: Your child will receive their schedule and team assignment in August.

 

FAQ: What is 6th grade camp?

Answer: Sixth Grade Camp at Ladue Middle School has not only been a tradition since 1977 but also:

• Promotes team building
• Presents team problem solving scenarios
• Provides valuable leadership opportunities
• Cultivates independence
• Encourages new friendships 

 

FAQ: Where is 6th grade camp held?

Answer: Camp Mihaska is located in Bourbon, MO (off Hwy. 44 about 30 minutes past Six-Flags). 

 

FAQ: When is 6th grade camp held during the 2025-2026 school year? 

Answer: Your child will go to camp either session one or session two.  Sessions are randomly assigned unless you need a particular session due to a scheduled conflict.

• Session One: Monday, September 15  - Wednesday, September 17
• Session Two: Wednesday, September 17 - Friday, September 19

If your student has a conflict and you need to request a particular session, please reach out to Camp Director, Lisa Stein, to request the session you need by July 31. → Lstein@ladueschools.net

 

FAQ: Who can attend 6th grade camp?

Answer: All 6th grade students at Ladue Middle School.

 

FAQ: What is the cost of 6th grade camp? 

Answer: Sixth grade camp costs $250 per child. Payment may be made through Infinite Campus or by checks made payable to LMS 6th Grade Camp. Scholarship money is available for those in need (must be noted in the online registration when it becomes available in August). 

 

FAQ: How can I find out more information about camp?

Answer: A 6th Grade Camp parent meeting will be held at Ladue Middle School on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6:00pm. This meeting is not required but is highly recommended to learn more about our amazing camp experience.  

7th Grade Family Questions

 

FAQ: What are the new 7th grade team names?

Answer: The new 7th grade team names are Team Cyclone, Team Wave, Team Avalanche and Team Lightning.

8th Grade Family Questions

 

FAQ: What are the new 8th grade team names?

Answer: The new 8th grade team names are Team Platinum, Team Mercury, Team Iron and Team Copper.

FAQ: When do 8th grade sports start?

Answer: 

• Fall (Sept-Oct): Cross Country (boys & girls), Volleyball (girls)
• Winter (mid-Dec-Feb): Basketball (boys & girls)
• Spring (mid-Mar-May): Track & Field (co-ed), Field Hockey (girls)

FAQ: Is there a charge to participate in 8th grade sports?

Answer? No. No fees, no uniform purchases.

 

FAQ: When are practices and games held for students participating in 8th grade sports?

Answer: Practices/Games: Generally Tuesdays & Thursdays after school. Games may also be on Wednesdays.

 

FAQ: Is transportation provided for my student participating in 8th grade sports?

Answer: Bus transportation to games is provided. Return transportation to LMS varies by location.  Transportation is also available for those participating in practices after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays as part of the LMS after school activities programs.

 

FAQ: What is the commitment for students participating in 8th grade sports?

Answer: Students are expected to attend nearly all practices and games.

 

FAQ: Will my student have to try out for an 8th grade sport to participate in it?

Answer:  It depends. 

• Volleyball (girls): Tryouts for 3 teams on Tuesday, September 2, & Thursday, September 4, 2025. 
• Basketball: Tryouts may be held depending on sign-ups.
• Cross Country (Fall) and Track & Field (spring) are no-cut programs.
• Field Hockey (girls): max 18 players

 

FAQ: Will my student need to have a physical completed prior to participating in 8th grade sports?

Answer: Yes.  A valid physical (good for 2 years) must be on file with Nurse Nancy Williams (nwilliams@ladueschools.net). Any doctor's form is accepted. This is REQUIRED, NO EXCEPTIONS. Can be done over summer break.

 

FAQ: What is the deadline for my student to participate in fall sports?

Answer: Online permission form and physical must be filed by Friday, August 29, 2025.

 

FAQ: Which LMS teachers will be replacing Mr. Biernbaum for 8th grade sports?

Answer: The new LMS Sport Coordinators will be Mackenzie Smith  msmith@ladueschools.net and Greg Lemmon glemmon@ladueschools.net