Robinson Student Ram Blast, Week of February 17, 2020

STUDENT RAM BLAST

Providing students and parents with important updates and reports of events and happenings in the middle school.

Scholastic Art Award Exhibit at NOVA

Congratulations to Robinson’s gold key and silver key award winners as their artwork will be exhibited at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernest Community Cultural Center in Annandale from February 15th to March 21st with an awards ceremony on Wednesday March 6th.

To take a look at the work of Robinson's 27 award winners, follow the link below.

https://robinsonss.fcps.edu/node/4685

National Honor Society Tutoring Opportunity

Robinson high school’s National Honor Society is offering tutoring as a service beginning on Monday, February 24 (Go Out And Learn – GOAL). If your child is interested in receiving help on Mondays after school, please have your child complete the Google Form using the link provided. The student has to complete the form since an fcpsschools.net email is required on the form. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Mosteller, NHS co-sponsor, at lbmosteller@fcps.edu. Thank you so much!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0AjnKM7gaFUhuFlr8LfhRh3hJdw7-copiJ57BIHlWxXyn2Q/viewform


After School Activities

Explore, Create, and Connect!

Students should check their grade level google classroom site for updates.

Activity Sign-up Procedure: 

Most activities are "open" and allow students the flexibility to select a different activity each day. Students sign-up on the café stage during their lunch period each day they plan to stay after. Select programs require registration due to program design. (Click here to view programs requiring registration). Return completed forms to sub school office or directly to Ms. Aunon in the café during lunch periods.

Helpful Links

View the Robinson After School Program Website

Review program guidelines, hours, activity descriptions, registration forms for specific programs, and sponsor contacts. 

3rd Quarter Schedule

A great planning tool with start dates posted for most new activities.

Options for viewing the daily activity schedule and meeting locations:

Activity Calendar (Also posted on student grade level GC site)

TV screen in each sub school locker bay.

Posted on Twitter @RobinsonSSNews  (Late bus days)

Cancellations will be announced during lunch periods, posted on the TVs in each locker bay, grade level google classroom sites, and on school Twitter feed. Activities are subject to change due to facility use and staffing changes.

School Contact: Mary Aunon, ASPS | mfaunon@fcps.edu


Activity Updates

A few programs are highlighted below, but make sure to check the daily calendar for the daily schedule! Scroll to see new activity options and use the 3rd Quarter Schedule (link above) to help you plan your time after school.

Basketball  New!

Boys Program

Contact: Boys Varisty Coach Gildea | bjgildea@fcps.edu

basketball

Girls Program

Contact: Girls Varsity Coach Dade | tjdade@fcps.edu

bball

Ceramics Club  New!

Last chance to register!

Middle school ceramics club will provide students with an introduction into the basic techniques of hand building and wheel work. Students will learn to create functional pottery and sculptural forms while studying the aesthetics of historical and modern-day masters. Space for two students.

Program details and dates are on the Registration Form.

Meets on Mondays in E104 | Late buses available

Classic Cinema Club

Join the Classic Cinema Club in Rm. A114 on Thursday, Feb. 20 for the romantic adventure, The Princess Bride. Westley battles kidnappers, rodents of unusual size, a fire swamp, and even death itself in pursuit of his beloved Buttercup.  Inconceivable, isn’t it?  Sign-up on 2/20 to attend.

Sponsor Contact: Mr. Walker | dmwalker@fcps.edu

Eco Club

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Trex challenge!

Trex Challenge Weight Tally: 250 lbs.

We are competing with other schools across the country to collect the largest amount of plastic bags and overwrap. Instead of taking these plastics back to the store recycling bins, bring them to us! 

Collection bins are located in A203, B107, and E106A. 

The ECO club meets each Thursday in A202 and is open to all students.

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Riddick | amriddick@fcps.edu

Educators Rising Club New!

Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization that fosters the development of a student’s interest in exploring the pathway to careers within education. The organization supports the Teachers for Tomorrow programs taught at the high schools and offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in these activities.

Interest meeting March 2nd during RAISE in D101

Come hear about all the fun and exciting activities we have to offer!!

To attend meeting: Sign-up at lunch week of 2/24 and pick-up your pass in your sub-school office on 3/2 to give to your teacher.

