January 30th Friday - General PTO Meeting 8:45am - 9:45am Lanier Library
Additional Important Dates to Save / Testing Schedule
Lanier Fun Fact
Ms. Jeanette Davis was one of the very first employees here at Lanier Middle School in 1926. She worked in the school's kitchen. She is pictured here holding a baby girl, her great grandchild. That baby girl is our very own Ms. Carter. Can you believe that!!! Ms. Carter's great grandmother worked here and now Ms. Carter is one of the first smiling faces we see when we enter the school. This is a very special fun fact for the week.
Lanier Spotlight
Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj
Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj are Lanier's Multi-Tier Systems Support Co Coordinators and HB 1416 Co Coordinators. So, what exactly does this mean. They are the first steps in providing families information for students struggling in different areas, Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj come in to take the lead. They will work with the parents, teachers, the nurse, look at data from tests and grades and other circumstances to get the student the help they need to be successful in school. They work with the teachers in trainings on how to identify students who may need help or qualify for a 504. These trainings continue throughout the school year and happen at almost every staff development workday. Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj then help teachers to work with the students who qualify for interventions both academic and behavioral.
In addition, Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj are there to support Lanier teachers. They are the Instructional Coaches on campus. They help to observe teachers and give suggestions to make tweaks in their classrooms. Teachers often ask for help in different areas to perfect their teaching, organization or maybe the way they present information. The support Ms. Bell and Mr. Salaj provide is greatly appreciated and makes Lanier a top-notch school.
Their many responsibilities continue with digital support for teachers. They assist with setting up online gradebooks, all canvas questions, clever touch issues and all online programs. They also attend job fairs for on boarding new teachers. In addition, Ms. Bell works with all the science teachers and Mr. Salaj the history teachers.
Ms. Bell is Texas born and raised. She has been at Lanier for 4 years and in education going on 21 years!!! She attended college at Texas State University (Southwest Texas State when she attended). She has taught 6th through 8th grade. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, playing golf, working out, spending time outdoors, and of course spending time with her family and 2 adult sons.
Mr. Salaj is originally from Virginia. He attended college at the University of Alabama. He has been at Lanier for 5 years and in education for 8 years. He has taught 6th, 7th and Algebra. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and dogs. He also recently joined a book club and is getting his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.
A simple thank you is not enough for all the hard work and dedication these 2 fabulous Lanier Purple Pups put into taking care of all students and teachers. Lanier is very fortunate to have them on our team. Please, next time you see them, tell them how much they are appreciated.
On a side note, if you have received any paperwork from them, remember to look through all of it and sign where needed!!!
What's Going on in the Halls?
This week instead of taking a look at some of the bulletin boards, let's take a look at this masterpiece!! A HUGE Congratulations to 7th grader Varvara Vaniushyna. She is the 2025 HISD Holiday Greeting Card Winner. Lanier is so very proud of you!!!!
Holiday Gift Donations
To donate please scan the QR code below or click the flyer to view the donation form
Save the Date for Lanier's annual PUP CUP and Auction
If you are able to donate auction items either scan the QR code or simply click the flyer to fill out the donation form.
Calling all Hosts with the Most! If you are interested in hosting a sociable for Lanier's Auction, please fill out the form below.
Thank you to everyone who came out and had a great evening at last weeks social. It was a wonderful evening with our fabulous Lanier teachers and staff.
November Parlez with the Principal
This week's Parlez with the Principal was an informative session. These small group discussions really help administration understand parent concerns. Lots of good topics were discussed with solutions and plans in the works. If you were not able to register for a spot there will be more opportunities in the future.
Fall Dance Recital
Lanier Students Perform at Alley Theater
Kick off your holiday season watching Lanier Middle School students - AJ Dada (6th) and Levi LeFevre (7th) - in Alley Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol. Use promo code COMMUNITY to receive up to a 20% discount on tickets. Purchase at alleytheatre.org/carol.
A Christmas Carol November 16 - December 28, 2025 Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Be transported into Victorian England with dazzling costumes and stunning sets. Join us for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!
