Principal Updates - Week of February 3

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/03/2020 05:30 PM EST

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Be sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/OaktonHS), Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs! Visit our Oakton Accolades page to see our latest student accomplishments.

Important Upcoming Dates

February 3-7: National School Counseling Week

February 3: One Acts

February 17: No School (Presidents' Day)

February 19: Spring Sports Registration

February 24: Spring Sports Begin

February 26: Capital Hill Field Trip (12th Grade)

March 3: School Planning Day (Student Holiday)

March 16-17: Model Congress (12th Grade)

March 18-19: Exhibition of Learning (EOL)

April 6-10: Spring Break

April 13: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)

April 17: Prom

Renovation Update

Curb and paving work continues around the construction areas. This has resulted in slight change of egress for our buses. They will still exit through the Kiss-and-Ride lanes, so please yield as they leave the campus. This helps ensure that all buses are able to drop off all of our students and be on time for their elementary school runs.

A lot of grading and sodding has taken place in the new courtyards. Students will be able to see this progress from the windows in the cafeteria.

Please visit our website for more information on the scope of the renovation and the renderings of what the building will look like when completed.

General Information

Oakton One-Acts

Come out tonight to enjoy dinner and One Act Theatre. Tickets are $10 at the door with dinner starting at 6pm and the shows beginning at 7pm.

National School Counseling Week – February 3-7, 2020

National School Counseling Week 2020, "School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans," will be celebrated from Feb. 3-7, 2020, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.

Fairfax County Public Schools employs close to 700 school counseling professionals, including school counselors, directors of student services, and career center specialists. These professionals are committed to preparing students to become lifelong learners and productive members in a global society with a focus on social emotional wellness, academic success, and college and career readiness. Thank you to all our school counseling professionals for the tremendous work they do!

AVID Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2020-2021 AVID elective course.

The Oakton AVID program is a unique program for 9th– 12th grade students. It is a program that truly will help students “Advance Via Individual Determination.” AVID at Oakton is designed to help students get the most out of their abilities and develop skills that translate directly into success in high school, college/university, and 21^st Century jobs. The skills include: organization, public speaking, critical reading/writing, and creative problem solving.

AVID at Oakton intends to foster leaders in the classroom and in the community. Our goals are that each AVID student graduate high school with an Advanced Academic Diploma and receives acceptance into a four-year college or university. Oakton AVID students are known as students that push themselves in the classroom, work diligently towards their goals, and motivate others by being an example of scholarship.

Students interested in this course next year should complete this application by February 14. https://forms.gle/8aTdp4xVYwYBZSJD8

Questions can be directed to Allison Kline at askline@fcps.edu or Katy Byrd kkbyrd@fcps.edu.

Boys and Girls State Applications

Are you interested in government? Are you looking for leadership opportunities? Consider applying for a slot to participate in the American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Boys/Girls State!

Boys/Girls State is an opportunity to practice and develop leadership skills; to study local and state government; and to live, work, and associate with other young leaders from across the state. Candidates must be of the rising senior class (current juniors) and have an interest in municipal and state government. To get more information and/or an application, please see Ms. Sherrill in trailer 31. You can also visit their website at https://www.vagirlsstate.org/ or https://www.vaboysstate.org/ if you would like to learn more.

Girls/Boys State applications are due to Ms. Sherrill on February 21^st.

Student Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year

Student registration is currently underway! We have concluded registration for rising seniors and are currently meeting with rising juniors. Students can access our online website to highlight the wide variety of courses.

Rising Juniors: Jan. 23- Feb. 5
Rising Sophomores: Feb. 6-Feb. 18
Make-ups: Feb. 19-Feb. 28

We encourage all students to discuss their class schedules with their families to ensure that they are creating a course load that will maintain a healthy balance for students. Families are strongly encouraged to consider not only the academic course load, but a student’s extracurricular and family obligations as well. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor.

For more information on registration and course offerings please visit Oakton's website.

2020 FCPS Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are hosting the 9th annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the variety of experiences available and growing array of gap year opportunities.

The evening will begin with an informational presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair, with representatives from over 40 programs offering gap year opportunities, will take place in the school cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the snow date and location will be Friday, February 7, 2020, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Parent Information

Partners for Safe Teen Driving

All students enrolled in Classroom Driver Education during the 2019-2020 school year must attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD). The 90-minute presentation is connected to successful classroom instruction and must be completed to receive a DEC-District 8 card. The 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation (PSTD) will be offered four times during the school year at Oakton. Students and their parent/guardian should plan to attend the presentation at Oakton during the quarter their student receives driver education.

PSTD meetings at Oakton during 2019/2020 school year:

Mon. February 24^th
Mon. April 20^th

All sessions will run from 7:00-8:30pm in the Oakton Auditorium.

Please bring a pen/pencil and arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be admitted once the presentation begins.

The meeting is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors that have not attended a PSTD night yet. The student and parent must attend one presentation as a part of the VA licensing requirements.

Juniors and seniors who wish to attend must pre-register online through the Adult and Community Education (ACE) office and pay a $30 fee - please see a Drivers Ed teacher for more details.

Sophomores DO NOT need to pre-register. This is not available to freshmen

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

PTSA News and Information

The Pantry at OHS

The Pantry shelves are in need of restocking. The amazon wish list is updated to reflect our current needs. https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PXP0VZH14Y?&sort=default

We also accept groceries bought locally. We have an update on our families’ needs. Please do not donate canned goods except pasta sauce, tuna, and chicken. Canned items are so heavy and with the limited space we have in The Pantry, we aren’t able to accept canned vegetables or other items. If you are interested in shopping locally and need a list of needed items, please see the list at https://oaktonhsptsa.ptboard.com/att/che/48ff4bf4-96c1-4a47-bab8-99666623573e/FillthePantrySupplyListAugust2019.pdf

Thanks so much for your continued support of our community members in need!

