Glasgow Community Gazette - January 31

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Glasgow Community:

For winter lovers, this was a great weekend! My family and I hiked at Prince William Forest on Saturday - my boys and dogs loved playing with the ice in the water. And of course, are looking forward to having lots of fun playing in the snow today. 

This week we celebrate National School Counseling Week. School counselors at Glasgow work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing their academic concerns, postsecondary options and social/emotional skills. They also work in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world.  I’d like to give a big thank you to our school counselors: Akon Otoyo, Irania Escalante, Emily Wasserman, Darren Thornton, Emily Boydstun, Greg Frantz, Laine O’Donnell, Karen Jeannette, Jenn Pallotto, Adrienne Cooper, Alain Poutre, and Courtney Collins. We're also thankful for the rest of the student services team: Joash Chung, Elois Berry, Sara Bracken, Jill Briody, Destiny Delaware, Lisa Hughes, Veronica Melendez, Bryan Villalobos, Danielle Causley,  Cindy Reyes Amaya, and Dana Rivas. Thank you for all you do to support our students!

On Friday I got to join Senor Ortiz’s Spanish immersion science classes as they welcomed Joseph Martinez, a meteorologist with Telemundo 44 in Washington, D.C., as part of the weather unit they are currently in. Senor Ortiz’s students did an awesome job introducing Mr. Martinez, who shared his experiences with the class. Gracias a Senor Ortiz por organizar una gran experiencia para nuestros estudiantes! Check out the picture attached! 

According to the most recent return-to-school timeline, 7th and 8th graders are scheduled to return on Tuesday, March 2, and 6th graders on Tuesday, March 9. To support this shift to in-person instruction, all secondary schools are moving to an updated bell schedule starting on Tuesday, February 16. We will share more information about mitigation and logistics as we get closer to students’ return.

At Glasgow, we continue to monitor student progress and provide multiple systems for students to receive academic support. In addition to office hours and Panther Time, we will welcome small groups of students back into the building beginning on Tuesday for intervention and support four days a week. We hope to offer in-person intervention to more students in the weeks to come.

We hope that you have a wonderful week, as always please reach out if you have any questions. 

Katie Madigan, Acting Principal

Contact Information:
Twitter: @ktmadigan
Email: kemadigan@fcps.edu
Website: http://www.fcps.edu/GlasgowMS/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowMS.FCPS/


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Important Dates

February 2 - Rising 6th Grade Open House & Curriculum Night

February 2 - 5 - Spirit Week

February 3 & 4 - AVID Information Night 

February 9 - 26 - WiDA Testing

February 11 - Parent Academy: Technology Workshop 

February 16 - New Bell Schedule

February 16 - New Student Building Tour

February 23 & 24 - Return to School Town Halls 

February 22 & March 1 - *Tentative IOWA Testing

February 25 & 26 - Teacher Prep Day - Asynchronous for Students

March 2 - 8th Grade Return to Building

March 9 - 6th & 7th Grade Return to Building


February 2 - Rising 6th Grade Curriculum Night at Glasgow from 6 to 8:45pm - Curriculum Night is an evening for all rising 6th graders and students new to Glasgow to learn about Glasgow academics and curriculum. This year we will offer both asynchronous and synchronous components, similar to Back to School Night. On February 1st, we will be publishing on our Glasgow homepage a series of videos about Glasgow and our curriculum offerings. Parents and students will be invited to explore our website and learn about everything that makes us Glasgow. On February 2nd, we will be hosting three town-hall style Q&A sessions for families. English 6:00-6:45pm Link: http://bit.ly/3qcdTM8, Spanish 7:00-7:45pm Link: http://bit.ly/2LE4PAA, Arabic 8:00-8:45pm Link: http://bit.ly/39kU5zb

February 2 - 5 - Spirit Week - The SGA is looking for ways to celebrate Spirit Week from a distance.  We are partnering up with the yearbook staff to urge students and staff to submit pictures each day.  Our hope is to include as many pictures in the yearbook and possibly on the news show. 

