September 22, 2020 | Issue 3
Important Dates
September 18-25: Register for Chat and Chew.
September 22 (Tuesday): Back to School Night and Meet the Specialists, 6-8pm.
October 6 (Tuesday): Mantua Directory Opt-out deadline.
October 7 (Wednesday): Academic Competitions Parent Information Session, 7 pm.
Back to School Night (BTSN) Meet the Specialists
Mantua Elementary School’s Back to School Night (BTSN) Meet the Specialists Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
We have changed the date to not conflict with Frost Middle School’s BTSN. At this virtual meeting, there will be information about the curriculum, grading, attendance, and discipline from the administration. As well as an opportunity to connect with our Specialists teachers. A link was sent to families on Monday September 21, 2020.
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SR&R Updates and Parent Acknowledgement Form
Reminder, parents and guardians, please review the Student Rights and Responsibilities and related resources at www.fcps.edu/srr. After reviewing the information, fill out the SR&R Parent Acknowledgement Form using the link at the bottom of this email. This form must be filled out once for each student in your family.
The survey will also be on the Mantua school website for families to fill it out there, too.
Link: https://forms.gle/tmP1trFsQUoYarGe6
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Seeking Computer Monitor Donations
Many teachers are working on one monitor. It would be helpful for them to have two monitors: one to direct the class on, and the second to interact with the students at the same time. If you have a spare monitor you are able to donate to the school for these teachers please contact the Mantua ES front office.
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Mantua ES Library Books
Many families still have library books that did not get returned to Mantua from last year. Next week, those overdue book notices will be emailed to families on Wednesday, September 23rd. If you find those books at home, beginning on Monday, September 28th, Mantua will have a bin outside our school main entrance, for you to return them safely. If your child attended a different school last year, and gets an overdue notice, you can return those books to Mantua as well. If you receive an overdue notice and cannot find the books, please do not worry, we understand and are excited to get back as many books as possible.
Questions, email Katie Marmol (kgmarmol@fcps.edu) or Michelle Hawk (mahawk@fcps.edu).
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Academic Competitions Parent Information Session
Does your daughter solve math problems…just for fun?
Does your son read about space exploration in his spare time?
Would your daughter love to sing and create original songs?
Does your child love tennis AND division…AT THE SAME TIME?
Would you love for your child to work on a team to do something fun outside of school? To meet new kids? To have fun new challenges?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then come to the virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, at 7pm to hear more about exciting programs outside of school, like
Destination Imagination, Odyssey of the Mind, Lego League, Science Olympiad, National Geographic Bee, MathCounts, and more.
These academic competitions offer opportunities for all students, K-6 to try new things or delve deeper into their favorite subjects.
Come join us at the Academic Competitions information session!
Mantua Elementary Stronger Together Yard Sign - Order now!
We all know this year will look very different. We might not be able to take that “first day of school” pic as our kids get on the bus, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start the year off with our same Mantua ES pride! This year the PTA is excited to announce our MES Spirit Your Yard sign. Not only is it perfect for a first day of school picture, but there will be other “Spirit Days” throughout the year where we can display our Mantua pride. Support our PTA, as well as help build our community spirit! “Strong Together Even When Apart.”
http://mantuapta.org/action.html
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Directory Opt Out
Here at Mantua we care about your privacy and want to ensure that you are comfortable with the information provided to other Mantua families! Please complete this short form if you do NOT wish to be published in The Mantua PTA Online Student Directory. The majority of parents opt to include their family's information in the directory as it is a great resource for parents, students, and faculty throughout the school year, but we want each family to make that choice for themselves. The Opt Out window ends on October 6th.
Questions, email directory@mantuapta.org.
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Online Classes through Enrichment Matters
Unfortunately, there will be no Mantua Enrichment program this year; however, we are advertising a selection of 4-week online courses that are being offered through Enrichment Matters. Students from all fifty EM schools will be eligible to register and EM will offer additional sections where possible. There will be multiple 4-week sessions run throughout the year and we will advertise in advance of each registration period. Given that many classes do not currently work with Mantua's bell schedule, EM will be revisiting start times for the second 4-week session.
- Information Open House on 9/24 at 7PM
- Registration from 8AM on 9/28 through midnight on 10/5
- Classes run 10/12 - 11/7
Please see https://enrichmentmatters.com/virtual-enrichment/ for a link to course offerings and open house registration information.