Program Dates: Wednesdays; March 18 - May 6 | 3:00 - 4:25pm

Location: D101 | Sponsor: Ms. Porter, dbporter@fcps.edu

Registration Form


Field Hockey New!

field hockey

Coach Contact: Coach Arnsmeyer | laarnsmeyer@fcps.edu


Football Conditioning Program

This after school conditioning and weight training program is designed for middle school students interested in playing football at Robinson. The program will be offered on Mondays and Thursdays. Late bus service available both days, departing at 4:45pm.

Please note: Parent permission is required to participate due to the equipment use in the high school weight room. The completed permission form must be returned to Mrs. Aunon or the SS office before participation. Students may begin this program at any point in time and may attend when available.

Contact: Coach Arena | paarena1@fcps.edu

Homework Club

Do you prefer to work on your homework in a quiet setting before heading home or need access to media center resources? Sign-up for Homework Club each late bus day you plan to stay. Space is limited to 20 students. Students meet in a classroom by 3:00pm for a snack before heading to the media center. Check the google calendar for meeting locations.

Sponsor Contacts: 

Monday | Ms. O'Brien, oeobrien@fcps.edu

Wednesday | Ms. Malloy, dmalloy@fcps.edu

Thursday | Ms. Williams, ejwilliams2@fcps.edu


Lens Photo Club  New!

lens

The lens club is a photography-based club where students can explore identity, storytelling, current events, science, and history through the medium of photography. Any level of expertise is welcome. Students may use any type of camera they wish—even cell phone cameras! Students will leave Lens club with a better understanding of self, the world, and how to use their camera/gift. We will cover photographic technique, lighting, editing, sharing, and more!

Spring Session: LENS Club will meet every Monday for ten weeks in room A122.

There is no cost to join LENS Club! LATE BUSSES WILL BE PROVIDED.

Start date: Monday, 3/2, End date: Monday, 5/18

Registration Form

Registration closes Friday, February 28 or when spots are filled.

Sponsor: Alyssa Hard | amhard1@fcps.edu


Robotics  New!

Interested in engineering and design thinking? Learn basic programming skills and problem solving strategies by working in teams to design, build, and program Lego robots. Students with all levels of experience are welcome!

Meeting Dates: Wednesdays | 1/29 - 5/27/20; 3 - 4:25pm

Return completed registration form to SS7/8 office or to mfaunon@fcps.edu.

Sponsor: Mr. Arndt, dkarndt@fcps.edu

Soccer Referee Certification  New!

The Robinson After-School Program, in partnership with Braddock Road Youth Club, will host a class for new soccer referees beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The class will meet for three days from 3:00 to 5:15pm in 513 and on the upper turf soccer field. Cost is $80.00. This class is open only to Robinson students aged 13 and older. Parent pick-up is required all three days at 5:15pm.

  • Tuesday, February 18 | 3:00 – 5:15pm
  • Wednesday, February 19 | 3:00 – 5:15pm
  • Thursday, February 20 | 3:00 – 5:15pm

The referee class fulfills the US Soccer Federation certification requirement for serving as a soccer referee for local soccer clubs including Braddock Road Youth Club, Annandale Boys and Girls Club, Fairfax Police Youth Club and others. Referees are paid for each game that they are assigned to officiate.

Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited to the first 25 students who enroll. Students should see Mrs. Aunon if interested once registered online.

Register and pay online at www.vadcsoccerref.com NO LATER THAN Saturday, February 15, 2020. Use code 0218.

Prior to the first class, candidates must complete online instruction sessions.

For additional information, please contact John Davis at john.davis@refsoccer.net

VA STAR Computer Refurbishing Club

All students are welcome! Sign-up during lunch periods on the café stage each Wednesday you plan to stay. This program meets in the library and late buses depart at 4:45pm.

Here are the dates for our meetings in the Winter/Spring:

Feb 26th - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

March 4th - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

March 18th - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

April 1st - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

April 15th - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

April 29th - work on A+ Certification and restart refurbishing computers

May 13th - Last meeting

Distribution Dates TBD

Volleyball  New!

volleyball

Coach Contact: Coach Williams | ejwilliams2@fcps.edu

Yearbook Orders

yearbook

PAYMENT:

1. To use a credit card to order your yearbook, call 1.866.287.3096 or go to

www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and use order number 5050

2. Use My School Bucks

QUESTIONS:

Contact the Yearbook Adviser Adrienne Forte at AMForte@fcps.edu


Rams Looking Ahead

February 14 - 16 | Cinderella, Russell Theatre (see details above)

February 17 | President's Day Holiday - Schools Closed

March 3 | Professional Development Day - Student Holiday

March 10 - March 11 | Writing SOL for grades 8 (2-day test)

April 3 | End of 3rd Quarter

April 6 - 10 | Spring Break

April 13 | Teacher Workday/Student Holiday


Counselors' Corner

Welcome to Counselors’ Corner:  an occasional tip sheet from the Robinson Middle School Office of Student Services

College Partnership Program

Are you thinking about going to college? Not sure where to begin! The College Partnership Program might be for you!

