Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
This week we strived to support our students and staff with the verdict of the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Our goal was to ensure our culture and environment is welcoming, trusting and caring for our entire community. We recognize that our students, staff and families all bring different perspectives and experiences. These include those who have experienced racism, those connected to police and law enforcement, our black and brown students and families and those who have experienced inequities in our judicial system. The verdict this week brought about a mix of emotions and Lake Braddock strives to be a place where we respect each other and work side by side to advance our understanding, while taking action to get better. We shared resources with staff to guide conversations with students and they were invited to optional sessions during WIN time for them to have another place to talk with their peers and process. Some of those resources are shared below:
We continue to find ways to listen to the lived experiences of our students, families and staff. We want to partner with you in this important work and we will continue to support our students.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
NEW Information
College Board AP Review Sessions
2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey - Military Connected Youth
Important Testing Information
SOL and AP Testing Calendar for May (Corrected)
SOL and AP In-Person Test Dates
Transportation Requests for SOL Tests - due April 30
SOL Testing Refusals
Important Reminders
Teacher Appreciation Week
Early Releases
High School Information
Virtual Career Fair
High School Yearbook
Middle School Information
Middle School Yearbook
Middle School After-School Program
Class of 2021 News
Senior Parent Meeting
Graduation Photographs
LBSS PTSA Scholarship
Continuing Information
LBSS Online Book Store
Parent Academy
See Website for Information
Concurrent Learning Communication
FCPS Information
Eating Disorder Parent Information
Registration Opens for E-IFTA and IFTA
FCPS Tech Support
FCPS Mental Health Resources
Important LBSS Contact Information
Attendance Procedures
How to Stay In Touch
New Information
College Board AP Review Sessions
A new series of AP® review sessions starts today. You can check out the full schedule and watch the AP Daily videos on AP Classroom to help learn and review the course content and skills across all the units in AP courses.
2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey - Military Connected Youth
10% of all 8th, 10th and 12th graders in Fairfax County have a family member serving in the military. 29% of military youth report using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs in the past month. Alcohol use is most common; 16% used it in the past 30 days, compared to 15% of non-military youth.
What can you do? UNDERSTAND, ENCOURAGE, LEARN, AND ACT
►Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood school and establish good communication with the school staff.
►Understand that for some children and youth, relocation does not necessarily get easier with each move and that your child may need assistance in making connections. Encourage positive connections in their schools and community.
►Set clear, consistent boundaries and rules, talk about expectations, and explain the consequences of breaking the rules. Children and youth who believe their parents disapprove of risky behaviors are less likely to choose those behaviors.
►Watch for changes in behavior and engagement in usual activities and be available to talk with your child.
►Teach life skills by modeling problem solving and healthy choices. Involve your child in family decisions and compliment their good choices.
DEA National Drug Takeback Day: Saturday April 24th, 10am-2pm. Drop off unused or expired medications at West Springfield District Station 6140 Rolling Road Springfield, VA or at other locations throughout Fairfax County. SAPS will be present at the event.
Don’t forget: This is Quitting offers text messages for teens and young adults that provide support throughout the quit process. This is Quitting is easy to use, free and anonymous.
Sign up now: Text VapeFreeFFX to 88709
For questions or support for your student, please reach out to Jessica Giffin, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) at jlgiffin@fcps.edu
Important Testing Information
SOL & AP Testing Calendar for May (Corrected)
The May testing calendar is now available and listed below. There was an error in last week’s newsletter in which Reading 8 was omitted. Reading 8 will take place on Monday, May 10th and Reading 7 will still be on Tuesday, May 25th. The SOL test calendar can also be accessed here: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/about/sol-schedule
SOL exams will start at 8:15, with the exception of EOC Reading (HS) and Science 8, which will start at 11:45 a.m. AP students should check with their AP teachers about the timing of their AP tests, both in-person and online. Breakfasts and lunches will be provided in the building for students who want one. Students may return home when they have completed SOL testing for the day, unless they are waiting for bus transportation. Information about requesting bus transportation is included in this newsletter.