Questions email enrichment@mantuapta.org
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Chat 'n' Chew Registration
Chat 'n' Chew has gone virtual for students in grades 3-6! Have one (or a few) budding book lovers in your house? Want to build literacy skills? Just feel like reading a good book and hanging out with friends? Join Mantua's popular book club and spend one lunch hour a month from December to March discussing great books with new friends. Parent volunteers lead groups of 6-8 kids in virtual discussions and fun activities. Registration runs 18-25 September and is $30 per registrant. Four books will be selected by school librarians and provided to participants for them to keep. Questions, email Jen Greanias at chatnchew@mantuapta.org. We can't wait to read with you!
www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/2020-21clubs
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Reflections Program
This year's theme for the Reflections Arts Program is "I Matter Because...". Encourage students to reflect on the theme and express themselves through their artwork.
Call for Entries! Deadline is October 15, 2020.
The artwork should show a clear relation to the theme. Try to use any aspect of the artwork (such as the objects, props, background, location, lighting, etc.) to help convey the theme. Whether an entry displays formal technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Some examples of artwork include: ballet, hip hop dance, animation, documentary, poetry, short story, Latin music, choral, panoramic photo, photomontage, drawing, painting, carpentry, sculpture, and more. Please use the link to the Mantua PTA Facebook page for lists of accepted artwork in each category.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MantuaPTA/permalink/1778948815615152
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Mantua Drama Club Activities
This uncertain year leaves Mantua Drama Club “on hiatus,” but we have some fun virtual ideas planned to keep you engaged with theater and acting! We are also open to your ideas! We are tentatively planning an online scavenger hunt, a trivia night, a movie watch party, and a costume/set design contest. Let us know if you are interested in any of these fun theater related activities via this google form: Mantua Drama Club Events 2020 Your whole theater loving family is welcome to participate! Please fill out for each student if you have more than one child interested. No need to have prior experience with Drama Club to participate - invite your friends!
Questions, email Lauren Brennan drama@mantuapta.org
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Raccoon Runners is Going Virtual!
While we won't be meeting in person like in years past, participants will have access to coaches and videos, with the goal of completing a 5k run/walk at the end of the program. Mantua ES’s Raccoon Runners is a positive youth development program for 3rd through 6th graders, empowering them to be true to themselves through lessons in positive body image, health and nutrition and social awareness. Raccoon Runners are strengthened over a 9 week period through various fitness activities while training for a 5K run. Registration fee includes a t-shirt, an online training log, interaction with other Raccoon Runners via an approved school program, a route for a virtual 5k in the neighborhood with a medal awarded upon completion and email contact with coaches. Registration is open via the link below.
www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/2020-21clubs
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Food Drive
We are grateful to continue the Food Drive started last spring to support families in our school. Luis Uribe Gamboa, our fabulous Parent Liaison working for Mantua ES works with families and has provided the following list of items most needed.
The collection point for food is 9214 Ponce Pl, Fairfax, VA 22031, please leave the food in front of the garage door (not on the front porch). This will be ongoing so you can drop off anytime.Thank you for your support!
For questions, email Kristina Clarke president@mantuapta.org or Luis Uribe Gamboa lauribegambo@fcps.edu.
Food List:
-Oil -Flour-Tortilla Flour (Maseca)
-Dry Beans, red, black etc.(No Cans!) -Rice
-Pancake Mix-Pancake Syrup -Tomato Sauce for pasta
-Mac & cheese-Spaghetti -Pasta (all kinds) -Canned Tomatoes
-Canned Vegetables (green beans, carrots, mixed vegetables etc.)
-Canned fruit -Snacks (energy bars, chips etc.) -Coffee -Sugar -Cereals
-Tooth paste -Tooth brush -Body soap -Tuna -Crackers
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Join a Girl Scout Troop - Virtual or In-person
Join the Girl Scouts! Jump on our virtual meeting to learn more about existing troops and new troops forming.
Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm.
https://chime.aws/2475817744
Meeting ID: 2475 81 7744
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Troop 1533 Boys' Troop Join Scouting Night
Are you interested in joining Scouts BSA? Troop 1533B is a boys troop chartered to the Mantua PTA for boys ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade. We have been affiliated with the school for 52 years, and over that time have had close to 75 boys from our troop earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. We have planned a year long program with virtual activities and small outdoor skills training events that comply with local and national guidance about safety during the pandemic for those who are comfortable.
We are also affiliated with Girls Troop 1533G, a very active, new Girls' Troop also chartered by Mantua PTA, so we are scouting family friendly. Please find us at Troop 1533 - Welcome or https://www.facebook.com/troop1533/ to find out more. In addition, there will be a live event on Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:30 PM for boys and parents to learn more about the Scouts BSA program and the Fairfax troop visit https://facebook.com/events/871036643424190/.
