Mantua PTA News 2021, Issue 4


September 14, 2021 | Issue 4


Important Upcoming Dates

September 14 (Tuesday): Registration begins at 8pm for Chat'n'Chew, Kids Care Club, Mantua Basketball, and Raccoon Runners.

September 29 (Wednesday): Virtual Back to School Night, 6:30-8:30pm.



Parent Digital Consent Forms -- Action Requested!


The school needs your consent for some important digital resources your child might need to access for classwork on their laptop. Take a moment to review the online resources our teachers at Mantua may use with your child. After you have had a chance to review the resources, please use this link, to complete the Parent Consent form. You will need to have your child(s) ID Number.  If you have more than one child, you will have to complete the form for each child.


School Building

Virtual Back to School Night

Wednesday, September 29, 6:30 - 8:30 PM


Mantua is Hiring!

Mantua ES is currently looking for several people to work as lunch coverage (10:40-2:15) for indoor & outdoor dining as a critical need but will be branching out from there with additional duties and opportunities for Monitors as capacity grows. Below is the link to apply to be a Monitor. Once the application is completed and an applicant number is assigned, please contact Nick Rousos, Assistant Principal, at nbrousos@fcps.edu so that he can search the database and contact applicants.

https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25103&siteid=5042#jobDetails=1412690_5042


Directory Opt Out

Here at Mantua we care about your privacy and want to ensure that you are comfortable with the information provided to other Mantua families! Please complete this short form if you do NOT wish to be published in The Mantua PTA Online Student Directory. The majority of parents opt to include their family's information in the directory as it is a great resource for parents, students, and faculty throughout the school year, but we want each family to make that choice for themselves. The Opt Out window ends on October 1st. Questions, email directory@mantuapta.orghttps://mp.gg/r2-z3


Chat and chew

Chat 'n' Chew Is Coming

Chat 'n' Chew is back for students in grades 3-6!

Join Mantua's popular book club and spend one lunch hour a month from December thru March discussing great books with new (and old) friends. Parent volunteers lead groups of 6-8 kids in discussions and fun activities. Registration will run September 14-24 and the cost per child is $35.

Have one (or a few) budding book lovers in your house? Want to build literacy skills? Just feel like reading a good book and hanging out with friends? Four books will be selected by school librarians and Chat 'n' Chew volunteers and provided to participants to keep.

Questions? Email Jen Greanias at chatnchew@mantuapta.org. We can't wait to read with you!

Registration begins 8pm on Tuesday, September 14 via this link: https://mp.gg/2lig4


runners

Raccoon Runners is Back!

Mantua ES’s Raccoon Runners is a positive youth development program for students in grades 3-6. The purpose of the program is to empower participants to be true to themselves through various fitness activities as well as lessons in positive body image, health and nutrition and social awareness.

Raccoon Runners are strengthened over a 9 week period with the intent of participating in an optional local race toward the end of the program. The program will run 10/5/2021 - 12/2/202. We will meet Tuesday & Friday mornings, 8-9a at the gym. Registration fee is $75, which includes a t-shirt, snacks after each practice and race registration for your runner. Registration is limited and fills up fast.

Questions? Email Jenn McRobbie at raccoonrunners@mantuapta.org.

Registration begins 8pm on Tuesday, September 14 via this link: https://mp.gg/2lig4


Kids Care Club

Join KCC and help others in your community!   We do projects each month - examples include making blankets and care packages for needy children; making surprises for our teachers; making and hanging signs for school events; and hosting a Food Drive.

Meetings will be the first Monday (4th-6th graders) and 3rd Monday (K-3rd graders) of the month, starting in October. Up to two parent volunteers are requested at each meeting and parents will periodically be asked to donate materials. 

We will be encouraging 1-2 4th-6th graders to volunteer at the K-3rd KCC days. Additionally, we will be encouraging the 4th-6th graders to volunteer to plan an entire KCC event for the younger age group (not mandatory). The planning would begin in the Fall for a Spring event. We hope to not only help our community, but build community leaders that not only participate but also lead with their hearts.