SOL and AP IN-PERSON Test Dates:
Tuesday, May 4: AP German
Monday, May 10: Reading 8 (at 8:15) and EOC (HS) Reading (at 11:45 a.m.)
Monday, May 17: Biology, Chemistry, & Earth Science/Geosystems (at 8:15 a.m.) and Science 8 (at 11:45 a.m.)
Friday, May 21: AP Spanish, AP French, AP Japanese
Monday, May 24: Geometry (both HS & MS), Algebra 2 (both HS & MS) as well as the following in-person AP exams: AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C:M
* Tuesday, May 25: Reading 7 as well as the following in-person AP exams: AP Chemistry, Physics 2, AP Physics C:E&M, AP Physics 2, AP Stats
* Thursday, May 27: Math 7
* Friday, May 28: Algebra I (both HS & MS)
*Please note that the week of Tuesday, May 25 through Friday, May 28 all classes will be all virtual, at home. In order to accommodate the large amount of student testing that must occur in the building while also maintaining health and safety guidelines and internet capabilities for online testing, it was necessary to shift all our students to a virtual setting while we conduct testing in the building. Students who are not in the building for SOL or AP testing during this week will continue their classes synchronously at home.
We will still maintain Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27 as catch-up days where students will check in (online) with their teachers for support and remediation.
Transportation Requests for SOL Tests – due April 30!
Families MUST request bus transportation if it is needed for their student’s SOL testing. Because the week of Tuesday, May 25 through Friday, May 28 is virtual for all students, students that must come to the building to test will still need to request bus transportation as needed. This includes all regularly scheduled in-person students and those that have requested to remain virtual all year. FCPS will only provide bus transportation for students who normally ride a bus. Students may also walk to school or get a ride. Students who are pupil placed are not eligible for FCPS transportation.
All buses will drop students off by 8:00 a.m. for testing and depart in the afternoon at 3:00 to ensure that students have ample time for testing. Bus riders who finish testing early will be asked to wait in the Little Theatre until the end of the day. They may work on school work during that time and lunch will still be provided. Bus riders with afternoon tests will wait in the Little Theatre and work on school work until their testing begins. Please request bus transportation as soon as possible for all the days your student will need it for testing: LBSS SOL Bus Transportation Requests.
Transportation requests must be completed by Friday, April 30th. Please note that after April 30th, we may not be able to accommodate transportation requests made less than 3 weeks prior to the test dates.
SOL Testing Refusals
Earlier this week, parents were notified via email of SOL testing in May and their right to refuse testing. Please visit the LBSS testing refusal page linked HERE for more information on the SOL testing refusal process at LBSS and additional information to help guide your family’s decision. We are asking that parents complete the google form to state their intent to refuse testing by Monday, April 26. There is also a video available that explains which students need to test and what their options are. This is included in the LBSS testing refusal page or can be found HERE.
Important Reminders
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 3rd-7th is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we need your help! We want to make this year extra special for each and every staff member. It will only take a few seconds.
Has a staff member gone above and beyond to support you? Someone who is your champion? Is there someone that you would like to recognize for his/her hard work or dedication? Send a quick Staff Shout Out or Nominate an outstanding staff member who has made a difference in your life! Please scan the QR Code or use this link to make a nomination: https://forms.gle/4n3pXgkjgjH7JnBG7. Feel free to submit more than one nomination! Submissions will be printed, displayed on teacher’s doors or mailed home for our virtual staff, and shared with staff during Teacher Appreciation Week!
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Early Releases
If you need to pick up your in-person student early, please send them in with a note first thing in the morning. Students can bring a note to the Subschool to receive a pass. The students will also sign out of the Subschool before leaving.
Unfortunately, if you have not sent in a note, we will not be able to pull students for early release after 2:00 pm to ensure our staff are focused on the safe dismissal for all our students.
We appreciate your assistance and cooperation in this process.
High School Information
Virtual Career Fair
HS students - Are you interested in talking with industry leaders and professionals about career opportunities in our area?
Sign up to participate in the first ever Virtual Career Exploration Fair today! The Career Fair begins on April 19 and lasts through April 30.
