Spring Hill ES Panther Press


A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Spring Hill Families,    

     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:

Proof of a Negative COVID-19 Test:

  • PCR (test result from lab or physician)
  • Rapid (test result from lab or physician)
  • Home Test (picture of negative home test AND note from parent attesting the result is for the specific child and to the date the test was administered)
OR

Physician’s Note

Note from a healthcare provider following a clinical evaluation stating the cause of symptoms is not COVID-19 and clearing the child to return to school.

     

     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 feel free to reach out to any member of our admin team. 

 Have a wonderful weekend!


Positivity Project

Next week, our students will be learning about OPM - Being present and giving others their attention . You give your full attention when you're with people. To learn more about the Positivity Project click here.


Ability Testing

For the 2021-22 SY, all students in Grade 2 and Grade 3 will take the CogAT. 

  • CogAt Testing will be online this year!

    • October 12-14-Grade 2

    • October 19-21-Grade 3

    • October 21st-22nd (PM)-Make-Ups, Re-takes, and New students to FCPS

The one-time retest option for the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) or CogAT test is available this school year.

  • Parents/Guardians may request the one-time retest of either the CogAT or NNAT by contacting Danni James-Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) dfjames@fcps.edu.
    • CogAT Retest Deadline: October 8
    • NNAT Retest Deadline: October 15

Cafeteria Volunteers (1st - 6th Grade Parents)

If you would like to volunteer during lunch, please use this link to sign up. We have 2 slots per lunch session. 


AAP Night Recordings

Thank you to those who were able to join Ms. James, our wonderful Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, for our virtual parent meeting this week. For those of you who were not able to attend, you may view the recording link. You can also click here to view the FCPS AAP overview presentation.


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 Spring Hill's Clinical Staff:

  • Steve Handwerger, psychologist
  • Erin McRae social worker
  • Dr. Judy Trigiani - K, 1. 3, and 5 grade counselor
  • Erin Rinker, K, 2, 4 and 6 grade 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


A Message from PTO

Panther Fund Drive

The PTO is excited to formally launch our annual Panther Fund Fall Fundraiser! The Panther Fund is Spring Hill PTO’s direct donation fundraiser that allows our community to sponsor programs, events, and enrichment opportunities to enhance our children’s educational experience. We are committed to maintaining our core PTO programs, and your generous support helps support the following:

Technology Investments – upgrades to ensure our students are operating with current technology; enabling online transactions and reservations for PTO programs

Educational Support – supplies to support classroom learning including library support, book enhancements and workbooks

Staff Support – classroom enhancements and supplies for teachers, professional development/training and staff appreciation events

Facility Improvements – school beautification projects

Community Support – Spring Hill Cares program and Parent Universities

How can you help?

  1. Donate to the Panther Fund!  We recommend $100 per student, which is in keeping with other schools in the area, but any and all donations are greatly appreciated. The Spring Hill PTO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity so your donation is 100% tax deductible. Donate online today! 2. Ask your company about Corporate Matching!  Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which a company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations.  Contact your HR/Benefits department or email springhillptofundraiser@gmail.com to see if your company participates in this amazing benefit!

Book Fair - "Panthers On the Prowl for the Purrfect Book" October 18-22

Our beloved Book Fair returns in person October 18-22. All students are invited to participate in our poster contest around this year's theme, "Panthers On the Prowl for the Purrfect Book". The winning poster will be featured around school and on bookmarks distributed to all students. Parent volunteers are needed throughout the week and welcome to come shop with their students during Family Shopping Night on October 20th.

Contest details, shopping schedules and volunteer information can all be found on our PTO website. We hope you'll support our school by shopping and volunteering at this year's purrfect Book Fair!


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Spring Hill.


FCPS PARENT RESOURCE CENTER


PRC WEBINARS FOR FAMILIES AND STAFF

Dyslexia Virtual Open House

In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, FCPS will like to host our annual Open House. We share exciting updates:

  • Overview of Dyslexia Supports in FCPS

  • Updates on the Equitable Access to Literacy Plans

  • Tips to Help your Child Thrive in School

Friday, October 8, 2021, 10 - 11:00 a.m.

Register for the Dyslexia Open House


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
 
Registration is free, however, donations are accepted to support the cost of future Sibshops: Donate Here

Monday, October 11, 2021, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. *School Planning Day – students are not attending school 

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!


Important Dates

October 11 – Student Holiday

October 29 – End of First Quarter – 2-hour Early Release

October 29- Fall Festival (more information to come next week)

November 1 – Student Holiday

November 2 – Student Holiday