Registration begins 8pm on Tuesday, September 14 via this link: https://mp.gg/2lig4


basketball

Mantua Basketball - Winter 2021

The Mantua PTA Community Basketball League is a developmental organization which embraces student athletes with a wide variety of skill levels and emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of basketball in a neighborly environment.  All third through sixth grade, male and female students, are eligible for registration and encouraged to sign-up for this fun, supportive, community-based, basketball
league which promotes sportsmanship and a love of the game.

All eligible Mantua ES students are encouraged to
register at www.mantuabasketball.org starting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Parents click the "Enroll" button to register your players.  You can also register as a volunteer when you register your players, or let us know if you are interested in being a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or Evaluation Helper. 


Registration Runs: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - Monday, October 18, 2021
Program Duration: Monday, November 15, 2021 - Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Regular Registration Cost: $ 70.00 - $ 95.00


Volunteers are the Backbone of the Basketball League

The league started almost 50 years ago and we believe it is the oldest operating, PTA-sponsored, school program in Virginia. Four division commissioners (one for each division) work directly with League Commissioner to coordinate volunteers, assign players to each division and operate the league.

Please consider donating your time by signing-up as a coach and referee to support this great league and help provide this amazing resource to our precious children.

No experience is required.

• Coaching: At least one parent is needed to coach each team. Coaching requires holding practices and preparing their team for weekly games.

• Referees: One parent from each team is required to referee a game each week (cannot be your child's game). The referees help make sure players are playing fairly and following the rules of basketball.

• High School Volunteers: High school students over the age of 15 may assist the league and can earn community service credit, but responsible adults who can manage emergencies should assist. Ask the commissioners if you have questions.

• Training: The league provides training opportunities for new and returning coaches at the beginning of each season. Seasoned coaches are always happy to help new coaches with any questions or techniques. The league also provides ongoing training and evaluation of referees to help improve knowledge of the game and rules and to ensure they are comfortable refereeing in different divisions.

Most league leaders started learning about basketball by volunteering for their own children as they entered the program. You can do it! Contact Eric Fleming at commissioner@mantuabasketball.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer with Mantua PTA Basketball.


drma

Mantua Drama Club Planning for 2021-22

The Mantua Drama Club will partner with Julie Johnston's iContact to create a theater experience for our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. We are offering a series of Fall Theater Workshops (including a final musical presentation, open to guests) and a Spring Musical production (hopefully Seussical, Jr. which is presented to the community).

Programming will take place after school until 5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See the Handbook for the exact calendar. Please see the Drama Club Handbook for all the guidelines and details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DaY8EB6IwY2WxzWGc-VLjNPzMa1a-HBdBcezp9e9qu4/edit?usp=sharing We are focused on developing new skills and giving everyone an opportunity to learn! Every student will either be able to participate in the Fall Workshop OR the Spring Musical, not both. On this form, you will tell us whether you are auditioning, but you can decide after the Audition Workshop if you'd like to continue as a Fall Workshop participant if not assigned to the Spring Musical cast. (See Page 4 in the Handbook for more information).

There will be no limit on the number of students that can register. We will allow everyone to register and if we are over enrolled, we will use a random draw lottery to place students. Our goal is to eliminate the stress of registering and give everyone an equal chance to participate in at least the Fall Workshop. We hope to have plenty of space to accommodate everyone interested!

IMPORTANT DATES:

Registration Open - Now to Sunday, September 12 at 8:00 PM.
Audition Workshop Tuesday, September 14th 5:30 - 7:00PM in the Gym Auditions will be organized in a workshop format where all students get a chance to shine in a low pressure, group setting. This workshop event will likely take place during an assigned a time slot in that time window. Anyone not able to attend can submit an alternate audition video by Sept 14th at 8pm, but please try to attend in person if possible. (See the Fall Audition Workshop section on Page 5 of the Handbook linked above) Here is the link to the Drama Club Registration. https://forms.gle/8kPgLM4vzt3iYBLY7


reflections

Reflections Program

Explore the Arts and Express Yourself The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. The 2021–2022 Reflections theme is I Will Change the World By…

Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Special Artist (All grades welcome). Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.*

For more information, please contact Miki Wellck or Karen Cheng at: Reflections@MantuaPTA.org 


Girl Scout Troop Formation Night

Join us on Monday, September 20 at 7:00 pm in the Mantua ES Library to learn more about our Girl Scout program at Mantua ES.   For more information contact, Michele Randall – mrandall@gscnc.org or call/text:  703-372-4352.

