Churchill Chatter - Issue 6, October 3, 2018
In
This Week's Issue
- Mr. Hutzel's letter to parents and the community
- 2018-2019 SCA officers inducted
- Getting to Know Churchill: Jordan Craig-Kuhn, Technology Specialist
- Advanced Academic Parent Information Meeting - Thursday, October 4
- New family coffee and Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 10
- FLE Parent Preview Night - Wednesday, October 24
- CRS Calendar
of Upcoming Events
- CRS PTA News - New Family Coffee October 10, Movie Night and Parent Education event October 12, Martha's Table October 17 and Parade of Cuisines October 26.
 Principal's Podium
In November, I have the unique opportunity to take a trip to New Zealand and Australia with some family and friends. I will be on leave for the entire month (November 5th through November 30th). I’ll return to Churchill Road on Monday, December 3rd.
While I am gone, our very capable Assistant Principal, Jennifer Niccolls, will be leading our school. I am confident that Ms. Niccolls’ 14 years of experience as a school administrator will ensure that our school will continue to flourish. During my absence, two administrative interns from Region 1 will be assisting Ms. Niccolls, as well. I am working on the selection of these individuals, in concert with Douglas Tyson, our Region 1 Assistant Superintendent, and I’ll be sharing the names of these individuals soon. I can share that the candidates are veteran educators that have their administrative degrees and who plan to move into an administrative role in the near future.
I find myself a bit incredulous that this trip is happening! Being away from Churchill Road and traveling for an extended period of time will be a new experience. My itinerary includes flying into Auckland, New Zealand, boarding a cruise ship and hitting several ports around New Zealand. There are also stops in Tasmania, and Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.
While I am looking forward to this trip, I am also sorry to be missing some of my favorite school events like our Thanksgiving luncheon, book fair, and student concerts. In the meantime, I’ll be busy with our many October activities. One special event occurs on October 10th, when the PTA’s New Family Committee and I will be hosting a Principal’s Coffee at 8:00 AM. We will be welcoming families that are new to Churchill Road, but the entire community is welcome to join us. On October 12, our PTA will be hosting one of our community favorites, Family Movie Night. On October 26th, we will hold our 25th annual Parade of Cuisines and Multicultural Fashion Show, celebrating the wealth of diverse cultures at CRS. The month finishes with our Spooky Halloween concert and Halloween Parade on October 31st.
I hope to see you at some of these great events.
Don Hutzel, Principal
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Congratulations to our 2018-2019 SCA Officers
On Friday, September 28, Churchill Road Elementary School held
the induction ceremony for its newly elected Student Council Association (SCA)
officers for 2018-2019: President – Clara R.; Vice President – Katie M.; Secretary – Joe P.; Historian – Krish B.; Treasurers – Graham F. and Morgan H.; and
Sergeant At Arms – Kara D. Ms.Jennifer Niccolls, CRS Assistant Principal, and London S., a Langley High School senior and
Student Government Association president, addressed the Churchill Road student
body. Congratulations to all of our new officers! Thank you to SCA
sponsors Mikaela Antonio and Jordan Craig-Kuhn for organizing this ceremony, as well as the first spirit day of the school year (below).
 Fifth graders showed their Churchill pride on the first official spirit day of the school year.
Getting to Know Churchill:
Jordan Craig-Kuhn, Technology Specialist
Mr. Craig-Kuhn at his standing desk with three monitors.
Meet Jordan Craig-Kuhn, Technology Specialist at Churchill Road. Mr. Craig-Kuhn, a native of New York’s Finger Lakes region, loved growing up in the rural area as the eldest of five siblings. He worked for over a decade in the aquatics industry as a head lifeguard and pool technician for the YMCA as well as for a private pool company. During that time, Mr. Craig-Kuhn earned both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education at SUNY Brockport just outside of Rochester, NY. Just prior to graduation in 2007, he was lucky enough to land his first teaching job at Churchill Road as one of two PE teachers.
Although Mr. Craig-Kuhn enjoyed the 4 and a half years of teaching PE, he could not pass up the opportunity to serve as the Technology Specialist when the job became available in 2012. The PE department’s loss was the school’s gain. Mr. Craig-Kuhn approaches every technology task with a smile and ease. Over his tenure, CRS has implemented one of the first 1-laptop-per-student programs in FCPS. A decade ago, Churchill Road had a single technology lab that students were able to visit once every two weeks for one hour. Now, every classroom has its own set of laptops to use whenever the teacher wishes. This represents quite a drastic and welcome change over the past few years; much of it a result of Mr. Craig-Kuhn’s efforts. His responsibilities include training school staff in technology use, helping to plan and implement technology acquisitions and working with groups of students to better understand their role in an ever-expanding digital world.
In addition to his role as Technology Specialist, Mr. Craig-Kuhn has served as the Patrol sponsor (2007 to 2012) and currently serves as the co-sponsor of the SCA. When not at school, Mr. Craig-Kuhn enjoys boating, home projects and raising his six year-old son.
