Sangster News You Choose
Message from the Principal
Dear Sangster Families,
Hope you are enjoying the last few days of summer vacation. Our teachers are busy planning and preparing for your children. While distance learning is not ideal for anyone, we are getting ready for a strong virtual opening. We have knowledgeable and talented teachers and specialists who care for your children and are in the process of creating the best possible experience for the school year.
We are excited to begin the relationship between our families and teachers. You will receive an email directly from your child’s teacher on Monday, August 31. The same afternoon, your child will also receive an individual link to their teacher’s Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) virtual classroom via their school Google email account. Specific directions for how to access your child’s Google email and their personal link will be attached to the email you receive on August 31. This BBCU link is the same link your child will use daily to log into the virtual classroom between 9:00 – 9:10 a.m.
Last year we had 1006 students enrolled at Sangster. As I write this letter, our enrollment is currently 910 for the 2020-21 school year. Our staffing is based on our enrollment. Please know that staffing can shift even after class assignments have been announced. Additionally, should we begin to transition students to the school building later in the school year, shifts to classroom assignments may occur. We respectfully ask that you do not make any requests for a change in teacher assignment.
We are looking forward to the first quarter of school with a strong virtual start. September 8, the first day of school, is 12 days away - just around the corner! We are eager to begin working with your children. Take good care and see you soon.
Sincerely,
Lisa M. Reddel
Principal
Grade Level Schedules
Grade level schedules are posted on our website: https://sangsteres.fcps.edu/announcements/sangster-virtual-grade-level-tentative-schedules . These are close to being finalized and may be tweaked before the beginning of the year. Each grade level will have different staggered times for Language Arts, Math, Science/Social Studies, Specials and lunch. This is necessary since resource teachers such as Special Education teachers, English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, Specialist teachers, and Instructional Assistants work in all grade levels. More detailed information will be coming to you from your child’s teacher at the Virtual Orientation on September 2, 2020 and at Back-to-School Night on September 15, 2020.
Class Placement Lists/ Teacher Assignments
Sangster families will receive teacher placement assignments on Monday August 31, 2020 through email. Included in this email communication will be information about Sangster’s Virtual Orientation on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.
Virtual Orientation - September 2, 2020
Virtual Orientation is a time your child’s teacher will introduce themselves to students and parents and ensure everyone in the class can connect to the platforms used for distance learning in preparation for the first day of school on September 8, 2020. For families returning to FCPS, we will continue primarily using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU). Teachers will also use Google Classroom to communicate and organize daily announcements and assignments.
9:00 – Kindergarten
10:00 – 1st grade
11:00 – 2nd grade
12:00 – 3rd grade
1:00 – 4th grade
2:00 – 5th grade
3:00 – 6th grade
Staggered times are scheduled to accommodate families with children in multiple grade levels. All sessions will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Attendance
Attendance is required for all students Monday – Friday. Every homeroom classroom will have a live morning meeting each day where attendance will be taken for the day at 9:10 a.m. Morning Meeting is an engaging way to start each day, build a strong sense of community, and set children up for success socially and academically. Please be sure your child is present for attendance.
Recorded Lessons
Teachers will be recording whole group instructional lessons this fall. Recordings will be posted within Google Classroom to be accessed by students who would like additional review. Small group and individual instruction will not be recorded. More information coming from your child’s teacher at Back to School Night.
New Student Pending Registration Documents for 2020-2021 School Year
All pending registration documents including Physicals and Immunizations must be turned in before the first day of school on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. If you have a questions about a pending document, please contact Marian Hoelscher at mthoelscher@fcps.edu.
School offices remain closed except by appointment.
Virtual Back to School Night (BTSN)
Please mark September 15, 2020 on your calendar for Back to School Night from 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. More information and virtual links coming in future weeks. The schedule for BTSN is as follows:
6:00 – 6:45 P.M. Live Session I
6:55 – 7:40 P.M. Live Session II (repeat of Session I)
The purpose of BTSN is to learn more about the year-long curriculum, grade level expectations, how the teacher will support your child, and much more. The parent and school partnership we have at Sangster is key to the success of our students and has been a critical element of our school culture. We are looking forward to the virtual evening with you.
Homework
This school year while we are in distance learning, homework will not be assigned Tuesday - Friday at Sangster. Students may have work that needs to be completed during the school day on Tuesday - Friday and on Mondays. We are encouraging reading every night.
