Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
This week has been a great week of celebrating our Seniors in Volleyball and Field Hockey. We also had a community conversation regarding Equity with all the families from the feeder elementary schools. Thank you to those families who joined us for this important conversation. The presentation from the event can be found here.
With Spring Break coming up this week, I wanted to remind all of our families of the work expectations that were shared with staff. Students should not be expected to turn in major assignments or take a major assessment on the Tuesday and Wednesday after Spring Break. We truly encourage our students to take a break to spend time connecting with loved ones, relaxing and doing something that brings them joy.
We look forward to seeing our students reconnect when we all return from Spring Break.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
NEW Information
Kindness Rock Garden
LBSS Parent Survey
All-Virginia Band and Orchestra
March Student of the Month Winners
Updated Sick Student Procedures
Important Reminders
Meal Distribution During Spring Break
New Attendance Procedures
Spring Hygiene Collection Drive
High School Information
April 1 Football Watch Party Canceled
Middle School Information
Middle School After-School Program
College Access Fairfax Virtual Presentations
Class of 2021 News
Bridging Bruins
LBSS PTSA Scholarship
Continuing Information
LBSS Online Book Store
Parent Academy
PTSA News
Virtual Auction
Mulch Sale
FCPS Information
Domestic and International Travel Guidance
2021 End-of-Year Ceremonies
FCPS Tech Support
FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important LBSS Contact Information
Attendance Procedures
Calendar At a Glance
How to Stay In Touch
New Information
Kindness Rock Garden
The LBSS PTSA seeks your assistance in creating a LBSS Kindness Rock Garden! We need your help to paint rocks with an inspiring message, word or image that will make up our Kindness Rock Garden. Completed rocks can be dropped off and left in a box near Door One. Please see the instructions below for more details.
Lake Braddock Parent Survey
Please take the time to fill out the following survey created by our Principal’s Cabinet Mental Health Group. These proactive students are in the process of collecting data about student mental health and wanting the point of view from you as parents. The Principal’s Cabinet Mental Health group is collecting data that will be shared with the Lake Braddock community to better understand student mental health during this unprecedented year.
All-Virginia Band and Orchestra
Congratulations to the following students who earned a spot to participate in the 2021 All-Virginia Band and Orchestra event which will be held virtually this April. There were over 1,000 high school band and orchestra students who auditioned to participate in one of the three All-Virginia ensembles. We are very proud of their hard work and accomplishment and look forward to these students enjoying and learning all they can from the distinguished college professors that will be clinicians for this event.
Trumpet – Maia Trafton – 3rd (Orchestra)
Flute – Caroline Gallotta – 10th (Symphonic Band)
Clarinet – Clara Small – 14th (Symphonic Band)
Harp – Eunice Park – 1st (Orchestra)
March Student of the Month Winners - Adaptable
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. Read more about them here.
March Student of the Month Winners – ADAPTABLE:
- 7th grade: Zoe Loomis
- 8th grade: Avril Barcheck
- 9th grade: Timothy Asady-Kany
- 10th grade: Ally Kelso
- 11th grade: Jose Lopez Martinez
- 12th grade: Joelle “Joey” Monachelli
Next month’s theme is RESILIENT. April winners will be announced at the end of next month.
Updated Sick Student Procedures
Earlier this week, we sent information regarding the FCPS procedures for students returning to school after an absence. We just received the following updated information from FCPS, to become effective on Monday, April 5:
When a student remains home from in-person instruction due to COVID-Like Illness (CLI), the parent/guardian will NO LONGER need to provide the Sick Student Notification and Permission to Return to School/Child Care Form.
The Sick Student Notification and Permission to Return to School/Child Care Form will continue to be required for the following situations and must be completed prior to the students return to in-person instruction:
- Sent home due to COVID Like Illness (CLI)
- Reports a positive COVID-19 test
- Is instructed to quarantine by a medical provider or the FCHD
Additional acceptable documentation for student return to in-person following illness:
- A health care practitioner note is also acceptable. The note is to be attached to the Return to School Form/Child Care and placed in the student’s cum folder.
