Sleepy Hollow Weekly News

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Principal's Note

Dear Parents,

We have a new and exciting structure for the Science Fair this year! On February 25, 2019
in the school gym Sleepy Hollow ES will hold its inaugural Invention Convention on Feb. 25 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. This science event is designed to encourage students to apply basic science skills in a creative and productive manner. Participants are encouraged to identify a need or to solve a problem. The Engineering Design Process can be used by participants to guide their journey. The Engineering Design Process is a series of steps that engineers follow when they are trying to solve a problem and design a solution for something.

Students may participate on their own or as part of a team. Teams should consist of no more than 4 students. Students wishing to participate should return Intent to Invent form found in this week’s Wednesday folder. Students should return this form no later than January 16, 2019 to their classroom teacher.

Thank you,
Mr. Eric T. Johnson
Principal


Fairfax County Public Schools Offers Support to Families Impacted by the Partial Federal Government Shutdown

To support families affected by the current partial federal government shutdown, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will continue its current practice to ensure that no FCPS student will go hungry and will sponsor a hiring event for furloughed federal employees. 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students regardless of ability to pay or temporary financial circumstances. There will be no “lunch shaming” and unpaid balances will be allowed to accrue during this time.

In addition, FCPS will hold a hiring event for furloughed federal employees interested in substitute teaching positions on Friday, January 11, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the FCPS Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042.

“The Fairfax County School Board and I know there are many talented people in our community who work for the federal government,” said Scott S. Brabrand, FCPS Superintendent.  “We want to show support for federal employees who have been furloughed and may be looking for work during the partial shutdown. There is always a need for substitute teachers, and we pledge to work with qualified people to expedite their hiring.

“Additionally, FCPS believes in the benefits of a healthy meal to support academic success in the classroom, and wants to ensure that none of our students comes to school hungry, no matter their family’s economic circumstances.”

Anyone interested in serving as a substitute teacher should complete an application for employment. Individuals interested in attending this event should also complete the Eventbrite registration.  Candidates should bring to the hiring event original documents required for form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.  Background checks are required for all FCPS employees and volunteers. Additional details, including a link to the employment application, can be found online.

Substitutes facilitate the instructional process and contribute to providing for a safe, educationally productive environment at school. Duties may include the planning, delivery, and assessment of classroom instruction along with safety and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting.


teachers

Smooth transition this week for teachers and students after winter break.


encouragement photo

Say Encouraging Words to Your Children every day

  • “I love you”  Say it to them as often as you like.
  • “I like it when you…” Talk about positive aspects of their behavior.
  • “You make me happy”  This makes them feel valuable.
  • “I’m proud of you” They need to hear they are doing a good job, even when it’s hard.
  • “You are special” Let them know their uniqueness is a strength.
  • “I trust you” Building a foundation of trust raises an honest person.
  • “I believe in you” Teach them how valuable they are.
  • “I know you can do this”  Encourage them to never give up.
  • “I am grateful for you” Be specific, this can really make their day.

Digital Citizenship in FCPS

FCPS has many resources for students and parents. One source involves teaching responsible digital citizenship. We have a shared responsibililty to teach our children to develop into safe, responsible and ethical digital citizens. Digital Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior (and its positive and negative impact on self and others) with regard to technology use. To learn more about the topics of digital citizenship, use this topic summary.


Starting in January 2019, SACC Will Open at 8 a.m. When Schools Are Delayed for Inclement Weather

Beginning January 7, 2019, on days when FCPS announces a two-hour delayed opening, School Age Child Care (SACC) centers will open at 8 a.m. for children enrolled in the Before-School session. The one-hour delayed opening of SACC is to provide additional time for road conditions to improve and be adequately assessed, and parking lots and sidewalks to be cleared as needed.

Note: The SACC program is run by Fairfax County Government, NOT FCPS


FCPS Cares Logo

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Sleepy Hollow Elementary staff member who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of Sleepy Hollow faculty and staff members.


Parent Workshops

Mind in the Making Series

The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky, encompasses an evidence-based list of life skills that are essential for children to succeed socially, emotionally and intellectually in the short and long term. In these workshops, participants will learn strategies for improving these skills, their importance in children's lives and activities to promote them. 

Participants may register for one or all of the workshops and do not need to attend the previous class. Registration is limited, please register early. 

All workshops are held at the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA, Entrance 1, Room 100. Language interpreters and accommodations are available upon request by contacting us at 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu

Mind in the Making: Perspective Taking

This is part two of seven in the Mind in the Making series. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Perspective Taking

Mind in the Making: Communicating

This is part three of seven in the Mind in the Making series. 

Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Communicating

Mind in the Making: Making Connections

This is part four of seven in the Mind in the Making series. 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Making Connections

Mind in the Making: Critical Thinking

This is part five of seven in the Mind in the Making Series. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Critical Thinking

Mind in the Making: Taking on Challenges

This is part six of seven in the Mind in the Making series. 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Taking on Challenges

Mind in the Making: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

This is part seven of seven in the Mind in the Making series. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for Mind in the Making: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning


savethedate

January 11- STEAM Assembly
January 15 - Parent Coffee on Internet Safety 9-10:00 AM CANCELLED
January 17 - PTA Meeting, 7-8:30 PM
January 18 - 3 Hour Early Release for Students