Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
I hope that your family are well this week and have adjusted to the time change. This past week we moved forward with preparing to bring in a small group of students to pilot concurrent instruction beginning on November 10th. We have a total of nine teachers, 26 class periods, and approximately 230 students returning in person for this pilot and we are looking forward to learning how we can optimize the concurrent learning experience for each of our students, whether they are in-person or virtual.
We are continuing to explore ways that we can bring students together in a safe and supportive manner. Last Friday, we had a very successful senior drive through event with free giveaways, class t-shirts, graduation planning information and fall photo opportunities. Tonight we are hosting our first Wheels & Reels (drive-in movie) event! Additional student opportunities are in the planning phases and will be shared soon.
Next Wednesday our students have an early release day for Veteran's Day. Our early release schedule can be found on our website. To all of our parents, guardians and faculty who have served our country, we thank you.
Thank you so much for your continued partnership and support! Go Bruins!
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
Important Information for All
1. Parent Academy
2. Veteran’s Day Celebration
3. SIS Grade Book and Report Card Modules Closed
4. Peer Tutoring
5. Socktober
6. 2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey
7. FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
High School Information
8. Class of 2023 Events
9. High School Yearbook
10. Senior Yearbook Ads
11. High School Portrait Retakes
12. Senior Portraits
13. Substance Use Prevention Group for 9th Grade Students
Middle School Information
14. Middle School Portrait Retakes
15. MS Lunch Bunch
FCPS Information
16. Family Guide for Return to School
17. Family Engagement Month
18. Important Update on Grab and Go Meals
19. FCPS Tech Support
20. FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important Lake Braddock Contact Information
21. Attendance Procedures
22. How to Stay In Touch
Important Information for All
1. Parent Academy
Please see our website for previous Parent Academy event materials, including recordings and slides.
2. Veteran's Day Celebration
The Lake Braddock Military Ambassadors Club is holding a Veterans Day event on November 11 at 1:15 pm. Please use the QR Code in the flyer or this link to register.
3. SIS Grade Book and Report Card Modules Closed Through November 11
Please note that the Grade Book and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for Middle and High School students from Tuesday, November 3, at 4 p.m. through Wednesday, November 11, at 6 a.m.
4. Peer Tutoring
The Peer Tutoring Center is opening soon! Opening Mondays from 9:15 am-10:15 am starting Monday November 16. Use this link to sign students up for tutoring: https://forms.gle/MLELXGqFiHq1y1zv5. For more information please email lbsspeertutoring@gmail.com.
5. Socktober
Thank You Lake Braddock Community for Your Genero-sity! Your support of Socktober as the kickoff event for the 20-21 Bruins In Action Capstone means that hundreds of pairs of socks will be donated to support individuals and families at:
- Katherine Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, VA, click here
- New Hope Housing in Alexandria, VA, click here
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6. 2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey
The results from the 2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey are in and can be found here.
Here are 5 things to know about the 2019-2020 Youth survey:
- The prevalence of depressive symptoms continues to increase.
- Vaping and alcohol use remain common.
- Fruit and vegetable consumption continue to decrease.
- Screen time increases while physical activity level drops.
- Most students feel safe and supported at school.
While the youth survey was conducted prior to Covid-19, these takeaways fit in our current Covid-19 world. So, what can you do? You can help to increase your students’ positive, protective factors. Positive protective factors can help your student make better choices, engage in healthier habits, and manage their stress in healthier and more positive ways. Examples of protective factors that build resiliency during Covid-19: connections with caregivers, teachers and other adults in their lives, the 3 R’s (reassurance, routines, and regulation skills), and positive social connectedness within their community.
Fairfax County Government, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Truth Initiative Presents: This is Quitting
This is Quitting offers text messages for teens and young adults that provide support throughout the quit process. This is Quitting is easy to use, free and anonymous.
Here's how This is Quitting can help:
- Set a quit date and receive up to 12 weeks of tailored daily text messages.
- Get 24/7 on-demand support for cravings, stress, relapse, or requests for more messages.
Sign up now: Text VapeFreeFFX to 88709
Jessica Giffin, LMSW
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
If you need support for a student or have concerns you’d like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to me via email at jlgiffin@fcps.edu
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270
7. FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Lake Braddock Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/et7iswajguYW7h6u5
You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.) All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category.
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category.
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district).
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services.
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership.
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school.
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee.
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid).
