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This week is National Teacher Appreciation week. At Pine Spring we want to recognize the herculean efforts our teachers have put into this year. Last March, when faced with a pandemic and a huge professional shift, our teachers didn’t blink. They swiftly did what Pine Spring teachers have been doing for years, they put the whole-child first and pushed forward.
We have asked our teachers to learn a new platform, new curriculum and switched their students several times. Each time they faced a change, they progressed forward and focused on creating a sense of normalcy and consistency. This did this all while ensuring that each child made academic growth so they would be ready for the upcoming school year.
We witnessed teachers sharing innovative ideas, wearing costumes, and teaching yoga. They ensured that each child had food and school supplies, created a book bus, fixed computers, and even convinced 6th graders it was ok to turn on their cameras!
So today, and every day, it is our pleasure to honor the amazing people that we get to call Pine Spring teachers!
Please join us for our PTA Meeting on Thursday, May, 6th from 7 PM-8 PM.
The Parenting Center has been distributing new clothing to families in need. Most of the items are for babies and young children. If you could use this support, and have not let had an opportunity, please make an appointment with Marisol Romero, at 571-226-4400.
Appointments are only on Mondays and are scheduled for a 15-minute slot to ensure safe social distancing. Masks are required.
In order to begin collecting all of the books we have distributed through the Bobcat Book Bus, we will be doing our last distribution on May 10th. We will then send the bus around again on May 24th to collect all outstanding borrowed books.
Hard to believe that we are already planning for next year. We ask that each family complete the attached Student Intention Form for each student in your home. This will allow us to best plan the best possible classes for the fall.
This form can either be emailed to Ms. Breeden or dropped off at the school during our school hours.
Across Virginia, students will be taking Standards of Learning (SOL) tests this spring. Federal and state education departments have decided not to cancel this year’s assessments. In Fairfax County Public Schools, testing for grades 3-8 will be scheduled between April 26 and June 4, 2021.
Additional information about the SOL tests and our schedule can also be found on our website.
Virginia Law requires that all students entering seventh grade receive a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine prior to the beginning of school. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is usually given around the age of eleven.
For your child to begin 7th grade you will need to submit one of the following documents before the first day of school. It is recommended that all paperwork be submitted to the school office by July 31, 2021.
Acceptable documentation can be one of the following:
- A copy of your child’s immunization record showing the Tdap vaccine.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Tdap vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form is available online at:http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf
The Tdap booster is available from your child’s healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department Clinic locations and hours are available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics or by calling 703-246-2411. Please note that students receiving immunizations at the Health Department must be accompanied by an adult and should bring their immunization records with them.
Seventh grade students will not be allowed to begin school in August 2021 without submitting proper documentation.
Daily Grab & Go meal service will be transitioning to a once-a-week pick-up. Each Monday, families will receive 7 days of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. This change will take place on April 26th, 2021.
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I am thrilled to share that it has been decided that in-person instruction is the best model for our students and we are planning for five days of in-person instruction as the primary mode of learning for all FCPS students during the 2021-22 school year. While we will continue to adjust the details based changing health landscape, we are all energized by the thought of being together again. |
Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction has granted a waiver of the statutory requirement § 22.1-273 allowing parents of students who attend school on an entirely virtual basis, to “opt-out” of hearing and vision screenings when all of the following criteria are met:
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Virtual Attendance Only. The student attends school on an entirely virtual basis during the 2020-2021 school year.
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Parental Opt-Out. A parent of a student (who attends school on an entirely virtual basis) declines vision and hearing screening services in writing and submits such writing to the student’s school.
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Notice of Screening Benefits. Prior to declining, the parent has been informed of the benefits of vision and hearing screenings for a student’s health and wellbeing.
Parents of students attending virtually may opt-out by completing and returning the Vision and Hearing Screening Opt-Out Form. If you are not opting out of the screening please contact Ms. Meade at 571-226-4400 to sign-up for a time slot to come to Pine Spring Elementary and have the vision and hearing screening completed.
Has a Pine Spring teacher or team member done something that reminds you what a great school we have? If so, we would love to hear about it here.
| May 6th |
PTA Meeting 7 PM
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| May 31st |
No School- Memorial Day
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| June 8th |
Election Day and Virtual Learning Day for ALL students
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June 11th
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Last day for regular classes, 2 hr early release
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August 23rd |
First day of school |
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