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This was P.E. on Friday at the Scoville household!
Dear Fairfax Villa Families,
Hello from all of us at home to all of you at home! Although we are not physically together, we are excited to continue sharing our days with you and to keep you informed with updates from our school, our community, and FCPS.
Beginning Monday, Fairfax Villa and the Positivity Project will focus on the character strength of humor. This is one of those strengths that most people don't associate with the concept of "character." However, we know how important humor is in our lives -- individually and collectively -- especially during times of adversity. Though what the world faces now is a very serious matter, humor can help us see the lighter side of life and gain strength to overcome the unique challenges we all face.
For a one-page overview of humor, please click here.
Humor means that you like to laugh and bring smiles to other people. Humor is a sense of playfulness and lightness. It is a way of looking at and describing the world that brings laughter to people. A person with the strength of humor is skilled at seeing at the funny side of things, bringing smiles and laughter to others, and identifying and communicating the absurdities in life. People with this strength don’t specifically need to be joke tellers, although many are. Humor can have a dark side, depending on how it’s used. Some humor is mean spirited and bullying. The strength of humor that the character strength focuses on is that which raises the spirits of other people.
This week’s character strength example is Robin Williams. He was an all-time great comedian who loved to make other people smile. In the below video, from the movie Patch Adams, Williams plays the real-life character of Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. In this clip, Patch is using his character strength of humor to lift the spirits of children in the hospital
As I stated last week, my sincerest hope is that all of you will remain healthy and that this time will bring your families closer together. In addition, I hope that we will gain a renewed understanding of the importance a teacher makes in our child’s life. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession. Each person who works at Fairfax Villa values education and cares for your children. Students, as I mentioned in my twitter message to you earlier this week, we care for you, we love you, and we cannot wait to support you during this difficult time.
Dave Gerstner
Principal, Fairfax Villa Elementary School
https://fairfaxvillaes.fcps.edu/
@MrGerstner_FCPS (Twitter)
 Thank you everyone and be well. Also remember to follow the PTA on Facebook, we'll continue to try more virtual fun and community building there!
The following message is sent on behalf of the Fairfax Villa ES School PTA. Its content reflects the views of the PTA.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in our Food Security efforts. We will update all PTA members when we finalize the details of our Family Partnerships plan. Thank you for your patience! In the meantime, we have received wonderful guidance from a hyperlocal nonprofit A Place to Stand, and we are grateful for their input as a model for our plan moving forward. Food for Others provides us with assistance for weekend food security in their provision of power packs. If you are looking to donate to organizations that directly impact our students, please consider those!
The weekend power packs will be distributed weekly to this PTA box and another location. The PTA box is located in the parking lot of the office at Waples Mobile Home Park. The lock code is 1965 (the year FVES opened) for anyone that needs food supplementation for their student(s) over the weekend. In addition, we plan to place another outdoor box next to it as a "free library" for people to drop off or pick out books at their own risk. We ask that you follow best practices for COVID prevention when dropping items off, like wiping down covers and not visiting the box if you have any symptoms. As a PTA, we will shut down the efforts if an area outbreak worsens.
Mrs. Eddy and her daughter went on a nature walk then came home to see if the items would sink or float.
Send me your pics!
Over the next couple of weeks, if you have created learning activities that your children have enjoyed, please email me at drgerstner@fcps.edu with a picture and brief description so that I can share them in upcoming weekly messages.
Elementary School Distance Learning Plan
Our Distance Learning Plan provides for students to continue learning in developmentally appropriate ways, while being mindful of their health and wellness. The plan includes paper learning packets, video broadcasts, lessons/assignments and learning materials posted to Blackboard and completed individually or collaboratively, along with scheduled web chats.
Our Instructional Services team held web conferences with elementary and secondary principals last week to communicate the plan for staff training and resuming instruction.
Teachers will be returning to work virtually on Monday, March 30 in order to complete their distance learning training.
Please be assured that this plan was created with the understanding that some of our staff and families may face challenges participating in distance learning, and we will all need to work together in the best interest of our students.
Here is how the Distance Learning Plan will work:
Elementary School Distance Learning Plan
- Students will engage in teacher-led and independent learning.
- There is also time for teacher check-ins, virtual chats, phone calls and emails with students.
- Learning packets will be distributed by mail to all students (PK-6) beginning the week of March 30.
- Principals will send parents a published schedule of instruction.
- Literacy and math content will also be made available on FCPS Cable Channel 21 (check your local listings or stream online) beginning the week of March 30.
- Teacher-student virtual connections are encouraged.