Join Cub Scouts
Is your child bored, and looking to have fun with other kids? Mantua's Cub Scout Pack 1533 is accepting new members in grades K through 5, both boys and girls! All den meetings are currently being held socially-distanced outdoors (or in some cases by video link). We welcome you to attend our den meetings to see if you would like to join.
Questions email: cubmaster@pack1533.org.
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Learn About Your Neighborhood BSA Girl Troop
In 2019, Scouts BSA responded to parents' requests for the opportunity for girls to benefit from the multi-age leadership and outdoor skill training that has been helping young men gain leadership skills for more than 100 years. Troop 1533G is chartered to the Mantua PTA and currently has 16 girls ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade. One of our girls will earn the highest rank, Eagle, in the next 2 months, and three are on track to earn it by February. The girls have designed a year-long plan of outdoor and skills-training activities that comply with local and national guidance about safety during the pandemic. We recently returned from a white water rafting and camping trip that employed these safety measures but still helped these young ladies learn to cook and camp under the stars.
Please find us at: https://troop1533.trooptrack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/troop1533/ : There will be a live Facebook event on Tuesday, September 15th from 7-7:30 PM.
Questions email: girltroop1533@gmail.com
Raise Funds for Mantua ES by Linking Your Rewards Card
It's time to re-link your Harris Teeter VIC cards to Mantua!
This is a really easy fundraiser- once you link your card to our school you'll be helping to raise money every time you shop. And even better? We'll do the work for you! Go to https://www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/vic to fill in your VIC card information and we'll do the rest!
Encourage friends & family to do the same!
Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members. The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems.
prc@fcps.edu 703-204-3941
Parenting Children of Color with Dr. Jamell White
Wed. Sep. 23, 7-8 pm, via Zoom $20
Learn about and discuss with other parents the unique issues in raising children of color with special needs and the impact of the current race-related events on children.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh7nbhkse626d33a&oseq=&c=&ch=
Setting the Stage for Good Behavior: Routines, Procedures & Expectations
Thu. Sep. 24, 10 am-3 pm,
Gain an overview on establishing and maintaining routines, procedures, and expectations, as well as strategies to teach and reinforce these lessons.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfekSCsrbimWJg-
Helping Children and Adolescents Effectively Deal with Social and Emotional Challenges
Thu. Sep. 24, 6:30-9:00 pm, Online $25
Social skills and emotional regulation CAN be taught. Learn tools to use when children struggle with prosocial skills, motivation, or poor self-esteem.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chesapeake-childrens-conference-september-24-25-registration-90855205365
NAMI Ending the Silence for Parents & Caregivers
Mon. Sep. 28, 6:30 pm,
An educational presentation by a parent, and a hopeful personal story by a young adult who experienced a mental health condition while in school.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh9jhb6g2d883c9c&oseq=&c=&ch=
Bridging the Distance: Accommodations and Technology for Overcoming Remote Learning
Tue. Sep. 29,1 pm, With Replay Link
Learn about effective accommodations and tech tools to support students with ADHD and learning disabilities for remote learning.
Register: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1360306&tp_key=d4b32453ed
Talk Saves Lives for Firearms Owners
Tue. Sep. 29, , 6:30-8:00 pm, Online
Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe, specifically for firearms owners.
Register: https://ncactsl09292020.attendease.com
Plan Ahead — Fall 2020 Transition University Virtual Training
Sun. Oct. 11-Mon. Nov. 23, 5 Week Online Course
This self-paced course for parents of school aged children with IEPs includes the major topics needed to plan now for their child’s future adult life.
Register: https://bit.ly/2ztNrbN
Plan Ahead — Parent Child Journey interactive Zoom Discussion Groups
10 Weekly 1-hour meetings on Mon. Wed. or Thu. Starting in Oct. $150
A child behavior expert will lead a discussion and trouble-shoot participants’ implementation of the ten course topics.
Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, most are online, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is respected.
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly typically in the past in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism Society of Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month,1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. Meeting ID: 83085728013
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
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Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
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Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
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West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
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West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month at 8:00 pm. Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
Epilepsy Parent Support Group & Discussion Series meets monthly on the 4th Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register: https://epilepsywdc.org/events/epilepsy-parent-support-group-discussion-series-virtual/
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com
OCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon. 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance 703-324-7720 or parentingeducation@fairfaxcounty.gov
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org.
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