  • Spirit Day Tuesday: Sports Jersey Day February 2 - Today we would like to you to submit a photo of you wearing your favorite sports jersey or uniform.  This can be your favorite team to watch, a team you play on, a team you coach, etc.  We will try and use as many photos in the yearbook as possible. Google Form:  https://forms.gle/M4yWrYgDz6KfdHZ99
  • Spirit Day Wednesday:  Crazy Hat Day February 3 - Since you might have some time on your hands, spend an afternoon or weekend day creating an interesting or crazy hat. Or if you a favorite hat sitting around, put it on your head, snap a picture and send it to Glasgow. We will try and use as many photos in the yearbook as possible. Google Form:  https://forms.gle/sQPhxbDg2sMTDn4y9
  • Spirit Day Thursday: Tacky Day February 4 - So, you may still have your crazy hat next to your desk, why not make an outfit that matches the hat?  Or better yet, an outfit that doesn't match!  Spend some time creating an interesting or crazy outfit. We will try and use as many photos in the yearbook as possible. Google Form:  https://forms.gle/Sy1u1K1AXCjhdnseA
  • Friday Spirit Day:  Fitness Friday February 5 - Our final Spirit Day this week is dedicated to our PE Department and fitness gurus! We would like to see you in an exercise location or dressed up in your workout clothes.  Be serious or creative with the outfits.  Silly outfits are encouraged because we can all use a good laugh.  We will try and use as many photos in the yearbook as possible.  Google Form:  https://forms.gle/hej5KmzX5y9zSDiL8

February 3 & 4 - AVID’s Rising 6th Grade Parent Night: Glasgow is currently recruiting students to join our 6th grade AVID elective class for the 2021-2022 school year. If your student is someone who is self-motivated and interested in learning more about college, please have them join our Google Classroom site using code: pnfhkkm . If you or your student are interested in learning more about the AVID elective class please join us on February 3rd and February 4th from 7pm-8pm for our AVID rising 6th grade parent night.

February 3rd: Rising 6th Grade AVID Parent Night English/Arabic

February 4th: Rising 6th Grade AVID Parent Night Spanish

February 11 - Parent Academy: Technology Workshop - Join us for a night filled with information about school based technology. Need help navigating this online world - come hear from our expert Tech Team who will walk you through Google Classroom, Gmail and more! More information to come next week.

February 16 (Rescheduled from previous date)  - New Student Open House for Students and Families - Glasgow will be hosting an optional Orientation for current 6th graders and students new to Glasgow on Tuesday, February 16 from 5pm to 7pm. This evening will be an opportunity for students and families to see Glasgow for the first time and to meet some of our teachers, counselors, and administrators in person. Space is limited and priority will be given to families who have selected in-person enrollment for their student. We will share details and entry times via email to those who RSVP. For questions, please contact Joash Chung, director of student services, at jhchung@fcps.edu. Please RSVP using this link to help us plan a safe, socially distanced event. 


Glasgow Goodies

All-FCPS Virtual Choir - Twelve students from Glasgow participated in the All-FCPS Virtual Choir which premiered this week! This virtual performance featured 230 students from middle and high school chorus programs across FCPS.  These students participated in extra online chorus rehearsals, and learned the specific process for how to record a song for a virtual choir. The full video includes the virtual choir performance as well as interviews from FCPS students about what music has meant to them, especially this year. You can watch the video here!  https://youtu.be/voGVTM_jzUA

Congratulations to our own Glasgow students, we are so proud of you: Angie Abdulkhalek (8th), Caroline Allison (6th), Claire Brogan (7th), MariaJose Fernandez Vargas (6th), Lorelei Friel (6th), Natalie Gamez (6th), Rahel Kassa (6th), Lina Rosenbaum (6th), Alexa Salang (7th), Katarina Sochurek (7th), Nora Tibbals (6th), Fernanda Yoc Bermudez (6th)


Rising 9th Grade Info

As our Academic Advising season begins soon, for 8th grade students this means learning about their transition to high school. Here is some helpful information for families about high school:

Justice High School: On February 2, 3, and 4, Justice will be hosting a Curriculum 3-Night Extravaganza for both rising 9th graders and current Justice students. Each night will feature four departments with breakout rooms representing specific courses. There will be a quick overview presentation with time for a Q&A. More details to come. Take a look at the 9th grade course options!

Annandale High School: Annandale High School held their high school information night on Thursday, January 14th from 7:00-8:30PM. Students and parents can also view the Annandale Academic Advising Page here. 

Falls Church High School: The Rising 9th grade Curriculum Night was on January 6th at 6:30pm and a link will be sent to Falls Church families. Take a look at the 9th grade course options!

