Nov. 21, 2021
Editor's Note: Because school is out for the Thanksgiving Break, there will be no Weekly Update sent out next week.
Change Happens - How we Navigate it Together Affects our Students
By Barbara Cohen
School Director
Over the course of the past eleven weeks, teachers at LLCA have been implementing and reinforcing student expectations and classroom routines. As a result, students are learning the value of following school expectations, daily routines and how to navigate change. As many of you would agree, routines are an integral part of the school day. However, when changes happen that disrupt these daily routines, then students can get overwhelmed or anxious about these changes. Often, changes to the daily routine at school can have a positive influence on students such as a Pep Rally, an outdoor educational class, a fundraising activity, or an assembly. Then there are times when students experience what they perceive as a negative change.  Read more
From the Nurse's Office
Hello Raptor Families!
During its November meeting, LLCA's Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue the current mask policy for all students, staff, and visitors until December 17th. The policy requires masks to be worn by all persons on campus and on busses. North Carolina Senate Bill 654 requires that public school boards re-assess and vote on these policies every month. Our school administrators and the nursing staff will work on developing metrics to determine if, when, and how the school will change the current policy.
We continue to see low numbers of Covid cases at this time. We have two students this week with COVID. There have also been two documented cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the elementary school with these children being unrelated to one another. We must continue to maintain good, proper handwashing techniques. Further, if your child displays any signs or symptoms of illness, please keep them at home and notify their pediatrician for further instructions. These are important things we can all do to prevent the spread of illness and unnecessary loss of school and/or work. 
While we all gather over this Thanksgiving holiday, remember to share the pie and not the germs!
Who will be November's Teacher of the Month?
Teacher of the Month voting is open! Please take a moment to vote for your favorite teacher and tell him/her why they deserve to be chosen as the November Teacher of the Month. 



Box Tops for Education
Want an easy way to help support LLCA with the shopping you already do? Sign up for Box Tops for Education! No more clipping and counting - just scan and go! You can scan paper receipts with the free Box Tops App, or forward your digital receipt from online shopping.

LLCA's New Breakfast on the Go Takes Off
Our Breakfast on the Go is officially underway!

Students were hesitant the first day we had food out, thinking we were going to surprise them with testing.

Once they realized that it was free and clear, it was game on!

It’s official, Breakfast on the Go! Is a hit!
  • Nov. 22-26: Thanksgiving Break, No School
  • Nov. 22:
  • Dec. 1: PTO meeting @ 5:30 pm
  • Dec. 6: Drop off your wrapped gifts for the Holiday Helping Hands Campaign to LLCA
  • Dec. 10: Join the Gift Packing Celebration event on the school campus (Details to come).
  • Dec. 14-17: End-of-Course state testing for High School Students
  • Dec. 17: Polar Express Day for Elementary School Students
  • Dec. 20-Jan. 3: Winter Break, School Closed.
Kindergarten & Elementary Update:            
Thanksgiving Fun & Games
Our kindergarteners tried to help save some turkeys this year by disguising them in some very creative ways! There was also a parade through the halls of the school.  
It's Never too Soon to Learn about the Renaissance!
As a culminating activity of the Core Knowledge Renaissance Unit, Reformation Unit, and Midsummer Night’s Dream Unit, our 5th-grade students were treated to a Renaissance Banquet this week.
It was complete with a Renaissance-style feast, period-time music, photo booth, and entertainment in the form of a Midsummer Night's Dream mini scene. Throughout the banquet, students practiced Renaissance manners, modesty, and etiquette that they learned through the various units.
Welcome New Teachers!
MIDDLE SCHOOL PE:
Hi, my name is Katie Flandreau and I’m excited to be coming to LLCA as your new middle school PE teacher. I come with over 18 years of teaching PE. I was born and raised in Florida where I received my teaching degree from the University of South Florida. I taught for four years there before I was blessed with the opportunity to move to North Carolina.
I love being in nature and being active. Some of my favorite activities are hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, or exploring new areas.
Let’s put a smile on our faces and put our best foot forward as we learn, grow and challenge ourselves and each other.
I look forward to meeting you all. 
7TH & 8TH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
I am Mrs. Stanfield and I am currently working on my BS in Elementary Education. This is my final semester, student teaching. I am also working through the Accelerated Admissions Program on my MA in Reading Education with a graduate certificate in Autism.
I am a military wife to Cory Stanfield and mom to three bright and beautiful kids who attend LLCA (grades 6, 3, and 1). I enjoy all things outdoors: running, hiking, biking, and nature photography. When staying in, I love to crochet, sew, collect new plants and read. I also love getting involved in our community by attending local events, shopping from local vendors, and volunteering in my spare time. I have organized fundraisers for our local foster care community and volunteered as a tutor/mentor in the local Reaching Rutherford's Youth Program (now Hopeworks). I will also be writing for a new publication coming out this year aimed at highlighting youth in our area, Reaching ROCO. I am so excited to join the LLCA family!
7TH & 8TH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
I am Lakin Stanfield and I am currently working on my BS in Elementary Education. This is my final semester, student teaching. I am also working through the Accelerated Admissions Program on my MA in Reading Education with a graduate certificate in Autism.
I am a military wife to Cory Stanfield and mom to three bright and beautiful kids who attend LLCA (grades 6, 3, and 1). I enjoy all things outdoors: running, hiking, biking, and nature photography. When staying in, I love to crochet, sew, collect new plants and read. I also love getting involved in our community by attending local events, shopping from local vendors, and volunteering in my spare time. I have organized fundraisers for our local foster care community and volunteered as a tutor/mentor in the local Reaching Rutherford's Youth Program (now Hopeworks). I will also be writing for a new publication coming out this year aimed at highlighting youth in our area, Reaching ROCO. I am so excited to join the LLCA family!
A Note from Mrs. Payne (6th Grade):

