Ligon LinkAugust 2013
Ligon LinkLigon GT Magnet Middle School 706 E. Lenoir Street Raleigh, NC 27601 919-856-7929
Welcome Back To School
Principal’s Letter
Dear Parents,
I love the beginning of the school year as this is the time that we welcome our new Ligon students and families to our wonderful school. Ligon is a very special learning community. I am fortunate to see amazing things happen instructionally and interact with the most talented students and staff in the county. I look forward to all that they will achieve this year. As we transition from NCWise to Home Base, the system will no longer utilize SPAN. Home Base will have a parent module called Oasis (Online Access to Student Information). However, it is not expected to be ready for use in August. When the parent module becomes accessible, I will communicate accordingly. Therefore, plan to utilize the teachers’ websites because they include valuable instructional information and resources. Also, plan to attend the Principal’s Coffees. During those coffees I will provide school updates and provide parents the opportunity to give feedback. Principals’ Coffees are scheduled for October 4, December 6, February 7, and April 11 at 7:30 am in the Media Center. Additionally, our Saturday phone messages provide weekly updates from our school calendar. If you sign up for our Yahoo Group, you will get the phone message emailed to you. Lastly, please sign up to be in our School Directory. You will only be listed if you sign up and it’s more helpful to others the more people we can include. (See inside for more information on all of these.)
Parents, we welcome your support and involvement. Please join and support our PTA. They are currently supporting us to improve our technology available to our school community. Technology is an area that we need to continuously improve. I am so appreciative of the financial support from our PTA to help us move in the right direction. Last year, the PTA provided IPADs and technology resources to our school. Please support their efforts. Additionally, please support our Ligon Arts Boosters (LAB) and Ligon Sports Boosters (LSB). If you are new to Ligon and have never attended one of our plays or performances, come out and see the “magic happen.” Our productions are engaging and LAB supports us in purchasing costumes, scripts, etc. LSB needs your help as well to encourage our student athletes. As much as we need you in these areas, we also need your support in volunteering at school.
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Carpool Tips….Page 2 / Stay Connected…..Page 3 / Important Dates…..Page 16
Do You Drive to Ligon?
Follow these 3 rules to keep our line moving & our kids safe:
- When there are cars behind you in the loop, please pull as far forward as possible before you stop your car (see point C below).
- Once your car is stopped along the sidewalk (anywhere between points A and C), students should exit the car. Please remind your students of this rule and resist any lobbying from your passengers to wait until they are close to the door (point B) to exit. Many cars need to pass through the loop. Fifteen cars unloading at once moves much faster than only a few at a time unloading next to the front door!
- Please do not make a left turn as you exit the loop during carpool. Instead continue straight across Lenoir Street and go one block north to Davie Street where you can easily and safely turn left. Even one car waiting at the traffic light to turn left creates gridlock.
Our goal is to make carpool as safe and efficient as possible. THANK YOU for helping make it happen.
Need a Carpool?
The PTA sponsors an annual car-pool list, early in the school year. To participate, submit via e-mail: your name, child’s name & grade, your complete mailing and e-mail address, home & cell phone number and a point of reference to where you are located.
Once the list is compiled, all those participating will receive the completed list. From there, personal car-pool arrangements can be made, usually by mid-September. As well, forms will be available (for those who do not prefer e-mail) and can be submitted to the main office. Your Ligon PTA contact person is Terri Hart at .
Say Goodbye To Those Weekly Folders.
Here Is How Parents Stay Connected At Ligon . . .
- Weekly phone message from the school office. Parents/Guardians are automatically in the system (i.e. no need to sign up). If you are not receiving messages, call 856-7929.
- Ligon e-News. PTA will send a digest of announcements for parents to your inbox each week. Simply send a blank email to follow the instructions in the reply message. If you already belong to other yahoo groups, just visit and then click "join this group."
- Ligon website. A feast of all things Ligon. The school has updated the website over the summer. Check it out, bookmark it, and visit regularly at ligon.wcpss.net. The calendar is regularly updated and is a great resource.
- Bulletin Board. From high tech to low tech -- PTA maintains a bulletin board that is outside the front office and is updated weekly.
- The Student Directory is put together and printed by the PTA. It is typically distributed in October. Due to privacy rules, you must provide between Aug 5 and Sept 13 to be included. Visit the PTA website or click on the PTA tab of the Ligon websiteand follow the instructions. The process is quick, simple and can be done from any computer including those in the Ligon Media Center and in any public library.
