Reminder
September 19th, Wednesday
Students Released Three Hours Early at 12:25pm
Dear Stenwood Families and Stenwood Staff,
It was great seeing so many of you at our Back to School Night! Thanks for coming to learn about your child’s class and for partnering with the teachers to ensure a great year of learning and fun.
Just a reminder—
We hope to see you Friday evening for our annual PTA sponsored Ice Cream Social/Help the Hive Spirit Night. Due to the impending hurricane, we have made a change to the schedule of events for the evening. We had to cancel the DJ. The fun begins at 6:00, and we will enjoy ice cream from 6:00-7:00. So, please plan to arrive at some point during that hour to enjoy delicious ice cream and to socialize with friends. Thank you to our PTA for making this fun event possible—please join the PTA and support our fundraiser, Help the Hive, if for no other reason, than to ensure that there is funding to continue these wonderful school community events. Should FCPS cancel evening events, then we will find an evening next week to serve ice cream.
We also wanted to keep you informed regarding a change in what student information is considered directory information, and therefore, what information you will find in the PTA Directory once it is produced (unless, of course, you have opted out of the directory by completing the FCPS opt out form). The state of Virginia determines what information is eligible to be shared for the purpose of creating a directory. The following will be a part of the directory—student name, grade, parents’ name and email, teacher name; no longer will address and phone numbers be a part of the PTA Directory unless you respond to the verification email from the company that produces the directory. In this email you are asked to verify the information and you are given the chance to add your address and phone number. Again, as a school, we cannot provide your address and phone number, but you will have the opportunity to elect to share your address and phone number.
Sincerely,
Principal Dammeyer
Assistant Principal Riley
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Parking at Stenwood -
Spread the Word! |
Due to limited parking at Stenwood, please know that we make arrangements with the police department for overflow parking in the neighborhood whenever we have large group gatherings—do be sure to not impede or block any neighbor’s driveway and abide by rules regarding fire hydrants. We ask that you choose to park on the neighborhood streets to alleviate our front parking lot congestion. If the event is occurring during the school day, for the safety of our students and staff, we ask that you walk to the front of the building to use the front door to enter the building. Thanks for spreading the word!
Interested in the state’s health insurance for children (FAMIS) and new insurance coverage for adults? See links below:
Ready, Set,
Covered! Flyer (English and Spanish)
Coming Soon: New Health
Coverage for Adults Flyer (English)
Coming Soon: New Health
Coverage for Adults Flyer (Spanish)
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAM PARENT INFORMATION MEETING
A parent information meeting will be held at Stenwood Elementary School on October 11, 2018 from 8:45-9:30 in the cafeteria. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher will provide information about levels of service at Stenwood as well as explain and answer questions about the screening processes for full-time Level IV services. The meeting is open to all K-6 parents. Please refer questions to Caroline Spinelli, crspinelli@fcps.ed, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Stenwood Elementary School.
FIRST NOTICE
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (AAP)
CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in grades K-8. Learning experiences are designed to develop higher-level thinking through enrichment, acceleration, and extension of the Program of Studies (POS). Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of services:
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Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons, Grades K-6 (Level I)
The first level is provided to all students in kindergarten through grade six and consists of model lessons that are designed to teach critical and creative thinking skills. The lessons are modeled in all classrooms by AARTs and the thinking strategies are then used throughout the year by classroom and other teachers who work with students. Student responses to these lessons are used as part of the identification process for Levels II-IV. Parents may also practice these strategies during family conversations and activities. A description of the nine critical and creative thinking strategies can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-school-academics-k-6/advanced-academics/critical-and-creative-thinking.
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Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strength, Grades K-6 (Level II)
The AART collaborates with classroom teachers to provide additional challenges through lessons and resources that extend and enrich the POS. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year. The Young Scholars Model begins at this level and is designed to find and nurture advanced academic potential in students from historically underrepresented populations.