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 20. If you have any questions, please contact David Walrod at dpwalrod@fcps.edu.
High School Information
8. Class of 2023 Events
Your student’s school counselor will be presenting a Sophomore Career Unit to tenth-grade students on Friday, November 13 during the second half of their Advisory period from 10:20am - 11:05am (WIN Time). Students will receive a link from their counselor soon for the session in their school email account. Please encourage your students to email their counselor if they do not receive a link.
In addition, please mark your calendars for the Sophomore Parent/Student Night with Erin Slater, Assistant Director of Admissions at Randolph-Macon College, scheduled for November 17 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm). The presentation includes an overview of the college admissions process, what colleges look for in applicants and how admissions offices make decisions. The live program will be conducted by Ms. Slater and it will be in conjunction with Robinson HS families. A registration link will be sent out next week.
If you have any questions regarding the Sophomore Career Unit, please contact counselors: Lynn Carrera: lncarrera@fcps.edu or Sierra Alexander: skalexander@fcps.edu. If you have any questions regarding the Sophomore Parent/Student Night, please contact: Sandy Hunter: skhunter@fcps.edu.
9. High School Yearbook
The 2021 high school yearbook is currently available for purchase. Go to
www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 5061. The discounted price of $65 is only available until the end of 2020, so don’t wait! Yearbooks make good gifts!
10. Senior Yearbook Ads
Help your senior remember the good times. Create a senior ad to be published in the 2021 yearbook! We’ve lowered the prices considerably this year, so take advantage of this offer! Ads will be available until December 1 (or until we have sold out), so don’t wait! Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 5061 to get started. Email Mrs. Poquis at tbpoquis@fcps.edu if you have questions or need assistance.
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11. High School Portrait Retakes
High School student portraits are now available to view and order online (orders placed online will ship home) at vosphoto.com/lakebraddockHS . Use your student’s FCPS ID as the online code. Questions or concerns can be directed to underclass@vosphoto.com.
Portrait retakes are scheduled on December 2, 3 and 7. Please note the following requirements for retakes:
- Any student who was absent for the original photo session.
- Any new enrollment or transfer student since the original photo session.
- Any student who was dissatisfied with their original portrait package. Please be prepared to hand the old package to the photography staff. Students must return their old package to the photographer in order to receive a new package.
- Any student who did not purchase on the original session is welcome to purchase at this time.
- Any student who did NOT receive an ID card at the original session.
- Any student who has incorrect/missing data on their ID card from the original session.
Please use the following link to sign up for a time:
http://pickatime.com/vos/lakebraddockhsmu
12. Senior Portraits
There are still slots open for Senior Portraits on November 11 and 12. Please sign up for your session date and time here: pickatime.com/vosphoto/LakeBraddockss.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to seniors@vosphoto.com
13. Substance Use Prevention Group for 9th Grade Students
ATTENTION 9th GRADE PARENTS!
FCPS offers activities and learning experiences which focus on the many ways marijuana, alcohol, tobacco/vaping, and other drug use can negatively impact student lives. Here at Lake Braddock, our students’ lives matter to us and as a proactive approach, we want to provide students with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the dangers of substance use and addiction, as well as treatment options. During the 2018-19 school year, there were 70 disciplinary infractions at Lake Braddock High School for either alcohol, tobacco, or other drug related issues. According to the 2018 Fairfax County Youth Survey data for the Lake Braddock Pyramid, students were asked questions about their substance use in the past 30 days and the results were as follows:
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Substance
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8th Grade %
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12th Grade %
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Alcohol
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3.2
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25.8
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Marijuana
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1.5
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22.4
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Painkillers/No Rx
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1.7
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2.2
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Prescription Drugs/No Rx
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1.7
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6.6
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Cigarettes
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0
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3.5
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E-Cigarettes
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4.3
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13.4
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Vaping
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8.8
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32.8
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As you can see from the 2018 Fairfax County Youth Survey data there is an incredible increase in experimentation with alcohol and substance use from grades 8-12. Additionally, many of our students are experiencing disciplinary concerns related to this experimentation. As a prevention strategy, we are currently seeking 9th grade students who would be willing to participate in a substance use prevention program that we are implementing this school year thanks to a very generous grant from LBSS PTSA.
