Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
As we close out the first week of January 2021, I cannot stress how grateful I am for the Lake Braddock Community. This has been a tough journey as we navigate Virtual Learning and we continue to stay strong together as this situation evolves. We are eager to welcome our students back into the building safely and our administrative team is planning for that day as soon as it is feasible. For the time being, the plan to return to in-person learning is currently on pause. Our bell schedule will not change until we have more information about the timeline to phase in in-person learning.
We kicked off the academic advising process for the 2021-22 school year this week by sharing our new Curriculum Fair Google sites. It is hard to believe that we are already beginning to plan for next school year and it is important that we share as much information virtually with you as we can. To better inform our students and families of the courses we will offer next year, there is a Google site for Middle School and High School that provides detailed information about the courses they can sign up for next year.
We enjoyed connecting with our rising 7th grade parents on Thursday. Next week we will meet with our rising 9th grade parents on January 11th at 6:30pm. If you are a parent of a rising 9th grader and you have not registered for this event, please use this link to register.
Our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Jessica Giffin, along with the Office of Safety and Student Wellness begin a series this coming week for our Parent Academy titled The Teenage Brain, Drug Trends, and Parent Tips Series. The first session for this series begins January 12th at 7:00 pm. Please use this registration form to join the event.
The first semester is coming to a close in two weeks. We encourage you to check ParentVue and communicate with your child's teacher. If you have questions, our counselors and Subschool Administrators are here to support you.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
Important Information for All
2020-21 Outstanding Employee of the Year
Student of the Month Winners
Virginia Senior Honors Choir
Talented LB Art Students
LBSS Latin Student Elected for State Office
Attendance on January 11
Academic Advising
AVID Applications
Mental Health Services
Weekend of Service -- Volunteer Fairfax
Last Opportunity for Yearbook Photos
Classroom Monitors Needed
LBSS Online Book Store
Parent Academy
High School Information
Yearbook Photos
Deadline for May AP Exam Accommodations Request
Middle School Information
Middle School Spelling Bee
TDAP Vaccine Reminder
Middle School-After School Program
FCPS Information
FCPS Tech Support
FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important LBSS Contact Information
Attendance Procedures
How to Stay In Touch
Important Information for All
2020-21 Outstanding Employee of the Year
Thank you to all of the families, student and staff who submitted nominations for the FCPS Honors selection process this year. We are grateful to all of our dedicated staff. These are the Lake Braddock Secondary School finalists.
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Dr. Ana Cingel is our Outstanding Leader of the Year. |
Kathleen Young is our Outstanding Teacher of the Year. |
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Josh Britton is our Outstanding New Teacher of the Year. |
Carin Frank is our Outstanding Professional Employee of the Year. |
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Julie Moore is our Outstanding Operational Employee of the Year. |
Student of the Month Winners
Bruin Pride wants you to know that, despite our social distancing, we still want to celebrate and recognize our students and our staff. Each month, staff are able to recognize students who have demonstrated characteristics of our Shared Vision. The four main attributes of our theme #BruinsCARE are connected, adaptable, resilient, and engaged.
December Student of the Month Winners - Engaged:
7th grade: Daniel Fthenos
8th grade: Samarah Jahangir
9th grade: Riley Jane Caunter
10th grade: Jack Sander
11th grade: Jenna Mae Chanchu
12th grade: Ethan Feil
Virginia Senior Honors Choir
Congratulations to the following Lake Braddock Choral students selected to perform with the Virginia Senior Honors Choir:
Helen Do, Maggie Edwards, Lizzie Meiners, and Bella Thurgood
Only 24 students were chosen from the entirety of FCPS, and we are so proud to have these four talented musicians represent the best of the Lake Braddock Choral Department.
Talented LB Art Students
A number of LB Art Students had their art published in the December 24-January 6 Connection Newspaper. Congratulations to Yumi Perez (8th grade), Olivia Baumgardner (11th grade), Sydney Cha (12th grade), Sophia Lee (7th grade), and Yumin Choi (12th grade).
LBSS Latin Student Elected for State Office
We’d like to extend our congratulations to Elissa Press, 10th grade Latin student, on her election as the new Virginia Junior Classical League Parliamentarian. This is an honor for Elissa and our school as we have never before had representation on the state officer board. We wish Elissa the best of luck and are excited for what she will accomplish during her term. Bona Fortuna, Elissa!
