April 10, 2019 | Issue 31
Important Upcoming Dates
April 12 (Friday): Author, Barney Saltzberg, to visit K-2nd Grade
April 15-19: No School, Spring Break.
April 23 (Tuesday): 6th grade panoramic picture (outside on the hill at 9:30 am)
April 26 (Friday): Class and Individual Pictures in the gym (no envelopes go home prior) all students will receive a proof and parents can order class picture at that time too.
April 27 (Saturday): Spring Fling.
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!
Author Visit
On April 12, students in grades K-2 will be listening to a presentation by award winning author Barney Saltzberg. He has written many children’s books including Crazy Hair day, Star of the Week, and Beautiful Oops! Our Art teachers are collaborating with the library to offer this exciting opportunity. In advance of his visit, students are able to purchase one or more of his books to have signed by the author that day. We are working with Barnes and Noble as a fundraiser to support the library. 20% of the profits from the sale of these books will go directly to the library. Please consider making an order today!
Questions? Contact your librarians. Kimberly Adams:kmadams@fcps.edu or Katie (Graap) Marmol: kegraap@fcps.edu; or call 703-645-6322
http://mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2018-19/flyers/geninfo/saltzberg.pdf
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PURPLE UP! for Military Kids on Friday, April 12th!!
Each year our nation designates April as the Month of the Military Child to recognize and thank children from military families for the sacrifices they make living the military lifestyle. During the month, one day is selected as the day to “Purple Up! For Military Kids” and all are encouraged to wear purple in recognition of the strength and sacrifices of military connected youth (MCY). Why purple? Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue. This year Purple Up day will be celebrated at Mantua Elementary on Friday April 12, so grab something purple, and let’s show Mantua’s Military Children our support!
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Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
We Celebrate our Teachers May 8th! Every year we ask parents to join in on the fun. Each Family and Grade is asked to bring different items for a wonderful luncheon. The attached link has information on how you can be part of this tradition!
Be part of this tradition!
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Color Cycling
Starting next week, Mrs. Amaya and Ms. Páez will be collecting used markers (can be dried out or just not being used anymore). At the end of the year, they will be sending them to Crayola who will recycling them. Boxes will be setup around the school to collect markers. Markers will be collected through June 7 since we will have to pack them and send them off. Thank you for your help.
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SAVE THE DATE Mantua Spring Fling!
The Spring Fling will be held Saturday, April 27th from 11am - 3pm. Join us for bounce houses, jousting, a velcro wall, tons of games with prizes, snacks, pizza, popcorn, a dunk tank, the ever popular Cake Walk, our Silent Auction, and our Mantua Marketplace!
More info will be posted in the coming weeks on how to volunteer your time to help make this event a success!
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Mantua Spring Fling -
Volunteers Needed!
My favorite day of the year is almost here! The Mantua Elementary school Spring Fling! Please consider volunteering so we can make this day just extra! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baea728a7f85-spring These jobs are not hard, but we need the people power to have this super amazing day!
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BREAK OUT YOUR MIXING BOWLS!!
The spring fling is coming up... and we need LOTS of cakes for the cake walk! please consider donating a cake (or cupcakes, cookies, donuts, or brownies) to the spring fling on Saturday, April 27. donations do not need to be elaborate... or even homemade!! ... the kids will be excited to win any sweet treat!
Donations can be dropped off at the school:
- Friday, April 26, 8:45-9:20am (kiss-and-ride line)
- Friday, April 26, 4:00-6:00pm (cafeteria)
- Saturday, April 27, 9:00-11:00am (gym)
suggested donation: one cake, six cupcakes or donuts, one dozen cookies or brownies
please send all donations on disposable plates. and to allow students with food allergies to participate in the cake walk, please label cakes (i.e., yellow cake with chocolate frosting) and provide ingredient lists (if possible).
Contact sara taylor (saramtaylor@mac.com) with any questions! THANK YOU!!
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THIRD QUARTER ISSUE OF THE BANDIT HAS BEEN RELEASED!
Please inquire your child’s homeroom teacher to share the files of the 3RD Quarter’s digital student newspaper, The Bandit, released on 4/3! Articles include current events, restaurant reviews, and advice columns!
We really hope you enjoy reading it – all our contributors worked really hard on it and did such an amazing job!
Thank you all very much!
Ms. Dunfee, Ms. Roberts, Mrs. Hong, and #TheBanditSquad
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Thomas Jefferson Open House
Saturday, June 1, 2019
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn about TJHSST’s academic programs the admissions process
Talk to TJHSST students, staff, parents, alumni Register at http://tinyurl.com/TJHSST-Open-House
GLOBALPlus Spring Break Culinary Camp
Kids in Grades 2-5 can explore the world through language, culture, and cooking this Spring Break. During the morning session, children will have French, German, or Spanish language and culture lessons. In the afternoon session, children will learn to cook an assortment of international foods. Parents can choose the morning session only, afternoon session only, or the full day camp.
Dates: Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
Cost: Morning Session only (9am-12pm) $249 Afternoon Session only (12:30pm-3:30pm) $279 Full Day (9am-3:30pm) $499 10% sibling discount available
Location: Plum Center, 6815 Edsall Rd., Springfield, VA 22151
Register at http://bit.ly/GLOBALPlus and click on "Spring Break Camps" from "Classes Offered In" menu on left, or call 703-658-1201 Questions? Contact Susie Eister at globalplus@mantuapta.org
http://mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2018-19/flyers/geninfo/gpsb.pdf
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Frozen Treats
The weather is warming up and some students want to bring frozen treats to share with their class for their birthday. The school is not prepared to store frozen treats. If you wish to bring frozen treats for your child’s birthday, please pack them in a cooler and be sure the cooler is labeled with your name. Please coordinate with your student’s teacher any time you are bringing in birthday treats.
