Back to School Important Information
Important Information 2025-2026
Back to School Information Letter
Bus Transportation Download the New App for First Student- District Code is N6G3F
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
Lunch Application for Free/Reduced Lunch
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Back to School Letter
WELCOME BACK!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! Laing Middle School of Science & Technology is reinventing how to engage the middle school child. Our core beliefs about facilitating student innovation and problem solving skills, developing technologically literate students, learning to collaborate effectively, and displaying Laing PRIDE has led us to continued success. The Laing community of students, teachers, and parents is second to none, and I am so grateful to be the principal of this fantastic school.
On-line Option for Fee Payments
For your convenience, our online fee payment system is available on our Laing website under the Parent/Student tab and may be used prior to schedule pick-up https://laingms.revtrak.net/. Time will be saved by going online, selecting the items that you want, and paying for them before coming to school to pick-up schedules. highly recommend using the online payment service in order to avoid long lines during Fact & Fee. If you choose to wait and pay student fees at school, we will be able to accept cash, check or card. The student fees are $60 per student. Students on free/reduced lunch status may request a fee waiver. Fees collected will be used for STEM and instructional supplies, academic support, copier and print cost and school events and celebrations.
6th grade Orientation
I am happy to announce that Laing will be able to offer a 6th grade orientation for students that will include bus transportation. The orientation will be held from 8:30-11:30 on August 11th. Our incoming 6th grade students will have the morning of the 11th to acclimate themselves to the building and their classes prior to school officially starting. First Student bus service will be providing transportation for our students. They will operate in the morning as scheduled during a normal school day. Students may be picked up at their bus stop at the normal scheduled time in the morning, also buses will be picking students up from school at 11:30 and returning home accordingly. This is also an opportunity for students and parents to test the buses prior to 7th & 8th grade students attending school. Students will report to the cafeteria to meet their teachers. Students will spend the morning getting to know their teachers and each other, tour the school, and learn about Laing expectations and procedures. Parents may bring their child to school and visit their Homeroom class but ask that it be only students from 8:30-11:30. ATTENDANCE IS NOT MANDATORY!
Open House/Meet the teachers
The annual open house where parents will have time to interact with the teachers will be held August 27th , The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and provide parents the opportunity to spend 10-15 minutes with each teacher during the evening. Space is limited in the classrooms so we ask this event be attended only by parents.
First Day Information
The official start of school for all grades will be Tuesday, August 12, at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. On August 12, all students will report directly to their 1st period teacher. During that time, students will be given another copy of their schedule to utilize throughout the first day. Faculty and Staff will be spread throughout the building to assist students with finding their 1st period class.
Arrival and Dismissal
In order to provide safety, security, and adequate supervision, students are not permitted to be on campus prior to 8:00 a.m. Students must exit the campus immediately after school unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member. Car riders will need to be dropped off and picked up in front of the school. A diagram of the car rider line can be found in fact and fee information on the Laing website. Please follow the directional signs and procedures for arrival and dismissal. This is extremely important in order to maintain a safe, orderly, and productive flow of traffic. If a parent plans on parking in the parking lot when dropping off and/or picking up their child they must park in a parking space.
They cannot park along curbs or block other cars in. In the mornings from 8:00 am to 8:20 am, all students will report to their 1st period class. Any students that arrive after 8:30 am will be signed in as tardy. Also, the latest time for early dismissal sign out is 3 pm.
Before School Program
Laing offers a before school program for up to 40 students that register prior to school. The program costs $3/day and is held daily from 7:30-8:00 in the media center. If you are interested in signing your child up for the program, information and a registration can be found here.
Chromebooks
All students will have the privilege of taking the Chromebook devices home each day. Students will have the ability to complete their work, check out reading materials and research on the Chromebook. A user agreement is completed under the PowerSchool registration and is also located in the student handbook on the Laing website.
Lunch Options and Costs
School breakfast and lunch will be served on the first day of school. Student lunches will cost between $2.75-$3.50 and breakfast will cost $1.50. Students who might qualify for free or reduced lunch prices are encouraged to apply. Applications are available on the Laing website https://linqconnect.com/main. Parents may access meal account info. The reduced price for lunch is $.40 and for breakfast is $.30. Other food choices may include chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, pizza, soup, subs, and a salad bar. The cost of these food choices range from $2.25-$3.50.
Student Dress Expectations
Parents are asked to help ensure that their children follow the Laing Student Dress Code. Detailed information regarding the dress code may be found in the student agenda (page 25 & 26) which is also located on the Laing website. Students are expected to show Laing PRIDE by having their dress and appearance reflect the high expectations of our school.
State Regulations- Immunizations
In accordance with South Carolina State Law, all 7th grade students must have written proof of receiving the TDAP booster vaccine. Please speak to your child’s pediatrician or other health care providers about this vaccination. All vaccination paperwork must be turned into the school nurse prior to the start of school.
Communication
During the year, a majority of the correspondence with parents will be through email, the Laing website, Laing Facebook, and our call-out system. Please make sure you have completed your registration through PowerSchool and marked and email and phone number as primary to ensure that you receive our communications. You will receive weekly announcements about all upcoming activities at school. Please contact Kim Holmes at kim_holmes@charleston.k12.sc.us if you are not receiving regular emails.
Volunteers
We Need You!!! Before you can volunteer in any CCSD school, you must submit a Volunteer Application which you can also find on the Laing website. Parent involvement and support are key components to our success at Laing. If you are able, please consider volunteering and getting involved in our school. We are eagerly awaiting the beginning of a great school year! I cannot wait to meet our new students and see our returning students. Enjoy the final days of summer.