LMCHS Weekly Update for September 25, 2026

Click here for a printable copy: https://bit.ly/LMCHSFridayUpdate9-25-26

Curriculum Night: Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for our Curriculum Night this week. For those who were unable to attend, here is a copy of our opening session slide deck: https://bit.ly/LevineMCHSCurriculumNight2026.

FAFSA: The 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available. New this year, the FAFSA form provides real-time results, allowing students to view their federal Pell Grant and other federal financial aid eligibility immediately after completing the form. In North Carolina, the deadline to submit the FAFSA for the 2027-28 academic year is June 1, 2027, for UNC System institutions and community colleges, though students are encouraged to submit it as soon as possible. Some colleges or trade schools may have their own deadlines for submitting FAFSA, and most award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Midterms & Fall Break: We will administer our midterm exams in two weeks, with first block on Wednesday, 10/7, second block on Thursday, 10/8, and third block on Friday, 10/9. We will be on a normal bell schedule on these days. Our Fall Break will begin on Monday, 10/12/26, and run through Friday, 10/16/26. There are no CMS or CPCC classes that week. We will begin our second quarter and CPCC’s second 8-week session on Monday, 10/19/26.

PSAT: 11th grade middle college students will take the PSAT on the morning of October 21st. Students should report to Levine at 8:15 am to begin the online assessment by 8:30. The test will take about 3 hours, and students must bring their charged CMS Chromebook. We will provide a CMS Chromebook to those students who have not signed out a device. A “please excuse” letter to excuse students from CPCC courses for the PSAT is available in our main office. We will be on an adjusted schedule that afternoon (see below). We will complete a “device readiness check” in class on Tuesday, 10/6/26, so students should bring their CMS device that day as well. A parent letter with more details will be sent home the week before Fall Break. Additional information is available here: Parents FAQs for PSAT

• 8:15 am - Juniors arrive, 8:30 am - PSAT begins, 11:45 pm - Lunch break
• 12:15 - 1:05 pm 1st Block
• 1:10 - 2:00 pm 2nd Block
• 2:05 - 2:55 pm 3rd Block
• 3:00 pm Dismissal

A Message From Our Career Counselor: Levine Middle College High School seniors are completing college and career readiness activities, including a mock interview scheduled for October 28, 2026. We need volunteer interviewers from 11:00 am -12:25 pm and 12:50 pm - 2:15 pm. Please email reneaa.stitt@cms.k12.nc.us if you are interested and available to help us on 10/28/26. Interview questions will be provided.

Sources of Strength: Sources of Strength is a student-led initiative focused on improving mental health, physical well-being, and academic success throughout our school. The program is built around eight main pillars of support: Family Support, Positive Friends, Mentors, Healthy Activities, Generosity, Spirituality, Physical Health, and Mental Health. We have plenty of fun events planned throughout the year, including a field trip, while also working to spread awareness and create a more supportive school environment. If you are interested in joining Sources of Strength, make sure to keep an eye out for our application process opening in October!

NHS Announcement: Thank you to those who attended the last NHS meeting! Our next meeting will be during lunch on Friday, October 2nd. Each committee should be ready to report their ideas at this meeting. Also, any active member is eligible to apply for NHS scholarships at https://www.nationalhonorsociety.org/the-nhs-scholarship/. The deadline for scholarship consideration is 11/2. Dues for this year may be paid on the school's online payment system.

Volunteers Needed: We are looking for parent volunteers to help support our Speech & Debate Club and Mock Trial Team. Parents can volunteer to serve as judges for speech and debate competitions and assist with judging mock trial practices and competitions. No prior experience is necessary; training and guidance will be provided. If you are interested in helping, please email Miss Stevens at shaquanna1.stevens@cms.k12.nc.us. We would greatly appreciate your support as we help our students develop their public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy skills.

Youth Mental Health Summit: NAMI’s Mental Health Youth Leadership Summit will be held November 14 in Charlotte. Space is limited. Mental Health Youth Leadership Summit Information

NC Governor’s School 2027: Applications for the NC Governor’s School are open now for current juniors. Information is on Ms. Van Lauwe’s website. All application materials are due to Ms. Van Lauwe by October 8th.

NC College Connect: Seniors and Grade 13 students can log in to NC College Connect and click on “Claim Your Spot” to view participating colleges in NC where they have guaranteed admission. There will be a short supplemental form for some schools to submit, and the application fee must be paid, but students don’t need to submit transcripts, test scores, essays, or recommendations. The deadline to “claim your spot” is January 8, and it is not binding.

Apply to College for Free: CFNC’s College Application Week is October 19-25. Many NC colleges and universities will waive their application fees during this week for applications that are started on CFNC or for students applying through NC College Connect.

Senior/Grade 13 Meetings: Seniors and Grade 13 students — please sign up for an individual meeting with Ms. Van Lauwe to discuss your plans for next year, college admissions, and remaining high school graduation requirements. The sign-up will be updated with dates 2 weeks out, so check back for later dates. Parents are welcome to attend with their student.

Junior Meetings: We ask that juniors schedule a check-in meeting with Ms. Ebrahim so we can see how your transition to the middle college program is going, discuss any concerns you may have, and identify any resources you may need. Sign up here. Dates will be added about 2 weeks out. All meetings will be in LV 1237.

Spirit Week: FBLA is planning a spirit week to support Anti-Bullying Prevention Week. Students and staff are encouraged to participate!:

• Mon. 10/5: Wear Blue-World Day of Bullying Prevention® #BeKind #BlueUp #BlueShirtDay
• Tues. 10/6: Wear Shades and Hats – Shade Against Hate
• Wed. 10/7: Wear Jeans – Kindness Is in Our Jeans
• Thurs. 10/8: Throwback Thursday – Spread Peace and Love
• Fri. 10/9: Pajamas – Put Bullying to Bed

FBLA will be hosting a Tie-Dye Event during lunch on Monday, October 5. Please bring a plain white T-shirt to dye. We will be outside on the patio near Mrs. Tuttle's room, weather permitting.

Upcoming Dates

• 10/7/26 Midterm Exams begin
• 10/12/26 Fall Break begins
• 10/19/26 First day of CMS Quarter 2
• 10/19/26 First day of CPCC 2nd 8-week Session
• 10/30/26 Fall Festival!
• 10/7-10/9/26 Mid-term exams
• 10/12/26 Fall Break! (no CMS or CPCC classes)
• 10/19/26 1st day of CMS Quarter 2 and CPCC 2nd 8-week session (check your CPCC schedule!)