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A School Bus Safety Reminder!
All vehicles MUST STOP when a school bus has its lights flashing, the stop sign and safety arm extended, and students loading or discharging. Recently, I’ve visited several communities where motorists are violating the law and jeopardizing our students’ safety.
Our FCPS Office of Transportation Services (OTS) just completed a two-week bus driver survey designed to identify areas in the county where motorist violations are prevalent. OTS has begun piloting the use of extended stop arms to increase visibility to motorists and create a longer barrier across the road.
School Bus with Extended Safety Arm
Fairfax County Elementary and Middle School Science Fair
The 6th Annual Fairfax County Elementary and Middle School Science & Engineering (FCSE) Fair will take place on Saturday May 11, 2019 at George Mason University.https://www.fcsefair.com The FCSE fair will accept projects in the areas of Life & Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering.
Students are expected to keep a journal documenting the progress of their investigation. Students must prepare a trifold poster board of their project for the fair. Rules & Guidelines can be found at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/d54dde_7bfe491853294c92b4c088b054153cfc.pdf The FCSE fair has several requirements in advance of project start and submission this year, including a checklist, research plan/project summary, and an approval form. The FCSE fair will be following the rules of Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF); more information about Intel ISEF is available at: http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef.
Project registration occurs in late March-early April. Cost is typically $120 divided evenly by all school participants.
19th Annual Raccoon Run
The Annual Raccoon Run is a 5K Race and Mile Fun Run. Saturday, May 11 at 8am. Join Rocky and the Kids Care for this annual event to benefit Inova LIFE with CANCER.
Details and REGISTRATION:
www.raccoonrun.org or contact Jennifer Lewis-Cooper, jalcooper@aol.com, 703.966.8304 if you have questions or would like to volunteer.
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Summer Camp
Camp at The Fieldhouse
Fieldhouse camp is a great way to keep kids active throughout the summer. They provide a safe and enjoyable place for parents to leave their children during the day while they work. Kids will have the opportunity to try a new sport or continue playing the ones they love. Camps are for kids ages 4-14 years old and run from 9a-5p.
http://mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2018-19/flyers/geninfo/fieldhouse.pdf
West Springfield High School
Girls Basketball Camp
West Springfield High School will be hosting a girls basketball camp June 17 – 21 for rising 3rd thru 9th graders. All levels of play and camp runs 9 AM – 3PM. Any questions contact Coach Gibson at: wrgibson@fcps.edu or 703-913-3873.
https://westspringfield.rschoolteams.com/page/3037
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Overtime Athletics Summer Camp
Overtime Athletics runs a summer camp at Little Run Elementary and they are offering Mantua a discount through the PTA! In addition, for every child that signs up using this code, the PTA will receive $10! Thank you!
Shopping Online?
Anyone (parents, family and friends) who shops on Amazon can effortlessly earn money for Mantua ES by simply using a special Amazon link on Mantua PTA website. No sign-ups or codes required, no loyalty cards to manage - just click, shop, and watch the contributions to Mantua ES come in! Help us cast a wider net by sharing the links with friends and family. Go to http://www.mantuapta.org and click the Amazon link before beginning your shopping and Amazon will donate to our school. The link is located in the upper right corner of PTA website and also further down under "passive fundraising".
New this year: Looking to buy a Chromebook?
New this year! Looking to buy a Chromebook? Dell will donate 5% of your purchase to Mantua Elementary, plus free shipping and price match guarantee! Just use this special link: www.dell.com/MantuaPTA
http://www.mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2018-19/flyers/fundraisers/passive/dell.pdf
Reminder About Early Dismissals
As shared in the first day folders, children will not be called out of class for early dismissal after 3:40pm and cannot be released to anyone other than a parent unless that person is on the emergency care card. The exception to the emergency care card requirement would be a release authorized by the
parent through an email to MantuaElem.Attendance@fcps.edu received prior to 1pm that day. For “play dates” email or notes from parents of both the visitor and the host will be required for students planning to go home with a friend or neighbor after school. Students without corresponding email or notes will follow their typical dismissal plan.
There is a new direct email link on the Mantua ES Website for reporting dismissals and absences to https://mantuaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form
Translators
Translators comprise another vital part of our outreach efforts. We want every Mantua ES family to feel included and connected—should families need to have a document translated into their native language, our volunteers are here to help!
- للحصول على نسخة مترجمة للغة العربية، نرجو الإتصال بالأخت بدرية كفالة على هذا الإيميل: cbn@mantuapta.org . If you need to have a document translated into Arabic, please email cbn@mantuapta.org .
- Если вам необходимо перевести документ на русский язык, пожалуйста обращайтесь к Анне Жердецкой или Виктору Жердецкому по электронной почте: cbn@mantuapta.org или cbn@mantuapta.org . If you need to have a document translated into Russian, please contact Hanna Zhardzetskaya and Viktar Zhardzetski.
- 혹시 한국어로 번역된 자료가 필요하시면 좌승관씨에게 연락주세요(cbn@mantuapta.org.) If you need to have a document translated into Korean, please contact Lisa Libby.
- Para obtener una copia en Espanol favor de contactar a Lisa Libby at cbn@mantuapta.org. If you need to have a document translated into Spanish, please contact Lisa Libby.
Email Lisa Libby at cbn@mantuapta.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer as an ambassador or translator with Mantua ES’s Community Building Network.
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