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Dear Freedom Hill Community,
On February 21st of this year, teacher and children's author Jasmyn Wright visited us at Freedom Hill to share her new book, "I'm Gonna Push Through". Among other lessons that day, she taught our students and staff that "We can push through anything we put our minds to". In retrospect, and based on this very unusual year, we're so thankful for her message and reminders that we own our reactions to all situations. Though times may be difficult and unexpected roadblocks may present themselves, we as a community choose to hold our heads high and to focus on positivity and solutions.
Today I'd like to thank our entire community for their support last week when our school division's technology was not able to support our instruction. Thank you to our wonderful students who did their best to engage with their schoolwork, even without face-to-face interactions with their teachers. Thank you to our parents and caregivers, who managed another hectic week, often playing the role of mom/dad, employee, teacher, and more all at the same time. And finally, thank you to an incredibly dedicated and hardworking staff for again responding to another obstacle with grit, hard work, and perseverance.
As Monday approaches, we would appreciate it if all families brought out their "good luck" rituals that our Blackboard system will support us tomorrow. I, for one, will be wearing my lucky PJs to bed in the hope that we will see everyone tomorrow. If technology is not cooperative, I've asked our teachers to communicate with their families an alternative learning plan for the day.
"We're Gonna Push Through!"
Have a wonderful week,
Dr. Z.
- April 20 - 23 - Distance Learning (see below)
- April 24 - Weekly Teacher Workday
- April 26 - Deadline to pre-order yearbook (you can buy one later this year if you miss the deadline)
- April 28 - Virtual PTA Mtg.
Check out our yearbook cover! Our fabulous 6th graders and their artwork are showcased. If you would like to pre-order a customized version, please use the link above before April 26. More copies will be available afterwards. Parents are still welcome to email Ms. Bliss any great photos from the year.
 FCPS is embarking on a four-tiered approach to distance learning. All work and assignments are currently optional and will not receive a grade. Our priority is to offer continued learning opportunities to all our students for the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 school year.
Part 1: Weekly Learning Packets
Beginning Monday, March 30 and continuing for the remainder of the school year, all elementary students will receive an optional weekly learning packet in the U.S. Mail. These packets were created centrally, but teachers may reference them when new learning begins on April 14. Students are encouraged to work on these packets at home next week and beyond as independent practice. We understand these packets were not delivered properly at first, and district leadership is adjusting their mailing schedule. Packets can also be found in Blackboard after clicking "Distance Learning Resources".
Part 2: Virtual Teaching
Classroom teachers and specialists will be either teaching live through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra or recording themselves teaching and posting links to the videos following Spring Break. A detailed schedule has been shared by your child's classroom teacher. Our plan is that core instruction (community building, language arts, and math) will begin first and we will layer in additional learning opportunities as we grow in our capacity.
Part 3: Channel 21 Programming
FCPS cable television channels are now broadcasting learning activities. New instructional videos are being recorded and will be added to the programming lineup shortly. Students can watch on their TV through Channel 21 or can use these links to view building level instructional programming. Channel 21 includes elementary school programming, Channel 25 includes middle school programming, and Channel 99 includes high school programming.
Part 4: Staff Office Hours
Beginning April 14, all staff will have regular virtual office hours to be available to work with students groups and answer student and parent questions in real-time. Staff will explore various methods of communication and accessibility for office hours and will communicate through email and post their schedule on blackboard.
Laptop distribution has been accomplished for students in grades 3-6. If you missed out on our distribution day, please email our technology specialist, Craig Fenton, to schedule a time to pick up a device. He will be holding "office hours" each Wednesday.
At this time, the Fairfax County School Board has not included grades K-2 in the laptop distribution plan. We will update the community if this changes.
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If you are looking to access Parent View on SIS or Blackboard but, you haven't created an account, click on this link to create an account through the FCPS FASTeam. Blackboard will be the primary source parents will visit to access resources for your students while away from school. Remember, students also directly access Blackboard with their FCPS username and password.
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VIRTUAL PTA MEETING, 4/28 AT 8PM
We'll be having our virtual PTA meeting Tuesday, April 28th at a later time, 8pm. Our School Board Member, Karl Frisch, will join us. Let us know if you have questions for him we can submit ahead of time. Virtual meeting is here.
FAMILY DINNER OUT TO GO AT FOGO DE CHAO, 4/30 Fogo de Chão in Tysons Corner is a Brazilian Churrasceria partnering with us for a FDO/School Spirit Night. While we won't be dining in of course, it will be a Fogo To-Go night where families order take out, delivery or butcher shop options. Fogo de Chão will donate 10% of sales to our PTA and another 10% to No Kid Hungry. They have a variety of options available on Fogo To-Go & Butcher Shop Menu, starting at $7 for appetizers, $10 for sandwiches and $16 for entrees. Save the date and mention FHES.
INTERESTED IN THE PTA BOARD?
Are you interested in being on the PTA Board for the 2020-2021 school year? Did you get an initial taste of being involved in the PTA this year and want to get more involved? Now is the time! Our nominating committee is going to be preparing our slate (i.e. the list) of candidates for next year. If you are interested, submit this short form to nominating_committee@freedomhillpta.org by April 23rd. Questions about a position? Feel free to reach out to any member of the board to learn more about what's required and the time commitment.
READ-A-THON PRIZES ARE IN!
Read-a-thon prizes have arrived and a big thanks to the Camara family for sorting them! Please email readathon@thecamaras.net to coordinate read-a-thon prize pick up. Please include your student(s) full names.
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