Edison High School: The Rising 9th grade Curriculum Night is set for February 24th. Take a look at the 9th grade course options!

Oakton High School:  Take a look at the 9th grade course options!

Hayfield High School: Take a look at the 9th grade course options!

Fairfax Academy: Open House February 2nd 6:30-7:30 PM  BBCU GUEST LINK: Academy Google Site for Students

 

TJ Admissions Updates - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) - The application window for current 8th grade students will begin on February 1 at 8:00 am and close on February 26 at 4:00 pm. A recorded information session on the new application process is now available https://youtu.be/bu8LFjHpDZ8

YouTubeTranslation: If you need the video translated into other languages on YouTube you can turn on captions with auto generated language translation are available. To turn on captions click  CC button. Then to select a language:

  • At the bottom right, click Settings
  • Click Subtitles/CC
  • Select a language

The application window will begin on February 1 at 8:00 am and close on February 26 at 4:00 pm. The TJ Admissions website  www.tjadmissions.org has been updated with new information. Please contact the TJ Admissions Office tjadmissions@fcps.edu or Glasgow TJ Liaison Counselor Gregory Frantz gdfrantz@fcps.edu with questions.


Daily Health Screening Requirement

A daily health screening, using Covid-19 Health Screening Questions, will be required for all students prior to coming onto school grounds (this applies for Material Distribution Days, in-person instruction, and co-curricular/extra-curricular activities). The health screening tool is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

As indicated in the Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form, parent/guardians, will complete the health screening each morning, prior to sending the student to school. In order to reduce the spread of communicable disease to student and staff, it is critical that parents/guardians accurately complete this screening daily and keep students home from school when exhibiting any symptoms. These health screenings will be done on an honor basis and will not be required to be submitted to the school. 

Parents or guardians will be required to make this commitment for all school-aged children in their household.


important information

Important Information 

George Mason’s Early Identification Program - The Early Identification Program (EIP) is a multiyear college preparatory program for students who will be the first in their family to attend a four-year college in the United States.  EIP is a collaborative effort between Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and George Mason University (GMU).  The EIP is one of four programs that comprise the College Success Program in FCPS.  The mandatory criteria is as follows:

  • Current 7th grade student in participating public middle school
  • The student’s parents may not have completed a 4-year college degree in  the United States
  • Academic potential to enroll in a pre-college curriculum in high school

If you have a student in mind, talk to the student about the program, submit the student's name and ID to student’s counselor. The nomination DEADLINE is February 11, 2021. If you have further questions, contact, EIP Sponsor, Ms. Akon Otoyo (ajotoyo@fcps.edu)

 

Panthers Palace - Glasgow is now home to the Panthers’ Palace – a community closet where families can access clothing and toiletries! If you are in need of new items, please complete the Panthers' Palace Requests Form/ Spanish Requests Form. The Community Engagement Team will follow-up with you with the information you provide. The closet will distribute items on the 3rd Monday of each month. We will be accepting gift cards and new items from this donations list year-round to keep the Panthers’ Palace stocked. Please contact Destiny Delaware ddelaware@fcps.edu or Shona Person sdperson@fcps.edu with any questions.

 

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.


Upcoming Events

TJHS Talks on STEM - Join us Monday, February 8, at 6 p.m. to hear from Anthony Nunez, CEO INF Robotics Inc. and Carla Rodriguez, Head of Operations INF Robotics Inc. Mr. Nunez graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Applied Information Technology and from Worchester Polytechnic University with a masters degree in Systems Engineering. Mr. Nunez is a published author in robotics, holds two robotics patents and has over a decade of experience building all forms of land, air and water robots in addition to working for DARPA Autonomous Vehicles programs, where he worked on the early versions of autonomous cars. Mr. Nunez has successfully lobbied Congress as part of the National Robotics Week Advisory Council to have the second week in April recognized for robotics and STEM education importance in the U.S. Ms. Rodriguez has worked as Vice President of Infamous Robotics where she grew the company's curriculum offerings and expanded on key partnerships with the Smithsonian, the U.S. State Department and others. Ms. Rodriguez is a key architect of the Robotics Inventor curriculum and has experience building everything from snake robots to autonomous robots for healthcare. She has been a key mentor for children building their first robot for years, helping them get over roadblocks and build confidence around themselves and STEM. Through their current work at INF Robotics Inc., dba INF Care, Mr. Nunez and Ms. Rodriguez are bringing robotics and assistive technologies to older adults to improve their health and aging in place experience. Parents, register at this Zoom link: http://bit.ly/TJStemTalk2 Submit questions in advance here: https://bit.ly/tjdiversitytalks