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Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6 (Level III)
Students identified by a local school screening committee for Level III part-time advanced academic services are challenged through models and strategies designed to extend and enrich the POS in the four core subject areas. Screening for this level of service is ongoing throughout the school year.
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Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)
Students found eligible for placement in full-time Level IV Advanced Academic Programs through a central selection process receive a highly challenging instructional program in the four core subject areas. Screening for this level of service occurs in the fall for students who are new to FCPS and in the spring for all other students. The referral deadline is October 11, 2018, for students who are new to FCPS and January 10, 2019, for spring screening. Additional information is available in the Parent Information Packet published on the AAP website: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/elementary-school.
• International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP): Selected Schools, Grades 6-10
The IBMYP is designed for students ages 11-16. The program helps students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. The curriculum is supported by the fundamental concepts of intercultural awareness, holistic learning, and communication.
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Honors, Grades 7-8
Advanced and/or accelerated classes are available for students in grades 7-8 through an open enrollment process. Students receive instruction that is differentiated for advanced learners in the four core subjects in one or more areas of academic strength or interest.
SCREENING
Multiple criteria are reviewed to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. The local school committee determines student eligibility for part-time school-based services. The countywide central selection committee determines eligibility for full-time AAP Level IV placement.
TESTING
In the fall, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is administered to all FCPS first grade students. In the fall, the CogAT-Custom Form is administered to all FCPS second grade students. During the fall testing cycle, the NNAT and/or Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) may be administered to students in grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score. A second grade screening pool is established using the test results from first and second grade testing. Students in the second grade pool are automatically screened for full-time AAP Level IV placement. Parents or guardians may exercise a one-time retest option during the fall testing cycle.
REFERRALS FOR FULL-TIME AAP LEVEL IV (Grades 2–7)
Parents or guardians of students not in the second grade screening pool may initiate the full-time AAP Level IV screening process by completing and submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form to the local school principal no later than January 10, 2019. No late referrals will be accepted. Second grade students not in the pool and all students in grades 3-7 are screened only by referral. Forms are available on the AAP website (https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/elementary-school). Parents or guardians of students who are in the second grade pool will be notified by the school. Students who are not in the second grade pool will not receive notification. The benchmark score used to create the second grade pool will be published on the AAP website mid-January.
Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral for your student in grades 2-7 as there will be no referrals for Level IV screening accepted past the deadline of January 10, 2019. If you are waiting for test scores and would like your student screened for Level IV please submit the referral by the published deadline (even if you have not received the test scores for your student).
Please refer questions to Caroline Spinelli, crspinelli@fcps.ed, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Stenwood Elementary School.
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POSITIVITY PROJECT
FAMILY INFORMATION |
“I can sum up positive psychology in just three words — Other People Matter. Period. Anything that builds relationships between and among people is going to make you happy.” -Dr. Chris Peterson
What is The Positivity Project?
The Positivity Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping America’s youth build stronger relationships by recognizing the character strengths in themselves and others. Their vision is to create citizens and leaders who will enhance our communities and country by internalizing the belief that “Other People Matter.” Positive psychology’s scientifically validated 24 character strengths serve as its foundation. Positive psychology teaches that people have all 24 strengths within them – and that character is not just skills or behaviors, but rather an intrinsic part of each of us.
The Positivity Project is not a program with strict guidelines. Instead, it educates teachers on the character strengths and relies on them to teach in a way that best meets their students’ needs. It is a school-wide endeavor, grounded in the consistency of daily classroom instruction. Their model is holistic; it incorporates students, educators, and parents through regular interaction with character strengths vocabulary and concepts.
The project will help educators instill vocabulary and the meaning of the strengths through explicit teaching of each strength for 10 minutes per day. Schools will dedicate 1-2 weeks to each strength to help students understand them through definition, examples, discussions, and exercises. Schools and educators are encouraged to tailor the materials for their own best use, as they know their students and curriculum better than anyone else.
What are the benefits of implementing The Positivity Project?
