Glasgow Community Gazette - August 5

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Glasgow Community -

I hope you had a great week and were able to take advantage of the amazing weather this weekend. On Thursday, members of the administrative team and instructional coaches attended the FCPS Leadership Conference, where Pedro Noguera, author of “Excellence Through Equity”, was invited back again this year share his insight on committing to equity. He once again shared the 5 Essential Ingredients for School Improvement:

  1. Coherent system to guide instruction
  2. Develop the professional capacity of staff
  3. Strong ties to parent community
  4. Student centered learning climate: collective efficacy
  5. Shared leadership to drive change

When reflecting on his keynote, I am very proud of the work we have been doing and what we have been able to accomplish over the past three years at Glasgow.  As I stated in the Gazette earlier this summer, this past year student achievement improved in ALL content areas and in ALL subgroups, which includes: Asian, Black, Economically Disadvantaged, English Learner, Hispanic, Students with Disabilities, and White. If we are going to continue to improve as a school, your support and involvement is essential. 

Here are just a few examples of how to get involved today!  

Finally, I want to encourage you to attend and/or support the Justice Pyramid Resource Fair this Thursday, August 9 from 1:00-4:00PM at Justice High School. We are expecting thousands of students and family members to attend to collect free school supplies, get free haircuts, pick up free books, and get free eye exams, as well as access numerous county related services.

Glasgow administrators will be there to assist with the event and answer any questions parents and students may have about the upcoming school year. Be sure to stop by and say hello. This video will give you an idea of what it was like if you missed it. https://vimeo.com/142014376 or check out the website at http://www.JusticePyramidFair.org/

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Shawn DeRose
Principal


Contact Information
Twitter: @ShawnDeRose
Email: spderose@fcps.edu
Website: https://glasgowms.fcps.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowMS.FCPS/


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Summer at Glasgow Update

We are looking forward to hosting over 165 6th grade students at our FREE Jump Start program on August 6-7 and 8-9. The Jump Start Program will be taught by 6th grade teachers Dezzarae Crosler, Jillian Kelly, Nicole Bevenour, Peter Vroustouris, Anntoinette McIntyre.  The goal of the program is to alleviate any anxiety and concerns students may have about attending a new school and get them excited about the opportunities that await them at Glasgow Middle School.

This past week, 8th grade Jump Start leaders took part in a two day training with Ms. Charbonneau that focused on team building exercises and activities that will help incoming 6th graders feel more comfortable about the transition to Glasgow. These 8th grade leaders will mentor a group of 6th graders through these activities during the Jump Start program and throughout the school year. This group of 8th graders demonstrated true leadership and what it means to be a Glasgow Panther (they also had a ton of fun)! If you have any questions about the Jump Start program, please contact Steve McFarlane at swmcfarlane@fcps.edu.


Important Dates

Now Through August 27 - Bailey’s Primary Summer BBQ Lunch Program
August 9 - Justice Pyramid Resource Fair
August 15 and 16 - Rising 9th Grade Summer Transition Program at Justice High School
August 15 - New Student Parent Coffee
August 16 - PTA Packet Stuffing Day
August 23 - PTA Sponsored Welcome Back Breakfast for Teachers/Staff
August 23 - 6th Grade Orientation (12:45PM) and Open House (3:30PM)
August 28 - First Day of Classes 2018
October 4, 6:00-8:00 PM - Back to School Night 2018


Bailey’s Primary Summer BBQ Lunch Program - Now through August 27
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services will be hosting the 2018 FEEDS (Food for Every Child to Eat During Summer) BBQ program at Bailey’s Primary Elementary School. This USDA-funded program is FREE to all children 18 years and under and adult lunch at BBQ sites are available for $2. There is no registration involved, and everyone is welcome!  If you are in the neighborhood, please feel free to stop by and check it out. This program runs Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 1:00. Adults can purchase a lunch for $2.00. See flyer for more information: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2018-FEEDS-Flyer-ENG_2.pdf

Justice Pyramid Resource Fair - August 9, 1:00-4:00 PM
The Justice Pyramid Resource Fair is scheduled on August 9 at Justice High School and we are expecting 4,000 students and family members to attend to gather free school supplies, get free haircuts, pick up free books, and get free eye exams, as well as access numerous county related services. This video will give you an idea of what it was like if you missed it. https://vimeo.com/142014376 or check out the website at http://www.JusticePyramidFair.org/

New Student Parent Coffee - August 14
Join members of the Glasgow administrative team for coffee on August 14 from 8:00-9:30 AM. We will be available to answer questions you have about the upcoming school year and to give you a tour of the school. No formal presentation, just drop in to say hello and ask any questions you may have. Email Mary Geary at mkgeary@fcps.edu if you have any questions.

PTA Packet Stuffing Day - August 16
Every year, the PTA supports the school by helping prepare the packets which all students receive. This year, we'll be stuffing 1900 packets, so we need your help! It's a great opportunity for middle- and high-school students to earn community service hours, as well. Give an hour or more; every bit helps. Please sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084aa4a92da0fc1-stuff

PTA Staff Breakfast Event - August 24
Help us welcome the teachers back in style!  The PTA welcome-back breakfast will be on Thursday, August 24.  We need donations of food and beverages, and volunteers to help that morning. Please sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084aa4a92da0fc1-welcomebackteach1

Open House - August 23 at 3:30pm
7th and 8th grade students and parents are invited to pick up packets and tour the building beginning at 3:30 PM. Rising 6th grader students and parents are also invited if they are unable to attend 6th grade orientation early in the day. Note: Teachers are not expected to be available in their rooms.

