Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
I hope that our students, staff and families were able to enjoy the snow day yesterday. We have many things happening over the next few weeks as we prepare for students to return on March 2nd and March 9th.
- Monday, February 22 - Teacher Planning Day
- Thursday, February 25 - Asynchronous Learning for All Students
- Friday, February 26 - Asynchronous Learning for All Students
- Monday, March 1 - Teacher Planning day
- Friday, March 5 - Early Release Day
- Monday, March 8 - Teacher Planning Day
One additional announcement regarding students returning to school is a Town Hall with Mrs. Kearns and myself, in partnership with the Lake Braddock PTSA, at 6 pm on Thursday, February 25. The registration information for this event will be available next week on the PTSA website: http://lbssptsa.org/.
Additional information regarding returning to school is below in this newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's counselor and Subschool administrator for any additional questions you may have.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
Return to School Information
FCPS Return to School Resources
Return to School Schedule
Return to School Orientation
Virtual or In-Person?
Parent Health Commitment Form (deadline of February 19)
Meal Service (NEW)
Transportation
NEW Information
National Merit Scholarship Finalists
LBSS Broadcasting
Submissions to LBSS Literary Magazine
NEW High School Information
AP Exams
PSAT Exams for 11th Grade Students
NEW Middle School Information
Valentine's Day Kindness Cards
MS Orchestra Concert
Class of 2021 News
Come Connect Over Cocoa
Class of 2021 Caps and Gowns
Continuing News
Visitors to Lake Braddock
Black History Month
TDAP Vaccine Reminder
TJHSST Application Process
Middle School After-School Program
LBSS Online Book Store
Parent Academy
LBSS PTSA News
PTSA Auction
FCPS Information
FCPS Tech Support
FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important LBSS Contact Information
Attendance Procedures
How to Stay In Touch
FCPS Return to School Resources
FCPS has provided a number of resources for students and families to help prepare for the return to in-school instruction.
Stop the Spread Information
Stop the Spread Video
FCPS Ready to Return Video
FCPS Return to School Guide
Return to School Schedule
Grades 8, 9 and 12 will return in person on March 2. Grades 7, 10 and 11 will return on March 9. When students return to school, they will be assigned two in-person days:
- Last Name A-K -- Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Last Name L-Z -- Thursdays and Fridays
The other days will be virtual instruction.
School hours are 8:20 am - 2:50 pm. The doors will open for student entrance at 7:45 am. Please do not send your student to school prior to 7:45 am.
Return to School Orientation
All students will receive information on procedures for returning to in-person instruction during Advisory on Wednesday, February 24th. This lesson will provide students with information on procedures for entering the building, hallways, cafeteria, bathrooms, water fountains, social distancing and new health and safety routines.
In addition, newly registered students who have selected in-person instruction have been sent an invitation to tour the building on March 1st. Tours will be provided by our high school SGA and Bruin Ambassadors.
Virtual or In-Person?
In order to determine whether your student is slated to return to school for in-person instruction, please login to your ParentVue account and follow these instructions:
- Once logged in, you will see a menu on the left side of the screen.
- Click on Student Info.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to see what you selected for your student.
- If you requested in-person instruction, you will see “Intend to Attend School In-Person.”
- If you requested virtual instruction, you will see “Intend to Attend School Online.”
If you have a questions about your student’s placement, please contact the Director of Student Services for your student.
Kristin Girardin
Acting MS DSS
kegirardin@fcps.edu
Anne Polino
Acting HS DSS
acpolino@fcps.edu
Parent Health Commitment Form -- New Details
Whether your student is returning in person or remaining virtual, FCPS requests all parents/guardians complete a Parent Health Commitment Form. While the form is required for in-person students, it is helpful for virtual students in the event they participate in athletics or co-curricular activities.
There are two ways to provide the form:
Responding Electronically in ParentVUE:
- All parents who have indicated their child will attend in-school instruction will have access to this information in ParentVUE. Parents/guardians may access the document in their preferred language and will receive reminders in ParentVUE until the form has been submitted.
Responding on a Paper Form:
- If you do not have a ParentVUE account, you may provide your commitment on a hardcopy form. You will find the commitment form and all translated versions at Parent Health Commitment Form.
The deadline for submission of this form is Friday, February 19, 2021.
Meal Service
Once we return to in-person instruction, breakfast and lunch will still be provided to students at no cost. The Cafeteria is set up with individual desks for social distancing. Initially, the Cafeteria is serving cold pre-packaged meals. Use this link to view the planned menus.
Transportation
If your student will be riding a bus, the Transportation Department will load that information into SIS Student and ParentVue under Student Info > Transportation. The specific bus routes and times will be available at least one week prior to your student's return date and is only available on the website and not the app.
