September 29, 2020 | Issue 4
Important Dates
September 29 (Tuesday): Sketchbook pickup at Mantua 1:00-5:00 pm outside our main entrance (Door 1 – Bus Loop).
Last names beginning with A-K pick-up.
September 30 (Wednesday): Sketchbook pickup at Mantua 1:00-5:00 pm outside our main entrance (Door 1 – Bus Loop).
Last names beginning with L-Z pick-up.
October 1 (Thursday): 5th and 6th Grade Band and Strings Instrument and Method Book Pick-up, from 1:00-5:00 pm outside our main entrance (Door 1 – Bus Loop). Students who are in Band or Strings can pick-up their art sketchbook during method book/instrument pick-up, so they only need to make one trip to the school.
October 6 (Tuesday): Mantua Directory Opt-out deadline.
October 7 (Wednesday): Academic Competitions Parent Information Session, 7 pm.
October 8 (Thursday): 4th Grade Strings Instrument and Method Book Pick-up, 1:00-5:00 pm outside our main entrance (Door 1 – Bus Loop). All students will receive a method book. Instruments will also be distributed for any student who has arranged for a county-issued instrument with Ms. Easton.
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. Those with overdue books may return them 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
Mantua academic competition parent information session will be held virtually on October 7th (Wednesday) from 7pm to 8pm via this link: https://meet.google.com/gso-umji-nry
We will provide briefings 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, whether they are exploring outer space, writing a play or original song, or creating machines that actually work. Each of these competitions facilitates creative team-building that encourage resourcefulness, self-confidence, problem solving, and leadership in children of all ages. Come join us at the Academic Competitions information session! For any questions, please email mantuacompetitions@gmail.com.
Virtual Room Parent Sign Up
The Virtual Room Parent sign up is live! Please see the link below if you are interested in being a Virtual Room Parent for your child’s class this year. Our Virtual Room Parents will be a liaison between a the teachers and our families at home, while helping to promote unity and community within the virtual classroom. It is a great way to stay connected, and the PTA and our teachers are so appreciated! Please let me know if you have any questions by email me at volunteering @mantuapta.org. Thanks for considering!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080b4dadaa2aa0fb6-20202021
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Get A Kid Mask With PTA Membership!
We have more Mantua Raccoon youth masks on order! Join the Mantua PTA and you will receive a free mask along with access to the online directory (published in late fall). Masks will also be available for sale soon! If you were one of our first 200 members and still need to collect your mask, you can email membership chair, Mary Beth Fleming at membership@mantuapta.org
https://mantuapta.new.memberhub.store/store
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Stronger Together: A few Yard Signs left!
Our Spirit Your Yard signs are almost gone! Get your's while you still can. All proceeds go to the PTA to help with a variety of school programs and needs. The next "Spirit Day" will be in October, so stay tuned, and get those CAMERAS ready!
https://mantuapta.new.memberhub.store/store
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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.
- 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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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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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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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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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
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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