Thank you, PTA!
This year's Teacher Appreciation Week was like no other, but it was definitely memorable and very special in so many ways. To our hardworking and devoted PTA, we thank you for the Chipotle gift certificates for our staff - we will all appreciate a chance to step away from our kitchens and let someone else do the cooking!
RCMS Staff Misses You!
In case you missed this last week, be sure to check out:
Carson Cares Message to Students
Distance Learning Plan Updates
We thank all of our students and families for your patience and understanding as we make strides with our plans for distance learning. Know that these plans are evolving as RCMS aligns with the plans and resources directed by FCPS. Mr. Stokes will continue to send updates about the latest elements of distance learning. Please continue to stay tuned for those updates.
Our Distance Learning page can be found on the RCMS website at: RCMS Distance Learning
“Our weekly schedule includes time for 8th period. This is an optional time period that is intended for student enrichment. Please visit the 8th period link on our school website. You will find information about our after school program and resources from our Library. 8th Period Resources
Principal's Message
Please see the latest message from Principal Stokes here
Important Upcoming Events
Be sure to check out our Weekly Virtual Spirit Week Themes: RCMS Spirit
May 19 - Virtual Parent Coffee, 9:00-10:00AM
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Coronavirus Updates
As COVID-19 circumstances continue to evolve, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is working with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) to share updated information with the community, as it becomes available. In an effort to help our families during this time, we invite you to stay informed of the latest developments on the FCPS coronavirus webpage. This page also contains fact sheets, videos, and other resources that you may find useful. Additional information is available from the Fairfax County Health Department and the CDC.
Virtual Parent Coffee
Join us on Tuesday, May 19, for the next Virtual Parent Coffee. This is a chance to hear from Mr. Stokes and other members of the RCMS team about distance learning and planning for the close-out of this school year. It is also an opportunity to share your questions and feedback with the staff. The coffee will start at 9:00AM using the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra platform. Please be on the lookout for a link to the meeting. We will send this message on Monday, May 18. We look forward to your presence.
FCPS Mental Wellness Consultation Service
Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker, for either themselves or their middle or high school student. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their student’s emotional well-being during their time away from school. Student consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions during this unprecedented and challenging time. Information about community resources will also be made available. To schedule a phone consultation, parents should click the following link: https://forms.gle/WKchwGnv4LkezQwG8.
This service is not intended for mental health emergencies. If an emergency is suspected or indicated, please call 911. Additionally, students and families can access mental health support if there is a crisis of emergency during the time of the closure.
Support for Parents during COVID-19 Closures
We recognize that these extended closures are an unprecedented time for all members of our school community including staff, students, and also parents. Here is a guide for parents as to how you can continue to support your child at home to ensure their socio-emotional health and wellness. How to Support Your Child During COVID-19 Closures
Student Intention Form for 2020-21 School Year
To be completed by:
Rising 8th grade families who will NOT attend RCMS next year
AND
Rising 9th grade families who will NOT attend their FCPS boundary high school next year
Please complete the student Intention Form 2020-2021 if your student is transferring to:
- Another FCPS school other than Carson Middle or your boundary HS
- A private school in Virginia or out of Virginia
- Another Virginia public school division outside FCPS
- Another state public school outside of Virginia
- Out of the United States
A typed parent/guardian name on the Parent Signature line is acceptable. Student ID Number may be left blank. Save the completed form, attach it to an email and send to our Student Services Registrar via email at lmlloyd@fcps.edu . Feel free to contact Mrs. Lloyd if you have any questions.
Student Services Updates
Our Student Services Department misses all our students and families every day. We are heartbroken and disappointed that the end of this school year will not be face to face as we would have wanted, but we are here to provide support for our students and families, nonetheless. We understand this time is very stressful and confusing for all of us, but together we can get through this challenging time. We are still here to support you and your students. Rachel Carson Student Services Team will be sharing activities, tips, and ideas that we hope you will incorporate into your weekly routines. We have created our own Google site that students and parents have access to where we will post self-care tips, organization strategies, and other activities ranging from wellness to management.
Rachel Carson Student Services Site
Address Changes
If you need to change or update your mailing address please contact Lesa Lloyd, RCMS Registrar at lmlloyd@fcps.edu
FCPS Virtual After School Program
The RCMS After-School program has put together a number of virtual after-school activities to engage middle school students in the arts, music, STEM, physical fitness, cooking, games, puzzles, literature, and more – things students can do at home.
FCPS students can access these virtual after-school activities by joining the individual after school classroom using the appropriate classroom code. Codes are located on the After School website (linked below).
Once your student has joined the classroom, there are a variety of activities (topics) they can choose from in the "Classwork" tab. We hope your students enjoy this site, and that it helps them actively pursue their interests during this time of social distancing. If you or your student have ideas for other activities, please email the After School Specialist, Adam Pawlowski at ajpawlowski@fcps.edu.
Be Safe! Be Active! And know that we are here for you and your family!
Please check the RCMS After School website for after school club updates.
Virtual STEAM Challenge
The Kuma Foundation provides STEAM challenges and curriculum for grades K-8. Join them here on Monday mornings at 9:00AM to connect to their Facebook page, where you will find more virtual STEAM challenges, and another chance to win $100. Play along to earn points by completing daily STEAM tasks!
The Fine Print:
1. Kuma Foundation employees and their families are not eligible to win.
2. Contest is open to kids ages 5-18.
3. Challenges must be completed by midnight on the day they were issued.
4. 1 point will be awarded for every challenge completed as per the challenge instructions.
5. Challenges may not be completed more than once (for points).
6. Challenges will be posted at 9am and 1pm, Monday - Friday.
6. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will determine the winner.
8. Winners will be announced on Saturday morning.
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Yearbooks Still for Sale
2019-2020 Yearbooks are available for sale at www.MySchoolBucks.com or you may scan the QR for a direct link. Information regarding yearbook distribution will be sent out at a later date.
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Other FCPS Schools are Sharing....
Tune in here to find out what other schools are sharing about activities and events that may be of interest to you:
From Oakton HS: If you love to dance and are interested in trying out for the Oakton High School Dance team for the 2020-2021 year, the Dance Team is holding a virtual Tryouts Prep Clinic! The clinic will teach a variety of skills and choreography that will be helpful for preparing for tryouts. We don’t have information yet about exactly when/how tryouts will happen, but we want to be able to contact you when we do! If you are interested in tryouts information and participating in the Virtual Dance Clinic, complete the OHS Dance Team Tryouts Interest Form. If you have questions, please reach out to Coach Rowley at kmrowley@fcps.edu.
From Oakton HS: Find out how to make 120+ new friends at Oakton High School before classes even start next year! JOIN COLOR GUARD! No experience necessary! Are you a friendly, energetic, and fun-loving person? Are you interested in becoming a member of a close-knit group that works hard together with the Marching Cougars Band to perform a spectacular show under the Friday night lights at Football Games and in competitions throughout the Fall Season? If you have a willingness to learn and a desire to join a great group of fellow Cougars, then join us! Color Guard members do not need to be part of the band or orchestra programs. Attend the Oakton Color Guard Virtual Interest Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm and find out about the Color Guard about registration. Use FCPS Google Classroom code p67swi4 . Find out more information and fill out the interest sheet at https://oaktonbands.org/colorguard/ after 01 May. Forms will be available sometime after 01 May at https://oaktonbands.org/forms/#mbforms and https://oaktonbands.org/colorguard/ and are due via mailing on 27 May. Unable to attend or still have questions? Contact Coach Strebeck at mrstrebeck@fcps.edu. We want YOU!
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