If you have specific questions regarding your student's bus information, please call Transportation directly at (703) 446-2050. Please do not call the school directly.
National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Congratulations to LB Seniors Colin McGee, Rylee Montague, and Cameron Wells, on being named National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Colin, Rylee and Cameron will now be considered for National Merit Scholarship awards to be offered in 2021.
LBSS Broadcasting
The LBSS Broadcast students would like to present to you their specialty series in honor of Black History Month. Starting us off is an interview with Jummy Olabanji from NBC4! Coming up you will have a chance to hear from Dawn Aston, a local bakery owner, and some of our own administrators and staff here at Lake Braddock. Visit the Bruin Television Youtube Channel to view these exclusive interviews and more: https://youtu.be/HWiQEoynvDQ.
Black History Month Concert
We celebrated Black History Month with a concert by our Dean of Students, Travis Tucker. This live concert was held during the lunch period on Facebook Live. You can see the recording of this concert here: BHM Live Concert
Submissions to LBSS Literary Magazine
The LBSS Literary Magazine Smoke Signals is now open for submissions to the 2021 edition! If you are interested in being published in an award-winning school publication, here is your chance. Use this link with a non-FCPS email to send in written pieces ranging anywhere from poetry, creative nonfiction, short stories, or fiction, as well as visual art such as photography, digital art, traditional art, graphic design, or even photographed ceramics. Anyone can enter work, and may submit multiple pieces if they would like to. Email lblitmag@gmail.com with any questions you may have!
NEW High School Information
AP Exams
To students who are taking at least one AP course this school year, please read the important information below.
We understand that many students and families have questions regarding the logistics of the AP Exam administration this year. Please know that we should expect to have answers to many of these questions by the end of the month. Once we receive the information about the 2021 AP Exam administration, we be sure to share the details with the LB community.
One of the questions that many students are asking is, “How do I opt-out/cancel an AP exam?” If this is something you would like to do at this time, please have your parent/guardian contact Lynn Carrera (contact information below) by Monday, March 8, 2021. However, if you change your mind and decide you want to test after we have removed your name from our AP exam order, you will be charged a $40 late exam order fee for each exam.
For students who paid for an AP exam but are choosing to opt-out of that exam and want to request a refund: At the end of the month, we will make a Google form available for you to complete. Refunds will be processed after AP Exam administration is completed. ONLY STUDENTS REQUESTING A REFUND NEED TO COMPLETE THE GOOGLE FORM.
If you have questions, please email our AP Testing Team:
Jennifer Bury - JABury@fcps.edu
Lynn Carrera – LNCarrera@fcps.edu
Megan Cashman - MTCashman@fcps.edu
PSAT Exams for 11th Grade Students
All students enrolled in English 11 will take the Writing SOL on Monday, March 15 and Monday, March 22. (Students who have elected to remain virtual are still expected to return to the building to test, unless parents complete a COVID-related testing refusal form.) Specific testing locations and times will be emailed to students on March 5th. However, there are several form deadlines on Friday, February 26 regarding COVID-related testing refusal, bus transportation requests, and single-day test intent. A brief overview and links to these forms can be found on the March SOL Writing 2021 Quick Links and Schedule page.
Please visit the LBSS March High School Writing SOL Information for more information about the March Writing SOL at Lake Braddock and about COVID-related testing refusals.
NEW Middle School Information
Valentine's Day Kindness Cards
The Middle School Bruins In Action and the LBSS Philanthropy Club have collected and delivered well over 100 student-created Valentine’s Day Kindness Cards to residents of our two partner senior center facilities, Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center and Heatherwood Retirement Community! Although Valentine’s Day is over, we will continue to share our love and make a second delivery of Kindness Cards at the end of February. We have so many more cards that need to be distributed. Thank YOU LB Community!
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MS Orchestra Concert
We hope you were able to join us for the Middle School Orchestra Concert on February 17. If not, please enjoy the recording here.
Class of 2021 News
Come Connect over Cocoa
On Feb. 22 from 3:15 - 4:15 pm, Lake Braddock will host an event for the Class of 2021: Come Connect over Cocoa. This event will provide Seniors an opportunity to connect with friends and with Lake Braddock as they begin their countdown to Graduation.
Click this link: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/senior_class for more information and to sign up for the event.
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Class of 2021 Caps and Gowns
We are in the process of planning a meaningful graduation experience for the Class of 2021 to the greatest extent possible given the current situation with COVID-19. We are considering many options to celebrate this momentous occasion.
We are ordering our caps and gowns and we need your help and gentle encouragement. We need each senior to complete the cap and gown survey to ensure we have the appropriate cap and gown size for everyone. Please ask your graduate if they have completed the survey. If they have not, please ask them to click on the following link to give us their student id, height and weight. Students can access this link by signing in with their fcpsschools.net account.
https://forms.gle/6UDWVtj844aqQyZc9
Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2021.
