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In the gym this month, we will be finishing up with our long-handled implements unit (pilo polo and hockey) and starting our dribbling with hands unit. The younger grades will focus on dribbling with one hand, dribbling continuously and dribbling while moving. The upper grades will spend some time skill building with dribbling, passing and shooting and then move to small sided, lead up games to basketball. Field day is coming up in May (May 30 and 31) and we need volunteers!! Be on the lookout for a half sheet coming home in the Thursday recorder in April and if you’re able to volunteer on that date, we’d love to have you.
The snow days have caused the STEAM lab to fall a little behind, but many groups are close to wrapping up their previous units and moving on to the next!
Kinder will be starting exploring sink v. float through designing a boat to get the Gingerbread Man safely across the river.
1st Grade will be exploring the needs of plants in order to plan how to take care of our school garden once spring comes.
2nd Grade will be researching the needs of Monarch Butterflies to create a 2D/3D model of how our garden should be designed to attract Monarchs for our observation.
3rd Grade just wrapped up their unit on moon phases using stop motioning technology. Ask your child to name the 8 phases of the moon!
4th Grade also just completed a unit on weather tools and were able to successfully build tools using recyclable materials. One of the highlights of the unit was their presentation to the class using the app Flipgrid.
Both 3rd and 4th Grade will be taking a break from large units to focus on critical and creative thinking as their create a homework machine over the next couple weeks.
5th Grade will be learning about how sound works in order to create their own instrument made from recyclables and trash. If you have a 5th grader than WILL be allowed to bring in any additional items they’d like to create their device with the exception of anything made of glass or that is sharp.
6th Grade will be learning about atoms, elements, and the periodic table to help them create a 3D model of an element or two of their choosing .
Ms. Davis’ Art Class
6th Grade will finish up their painting assessment and start making paper monumental hats.
5th Grade will be creating a technical self-portrait with chalk
4th Grade will do a figure sculpture made from wire
3rd Grade will be finishing up clay masks
2nd Grade will be finishing cay animals
1st Grade will do a collage of a place they would want for their family.
Kindergarten will do drawings based off Dr. Seuss’s work
Ms. Clark's Art Class
Kindergarten students painted self-portraits of themselves having a snow day. In March, Kindergarten will be making a city collage from cut paper, and First Grade will explore painting
1st Grade made and glazed pinch pot pottery
2nd Grade began making their pinch pot animals from clay.
3rd Grade also began their clay project – a decorative clay mask.
2nd and 3rd Grades will continue to work with clay. Glazing is their next step!
Preschool will learn art skills while making fun crafts themed around Read Across America day.
Ms. Clark is excited about the many new projects in store as we head toward Spring!
In the Counseling department during the month of March Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Mahler will be teaching grades K-6 about Careers. Depending on their grade level, students will engage in different activities that expand their knowledge about variouscareer fields, how to set goals to obtain a career, and gaging their individual interests through career inventories.
The Counseling department will also be hosting a Career Day on April 3rd from 9:30-11:30am. Students will have the opportunity to hear from speakers talk about their career fields, share information such as educational requirements, their career responsibilities, and what are the typical day and pros and/or cons of the career field. We have started scheduling presenters but if you are still interested in presenting at Career Day please contact Mrs. Mahler (kemahler@fcps.edu
Kindergarten will be continuing to rotate through stations. They will practice writing music notes, creating patterns using instruments, forming notes/symbols using wikky stix/playdough, reading music books, and interacting with games on the smartboard.
1st Grade will be focusing on instrument families. They are learning the characteristics of the 4 main instrument families and how those instruments produce sound.
2nd Grade will be working on instrument families. Expanding on their previous knowledge, students will categorize instruments by how the produce sound and why instruments are grouped in families
3rd Grade is continuing to play recorders. A letter went home recently highlighting the spring recorder concert, including some of the music they are performing. Please make sure your child has a recorder at school.
4th Grade will be learning the Virginia Reel. A time-honored tradition in FCPS, all 4th graders will learn the music and tricky dance moves of the Virginia Reel. They will also be continuing their recorder skills this quarter. Please make sure your child has a recorder at school.
5th Grade will work on their sound unit, in conjunction with Science and STEAM. Students will learn about vibrations, frequency, and waves.
6th Grade will begin their music assessment over the next several weeks. They will be expected to match syllables in text to rhythms and compose a 4-measure melody to make a jingle.
Tina Simons is Aldrin’s Reading Specialist. Mrs. Simons has been a part of our family for two years, worked in FCPS for seven and has been a teacher for twenty-five years. Mrs. Simons absolutely loves to work with students as they grow into the best readers and writers that they can be, so what she does is her dream job!
She and her husband, Ron, moved to Virginia from Florida, where their two children grew up. She is pictured with Gabriel, the youngest of their three grandchildren; his sister, Jessica, is in the 3rd grade in North Carolina and their cousin, Ethan, is a sophomore in high school in Florida. One of her favorite things to do is to spend time with those grandchildren, especially if it’s something outside, like hiking or kayaking! Fun facts: Mrs. Simons is a National Board Certified Teacher, holds 2 Master of Education degrees and has attended eight (8!) different colleges!
 Mrs. Devlin is a native of the D.C. area - born at GW hospital and a graduate of McLean High School. She received an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education at Gettysburg College, followed by a Masters in Education at GWU. She initially taught at the Child Development Center in Falls Church, and then the Lab School in Washington DC. Eventually she realized that I actually wanted to be an Occupational Therapist when she grew up. She then pursued a BS in Occupational Therapy. She saw it as a perfect combination of teaching and clinical sciences – a “specialized teacher."
