RCMS Updates - Week of May 18, 2020


RCMS Front

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


View Today's Parent Coffee

We enjoyed connecting with families today via our Virtual Parent Coffee.  If you were unable to attend, you can find a recording of the meeting at May 19 Virtual Parent Coffee.


Clinic Medication Pick-Up

Last week, we emailed families who have medications on file in the RCMS Clinic.  If you have already signed up for a pick-up time, thank you.  If you have not, please do so here: RCMS Clinic Medication Pick-Up.  If you do not intend on picking up medications, please email Lesa Lloyd, lmlloyd@fcps.edu.  As a reminder, any medications remaining in the clinic after the scheduled pick-up times will be discarded in accordance with FCPS/Health Department regulations.


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.


Yearbook QR code

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.


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.