Visitors to Lake Braddock
In an effort to reduce the amount of visitors to Lake Braddock, all visitors must have an appointment prior to coming to the school. If you do have an appointment, please complete the Covid-19 Health Questionnaire and follow the instructions on the form at least one day prior to coming in.
If you need information or have a question, please either check our web site or call the main office (703-426-1000) first. Chances are your question can be answered in that way. Thank you for your cooperation.
Black History Month
As we continue through Black History Month, we'd like to share a number of resources that support our school's instructional focus:
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture Established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) publishes several scholarly works and established Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month.
The Virginia’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission website includes the following resources:
o Emancipation Proclamation Sesquicentennial
o RESOURCES from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission
o RESOURCES from the Abraham Lincoln Subcommittee
o RESOURCES from the 50th Anniversary of Public School Closings in Virginia.
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.
TJHSST Application Process
For those who are interested, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (commonly referred to as "TJ") just released updated information about the application process. The application window will begin on February 1 at 8:00 am and close on February 26 at 4:00 pm. There are two parts to begin the application: (1) Students must login and enter some basic information including parent email, and (2) Parent must login to their own account to submit the application after your student's counselor has verified that they meet the prerequisite course requirements.
Here are important links that you will need:
- Eligibility Requirements: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions/eligibility-requirements
- TJ Freshman Application Process: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/freshman-winter
There is still information that is yet to be released, but this should help you to get started with the application.
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
New Activities (as of Feb 2021):
- LB Chess Club
- OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) Club
- DC Sports Talk
- Virtual Board Games
- Lens Photography Club
Coming Soon
- Game Club will introduce Mario Kart Tour (3/1)
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
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.
LBSS Virtual Art Night – Spring is in the Air with Cherry Blossoms!
- February 22, 2020, at 6:30 PM
- Hosted by Ms. Stokes and Ms. Brobst & the LBSS Art Department
Students, staff, and families of all ages, please join us on Monday, February 22nd at 6:30 PM for a virtual guided group art lesson. No skills required! Together, we will create our own "Spring is in the Air with Cherry Blossoms" watercolor painting! You can make your own or work together with a family member. We look forward to creating with you!
Needed materials: basic set of watercolors, watercolor paper, paintbrush(s), and a smile.
Register by February 21st at http://bit.ly/SpringArtatLBSS
Questions? Please contact Ms. Brobst at kebrobst@fcps.edu or Ms. Stokes at jastokes@fcps.edu
Partners for Safe Teen Driving for Current Sophomores
- February 22, 2021 at 7 PM
- Hosted by: 10th grade LBSS Health and Physical Education Teachers
Parents/Guardians of current LBSS sophomores, please join us for one of the final two Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentations on February 22 or March 22 at 7 PM. Families can access the link for the presentation through their student’s Driver Education Teacher’s google classroom. Students MUST attend the presentation with one parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians must be seated with their student with the camera on to verify participation. Note - All sophomores that have not yet attended the presentation, need to attend one of the remaining dates in order to fulfill the requirement.
Register with your student’s 10th grade LBSS Health and Physical Education Teacher.
Questions? Please contact your student’s 10th grade LBSS Health and Physical Education Teacher. If your LBSS student is in 11th or 12th grade and has not yet fulfilled their requirement, please contact Ms. Fillare.
LBSS Parent Coffee
- February 25 2021 @ 6 PM
Hosted by PTSA and LBSS Principals
Registration information will be provided by the PTSA
Executive Functioning in the Digital World
- March 17th @ 7:00 PM in English
- March 24th @ 7:00 pm in Spanish
- Hosted by our School Based Technology Specialists: Sarah Olson and Carin Frank
LBSS's School Based Technology Specialists would like to bring you an Executive Functioning in the Digital World Parent Academy Event. In this session, you will learn about various ways to support your student with navigating and excelling in this new digital world. Topics may include:
- How to help your students organize their Google Drive
- Tech shortcuts to help students work faster
- How to use your camera to show and submit work (Snagit, Laptop Camera, Google Image, Uploading From Your Phone)
- Organize with To Do Lists using Google Keep
- Problem Solving in the Digital World: Better ways to Google Search
- Organize your Student's Email Inbox
- And more!
Register by March 16th using this link: this survey
Questions? Contact Sarah Olson (English) at solson@fcps.edu or Carin Frank (English/Spanish) at jcfrank@fcps.edu
LBSS PTSA NEWS
LBSS PTSA Auction
The LBSS PTSA will be hosting a virtual auction during the first three weeks of March! We have a wide array of products, services, gift cards, and experiences already confirmed and the list keeps growing every day! Do you have something you would like to donate? Contact communications@lbssptsa.org for more details!
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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