Invention Convention is Almost Here!

When: February 24, 2020. SHES Gym 6:00-7:00pm

Students can still participate! Have your child pick up a registration form from Mrs. Collins. It is not too late to be inventive!

We need volunteers to make this event as successful as possible. Volunteer opportunities can be found be clicking on the following link

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AA8AA2CA5FD0-invention

If you have any questions please reach out to Jenny Collins by email -  jacollins2@fcps.edu. We are excited to see our inventors’ creations.

We Have a Little Library !

You may have seen the new Little Free Library located next to the SHES outdoor classroom. It was a wonderful gift to our school and community from the Little Free Library organization https://littlefreelibrary.org/. This little library is a place to inspire readers as students and other people in our school community borrow a book to enjoy. The books do not need to get checked out; instead, people can feel free to select a book (and not be concerned if it doesn’t get returned!) or to leave and give away an appealing book that someone else might enjoy. It’s like a book exchange! The titles that are in the Little Free Library will change daily; we have started out with some books in Spanish and Vietnamese as well as English and hope more will be added. Take a book, share a book. Please direct any questions to our librarian, Barbara Oswalt, or to the school’s front office. Enjoy!

Boost Your Health: Wonderful Winter Nutrition Tips

According to Scholastic (2020), follow the tips below to boost your family’s health.

1. Teach your kids to "Eat the Rainbow" every day. This is a fun way for kids to get the nutrition they need. Kids love to keep track of all the colors they eat during the day — even green!
2. Take the Just One More for Healthy Living pledge as a family. Studies indicate families have higher success rates achieving healthier lifestyles when they work together.
3. Get the kids involved. When children have a role in meal planning, they are more inclined to eat it. Get them excited about the process!
4. Incorporate 30 extra minutes of activity into each day. This doesn't have to be 30 consecutive minutes. Try parking in the farthest parking spot at the mall parking lot, taking the stairs, or walking the dog an extra block.

For more tips, click here.

Scholastic Parenting Staff. (2020). Colorful Cooking. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/easy-recipes-for-kids/colorful-cooking.html 

Register Now for our March Workshops

Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School

• What is Special Education?
• How do children qualify for services?
• What is Least Restrictive Environment?
• What is the difference between accommodations and modifications?
• What is an IEP?
• What are the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members?
• How can I work with the school team to develop an IEP?
• How do I advocate for my child at school and in the IEP process?

Presented by Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of the FCPS Parent Resource Center and Susan Kannengiesser, FCPS Procedural Support Liaison.

Friday, March 6, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. *Will be recorded for our YouTube Channel

Register for Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School

Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know Talking with your teen or young adult can be challenging. Having meaningful, ongoing conversations about drugs and alcohol, however, is key to helping keep your son or daughter healthy and safe.

Presentation Highlights:

• Current trends in substance use and abuse
• Image of substances on physical and emotional development
• Paraphernalia display and discussion
• Tools for parents

Presented by Brian Maslowski, FCPS Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education teacher.

Friday, March 20, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.

Register for Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know 

Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood

A recent survey of young adults in the US reported that nearly 45% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 now live with their parents - even though they are employed.

This session will provide:

• 10 Tips to help launch your young adult successfully into adulthood
• Strategies to teach your child “soft” employment, money management and communication/self-advocacy skills.

Presented by Dr. Amy Fortney Parks, LPC, ACS, Owner of The Wise Family Counseling & Assessment Services in Alexandria and Arlington.

Friday, March 27, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. *Will be recorded for our YouTube Channel

Register for Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood

Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving

Learn fun activities for the whole family to get your child moving while reinforcing a wide range of skills needed to be successful in physical education and recreational pursuits. Participants will receive “A Parents Guide to Physical Activity, Book 1”.

You will learn how to:

• Motivate your child to be physically active, burn some energy, enjoy exercise, and interact as a family
• Have fun as a family while practicing physical, cognitive, and social skills needed to be successful in PE:
• Taking turns and following rules
• Participating in group games and interacting with peers

Presented by Phyllis Orner, FCPS Adapted PE Specialist, Manda Tirado and Christy Slone, FCPS Adapted PE Teachers

Friday, March 31, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.

Register for Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving