 Dear Stone Parents and Guardians,
As we prepare to enter the winter holiday break, I wish to thank each of you for your individual contributions in making Stone Middle School such a special and unique place. I am so proud of our school and community for supporting all of the Winter Music concerts as well as our play last week, Guys and Dolls Jr. The play was amazing and our students did a great job! Our Student Council had a successful toy drive two weeks ago and I want to thank all of you that contributed toys. Our students learned a valuable lesson from your example of generosity.
As a reminder, Friday, December 16, 2016 is the last day of school before the Winter Break. It is a full day of school. Our winter break is from Monday, December 19 through January 2nd with school resuming on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. During this time away, it is my hope that our students and families will enjoy some much needed rest, but most of all, quality time spent with loved ones.
I wish you all health, happiness, and peace during the holiday season. I consider being part of this wonderful community a blessing and I am very thankful to our dedicated and talented staff and to you for making our school such a special place for our students.
On behalf of our entire faculty, staff, and administrative team, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season and we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2017.
Again, thanks for all you do for the students and staff at Stone Middle School!
Amielia Mitchell, Principal
“Critical and Creative Thinkers Today, Innovators Tomorrow”
PRE-HOLIDAY ABSENCES
Please inform the attendance secretary in advance if your student will be out for an extended period of time. A note must be sent to school, prior to your vacation with the student with the dates and reason for the absence. Students will take a pre-arranged absence form to all of their teachers to collect their assignments. We ask that you inform the school as early as possible.
ITEMS FORGOTTEN AT HOME
We understand that occasionally students will forget items at home. When this happens, they are allowed to call home. Parents and guardians may leave the items for students in the main office. In order to minimize disruption to instructional time, office staff will not call students to the office to pick up forgotten items. Students are responsible for stopping by the office to pick up their item.
SIS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS
FCPS Weekly Progress Reports generated through SIS will not be sent from Monday, December 19, 2016 through Sunday, January 1, 2017. Messages will be posted on the FCPS web and within the SIS application.
HEALTHY TIPS
During this time of year, holiday festivities and family celebrations are a source of temptation for many individuals; then the New Year begins with lofty health and lifestyle goals. The key to maintaining your health goals over the holiday season is balance.
Plan for balance, variety, and moderation during the holiday season. Eat your favorite baked goods and other holiday specialties, but be reasonable about your portion sizes and number of servings. Always choose a variety of foods following the MyPlate guidelines.
Healthy Tips
• Fill up on vegetables and fruits first.
• Fix vegetables by marinating or sautéing in broth instead of adding butter.
• Use reduced-fat or non-fat dressings or spreads instead of butter and cream-based sauces.
• Add spices, not fat, to add flavor to your meals. Try cinnamon, cardamom, all-spice, and cloves.
• Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl, or cup for meals and snacks.
• Focus on family and friends instead of food. Include a family activity such as a brisk walk around the neighborhood
Although it is chilly outside, you should continue to exercise 30-60 minutes a day, winter ideas include going outside for a walk, chopping wood, or playing tag in the snow. Physical activity stimulates the lymphatic system which boosts immunity. In addition to getting enough physical activity, remember to consume at least 8 cups of water a day. With the cooler weather, we might not inherently think to consume as much water as during warmer months
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