Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
It's hard to believe we are welcoming the month of October this week along with hosting our High School Back to School Night. We invite you to view a video from each of your child's teachers located in your child's Schoology courses as these videos will provide you an opportunity to learn more about our staff and the courses that they teach. This year, as in years past, we welcome and encourage direct communication with your child's teachers. You may reach out to them with any specific questions or concerns regarding a course. Feel free to send them positive comments about things that are working well for your student.
There are many exciting events happening this month and we hope that you're able to take advantage of the athletics and Homecoming events, along with our other club and activities taking place.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
In this Issue
NEW Information
Lake Braddock Band Wins Grand Champions at Colgan Classic
Lake Braddock Senior Regional Orchestra Students
Homecoming Announcements
Procedures for Picking Up a Student Early
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
October is LGBTQ History Month
Saying Goodbye to Dr. John William Alwood
Student Pictures Now Available to View/Order Online!
Mask Reminder
LBSS Peer Tutoring
High School Information
First Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation October 4th
PSAT Reminder for 10th and 11th Graders
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Winter Sports Tryout Information
How to Submit a Physical for Athletics
Green Day Activities
Vaccine Requirements for Athletics
Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Senior Shirt Design Contest
Parking Spot Painting Sign-Up for Seniors with Parking Passes
2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opens October 1
Middle School Information
Middle School After-School Program
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Call for Pictures for the MS Yearbook!
Important Reminders
Important Calendar Reminders
County Math and Reading Inventory Assessments Coming Soon
World Language Credit Exam Information
Digital Consent for Students
SR&R Reminder
Looking for Library Volunteers
PTSA Information
PTA Reflection Contest
PTSA and Hunt Test Preparation
FCPS Information
Check Out the StreamIN/CheckIN Experience
Guidance for Student Sent Home with COVID-Like Illness
Responding to Social Media Challenges
A Day as a Super Sub
FCPS Virtual Mental Health and Wellness Conference Continues
Student Mental Health and Resiliency
Important LBSS and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
LBSS Attendance Lines
Late Bus Information
Purchase Tickets to Lake Braddock Athletic Events thru ETIX
Schoology
FCPS Technology Support for Families
FCPS Cares
FCPS Medical Resources for Families
FCPS Mental Health Resources
New Information
Lake Braddock Band Wins Grand Champions at Colgan Classic
Congrats to the Lake Braddock Band! They won as Grand Champions at the Colgan Classic and had the highest scores in the day for Music, General Effect, Marching, and Drum Majors. We are so proud of our Bruin Band!
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Lake Braddock Senior Regional Orchestra Students
Six of Lake Braddock's High School band and orchestra students have been successfully accepted into the 2021 VBODA North Region Senior Regional Orchestra as participating and alternate members. This is a prestigious ensemble that gives students eligibility to audition for the All State Band and Orchestras that take place in April. There are only four regional orchestras throughout the entire state and ours in particular has a high level of performance and a rigorous audition process. Come performance time, this orchestra regularly plays high level repertoire that you would expect of a college or professional ensemble; it is always highly impressive.
This audition saw not only 36 Lake Braddock students audition but hundreds of students from Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Alexandria City, Arlington County, and local private schools auditioned as well just for this one ensemble. Congratulations to the Lake Braddock students who made the ensemble:
Caroline Gallota, Piccolo
Dwight Smith, Percussion
Aaron Chen, Violin
Jonah Ascoli, Viola
Eva Bousquet, Viola
Abrielle Robare, Viola Alternate
Eunice Park, Harp
Homecoming Ticket Information
Presale Tickets for Homecoming will go on sale for $15 in MSB starting October 18th. Students will then need to show their MSB receipt in order to pick up their actual physical ticket for the dance. These tickets can be picked up during HS lunches the week of Homecoming.
Students can also purchase tickets during those week of Homecoming HS Lunches for $20.