The Too Good for Drugs group is a 10-lesson program focusing on goal setting, decision making, identifying and managing emotions, effective communication, bonding and relationships, effects of alcohol use, nicotine, marijuana, prescription, OTC and street drugs, as well as healthy alternatives to substance use. This program aligns with the increase in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) support that is a top priority in our students’ education. It focuses on all 5 of the CASEL Competencies to include Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Social Aware-ness and Relationship Skills.
Each week, there will be parent information forms sent home to facilitate your understanding and enhancement your child’s learning. The group will be held virtually, once a week at a day/time to be determined. (Options may include: 3:00 to 4:00 pm; or during the 2nd half of 4th period – WIN time.) For more information about this program please visit:
https://toogoodprograms.org/pages/what-is-too-good
This group will be facilitated by both school psychologists at Lake Braddock High School. Our Too Good for Drugs group requires your written permission for your son or daughter to participate. If you would like your son or daughter to join this group, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of us.
Carleen McKenzie Mary Olsen
School Psychologist School Psychologist
crmckenzie@fcps.edu molsen@fcps.edu
Middle School Information
14. Middle School Portrait Retakes
Middle School student portraits are now available to view and order online (orders placed online will ship home) at vosphoto.com/lakebraddockMS . Use your student’s FCPS ID as the online code. Questions or concerns can be directed to underclass@vosphoto.com.
Portrait retakes will be on December 2, 3 and 7. Please note the following requirements for retakes:
- Any student who was absent for the original photo session.
- Any new enrollment or transfer student since the original photo session.
- Any student who was dissatisfied with their original portrait package. Please be prepared to hand the old package to the photography staff. Students must return their old package to the photographer in order to receive a new package.
- Any student who did not purchase on the original session is welcome to purchase at this time.
- Any student who did NOT receive an ID card at the original session.
- Any student who has incorrect or missing data on their ID card from the original session.
Please use the following link to sign up for a time:
http://pickatime.com/vos/lakebraddockmsmu
15. MS Lunch Bunch
Join your friends and fellow bruins during your lunch period. Register by scanning the QR code below or use this link..
FCPS Information
16. Family Guide for Return to School
Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with families to ensure we keep students and staff safe and healthy as we return to school buildings for learning. Working together, we will follow recommended health guidance that focuses on student and staff health, safety, and emotional well-being.
The FCPS Family Guide for Return to School has a wealth of information on topics like concurrent instruction, lunch, the mandatory mask policy, recess, laptops, health protocols, and more.
17. Family Engagement Month
The Virginia Board of Education and the Virginia Department of Education recognize November 2020 as Family Engagement Month. Research on family engagement suggests that when schools, families, and communities support each other, students of all backgrounds and ability levels achieve at the highest levels. The importance of parental and family support is highlighted during the month of November as we celebrate and strengthen family-school partnerships together.
To support schools with best practices in November and year-round, the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement and the Virginia Department of Education have an array of resources to support equitable family engage-ment practices.
18. Important Updates on Grab and Go Meals
Fairfax County Public Schools is offering no-cost nutritious meals to ALL students through June 30, 2021. Meals are available at school sites and along bus routes. Beginning Monday, November 9, grab and go bus delivery times and some bus stop locations will change. The updated bus schedule will be posted on November 6.
Breakfast and lunch meals are offered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time. Breakfast and lunch are also offered at no cost to any student who attends in-person instruction at a school Monday-Friday. Meals for Saturday and Sunday are offered at sites and on bus routes every Friday.
More information is available online, or by calling the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
19. FCPS Tech Support
If you find your student in need of tech support for their school-issued laptop, please to go FCPS Technology Support. There are a number of tips, suggestions, and links for assistance. If you are not able to solve the problem, please submit an IT request online. This request will be routed to Lake Braddock's IT team, who will get in contact with you and/or your student to solve the issue. Please do not submit multiple requests or call the school office directly.
Please keep a close eye on your email. This is how our IT department will communicate with you and your student. The email will come from FCPS and will have a subject line beginning with INC followed by a number. Please also give one to two school days for a response.
20. FCPS Mental Health Resources
21. Attendance Procedures
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Monday attendance form: Students must complete the required attendance form between 8:00 and 10:00 am each Monday to be counted as present. Students need to be signed in to their FCPS Google accounts to complete the form. Your child’s 4th period Advisory teachers will remind them and post the same link every week. Please encourage and remind your child to complete the form EVERY Monday morning.
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Reporting absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals: Use the following form to report absences, late arrivals and early dismissal: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/about/attendance. You can also call the subschool attendance phone numbers shown below:
22. How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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