Mr. Craig-Kuhn is always happy to answer any student or parent questions regarding technology use and can be reached via email at jlcraigkuhn@fcps.edu. Please say hello if you see him around the building.
Boy Scouts Building New Walkway at CRS
On Sunday, September 23, Kendall, a member of Boy Scout Troop #1234, installed a new flagstone path through the Bird and Butterfly Garden. Despite the rain, over 50 adults, scouts, and other volunteers participated in the project. A new pathway was dug out and framed with wood beams, and a sand base and flagstones were installed.
Thanks are extended to these local businesses for their support and generosity: Hitt Construction provided advice, not in kind services; Sisler and Home Depot provided a discount; TW Perry donated the timbers; A&A Art & Frame (Arif) donated the wood plaques, UV Plexiglas, nails, drill bit and advice. Thank you also to Kendall, a Churchill Road alum and junior at Langley High School, and all the volunteers for helping to beautify our school.
Coming Soon -- Legacy Walkway
You may have noticed eight pallets with bricks in the
Kiss and Ride lot. These are the inscribed legacy bricks that our community
bought last year to celebrate Churchill’s 60th anniversary. Later this month,
these bricks will be installed to create a commemorative walkway through our Bird and
Butterfly Garden. We are excited for our upcoming celebration to dedicate this
new walkway!
Wellness: Significance of Traditions
Last year's fourth grade team went all out for Halloween.
Traditions
and holiday celebrations serve a significant role in the lives of
children. Customs and annual events create stability in students’
constantly shifting world. Traditions are touchstones that help children
feel grounded and secure, despite the changes occurring around and within
them. Holidays or family traditions often involve clear roles and
responsibilities from the youngest to oldest and help to create a sense of
community.
A
favorite October tradition at CRS is the Halloween parade. During
students’ initial years at CRS they have the opportunity to march with their
class in cool costumes. Students in the upper grades at CRS are cheering
observers encouraging the procession of superheroes, robots, and princesses, or
may be musicians in the infield providing musical accompaniment to the
festivities. Many parents, friends, and family members often line the parade
route too. The Halloween parade also allows students to see teachers and staff
having fun in creative costumes, sometimes with a coordinated theme. Like
many holiday traditions, CRS’s Halloween parade also helps to create
lasting enjoyable memories of their elementary school experience! The Halloween
parade will be Wednesday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m. Students
may want to use our Monday off next week for the Columbus holiday to begin to
plan their costume for the festivities (remember no masks or weapons).
Health Resources for Parents
FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department have prepared the following information to answer parents' questions about two important health topics:
Scoliosis: The Scoliosis Fact Sheet and translations are available at: http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/ssse/translations/dss-healthmedical.htm.
Head Lice: Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have two great resources for parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about head lice and its treatment. Both documents are available in English and several other languages at the following links:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/schools.
https://www.fcps.edu/node/32074
Advanced Academic Program Details and
Parent Information Meeting
A parent information meeting will be held at Churchill Road E.S. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Exploratory Arts Room. Esther Lee, Churchill Road’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will provide information about levels of service and examples at Churchill Road E.S., as well as explain and answer questions about the screening process for full-time Level IV services. The meeting is open to all K-6 parents.
More information on FCPS's Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) elementary continuum of services is available on the Churchill Road website: https://churchillroades.fcps.edu/announcements/advanced-academic-programs-aap-elementary-continuum-services.
Please direct any questions to Esther Lee, Churchill Road's Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at eclee1@fcps.edu.
Attendance
Reminder
Monday, October 8 is a student holiday. If your student will be absent any additional days
surrounding the holiday, please call the CRS 24-hour attendance line,
703-288-8484 or email churchillattendance@fcps.edu to report
the absence.
Walk to School Day October 10
Please join the thousands of schools in the country and area in walking/biking to school on Wednesday, October 10. The benefits of choosing to walk or bike to school include; additional physical activity, reducing traffic and congestion, sharing time with parents and friends, and getting familiar with your neighborhood and safe routes to take. Some of your favorite Churchill Road faculty and staff will be around the school to greet our walkers/bike riders and give a little gift for participating!
FLE Information Night on October 24 at 7:00 PM, Churchill Road Library
You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons. Ms. Niccolls, CRS Assistant Principal, and teachers from various grade levels, will be available to answer questions about the lessons. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 PM in the Churchill Road library. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.
More information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, including detailed grade-level program descriptions, is available at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.
To preview Family Life Education (FLE) materials, each parent will have to have access to SIS and FCPS 24-7 Learning (Blackboard).
Once you gain access to your Parent FCPS 24-7 Learning (Blackboard) account, click on the “Curriculum” tab at the top of the page. All FLE Lessons are arranged by grade-level.
Some other helpful links:
Program questions may be addressed to Ms. Niccolls, jniccolls@fcps.edu; CRS Assistant Principal.