This winter, Rice University is excited to introduce something brand new to the neighborhood: the first-ever "Ice Village at Rice Village", a festive outdoor ice-skating rink experience created to bring holiday cheer and community spirit to Houston.
To celebrate this special inaugural year and strengthen connection with local schools, Rice University would love to invite Lanier students, families and staff to join in the fun by offering an exclusive 10% discount on skating admission. Just use the code ICELANIER when purchasing tickets online.
Exclusive Discount Code: ICELANIER (10% off all tickets)
Whether it's a school outing, student activity, or family day on the ice, Rice University would love to see Lanier families making memories and helping kick off this exciting new tradition in the heart of Rice Village.
A Reminder from Ms. Hackett
Please remind students to always use their Chromebook carrying bag. Each student received a black carrying bag the first few days of school. There has been an increase in damaged devices due to drops in the halls or outside. When changing classes or leaving campus, please secure devices in the carrying bag. If your student's device is damaged and has to be sent for repairs there is no guarantee that there will be a loaner device for your student to use. We do not have an extra supply of loaner devices. As always devices are sent for repair in a timely manner. As soon as we receive them back, they are distributed. Again, please remind your students to take care of their devices and carry them in the proper carrying case.
Lanier MS Student and Family Handbook
If you have questions, please consider looking through the handbook. Lots of answers found here!!!
Family Handbook
We are pleased to share the 2025-2026 Lanier MS student and family handbook. This handbook serves to provide a normed resource for all Lanier MS stakeholders to reference for answers and information about some of the most common, but essential questions and areas of interest. While this is not an exhaustive document nor does it supersede HISD board policy, state, and federal education laws we hope you find it helpful and informative as you navigate your journey as a Purple Pup.
Make sure your Purple Pups have some long sleeve outerwear! Order before Sunday at 7:00pm and pick up Monday from 4:00pm - 4:30pm. Students can pick up so it’s easy. Please do not forget your students name on the order!
Lanier now has its very own textile recycling bin!
Green City Recycler is dedicated to keeping textiles out of landfills and giving them a second life.
Here’s how it works: For every pound of textiles donated by the Lanier community, the school earns 10 cents. That may not sound like much, but those small amounts really add up!
So, if you have any textiles (clothes, shoes, linens, etc.) that aren’t in good enough condition to donate elsewhere, don’t toss them, recycle them in the bin! Every item helps the environment and supports our school.
Bin location: Next to the bus entrance on Harold Street.
The safety of our students is very important to Lanier Middle School. Please review the drop-off and pick-up map carefully to assist us in assuring that this process runs smoothly. Please be patient, considerate, and careful. Your child’s safety and the safety of all of our children are at stake. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Please click the above button to view detailed information on Drop Off and Pick Up.
Please consider donating something from our wonderful teachers Amazon wishlists.
As always tissues and pencils are greatly appreciated too. You can drop them off at the front desk with the cluster and/or teacher you are giving them to.
Please note that the cutoff time for dropping off lunch to your students is 10:00am.
No Uber eats orders (or other food delivery services) will be accepted for students.
Please also note that the cutoff time for early pick up of students is 3:30pm. If you arrive past this time you will need to wait until official dismissal at 4:00pm to collect your student.
Scan or Click for Lanier's Box Top's for Education
We have kicked off the 2025/26 Raise Your Paws for a Cause Annual Fund Campaign
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Lanier continues to reach new heights. We’re proud to recognize the following corporate sponsors for their outstanding commitment to our school.
Ready to make a difference? Join our growing network of sponsors and help shape the future at Lanier.
The Lanier Middle School PTO publishes this weekly newsletter (The Purple Page) during the school year. Deadline for submission in the Purple Page is Wednesday at 5:00pm.
It is the responsibility of the coaches, sponsors, teachers, parents or team members of an event or activity to submit information to the Purple Page editor.
With so many competitions, performances, club happenings and sports events we rely on submissions.
We want to showcase Lanier students, teachers and staff in all they do.