Virtual School Supply Lists
Each grade level has developed a virtual school supply list. They are posted on our website at https://sangsteres.fcps.edu/academics/school-supply-lists . This will help your child with virtual instructional through 1st quarter at home. There may be additional materials throughout the school year teachers will need for students to access. More information coming soon after school begins.
New Parent Technology Help Desk
To support families who are working with their children during distance learning, Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a new Parent Technology Help Desk, starting, Monday, August 24. The number is 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered by staff 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If the help desk is unable to solve the issue on the phone with the parent or guardian, they will enter a ticket on the parent’s behalf and the request for help will be transferred to the appropriate FCPS team.
Parents or guardians who need help in a language other than English should let help desk staff know, and an interpreter will join them on the line. (FCPS also has existing parent information phone lines, available in eight different languages, that can assist with general questions about FCPS.)
FCPS has also set up an online portal to allow older students and parents and guardians to request technology help directly.
Get more information about the new Parent Technology Help Desk.
Technology Supports for Parents and Students
FCPS is working to support families and students with technology. Supports include:
- Providing technology access to students and families.
- Launching a help desk for parents.
- Developing a portal to allow students to request technology help directly.
- Developing methods for students to manage their Blackboard Collaborate/Google Meet class links in their Google Calendar.
Community Use
Due to COVID-19, all FCPS school buildings and grounds are closed for community use until further notice. This includes any organized group or event for PTAs, PTOs, Booster Clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cultural and Civic groups, as well as, others who may use our facilities during a normal school year.
Please continue to visit the Community Use webpage for updates.
Health Information & Emergency Care Forms
As the school year begins virtually, it is important that Emergency Care Forms and Health Forms for your student are updated as soon as possible. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHN) utilize the information contained in the health form to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health Related Needs.
Both of these forms are required for all students for SY 20-21 and are available for electronic submission by parents via their FCPS 24/7 (Blackboard) accounts within the WeCare@School (WeCare) module.
|
How to Stay In-Touch at Sangster
Please stay in touch throughout the year through these official FCPS and Sangster sites:
Sangster sends a weekly News You Choose with the latest school updates.
Need Internet Connectivity?
Cox Communication has announced new customers that qualify will receive Connect2Compete, the company's low-cost internet, for two months at no cost. New customers must sign up between July 21 and September 30 for free service, which also includes free technical support.
A summary of enhancements and benefits of Cox's Connect2Compete program include:
- 2 months of free Connect2Compete service and remote desktop and phone support through Cox Complete Care for eligible new customers who apply between July 21 and September 30, $9.95/month thereafter
- Easy referral for discounted, refurbished equipment through PCs for People
- Student and family access to the Cox Digital Academy, which provides computer literacy training and educational resources for students
- Free WiFi modem rental
- Access to over 3M+ Cox Hotspots nationwide
This summer, Cox announced a new digital learning platform available to Connect2Compete customers to keep kids engaged in academics this summer.
The Cox Connect2Compete program is available to families who:
- Have at least one child that is a K-12 student at home
- Participate in one of these government subsidies programs: The National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, WIC, LIHEAP, or Public Housing
Families can qualify for Connect2Compete easily from anywhere whether on their mobile device or desktop by visiting www.cox.com/c2c. More information is also available here:
https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/covid-19-response.html
FCPS Return to School Information
These webpages are continuing to be updated as the situation for the 2020-21 school year evolves. The FAQ page includes a date by each question to identify the latest updates.
Required Immunizations Remain Mandatory for School
To help parents whose children need immunizations required for enrollment in school for the 2020-21 school year, the Fairfax County Health Department is offering community childhood vaccination clinics plus expanded hours to provide the Tdap vaccine at three clinics. Vaccines are still required to enroll in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) even though all students will start the year with virtual learning.
Vaccination clinics will be held:
- Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria.
- Thursday, September 3, 2 to 6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary St., Springfield.
- Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., location to be announced.
Tdap vaccines will be administered at clinics through August 28 at one of three locations. More information is available online.
Childhood vaccines protect children against potentially life-threatening illnesses such as polio, measles, whooping cough, and chicken pox. Students entering seventh grade and transfer students need a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine.
The Health Department follows strict safety protocols in its community vaccination clinics to limit exposure to patients. Only a select number of appointments per site will be available to protect families. Visitors age 2 and older are required to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth; temperature checks will be conducted at entrances; visitors will be required to stay 6 feet apart, and partitions will separate vaccination stations. Parents can schedule an appointment by calling 703-246-6010, TTY 711. Complete information is available on the Health Department website.
