Ravens' Nest- June 17, 2020

Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 18th- Student Item Pick-up from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 18th- Yearbook Pick-up in the bus loop from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

 

Message from our Principal

Dear Ravensworth Families,

As we wrap up this unprecedented, memorable, and challenging school year, Mr. Bourjaily and I want to thank you for your patience, your persistence, and your compassion as we all navigated these unchartered waters together.  Our staff completely redesigned the way they teach in a very short amount of time. They have worked tirelessly and passionately to continue the learning for your children in the best way possible. For their efforts, Mr. Bourjaily and I are grateful. 

Last March seems like a long time ago, and yet it has only been nine weeks.  We have come face-to-face with COVID-19 and have dramatically changed our way of living.  This virus has impacted people in our own community with their jobs, health, food and in many other ways. The Ravensworth Community was not immune to the impact of this global health pandemic. One thing that continues to ring true in our community, though, is that despite these challenges our community shows tremendous support of one another. Helping each other navigate the new online systems, supplying food to families in need, sending notes of encouragement to each other, and reaching out to see in what ways you could help are just some of the ways Mr. Bourjaily and I watched our Ravensworth Family stay connected.

I also want to acknowledge the pain that exists in our nation and in our community.  Systematic racism and oppression will not be ignored.  Our students, families, and staff members have experienced it.  Schools are a microcosm of society.  As a school community, we must speak up when we see injustice and we will not tolerate racist acts. Every child at Ravensworth is special. We value the diversity and experiences of every student and family in the Ravensworth community, and we will ensure safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for everyone. We will continue to explore opportunities for growth as a staff and community in order to be able to meet the needs of every student and family we serve.  

Leaving for summer with so many unknowns for the fall is difficult for Mr. Bourjaily and me. We like to always provide you with a clear plan going forward. Governor Northam provided guidance for the state of Virginia last week.  Our FCPS School Board held a work session on June 15 and another will be held on June 23 about possible scenarios for reopening schools in the fall.  We expect that our school division will make a decision about the reopening of schools at the end of June.  Schools will then need time to plan and will not have answers the next day.  As soon as we have information and a plan, we will continue to communicate with you through News You Choose and our eNotify alerts. We are hopeful that more information will be forthcoming in July and August.  

To our friends, family, and staff who plan to travel and move to new places this summer, thank you for your years at Ravensworth ES!  A piece of your heart will remain with us.  Mr. Bourjaily and I wish you and your family a wonderful, healthy, and peaceful summer with many hours of rejuvenation.  For those of you returning to Ravensworth, we will see you in August in some new way and form.  We are all looking forward to a wonderful 2020-21 school year.  We are Ravens Strong!  

Sincerely,

Erika Aspuria, Principal

 

Student Item Pick-Up

You can still pick up your child(ren)’s items on Thursday, June 18th between 12:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Please drive up through the bus loop. Please remain in your car. A staff member will approach your car to obtain the student's name and bring your materials to your car. Library books and other books will also be collected during this time. Thank you!

Please follow the protocols listed below to ensure a safe, contactless pick-up of your child’s materials:

  1. Staff will be at the school rain or shine.  You may only pick-up materials belonging to your child/children.  Remain in your car at all times.  All staff and parents must wear a mask.
  2. Prior to arriving, please make a sign (written in marker) with the names of your child/children and homeroom teacher/s.  This sign should be visible to staff (passenger side of car). 
  3. All student materials will be picked-up in the bus loop.  Adhere to the directions of staff members.
  4. Staff will place student materials in your car.   
  • Please have all teacher materials and/or patrol belts sealed in a Ziploc bag, labeled with the teacher’s name, the student’s name, and grade level.

Materials not picked up by June 18 will be donated or disposed of. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Erika Aspuria, Principal at ELAspuria@fcps.edu.

 

Yearbook Update

Yearbook Distribution will be Thursday, June 18th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Ravensworth bus loop. Prior to arriving, please make a sign (written in marker) with the name(s) of your child/children. This sign should be visible (passenger side of car).  We ask that adults wear masks as volunteers will be wearing them too. There are a few extra copies of the yearbook for purchase. If you would like to buy a copy or if you are moving away, please let Karin Floyd know and she can mail you your yearbook.  You can reach her at correspondsec@ravensworthpta.org.  

 

Ravensworth Distance Learning Feedback

FCPS presented a “return to learn” plan for the fall to the School Board this week. While we are all waiting and wondering what the fall semester will look like, Ravensworth would like to collect feedback regarding the experiences you and your child(ren) have had during distance learning. This will enable us to build upon our current practices if we need to continue with distance learning in the fall. Please share your feedback via this Google form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDIHZScgOas9s56Ny1u2kjaQxHSTJ1K1GftwDMQBOC7_C3GQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

Ravensworth Summer Reading Challenge and Math Bingo

Ravensworth encourages all Ravens to enjoy reading and practice real-world math skills over the summer. Please encourage your child(ren) to participate in both the Ravensworth Summer Reading Challenge and Ravensworth Summer Math Bingo. Students who return their completed cards at the beginning of the new school year will receive recognition and have the opportunity to win a prize. Our Summer Reading Challenge and Math Bingo cards are posted on our Ravensworth website https://ravensworthes.fcps.edu/

 

Other Summer Learning Resources (available on the Ravensworth website):

Math

·         Dreambox

·         Origo Slate

Reading

·         MyOn

·         MackinVIA

·         TumbleBooks

·         PebbleGo

 

Kindergarten and New Student Registration for School Year 2020-21

 Schools remain closed to families; however, if you have a student to register for next year, please go to https://ravensworthes.fcps.edu/new-student-registration-kindergarten-orientation-2020-21 Early registration for next year is important as it supports the number of teachers for which we are staffed. Information on required registration documents can be found here: https://www.fcps.edu/registration . Please direct any questions about registration to our School Registrar, Ms. Dunbar, at tldunbar1@fcps.edu

 

Message from our Business Partner

Andrew Gause's Martial Arts is back open (with all of the safety precautions you would expect).  Sign up for our weekly full day summer camp (8am - 6pm) (kids ages 5 -12 years old, no martial arts experience necessary).  

And check out our very popular transported After School Program (we were full last school year).  More information about both programs (as well as our traditional afternoon/evening classes) can be found at www.RVTKD.com