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L.A. Ainger Middle School

September Newsletter 2026

Posted Date: 09/01/26 (02:38 PM)


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

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

L.A. Ainger M.S.

September 1, 2026

Words from Mr. Smith

Hello Cougar Families!! 
We are already rocking and rolling into the first quarter. Our kids are getting back into the routines and setting goals for the 2026-2027 school year. As you know our goal is for each and everyone of our students to show GROWTH in their learning! We have started our after school tutoring to assist students getting the extra help they need. Transportation is provided to all who fill out the transportation form for the late bus. Our athletics and clubs are up and running as well. We want ALL of our students to get involved in something here at L.A.. Ainger!! Our first round of FAST testing is Monday August 31. We just ask all of our students to just do the best they can with their ENERGY-EFFORT and CONFIDENCE!! We want to thank all of you for getting your child here everyday and on time!! We hope to win this year's attendance competition that starts on September 1st!! Last year it went down to the wire and we took second place out of the schools in the District and now we hope to win 1st!!! 
Thank you for all of your support and thank you for being a part of our COUGAR FAMILY!!!!
Steve Smith
Principal
 

Ainger PTO

Our first meeting was a great success! So many of you came out and it was incredible to see all the new faces! Your board is psyched to work with you this year! If you weren't able to attend the first meeting, no worries! Our next one is on September 14th in the media center at 5:30pm! (*SAC begins at 5:30pm with PTO immediately after)
If you signed up to help at the first meeting, first of all, you're amazing! We cannot wait to see all the awesome things that come out of the new team this year!
Didn't sign up yet? It's okay! We are ALWAYS in search of volunteers. If you have availability to support the PTO, please email aingerpto@gmail.com and we will find a place for you!
We are ready to crush this year and can't wait for you to join us!
-Your PTO Board
     Kelly Shamasian - President
     Lena Kowalewski - Vice President
     Melissa Southwell - Secretary
     Amanda Hubarrt - Treasurer

Upcoming Events:
  - Arctic Alligator Fundraiser Nights: Sept 18, Nov 13, Jan 15, Feb 12, April 16, and May 14
  - Color Run, Family BBQ & Trunk or Treat: Oct 30 (Rain date: Nov 6)

SAC/PTO Meeting Schedule (Media Center, 5:30 p.m.):
Meetings are held monthly and are kept to 60 minutes or less. Board elections will be especially important this year as several members will transition to high school next year. Please consider getting involved early to help continue the PTO's mission.
  - Sept 14
  - Oct 19
  - Nov 9
  - Jan 11, 2027
  - Feb 8, 2027
  - Apr 12, 2027 (Board nominations)
  - May 10, 2027 (Board elections)

Cougar Color Run, Family BBQ & Trunk or Treat
Mark your calendars for our biggest event of the year on October 30th (Rain date: Nov 6). This is a family event, and parents/guardians are expected to attend with their students. More details will follow as the date approaches.

Want to be a part of this great group of parents? Come to our next meeting! All the info is below! Be sure to join our Parent Square (https://tinyurl.com/PTOparentsquare) and follow our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LAAPTO) for all the latest info!

Cougar Color Run, Family BBQ & Trunk or Treat
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  This year’s Color Run will be held on October 30th!  (Rain date 11/6) More details on times & how it works will come as it gets closer, but put it on the calendar NOW so you and your student can be a part of the biggest PTO event of the year! As the date gets closer, we will be looking for volunteers (high school students welcome! Community service hours will be given), as well as candy donations. We hope you're able to help!
NOTE: This is a family event! Parents/guardians are expected to attend with their student. 
Sponsor the Event:
If you own or know of a business that would like to sponsor the Color Run &  have their logo on our T-shirt, please submit a sponsorship form by September 30th. Your support helps our school! 
Stay Connected
Stay connected with us
Sponsor the Event:
If you own or know of a business that would like to sponsor the Color Run &  have their logo on our T-shirt, please submit a sponsorship form by September 30th. Your support helps our school!

Stay Connected
For the latest updates, follow our PTO Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LAAPTO or join us on ParentSquare! https://tinyurl.com/PTOparentsquare . We look forward to seeing you soon! 

 

L.A. Ainger Middle School Clubs

A table titled 'Before School Clubs' lists meeting times, locations, sponsors, and start dates for various student activities.
A table titled After School Clubs (4:15 PM – 5:15 PM) listing club names, meeting times, locations, sponsors, and start dates.
An informational flyer for the MOSS club's back to school meeting on Wednesday 9/9 in room D3 with Ms. Joyce.
A bright green poster for an Environmental Club with eco-friendly icons and meeting details.
 

Ainger Athletics

Cougar Athletics Corner: Training Starts & Hoops Recap
It was an action-packed week for Cougar Athletics! Our basketball teams battled hard against Murdock on Thursday—while our boys fought through a tough loss, our Lady Cougars secured a fantastic victory. Congratulations to both teams for their dedication and sportsmanship on the court!

Cougar Athletics Update
After-school fitness and weight training kicks off in the gym right after dismissal:
  • 6th Graders: Starts tonight!
  • 7th & 8th Graders: Starts Wednesday.
Please ensure all participating students are picked up at 5:15 PM sharp.
Why Join After-School Fitness? Working out right after school is a fantastic way for students to release stored energy, decompress after a long day in the classroom, and build physical strength. Regular training boosts focus, improves mood, and helps establish healthy habits with peers in a supportive environment.
S.W.A.T. (Students Working Against Tobacco) Our first SWAT meeting of the year will take place this Wednesday at 4:15 PM in the gym. We encourage interested students to join us and learn how to make a positive impact on our school environment!
 

G1 Crew with Mrs. Cerbone

The school garden is getting prepared for a banner crop season. The garden has been cleared of debris, raised beds are in place .Mrs Abel gave our class clippings from her olive tree, we will germinate the pits . Stay tuned for more garden news . G1Crew
Three people work on an outdoor gardening project in a sunny, grassy yard with a chain-link fence.
Three students sit around a table in a classroom, working together on a craft project involving olive branches and dark berries on paper towels.
 
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.
Logo for 'What The Bruck Aluminum & Screen Repair' established in 1988, featuring crossed hammer and chisel.
ET Family Travel logo with contact information and travel services like Cruises, Europe, All-Inclusives, Safaris, and more.
 
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/