List of 9 news stories.

• A Message from Middle School Leadership

  Dear Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade families, 
   

  This can be a tricky time of year for many middle schoolers. As students grow and change, we know that this age can be an especially vulnerable period for developing concerns around eating habits and body image. At Laurel, we take a proactive and compassionate approach to supporting students’ overall well-being.
  
  

  Through our Seminar program, students engage in age-appropriate conversations and activities led by faculty and experts in the field to help them develop a healthy relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem. We also consult regularly with specialists who guide our practices and help us address concerns with care and expertise. For our student-athletes, we emphasize “Fuel Time” to promote healthy, balanced nutrition and the importance of nourishing the body to sustain energy and performance.
  
  

  We know that addressing these sensitive topics is most effective when done in partnership with families. We invite parents to continue learning and engaging in these conversations with us. Please save the date for a Middle School Parent Coffee on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 8:00–9:00 a.m. in the Alumnae Room, featuring Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar. Dr. Bhatnagar is a clinical psychologist and one of only two professionals in Ohio formally certified in Maudsley Family-Based Treatment for adolescent eating disorders. She brings over 15 years of experience in the scientific study and treatment of eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, mood challenges, and anxiety across the developmental span. In her session, she will speak about eating and body image during adolescence, exploring both common challenges and evidence-based strategies for prevention, early support, and early intervention. We hope that you can join us for this informative session. 

  Warmly,

   

  Candace Maiden

  Director of the Middle School

• Afternoon Car Circle Reminder

  As a friendly reminder, when picking up your daughter in the afternoon, if she is not ready and you’ve waited for more than one to two minutes, we kindly ask that you circle the block or park in the Green Lot to retrieve your child. This helps keep our car circle flowing smoothly for everyone.
  
  

  Please also refrain from parking on Lyman Circle to pick up your child. Doing so blocks the driveway, poses a safety risk, and is not an approved pick-up or drop-off location.
  
  

  We’ll continue to encourage students to come out promptly so that the circle remains clear and efficient. Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and smooth for all!

• First Quarter Grade Reports—November 3

  Course skills, teacher comments, and course progress grades will be accessible starting Monday, November 3 at 4:00pm on MyLaurel. Semester 1 grade books remain open through December. Semester 1 grade reports will be released on Friday, January 12. 
  
  

  To access your student’s First Quarter grade report, follow this link. Once logged in, click your student’s name in the top menu bar. If you have more than one Laurel student, click the "Children" drop-down button in the top menu bar and choose the child's name. Reports are in the performance box under the "Progress" tab. Thanks for your partnership in your student’s learning!

• Student-Led Conferences—November 7

  Our Student-Led Conferences will take place on Friday, November 7. These conferences are an important opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning and demonstrate agency in reflecting on their academic and personal growth.

  
  

  Conferences will be held with your child’s advisor, and students are required to attend. Please note that you will not meet with individual content teachers on this day; the focus will be on your students’ overall progress, goals, and self-reflection.
  
  

  Log-in to MyLaurel and select the Conference Registration button to sign-up for your 20 minute time slot on Friday, November 7.

• Attn: Eighth Grade Families! Upper School Preview—November 12

  We invite current Eighth Grade students and their parents to an enlightening evening designed to showcase the distinctive experience of Laurel's Upper School on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:00pm. You'll hear directly from Laurel’s Upper School leadership team, dedicated faculty, and current Upper School students, offering authentic insights into daily life and academic pursuits in our Upper School. This is a wonderful opportunity to get answers to all your questions about course options, athletics, arts, college guidance, internships, service learning, and student-led research, demonstrating firsthand what truly sets Laurel’s Upper School apart.

• Middle School Replay for Kids Toy Drive, Save the Dates—November 3-14

  Replay for Kids is a local organization that adapts toys for children with disabilities. Many Seventh and Eighth Grade students have adapted, or are adapting, toys currently in the Middle School Makerverse elective. The Middle School and the Student Government would like to support Replay for Kids by collecting new or gently-used electronic toys between November 3-14. Electronic plush toys, action figures, toy vehicles, and musical toys are all good options, if they only have one or two switches. More information on Replay toy donation can be found here. The Student Government is cooking up a prize for the grade that donates the most toys!

• Seventh & Eighth Grade CCIS Social—November 13

  The first Seventh and Eighth Grade CCIS Social will be held at Old Trail School (2315 Ira Rd, Akron, OH 44333) on November 13 from 4:30-6:00pm. Come have fun with other middle schoolers—there will be music, dancing, food for purchase, games, movies and more! The theme is neon glow party! Laurel will provide transportation to and from the event and faculty chaperones will attend. Students attending the social will stay after school until loading the bus at 3:45pm for departure. Please pick up your daughter from the Main Entrance at 6:30pm. There is no admission cost, but concessions will be available for cash-only purchases. Please click here to RSVP by November 10 at 8:00am. We cannot accommodate late RSVPs due to bus reservations.

• Bring Your Friend to School Day for Grades 1-8—November 24

  Does your First through Eighth Grade daughter have a friend at another school who is curious about an all-girls’ education? Invite her to spend the day at school with your Laurel girl on Monday, November 24 from 8:00am - 3:00pm. She will experience the power of interdisciplinary and experiential curriculum while meeting your daughter’s Laurel friends! Please complete the registration form by Monday, November 17. This is a favorite event in the Laurel community–space is limited and we may not be able to accommodate every request. Please note that Laurel will not be able to provide before- or after-school care for visitors; guests in Grades 1 and 2 will be at Laurel for a half-day experience.

• Third-Sixth Grade Basketball Teams—Registration Now Open!

  The 3rd-6th Grade Basketball program provides players with an intermediate approach to the sport of basketball. Coaches emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork. Coaches will teach fundamental skills such as dribbling, ball handling, passing, shooting, offense/defense, and much more. Players begin to develop these skills as they interact with their fellow teammates in practice and play games against other teams.

  • GRADES 3-4 PRACTICE: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm | November 18 - February 10
  • GRADES 5-6 PRACTICE: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm | November 17 - February 11 
  • LOCATION: Lyman Campus
  • COACHES: Keith Rush & Peighton Taylor
  • COST: $230/student (Maximum enrollment: 20 per grade)
  • GAMES: Schedule TBA

  Click here for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Meghan Daly at mDaly@LaurelSchool.org.
  
  Please note: Practice begins at 5:00pm. Players may opt to go home and return for practice or attend After School at Laurel’s Supervised Play (Grades 3-5) and Middle School Homework Room (Grade 6) from 3:30-5:00pm at an additional flat rate of $100 for all sessions. After School at Laurel provides students with a place to do homework and snacks. Sign up for After School at Laurel HERE.