CRS Calendar of Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 4
AAP Parent Information Night, Exploratory Arts Room, 7:00 PM
Monday, October 8
Columbus Day – Student Holiday
Wednesday, October 10
New Family Coffee, 8:00-8:45 AM, Exploratory Arts Room
PTA Meeting 8:45-9:45 AM, Exploratory Arts Room
Friday, October 12
Family Movie Night, School Grounds, 6:00-9:00 PM
Wednesday, October 24
FLE Parent Viewing Night, 7:00-8:00 PM, Library
Friday, October 26
Parade of Cuisines, Multicultural Fashion Show and Family Heritage Celebration, 6:00-8:00 PM, Gym/Stage
Wednesday, October 31
Halloween Spirit Day
Join Mr. Hutzel for our New
Family Coffee
Come join Mr. Hutzel and learn more about Churchill Road and the many exciting events that will be occurring this year! Coffee, muffins, & other yummy treats will be served!
Date: Wednesday, 10/10
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Exploratory Arts Room
Questions? Please email faizahks@gmail.com or cebuschmann@gmail.com. Childcare will be provided in the cafeteria.
Movie Night is October 12th!
Get ready to hop over to the CRS backyard - family movie night is next week! Watch Peter Rabbit under the stars with family & friends on Friday, October 12. Every ticket comes with a bag of popcorn (plus pizza and water will be on sale) and every child's ticket comes with glow in the dark bunny ears. Order your tickets online by 5 PM Thursday, 10/11- walk-in tickets will be available at the event.
https://bit.ly/2PAPL3z
* Kids 5 and under FREE
* Kids 5-12 $6
* PTA Adults (13 & up) $6
* Non-PTA Adults (13 & up) $9
* All walk-ins are $10
Finding Calm: Helping Our Kids
Handle Stress, Pressure, and Anxiety
October 12th, 8:45 AM in the CRS Exploratory Arts Room
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! Parenting specialist Rachel Bailey will return to CRS on Friday, October 12th, to share her insights into how we can help our kids handle stress and anxiety. She'll talk about fostering positive self-esteem and building resilience so that our children can tackle and adapt to whatever challenges they face. Brought to you by the CRS PTA Parent Education Committee.
Rachel Bailey is a Parenting Specialist who has been serving families in Northern Virginia for a decade. She is a mother of two, and has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, a certification in Positive Discipline, and has provided services as a coach, mentor, and psychotherapist. Currently Rachel teaches parents hands-on tools for raising resilient, confident children -- without adding more stress or guilt to parents' lives. For more information, visit her website at www.Rachel-Bailey.com.
Martha’s Table – October 17th
The CRS PTA Community Service Committee will be having its first
sandwich-making project of the year with MARTHA's TABLE for Grades 1, 3, and 5.
Martha's Table serves more than 2,500 meals every day to needy citizens. This
event will be immediately after school in the CRS cafeteria on Wednesday 10/17, from 3:30-4:00.
Permission slips will be in next week's VIP, plus look for details on food
donations needed in next week's Chatter. Learn more, plus sign-up to help out,
at https://bit.ly/2NWUwXT.
25th Annual Parade of Cuisines &
Family Heritage Celebration
Sign up to participate in our Family Heritage Celebration at the Parade of Cuisines on October 26. Showcase on stage the traditional clothes or the flag of a country (your family heritage or personal interest) in our Fashion & Flag Show. Or give an artistic presentation of a unique culture through a performance! Sign up by Friday, October 19, and join us for rehearsal on Wednesday, October 24, from 6:30-7:30 PM.
You can also host a Cultural Booth – games, crafts, activities, artifacts and more! Plus we’re looking for volunteers to help at the event.
Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/2DvpEcT.
Encourage your artist to enter Reflections
It's the 50th Anniversary of the National PTA's
Reflections art contest. This contest is open to all students at CRS! Create an
original artwork (or multiple) around the theme "Heroes Around Me",
in any of the contest categories: dance choreography, film production,
literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. Entries are due by
10/26. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2oBAiof.
Science Olympiad B Openings
Calling all 6th and 5th grade students with a curious mind! Students who enjoy science and are available on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 are invited to apply for Science Olympiad B. Several additional spots may become available in the club, which is currently establishing a waitlist for interested candidates. Please complete an interest form on on https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IOgI4yBLHhCIiGp2A5V-E2wrdcwyryQ1zzXznCLanEo and we will contact you with more information.
Links
to PTA News
Link to the CRS PTA homepage:
http://www.churchillroadpta.org/
Link to the PTA Week-at-a-Glance:
https://www.churchillroadpta.org/week-a-glance
As
outlined by FCPS Regulation 1367.2, school principals shall offer options to
nonprofit organizations that want to make their materials available to students
and parents. At Churchill Road, non-profit organizations will be permitted to
send home flyers in the take home folder 4 times during the year. The dates for
the 2018-2019 school year are the
weeks of September 24, December 3, March 4 and May 13. These
fliers must be related to the school’s educational mission and be
age-appropriate. Community organizations must submit their materials in advance
to the school’s principal and must include the disclaimer “These materials
are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the
Superintendent, or this School.” Once approved, the organization will be required
to make the copies necessary for distribution. Any questions can be directed to
Kim Moran, Churchill Road's Public Relations Liaison.
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