Important Dates

Saturday, January 30: Progress Reports in ParentVue

Monday, February 8: Diversity in STEMS Talk – Thomas Jefferson High School

Monday, February 15: Presidents’ Day Holiday – No School

Monday, February 22: Sleepy Hollow STEM Event: Invention Convention

Religious & Cultural Observances

Friday, February 12: Lunar New Year

Monday, February 15: Nehan (Nirvana Day)

Tuesday, February 16: Shrove Tuesday

Wednesday, February 17: Ash Wednesday

Thursday/Friday, February 25-26: Purim

STEAM Event

February 22, 2021 @ 6pm

Virtual Event

(BBCU link to be shared closer to the date)

Sign up to participate here: https://forms.gle/og3HGzGR5pMyvcpN9

Or by emailing Ms. Collins - jacollins@fcps.edu

Is your child inquisitive, resourceful, imaginative, creative, or likes to ask “why”? Invention Convention is the perfect opportunity for learning and fun? We are pleased to announce the Sleepy Hollow Invention Convention will be held on Monday, February 22^nd at 6:00 pm.

Health Screening Commitment Form Required Prior to Student Return to School Buildings

As students return to school, parents/caregivers will be asked to acknowledge a Health Screening Commitment form before their student(s) return to school buildings. This document confirms that a parent/caregiver/guardian will complete a daily health screening and will keep their children home when they are ill.

The Health Commitment form can be submitted electronically through in ParentVUE (PVUE) beginning January 4, or via hard copy. Please contact your child’s school to have a hard copy sent to you.

Calling All Rising Kindergarteners

Do you have a child or know of a child that will be turning 5 years of age by September 30, 2021?  If yes, they are the eligible age to attend kindergarten for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.  Please contact Sleepy Hollow Elementary School at 703-237-7000 so we can add you to a mailing list and later in the Spring send you information on how to register your child for school.  We can’t wait to see what new little dolphins will join our pod! Thank you, Heather Schwartz, Student Information Assistant (SIA).

FCPS Technology Resources

FCPS has developed multiple resources that can help with basic technology issues to support learning at home:

• The Parent Technology Help Desk (toll free) at 833-921-3277 is available for technical support questions about online parent accounts, your student’s FCPS laptop, or your student’s online applications.
• If there is a problem with your Sleepy Hollow issued laptop, you may enter a support request ticket via Parent and Student IT Portal
• FCPS' Parent Technology Resource page includes tip sheets in multiple languages that provide answers to basic questions about FCPS technologies.
• Laptop/MiFi problems supported by our Sleepy Hollow Technology Team will be addressed by APPOINTMENTS Only. If responding to Request IT tickets via the Parent and Student IT Portal, a technology team member will contact you. Please, NO Walk-In support requests. Thank you for your understanding.
• FCPS’ YouTube channel has videos on basic technology topics that highlight some of the key FCPS tools, such as Google and Blackboard. These videos are designed to provide solutions for quick, simple questions.

Other inquiries about FCPS programs or resources for families may be directed to the Parent Resource Center at 703-204-3941 or use one of our eight Parent Information Phone Lines for information in multiple languages.

FCPS – Family and School Partnerships

Music, Attention and Learning

• Music’s beneficial effects on mental health are well known. Some sing the praises of music for its soothing nature. Sporting events provide music to stir enthusiasm. Children can use music, in part, to learn rhymes and poems or to help focus while studying. Pairing music with rhythm and pitch enhances learning and recall.
• Music can also help children and adolescents with attention problems.
• Music may enhance attention to tedious academic tasks such as memorization. Songs, rhythms, and dance or movement can enhance learning. Also, playing background music may help attention to the task.
• Music can be used to take a break for desired behavior. For example, for paying attention to homework for 10 minutes, a child can be rewarded with the opportunity to listen to music for 5 minutes.
• Musical cues can be used to help organize activities – one kind of music for one activity like studying, another kind of music for a different activity like dinner, and a third kind for bedtime.
• Calming music can promote social behavior and decrease impulsive behavior.
• Music can inspire a feeling of happiness and optimism. It can relax and calm.

Community Resources

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.