Tuesday Terragram September 17

Terragram 09-17-19

                                Kindergartners learning to turn and talk


Lockdown Drill Monday

Every school facility in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has in place crisis management and emergency preparedness plans, designed with the help of the school system’s security planning staff, local law enforcement, and emergency management officials. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated. The plans include procedures to respond to critical incidents, like fire and tornadoes, and we practice these drills regularly. Now, we, along with other Fairfax County schools, have formally added an additional drill, called a lockdown drill.

A lockdown is a well-established procedure designed to protect students and staff members in a case in which there might be threats of violence within a school. During a lockdown, students remain in their classrooms or are escorted to classrooms if they are in the halls, and all interior and exterior doors are closed and locked. Once the facility is rendered safe and students are accounted for, the school is returned to normal operation. 

While we have no reason to believe that any threat of violence will arise, it is always best to be prepared. It is important to train students and staff members so that we can effectively implement a lockdown in the event one becomes necessary. Training helps ensure a calmer, more effective lockdown.

To implement this training, our school conducted a lockdown drill on Monday, September 16, 2019. This drill is generally short, typically lasting no longer than a fire drill. It was conducted in collaboration with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security. 

Ms. Trout will continue to keep you informed of safety and security measures in place at Terraset Elementary School. If you have questions, please call 703-390-5600. We appreciate your continued support in these matters.

The next Lockdown drill will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.


Lice Resources for Parents and Guardians

The beginning of school is a great time to provide information to parents and guardians regarding head lice and its treatment. Although lice do not spread disease, they can be a nuisance and cause great concern in the community.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have provided several resources for parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about lice. These  documents are available in English and several other languages at the following links:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/schools
Lice: Treatment and Prevention | Fairfax County Public Schools


Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision and hearing screening of all kindergarten and 3rd grade students will be conducted during school hours during the next few weeks.  The purpose of screening is the early identification of students who may require further evaluation because they have difficulty seeing or hearing at school.

If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, please be sure he/she wears them to school every day. 

Parents will be notified by letter if screening results indicate that further testing is needed.  Vision and hearing difficulties can interfere with learning. Prompt follow-up of a referral is recommended.


FCPS Career Switcher Information Session – October 14, 2019

The Office of Talent Acquisition & Management (TAM) will host a Career Switcher Information Session at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center on Monday, October 14, 2019. This event will give military veterans, community members and anyone interested an opportunity to learn how to become a licensed Virginia teacher.

The information session will begin with presentations from the five approved Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) career switcher programs, Educate Virginia, Old Dominion University, Regent University, Shenandoah University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Troops to Teachers will also present their program offerings to our military veteran attendees. A panel of FCPS educators will share valuable information with attendees, followed by an opportunity to network with the six presenters, the FCPS licensure team and the substitute office.

Event Information Monday, October 14, 2019 @ 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Willow Oaks Administrative Center Building 8270 / Room 1000A

Individuals interested in attending should register here.


Mind in the Making

This week we will kick off our Mind in the Making parent workshops with an Introduction to Executive Functioning. Join us on Thursday, September 19 @ 6-8 p.m. in the Terraset Library. Child care will be provided.Sign up at https://forms.gle/51GS719u45JE2mCx9


AAP

Advanced Academic Programs News

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year!  Diane Standiford, Terraset’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will be presenting information on the levels of service in the FCPS Advanced Academic Program and information regarding the screening and referral process for Level IV services. This information is also located on the Terraset website here and on the FCPS Advanced Academics website. The autumn AAP newsletter can be found here on the Terraset website. If you have questions about AAP services or screening, please contact Ms. Standiford at dkstandiford@fcps.edu

Some calendar dates:

Tuesday, October 08 -Parent Information Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.

Topics: Advanced Academics Levels of Service

Level IV Referrals/Screening Process

Thursday, October 10- Due date for AAP Level IV Referral Forms for new FCPS students ONLY. If this is a consideration, please contact Diane Standiford to clarify the process @ 4 p.m.

Wednesday, October 30- ESOL Parent Outreach Night @ 6:30 p.m.

Topics: Advanced Academics Levels of Service

Level IV Referrals/Screening Process

Thursday, January 09- Due date for AAP Level IV Referral Forms for the 2020-2021 School Year @ 4 p.m.

Referral forms and optional materials from parents (originals and duplicates) are due to Diane Standiford by 4 p.m. If this is a consideration, please contact Ms.Standiford to discuss the process.


P2 Weekly Character Strength

(Calendar) (Character Cards)

This week we are learning about the character strength Curiosity. Curiosity is a crucial component of one's character. Our innate urge for discovery and exploration is a key element of our human desire for wisdom and knowledge.

#OtherPeopleMatter is our motto, hashtag, and the spirit of the movement we are building. 

Stay tuned for more information about the Positivity Project! Students will be learning about 24 character strengths and discussing Teamwork.

Check out this video on the meaning behind #OtherPeopleMatter!


P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff)

Have you seen a staff member go above and beyond for your family or student? Take a moment to fill out this quick form to let us know and say thank you! 

Click here to tell us about a PAWSitively amazing staff member! 


                      FCPS 2019-20 School Year Calendar


TES Looking Ahead

  • Thursday, September 19- Introduction to Executive Functioning @ 6-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 25- Fall Pictures 
  • Tuesday, October 08- Family Life Education Preview Night @ 6 p.m.

  • Tuesday, October 08- Advanced Academics Program Parent Information Night @ 6:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday, October 08- PTO Meeting @ 7 p.m.

  • Monday, October 14- Student Holiday (No School)
  • Friday, November 01- End of First Quarter
  • Monday, November 04- Student Holiday (No School)
  • Tuesday, November 05- Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)

pto

Visit the Terraset PTO website.

Click here to receive the PTO email newsletter.