Bus Route Meal Service

Grab and Go Meals (UPDATE) - Did you pick up your grab and go meal today?  FCPS is providing FREE grab and go breakfast and lunch to ALL students Monday through Friday. It is easy to find out where to pick up food by visiting the website:https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/food

****PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS LINK!  There are many schools close to Glasgow that are including afternoon snack and supper meals as well!  Also, the County is expanding the Fairfax Meal Kits program.  Students can pick up 7 breakfast and lunch packets at the same time.  Locations, dates and times are all on the site. 

Community Food Distribution - Food for Others’ P3 Power Pack Program is back in 2021! The P3 Program is biweekly on Fridays from 3pm-5pm at Bailey's Community Center. The next P3 dates are Jan 22, Feb 5 and Feb 19 . Students must provide an ID number and are encouraged to bring a bag to pick-up their snack. Please contact Destiny Delaware at ddelaware@fcps.edu for more information.


After School Spotlight

This week, Glasgow After School @Home would like to share new and upcoming Clubs. We’re proud to highlight the following two.  For updates and program descriptions, please visit Glasgow Middle School @Home (Link).

 

Journalism Club - This week’s Spotlight will cover our Journalism Club lead by Ms. Grillo. Our Journalism Club has been hard at work covering a wide range of topics from Staff spotlights to current events. If you’re not aware, the Journalism Club has created the Panther Post site which is accessible to you and your families to stay updated on Glasgow events and activities. I encourage you all to stop in to take a look at the wonderful articles created by your peers and students. Here’s the link for you to access the site: https://gmspantherpost.org/

 

Chess Club - Calling all Chess players. Glasgow After School is proud to announce DMV Chess Club is coming to Glasgow and Key Middle Schools. All classes will be held online using Google Meet video-conferencing. Students will use lichess.org to play games against each other. GOT QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us at schools@dmvchess.com or call Josh Hiban at 703-415-6600 or Mr. Williams at gwilliams2@fcps.edu! Thanks, and we look forward to seeing everyone online!

  • Starting on February 4th, chess club will meet once a week on Thursdays from 3 pm to 4:15 pm (no meeting on 4/1).
  • Chess club will typically feature a lecture from a professional coach followed by practice time, when the students play games against each other.
  • Participants will need to create a free account on lichess.org. We encourage students to enable “kid mode” on their Lichess accounts to prevent communication with other users. After you register you will receive an email with more information about Google Meet video conferencing and Lichess.

Step Afrika - Step Up to College Residency - A weekly residency program (in school or after school) for 4-12th grade students. The curriculum covers stepping, its history, tradition and meaning, preparation for college life, and simple health and fitness. Students learn the core values of stepping: teamwork, commitment, and discipline as a part of their own “step team” by working together to learn and present choreography. Students also gain self-confidence through stepping. Students will work towards a mini-performance to showcase their skills learned throughout the residency. (January 28- March 11 on Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm - 5pm).


glasgow pta

Glasgow PTA News

Fairfax County Council PTA (FCCPTA) Student Technology Mini-Grant Program - Through a generous donation from the Fairfax County NAACP, FCCPTA is offering Fairfax County Public School students (in grades 3-11) an opportunity to obtain a $500 mini-grant for the purchase of computer or a technology-related device or equipment. There are six (6) $500 mini-grants available. In order to apply, the students or their parent/guardian MUST be a member of a PTA/PTSA. Go to https://www.fccpta.org/2020/12/14/student-mini-grants/ for more information.

 

Check out the Glasgow PTA website to find out how you can help at Glasgow!  http://www.glasgowpta.org/participate/volunteer/

To stay in touch and in the know, sign up for the PTA listserv by sending a request to  glasgowms.pta@gmail.com. Or join the PTA it’s only $10! http://www.glasgowpta.org/participate/membership/


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Glasgow Middle School staff member who went beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to submit a brief description so we can all acknowledge the good work of Glasgow faculty and staff members.


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     Be Informed, Stay Involved!