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Dear Spring Hill Families,
Each week keeps getting better and students are settling into routines and procedures. Please read through the News You Choose carefully, as there are many important updates. Just a reminder that we've moved our Back-to-School Night to a Virtual format, additional details can be found below and Zoom links will be emailed to families by classroom teachers by no later than Monday.
Last week, I shared that cafeteria screens were being delivered and placed at all lunch tables. There has been a delay with our order. However, we continue to space students apart between 36-42 inches, use outside areas as much as possible, stagger our lunch schedule to minimize the number of students in one large space and use two alternate eating spaces (cafeteria and large pod). We also rearranged our classrooms for a little more space between students. As a staff, we continue to reflect on our practices and adjust as needed.
If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to any member of our administrative team.
Have a wonderful weekend!
The Positivity Project (P2) is dedicated to empowering America’s youth to build positive relationships by recognizing the character strengths in themselves and others. The vision is to help schools and families cultivate citizens and leaders who will enhance our communities and country. Positive psychology’s scientifically validated 24 character strengths serve as its foundation.
Next week, we will focus on Curiosity. We encourage you to talk with your child about these character traits. For more information, click here.
Back-To-School Night will be held virtually this year on Tuesday, September 14th. Classroom Teachers will be presenting two identical presentations at 6pm & 7pm. Classroom teachers will email their Zoom link by no later than Monday afternoon. Please make sure you click on the link at least 5-10 minutes prior to the session so you can be admitted to the meeting.
The BTSN presentation will contain information about grade level curriculum as well as classroom practices and expectations your child’s teacher will use to support your child and maintain an open line of communication with you.
In addition, if families have any health & safety questions, the Administrative Team will be holding virtual office hours from 6:30-7:30pm to answer any questions you may have. You must register in advance to the meeting using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This is not a presentation but rather an open room for questions and answers.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 is Picture Day at Spring Hill E.S. You should have received a flyer in your child’s Thursday folder this week. You may place your picture orders online or use the paper form and return the form with your child on picture day. The instructions are in the flyer. If you need another flyer or assistance, please contact your child’s teacher.
This year at Spring Hill we are fortunate to have a Family Liaison. Family liaisons work in the schools and community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children and to ensure their academic success.
At Spring Hill our Family Liaison is Danielle Lasley. Ms. Lasley's office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:20 AM - 3:50 PM. Please email Ms. Lasley - dnlasley@fcps.edu with questions or to set up an appointment.
AAP Newsletter
Click here to see the latest AAP information newsletter.
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (AAP) ELEMENTARY CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
Spring Hill offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-6. Learning experiences are designed to develop higher-level thinking through enrichment, acceleration, and extension of the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). Teachers, administrators, and our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART) work together to provide different levels of AAP services. We will be offering a virtual Parent Information Meeting (Grades K-6) and a virtual Screening and Identification Session (Grades 2-6) to discuss the continuum of AAP services and help parents navigate through the level III and IV screening process.
Our Parent Information Zoom Session will be held on September 27th at 4:30. During this time, we will provide information about the levels of AAP services at Spring Hill. (Grades K-6)
Our Screening and Identification Zoom Session will be held on September 30th at 4:30. During this time, we will explain and answer questions about the screening processes for part-time school-based and full-time Level IV services. (Grades 2-6).
You must register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Registration Link - Parent Information Zoom Session (September 27th)
Registration Link- Screening and Identification Zoom Session (September 30th)
If you would like to volunteer during lunch, please use this link to sign up. We have 2 slots per lunch session.
COVID-19 Case Notification Update
Many families are finding it stressful and overwhelming to receive a new COVID notification email every time there is a positive case in their child’s school. We have updated our process to provide families some relief.
Once a week, either on Friday or the last day of school for the week, school leadership will share an update if there were any reported COVID-19 positive cases in the school that week. The FCPS COVID-19 Health Metrics webpage will still be updated daily for families who wish to know about cases in real time.
This week, SHES had no new cases.
Social Emotional Screener
The School Board has approved a screener to review students’ skills and experiences in these areas.
FCPS staff will use the screener to identify strengths and needs for students in grades K-12
Students in grades K-2 will be screened in the winter and spring. In these grade levels, teachers will complete a survey on their observations of students' skills and experiences. Students in grades 3-12 will be screened in the fall, winter, and spring. In these grade levels, students will reflect and report on their own skills and experiences.
Parents have the right to opt their children out of taking this screener. For more information regarding this screener and access to the Opt-out form, click here: SEL Parent Notification Letter
Virginia Growth Assessments
Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) is a new test required for students in grades 3-8. The state legislature introduced this requirement to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics.
For fall 2021, VGA will address content that was taught in the previous school year. The purpose of this fall’s VGA is to identify potential learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no “passing” or “failing” outcome for the VGA. Results will provide a starting point to measure growth and will offer information about areas of strength and areas for growth in reading and mathematics.
Students enrolled in grades 3-8 will generally take an assessment in both reading and mathematics. Here are the dates for the VGA assessments in Grades 3-6. Click here to access the Parent Notification Letter.
