October 5, 2021 | Issue 7
Important Upcoming Dates
October 7 (Thursday): Virtual PTA meeting, 7pm.
October 11 (Monday): Indigenous Peoples Day. No School.
October 28 (Thursday): Run For Rocky.
October 29 (Friday) : End of First Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release.
November 1 (Monday) : Student Holiday. No School.

We had so much fun last fall that we're bringing it back again! Enjoy our great community and celebrate fall! Fall is here, get your yard decoration game on! Information and link to register is in the link below. Questions, email Kristina Clarke at president@mantuapta.org
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ba8d359d-ff25-45d9-b603-5dcfe88155c9
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.
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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
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Mantua Run for Rocky 2021
Calling all Volunteers for Run for Rocky 2021! Mantua Elementary School is Going for the Gold - Run for Rocky 2021 Olympics will be held on Thursday, October 28th.
As we gear up for this year's Run for Rocky on Thursday, October 28th, we need volunteers to help organize the event. We are looking for volunteers to join our committee to help with organizing Spirit Week, solicit sponsors and donations, organize giveaways, lead communications, support onsite, and so much more!
Run for Rocky is our school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and we can’t do it without your help! After last year’s virtual run, we are so excited to be able to host this event in person for our kids, but if we don’t have enough volunteers, we will not be able to proceed with organizing the event. Please consider joining our volunteer committee so we can host this incredible Mantua tradition.
Email fundraising@mantuapta.org if you’d like to join us!
Mantua Basketball - Winter 2021
Registration for the Mantua Basketball league is still open! This is a great opportunity for kids to play with friends in a low pressure environment and have fun! Kids in grades 3-6 can sign up. No experience needed, just a good attitude! All practices and games take place in the Mantua gym. Questions?
Email programs@mantuapta.org or commissioner@mantuabasketball.org.
All eligible Mantua ES students are encouraged to register at www.mantuabasketball.org.
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 until Monday, October 18, 2021 Program Duration: Monday, November 15, 2021 - Tuesday, March 15, 2022 Regular Registration Cost: $ 70.00 - $ 95.00
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Turnpike Basketball Club
Turnpike Basketball Club is a local non-profit youth basketball club that works in cooperation with the Mantua Basketball League, offering travel basketball opportunities and supplemental programs for Mantua players and families.
In addition to the Travel Team tryouts for advanced 4th, 5th and 6th grade boys which conclude this week, Turnpike also invites all boys and girls in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade to join the K-2 3-on-3 Developmental League this Winter. This is a great way to prepare for playing Mantua Basketball starting in 3rd grade.
Check out turnpikebasketball.org or email turnpike.basketball@gmail.com for further information. GO RACCOONS!

Reflections Program
The Reflections Program encourages students to explore the arts and to create original masterpieces in response to a student-created theme and submit their artwork in one or more categories within their grade division:
- Primary (Pre-K to Grade 2) - Intermediate (Grades 3-5) - Middle School (Grades 6-8)
The theme this school year is: I Can Change The World By... Deadline is October 23, 2021 at noon. Information and link to the entry form: http://www.mantuapta.org/
Summary of the rules and guidelines for all entries can be found at this link http://mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2021-22/flyers/reflections-entry.pdf
Finalists from each category and division are submitted to the county-level Reflections Program. The county finalists are submitted to the regional-level, then to the state-level, and finally to the Nationals. The theme for the 2021-2022 school year is "I Will Change the World by... ".
Call for Entries! Deadline is Saturday, October 23, 2021 at noon.
For more information, please email: Reflections@MantuaPTA.org
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School of Magic Drama Camp
Fairfax High School Theatre’s 1-Day Drama Camp Theme: A Day at a School of Magic Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Online Registration: https://fhs-theatre-boosters.ticketleap.com/school-of-magic-drama-camp/
Flier: http://mantuapta.org/documents/dtf/2021-22/flyers/ffxhs-drama-camp.pdf
Costumes for Kids: A Fall Volunteer Festival
Let's Make Halloween Special for Local Kids The Costumes for Kids Fall Volunteer Festival will include volunteer projects, pumpkin painting, face painting, and more. October 16,12-3:00pm. Together, we will prepare 40 costumes for kids who attend Title 1 schools while having fun. Tickets are $10/person; ages 5 and under are free. There will also be raffles for family-friendly baskets. Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922 Little River Turnpike
https://kidsgiveback.org/events
Mantua ES Art Needs Volunteers!