Procedures for Picking Up a Student Early
- Prior to 8:00 a.m., the student must present a note from the parent to their subschool office. Notes must include time of dismissal, reason for leaving, and a contact number. Parents of middle school students must also include the name of the person picking the student up. Please note that this person must be listed as an emergency contact. At the time of early check-out, middle school parents must come in Entrance 1 and meet their student at the security desk. Anyone picking up a middle school student must bring a photo ID with them. High school parents may pick up students outside Entrance 1.
- Notes are strongly preferred for early check-out, but if a parent is unable to send a note with the student, the parent should call the subschool office as early as possible. All calls will be confirmed by callback to a phone number on the emergency care card. Regrettably, if the parent did not send a note with the student, the parent will be required to park, come into the school to furnish a note, and pick up the student. Without advance notice provided by a note, there may be a wait until our staff is able to locate the student, particularly if the student is at lunch or in a physical education class. We further regret that without advance notice, we are unable to accommodate requests for early dismissal after 2:15 pm.
- In either case, students must check out at the subschool office when leaving school and check in with the security desk upon return. Students who leave school without checking out properly will be marked unexcused and may face disciplinary action (if returning to school, students are also subject to search). Students must contact all teachers of any class to be missed.
Read our full Attendance procedures at our website.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
Due to network issues, we have adjusted the testing date for the SEL Screener. 7th, 8th, and 9th graders will still take the screener on the original date, October 14th. 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will take the screener on October 18th.
Opt-out forms are still due by October 11th. You may print the opt out form and your student can turn it in to their Advisory teacher.
October is LGBTQ History Month
Lake Braddock celebrates the achievements of LGBTQ+ icons from our community and around the world. For more on how FCPS provides a safe and respectful environment for all, visit our website.
Saying Goodbye to Dr. John William Alwood
It is with a humble heart that we announce the passing of Dr. John William Alwood, founding principal of Lake Braddock Secondary School, on September 18, 2021. Dr. Alwood was a kind and compassionate educator, leader and friend who will be missed. May we all live by one of his favorite quotes: “teaching is the only important thing -- everything else is pretty incidental.'' A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 1pm at McLean Presbyterian Church 1020 Balls Hill Rd. McLean VA 22101. All are welcome to attend
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Student Pictures Now Available to View/Order Online!
Thanks for a great picture day! We are reaching out to inform you that student images for our underclassmen are now online.
Any student who has not had a chance to order, it’s not too late!
Please visit the Victor O'Neill Studios page here to view and order your photos.
Use your student's ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures please email Victor O'Neill Studios.
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Mask Reminder
To ensure a safe school year, masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside FCPS buildings. We have limited supply of masks to provide for students. We ask that you please remember to send a mask in with your student.
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LBSS Peer Tutoring
The Peer Tutoring Center is open! Peer Tutoring offers help for classes and organizational skills. We’re open during WIN time and high school lunches. To get more info on Peer Tutoring or to sign up for a tutoring session click the link or scan the QR code.
High School Information
First Partners for Safe Teen Driving Presentation October 4th
The first Partners for safe teen driving presentation for this school year is 10/04/2021. This is a mandatory component of classroom driver education for all sophomore students. Students should attend the presentation that coincides with their driver education quarter. Students in Ms. Fillare's and Coach Murphy's classes should attend the presentation on 10/4.
The presentation will be held in the large side of the cafeteria at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Students must attend with one parent or guardian. A parent or guardian is the only legal adult that can attend with the student. Please bring something with which to write. Late entries into the presentation will not be permitted. Please contact your child's driver education teacher for more information.
PSAT Reminder for 10th and 11th Graders
On Wednesday, October 13, all 10th and 11th graders will report to school at normal time for the PSAT/NMSQT test. It is important that students arrive on time as College Board does not permit students into testing if they arrive after the start of the first section. Students must complete the full test in order to receive a score. Students will be dismissed from testing at 12:30 for grab-and-go lunch and busses will depart at 12:45. If students need to borrow a graphing calculator, they should complete this calculator request form and turn it into their math teacher prior to Friday, October 8. College Board does not permit the school or proctors to lend calculators on test day. Students will receive their room assignments on Friday, October 8 to their school Google email. All 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students will remain at home for asynchronous learning on Wednesday, October 13. Seniors who did not sign up for the SAT School day will have an unscheduled day and should remain home as well.
