Robinson Student Ram Blast, Week of March 2, 2020

STUDENT RAM BLAST

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

Spring Middle School Coffee

Our spring 7th and 8th Grade Principal Coffee will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 9:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. in Robinson’s Library. The same information will be presented at both sessions. Among other topics, we will focus on your Ram's digital awareness and footprint.

We hope to see you there!


Attendance Recognition

Congratulations to Mr. Calamito's Blue Day/7th Period class for having perfect attendance on Friday, February 28th!  The class celebrated with doughnuts!

attendance1

FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

If you would like to nominate someone, fill out this submission form.


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Tournament Winner

Congratulations to Robinson 8th grader Thomas G., who on Saturday, 2/22, finished 1st in the regional tournaments of both the U.S. Academic Bee and the National Science Bee, and 2nd in the regional National History Bee! He will be going on to compete in the national championship tournaments for those events, as well as the U.S. Geography Olympiad national championship, in June! 


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!

Basketball | Boys Program

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

Sign-up at lunch each Wednesday or Thursday you plan to stay to play! Change into your PE uniform in a PE locker room, secure your belongings, and meet in the gym by 3pm. Late buses depart at 4:45pm.

basketball

Basketball | Girls Program New!

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

Sign-up at lunch each Monday you plan to stay. Change in a PE locker room, secure your belongings, and meet Coach Dade on center court by 3pm. Late buses depart at 4:45pm.

bball

Cheer Club  New!

Cheer club begins on Wednesday, March 4! Work with the high school cheerleaders and coaches during these skill based clinics. Sign-up at lunch each Wednesday you plan to stay and make sure to wear your PE uniform or athletic wear. Use the PE locker rooms to change and secure your belongings before meeting in the gym/wrestling room by 3pm.

Students with all levels of experience are welcome!

Sponsor Contact:  Coach Barnes | rwbarnes@fcps.edu

cheer

Classic Cinema Club

The Classic Cinema Club will not meet on Thursday, March 5. Stay tuned for updates!

Eco Club

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

Trex Challenge Weight Tally: 264 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. Students will also learn about the high school Teachers for Tomorrow program.

Program Dates: Wednesdays; March 18 - May 6 | 3:00 - 4:25pm | D101

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Porter, dbporter@fcps.edu

Registration Form

Return completed form to the SS7 or SS8 office or email to Ms. Aunon at mfaunon@fcps.edu.


Field Hockey New!

Join Varsity Coach Arnsmeyer for skill based clinics after school from 3:00 to 4:25pm beginning Wed., 3/11. No experience is necessary, but remember to sign-up at lunch each Wednesday you plan to stay.

Sticks may be stored in the sub school office if it won't fit in your locker, although sticks will be provided, if needed. At 2:45pm, head to the PE locker rooms to change and secure your belongings before meeting Coach Arnsmeyer in locker room 533 by 3pm.

Coach Contact: Coach Arnsmeyer | laarnsmeyer@fcps.edu

field hockey

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

National Honor Society Tutors Available

Robinson high school’s National Honor Society is offering tutoring as a service after school on Mondays. (Go Out And Learn – GOAL). If your child is interested in receiving help, please have your student complete the Google Form using the link below. The student has to complete the form since an fcpsschools.net email is required on the form.

Click here for tutoring form to complete.

Program contact: Lisa Mosteller, NHS co-sponsor, at lbmosteller@fcps.edu


Lens Photo Club 

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 and students may use any type of camera they wish—even cell phone cameras! Students will gain a better understanding of self, the world, and how to use their camera. We will cover photographic technique, lighting, editing, sharing, and more!

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

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

Registration Form

Return completed form to your SS office, Ms. Aunon during your lunch period in the café or email to mfaunon@fcps.edu.

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Hard | amhard1@fcps.edu


Let's Cook Program

Experience a cooking and nutrition education class with a Registered Dietitian and personal chef from My Chef Shirley, LLC. The hands-on cooking classes will teach students how to make seasonal and nutritious recipes using fruits and vegetables while creating fun memories with friends in the kitchen!

This program is currently FULL.


Robotics 

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 | Ends 5/27/20; 3 - 4:25pm

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

Sponsor Contact: Mr. Arndt, dkarndt@fcps.edu


SGA Special Event

cupcake

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Whitwell | smwhitwell@fcps.edu


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 from 3:00 to 4:25pm in the library. Late buses depart at 4:45pm.

Here are the dates for our meetings this spring:

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

Sponsor Contact: Ms. Miller | kamiller5@fcps.edu


Volleyball  New!

volleyball

Coach Contact: Coach Williams | ejwilliams2@fcps.edu


Rams Looking Ahead

March 3 | Schools closed for students due to Presidential Primary

March 5 | Parent Coffee (Details above)  & MS Orchestra Concert

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

March 18 | MS/HS Chorus Concert

April 3 | End of 3rd Quarter

April 6 - 10 | Spring Break

April 13 | Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

May 4 | Civics SOL Test; 8:00am

May 5 | Reading 7 SOL Test; 8:00am

May 6 | Reading 8 SOL Test; 8:00am

May 8 | Science 8 SOL Test; 8:00am

May 11 | Math 7 & Math 7 Honors SOL Tests; 8:00am

May 11 | MS Make-up Testing

May 12 | Pre-Algebra and MS Algebra 1 SOL Tests

May 19 | Geometry SOL Test; 8:00am

May 25 | Memorial Day Holiday/Schools Closed

June 1 & 2 | Expedited Retesting

June 3 | Graduation at Eagle Bank Arena/No School for Grades 7-11

June 5 | 8th Grade Day & Dance (Details posted in May)

June 12 | Last day of school!


Counselors' Corner

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

Newcomer Jam

All 8th grade students new to Robinson and any 7th grade student new to the Robinson pyramid were emailed the following invitation for the Newcomer Jam on Thursday, March 5.

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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

8th grade students interested in learning about the application process should contact Mrs. Peters in the SS7 office or via email!

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. Any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor. 

7th grade:

Champions & Eagles – Ms. Lyons   jalyons@fcps.edu

Comets & Stars – Ms. 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

Information regarding emergency resources:

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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