All-Night Grad Party Tickets

ONE WEEK LEFT TO GET A DISCOUNTED TICKET AND BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING - Buy Tickets by Feb 10, 2020 to get a $10 discount off the ticket price AND be entered into a raffle for $10,000 extra in Cougar Cash to be used at the All-Night Grad Party and 10 extra raffle tickets for fabulous prizes at the event.

The All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) is on June 4 beginning at 10:00pm and ends at 4:00am on June 5. The ANGP ticket includes everything – food, fun, games and activities! We will feature delicious all-you-can-eat food, casino games, fabulous prizes, mini golf, swimming, sports, games, obstacle course, spa treatments, live entertainment, a lounge, and much, much more!

If you purchase your ticket by February 10, 2020, tickets are $75, using the Coupon Code below. In addition, for anyone who purchases a ticket by February 10, your name will be entered into a drawing for $10,000 in extra Cougar Cash and 10 extra raffle tickets to be used at the event.

Purchase your tickets now by c licking here!

Use this Coupon code at checkout X8WLSEWXHMPR to get the discounted price.

Free or reduced-price tickets are available to students with financial need. Please contact Jen Hogan at JLHogan@fcps.edu for assistance in obtaining a ticket.

For other questions, please contact Cynthia Rutzick or Eli Rainhart at OaktonANGP@gmail.com.

Donate Gift Cards to ANGP

Donate those stray holiday gift cards that you will forget to use to ANGP – and get a lovely tax deduction. ANGP will use the gift cards for prizes at the party. Simply drop your gift card off in the office in an envelope marked ANGP, enclose your name and email for your tax receipt. Thank you for your generosity.

Graduation VIP Seating Raffle Tickets

We are raffling 8 sets of 8 prime seats on each side (each half of the alphabet) in Eagle Bank Arena! Raffle drawing will take place on May 15. Tickets are $5 each, 10 for $40, 20 for $75 and 30 for $100. A limited number of tickets will be sold, so get yours now. Cougar Preferred Seating Packages will not be sold this year. This is the only way to get reserved seats. Tickets can be bought here.

Senior Signs are popping up all over!

Celebrate your senior by purchasing a Home of a Senior Lawn Sign. BUY NOW ANGP is offering FREE DELIVERY to your door (or lawn). All proceeds benefit All Night Grad Party. For more information on ANGP or to buy a ticket, click here ANGP Ticket or Paper Form.

Parent Resources - FCPS

Family Engagement Resources

In FCPS we recognize that when families are engaged in their children’s education, students achieve higher grades, attend school regularly, have better social skills, and go on to postsecondary education. We offer programs, services, and resources that engage families, schools and the community in support of student success.

Find out more here about programs and supports offered in FCPS to build stronger family-school partnerships and better engage families.

Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities

The transition to kindergarten is a big one for kids and can be even more so for children 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 a.m.-noon.

Fostering Protective Factors in Children and Adolescents to Promote Social-Emotional Wellness

Every adult can foster protective factors and build resiliency in children and adolescents.Presented by Ryan Dickerson, FCPS School Psychologist and Jenn Spears, FCPS Mental Wellness Specialist

Topics include:

What does the Fairfax County Youth Survey data show us?
Identifying Protective Factors and Assets (Three to Succeed)
Strategies for building protective factors and assets
Understanding resilience and how to increase your child’s ability to respond to challenges

Thursday, February 13, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Join Dr. Lisa M. Cullins, attending physician in the Emotion and Development Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health for this highly informative workshop. She will provide current research on:

Diagnostic Criteria
Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as manifested in children and adolescents
Treatment Options, Resources and Collaborations

Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon

Parenting Your Teen While Keeping Your Sanity

Learn important strategies to help form a positive relationship with your teen.

Topics include:

Understanding the development of the teen brain
Recognizing ways to create a positive climate in the home
Identifying constructive discipline approaches
Increasing more productive and effective communication strategies

Presented by Michele Tureaud, FCPS Behavior Intervention Teacher.

Friday, February 21, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.

Career and Transition Services Super Transition Saturday

It is never too early or too late to start planning for a successful transition from school life to life as a young adult. Join us to learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities.

Breakout sessions will cover:

In-school as well as postsecondary support services.
Employment and postsecondary education considerations.
Student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.

This event will also include a student/parent panel where members describe their personal experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process. New this year will be the opportunity to sit with professionals well versed in transition planning to answer your questions during the “Ask an Expert” Q & A.

Saturday, February 22, 2020, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School

Adversity and Trauma in Childhood: Building Resilient Communities

In the past couple of decades, there has been an explosion of new understanding about how and why adversity and trauma can reliably predict risks for mental, physical, behavioral health and productivity in the population.

This is great news! What’s predictable is preventable! We can understand how protection, prevention and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health, safety and productivity, as well as reduce public and private costs now and for generations to come.

The presentation includes in-depth information about:

The neurobiological effects of adversity on development.
The impacts of childhood adversity and trauma on population health.
Resilience – what we can all do to improve health and well-being across the lifespan.

Presented by Karen Brown, FCPS Psychologist, Sarah Ince, FCPS School Social Worker and Jenna White from the Fairfax County Council of PTA's.

Friday, February 28, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.

Mind in the Making Series - Currently Full but Waitlist is available

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 p.m.

Session 1: Introduction 1/16/20
Session 2: Focus and Self-Control 1/23/20
Session 3: Perspective Taking 1/30/20
Session 4: Communicating 2/6/20
Session 5: Making Connections 2/13/20
Session 6: Critical Thinking 2/20/20
Session 7: Taking on Challenges 2/27/20
Session 8: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning (3/5/20)

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