 High School Yearbooks are on Sale!
High School yearbooks are now on sale for $65. Price with nameplate is $70. Please scan the QR code above or head here to order! Our school code is 5061. Senior parents, you can place a senior ad starting at $50!
Winter Sports Tryout Information
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VHSL Physical Form must be dated on or after May 1, 2021; must be the revised January 2021 version of the VHSL form; and submit electronically via email, turn into the Activities Office/Athletic Trainers, or hand in during Tryout Card distribution.
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Register online. Create one account per family and register all students in the same family in that one account. A new form must be completed by a parent/guardian for this school year (cannot edit last year's form).
- Tryout cards will be distributed Nov. 3-5 during all high school lunches in the cafeteria or after school in the Athletic Training room (G101). These cards must be given to the coach on the first day the student attends tryouts.
Questions? Contact the Student Activities Office via email or call 703-426-1001.
Green Day Activities
Green Days are opportunities for out of season coaches to work with potential student athletes on skill building and conditioning. They are NOT mandatory to try out for a team. There are VHSL rules about when they can hold green days like how many a coach can run, how close to actual try-outs, etc. Students who want to attend must submit the 4-page VHSL athletics participation packet of forms.Click to edit this placeholder text.
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Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
We are excited to announce that Graduation for our Class of 2022 will take place on Monday, June 6th at 9:30am at Eagle Bank Arena! Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements for the Senior Class.
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Senior Shirt Design Contest
Seniors, if you wish to design the senior shirt for the Lake Braddock class of 2022, please fill out this form using your FCPS email address and upload a screenshot/drawing of your design. Make sure the design is school appropriate, is Lake Braddock themed, and try to limit the colors to only white, black, purple, and gold. When uploading your file(s) make sure your name and grade is included in the title.
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Parking Spot Painting Sign-Up for Seniors with Parking Passes
SENIORS with parking passes, if you are interested in painting a parking spot on Monday, October 11, at 10:00 am please sign up here using your FCPS email address. There is a $25 fee to help with future senior activities (prom, all night grad party, etc.), and you must bring your own brush and the colors you want to paint. Payment can be made in MySchoolBucks or a check made out to LBSS. We look forward to seeing you there!
2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opens October 1
Parents of current high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on October 1? Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, but definitely before March 1, 2022, as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2022. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA.
Our partners at College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of webinars on completing the FAFSA and finding/applying for scholarships over the next two months. Information on these programs and how to access them can be found at the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA. Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request an appointment.
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Middle School Information
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! The yearbook is currently ON DISCOUNT! Don’t hesitate! Last year, dozens of disappointed students were unable to get a copy of the book, because they waited until books sold out. WE DO NOT ORDER ENOUGH BOOKS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO GET ONE, SO GET YOURS TODAY!
Middle School yearbooks can be PERSONALIZED and purchased here!
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Call for Pictures for the MS Yearbook!
Parents! Did you get a great photo of your middle school student this summer? Are they involved in an extracurricular activity? Does your student deserve to be highlighted in this year’s middle school yearbook?
WE WANT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS! Please send any and all pictures in to the Yearbook Staff through eShare!
Go to HJESHARE.COM or download the free ESHARE APP at either the App Store or Google Play. Then, use school code 13596 to send us your photo!
Important Reminders
Important Calendar Reminders
Monday, October 11 is a teacher workday. Students will not report to school this day.
Lake Braddock Secondary School is hosting a PSAT and SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 13. Students in grades 10-12 will be participating in these exams, and all students will see a change to their schedules on October 13, as follows.
- All high schools and secondary schools have a 2-hour early release.
- High School Academy classes and shuttles are cancelled.
