Sangster Summer Updates
Message from the Principal
Dear Sangster Families,
Over the past few days, I have received many emails and communications with respect to the upcoming school year and parent choices/decisions that will be made for the 2020-21 school year. I have linked Dr. Brabrand’s letter and plan from last week describing school choices for the 2020-21 school year. I know you still have many questions regarding the options and are asked to make a decision without all of the necessary information. Schools do not have all of the answers yet either. We are all working collectively to support you and your child(ren)’s learning going forward regardless of the option that you choose.
Many of you have asked what school will look like with face-to-face instruction and virtual settings. At this point, we encourage you to make your decision based on what feels right for your family. The final decision has not been made for the virtual schedule, but the decision has been made to ensure that there will be more live, teacher-directed hours than offered in May and June. Distance Learning will include both whole group and small group learning opportunities for students. In both settings, we are working with teachers to ensure that there is meaningful direct instruction. As indicated in the plan, the face-to-face instruction will include two days of instruction with asynchronous learning on the other days. Technology will be used in both settings to support instruction.
Our first priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. Although we would all like to return to school buildings this year, we need to follow the current guidance from public health officials that we open schools with social distancing in place in classrooms, on buses, and other shared spaces.
This past week, we have been working to understand our capacity numbers for face-to-face instruction. The number of students in each class will depend on the physical size of the classroom and our social distance (currently 6 feet) based on the Fairfax County Health Department and CDC guidance. We will employ the whole building and get creative with our space usage to ensure that we meet the guidelines. It has been suggested that student schedules be assigned alphabetically to support families with students in multiple grades. We understand childcare might be a concern and know that many of you are making plans now.
Thank you for your feedback about last spring's Distance Learning. We are continuing to reflect on how best to meet student needs. We will also continue to develop our tools and resources to support students’ socio-emotional needs as they return to school. Our entire staff wants to be ready to support your child during the 2020-21 school year.
To better inform your decision, Dr. Brabrand is also having a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. to answer additional questions that arise from his communication. In addition, Visit the Return to School web page for more details on the plans.
These links explain in greater detail the two return to school options:
Virtual online instruction
In-school learning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the FCPS website
As we receive more details about the school year, we will be sending out communication to Sangster parents and staff. I apologize that I do not have the answers to your questions yet. Please keep in touch. Take good care and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Reddel
Principal
Sangster Summer Reading Challenge and Math Bingo
Sangster encourages all Falcons to enjoy reading and practice real-world math skills over the summer. Please encourage your child(ren) to participate in both the Sangster Summer Reading Challenge and Sangster 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 Sangster website.
Free/Reduced Meals Eligibility Applications and Letters
Many families are requesting Free/Reduced letters to assist them with receiving additional benefits. If you are in need of a replacement letter of eligibility, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) at: fcpsmealsaps@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Food and Nutrition Services continues to accept and process new applications for free and reduced-price meals. Electronic applications are accessible via: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Paper copies are available at all FCPS emergency meals distribution sites (including bus stops).
iReady Reading and Math Lessons Available Now through July
Lessons in iReady are available during June and July of 2020 at no cost to families. This resource is being turned on to provide optional individual practice to students. Students may access iReady instruction now. Lessons are based on current grade-level content. Access to iReady will be turned off August 1, 2020.
Students will access iReady instruction through the FCPS public Universal Screener website, where they will enter their FCPS login credentials. A short presentation on how to access this resource is located here and on our Sangster website. If you have any questions or require any support, please contact your child's classroom teacher or Debbie Tannenbaum, our School Based Technology Specialist at dltannenbaum@fcps.edu.
School Supply Lists
Grade level school supply lists will be finalized and published by July 13. We have been revising them with the new return to school in the fall in mind. Coming soon!
Yearbooks
Lifetouch has let us know our yearbooks will likely be arriving sometime in late July. As soon as they arrive, we will let you know!
Mental Wellness Consultation 2020
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will continue to offer mental wellness consultations throughout the summer. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being or if your child would like to speak with a school psychologist or school social worker, please request a consultation. Our FCPS mental health providers are available to help families get needed support through a 45-minute phone consultation or through secure video conferencing. Appointments are open to all FCPS families.
Consultations are offered in two ways:
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Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social-emotional, behavioral, or academic functioning. Information about community resources will also be made available.
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Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions; as well as academic challenges such as organization, time-management, or adjusting to a new school.
We encourage parents to take advantage of this service. Click here to request a consultation. You may also leave us a message at 571-423-4276.
New Student Registration for School Year
2020-2021
Parents who have not yet completed the In Person Registration Appointment should please complete the following link:
https://sangsteres.fcps.edu/new-student-registration-2020-21.
Our registrar Marian Hoelscher will be in contact with you.
If you know of a new student that needs to register for the 2020-21 school year, please refer them to the Sangster website or contact Marian Hoelscher at mthoelscher@fcps.edu for more information.
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