- Specials teachers will post learning activities to Blackboard.
New FCPS Grab and Go Meal Pop-Up Location
Beginning Friday, March 27, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is adding a new pop-up location for grab and go meals at Waples Mill Mobile Home Park, 4308 Mobile Court, Fairfax, VA from 8:30-9:00 a.m. Both breakfast and lunch will be available to pick up.
All FCPS students (regardless of age) are eligible for free grab and go breakfast and lunch. Other county children, under the age of 18, can also receive a meal. Adults meals are $2.
For a complete list of meal distribution locations visit: https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources.
Parent SIS Accounts
If you have not yet set up a Parent SIS account and would like to do that, please email our SBTS, Barbara Schmidt, today at bdschmidt@fcps.edu. This account allows you to access your child’s Blackboard courses (ParentVue) as well as their information in our Student Information System (SIS). If you have already set up a ParentSIS account but cannot access it, please follow the directions here. Click on MORE OPTIONS.
ParentVue Accounts
The FCPS IT department has mailed information out to any parent who does not currently have a ParentVue account. Please sign up if you do not have an account. You may also request this from our SBTS, Barbara Schmidt.
FCPS Cable Channels
FCPS cable channels with learning activities are now available. New instructional videos are currently being developed and recorded and will be added to the programming shortly. Channel 21 includes elementary school programming, Channel 25 includes middle school programming, and Channel 99 includes high school programming. This content will also be available online at www.fcps.edu.
Lifetouch Update
Based on the school closings along with State and Federal recommendations, Lifetouch has cancelled our Spring Picture Day event and has started to refund any pre-paid orders from your families. Any family that has pre-ordered a picture package will receive a refund within 10-14 days and Lifetouch has emailed families to share this information. Their dedicated Customer Service team is also available to answer any questions families may have about the refund process at 866-511-3510.
Assistance with Basic Needs
For basic needs of Fairfax residents, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services administers public assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly Food Stamps, as well as Medicaid. FCPS is coordinating with community partners to ensure the locations and timing of food centers and pantries are being communicated with FCPS families.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services provides access and referrals to both government and community based resources for Fairfax County residents in need. If you are facing difficulties - including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, healthcare and more other needs, please call 703-222-0880 for assistance.
Below are links to resources in Fairfax to direct families who need this support.
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Britepaths Food assistance is by referral only. Please go to the website link for more information.
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Food for Others If you are in need of food, you may come to one of the neighborhood site distributions. Click on the website link for specific locations and times. The only question that is asked is, “How many people are in your household?” Please bring your own grocery bags!
SACC
SACC will be closed for the weeks of March 16 and March 23. SACC plans to offer an additional week of Spring Break services at consolidated sites the week of March 30 and plans to offer regularly scheduled Spring Break services the week of April 6. The system for registration for the weeks of March 30 and April 6 will be communicated to all SACC families.
Blackboard Learning
There are learning opportunities added by FCPS that can be found in every parent’s and student’s Blackboard account. After logging in to Blackboard 24/7 here, you will find activities for every grade level and subject. Please remember that these are not required or graded. You can also find a link to more information for families here. Parents do need a Parent SIS account to log into the parent side of Blackboard.
Nathaniel worked on finding words using the letters in his name. He also practiced the positivity project traits of determination and perseverance as he learned how to ride a scooter.
Online Learning Resources: Recommended by Fairfax Villa ES
Below is the list of Reading and Math online learning resources.
