Principal's Note
Parents.
April is Autism Awareness Month! Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal, and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and some physical health issues. According to reference information from Autism Speaks (https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-facts-and-figures), the Center for Disease Control determined that in 2018 approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- 1 in 37 boys
- 1 in 151 girls
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
- Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
- 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85).
- Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
- Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
- Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
- There is no medical detection for autism.
Even while facing the many challenges of autism, many students with ASD excel academically and socially in school. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) provides important support as needed to students with autism through a variety of services designed to meet their specific academic and social goals. Here at Sleepy Hollow, we strive to do so in a supportive, inclusive but academically and socially individualized, and accepting school environment. Students with ASD are an active and vibrant part of the Sleepy Hollow Community.
On Tuesday to show support, we wore our Autism T-shirts and blue to kick off Autism Awareness Month. We thank all of our families for helping our teachers to provide an exceptional, world-class educational setting for all our students, including those with special needs. This is truly one feature of our school community that makes us so special!
Thank you,
Eric T. Johnson
Principal
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Do you have a child that will be 5 by September 30, 2019? If yes, please join us for our Kindergarten Orientation on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. You can call the main office at 703-237-7000 for details and to get your child added to our mailing list.
Please keep in mind that registration paperwork will not be accepted at Orientation, please call the office to set up an appointment for a separate day to do that. We look forward to seeing you on the 5th.
Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Our Bookworm book fair is one more way you can help your children develop stronger reading skills and a love for reading. SHES book fair sales go directly to SHES and are used to purchase books for the library. Kids will be able to browse the fair with their classrooms on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. Family Buy Night will be held on Tuesday, April 9 and will run from 3:30 to 8:00 PM. Students may also shop with class while at school on Wednesday and Thursday from 9-3.
The Bookworm book fair will also be open from 3:00-4:00 PM on Friday, after the Kindergarten Orientation.
Pennies for Patients
On April 1st we officially kicked off our Pennies for Patients (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) campaign. Last year we raised $3000 and we have made that our goal again for this year. The campaign will run until Friday, April 12th (the last day before Spring Break).
Teachers received student collection boxes and a letter explaining Pennies for Patients should have come home with your child (ren). Students took home their boxes and are encouraged to start bringing change/dollar bills as soon as they are collected.
As in previous years, we have a big thermometer in the front hall so we can graph how much change we have collected.
In addition, we are doing the online component this year. This means that you can create a fundraiser link through Facebook so that your family and friends who don’t live nearby can contribute to our campaign.
How to get involved online: visit: https://events.lls.org/pages/nca/Sleepy-Hollow-Elementary-School-Falls-Church-2019 and click “Join Your School Team” on the right. Fill out your child’s information to receive their unique fundraising URL. Share this URL via email and social media.
Below are some videos/links that you can watch to build your understanding around what we are truly raising money for.
Videos for students, parents, and their posts:
A great example of the kinds of research being funded: Fire with Fire
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 We value your opinion so much that we are sending out a special reminder for you to complete the FCPS Family Engagement Survey.
On March 24th, you received an FCPS Family Engagement Survey!
Please complete the survey letting us know how we are doing in the areas of
- communicating,
- providing you opportunities to partner,
- developing positive relationships,
- ensuring student success and more.
The information we learn from you will help us strengthen family engagement and continue fostering a Caring Culture throughout FCPS.
There are 3 ways you can complete the survey.
- Check your email for an invitation sent with a survey link from Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent with subject line: FCPS Family Engagement Survey.
- Ask the front office staff for a paper survey. You can complete it right there on the spot.
- Complete the online survey using one of the school iPads or computers. The office staff would be happy to show you an available computer for you to complete the survey electronically at the school.
For a direct link to the survey click HERE
We honor your opinion and commitment to your child and our schools. We strive to make it a better place for ALL!
2019 Special Ed Conference
FCPS will hold its 14th Annual Special Education Conference this Saturday, April 6, 2019. This year's conference focuses on building inclusive and post-secondary practices to support the development of 21st Century skills and Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes. Highlights include:
- New: Self-Determination Student Strand for FCPS youth with disabilities, ages 14 -22. This 4-hour session led by I’m Determined Youth Leaders includes interactive activities and networking with other participants.
- Concessions will be available for cash purchase throughout the day
- FCPS educators who attend the entire conference can earn five recertification points
- This year’s conference focuses on building inclusive and post-secondary practices to support the development of 21st Century skills and Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes
- Visit the conference website for details, a list of workshops and exhibitor information.
View the Conference Flyer
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
This event will be held at Lake Braddock Secondary School, 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015
Register for the 2019 Special Education Conference
Register for the Self-Determination Student Strand for FCPS Youth
 The first grade classes learned about Fire Safety this week. Our local firefighters came in to SHES to talk with our students.
Student Placements for 2019-2020 School Year
While it is still early to be thinking ahead to next year, we want to give you information about class placements for the 2019-20 school-year ahead of time.The staff at Sleepy Hollow work hard to place students in an optimal learning situation each year. If you have some information that would help us make those decisions, please send your comments in writing to Mr. Johnson by May31st. Please do not list teacher names. Rather, describe the learning environment in which your child learns best.
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Bring ID!
Please don't forget to present your Photo ID when checking your student out of school! You will also need your ID when visiting the school. Thanks for your cooperation!
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SOL Testing Calendar for May 2019
(3rd -5th Grades)
April 4 - First Grade Fire Safety
April 5 - No School for Students; Kindergarten Orientation 1:00-3:00 PM
April 10 - Grade 4 to Jamestown
April 12 - Report Cards Go Home
April 8-12 - Book Worm Book Fair, April 9th Book Fair Open Until 8:00 PM
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