Sangster News You Choose
Upcoming Events
March 2nd - March 6th - National Reading Week & Spirit Week
Friday, March 6th - Wear Your Favorite PJs
Wednesday, Mary 18th - Reflections Ceremony
Thursday, March 19th - 3rd Grade Field Trip - Mount Vernon
Message from the Principal
Dear Sangster Parents,
I recently had a conversation with a student about the value of money. I began thinking about how students learn fiscal responsibility, even as early as elementary school. Most elementary students learn the basics of money such as identifying coins and making change but will not learn how to manage money until they are older. In our society today, many people do not carry cash and use debit and credit cards. However, children still need to understand the value of money and what these electronic cards mean.
One way elementary students learn the value of money over time is having an allowance. Saving, decision-making, planning, sharing, charity, and responsibility are some of the lessons taught through an allowance. One of the benefits of an allowance is learning to develop independent thought. As they manage their allowance, their money management skills will improve. Expect students to do some unexpected things with their allowance but allow them to make mistakes now. Try not to rescue them with more money and help them work through solutions, to mirror real-life. Some banks also offer children’s accounts that offer no-fee and no-minimum balance accounts.
Children frequently ask to buy new things like new games, new shoes, or going out to dinner. Sometimes children do not understand that these items are not in the budget. Another idea includes creating a “Family Spending Journal.” For two weeks, everyone keeps a record of what they spent money on. Items listed include gas money, the electric bill, food at the grocery store, etc. The children write down expenses such as school lunch, soccer cleats, field trip fees, etc. Older children are capable of understanding concepts in these discussions such as insurance, taxes, homeowner association membership dues, and other expenses.
Like so many things in life, adults lead by example for our children. Understanding the value of money does not occur over night and is a life-long skill that children learn through examples. I hope some of these tips help.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Reddel
Principal
Student Placements for 2020-2021
While it is still early to be thinking ahead to next year, we want to give you information about class placements for the 2020-2021 school-year ahead of time. The staff at Sangster Elementary works hard to place students in an optimal learning situation each year. If you have some information that would help us make those decisions, please send your comments in writing to Ms. Reddel by June 1st. Please do not list teacher names. Rather, describe the classroom learning environment in which your child learns best.
National Reading Week
Friday - Wear your Comfy PJs and Bring a Flashlight
Thank you for helping Sangster celebrate our love of reading during National Reading Week! Make sure to turn in your student bookmark design for the bookmark contest (due tomorrow, March 6th)!
A Friendly Reminder
Parents, please remember to send eating utensils (spoons, forks, napkins, etc.) if you are packing your student's lunch. The school and cafeteria do not supply these items for students who bring lunch from home.
School Health Services Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians and school staff members who interact with the school health rooms. This may include principals, school counselors, and main office staff members. The survey has been approved for distribution by the FCPS’ Internal Survey Advisory Committee.
Electronic versions of the survey forms may be accessed at:
School Health Services Survey – Parents 2020: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9VWCJ6 approval # 20217
School Health Services Survey – STAFF 2020: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KDDYRW3 approval # 20216
The survey will take less than five minutes to complete and will provide the FCHD with valuable information. Your participation in this important endeavor is appreciated.
Tdap Notice for Parents of 6th Graders
Virginia Law requires that all students entering 7th grade receive a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine prior to the beginning of school. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is usually given around the age of 11, although it can be given as early as seven years of age.
In order for your child to begin 7th grade you will need to submit a copy of your child’s immunization record showing the Tdap vaccine before the first day of school on August 25, 2020. It is recommended that all paperwork is submitted to Sangster's office by June 12, 2020.
NOTE: After June 12th, 2020, T-dap Documentation will need to be delivered directly to Lake Braddock MS or Irving MS.
Kindergarten Orientation
There will be a Kindergarten Orientation for both parents and students at Sangster Elementary School on Wednesday, April 1st at 6PM. We encourage parents to schedule a registration appointment prior to the Orientation. Please call 703-644-8203 or email mthoelscher@fcps.edu for an appointment. Please share this information with any parent of a rising Kindergarten child in your neighborhood that may not have a child currently at Sangster.
Yearbook Orders - Nearing Final Call
You can order Sangster yearbooks online at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com using Yearbook ID code 13246520. LAST CHANCE to place your order online is April 25, 2020.
Positivity Project - Week of March 9th
This week’s character strength is Social Intelligence. You show this strength when are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings and understand why they do things. Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It involves emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships – and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And, it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.
This Upcoming Week's Character Strength: Social Intelligence
Next Week's Character Strength: Love of Learning
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Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings are usually held the second Thursday of every month. Our next meeting is Thursday, March 12th at 9:15 a.m. We hope that you can join us!
http://sangster.digitalpto.com/
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