5/14 Paw Print

spring

 In This Week's Paw Print:

1. Principal's Message📬

2. Amazing Things Happen Everywhere!🐾

3. Kiss and Ride Drop-off Reminder 🚗

4. SPOTLIGHT on Belonging 🔦

5. Important Spring testing information❗

6. Parent Input form ✏️

7. Principal Q&A  and PTA meeting info📆

8. Library Curbside Checkout Information📚

9. Updated Rising 7th grade Immunization requirement

10. Panther Praise Staff Recognition Form👏

11. Volunteers Needed - PTA Executive Board 🆘

12. Technology Help Information💻


Dear Poplar Tree Families,

We had a busy week at Poplar Tree! Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders took the Reading SOL this week. And it was great to see many of our virtual students return in person to take the test. We continue our SOL testing over the next two weeks. 

SOL testing is an indicator that we are quickly approaching the end of this school year and heading towards summer. Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services offers several summer camp programs from June through August for students ranging from rising 1st graders to teens. For more information on these summer opportunities click here.

Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend!

Sue Andujar

Principal

Carol Larsen

Assistant Principal


Amazing Things Happen Everywhere

Check out some of the amazing things that are happening everywhere around Poplar Tree! Whether in-person or virtually, we are all one school and one community!


🗣️ 3rd Graders Share Virtually with Classmates💻

3rd grade sharing

♻️ Kindergarten Recycling Projects! ♻️

Carter Recycling Projects

kiss and ride

Kiss and Ride Drop Off

Please remember that the earliest time students may arrive at school/be dropped off in Kiss and Ride is 8:45 a.m. Supervision for students is not available prior to this time. 

Thank you.


Belonging

SPOTLIGHT on Belonging: 

Meet Angela Velasquez!

At Poplar Tree we recognize that equity means more than just access to programs and curriculums.  Equity means creating an inclusive learning community where each staff person and student feels like they belong.

This is the first in a series of interviews that will highlight Poplar Tree staff persons, their journey to belong and their strategies for creating an inclusive learning community here at Poplar Tree.   

Interview:  Poplar Tree Spotlight on Belonging

Questions about the interview or equity at Poplar Tree? 

Contact Shari Hirsch, School Counselor & Co-Equity Lead


testing

Important Testing Information

Spring Universal Screener (iReady)

The online iReady assessment (also known as the universal screener) provides a snapshot of students’ skills to help teachers monitor progress in reading and mathematics. Spring reading testing is scheduled for all students in grades K-2, and select students in grades 3-6. Spring math testing is scheduled for all students in grades 1 & 2, and select students in grades 3-6. More information about the assessment can be found on the FCPS Universal Screener Parent Notification webpage

Students may take iReady at home or at school depending on whether families have selected virtual or in-person learning. Teachers will discuss the assessment with students in advance, including how to log in and what to expect. Resources to help families administer the assessment at home can be found on the FCPS Universal Screener webpage.

For questions, please contact your child’s teacher. 


SOL Testing Schedule Grades 3-6

Students in Grades 3-6 will take the SOL tests in May.  Below is the schedule for testing.  Emails were sent in the last week with testing details to each student's family. Separate emails were also sent if your child required transportation.

If your child is taking the SOL test, please make sure they bring their FCPS charged laptop, power cord, and water bottle. Cell phones are not permitted and should be left at home.

Grade 3:  May 14 (Reading) & May 26 (Math)

Grade 4: May 11 (Reading) & May 21 (Math)

Grade 5: May 12 (Reading), May 20 (Science) & May 25 (Math)

Grade 6: May 19 (Reading) & May 27 (Math)

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Larsen, Assistant Principal (Calarsen@fcps.edu)


parent input

SY 2021-22 Parent Input Form

As we look ahead to the 2021-22 school year, we are asking for your input. We value our partnership between home and school and appreciate your thoughts on your child's learning needs.  

If you feel that there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, please complete this optional Parent Input Form by Friday, May 28, 2021.

This system is not intended for families to request specific teachers. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.

 

Thank you in advance for your support, 
Poplar Tree


join us

Principal Q&A Session

and PTA Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday, May 19 for a Principal Q&A session at 6:30 followed by the PTA meeting at 7:00

🔗To join the meeting click here.🔗


library

Library Curbside Checkout 

The LAST Grab n’ Go curbside library book pickup at Poplar Tree will be on Monday, May 17 from 1-3pm. Students who are learning from the school building may now select an option to have their book bags delivered to them in their classroom. Families who are interested can fill out the book request form and a personalized book bundle will be created just for you with the latest and greatest from the Poplar Tree Library!

Log into Google Apps with a student login, then click the link below to fill out the form:

Poplar Tree Library Book Request Form (5/17)


7th grade

Updated 7th Grade Immunization Requirement Notice

The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Effective July 1, 2021 all students entering 7th grade will be required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), and Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY).            

Seventh grade students cannot begin school in August without proper Tdap and Meningococcal documentation.

Please provide one of the following documents to our registrar, Kirsten Cordial (kkcordial@fcps.edu), as soon as possible:

  1. An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the missing immunization(s).
  2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the vaccine(s) was given.
  3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online at:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf

Immunizations are available from your student'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/immunization/school or by calling 703-246-2411.


Panther Praise

Poplar Tree Staff Panther Praise!

We are starting a new online tradition here at Poplar Tree that gives the community the opportunity to say thank you and/or show appreciation for all of the effort the Poplar Tree Staff is putting in day and night! We will share these praises with the staff members. To submit a Staff Panther Praise, please fill out this form!

Thank you for helping to recognize our amazing staff!


volunteers needed

POPLAR TREE NEEDS FOUR (4) VOLUNTEERS

FOR FOUR (4) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PTA POSITIONS!

The Executive Committee develops goals for the PTA; appoints committee chairpersons for individual committees; and makes time-sensitive decisions between regular board meetings.

Please consider volunteering for one of these positions! It is a very rewarding experience and the PTA’s efforts have a positive impact on our school by enriching the experience for students, parents, and teachers.

The outgoing Executive Board Members will be available to assist with transition activities.

If interested, please complete the Nomination Form which includes position descriptions located at the link below and email it to Mike Santoro at misantor@gmail.com.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1flt8MP4aBpbccFOlc7_S5PHhhJep9dW0/view?usp=sharing

 

everychild. onevoice.


tech help

Tech Help Info

We know that as we move through Virtual Learning, technology issues arise. If you're having trouble with your FCPS laptop, here's a few things to try:

  1. Restart your computer! (We have found that this solves MANY of our problems - including those microphone, camera, and sound issues!)
  2. Visit this webpage to checkout some self-help guides!
  3. FCPS has launched a new Parent Technology Help Desk. The help desk can be reached at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS) and will be answered by staff members between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.
  4. If you still cannot get your laptop working, students and/or parents can submit an IT support ticket to get help with district digital resources or your FCPS issued laptop.  Find the portal here.

We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding!