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L.A. Ainger Middle School

December 2025 Newsletter

Posted Date: 12/02/25 (09:24 PM)


L.A. Ainger Middle School logo featuring a cougar head.

December Newsletter T.R.A.C.K.S.

L.A. Ainger M.S.

December 2, 2025

Words from Mr. Smith

Hello Cougar Families we are officially in December! Our first semester is coming to an end quickly. We have our ELA and MATH second round of testing on December 2nd and 4th! Please encourage your students to give their best on all assessments so we can have each of them reach their goal of showing a year's growth!! Our Winter Dance is Friday December 5th and End of the Semester celebration is December 19th!!! I have reminded all of our students the importance of grades, behavior and attendance to assure they can participate in the fun extracurricular events that we have planned. All students will be taking their Midterm tests in December as well. This year there are no half days or  early release days for Midterms . We need all of our students here following their regular schedule as teachers will be teaching every period until we go on Winter break! PLEASE do not forget we have FREE tutoring and Academic Enrichment Programs after school Monday through Thursday from 4:15-5:15. Please make sure you encourage them to take advantage and get the extra help they need. Transportation is provided!! Lastly, as we move into the New Year, I want to personally THANK YOU for your support this year in making L. A. Ainger the absolute best Middle School in the area!!! Sincerely,
Steve Smith
 

Testing information

Hello Families! 

PM2 testing is December 2nd for ELA and December 4th for math. Please ensure that students get proper rest and enjoy a healthy breakfast at home or at school on the days of the test. 
Please review the following policies with your student before testing:

  • Electronic Devices—Students are not permitted to access any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smart glasses, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom). If your student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test may be invalidated. 
  • Calculator Policy—For Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, approved handheld scientific calculators may be used. For Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, a handheld four-function calculator may be used.
  • Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by clicking the box in the secure browser indicating they understand the testing rules.
  • Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they click the box to accept the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states that because the content of all statewide assessments is secure, students may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items and passages) after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to social media sites. Please make sure your student understands this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, posting to social media, or sharing online. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.
  • Working Independently—Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated. 
  • Testing Accommodations—If your student has an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL) or a recently exited ELL, please contact the school to discuss any testing accommodations that will be provided for your student.   
  • Testing Irregularities—In the event a testing irregularity occurs in your student’s testing room, as part of a school investigation, your student may be asked questions to provide clarification of the incident.
 

“Claws Comic” by Ms. White

A comic strip announces 'Claws: The Cougar Gears Up for the Pawlidays'.
 
Poster for 'Band and Brush,' a winter celebration of the arts at Lemon Bay High.
 

Mrs. Lytle's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Class

NOW open for business. "Cougar Creations" has original products made using the laser engraver Glowforge. We have earrings, lanyard swag, keychains and ornaments. We can also do specialty items like cutting boards and family name signs. Come check us out any morning from 8:40-9:00 or during 3rd period in Mrs. Lytle's room E-2.
 

Ainger Athletics


Come out to cheer your Lady Cougar Volleyball team on their final home game of the season! 🐾
Matches start at 5:30 p.m.

Volleyball Schedule remaining: 
  • 12/4 PCM @ LAA/ PGM @ MUM 
  • 12/6 Playoffs at PCHS or CHS at 9am (Saturday) 

Lace Up! Track & Field Season Starts in January!
The starting gun is about to fire on our next competitive season: Track & Field!
We are excited to welcome all aspiring runners, jumpers, and throwers when the season officially begins the second week of January. Get ready to challenge yourself and compete!
🛑 Important: You Must Be Cleared to Compete!
Participation requires every athlete to be fully cleared through the Athletic Clearance platform.
Don't wait! Visit https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/ today to complete your profile. This process includes uploading a current and valid sports physical. No physical on file means no participation in practice or meets.
🏁 Championship Goal: District Meet Details
Our focus meet will be the District Track Meet on Saturday, January 31st, held at Charlotte High School. Let's work hard and represent our school well!


Get ready to play, Ainger! It's time to get hyped because intramurals are kicking off for the fall semester! This is your chance to try a new sport or sharpen your skills.

Here's what's on the schedule:
  • Weightlifting (Q1 and Q2)- See Coach Stier for schedule
  • Running- Monday and Wednesday 4:15-5:15
  • Softball- Tuesday and Thursdays 4:15-5:15
  • Baseball- Tuesday and Thursdays 4:15-5:15
Whether you want to hit the gym or hit the field, there's something for everyone.
 
Bright Idea on a cork board

Club News!

Clubs are a great way to discover a new passion, build skills, and connect with your classmates.
Ready to get started? Check out the full list of clubs here:
 

Community Support

Local Food Resource Guide Available
We understand that many families rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
To help, the district has compiled a Local Food Pantry Resource Guide detailing nearby food pantries, including their days and hours of operation.
Please consider donating items for those who may need some extra help this time of year.

A detailed list of food pantries and donation locations in Charlotte County, Florida.
A detailed list of food programs and free meal services with addresses and times.
 
Cougar News
 

Community Sponsors

Huge shoutout to all the amazing sponsors who support Ainger! Your generosity makes a real difference for our students and school community. We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for all you do.
Business: What the Bruck
Business contact info
State Farm logo with contact information for Matt Smith.
Logo for N-SPECT ALL Home Inspections, featuring a house outline and text.
 
The FortifyFL logo features a megaphone icon and the text 'FORTIFYFL'.

FortifyFL


Charlotte County Public Schools take all threats very serious. We work in collaboration with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Punta Gorda Police Department to immediately investigate any verbal or written threat against any school, student or staff member. Please click on the link below to view a short video regarding threats.

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.
 
A cougar wearing glasses reads a book titled 'Ainger Reads'.

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

  • (941) 697-5800
  • shawntel.dausy@yourcharlotteschools.net
  • https://ainger.yourcharlotteschools.net/