Attendance on January 11
Parents, please note that, on January 11, students MUST complete the regular Monday Check-In form to be marked as present for the day.
While Mondays have been designated as teacher prep days (with no teachers' office hours), attendance records are still required. Students must complete the Monday Check-In form to be marked as present for the day. Please ask your students to set a reminder in their phone, write it in their agenda, and/or make a note on their calendar.
High School Monday Check-In Form
Middle School Monday Check-In Form
Academic Advising
The Curriculum Fair Sites are LIVE! Students have begun meeting with high school counselors this week to review course offerings for the 2021-2022 school year. On Monday, January 11, we will be hosting the Rising 9th Grade Parent Program. You must register for this event HERE! Links to the BBCU presentation will be emailed to those who registered for the event on Monday morning, so make sure you register early! START HERE to learn about what courses FCPS has to offer! Remember, you will need your student’s fcpsschools.net account to access the Curriculum Fair Sites.
Middle school students will be meeting with their school counselors beginning next week for course selection presentations. Individual Academic Advising is scheduled to begin the week of January 26.
AVID Applications
With course selection upon us, Lake Braddock’s college-readiness course, Advancement Via Individual Determination, commonly known as AVID, would like to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. The year-long elective course is offered in grades 7-12 and focuses on student support with the goal of attendance and success in college and beyond. More information on the course can be found on the middle and high school curriculum fair sites, listed under the AVID heading.
Mental Health Services
Ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and school closures continue to have a significant impact on children’s mental health. As an example, according to the CDC, from April to October 2020, the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for children aged 5-11 and 12-17 years increased approximately 24% and 31%, respectively, compared with 2019. Healthy Minds Fairfax has created the following flyer to help families navigate the world of mental health.
Weekend of Service -- Volunteer Fairfax
Fairfax County Public Schools encourages students to find ways to safely participate in service learning. Even during COVID-19, students are finding incredible ways to serve their communities either virtually or while practicing social distancing and following CDC guidelines. The upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend is a great opportunity to help connect students with impactful service opportunities while also teaching students about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
In an effort to connect student service learning with the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, FCPS and Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is teaming up with Volunteer Fairfax for a weekend of service. Beginning on January 16, 2021, Volunteer Fairfax is organizing a family friendly event that will provide service opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in activities virtually from home. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, please visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website for more information.
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Last Opportunity for Yearbook Photos
The LAST opportunity to get a middle school or underclassmen studio yearbook photo and a school ID will be on January 11. Photos will be taken between 9:00 and 1:00 on this day. Use the following links to schedule your session.
High School - pickatime.com/vos/lakebraddockhsmu
Middle School -pickatime.com/vos/lakebraddockmsmu
Email tbpoquis@fcps.edu with questions.
Classroom Monitors Needed
LBSS is looking to hire classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a teacher remains virtual. The position will start mid-January and end June 11. The pay rate is $15.42 per hour, for 7.5 hours per day, Tuesday through Friday.
Description: Provides in-person classroom assistance to a school or center assisting a virtual teacher with conducting classroom activities; works with individual and small groups of students; operates technology to include cameras, learning platforms, and learning tools; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; provides supervision throughout the school day including in the classroom, halls, and lunch; performs administrative and non-instructional duties, such as keeping daily attendance; and ensures all CDC/safety protocols and procedures (e.g., fire drills) are implemented and followed.
Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable with basic technology equipment/tools; knowledge of and ability to ensure all CDC/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; and ability to interact effectively with the assigned student population.
If you are interested in applying for this job, please contact Ms. Jennifer Harris.
LBSS Online Book Store
The LBSS Library is hosting an online bookstore through Bookworm Central that will continue throughout the entire year. Students and teachers can purchase books and have them delivered to their house. Purchases over $30 will be delivered for free. Stock up for the holidays and support the library.
The Online Library Book Store opened December 7. Please enjoy this promotional video HERE.
Contact the LBSSLibrary@fcps.edu with any questions.
Thank you, Lake Braddock SS Librarians
Parent Academy
See our Website for more information about Parent Academy events.