Come help us out in the Mantua Art Room! Please click the link below to sign up. No experience necessary! We need help with cutting paper, refilling glue bottles, framing artwork, hanging artwork, filling paint cups and more! You may help either teacher, no matter who your child has. We have many different slots to choose from, all we ask is that you check in with the front office when you arrive.
These volunteer opportunities will be scheduled when students are not present in an effort to minimize concerns related to COVID.
Thank you so much for your time, we appreciate it! ~Mrs. Shirley and Mr. Lorenzi~
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AA9AC22A6FF2-mantua5
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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.
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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.
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
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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!
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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. |
Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
ADHD Management Parent Group — 8 session course
Wednesdays, Oct. 6 to Nov. 24, noon-1 pm $100-$300
Discussion topics include medication, behavioral strategies and educational care. 60 days access to Dr. Dan's ADHD video course.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ei7upmfz1f99cbfb&oseq=&c=&ch=
Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home
Wed. Oct 6, 7-8 pm
Learn communication strategies that support the healthy development of autonomy and self-drive that kids with learning-related challenges need.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6816279311939/WN_lh-W558XR7WG9DGS2d7gtQ
Do You Think Your Child is Being Bullied? — In Spanish
¿Cree que su hijo es objeto de acoso escolar?
Mie. los 6 oct. 7 pm
Aprender cómo identificar y prevenir el acoso, hablar con su hijo sobre el acoso, y cómo obtener ayuda de profesionales cuando se necesite.
Registrarse: https://bit.ly/3zro0kx
Parent Child Journey Discussion Group for Middle Childhood Parents
Thursdays, Oct. 7 to Dec. 16, 7-8 pm, with free video course
This course helps parents of children, age 8-12, to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and what they can do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $100-$350
Dyslexia Virtual Open House
Fri. Oct 8, 10-11 am, with later access
Gain an overview of dyslexia supports in FCPS, an update on equitable access to literacy plans, and tips to help your child thrive in school.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR1rSrhqKNo_xIuGBrgjos_mDzisvx5XY-v7Xf2SofXEOX1A/viewform
An Overview of Cerebral Palsy — Blue Ridge LEND Lunch & Learn
Fri. Oct. 8, noon-1 pm, details will be emailed Oct. 1
This overview will cover cerebral palsy in the context of evidence-based, culturally competent, person- and family-centered care.
Register: https://virginia.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odO2rpj8tH9NB3UNDGMLM-gNz9XDHSxDX
Morning at the Museum — Cooper Hewitt
Sat. Oct. 9, 10:30-11:30 am
Students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities will learn about the design process and make accessories for halloween.
Register: email CHAccess@si.edu
Transition University — Self-Paced Course of 5 Sessions
Sun. Oct 10 to Tue. Nov. 30,
Learn about the many options available to maximize your child’s independence and quality of life when they age out of school.
Register: https://tufall2021.eventbrite.com
Sibshops — for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
Mon. Oct. 11, 10 am OR 1 pm
Children in grades 2-6 who have siblings with special needs play games with other siblings, share experiences, and receive peer support.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7njTUP0XvEsyaRhfUS7ARtjiRBFdNXQ65jCD83w8hbUtKjA/viewform
Navigating the Medicaid Waiver Process
Mon. Oct. 11, 7:00-7:45 pm
Find out about this program for home and community based health services for children and adults.
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eikx104wa9444cbb&oseq=&c=560d2738-ff48-11e9-a42a-d4ae528440e0&ch=560e43ca-ff48-11e9-a42a-d4ae528440e0
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Tue. Oct. 12 & Wed. Oct. 13, 9 am-noon $160-$210
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and effective advocacy.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm
Combating Stereotypes About Women, Men, and Children with ADHD
Tue. Oct. 12, 1 pm
Learn how to communicate about ADHD so as to counter mistaken ideas that can cause shame or guilt in the ADHD community.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-awareness-month-2021-hallowell-solden-podcast-376/?
