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Volume 3, Issue 18; January 11, 2020
Happy New Year!
Welcome back, Flint Hill families! We are excited to embark on this new decade of learning, and at Flint Hill we are renaming it "The Rigorous Twenties!" Stay tuned for more information about our approach to cognitive rigor across all classrooms!
Tech Talk
The holidays often mean introducing new devices into our homes and into our children’s hands. As devices get more sophisticated, what should parents be thinking about before giving their children these new products?
Check out this recent article from FCPS, in partnership with Fairfax County Government.
Counselor Corner
Our Executive Function focus for the month of January is Staying on Track. With the new year just beginning, this is a great time to reflect and think about the things we want to accomplish moving forward. Often, we seek to set goals or resolutions, because in setting new goals, we hope to improve our life in some way. And, as with any goal or aspiration, we may face challenges, lose motivation, or fall back into old habits, but it is important to reflect on how we can stay the course and not forget what it is we want to accomplish!
To remain "on course" at school, we practice mindfulness. "Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us." There are many benefits to incorporating mindfulness practices into the classroom, and throughout this month, we are working on teaching our students to take a few minutes each day to “check in” with themselves and reflect on their day. This small gesture can have a big impact in the classroom, as well as outside of school, and can lead to the following:
- Increased focus and alertness
- Thoughtful, productive, and positive interactions between peers and adults
- Reduction of anxiety and stress
- Self-awareness and understanding of feelings and emotions
To help our students practice mindfulness while they are at school, we emphasize slowing down and taking deep breaths. Mindful breathing allows us to focus attention on the present moment, leading to improved academic performance.
Are you interested in continuing mindful practices at home? You can download a mindfulness toolkit here!
Need more help furthering executive functioning skills at home? Please contact our counselors, Amy Williams and Lorraine Tran for additional support!
Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities
The transition to kindergarten is a big one for children and can be even more so for students with disabilities. Please join us to discuss how parents can collaborate with FCPS to ensure their students have a smooth transition to Kindergarten.
Presentation Highlights:
- How are special education services provided in Kindergarten?
- What does the continuum of services look like?
- Overview of the reevaluation process
- What happens at the transition IEP?
- Transportation for school age children
Presented by Kurt Soderstrom and Laurie Andrews, FCPS Special Education Preschool teachers.
Friday, February 7, 2020, 10 am-12 pm
Register for Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities
Mind in the Making Series
At this workshop, you will learn the research behind the Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. Learn strategies for improving these skills, the importance of them in children’s lives, and activities to promote these evidence-based executive functioning skills. *Registration includes attendance at all sessions, 6:30-8:30 pm
• Session 1: Introduction – January 16, 2020
• Session 2: Focus and Self-Control – January 23, 2020
• Session 3: Perspective Taking – January 30, 2020
• Session 4: Communicating – February 6, 2020
• Session 5: Making Connections – February 13, 2020
• Session 6: Critical Thinking – February 20, 2020
• Session 7: Taking on Challenges – February 27, 2020
• Session 8: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning – March 5, 2020
Register for the Mind in the Making Series
DedicatED
Ready, Set, Read!
To enlighten you about some of the "hot topics" in education, here are a couple of articles for you to peruse:
What You Read (Last) Year
Mindfulness, Play, and Motivation were at the top of the 2019 list!
What Will We Be Reading This Year
See if you agree with the selections!
(excerpted from Usable Knowledge, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2019-2020)
 We continue to highlight learning experiences that support the acquisition of Portrait of a Graduate attributes and skills across our classrooms.
Our gardens, much like our students, are resilient throughout the winter! Thank you, Ms. Taylor, for your support of our students as they collaborate with you to help grow these delicious veggies!
For more information on Portrait of a Graduate, ask your child how they are a communicator, collaborator, critical and creative thinker, goal-directed and resilient individual, or ethical and global citizen. Or, click here!
Please click on our hashtag, #FHESfamily, for more awesome highlights from Flint Hill! There are just too many to highlight them all!
Tweet, tweet, Flint Hill family!
Please Mark Your Calendars!
Great news! Flint Hill Elementary School's events are now easily added to your own personal calendar. To find out how to download our calendar feed, please go here.
Wednesday, January 15th: Luther Jackson Level IV 6th Grade Student Visit
Tuesday, January 21st: Luther Jackson Middle School Parent Orientation
Thursday, January 23rd: PTA General Meeting, Cafeteria, 9:30 am
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Falcon Feedback
To provide feedback directly to Ms. Hertzberg, please use the QR code, or click on this link. Thank you, in advance, for sharing your thinking!
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