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January 11, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians of Rising 6th Grade Lions,

My name is Amanda Hudson, and I am the proud new principal of J. Michael Lunsford Middle School.  Whether you have been with us previously with an older child, or you are sending your first child to us in the fall, I welcome each of you to Lion country!  JML is a top-notch school with a focus on the whole child.  I am in my 22nd year in education and the staff here wow me every day.  They are committed, "all in," for our students and support them and each other in every way possible.  Our students are kind, eager to learn, and are fun to work with.  I see so many smiles in our hallways and in our classrooms, students are focused and highly engaged.  Our parent community is supportive and always willing to partner with us so we can provide the best for our students and continue to be a high-quality school.  It is a blessing for me to be your principal, and I am thankful each day to be here!

To welcome you to JML, I will tell you a bit about myself, our school, and invite you to upcoming meetings where you can begin (continue) to get to know us and what your child will (continue to) experience here at Lunsford.

I am not only your principal, but also your neighbor.  I have happily lived in South Riding with my family for more than 10 years.  My husband and I have two children, one who attends JML and one who attends Liberty ES.  We love South Riding, all that it offers to families, the diversity that exists here, the high quality schools and activities.  It is my pleasure to work with you and our children each day, and will do everything I can to ensure the middle school years go smoothly, are full of learning and positive/fun experiences, and that each child feels safe, supported, and welcome.

Middle school is an exciting time for students and can be a bit nerve-wracking for them (or their parents!) because it is new.  Students will have 8 teachers, will change classes after 90-minute class period blocks, have lockers, and have many options of after-school clubs to choose from (with late buses provided).  Middle school is a social time for students – they keep old friends but also meet new ones, learn how to interact with more peers of different ages as well as more teachers and staff.  Middle school is also a time for academic challenge, as students have to maintain organization and positive work habits so they can balance all that is required for classes.  Our students have more freedom than when in elementary school, as well as increased responsibility.  

With all the adjustments that our students will face during the elementary to middle school transition, our staff is at the ready to support each child.  As we begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year, we will be welcoming our incoming 6th grade students and families to different events designed to introduce you to our school.  

Below are some important dates for you to be aware of, so please mark your calendars.  On January 31st, you are invited to JML for our Rising 6th Grade Parent Night.  We will review the basics of middle school (bell schedule, A Day/B Day, class structure, procedures, etc.), you will meet some of our staff members, and you will hear about different courses and supports we offer.  On March 13th, all current 5th grade students coming to JML from our five feeder elementary schools will visit us and experience a morning of middle school for themselves.  They will see our building, meet some of our counselors, teachers, and administrators, hear about middle school, and be able to ask questions.  More details on our Red Carpet event in March will be coming, and I look forward to seeing you at the end of this month!

1/31: Rising 6th Grade Parent Info/Curriculum Night (6:00pm)

3/13:  R6 – JML’s Red Carpet Event/5th Graders visit JML (9:00-11:00)

I encourage you to check out our website, browse around, and read through the Principal Newsletters if you have not done so already.  That will give you a feel for our school and the middle school experience.  

We are excited to meet our new families, see our former ones, and partner with you.  We can't wait to get to know your children, support them, and ensure they experience success at JML.  Go Lions!

Respectfully,

Amanda Hudson | Principal