FCPS Resources
FCPS website for Mental Health Resources and information for emergency mental health services:
FCPS Resources and Supports
Tuesday, September 1: FCPS Parent Resource Center Free Webinar: Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You (6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Register Here)
Friday, September 11: FCPS Parent Resource Center Free Webinar: Survive and Thrive with Virtual Learning: Practical Strategies to Make At-Home Learning Work for You (10:00-11:30 a.m. - Register Here)
Friday, September 18: FCPS Parent Resource Center Free Webinar: 10 Ways to Stop Power Struggles & Start Motivating Your Kids (10:00-11:30a.m. OR 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Register Here)
Thursday, September 24: FCPS Parent Resource Center Free Webinar: Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series - Setting the Stage for Good Behavior: Routines, Procedures, & Expectations (10:00 - 11:30 a.m. OR 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Register Here)
Public Library Equity Access Pass
As part of the One Fairfax initiative, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL), and FCPS Library Information Services have partnered in the Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP) pilot program.
On October 1, 2020 the LEAP program will go division-wide, providing FCPS PreK-12 students with public library checkout privileges for books automatically, without the need to register for a physical library card. Student names and ID numbers will be provided to FCPL through an automated data download. Families who do not wish to participate shall select the opt-out for LEAP in the 2020-21 SR&R document.
Participating in the LEAP program provides:
- The ability to checkout up to three public library books at a time. At any FCPL library branch, students or parents simply share their name and indicated they are an FCPS student. A virtual account exists and identification is not required.
- Lost or overdue books will not be charged a fine or replacement fee. However, only three books can be on a virtual account at a time.
- Checkouts are limited to physical books. eBooks and public library digital resources cannot be accessed through this account. Students are welcome to establish a standard public library card for full access.
The Fairfax County Public Library is open for Express services and offers curbside checkout. FCPL has provided this flyer (as seen below) to share with families.
Library Resources in FCPS
FCPS provides access to many print and digital products for all of our students, PreK-12 and their families, to support research, learning, and recreational reading. Browse our collection of online databases and eBooks by visiting https://www.fcps.edu/resources/library. Log in information is available from our school librarian, Nicole Oberdick, neoberdick@fcps.edu.
Other resources include:
-
eBook Highlight - MackinVIA: MackinVIA is the FCPS eBook and audiobook platform. Users can download the MackinVIA app from the iOS and android app stores to read or listen on their mobile devices, or log in to fairfax.mackinvia.com using their FCPS network username and password. Also, users on a school-issued computer can search for the MackinVIA app shortcut. In all cases, be sure to log in to the FCPS blue bar with your network credential, NOT the Follett account.
-
How to Navigate MackinVIA: Take a look at a four minute video demonstrating the features of MackinVIA.
Digital Book Licenses: Most FCPS purchases are limited to single-user licenses by publishers. That means that if a copy of a book is checked out, other users can make a request to place it on hold, but only one person may engage with the book at a time.
2019 – 2020 Yearbook Pick-Up
As a result of the COVID-19 national pandemic, the distribution of the 2019 – 2020 yearbooks from Lifetouch is delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and flexibility. We will let you know as soon as they are available.
PTA Meeting
September 10 at 7:00 p.m. through ZOOM. A ZOOM link will be sent later. The meeting will be streamed live on a private parent FaceBook page to accommodate overflow if needed.
PTA New Family Welcome Website
Welcome to our Nest! Sangster PTA New Family Welcome Website. We hope that the information included is helpful to new families as they begin their journey as Sangster Falcons.
PTA Fundraiser: FALCON MISSION FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!
Make the FIRST DAY of school AMAZING for your family! Every $1 donated to this Sangster PTA fundraiser earns you a chance for a FALCON MISSION on your lawn September 8th! Enter more than once, each $1 earns you an entry! Donations accepted through September 7 at 9am. Winner will be drawn the evening of the 7th.
Questions: SangsterFalcons@gmail.com. Click here to purchase your chances:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRuwg0hNecUeCa1VUB2RgkqAk_E1KYkYt-Ucym_8M6WaD37g/viewform
You can also schedule a Falcon Mission for $20 on ANOTHER DAY by clicking here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfolEqoI95Jba-rya2bPQTRuy05HPmNlUFwP7p3xBB3RHJdVQ/viewform?utm_name=
|