. . . And how to keep tabs on what is happening in your child's classes:
- Student Agendas and Interim reports. Agendas (Planners) are strongly recommended for each student. Ligon’s customized agendas will be for sale for $5.00 each. The Student Handbook will be incorporated into this year’s agenda. You can purchase the agenda at Into The Blue (8/21), from your homeroom teacher, from student services, or at Open House (9/12). We encourage you to make this purchase for your child to foster good study habits and to record all homework assignments, projects and tests. Teachers send home interim reports with detailed lists of assignments and grades in the middle of each quarter, which allows time for intervention (if needed) before report cards are issued.
- Blackboard & Schoolnotes. Visit the staff directory on the Ligon website. There you can find links to teachers’websites, blackboard, or schoolnotes websites that many teachers use to publish information for each of their classes.
- Home Base/Power School Parent Portal. Home Base/Power School Parent portal will be replacing SPAN in the 2013-2014 School Year. Application for Access must be completed either through Hand Delivery at the School (photo ID required) or throughNotary. If you downloadthe Notary Form, itmust be notarized before bringing it to the school. No access will be granted if this is not done.
All forms can be found on the WCPSSwebsite at
Into The Blue OrientationWednesday 8/21/13
Ligon Media Center / Student Directory
Hey Kids and parents, you have to sign up to be included in the School Directory!
Go online and enter your contact information. Student directories are a GREAT resource for students and families. However, you must submit your information in order for it to appear in the directory.
Simply go to or click on the PTA tab for the Ligon website between Aug 5th and Sept 13th.
You can also use the school’s computers in the Media center.
Under school system policy, school directories are permissible only if parents provide the contact information directly to the PTA. Participation is purely voluntary. The Ligon PTA publishes this school directory solely as a resource for Ligon students and parent volunteers. Use of this directory for commercial, political, or other purposes is strictly prohibited.
For all NEW 6th grade students:
The Into the Blue Orientation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Parents and students are asked to begin arriving at 8:45 a.m. This event will focus on important information for parents that will help them with the transition to middle school. The students will participate in team building activities, school tours and walk their schedules.
For NEW rising 7th and 8th grade students:
The New to the Blue Orientation will also be held from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. This event will include information on Daily Operations, School Expectations (dress code, behavior, lunch, hallway transitions), Transportation and much more. Students will tour the grade level hallway and get a change to meet grade level staff.
Student Volunteers from National Junior Honor Society, Ligon Student Council, and Ligon Quad A and friends will meet with Mrs. Douglas on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 to set up for Into the Blue. Parents and students will be called and/or emailed during the summer about the time of the set-up/practice.
If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Douglas-6th Grade Counselor at or (919) 856-7950.
QUAD A-stands for African American Academic Achievers
This is a group has been designed to support our African American AG students throughout the school year. Students will be able to meet twice a month during an elective class period that will be announced and various topics will be discussed. The new 6th graders are invited to attend and will receive a phone call from Mrs. Douglas at the beginning of the school year. Please contact Pamela Douglas at or 919.856.7950 for more information.
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We need media volunteers desperately as one of the ways they cut our funding was through our clerical allotment. Therefore, we need consistent volunteers in the media center as well as student support. We continue to need you so sign-up to volunteer at Ligon! Parents make a commitment to come support our arts program (band, dance, orchestra, play, and arts), academic competitions, or sports as our students love to see you there! Wear your Ligon spirit wear and support our school.
Ligon GT Magnet Middle School is a great place to be. I look forward to another great year at Ligon!
GrettaDula
Principal
Greetings from Your PTA President…Dear Ligon Families:
Welcome to Ligon Middle School for the 2013-2014 school year. My son is a rising 8th grader and when I look back over the last two years I am amazed at his academic and social growth. Ligon has a teaching staff that I believe to be the best in Wake County. I look forward to another year of Academics + Arts = Student Achievement.
The staff at Ligon works very hard and successfully to close the achievement gap. Our PTA Vision and Mission are aligned with this goal.
- PTA Vision – Making every child’s potential a reality
- PTA Mission – A powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.
We need everyone:
- Join the PTA
- Donate to our Annual Fundraiser
- Volunteer
- Fieldtrip Scholarships
- Mentor
- Tutor
Welcome to another fabulous year at Ligon,
Vickie Adamson, 2013/2014 PTA President
Ligon’s Annual Phantom Fall Fundraiser!!
The Ligon PTA’s largest fundraiser begins August 21st and we need your help. At Ligon, we do not ask our parents and students to sell items or raffle tickets to raise money – we just ask our parents and community to write one check. This fundraiser funds important classroom and educational initiatives at Ligon. Our school depends on the PTA to provide excellence in education, a unique cultural arts program and community support.
