Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members:

November is here, and with it we transition from Quarter 1 to Quarter 2.  Although the first quarter feels like it has gone by so quickly, it has been filled with so many good things, and some frightening things as well.

I want to share with you a portion of the email I sent out to our staff on the evening of October 22, in the wake of our lockdown:

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all of you and the work that you did today.  What started as a perfectly normal day turned into a moment we have trained for and hoped to never face.  Thankfully, our training kicked in, and we did what we were supposed to do.

The disruption this caused to our students and you cannot be overstated.  It was stressful, disturbing, and emotionally exhausting.  Our students are going to feel that for a while, as are many of us.  It is understandable to struggle with this, to be uncertain and even afraid.  But in the midst of that struggle and fear, know that we pulled together and did what we were supposed to do.  Our kids got home safely.

That is our highest priority: the safety and security of our students and staff.  Today, we proved just how seriously we take that responsibility.  We took the threat seriously, responded appropriately, and every one of you acted with courage and fortitude, regardless of what you felt on the inside.    The outcome of this situation does not diminish the impact that it had on us and our students.  It highlighted that every threat must and will be taken seriously.

Today, you may have seen laughter, tears, and anger as we worked through the situation and connected our students with their families.  Everyone will respond differently and, at different times, find humor, anger, and maybe even grief in the events of today.  Whatever you or those around you are experiencing, know that I am here for you, and our community is here for you.  

In the coming days, please be aware of those around you, students and staff.  If you are struggling, reach out for help.  If you see someone struggling, reach out to help or connect them with someone who can.  We will get through this together.

Our staff is committed to the safety and well-being of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.  What we experienced was harrowing, but also galvanizing.  We are moving forward, stronger than ever, united as a community and family.  And as I told our students the following Monday, “We support one another, we care for one another, because we are RAIDERS.”

As we move forward as a school community, we are also reminded of the importance of the routines, relationships, and learning that make up our daily work. With that in mind, I would like to share a few updates on what has been and will be happening in our middle school, along with some important upcoming dates and reminders for families.

On October 23 and 24, we held our Middle School Musical, James and the Giant Peach.  Our cast and crew put on two amazing performances.  Although the rescheduling of one of the nights was an unexpected turn, the show went on, and our students were incredible.  Special thanks to our directors, Mrs. Keefer and Mrs. Zehr!

Thursday, November 5th, is the last day of the first quarter.  Report cards will be sent out through ParentSquare the following week.  We will be hosting our Parent-Teacher Conferences in November to give parents an opportunity to discuss their students' progress with the teachers.  Here are a few things you need to know:

• Conferences are scheduled for November 18, 19, and 23
• Students will be dismissed at 12:35 on those days
• Conferences will be scheduled through 5:00 pm on November 18 and 23, and 3:30 pm on November 19

Please take advantage of this opportunity to partner with our teachers to maximize the learning experience for our students.

As we move into November, I encourage each parent to take a few minutes with your student and help them reflect on how the first quarter of school has gone. Many of them will have completed an elective course and will be heading into a completely new one for the second quarter.  Here are some questions you may ask:

• How successful do you feel you were in each class?
• How does your grade reflect your effort?
• Do you think you have reached your potential in each class?  Why or why not?
• What choices did you make this quarter that you wish you could change?
• What class are you most looking forward to in the next quarter?

Please continue to ask your child about school - not just what they learned, but how they are doing, who they are spending time with, what they are enjoying, and whether they are experiencing any challenges. These regular conversations can help students recognize both their successes and the areas where they may need additional support.

Thank you for the continued support you provide to your children and to Lowville Middle School. The partnership between home and school is an important part of helping our students grow as learners, but also as responsible, respectful, and well-rounded young people.

I look forward to a great November and to continuing to work together throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

Go Raiders!

Abel Larkin
Middle School Principal
Lowville Academy & Central School