Robinson Student Ram Blast, December 3, 2018

STUDENT RAM BLAST

Providing students and parents with important updates and reports of events and happenings in the middle school. 


Check, please!

Did you know that you can set-up your student's lunch account to automatically maintain a positive balance?

Create an account, then login to MySchoolBucks.com.

> Click on Meal Accounts

> Click on AutoPay Settings

You can also see what your child is purchasing for lunch and how much they are spending daily.

> Click on Meal Accounts

> Click on Cafeteria Meal History

The MS Newspaper

Please be sure to check out our MS newspaper, The Medallion. Student reporters have been busy and there are a lot of new stories to read.

https://medalliononline.com/


holiday

SGA Holiday Happenings

Gingerbread House-Making Competition: 

Robinson's middle school SGA is hosting a "Gingerbread House-Making Competition" on December 19th, after school, in the Gold Cafeteria. An interest meeting will be held during lunches on Thursday, December 13th where students can pick up a signup sheet and all additional information. Students in groups of 5 need to turn in their sign up sheets to Ms. Whitwell's room A215 or mailbox in SS7 by Monday, December 17th. Spaces are limited. Late busses will be available the day of the event.

Winter Wonderland Spirit Week:

Attention All Ram Parents! There will be a "Winter Wonderland" themed spirit week, Monday, December 17, through Friday, December 21st. Please encourage your child to dress up according to the theme each spirit day. The student with the most outstanding outfit from each lunch shift is able to win points for his/her grade as well as win a small goodie. We hope all students participate and get into the holiday spirit! 

Monday, December 17th - Pajama Day

Tuesday, December 18th - Ugly Sweater Day (Wear a tacky/ ugly holiday sweater)

Wednesday, December 19th - Swinter Day (Summer in winter! Pull out your tropical threads and sunglasses)

Thursday, December 20th - Winter Holi-day (Bundle up in snow/ winter themed outfits or in your favorite holiday swag)

Friday, December 21st - Lumberjack Day (wear your favorite flannel and even throw on a fake beard if you're really spirited)

Buddy the Elf:

Starting in December, Buddy the Elf, will be hiding throughout Robinson making sure students are working hard and practicing RAM values.  Students are encouraged to find the elf and post a selfie to Instagram.  The first student to find Buddy will win a prize! When posting on Instagram be sure to tag @robinson.middleschool and use the tag #SelfieWithAnElfie.  Include your name and grade in the caption.  As always, use safe and smart practices when on social media.   


After School Activities

Sign-up Procedures

Students sign-up for activities during their lunch period on the café stage each day the activity is scheduled.

Select programs require a separate registration due to design and/or time commitment involved.  Click here to view the list.  Return all forms to Ms. Aunon or to your sub school office.

The activity period is from 3:00 to 4:25pm.  Attendance is taken and a small snack provided. Late bus routes are posted in each sub school office window.

Late bus days:  Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; departing at 4:45pm.  Parent pick-up on Tuesdays and Fridays at 4:30pm, entrance #1.

After School Program Office:

Mary Aunon or Cathy Daniel | 703-426-2339

Click on the links below to stay connected!

View the After School Program Website

Access all program information including activity descriptions, photos,  registration forms for specific programs, and sponsor contacts. 

View the 2nd Quarter Schedule | Planning Tool

A tool to help students select activities by day of the week.

Options for viewing the daily schedule:

1. Activity Calendar (Link to Robinson's event calendar; scroll down & filter)

2. Activity Schedule Week of 12/3

3. TV screen in each sub school locker bay.

4.  Follow on Twitter @RobinsonSSNews 

Any cancellations will be announced during lunch periods and posted on the TVs in each locker bay.

Helpful Hint!  Forward this newsletter to your student.


Activity Updates

Crew Club

Is Crew For You?

Learn about the sport of rowing and learn how to row on the indoor rowing machines, “ERGs”!

This club is geared towards students who have little to no experience with the sport and are excited to learn how to row! Each practice will introduce new rowers and coxswains to the sport of rowing, the technique of the rowing stroke, as well as other general basics of the sport. Those who participate in this club will be prepared for their high school's novice program or to transition to the next level of their development.