Glasgow Back to School Night – October 4
On Thursday, October 4, we will be hosting our annual Back to School Night (BTSN). The Back to School Night program officially begins at 6:00 PM, and we encourage you to arrive early as we anticipate a well-attended event. Please bring a copy (or take a photo) of your student’s schedule. Students are welcome to attend BTSN as interpreters for their parents if necessary. In addition, please keep in mind that parking will be limited. We have arranged for the buses that normally park outside door #3 to park at Justice High School that evening. We also hope to provide overflow parking on the soccer fields.

Back to School Night at the secondary level is an opportunity for you to meet your student’s teachers, see their classrooms, and hear about what each class will look like for your student. You will spend 10 minutes in each classroom, hearing from the teacher(s) of that class. Given the time constraints of the evening, we invite you to email teachers directly with any specific questions or information you would like them to know about your student. Our teachers love to hear from you, and are always available for scheduled conferences throughout the school year.


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Meet the Glasgow Staff

Shona Harris - Dean of Students
We are excited to announce Shona Harris as our new Dean of Students. Shona graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Middle Childhood Education with a specialization in English and Social Studies. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts from Mt. Vernon University in Education and a certificate in Educational Leadership & Supervision from Longwood University. Most recently, she served as an English/Language Arts teacher at Friendship Public Charter School. However, Shona has experience in the public, charter, international school systems. Shona is a mother of three and enjoys reading and shopping in her free time. Please join me in welcoming Shona to Glasgow! 


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Important Information for 6th Grade Parents

Important Immunization Requirement
Sixth grade students cannot begin school in September without documentation of having had the Tdap booster. Parents or guardians should ask their private health care provider, or the health department, to review their child’s immunization record if they are unsure if their child has received the Tdap booster. A signed and dated immunization record from the physician stating that your child has received this immunization will be required. You may send in your documentation now to your school's registrar, to ensure that he or she meets this requirement before the first day of school in the fall.

Students can receive immunizations required for school at any Fairfax County Health Department immunization clinic. Information about health department clinic locations and hours can be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics.


New Student Parent Coffee - July 25 and August 14
Join Principal Shawn DeRose for coffee on July 25 or August 14 from 8:00-9:30 PM. We will be available to answer questions you have about the upcoming school year and to give you a tour of the school. No formal presentation, just drop in to say hello and ask any questions you may have. Email Mary Geary at mkgeary@fcps.edu if you have any questions.


Rising 6th Grade Jump Start Program - August 6-7 and 8-9
Glasgow Middle School will be hosting a FREE Jump Start program for rising 6th graders on August 6-7 and 8-9 to prepare them for their transition to middle school.

This transition program is designed to both welcome and support 6th graders by assigning them an 8th grade leader as a mentor during this first year. This 8th grade leader is a responsible student who was hand selected from a large pool of applicants and has met the qualifications of being a good role model and a positive leader on our campus.

Students will get acclimated to their new school through a variety of activities. 8th grade leaders will guide students through a series of team-building activities that give students a chance to meet and interact with their new peers. In addition, students will be led on a guided tour of the building and classrooms, as well as ask other important questions they may have before school begins.  

Moreover, Jump Start is designed to alleviate any anxiety and concerns students may have about attending a new school and get them excited about the opportunities that await them at Glasgow Middle School. Students can attend one of the two sessions offered this summer. Session 1 runs August 6th & 7th, and Session 2 runs August 8th & 9th, both sessions will be from 8:00am – 12:00pm. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Steven McFarlane at swmcfarlane@fcps.edu


6th Grade Orientation –  August 23, beginning at 12:45pm
Rising 6th grader students and parents are invited to our 6th grade orientation on August 23 at 12:45 PM. Transportation will be provided to students. In addition to picking up packets, students and families will have a chance to walk through an odd and even day schedule and meet briefly with their teachers. We look forward to welcoming our newest students and their families to our building!


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News for Rising 9th Grade Parents

Run with the Pack: Rising 9th Grade Transition Program at Justice High School - August 15 and 16

Justice High School will be offering a Rising 9th Grade Transition Program on August 15 and 16 from 8:00-12:00 PM.  Students can select one of the two dates to attend. The program is free and all attendees will receive a new Justice Wolves t-shirt. To register fill out and submit the Google Form: https://goo.gl/forms/yezsysnQBXJc9Ksx1.

 

Get Involved!
Families are encouraged to get involved with the PTSA for Justice HS. The PTSA helps support the needs of its students, families, and staff. Here's what you can do right now to get started:

 - Join at https://shop.stuartptsa.org/main.sc. It is especially important to join by the beginning of September this year so you help decide some important questions facing the organization. We encourage all students to join also.

 - Subscribe to the Justice parents' Yahoo group listserv by sending an email to JusticeHSParents-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 - Follow @StuartHSPTSA on Twitter


Glasgow Middle School Panther Mascot, image

Be Informed, Stay Involved!