Due to recent state budget cuts, the Ligon administration and staff is being asked to do more with less. Some needs for this year include:
•Critical technology needs and upgrades, such as supplying iPads for enhanced education opportunities
•Staff development programs
•Enhancing elective offerings
As you consider your tax-deductible contributions this year, we hope you will consider making a contribution to help your child’s school. Please send in checks made out to Ligon PTA and mail to ATTN: Ligon PTA, Ligon Middle School, 706 East Lenoir Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. We will also be at the open house on September12thso you can make your donation then.
With your support, we can continue to build on Ligon Excellence and make 2013-2014 a great year!!
Kerry Troester
Vice President of Fundraising, Ligon PTA / Proposed 2013-2014
PTA Budget
Income
Book Fair Income / 4,500
Bolt for the Blue / 2,500
Carryover -- Base / 6,000
Carryover -- Book Fair / 1,289
Carryover -- Projects / 16,617
Carryover -- TOTAL / 23,906
8th Grade Events / 4,000
Community Funding / 2,300
Magnets / 500
Phantom Fundraiser / 20,000
PTA Membership Dues / 2,500
NC State Sales Tax Refund / 1,000
Total Income / $61,206
Expenses
Fundraising Expenses / 7,800
Miscellaneous Expenses / 1,600
Operating Expenses / 7,890
Program Expenses
8th Grade Events / 4,000
Buildings and Grounds / 400
Dula Lunches / 750
Into the Blue (Orientation) / 400
Media Center / 1,289
Media Center for next year / 1,400
Newsletter / 1,000
Parent Education / 1,000
PTA Hospitality / 7,150
Reflections / 100
Student Directory / 1,200
Teacher Classroom Support / 2,100
Teacher of the Year Banquet / 200
Technology / 19,927
Writer in Residence / 3,000
Total Expenses / $61,206
Your child needs YOU to be involved at Ligon!
Volunteer opportunities at Ligon are numerous, and there are jobs to fit every schedule.You can help out with a one-time-only event or volunteer on a regular basis.You can come to school or work from home.Please fill out this Google Doc:
Together we can make difference.
LIGON
SPORTS BOOSTERS
The Ligon Sports Boosters (LSB) is the parent-supported organization dedicated to the athletic program at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School.
Our mission is to provide volunteer and financial support to all sports programs at Ligon. Our funds help to buy new uniforms, replace equipment, and provide transportation for teams.
The Sports Boosters also helps the less fortunate families with support and or assists with needed equipment to play on or tryout for Athletic Teams. The LSB feel “No child should ever be left out or not have an equal opportunity to play for LMS.” In the past the LSB have provided shoes, shorts, warm ups and many other equipment to Ligon students.
The LSB shall support, encourage and advance the athletic program and related activities of Ligon GT Magnet Middle School and thereby cultivate wholesome school spirit, promote good sportsmanship, and develop character and high ideals.
LSB shall promote projects to improve facilities and equipment necessary to provide an adequate athletic program for Ligon GT Magnet Middle School.
LSB shall not seek to influence or direct technical activities or policies of the school administration or of the school officials who are charged with responsibility of conducting the athletic program of the schools of the school district.
We encourage the family, friends, and neighbors of Ligon students to become members of LSB.
To order Ligon Sportswear go online at
SALE CODE:LMSSPIRIT13
Ligon wear makes great practice wear, and what better way to support your athlete than cheering from the stands in your wonderful Ligon apparel.
If you have question or want more information, please contact
Melissa Rouse: Ligon Sports Boosters President at
GO LITTLE BLUES!!
Sincerely,
Melissa Rouse
President, Ligon Sports Boosters
LIGON SPORTS BOOSTERS
The Ligon Sports Boosters (LSB) is the parent-supported organization dedicated to the athletic program at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School.
Your Name ______Spouse’s Name ______
Home ph # ______Your Wk. # ______
Spouse’s Wk# ______
Your Email: ______Spouse’s Email ______
Address ______City ______Zip ______
Student's Name ______Grade ______
Home Room Teacher ______
I want to join the Ligon Sports Boosters at the following Level:
Memberships:
Gold: All Sports passes for immediate family members (6 max)$50
Silver: All Sports passes for three (3) family members$30
Little Blues: All Sports passes for two (2) family members$25
Student: All Sports passes for one (1) Individual$15
*Each all-sports pass is issued to a specific individual and is not transferable. Passes are good for all regular home games in all sports for the entire school year.
Please make checks payable to Ligon Sports Boosters and return to: