Message from Mr. Azimi
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Dear Thoreau Community,
There are exactly three weeks left of the school year for our students and this time is filled with many end-of-year activities such as SOL testing, assemblies, concerts, etc. As a reminder, the last day for students is Thursday, June 13th and dismissal is at 11:15 AM. This Thoreau Matters gives me the opportunity to reflect on the 2018-2019 school year which brought historic change to our school. After the county completed a multi-year renovation and 80,000 square-foot expansion of the school, we welcomed 260+ additional students in August to bring our student population to 1,220+ students. The additional students were welcomed from Luther Jackson as a boundary adjustment was approved by the Fairfax County School Board to relieve Jackson's overcrowded student population. Along with the student increase, Thoreau welcomed over 30 new staff members in order to accommodate the growth in the size of our school. As I look ahead into next year, the 2019-2020 school year will bring even further growth to our school as the grade-levels balance themselves out resulting in approximately 160+ additional students enrolled at Thoreau. Also, there is a need to hire approximately 20 new staff members to compensate for this continued growth. When all is said and done, Thoreau will be home to approximately 1,400 students which is a first for the school in its 60-year history. I look forward to leading our school as we grow into one of the largest middle schools in Fairfax County and remain committed to recruiting and hiring the very best teachers and staff we can find to serve the students of Thoreau.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Sincerely,
Yusef Azimi
Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, May 27th: Memorial Day Holiday
- Thursday, May 30th: Last day of after-school activities and buses
- Friday, May 31st: PTA sponsored 8th grade party, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Monday, June 10th: Yearbook distribution and sales
- Monday, June 10th: 7th grade student celebration, Goat/Turtle teams
- Tuesday, June 11th: 8th grade award ceremony (by invitation only)
- Tuesday, June 11th: 7th grade student celebration, Penguin/Wolfpack teams
- Wednesday, June 12th: 7th grade award ceremony (by invitation only)
- Wednesday, June 12th: 8th grade student celebration
- Thursday, June 13th: Last day of school, 11:15 AM dismissal
Thoreau 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year Award
The entire Thoreau community (students, parents, staff) is welcome to nominate a teacher for the Thoreau Teacher of the Year Award. Nominations can be submitted through this Google form or by completing a written nomination form that can be found in Thoreau's main office. Nominations are due by Friday, May 31st. Criteria for nominations include the following: Innovation, Instruction, and Impact. This monetary prize is sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union.
Previous winners who are current Thoreau teachers:
2018 - Amanda Herlihy
2016 - Wendy Kamen
2014 - Julie Hackenberg
2011 - Missy Galus
2008 - Jodi Griffin
2007 - Ted Loht
  Thoreau's Ovation Ensemble provided musical entertainment on Tuesday, May 21st during the annual Thoreau/NFCU art show.
Thoreau/Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) Art Show
Congratulations to the following student artist winners of the Thoreau/NFCU Art Show:
- 1st place: Elizabeth Viurquez, 3D Explorations
- 2nd place: Selin Mehmed, Cookie Monster
- 3rd place: Juliana Smith, A Young Child's Dream
- 3rd place: Melissa Brown, I Don't Know
- Honorable Mention: Grace Kim, Me
- Honorable Mention: Zoe Pilan, Heated
- Honorable Mention: Ryan McFaiel, Donut
- Honorable Mention: Jose (Paulo) Lebron-Casto, Bull Mask
Thoreau is proud of ALL of our student artists.
Student Services Updates
Academic and Career Plan
During the week of May 27th, Thoreau counselors will meet with 8th grade students to continue their work on their Academic and Career Plan (formerly known as the Student Learning Plan). While this work begins in elementary school, your child will work with their teachers and school counselors throughout their time in FCPS to discover their personal strengths and interests, create goals to help them achieve success, plan for courses that meet high school graduation requirements, and prepare for life after high school. The development of the ACP starts in middle school and is updated regularly through high school as each student's academic, personal, and career goals evolve.
This plan connects to the FCPS strategic plan, supports Portrait of a Graduate attributes, and is also required by Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). VDOE requires that the student's parent or guardian review this plan and provide a signature or verification of review. When reviewing the plan with your child, you can coach him or her to make decisions about college and careers that match his or her personal strengths, interests, and goals, recognizing there are multiple pathways to success. Please visit this link for more information about how to access the plan and provide your electronic signature through a simple verification form.
This letter from Thoreau student services director Rebecca Aguilar gives additional details.
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) Award of Excellence
The Award of Excellence is presented annually by NFCU to a Thoreau student for outstanding service to the school and/or community. His or her name will be engraved on a plaque displayed in the school entrance.
The award is presented to a student who exemplifies the qualities of service and volunteerism within the school and/or community. In order to qualify for the award, a student must submit this application. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of representatives from Thoreau and NFCU. The recipient of the award will be named at Thoreau's annual awards ceremony in June.
Thoreau Letter Award
The Thoreau Letter is an award given based on participation and accomplishments in the following areas: service to the community, academic recognition, extra-curricular activities, and leadership. See this link for details and to apply. Recipients will receive the Thoreau Letter at Thoreau's annual awards ceremony in June.
This is the link to the student services web page.