- If the student is returning from quarantine or isolation and has been under the advisement of the FCHD, a copy of the SARA alert form is also acceptable.
The forms and translations are located at http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/ssse/healthinfo/index.shtml under “Forms and Letters.”
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate these continually-changing guidelines.
Important Reminders
Meal Distribution During Spring Break
FCPS is committed to providing all students access to meals March 26 through April 5 when there is one early release school day, the week of spring break when schools are closed, and one teacher workday when students are not in school. Extra meal distribution begins March 22. See the food distribution web page for more information.
Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture announced this week that no-cost breakfast and lunch meals for all students have been extended through September 30
New Attendance Procedures
If your child is scheduled to attend class in-person but is unable to do so, please contact your child’s subschool. If a student does not participate in person as expected, parents will receive an automatic absence notification.
Spring Hygiene Collection Drive -- March 19 - April 8
High School Information
April 1 Football Watch Party Canceled
Due to the increased number of spectators allowed at outdoor events, the football watch party scheduled for April 1st at University Mall Theaters is being cancelled. Information on procuring tickets will be available next week from Athletics.
Middle School Information
UPDATED: Middle School After-School Program
Visit here for an up-to-date list of afterschool offerings at Lake Braddock: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/club-activity-descriptions
After-School Activities (starting in April 2021):
- Hip-Hop Dance (TBA)
- Prep Leaders / Peer Academic Tutoring (TBA)
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
College Access Fairfax Virtual Presentations for Middle School Families (MS)
College Access Fairfax (CAF) is partnering with FCPS School Counseling Services by offering two Paying for College virtual presentations specifically for middle school families. These two presentations will be offered on April 20 and April 22 at 7:00 PM. A recording of these sessions will be made available for families unable to register and attend by visiting CAF’s website after April 22. A flyer with additional details about these two virtual presentations can be accessed here. Students should access the flyer using their school login.
Class of 2021 News
Bridging Bruins
Attention Seniors - If you are interested in getting hands-on experience outside of the classroom while forging relationships in the community, complete the Bridging Bruins interest form linked here. With enough interest and support for Bridging Bruins, seniors in good standing could have the opportunity to work with a business or service organization of their choosing. Instead of going to class in the last few weeks school, students could go to work. To be considered, complete the form by April 7th. https://forms.gle/6Vj2Dn8uQFPhHF2e9 #BruinsCARE
LBSS PTSA Scholarship
The LBSS PTSA Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated responsibility, character and leadership during their high school career.
- TWO - $1,000 Scholarships
- NINE - $500 Scholarships
- SIX - $250 Scholarships
Applicant Qualifications:
- Applicant must be a Senior at Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Applicant must have a current PTSA Membership at the time of application - Student membership is $5.00 and you can join at lbssptsa.org prior to applying for this scholarship.
- Applicant must plan to continue their education at a 2- or 4-year accredited college, vocational or technical school, or other accredited post-secondary program for the school year beginning in Fall 2021.
- Application available on the LBSS PTSA Website: http://www.lbssptsa.org/
Submit ALL documentation by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, May 7, 2021:
Questions? Please email Aubrey Maher at scholarship@lbssptsa.org. You may also contact PTSA President, Bob Gaylord at president@lbssptsa.org.
Continuing Information
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
The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) is offering four free parent webinars in April. They are:
- Construyendo y manteniendo familias fuertes Un seminario web presentado en español (Building and Keeping Strong Families: A Webinar Presented in Spanish), on Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach Webinar for Families, on Friday, April 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- COVID-19 Vaccines and the Vaccination Process in Fairfax County: A Webinar for Families, on Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence, on Thursday April 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m.
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More information on each session and how to register is available online.
Note: Previous webinars have been recorded and can be viewed on the PRC YouTube channel.