- Students with disabilities taught on an adapted curriculum (Category B) who are not participating in PSAT or SAT exams receive normal in-person instruction for the shortened school day.
- Grade 7, 8, and 9 students have a virtual asynchronous learning day.
- Grade 12 students who are not taking the SAT will have an unscheduled day.
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County Math and Reading Inventory Assessments Coming Soon
During the weeks of September 6-October 8, all middle school students will take the county Math Inventory and Reading Inventory. All students, including high school, who are enrolled in Algebra I or Algebra I Part I, will also take the Math Inventory. These assessments will help measure student’s baseline of math learning, which will be reassessed in January and May as well. Students will complete the inventories in their classrooms and can be completed during a class period. For more information, visit the county webpage.
World Language Credit Exam Information
Registration is now open for the World Language Credit Exam! The World Language Credit Exam assesses language proficiency. Students who take the exam may earn up to three pass-or-fail credits (levels one, two and three) in the language. Credits are typically added to the student transcript in January. Exam credits may also fulfill the World Languages requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma and the Virginia Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy. A student may participate in the exam two times per language between grades 7 through 12. In other words, students have two chances per language to earn credits by taking the exam.
Click HERE for additional information on this opportunity!
All students must register for the exam through their school counselor. Registration opens Monday, September 13, 2021, at 8 a.m. and closes on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Digital Consent for Students
Attention Bruin Families! Don't forget to submit your Digital Consent Form!
Parental Consent for HS Digital Resources
Parental Consent for MS Digital Resources
SR&R Reminder
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, we ask parents to review, sign, and return the SR&R to their child’s school. There are two ways for parents to acknowledge that you have received the document:
1. 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. E-signing for one child will suffice for all siblings within the household. 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.
2. Download and sign the Parent Signature Sheet and please return the signed signature sheet to your child's subschool.
Signatures are due by October 29, 2021.
Looking for Library Volunteers
Do you love organizing things? Interested in YA books and reading in general? Please consider volunteering your time in the LBSS Library!
Duties include:
- sorting and shelving books according to the Dewey Decimal System
- organizing and straightening shelves
Our LBSS students are great readers and the circulation of books has never been busier. Your help is greatly appreciated.
To volunteer, please apply for volunteer status. Pick up and fill out forms in the Main Office. Once complete, you will receive your official FCPS volunteer badge, and Carolyn Hilyard, LBSS Librarian, will contact you to set up your preferred volunteer time.
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PTSA
PTA Reflection Contest
Explore the Arts and Express Yourself! Student submissions wanted for the annual PTA Reflections contest. This year's theme is: I Will Change the World By... Students should submit their completed works of art digitally in one (or more) arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Visual Arts, Photography, Music Composition, and Literature. Students participate in the appropriate division: Middle School (grades 7-8), High School (grades 9-12), and Special Artist (students in any grade who identify as having a disability).
The deadline for entries is October 18th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. No entries will be accepted after the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Key, Reflections@lbssptsa.org.
PTSA and Hunt Test Preparation
Hunt Test Preparation is partnering with the LBSS PTSA to offer a $100 discount to LBSS students for a five-day test prep session in October/November. Hunt Test Prep will donate $50 to the PTSA for each LBSS student who registers for a SAT prep session. The five-day, in-person sessions are being offered on October 16, 23, 27, 30 and November 3 and October 17, 24, 28, 31 and November 4. Founded by two former FCPS teachers, Hunt Test Preparation instructors are seasoned in preparing students for success. To register for an SAT test prep session, please visit: huntprograms.com. For more information, please call: 703-425-7656.
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FCPS Information
Guidance for Student Sent Home with COVID-Like Illness
With cold and flu season upon us, your child may be sent home from the care room after presenting COVID-like symptoms. We all want them back in the classroom as soon as they are well. Starting Monday, October 4, the Return to School form is no longer needed, we will follow the following guidelines.