More than 60 businesses and organizations across the region are participating, including Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, Disney, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to name just a few. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Come to one session or attend them all!
A few of the key events are:
- Career fair where you can talk to representatives from colleges and local business. This is your chance to learn how to prepare for careers through various college or training pathways! - Mon. April 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Resume workshops where you can get feedback and tips from professionals on Mon-Thurs. evenings.
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Interview practice and tips sessions with industry professionals.
- Panel discussions on green jobs, performing arts, STEM, women leaders in tech, entrepreneurship, and so much more!
Interested? Sign up here bit.ly/2021careerexp
Once you sign up, you will receive information on how to fully register to attend through the Cvent CrowdCompass event application. Once you log into the application, browse the available sessions to favorite, and add to your own event schedule. The application will be your primary access point for all information related to this career and college readiness event.
If you did not receive an follow-up registration email from CrowdCompass, check your Spam or Junk email folders. Have questions? Please contact: workbasedlearning@fcps.edu
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High School Yearbook
High school yearbooks are on sale via the online platform (www.yearbookordercenter.com code 5061) and via My School Bucks for $70.
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Middle School Information
Middle School Yearbook
Yearbooks are on sale for $35 at YearbookOrderCenter.com using school code 13596 or by searching for Lake Braddock Middle School. You can also order them through MySchoolBucks for the same price.
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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 (started 4/7/2021)
- Prep Leaders / Peer Academic Tutoring (started 4/20/2021)
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
Class of 2021 News
Senior Parent Meeting
Our Senior Parent Meeting was held on Monday, April 19th from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm. Here is the link for the recording of the meeting.
Graduation Photographs
Victor O'Neill Studios is proud to partner with Lake Braddock in providing photography coverage for Graduation.
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
See our Website for more information about Parent Academy events.
Concurrent Learning Communication - Building Effective Communication Habits between Students, Teachers, and Parents (Student Led Presentation)
- Hosted by: LBSS Students on The Principal's Cabinet’s Communication and Feedback Subcommittee
- April 29, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
The Principal's Cabinet’s Communication and Feedback subcommittee is hosting a presentation night on building effective communication habits between students, teachers, and parents. Students that are part of the Principal’s Cabinet Communication and Feedback subcommittee will be presenting data collected from Lake Braddock students and staff regarding communication during hybrid (concurrent) learning. We are welcoming students, staff, and parents to this event. Thank you all!
Register by April 27 using this registration form link: bit.ly/communicationlb
Questions? Please contact Dr. Jennifer Harris at jlharris2@fcps.edu
FCPS Information
Eating Disorder Parent Information
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2020): Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
Eating disorders can develop or re-emerge at any age. Eating disorder specialists are reporting an increase in the diagnosis of children, some as young as five or six. Many eating disorder sufferers report that their thoughts and behaviors started much earlier than anyone realized, sometimes even in early childhood. Although most people report the onset of their eating disorder in their teens and young adulthood, there is some evidence that people are being diagnosed at younger ages.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed eating disorder documents with detailed information to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. The letter and fact sheet have been translated and posted on the following webpage: http://fcpsnet.fcps.edu/ssse/translations/dss-healthmedical.htm.
Registration Opens April 19 for Summer E-IFTA and IFTA Enrichment Programs
Registration begins April 19, at 8 a.m. for the Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) Summer enrichment programs. All students are eligible for these opportunities.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (for rising 3rd through 6th graders) and Institute for the Arts (for rising 7th through 12th graders) will both be held July 6-30 at Robinson Secondary from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students take part in classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. Both programs have fees, with waivers for students eligible for free and reduced meals. For more information or to register, visit the Summer Learning webpage.
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
- If you are depressed, in crisis, or just want to talk, please text NEEDHELP to 85511 or call 1-800-273-TALK. Someone will be there to listen.
- If you're going through a tough time, don't go it alone. Reach out to a parent, friend, or trusted adult. You can also text NEEDHELP to 85511 at any time–day or night.
Important LBSS Contact Information
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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:
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