Upcoming Parent Academy Events
The Teenage Brain, Drug Trends, and Parent Tips Series
Provided by The Office of Student Safety and Wellness
Have you ever wanted to learn more about your teenager's brain and how it relates to substance use? Register today for a three-part series about the teenage brain, adolescence, and the effects of drug and alcohol on the teenage brain.
Session #1: The Teenage Brain: Building Connections
January 12 @ 7pm
Session #2: Drugs and the Teenage Brain
January 21 @ 7pm
Session #3: Drug Trends in Teens: Identifying Common Household
Substances and Drug Culture
January 26 @ 7pm
Questions? Email jlgiffin@fcps.edu
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPm5iK0OfoXRQLympzzuFAXUGsm68Z3iJ4bdgimnGXfsQ6DQ/viewform
Upcoming LBSS Parent Academy Events - Family Engagement Series
Middle School Family Reading Club - Here Be Dragons!
January 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM
Hosted by LBSS Middle School Librarians
Please click HERE to register and enter to win a book of your own choice! The virtual link will be sent to each member.
Questions? Please contact Carolyn Hilyard at cjhilyard@fcps.edu or Diane Rogers at dprogers@fcps.edu
High School Family Book Chat
January 21, 2021 from 7-8 PM
Hosted by the LBSS High School Librarians
Register by January 13th here: LBSS Book Chat Registration Form
Questions? Please contact Sarah Pevner, SJPevner@FCPS.edu or Laura Christadore, LAChristadore@fcps.edu
High School Information
Yearbook Photos
The high school yearbook needs photos of students! Send us photos of students voting or working the polls on Election Day. Of students at Halloween, at Thanksgiving, at Diwali, at Hanukah. Of students with their pets, with friends, in their home classrooms, and playing club sports. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5061 to upload photos to eShare. Email tbpoquis@fcps.edu with questions.
High school students: The yearbook needs your photos! If you did not come in to school to take your portrait for the yearbook, please follow the steps below and submit your own portrait for the yearbook. We can’t just use last year’s photos, and we want to make sure to include everyone. This yearbook will definitely be an historical one, so help us make sure you are a part of that history.
Deadline for May AP Exam Accommodations Requests
Because the Advanced Placement (AP) exams are operated by the College Board, testing accommodations must be approved by College Board. If your student has an IEP or 504 plan, you may apply to the College Board for accommodations to be administered for future AP exams. Please contact Mr. Chuck Lord, Lake Braddock’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator, by email at CVLord@fcps.edu no later than Monday January 11th to begin the accommodations request process. If your student has already been approved by College Board to receive accommodations, you do not need to apply again unless there is a need to add additional accommodations.
Middle School Information
Middle School Spelling Bee
Lake Braddock Middle School is registered for the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, but first students must compete at the school level in order to move on to higher rounds of spelling bees.
- Date: February 8, 2021 (tentative)
- Lake Braddock will host an in-house virtual spelling bee, in which students can participate for the chance to qualify for the 2021 Fairfax County Spelling Bee where the winner will move on to compete at the 2021 National Scripps Spelling Bee in June.
- Please complete this interest form for more information on registration: https://forms.gle/2S2ws4rKChnF7c5t8
TDAP Vaccine Reminder
The Code of Virginia requirements for immunizations and physicals for school entry have not been waived for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.
Students will not be permitted to access face-to-face instruction without meeting all compliance requirements. For students who are conditionally enrolled and have not completed the necessary immunizations as required by the Code of Virginia, FCPS will provide provisional access to virtual learning only. Students may not participate in “in school” instruction and activities until meeting this requirement.
For questions about immunization requirements for your child, or to send proof of your child’s Tdap vaccination, please contact Angela Santizo at 703-426-1030 or assantizo@fcps.edu.
Middle School After-School Program: Bruins Stay Virtual
Visit here for an up-to-date list of afterschool offerings at Lake Braddock: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/club-activity-descriptions
If students are interested in participating in the middle school after-school program:
- Complete the student interest form: https://forms.gle/7FL8qVvW3oSfVTxU8
- Parents/guardians should complete the parent permission form: https://forms.gle/Z5CZnfmkoNAfR1Ea8
Questions to After-School Specialist, Jamaal Hines, jlhines@fcps.edu
FCPS Information
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.
FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important LBSS Contact Information
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:
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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