Days and times: Wednesdays 3:00-4:25pm

Program is free | Space limited | Registration Required

Return completed registration form to your sub school office or directly to Ms. Aunon to secure your spot.  Forms available for pickup during lunch in café.

Coach: Kim Griffin, kim.griff10@gmail.com

Dance Team

Mark you calendars!  The middle school dance team begins on Thursday, January 10th with an interest meeting.  Attend to meet the new coaches and learn about this program, which will run on Thursdays through the spring.

Students with all levels of experience are welcome to participate.

Return the Dance Team Registration Form via email to mfaunon@fcps.edu or hand to Ms. Aunon during your lunch period in the cafeteria. 

Direct questions to Coach Lawson | Coach Bishop at robinsondanceteam@gmail.com

dance

Diversity Club

The Robinson Middle School Diversity Club is a student initiated and all-inclusive club that helps to encourage a climate at our school that supports all students, including all walks of multiculturalism: race, religion, national origin, gender expression and orientation. Get involved in supporting diversity here at Robinson.  This club meets on Mondays in Room A210.

Environmental Club

Robinson is in need of a team of students interested in pursuing school based eco initiatives. Contact 7th grade science teacher, Ms. Riddick, with any specific questions or attend a meeting to learn more.  We need YOU!

Contact:  Ms. Riddick | amriddick@fcps.edu

eco

Fitness Room Open

The middle school fitness room is open for student use after school on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00pm to 4:25pm.  Interested students need to sign-up during lunch periods each day they plan to stay.  Workouts are self-paced, but students are encouraged to bring a friend.  Students should secure their belongings in their sub school locker before heading to the locker rooms to change into their PE uniform.  Meet outside the fitness room.

Floor Hockey

No experience necessary and all equipment provided!  Sign-up each Thursday if you want to play and meet in the main hallway by the middle school by 3pm.  Wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes. Program begins on 11/29 and students can join any week.  Take the late bus home at 4:45pm.

Football Conditioning Program

Attend the interest meeting on Monday, December 17 in Recital Hall from 3:00 to 4:25pm.  Meet the Robinson coaching staff, learn about the conditioning program, and tour the high school weight room.  Students participating in this program must have parent permission due to the use of the high school weight room equipment.  This Parental Authorization and Acknowledgment of Risk form will be distributed at the meeting and is posted online. Hard copies will also be available during lunch periods in the cafeteria.

This program will meet on Mondays and Thursdays, beginning January 7th.

Sponsor:  Coach Arena | paarena1@fcps.edu

Homework Club

Students wishing to stay in the library after school need to sign-up for Homework Club offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. All resources will be available for student use.  Space is limited to 20 students each day.  Students will meet in a classroom for attendance and snack and proceed to the library at 3:10pm.  Meeting locations:

Monday in A116 | Ms. Layer

Wednesday in A103 | Ms. Malloy

Thursday in A220 | Ms. Hughes

Musical Production Technical Support

Do you want to support this year's production, Rock of Ages, by helping behind the scenes?  If you missed the meeting on 11/28, the crew descriptions are posted here.  Complete the technical crew application by 12/14.  Thank you for your support! 

food drive

Ram Zone Sponsors Food Drive

The Ram Zone Club is sponsoring an Annual Food Drive from Monday, December 3rd through Monday, December 17th.  Students can bring their donations of non-perishable canned and boxed goods to their History or Civics class.  There are cardboard boxes in each classroom for you to leave your items.  You can also drop off your donation to either the Sub School 7 or Sub School 8 office.  Donations will be distributed to Robinson families in need. Thank you for supporting our drive!

Staff Contact:  Ms. Malloy | dmalloy@fcps.edu

Running Club 

Running Club meets after school on Wednesdays.  We run, sprint, walk, and have a "game" after each session.  We always welcome new members! 

Leave all backpacks in your locker and wear sneakers.  During the winter, we will continue to meet and will use the middle school fitness room if we have inclement weather.  We look forward to seeing you!

Sign-up during your lunch period each Wednesday you plan to stay and change in locker bay restrooms before meeting by 3:00pm.