Mrs. Devlin has two grown sons who have fully launched. Her husband, Patrick, is a happily retired teacher. When not at school she can be found on the tennis court, squeezing in travel, playing handbells, or pursuing any form of outdoor adventure.
 This is Mrs. Dimatulac’s 17th year teaching at Aldrin Elementary School. She grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. She became interested in hearing and speech when she learned about Helen Keller in the 3rd grade from her favorite teacher, Ms. Carey. She initially wanted to become a sign language interpreter or an audiologist, but eventually decided to study speech pathology. She graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. JMU is also where she met her future husband. She will be celebrating her 17th year of marriage this year. Go Dukes!! She received her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati before moving to Michigan to work as a speech pathologist in a hospital, assistive living facility, and an ENT practice. After more than a year in snowy Michigan, she returned to Virginia to begin her career as a school speech pathologist in Fairfax County. She has two boys, one in elementary school and one in middle school. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, reading, listening to music, and trying new recipes.
The PTA/Aldrin Elementary Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Committee will meet at 4:15 pm on Wednesday, March 7th in the Library. Their agenda of topics to be discussed is interesting and timely. Come join us.
Mental Wellness Tips from the Psychologist and Social Worker
It is easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, healthy relationships and encouraging words form adults are all important for helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.
Here are some suggestions on how to nurture your child’s confidence and self-esteem:
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Praise them: Encouraging children’s first steps or their ability to learn a new game helps them develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Allow children to explore and play in a safe area where they cannot get hurt. Assure them by smiling and talking to them often. Be active participants in their activities. Your attention helps build their self-confidence and self- esteem.
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Set realistic goals: Young children need realistic goals that match their ambitions with their abilities. With your help, older children can choose activities that test their abilities and increase their self-confidence.
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Be honest: Do not hide your failures from your children. It is important for them to know that we all make mistakes. It can be very re-assuring to know that adults are not perfect.
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Avoid sarcastic remarks: If a child loses a game or fails a test, find out how he or she feels about the situation. Children may get discouraged and need a pep talk. Later, when they are ready, talk and offer assurance.
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Encourage child: To not only strive to do their best, but also to enjoy the process. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem and new skills.
The yearbook needs more photos! If you have any photos you think would be nice for the yearbook, please email Amanda Davis at acdavis@fcps.edu. Photos with two or more kids faces showing are the best!
Volunteers Needed: Aldrin Career Day
Aldrin Elementary will be hosting a Career Day on April 3rd and are looking for volunteers from 9:30-11:30 am to talk with students about their career fields; sharing information such as education requirements, job responsibilities, a typical day and pros and/or cons of the career field. Volunteers can volunteer for 1,2, or 3 (30 minutes) sessions! Click Here for Career Day Flyer
Please contact Tory Walker, Aldrin School Counselor (tmwalker@fcps.edu) for more information.
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14th Annual Special Education Conference
Supporting Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities
Saturday, April 6, 2019
- 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Registration is open
- Register online or by phone 703-204-3941
Visit https://www.fcps.edu/spedconference2019 for full details about the conference program, list of workshops, and Exhibit Hall.
Each year our keynote presenters draw a wide audience of parents, educators, preservice teachers, and community members eager to hear latest research, strategies, and trends in the education of students with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The Exhibit Hall this year will feature schools who wish to highlight and share the ways in which they support a culture of inclusion.
Mark your calendars now for the 14th Annual Special Education Conference!
STEAM Family Night/PTA Science Fair--April 9th
STEAM Family Night/PTA Science Fair--April 9th
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Come join us on April 9th for an exciting STEAM Night & Science Fair! The Science Fair doors open at 5:30 pm, allowing you to take a look at all the hard work of our young scientists. At 6:00 pm STEAM Night begins. Students will receive a passport at the beginning of the night. As they complete each station they will earn a stamp to be turned in for a small prize. From hands-on activities for all ages to robotics and coding! This year we will even have a Creation Lab run by our very own Mrs. Lewis. Please join us to explore and learn alongside your child.” For more information about STEAM Family Night or to volunteer, contact Mrs. Theresa Reedy at T.Gordon@fcps.edu; for Science Fair, contact Mrs. Hale' Brickhouse at vthale@halebob.net.
Kindergarten Registration/Orientation
Friday, April 5, 2019
1:00 pm, starting in the Cafeteria
Tell your neighbors and friends!
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The Positivity Project Word
for the Week of March 4-8
is "Cheering Others' Success"
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March 7 Diversity & Inclusion Meeting, 4:15 pm--Library
March 8 PTA Family Fun Dance/Silent Auction
March 11 3-Hour Early Release
March 21 4th Grade NSO Field Trip
March 26 6th Grade Art Museum Field Trip
March 28 Forces and Motion Assembly
March 29 PTA Observatory Night, 8-10 pm
March 30 All-County Chorus @ Hayfield Secondary
April 3 Career Day
April 5 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
April 5 Kindergarten Registration/Orientation, 1:00 pm in Café
April 8 3rd Grade Recorder Concert, 9:45 am in Cafe
April 9 Wordmasters
April 9 STEAM Night/Science Fair, 5:30 pm
April 11 AAP Orientation, 8:30 am in Room 113
April 11 SCA Representatives Monthly Meeting
April 15-19 Spring Break
April 23 Wordmasters
April 24 PM Preschool Field Trip to Zoofari
April 25-26 1st Grade Field Trip to Walker Nature Center
April 26 AM Preschool Field Trip to Zoofari
#OTHERPEOPLEMATTER
Twitter: @AldrinEagles
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