For Parents

PowerSchool is a very informative tool that can be used by parent/guardians and students to track student performance data throughout a student’s time at Lewis Central Middle School and High School. If you have never set up an account, please email Terri Dreismeier to get information for initial account set up or for other questions.

PowerSchool Parent Access PDF

Additional PowerSchool information can be found on the District webpage.

Lewis Central uses eFunds for Schools to electronically pay for a wide variety of items, including meals. More information can be found on the eFunds website or on the set up guide below it.

eFunds for Schools

eFunds Parent Set Up Guide

Total Access website

Nomination Form

Selection Criteria

(All selections MUST be current students at LCMS and in good standing)

• Perfect Attendance for 3 years

• State Competition Qualifiers (when qualification is based on more than mere entry – i.e. state track)
• Qualifiers for Activities above the local level (regional or state):
  • Spelling Bee class winners
  • Geography Bee/Math Bee
  • MathCounts
  • Math Olympiad
  • Optimist Speech contest
  • Other activities approved by the committee
• Most Improved Student –(2 per grade level), submitted by the team
• Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0 GPA for 1st and/or 2nd Trimester and on track to meet the criteria 3rd Trimester) and/or Titan Honor Roll (No more than 1 unexcused tardy per class per trimester/Students will demonstrate regular attendance by missing no more than two class periods in any class per trimester/Only 1 late assignment per class per trimester/No documented office referrals for 1st and 2nd Trimester and on track to meet the criteria 3rd Trimester.

Ø  Students who feel that they have not met the established criteria due to extenuating circumstances may appeal to the PBIS committee two weeks prior to the end of the trimester.

• Students that achieve in the “High” range on the Spring Math or Reading iReady Test.  

Grade     High Math    High Reading

6th           586+             685+

7th           599+             704+

8th           611+             724+

• Any student that shows marked academic improvement.  This will mean that they must improve 26 points in the Math and 30 points in the Reading Spring iReady Tests AND display an exemplary work ethic in the classroom.
• Any student who scores in the 98% or makes 2 year’s growth or more on the ITBS Assessment. 
• Parental Nomination for outstanding service or level of involvement in non-school activities above the local level
• Staff nominations for outstanding accomplishments
  • Undefeated athletic season (A Team or Highest Level in your sport Ex. Cross Country meet scorers, Track 35 points or more for the season)
  • Breaking a school record
  • Other accomplishments approved by the committee

Selection of students to be recognized on the “Wall” will be limited to those nominated using the above criteria.  The nomination forms will be reviewed by the selection committee and approved by a majority vote of that committee.

The selection committee will consist of one teacher from each grade level, one representative from the exploratory team, and the building principal.  The committee will make the final decisions regarding selection for the Wall of Fame!

Students may be nominated throughout the school year.  All nominations for the current school year CLOSE ON FRIDAY, MAY 5TH!  Students nominated for accomplishments occurring after that date will be considered for approval the following year.  The office will do the Iowa Assessment and iReady scores instead of teachers tallying this.

The Wall of Fame Ceremony is divided into two sessions.  On Wednesday, May 31st  during the Exploratory Block of each grade level the middle school staff and students will gather in the auditorium to recognize the students who have made the Wall of Fame.  On Thursday, June 1st  at 7:45 a.m. just the students who have made the Wall of Fame and their parents will gather in the auditorium for a second recognition ceremony.  A parent letter will be sent to those students selected for induction into the Wall of Fame inviting them to attend.

The TAG strategists at Lewis Central Middle School are Michelle Hendricks and Tina O'Donnell.  Parents and students may reach her at michelle.kavars@lewiscentral.org.  The building level TAG strategist supports advanced learners through three levels of service: inclusive, selective, and highly selective, and through collaboration with teachers on instruction.  

Click here for secondary TAG Information

For District information on Identification and gifted services, follow this link:

District TAG Plan

Information and guidance for parents

Many of the most frequently asked questions by middle school parents have to do with "How can I help my child with studying and homework?"  Some of the best guidance that we can pass along to you comes from the September 2002 issue of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, a resource for math teachers.  Although what follows comes from a math teaching trade magazine, the helpful hints are universal to all content areas...

1. Identify a good homework place.  At home, make sure lighting is good and space is adequate.  If this is difficult at home, the public library has appropriate study areas.
2. Talk to your child about how to get started.  Help prioritize the work for the evening.  Checking on progress once in a while helps with time management.  Encourage independent decisions about when and in what order assignments should be completed.  Suggest a break when it is necessary.  Help refocus when distractions occur.  Bedtime is important - set a time limit!
3. Once in a while, the entire family may be involved in a homework task.  This is your chance to show enthusiasm for learning and to work together with your child.  Other times, the homework is for the student alone, but you should be available to respond if assistance is needed.
4. Parents don't have to know all the answers or processes, but it is good for students to develop a voice in their heads that asks guiding questions about solving problems.  "Telling" a student how to solve a problem is less helpful in the long run than "Teaching" or "Coaching" them to think through problems.  You can coach them by asking the following questions:
   1. Do you understand what the question is asking?
   2. How do you think you might start this problem?
   3. Have you seen any problem like this before?
   4. Do you have a similar problem in your notes from class that we might look at?
   5. Can you show me a simpler problem like this one that might give us a clue as to how to begin?
   6. As you write on your paper, talk me through what you are thinking.
   7. Does your answer sound reasonable?  Does it answer the original question?  How do you know?
5. Explore some web sites that are designed to help parents and students with homework, such as the following:
   1. www.aleks.com
   2. www.figurethis.org
6. Your relationship with your child should always be kept safe from interference that homework may present.  Talk with your child's teachers when difficulties arise.  Asking for information has two advantages:  First, it can clear up any misunderstandings about homework and your role as a parent.  Second, it lets the teacher know you are supportive and involved.

Be generous with praise Observe your child carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs improvement, find a positive way to talk about it with your child. Encourage "personal best" Help your child by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, "personal best" does not mean "perfect", and learning is not the same as high grades. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them. Make learning a priority Your attitude toward school attendance, education and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting impression on your child. Show your child, by example, that learning is a priority. Show interest in school work

• Talk about school each day.
• Ask to see classwork.
• Have your child read aloud to you.
• Read to and with your child from a variety of material in your first language.
• Encourage your child to discuss new ideas and opinions.
• Show appreciation for good efforts.

Offer suggestions for success

Help your child use the following strategies to improve performance in school:

• Read the assignment when it is given.
• Keep a list of new vocabulary.
• Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.
• Review notes before a test.

Schedule study time Set up an area for homework away from noise and distractions. Post a family calendar that schedules school project deadlines, after-school activities, mid-term dates, exam periods and report card dates.