 Well done to 8th grade student Sophia Manicone
Choral Director James McNamara would like to recognize 8th grade student Sophia Manicone for her accomplishments during the 2018-2019 school year. Sophia did a public service announcement that was filmed in DC this spring for the Substance and Mental Health Administration's national campaign on mental health and drug abuse. She was a part of the Levine Performance Institute, a non-profit community music school in the DC area, where she put on workshops, participated as the lead in the musical Freaky Friday, and a performed in a showcase concert for singers. Sophia was a main character in an episode of a web series that will air next year. Her character was struggling with depression in an episode with an anti-bullying message. Sophia said that middle school has not been what you see in the movies, but a very good experience for her. She hopes to attend a college for the performing arts and be a professional in the field. Congratulations Sophia!
Madison HS Marching Band
Madison Marching Band has announced fees for the 2019-2020 school year. Next year's fees total $385 and are broken down into a $150 deposit, a $200 balance and a $25 shoe fee. Payment can be made through MySchoolBucks.com. Look for the Madison Marching Band logo.
Madison HS Athletics
Madison Athletic Summer Camps
Madison is offering baseball, basketball, field hockey, softball, volleyball and wrestling summer camps. This flyer gives dates, times, costs, grade requirement, and contact information for coaches of each sport. This is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door at Madison before the school year begins.
Madison Fall Sports
Madison's athletics department has released information regarding their fall sports programs. This flyer gives details about a sports physical night, contact information for the coaches of eight sports, and tryout details.
Marshall HS Summer Reading
Marshall HS has posted their summer reading page which provides summer reading assignments for rising 9th grade students. The link to the reading page can be found here.
Thomas Jefferson HSST Open House
Thomas Jefferson HSST is having their annual open house on Saturday, June 1st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Parents and students can register here. The address for the school is 6560 Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Virginia and the contact email for more information is diversity@tjptsa.org.
Viva Vienna Volunteer Service Opportunity
The Rotary Club of Vienna presents the annual Viva Vienna event held in downtown Vienna on Saturday, May 25th - Monday, May 27th. 100% of the net profits go to local, regional and international non-profit organizations. The weekend is free and includes rides, crafts, music, food, a children's stage, and a Memorial Day tribute. Middle and high school volunteers are needed on Sunday, May 26th and Monday, May 27th for general clean-up throughout the site, food court area clean-up, and handing out brochures and maps. See this link to sign-up and volunteer. It is mandatory that all students provide emergency contact information. Questions can be directed to volunteer coordinator Nancy Garcia at nancymgarcia@gmail.com.
This link provides additional details about the event.
Theatre Department Updates
  Shrek the Musical
Congratulations to theatre teacher Virginia Cunningham and the cast and crew of Shrek the Musical for amazing performances, Thursday, May 9th through Saturday, May 11th. The hard work involved in a production of this scale was evident to everyone who enjoyed the show. Well done!
Institute For The Arts (IFTA)
IFTA is an FCPS arts enrichment and academic program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select four classes from a course list of 80 including dance, music, theatre, visual art, and fashion. Students entering grade 9 may take the online Health & PE (HPE9) course and students entering grades 9-12 may take the self-directed Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course as one of their four class choices. Questions should be directed to theatre director Virginia Cunningham at vlcunningha1@fcps.edu.
Thoreau Yearbook News
2018-2019 Yearbook Sales
Have you purchased a yearbook yet?
The yearbook can be purchased at MySchoolBucks.com. Distribution will take place on Monday, June 10th between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Any remaining copies will be sold after the distribution on Monday, June 10th for $40.00 cash, and only as long as the remaining supply lasts.
To check if you've already ordered a copy, go to MySchoolBucks.com or Yearbookforever.com or check your email as both sites email confirmation of your purchase.
2019-2020 Yearbook Committee Application
The yearbook committee has had a fantastic year. We are looking for rising 7th and 8th graders who are interested in joining our dynamic production team. If you like creating projects and are interested in acting, singing, drawing, general art, graphic design, journalism, writing, interviewing, editing, or photography please apply here.
Questions? Please contact Thoreau yearbook sponsor Ms. Galeet BenZion at gbenzion@fcps.edu.
PTA News and Announcements
Volunteers Needed
The school year's end is approaching and that means it will be time to celebrate our 8th graders! The PTA's 8th Grade Party Committee is planning for a fun-filled dance event on Friday, May 31st from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the gym. All 8th grade students are invited to attend this free social event. The committee is requesting help from Thoreau families to make the evening special. Donations of food, paper ware, and small gift cards for door prizes are requested. Please sign-up here if you can contribute. Volunteers are needed to setup and monitor the party. Please sign-up here if you can help.
The 8th grade dance has a tropical theme. There will be a tiki hut, smoothies, and lots of tropical flair.
Contact committee chair Mary Pat Julian at marypatjulian@hotmail.com
Thoreau Food Program
In partnership with the PTA, Thoreau Student Services will be packaging and sending home weekend food bags for families in need. We are looking for donations of non-perishable food items as identified on this Amazon shopping list. For your convenience, these items may be ordered from Amazon and delivered directly to the school. Donations may also be purchased and dropped off in the Thoreau front office to the attention of Director of Student Services Rebecca Aguilar. Gift cards are also greatly appreciated.
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