The College Partnership Program, a program for high school students, assists students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education such as first generation, African American, American Indian, Alaskan native, Hispanic, limited English proficient, students with disabilities or economically disadvantaged students. Students must apply during their 8th grade year for the program.

We are looking for students who are:

* First-generation college student (first in family to attend a U.S. based institution)

*Demonstrates the ability to achieve and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5

* Demonstrates a willingness to pursue advanced coursework (i.e. Honors, AP, IB, and/or Dual Enrollment courses)

*Demonstrates leadership in school or community activities

*Demonstrates a desire to attend college

What activities do you do with CPP?

*Attend monthly meetings

*Attend a college tour

*Participate in college-readiness activities

*Meet students from other schools in the area that share the same vision

There will be an interest meeting during RAISE on Friday, February 21st in Davala Hall for 8th grade students interested in learning about the application process!

Please sign up during lunch next week! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Peters, middle school counselor in SS7.

Contact: Mrs. Peters | vcpeters@fcps.edu

Course Selection

Parents, you can view your student’s course selections for 2020-2021 school year in ParentVue or Student Vue.  Go to course requests to see the courses they are registered to take next year.  Please discuss these requests with your son or daughter.  If your son or daughter has not yet met with their counselor, they will do that in the next few days.  Any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor. 

 7th grade:

Champions & Eagles – Jamee Lyons   jalyons@fcps.edu

Comets & Stars – Valerie Peters  vcpeters@fcps.edu

8th grade:

Purple & Red – Mr. Herendeen  neherendeen@fcps.edu

Gold & Green – Ms. Malloy   dmalloy@fcps.edu 

SW SPOTLIGHT

by Kristen Licciardo, School Social Worker

inova

Events & Opportunities

Final Weekend!

Rambunctious Theatre Company proudly presents our next show this season:  Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella!

Once upon a time in a kingdom far away, there lived a little girl who smiled throughout the day... 

Join us for this journey into this age old tale of kindness, perseverance, and love overcoming the "IMPOSSIBLE!"  Enter our world of origami pop-up books, magical storytelling, shadow puppetry and iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein's tunes sung by our incredible cast of seventy young artists!  Magical dancing, memorable characters, and laughter will enchant audiences of all ages!

Tickets & Information: robinsondrama.org/box-office

cindy

Mott Teen Center Event

pinn

Summer Institute for the Arts

Do you have a child interested in the Arts? Registration is open for this summer art opportunity. Classes are first come first serve!

Visit the FCPS IFTA website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning-programs/camps-and-institutes-institute-arts-ifta 


Student Services Department Contacts:

Director, Student Services | Ms. Frank | kmfrank@fcps.edu

DSS Registrar | Ms. Knowlton, maknowlton@fcps.edu | 703-426-2222

8th Grade Counselors by TEAM

Purple and Red | Mr. Herendeen, neherendeen@fcps.edu | 703-426-2214

Gold and Green | Ms. Malloy, dmalloy@fcps.edu  | 703-426-2215

7th Grade Counselors by TEAM

Champions and Eagles | Ms. Lyons, jalyons@fpcs.edu | 703-426-2226

Comets and Stars | Ms. Peters, vcpeters@fcps.edu | 703-426-2225

Social Worker: Ms. Licciardo, kflicciardo@fcps.edu | 703-426-2229

School Psychologist: Ms. King, elking@fcps.edu | 703-426-2213

Special Education Department Chair:  Ms. Stickels, sastickels@fcps.edu

RMS Administrative Contacts:

Chris Farmerie:       7th Grade Principal |  cfarmerie@fcps.edu

Chelsea Tryon:        8th Grade Principal | catryon@fcps.edu

Katy Frank:              Director, Student Services | kmfrank@fcps.edu

Mary Aunon:            After-School Program Specialist | mfaunon@fcps.edu   

Bryan Hazard:         Systems of Support Advisor | bthazard@fcps.edu

ms admin

From L to R: ChelseaTryon, Chris Farmerie, Mary Aunon, Katy Frank, and Bryan Hazard