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Burford and Mr. Walker | rmburford@fcps.edu

Strategy Games Club

Students are invited to stay to play a variety of strategic board games, such as Catan, Risk, and Ticket to Ride. There will be opportunities for beginners to learn how to play as well as those who are experienced. This is a no phone zone and there will not be access to computers for video gaming.

This club meets on Thursdays in A100.  Space is limited to 20 each Thursday, so make sure to sign-up at lunch each time you want to stay to play! The sponsor is Mr. Burns. 

VA STAR Computer Engineering Club

Refurbish laptop computers for donation to those in need in our school community!  This program meets on Wednesdays on a biweekly basis.

Sign-up at lunch each meeting day. 

December Meeting schedule:

12/05/2018

12/19/2018


Community Happenings

Drama Boosters

Renew Your Membership or Join Today!

The Rambunctious Theatre Company Boosters support the hundreds of middle and high school students participating in theatre productions as well as those taking theatre classes.  The Drama Boosters: host events/outings for theatre students, help feed the cast and crew at production rehearsals and shows, help with show publicity and ticket sales, coordinate summer drama camps, purchase theatre equipment, and provide scholarships to graduating seniors continuing in the performing arts.

As a Booster member, you will enjoy:

  • early access to tickets before they go on sale to the public
  • your name listed in the show programs refreshments at the VIB (Very Important Booster) lounge during show intermission.
  •  AND, the Booster membership fee ($35 per school year) is TAX DEDUCTABLE!

Support the performing arts at Robinson and become a Drama Booster today.

Clink on this link to purchase your membership online.

Click on this link for a membership form, which can be printed and mailed. 

Questions?:  E-mail membership@robinsondrama.org


Counselors' Corner

Welcome to Counselors’ Corner:  an occasional tip sheet from the Robinson Middle School Office of Student Services

angst

Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety

An IndieFlix Original Documentary

Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m.

McLean High School Auditorium

All teens experience some amount of anxiety – it’s a normal reaction to stress. But when temporary worries or fears become pervasive and interfere with relationships, schoolwork and health, anxiety disorders are at play. Anxiety disorders are highly common and highly treatable, yet most who suffer don’t seek assistance. How can we as a community recognize the signs of this mental health epidemic and what resources are available? In their yearlong focus on youth anxiety, the Safe Community Coalition, in conjunction with the McLean High School PTSA, is hosting a free showing of the IndieFlix Original Film Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety on Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m. in the McLean High School auditorium. This important, eye-opening documentary features students affected by anxiety, mental health professionals and Olympic athlete and mental health advocate Michael Phelps in opening up the conversation and providing hope around a topic many find difficult to discuss.

Following the movie, a panel of mental health professionals from McLean High School and the community will lead a panel discussion and question and answer session to provide further information.

This event is free and recommended for 6th grade and up and is expected to be well attended.


Military Child of the Year | Call for Nominations

military

Community Resources

Click here for FCPS Mental Health Resources

crisis

CrisisLink.org


The Middle School Student Services Department contact information:

DSS Assistant/Registrar | Ms. Skold, meskold@fcps.edu | 703-426-2222

7th Grade Counselors

Champions/Eagles | Mr. Herendeen, neherendeen@fcps.edu | 703-426-2225

Comets/Stars | Ms. Malloy, dmalloy@fcps.edu  | 703-426-2226

8th Grade Counselors

Gold/Purple | TBD | 703-426-2214

Green/Red | Ms. Robinson, abrobinson@fcps.edu | 703-426-2215

Social Worker: Ms. Licciardo, kflicciardo@fcps.edu | 703-426-2229

School Psychologist: Ms. King, elking@fcps.edu | 703-426-2213

Special Education Department Chair:  Ms.Hawkins, lrhawkins@fcps.edu


RMS Administrative Contacts:

Chris Farmerie:       8th Grade Principal |  cfarmerie@fcps.edu

Sara Genetin:          7th Grade Principal  | sjgenetinpil@fcps.edu

Jamee Lyons:          Director, Student Services | jalyons@fcps.edu

Mary Aunon:            After-School Program Specialist | mfaunon@fcps.edu   

Bryan Hazard:         System of Support Advisor | bthazard@fcps.edu

Admin