GS

volunteer

Classroom Volunteers, 2021–2022

If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom this year, please sign up using the following link: www.signupgenius.com/tabs/53170DF07A3CAEEC06-volunteers 

Signups are available for room parent(s), Tuesday Folder stuffers, Take Home Reading coordinators (if applicable), and general classroom volunteers.  If class parties and other special events are permitted later this year, then we will send further instructions to room parents.  Please note: All classroom volunteers must wear masks (regardless of vaccination status) on the school grounds.

At this timewe are soliciting interest and waiting on further guidance on how to proceed with volunteers.


SIS/ParentVue Account

Do you have a SIS/ParentVue account? This account will allow you to access your child’s attendance, class performance, and much more.  Use this link to access, activate or change your password.

Schoology Account


Schoology is a learning space that enhances communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for students, teachers, and families.

Look for the FCPS logo to make sure you are on the right login page. 


Mantua Scouting Pack 1533

Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family. In Cub Scoutingboys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.

www.Pack1533.org


Woodson Football Feeder Night

September 17, 7:00pm

WOODSON CAVALIERS vs. FALLS CHURCH JAGUARS

  • All students from the Woodson pyramid are admitted into the game with the presentation of the flyer below and when accompanied by a paying adult(s).
  • All feeder school students will be recognized before the game at 6:40pm. Please meet at the scoreboard 6:30pm.
  • Call the Activities Hotline for updates (703) 503-4683
woodson

Free Shipping on Mantua Spirit Wear

Mantua Spirit Wear Free Shipping Friday September 10th through Monday September 27th. https://www.mantuaspiritwear.com/


connect

Join the Mantua Elementary PTA Facebook Page

Let’s get social! Don’t forget to join the Mantua Elementary PTA Facebook page! Not only is a great place to ask questions and connect with other families, we hope to keep it up to date with important events and dates throughout the year.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MantuaPTA/?ref=share


Mantua Membership

Join the PTA!

Please visit our webpage at MantuaPTA.org and click JOIN PTA NOW!  Dues are $20 per family and get you discounts on PTA sponsored clubs.  Our dues fully support our free programs so that every penny of our fundraisers goes right back into the classrooms.  Follow us on Facebook to get the inside scoop on all our events and programs - https://www.facebook.com/groups/MantuaPTA/ - Can't wait to get started!


Any changes in dismissal transportation need to be requested by emailing the Mantua Attendance (Mantuaelem.attendance@fcps.edu) by 11:00am, so the office has time to relay that change to the classroom teacher.  No early dismissals will be permitted after 3:30pm. 


Translators

Translators comprise another vital part of our outreach efforts. We want every Mantua ES family to feel included and connected—should families need to have a document translated into their native language, our volunteers are here to help!

  • للحصول على نسخة مترجمة للغة العربية، نرجو الإتصال بالأخت بدرية كفالة على هذا الإيميل: cbn@mantuapta.org . If you need to have a document translated into Arabic, please email cbn@mantuapta.org .
  • Если вам необходимо перевести документ на русский язык, пожалуйста обращайтесь к Анне Жердецкой или Виктору Жердецкому по электронной почте: cbn@mantuapta.org  или cbn@mantuapta.org.
  • 혹시 한국어로 번역된 자료가 필요하시면 좌승관씨에게 연락주세요(cbn@mantuapta.org.) If you need to have a document translated into Korean, please contact Kristina Clarke.
  • Para obtener una copia en Espanol favor de contactar a Kristina Clarke at cbn@mantuapta.org. If you need to have a document translated into Spanish, please contact Kristina Clarke.

Email Kristina Clarke at cbn@mantuapta.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer as an ambassador or translator with Mantua ES’s Community Building Network.​


announcements

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