Students may return to school when their symptoms have improved and they have not had a fever without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours, AND have at least one of the following:
 Please note, if your child has been identified as a potential close contact or close contact to a positive case, your child will follow the guidance provided by the health department to be cleared to return to school.
If you have any questions about this new process, or how to navigate your child’s return to school, please call your student's Subschool.
Responding to Social Media Challenges
As we settle into the school year, we love seeing kids engaging with each other and having fun. However, we also must be aware of the influence social media has over our students, especially trends and challenges that may lead students to misbehave in ways that could have serious consequences.
I ask you to talk with your child about their social media use and remind them that activities that cause damage to a person or property have serious consequences. You may want to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities with your child so they understand the expectations for behavior at school.
We appreciate your continued support as we work together to make this year a great one for all students.
A Day as a Super Sub
Last week, Office of Communication and Community Relations (OCCR) media relations specialist, Kathleen Miller, traded in her normal duties to serve as a substitute teacher for a day.
Kathleen, who has two children who attend FCPS schools, is helping to shine a spotlight on how parents who are looking for a way to get connected to their child’s school can serve in the classroom - while also getting paid. View her story on the FCPS website: My Day as a Super Sub.
Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and anyone who wants a flexible work schedule. Like many school districts across the region and country, FCPS is looking for kind and caring substitute teachers to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers need to be out of the building.
Check out our Substitute Teaching Opportunities webpage for details on how you can sub and save the day!
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FCPS Virtual Mental Health and Wellness Conference Continues
The 8th Annual FCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference and Inova Act on Addiction conference, Strategies for Today and Beyond, is virtual this year and continues until October 1. Upcoming sessions include: Zenit Journals Workshop (for students only), hosted by Our Minds Matter; Getting a handle on…ALL THIS! How to thrive in overwhelming and uncertain times; and Act on Addiction: Tools for Resiliency During Unprecedented Times.
Registration information and the complete schedule and list of speakers are now available online.
Student Mental Health and Resiliency
Many students struggle with emotional and behavioral issues that can affect their learning and overall wellness. If you have any concerns about anxiety, peer relationship problems, depression, or other social and emotional issues your child may be experiencing, please contact your school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor. They are available for consultation and support. Visit the Mental Health and Resiliency and Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies web pages to learn about mental health resources and fostering resiliency in your child.
Important LBSS and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
Attendance Lines
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Late Bus Information
Late bus days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Buses will pick up students in the front of the building with a departure time of approximately 4:45 pm. Please check StudentVue and ParentVue for your student's late bus number and stop. If you have any questions, please contact your student's appropriate subschool.
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Purchase Tickets to Lake Braddock Athletic Events Thru ETIX
Are you planning to attend a Lake Braddock home game to support the Bruins? Purchases may be made well in advance, before you leave the house on game day, or at the gate with your cell phone using posted QR Codes! All home game admission tickets must be purchased through ETIX.
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Schoology
Students, families, and staff throughout FCPS and in our school community will use Schoology (pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/) as our learning management system.
Here is what you need to know now:
FCPS Technology Support for Families
The Parent Technology Help Desk is available to support parents and students through this new school year. Parents and students can visit the Parent and Student IT Support Portal to find self-help resources or submit a tech support request ticket.
Telephone Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.
FCPS Cares
We invite you to share and submit your story about a Lake Braddock staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child this year. Share the positivity, dedication and commitment that occurs here each and every day. Click this link.
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FCPS Medical Care Resources for Families
Whether your family needs medical care for a COVID-related issue, seasonal cold or allergies, injuries, routine exams, or mental health and wellness, our community has a number of resources for you. Visit the Mental and Physical Health and Community Resources webpage for a full list of organizations that can provide support and care.
FCPS Mental Health Resources
- If you are depressed, in crisis, or just want to talk, please text NEEDHELP to 85511 or call 1-800-273-TALK. Someone will be there to listen.
- If you're going through a tough time, don't go it alone. Reach out to a parent, friend, or trusted adult. You can also text NEEDHELP to 85511 at any time–day or night.
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