Coates Family Newsletter for 4/30

Coates Families,

I have lots of important announcements this week.  But first, our most important one:  Next week, May 3-7 is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Here’s how you can encourage your children to celebrate:

TAW

In addition, let’s do the following:

Teachers are heroes so on Tuesday, we encourage all kids to wear something superhero-themed!

If you live nearby, we will have sidewalk chalk available after school.  We invite you to write messages that say THANK YOU to teachers in front of the school.  Doors 1 & 2 are the most common entrances for the staff, and it would be great if they could see some messages as they come to work each day.

The flyer asks for notes and messages from students.  If you’re a virtual family, you can certainly send appreciation messages virtually. You may also drop off paper notes in the “mailbox” we’ll have in front of the school next week.

FYI:  Coates PTA, church partner Open Door, & our office team are doing little things to appreciate teachers all week too.  But the best appreciation comes from kids.  Please encourage your child to participate in the activities on the flyer!


Positivity Project & Combating Bias & Racism

During this week’s focus on PURPOSE and next week’s focus on LEADERSHIP, Coates teachers will continue our habit of promoting these character strengths and connecting them appropriately to current events.  We are having discussions in class on racism, social injustice, and how to combat them.  See Coates social media for one example of how we address these critical topics and affirm the experiences and awesomeness of all students.  More to come.


Interim Progress Reports

Students in need of improvement will receive an interim report on Thursday.  Parents should watch their emails since we cannot easily send interims via Talking Points texts.  Interims are not official grade reports.  They are informal, mid-quarter reports that are intended to help students make improvements before the end of the quarter.  You may always leverage the interim to request a conference with your teacher.


June 8 – No In-Person School in FCPS

Tuesday, June 8 is Election Day, and 165 schools in FCPS will be polling locations (including Coates).  For this reason, there will be no in-person class on that day.  All classes will be virtual and follow their regular schedule.


SOL Testing in Grades 3-6

Coates is administering SOL tests.  The schedule was sent out in previous messages, but it is also on our website.  Testing always disrupts our schedule of regular lessons.  Sorry for this inconvenience.


The 2021-22 School Year

Please be on the lookout for information regarding FCPS’s plan for school next year.  Dr. Brabrand, our superintendent, has made it clear that FCPS will have 5 days of in-person school for students beginning in August.  We look forward to getting back to a new normal.  There may be limited opportunities for virtual school for students with documented medical needs.  Once formal, detailed plans for 2021-22 are published, our administration will offer meetings where parents may learn more and we will complement the district’s messaging to ensure that we all are informed.


Mark Your Calendars

May 3-7    Teacher Appreciation Week!

May 6       Interim Reports for Some Students

May 24     Virtual Kindergarten Orientation, 6-7:00 PM

June 8      State Elections; No In-Person School.  All Classes Virtual.

June 9      6th Grade Promotion Ceremony, 2-3:00 PM

June 11   Final Day of School, Dismissal at 2:15 ; Progress Reports Sent Home

June 11   Virtual Students to return FCPS laptops to school, 2:30-7:00