ADHD and Reading Difficulties: Prevention and Problem Solving
Tue. Oct 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Gain a sense of how ADHD can impede reading, what to watch for, and the kinds of interventions that may be needed.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adhd-and-reading-difficulties-prevention-and-problem-solving-tickets-168307202373
Parenting Children of Color
Wednesdays, Oct. 13, & Dec. 15, 7-8 pm
Meet with other parents to discuss the unique issues in raising children of color with special needs. $20 per session
Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eibojav79a6a9849&oseq=&c=&ch=
Understanding the Dynamics of Cyberbullying, Technology, and our Youth
Fri. Oct. 15, noon
Learn about cyberbullying, the motivations behind it, the warning signs to look for, and strategies to protect students with disabilities.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-dynamics-of-cyberbullying-technology-and-our-youth-registration-169484587965
Teaching Problem Solving to Children and Adults with ADHD
Tue. Oct. 19, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learn how to teach problem solving to children, even those with hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractability, and executive function deficits.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaching-problem-solving-to-children-and-adults-with-adhd-tickets-168309300649
The Dynamicas of Cyberbulling, Technology and Our Youth — In Spanish
La Dinámica del Acoso Cibernético, la Tecnología, y Nuestra Juventud
Mie. los 20 oct. 7 pm
Aprenda sobre el acoso cibernético, las motivaciones detrás de él, y las estrategias para proteger a los estudiantes con discapacidades.
Registrarse: https://bit.ly/2XB7nFQ
Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference 2021
Sat. Oct. 23, 9 am-12:30 pm
This event will include a key note and three sessions with choices to present the use of assistive technology for supporting student learning.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIH8hLIUpFagzkpqzJjM6CCWUTDrsXRXR1K62Jg3B6p6b-9g/viewform
Ask an Advocate: IEP 101
Wed., Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, Autism FIRST 24805 Pinebrook Rd. Chantilly
Learn how goals, services and placement decisions are determined, plus paper trails, and tips for how to advocate for your child.
Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
National Drug Take Back Day
Sat. Oct. 23, 10 am-2 pm
Safely dispose of unused medications at District Police Stations in Fairfax County.
Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/district/franconia
Ongoing and On Demand
Family Coaching — 8-12 week program Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan. Register: https://a109092. socialsolutionsportal.com/ apricot-intake/e8afd273-4daa-4525-a1f1-b8ee33528344 Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities. Details & Registration: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health- profile. Special Education During a Pandemic Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child. Access: https://drroseann.com/special-education-during- a-pandemic/ Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape Webinar, available 24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training. To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563 Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee. Information: https://www. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ scholarships NAMI Basics This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD). Register: https:// publiccourseapi.nami.org/ Learner/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy. Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm $50-$90 The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services. Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/ courses/parent_playbook.cfm
Ongoing Community Support Groups for Parents
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected.AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays.
Contact: Amanda amandam@ skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@ fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups. com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.comAutism Society of NoVA Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 9466001682; Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https:// thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@ fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail. com or call 303-903-9972.
Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Wed. evening of the month. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty. gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089. Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/ a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/ a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius. com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85- juvenile
Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge
Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ formed-families-together- support-groups-tickets- 147657582805Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)
Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom. us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies @fairfaxcounty.gov .
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.comNAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. https://zoom.us/j/94509229914
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon. net or call 202-215-5859
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies @fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/jun- dates-for-virtual-parent- support-group-meetings/
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@ poac-nova.org .
REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand mojgan.pourmand@ eastersealsucp.com
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.
How to Submit an Announcement to the PTA News
Please complete this form to have a Mantua ES- or Mantua PTA-related announcement placed in the weekly Mantua PTA News, on our Facebook page and/or on MantuaPTA.org.
The form guides you through all the pieces of information we need to put out complete announcements.
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