The Positivity Project ideals evolve throughout a student’s whole school career. The 24 character strengths develop and gain more meaning for students as they grow. Once students learn the meaning of each strength and what it looks like, they can then be embedded into the curriculum in every subject area. The character strengths become a part of a common language and they will see them in everything that they do.
The Project teaches children by acknowledging that the 24 character strengths are already a part of who they are as people. It helps them to realize that each and every one of them have these strengths. There is no system in place to reward students who demonstrate “Good Character”. Rewards are fun to earn but they are finite because they are external. We want children to internalize the traits that society honors. Acknowledgement to oneself and realizing that you have the power to effect others in a positive way is much more meaningful and rewarding.
Positive character strengths can and should be acknowledged in the classroom, as it gives students a richer understanding of what the character strength looks like in their peer group. Students understand that they have their own “Super Power” and they will be acknowledged and valued for their own character strengths.
How can you help?
We would love for you to take an active role in your child’s character strength education. By using the character strengths vocabulary and having discussions about the concepts, you will help your child understand the character in themselves and others in a different light. You can follow our social media handles to see what we’re doing each day – and please feel free to reach out for more information or visit www.posproject.org
CHARACTER STRENGTHS DEFINITIONS
Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.
Bravery
You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
Connection/Purpose
You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
Creativity
You come up new and original ways to think about and do things.
Curiosity
You like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
Fairness
You believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
Forgiveness
You forgive those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.
Gratitude
You are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.
Hope/Optimism
You expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.
Humility/Modesty
You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.
Humor
You like to laugh and bring smiles to other people.
Integrity
You are honest and speak the truth. You present yourself genuinely and sincerely.
Kindness
You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people.
Leadership
You value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.
Love
You value close relationships with others and being close to people.
Love of Learning
You master new skills and topics on your own or in school.
Open-Mindedness
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
Perspective
You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
Perseverance
You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.
Prudence
You plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
Self-Control
You have the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.
Social Intelligence
You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
Teamwork/Citizenship
You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal and sacrifice your individual desires for the greater good.
Zest/Enthusiasm
You approach life with excitement and energy. You energize people around you.
The Positivity Project Calendar
September 9-15: Other People Matter Mindset
September 16-22: Curiosity
September 23-29: Teamwork
September 30-October 6: Open-Mindedness
October 7-13: Identifying & appreciating the good in others
October 14-20: Integrity
October 21-26: Perspective
October 28-3: Creativity
November 4-10: Bravery
November 11-17: Gratitude
November 18-24: Gratitude
November 25-December 1: Knowing my words & actions affect others
December 2-8: Kindness
December 9-15: Humility
December 16-22: Self-Control
December 30-January 05: Wild-card/Make-up
January 6-12: Perseverance
January 13-19: Hop
January 20-26: Prudence
January 27-February 2: Supporting others when they struggle
February 3-9: Social Intelligence
February 10-16: Love
February 17-23: Wild-card/Make-Up
February 24- March 2: Enthusiasm
March 3-9: Cheering other’s success
March 10-16: Love of Learning
March 17-23: Forgiveness
March 23-30: Fairness
March 31-April 6: Humor
April 7-13: Being present and giving others my attention
April 14-20: Wild-card/Make-Up
April 21-27: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
April 28- May 4: Purpose
May 5-11 Leadership
May 12-17: Other People Matter Mindset
 
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Upcoming Events |
09/14 PTA Ice Cream Social, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
09/19 Students Released Three Hours Early at 12:25pm
09/21 SCA Spirit Day, Stenwood Day
09/28 CARES Pizza, 11:30am - 12:00pm
10/08 Student Holiday, Columbus Day
10/11 AAP Parent Information Meeting, 8:45am - 9:30am
10/15 - 10/26 SCA Can Drive
10/16 PTA Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
10/19 Field Day
10/22 - 10/26 BEE Kind Week
10/26 CARES Pizza, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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