Welcome to

Leander Middle School

5th Grade Parent Night

February 2nd, 2026

5:30-6:30 PM

Questions? Use this QR Code

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• Please feel free to use this QR code to send in any questions that you may have!

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• We will spend some time at the end answering questions!

https://tinyurl.com/yspcrmnx

Overview

• Introductions
• QR Code to ask questions
• What’s Different about Middle School
• Course Offerings
• Choice Sheet Info
• Course Verification Info
• Upcoming Important Dates
• Advanced Courses
• Special Programs
• Join Our PTA
• Stop by the Library

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Why LMS is the Best

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Transition to Middle School Website

Important

Transition Website

Introductions: Counseling Team

What Happens in the Counseling Office

• Components of a comprehensive school counseling program -Academic planning, Social/Emotional, Career
• Individual, Group, Classroom guidance, Advocacy/Indirect services, Referral to resources
• Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

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What’s Different about Middle School?

• Transition from elementary to middle school is sometimes hardest on the parents.
• Middle School – so many changes in three years time.
• Puberty… and Prefrontal Cortex still developing(rapid change & last to develop)
• Shift from parent to peer orientation
• Testing of boundaries/limits
• Need for privacy (NOT secrecy!)
• Need for FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE

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Course Offerings

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MS Course Catalog

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LMS Virtual Course Catalog

• There are videos of the elective choices for LMS. Not all of the electives are available for 6th graders, but the videos are fun and informative!

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Upcoming Important Dates

We will be filling out choice sheets electronically with 5th graders.

Choice Sheet

Selection

Choice Sheet

We will be filling out this choice sheet with 5th graders. Parents/Guardians will have an opportunity to update a google form if they would like to make changes. You will be able to review selections in HAC on February 17th.. Deadline for final changes is March 12th @ 4pm.

Registration

You do not need to complete the online registration if you are Zoned to LMS from a feeder campus!

Questions/Concerns

Counseling Website

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Laura Cathcart

Laura..Cathcart@leanderisd.org

512-570-3222

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Advanced Courses

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Advanced Courses for 6th Grade

• Why you should take advantage of advanced classes

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• In 6th grade students can take advanced classes in ELA and Math.

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• Anyone can choose to take Advanced Language Arts. This is for students who are strong readers and writers OR are really hard workers and want to challenge themselves. If you are not sure, ask your current language arts teacher.

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Advanced Courses for 6th Grade

• We are always looking to identify students who could be successful in Math 6/7

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• We look at various sources of student data to determine eligibility

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• If students are interested in taking Math 6/7 in Pathway they should speak to their math teacher

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Special Programs

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Special Education Services

• IEPs will be shared with teachers prior to the first day of school..
• If a student has a specialized class according to their IEP, this will be communicated (by Team Lead) to counselors before schedules are made.
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• Case managers will reach out to parents at the beginning of the year to introduce themselves. They will meet students in person the first day of school, unless prior arrangements have been made.
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• To discuss a student who has an IEP or to request an ARD meeting, please contact Jess Beck..

Section 504

• 504 plans will be shared with teachers prior to the first day of school.

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• 504 meetings will be held virtually or in person during the school year.
• We will reach out to you at the start of the year in order to get your yearly 504 meeting scheduled.

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• If you have any questions please email Jenny Grow at jenny.grow@leanderisd.org

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Special Programs Staff

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Jessica Beck - Special Education Team Lead / ARD Specialist

jessica.beck@leanderisd.org / 512-570-3278

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Jenny Grow - 504 Coordinator

jenny.grow@leanderisd.org / 512-570-3200

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Koren Okuma - Dyslexia Specialist

koren.okuma@leanderisd.org / 512-570-3200

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Things to Know for Middle School

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Important Information

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Home Access Center

• Allows you to check grades, attendance, etc.

Technology

• MLISD, Google Classroom, 1 to 1 campus.

Tiger Camp end of July

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LMS PTA Information

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Question & Answers!

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