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Grade
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Subject Tested
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Date
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6
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Reading
Math
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September 21
September 29
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5
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Reading
Math
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September 22
September 30
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4
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Reading
Math
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September 23
October 5
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3
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Reading
Math
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September 28
October 6
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Ability Testing
FCPS uses ability testing as one part of the holistic screening process for Levels II-IV services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process.
- All students in Grade 1 take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). The testing will take place in March.
- All students in Grade 2-3 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Testing will occur the week of October 19th.
- NNAT and/or CogAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score during the regularly scheduled testing windows. Testing will take place the week of October 19th for the CogAt and NNAT in November.
Parents or guardians may request a one-time retest in grades 3-6 during the fall testing windows. Please contact Danni James -dfjames@fcps.eduno later than September 15 to request the CogAT or October 15 for the NNAT.
FCPS’ updated Student Rights & Responsibility booklet is now available online and in the ParentVue section of the Student Information System (SIS). The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Each year, parents/guardians must review, sign, and return the SR&R to their child’s school. In ParentVue, you may now download and digitally sign the SR&R. Every parent/guardian with a ParentVUE account will see the SR&R upon login to ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgement has been completed.
Your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/guardian’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted.
Please take a moment to log into ParentVue in your child’s SIS account to access the SR&R. Signatures are due by October 29, 2021.
Please contact the school office if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet.
BLOCK PARTY
Don't miss the best back-to-school event of the season - the 6th annual Block Party! Tickets must be purchased in advance and are on sale NOW. Visit the PTO Shop to secure your spot.
Volunteers Needed for Block Party
None of our events are successful without the amazing support of our volunteers. Be a part of the success and meet other families by signing up to help with food, setup, check-in or clean up. CLICK HERE to volunteer for the Block Party.
PTO MEETING
We hope that many new and returning families will join us for our first PTO meeting of the school year on Friday, September 17 in the Large Pod. We will introduce PTO plans and volunteer opportunities for the year, learn about the new FCPS online collaboration tool, Schoology, and have a Q&A session with Principal Eck. Join us for coffee after student drop off at 8:45 with the formal meeting starting at 9:00AM.
UPDATE ON AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
We have heard from many families inquiring about after-school programming. In response, we have some wonderful volunteers and staff working to put together an exciting and diverse offering of activities this fall. We will communicate about these programs and the registration process as soon as they are formalized, and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure a safe and successful return of after-school programs.
Registration for our popular Chess Club program is already available on the PTO website. PTO Members receive a discount on Chess Club and priority for any other program offerings. Join the PTO today to earn these and other benefits.
PRC WEBINARS FOR FAMILIES AND STAFF
Military-Connected Students and School Transition: A Family Webinar
September 17, 2021 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Military-Connected Students and School Transition: A Family Webinar
5 Ways to Stop Anxiety, Power Struggles, & Behavior Issues: A Webinar for Families
September 23, 2021 6:30-8 p.m.
September 24, 2021 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for 5 Ways to Stop Anxiety, Power Struggles, & Behavior Issues: A Webinar for Families
Family Digital Wellness: What is our Next Normal: A Webinar for Families
Do you know a child, teen, or young adult in your life who is struggling with their media use? The Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders (CIMAID) is here to help!
Webinar Highlights
- Ages and Stages How Media and Technology affects your child at each stage of their development
- Types of Media and Technology: Different Types of Devices, Apps, and platforms used by children and families
- Health Effects: How your child's media use affects their wellbeing and development
The CIMAID team can help you address and reduce the negative consequences of Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU), while helping the children, adolescents, and young adults in your life adopt and sustain healthy lifestyles and behaviors.
Join Kristelle Lavallee Collins, MA, Senior Content Strategist from The Digital Wellness Lab.
Friday, October 1, 2021, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Family Digital Wellness: What is our Next Normal: A Webinar for Families
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) partners with parents to prepare their children for success in school. With HIPPY, parents build on their capacity to be their child’s first teacher and strengthen the parent-child relationship. For more information, please click here.
Multilingual Parent Podcast: Fairfax Health Department Specialist Talks About COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Listen and subscribe to a FCPS multilingual family podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Office for English as a Second Language (ESOL) Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.
In this week’s episode, meet Kirsten Buchner, a community health specialist at the Fairfax County Health Department. Buchner answers questions about wearing masks for COVID-19 safety protocols and COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information, the Fairfax Health Department COVID-19 phone line is 703-324-7404.
At the end of the podcast, the hosts offer families information on the FCPS Parent Resource Center’s newest resource, PRC Packs, which are pre-packaged tote bags with books for adults and children on important topics such as supporting children and teens with attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and motivation.
Listen and subscribe:
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September 14 - Virtual Back to School Night (6 PM and 7 PM)
September 17-Block Party-5:30-7:30pm
October 11 – Student Holiday
October 29 – End of First Quarter – 2-hour Early Release
November 1 – Student Holiday
November 2 – Student Holiday
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