READING
Starfall: This site will help teach early emergent and beginning readers letter names and sounds along with some basic sight words. http://www.starfall.com/
Pocket Phonics (app): If your child already knows his/her letter names, this free app can be a useful next step in teaching letter-sound correspondence and basic phonics. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/abc-pocketphonics-lite/id302689971?mt=8
Grammar Blast: This site is focused on 2nd-5th grade students. In it, students answer a series of multiple choice questions regarding grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/grammar/
Slime Kids Grammar/Spelling Games: This site has a variety of games for both primary and upper elementary students to help practice grammar and spelling rules, as well as strengthen their typing skills. http://www.slimekids.com/games/grammar-games/
Wacky Tales: This site is geared towards students in grades 3 and above and assumes knowledge of parts-of-speech. As with Madlibs, students complete tales by inserting words for various parts-of-speech and create “Wacky Tales.” http://www.eduplace.com/tales/
Comma Chameleon: After choosing the correct punctuation, students help the chameleon place the punctuation properly into sentences. There are also games to help learn and reinforce their understanding of the parts-of speech. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/punctuation.htm
Proofreading Makes Perfect: This site focuses on 5th grade students and provides practice for students to correct sentences. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/language_arts/pmp/interactive_guide/g05/g05home.htm
Alien Punctuation: This site is more appropriate for upper elementary students. It is a challenging punctuation game sponsored by the BBC. In it, students help “zap” or edit corrections into sentences. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/literacy/using_punctuation/play/
Free Rice: This site helps students expand their vocabulary and practice grammar rules from elementary school through high school. It also has content in other subject areas. Importantly, the site is the result of a joint endeavor by the United Nations and Harvard University and sponsors food aid donations with every correct answer (bowls of rice add up to bushels, etc.). It is a great website for teaching students that their learning efforts can make a difference. While it is an option to create a login to track points, there is no need to register in order to play. www.freerice.com
Chomp-Chomp: This site is also geared toward advanced upper elementary, middle school, and high school students. It focuses on more advanced grammar rules that affect writing (ex., pronoun-antecedent and subject-verb agreement, compound and complex sentences, etc.). http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm
Virginia SOL Practice: http://iq.whro.org/languagearts.htm (prior SOL standards -- released tests)
Scholastic Learn at Home: This free resource provides your children with 20+ days of articles and stories, videos, and fun learning challenges. Children can complete them anytime. https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
MATH RESOURCES
The Virginia Department of Education’s math website has many resources, including standards and practice SOL-test math questions. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml
NRICH is an innovative collaboration between the Faculties of Mathematics and Education at the University of Cambridge, part of the University’s Millennium Mathematics Project. NRICH provides thousands of free online mathematics resources for ages 3 to 18, covering all stages of early years, primary and secondary school education - completely free and available to all. http://nrich.maths.org
youcubed: This fabulous website has resources for parents, teachers, and students. Watch videos, find engaging tasks, read articles, and learn about the “math revolution” that Stanford Professor Jo Boaler promotes! https://www.youcubed.org/
CueThink: This National Science Foundation–funded program helps students strengthen math skills, inspires a growth mindset, and encourages critical thinking. Students will learn to solve problems and explain their thinking using mathematician George Polya’s four-step approach. https://www.cuethink.com/
GregTangMath strives to provide unparalleled math lessons for students as well as professional development for in-service teachers. Games, puzzles, and other resources, like free downloads, worksheets/word problems, math centers. https://www.gregtangmath.com/
Illuminations: This site, from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), features complete lesson plans, mobile games for students, interactive activities, and brain teasers. https://illuminations.nctm.org/
Khan Academy is on a mission to give a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Their personalized learning resources are available for all ages. Video learning segments are followed by practice activities. https://www.khanacademy.org/ (Please note: Internet Explorer doesn’t support this website. Use Chrome)
Prodigy Software: Math games that tackle more than 1,200 crucial math skills in a fun and engaging way. https://www.prodigygame.com/
Splash Math:Boost confidence, increase scores, and get ahead. Fun for enrichment or regular practice. https://www.splashlearn.com/
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NVML): This National Science Foundation-supported project provides a large library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives and concept tutorials for math instruction. http://nlvm.usu.edu/
Math sites: Worksheets
Common Core Sheets: Math worksheets for just about any area of study. Free downloads. Good for planning lessons, review, and independent work. https://www.commoncoresheets.com/
Math-Aids: Dynamically created math worksheets for students, teachers, parents … anyone! https://www.math-aids.com/
Math-Drills.com: Free Math Worksheets. This website iincludes over 50 thousand free math worksheets that may be used to help students learn math. Our PDF math worksheets are available on a broad range of topics including number sense, arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, money concepts and much more. There are also a few interactive math features including the Sudoku and Dots math games, and the more serious math flash cards and unit converter. https://www.math-drills.com/
Math sites: Upper Grade-levels
Jefferson Lab (Gr 3-11): Your students will love fun math games like Speed Math Deluxe, Mystery Math, Place Value Game, and more. https://education.jlab.org/indexpages/elementgames.html
Figure This (Gr 6-8): This site is sponsored by NCTM, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (among others), and features a series of fun and engaging, high-quality challenges.https://figurethis.nctm.org/index.html
Illustrative Math (Gr 6-8): High-quality educational resources for teachers and students. Excellent math tasks, videos, lesson plans, and problem-based curriculum modules. https://www.illustrativemathematics.org/
PBS Math Club (Gr 6-9): From PBS Learning Media, middle schoolers will love this entertaining video blog. Not only does each episode cover Common Core Standards, it makes math learning culturally relevant with pop-culture references. https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/pbs-math-club/#.WmY9epM-fJM
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