Dear Wolftrap Families,
I want to express my appreciation for the generosity our community has shown during these very challenging times. Wolftrap has contributed so much food to the Madison Pyramid food drive that students from Madison have had to make several carloads each week! We also received $245 in donations through our Book Fair to purchase books for our sister school. Finally, the PTA fundraiser to support the Inova Children Hospital Toy Drive has resulted in over $1500 in donations! Thank you all for your desire to help others in our community this holiday season.
The School Board met last week and Dr. Brabrand shared tentative groups and timelines for returning to in-person learning, for those who selected that option. Please see the details on the FCPS Return to School site: https://www.fcps.edu/returntoschool. The Board will meet again on January 5 and we will learn more about kindergarten, and subsequent grade level phase-in, at that time. An update on our new bell schedule will be provided by FCPS this week. As a reminder, we have known since July that once students return to in-person instruction, a later bell schedule will be required due to transportation needs with social distancing. The new bell schedule will impact both in-person and virtual learners.
We are continuing to finalize our new master schedules and class rosters to accommodate all of the updates collected in October and will get that information to you soon. Parents in Grades 1 and 2 will receive a personalized email this week which will contain your child’s new teacher assignment as well as days of the week (Tuesday/Wednesday OR Thursday/Friday) for those who selected in-person learning. Parents in Grades 3-6 will receive this information after winter break when phase-in dates have been determined. Although the changes will not take place until students begin returning to the building, I understand that you need time to prepare your child and your family schedule.
In this final week before winter break, I wanted to take a moment to wish your families a wonderful holiday season. My wish for the upcoming winter break is to share experiences with my children and husband that will create dearly-held memories for the future. I hope you do the same and enjoy this time! Happy holidays!
Our school and office will be closed for winter break from December 21-January 1. School will resume on January 4.
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
National Inclusive Schools Week
This past week FCPS celebrated Inclusive Schools Week. Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that our schools continue to improve our ability to successfully educate all children. I welcome continued conversation on this important topic from staff and community members!
New Employment Opportunities in Fairfax County Public Schools: Classroom Monitors
FCPS schools and centers are hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when some staff members continue to work virtually. If you would like more information about the position, review the job description online and apply if interested. Please share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested. Wolftrap needs to hire two monitors to support students in grades 4-6!
FCPS Is Seeking Individuals to Serve as Substitute Teachers
Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply online or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute teacher information page
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long From Home
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is pleased to continue the longstanding community tradition of the Holiday Sing-A-Long, this year with a virtual twist! Traditionally, this event combined a festive instrumental performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band (USMB) and a sing-a-long of traditional holiday carols led by more than 500 local singers. This year's event will be presented in a digital format and we hope that you join us from the comfort of your home. These pre-recorded performances by the USMB at The Barns at Wolf Trap, will each begin with a short prelude of festive instrumentals followed by a series of favorite holiday sing-a-longs. Tons of holiday cheer! It will be shown on December 19th 4:00 p.m. We hope that you will join in for the virtual performance gathered safely with family, cocoa, and cookies.
Community Resource: Warmline Available to All Virginians Struggling to Cope
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval and unexpected stress in the lives of so many people. To support Virginians, the VA C.O.P.E.S. (compassionate, optimistic, person-centered, empowering support) warmline is available to offer support. The mental health tip line started in May 2020 and, thanks to new funding, the service will be extended through May 2021.
Any Virginian can make a confidential call and speak to a crisis counselor about what's bothering them. The line is available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and 5pm-9pm on the weekends by phone or text at 877-349-6428. Spanish counselors are also available.
The warmline is available to residents who may be struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic including isolation, fear, grief, and anxiety. Not only will callers be provided a supportive compassionate ear, but they will also be provided additional information, resources, and referrals as needed.
Please spread the word through your networks!
Note: VA Copes is not a suicide hotline. If in crisis call 800-273-8255 for the National Crisis Hotline, or 911.
FCPS Meals During Winter Break
Winter Beak meal service plans are now available on the FCPS food resource webpage and an e-Notify message will be sent to households.
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