This week we kicked off our new unit in Social Studies; The Industrial Revolution: Changes and Challenges. Mrs. Payne started off with entering the classroom as a ten-year-old boy from England, who had just come out of working in the coal mines. His pants were too short (no money for new ones), his coat too big, and wearing his sister's shoes. Did you know he started working when he was only 5 years old?? One of the changes and challenges of the Industrial Revolution, dealing with child labor laws. Aren't we glad we weren't born in that era??? Puts things in perspective for sure. As we delve further into our unit, we will be acting out parts of the story of a young woman caught in the trap of child labor and how she helps change the laws with Parliament's help.
Bienvenida a nuestra nueva profesora de español

The high school is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantal McFadden as our new Spanish teacher. Senora McFadden is no stranger to the LLCA community, having served in an interim position several years ago.
She comes to us with more than thirty years of experience in Rutherford County Schools. She is married to Johnny McFadden, and they have two sons and three grandchildren. She is looking forward to imparting her love of the Spanish language and culture to her students.  
Good Vibrations
As part of their unit on waves and sounds, our physical science students culminate their study by building pan pipes and performing songs. 
The project is a practical application of how sound waves produce different pitches based on the length of the pipe and the vibration of the air inside the pipe.
To earn maximum points, students must follow specific instructions on how to construct the panpipe and then use it to perform a basic song.  The picture shows students practicing for their 'grand performance.'
The Raptors play host to Haywood tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 22nd. Since school is closed, we need your spirited support on a day that we're not in school. The first basketball game begins at 4 pm
There's still time to participate in the Holiday Helping Hands Campaign for LLCA Student Families in Need:

  • Make a secure online financial contribution, earmarked for the Holiday Helping Hands Campaign below
Next PTO Meeting Announced
Our next PTO Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 1st at 5:30 pm. During the sports season, it's tough getting everyone together, so hopefully, you can join us in person in the High School Lab or remotely.

We are so thankful to the parents who are volunteering with PTO in many ways, but we need MORE PARENTS!


-Sign up to volunteer
-Support our Teacher Needs Campaign
-Add your Ingles Advantage Card number so the school can get financial rewards

Let's Horse Around!
Join the PTO Barn Cleaning Team to raise funds for LLCA! - Learn more & Sign UP

Lunch Relief Helpers Needed
Sign p to monitor a teacher's classroom so they can have a lunch break. Contact [email protected]
Our Mission:
To provide an educational community with high academic and character expectations, creating life-long learners. 

Our Vision: 
To partner with community resources supporting a culture of mutual respect and academic excellence that reflects high quality and relevant instruction and produces college and/or career-ready graduates.
Visit us online at llcharter.org