Ravens' Nest- April 9, 2020

Upcoming Events

April 13^th

• Grade Level Open House, see schedule below
• Virtual PTA Board Meeting- 6:00 p.m.

April 14^th- Distance Learning Begins

A Message from the Principal

Dear Ravensworth Families,

We are excited to kick off our Distance Learning Plan by hosting grade level Virtual Open Houses on Monday, April 13^th. Classroom teachers emailed families on Friday, April 3^rd information about their grade level Virtual Open House and the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) link to be used. During these meetings teachers will do a brief overview of BBCU, share about the structure for learning, and provide an opportunity to answer questions. Both students and parents are welcome to attend.

Please know that we can’t wait to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday, April 14^th. Teacher-directed instruction might look different each day. Sometimes teachers might be speaking with students live and it may be interactive. On other days they might be pre-recorded videos and check-in with students later in the day to provide feedback. This is new learning for all of us. Our teachers will make virtual content lessons available so that you can watch at a convenient time with your child. We know that some families have several children sharing devices.  Please stay flexible, positive and communicate regularly with your child’s classroom teacher.

As you can imagine, our first week of online instruction will be a growing experience, and we anticipate a few hiccups. However, we know with your support and encouragement, that we will persevere and exceed our shared expectations!

Take good care and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Erika Aspuria

Principal

Grade Level Open House Schedule

On Monday, April 13^th each grade level will host a Virtual Open House. Please refer an email from your child’s teacher sent on Friday, April 3^rd for BBCU login information about how to participate in the Open House.

Emergency Grab and Go Breakfasts and Lunches Fairfax County Public Schools is providing emergency breakfast and lunch at more sites and has added deliveries by school bus. Updates to locations can be found on the Food Resources page  (https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources). Meals will be provided to all students without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided on a first come, first served basis, at the sites and times listed All meals are available at no cost to children 18 years and under.  Adult lunches are available for purchase for $2.  More information on this is available here: https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources.

Families Needing Internet Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please use this website for more information: https://www.internetessentials.com/.

Connect2Compete supplies broadband internet access to low-income, unconnected families who live in Fairfax County, enabling children to have internet access at home for homework help, online educational materials, and job searches. Qualifying families—those who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals and who meet other qualifications—will be offered Internet service for $9.95 per month, a free modem rental, free installation, and a price guarantee for two years. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html

Audible: Free Collection Audible is offering for free a collection of audiobook playbacks while schools are closed during this COVID-19 crisis. The collection has been handpicked by their editors and is a mix of stories to entertain, inform and engage young people ages 0 to 18.  To access the free titles, visit stories.audible.com from any web browser.

Special Education Resources A FCPS parent from the Special Ed PTA has created a video to help parents find Special Education resources online, as well as the Accommodations Toolkit that were referenced by Dr. Brabrand in his recent communication.  Click on this link to watch the video: https://youtu.be/RlHKjSWIgr8

Mental Health Resources

FCPS has created a website for Mental Health Resources that is accessible on the main page of the FCPS website. 

FCPS Mental Health Resources 

Mental Health Emergency Numbers

Positivity Project - Week of April 13

Our Positivity Project focus for this week is the Other People Matter Mindset with an emphasis on identifying and appreciating the good in others. Those who demonstrate this mindset work hard to identify and value others’ strengths. Ask your child to share what they have learned about their strengths this year.

Next Week’s Character Strength: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence

5411 Nutting Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 |  Main Phone: 703.426.3600   |  Attendance: 703.426.3636 | Web | Twitter