Principal's Message 2/1/19 - National Counseling Week, SOL Dates, etc.

Stone MS

Dear Stone Parents and Guardians,

The second semester is off to a great start and our students are settling in nicely to their new schedules.  On Monday, January 28th counselors met with seventh grade students to discuss course options for next year. You should have received a copy of the course selection form for your review and signature.  Please contact your child’s counselor if you have questions or concerns.

Schools are closed Monday, February 4, 2019 for a Teacher Workday.  We will reopen on Tuesday, February 5th.  Students will attend their Odd Block classes. Report cards will also be sent home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.     You can also access your students grades through the SIS System. 

National African American History month had its origin in 1915 under the leadership of historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  In 1975, President Ford issued a message on the Observance of Black History Week urging all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by black citizens.” In subsequent years, Presidents Carter and Reagan continue to issue messages honoring African American History Month. In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244 which designated February 1986 as “National Black History Month.  At Stone Middle School, we continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality.

Again, thanks to all our students, parents, teachers and support staff for an awesome 1st semester and if you have any questions about your student's progress at Stone please do not hesitate to call or email our staff. Contact information is listed on our website,https://stonems.fcps.edu/

Best Regards,
Amielia Mitchell, Principal


National School Counseling Week will be celebrated from Feb. 4th - 8th, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Thank you to our wonderful counselors Ms. Johnson, Mr. Garcia, Ms. Niemiec and Dr. Chapman for all you do to support our Stone students.


SUPER TRANSITION SATURDAY

Planning for Elementary, Middle and High School Students: Start Smart and Finish Strong. This workshop is for parents and educators of students receiving special education services. Learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities. Breakout sessions will cover postsecondary education support services, employment and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success and in-school CTS supports that are available to all Fairfax County Public School students as they progress through the secondary years toward graduation and beyond. This event also includes a student/parent panel where members describe their personal experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process.

Saturday, February 23, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
This event will be held at Luther Jackson Middle School: 3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Register for Super Transition Saturday


EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

Keep in mind, the decision to close school is not a local school decision.  It is made with much care and consideration from the Superintendent’s office.  Please check the Fairfax County Public Schools page at https://www.fcps.edu/ and other media outlets to find out when or if school will be closed.

 

8TH GRADE WRITING SOL DATES
The Virginia Department of Education requires all 8th grade students to take the English Writing Standards of Learning Test (SOL).  The purpose of the testing is to provide information about student achievement in several areas of English Writing.  
The test has two components: multiple choice and direct writing.  To obtain a score your child must complete both components.  Part one, multiple choice will be administered on Tuesday, March 6th and the direct writing will be administered on Thursday, March 8th.   If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this period.


CALENDAR UPDATE

Monday, February 4 – Student Holiday – No School
Wednesday, February 6 – Choral Pyramid Concert
Friday, February 8 – Stone Basketball Game vs Liberty
Wednesday, February 13 – Rising 7th Grade Parent Orientation
Friday, February 15 – Rising 7th Graders visit Stone
Friday, February 15 – All District Choir
Monday, February 18 – President’s Day -No School
Thursday, February 21 – Restaurant Night at McDonalds
Thursday, February 21 – Orchestra Pre-Assessment