PTSA News
Virtual Auction
Thank you to everyone who has donated to or participated in the PTSA Virtual Auction! After 26 fun-filled days of bidding, the auction will end tonight at 9 pm ET! It was a huge success by every measure with over $11,000 raised and a lot of great local businesses promoted and over 210 amazing prizes won! Depending on what time you are reading this, you may still have a chance to get some last minute bids in at:
https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/Lake-Braddock-PTSA-16187
Winners will be notified by the auction site via email at 9 pm. Prize pickup can be arranged with communications@lbssptsa.org. There will be a pickup event on Sunday, March 28th from 10 am - 2 pm at 9714 Rolling Ridge Drive, Fairfax Station. Note that some prizes are emailable certificates so check the item description and your email before heading over. In addition to having the opportunity to pick up auction prizes that have been won, there will be a LBABC Spiritwear sale there to kickoff Spring Break!
Mulch Sale Supports Class of '21
The LBSS PTSA will host the Graduation Celebrations for the LBSS Class of 2021. You can help by ordering mulch and/or making a tax deductible cash donation at www.lbssptsa.org/mulchsale
We are offering JK's Double-Shredded Hardwood Mulch in 3 cubic-foot bags.
- $4.80 per bag
- Free Delivery for orders of 15 bags or more
- Delivery dates are Saturday or Sunday, April 10th and 11th, 2021
- Orders less than 15 bags must be picked up at the LBSS Parking Lot on Saturday, April 10, 2021!
- Orders must be received by March 31, 2021!
We are pleased to be partnering with Scout Troop 1344 for your mulch spreading needs. They will be offering time slots in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, April 17, and the afternoon on April 18, for donations. In previous years, an average donation has been $3/bag. Please contact Debbie Davis at troop1344@gmail.com to schedule a time slot.
Questions?
Email: mulch@lbssptsa.org go to: www.lbssptsa.org/mulchsale
Willing to help? Many Adult and Student Volunteers are needed:
www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0544abab2f4-senior
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FCPS Information
Domestic and International Travel Guidance
Spring break is just around the corner. Here are some tips to be aware of as families and FCPS staff make plans:
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges all Virginians to avoid non-essential travel, especially if you are at higher risk of COVID-19 or if you will be visiting someone at higher risk of serious COVID-19 complications. This recommendation applies to everyone, even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have fully recovered from COVID-19.
- FCPS does not currently have travel restrictions.
- Students are not required to quarantine or provide COVID-19 test results for either domestic or international travel. Parents may opt to keep their students at home for 14 days after they return from travel, however, it is not required.
- Per the Student Health and Safety Guidance Document, a Daily Health Screening Questionnaire will be required for all students attending in-person instruction. These daily health screening questionnaires will be completed on an honor basis and will not be required to be submitted to the school.
- Any student, staff or visitor demonstrating symptoms of illness is asked to stay home to help “Stop the Spread” of COVID-19.
For helpful tips and safety information regarding travel restrictions and testing, please see the following websites:
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus/travel-to-areas-with-widespread-ongoing-community-spread/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
2021 End-of-Year Ceremonies
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to and planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021. While our traditional venues (Eagle Bank Arena at George Mason University and DAR – Constitution Hall) will most likely not be available in June, we are actively exploring other venue options to include the use of our high school stadiums and/or other outside entertainment sites.
Governor Northam has updated guidance for in-person graduation ceremonies, indoor and outdoor social gatherings, and public health and space restrictions for certain outdoor sports and entertainment venues. We are currently working through these new guidelines to understand the health and safety requirements and laws for culminating events such as graduation: All Night Graduation parties, prom, and end- of-year celebrations for our elementary and secondary students.
We will promptly notify school staff, students, and parents as soon as we have the additional and plans.
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:
Calendar At A Glance
March 29 - April 2: Spring Break
April 5 - Teacher Work Day
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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