LBSS Weekly News - October 29, 2021

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Message from Dr. Smith

Hello Bruin Families,

This has been a fun-filled week of Homecoming activities that included a bonfire, movie and Trunk or Treat night with our community yesterday.  We will conclude our Homecoming Week with our Bite of Braddock event, the football game against Woodson HS and the dance.  

Next week our High School Theater season kicks off with The Heidi Chronicles.  There are four opportunities for you to see the performance, and we hope you can come enjoy the hard work and amazing talent of our students.

Additionally, there are several celebrations for members of our community that we wanted to highlight for our families. November 1st & 2nd are Dia de los Muertos, which is a holiday celebrating All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day where families gather to pray for and remember friends and family who have passed away.  Also, November 4th is Diwali which is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists representing the symbolic victory of light over darkness.  We wish those in our community observing these holidays a wonderful time of celebration and remembrance.

With the 1st quarter ending this week, there is no school on November 1st and 2nd for students.  We look forward to having everyone back on Wednesday, November 3rd to begin the 2nd quarter.

United as Bruins, 

Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.

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Why did the ghost hunters attend a pep rally at Lake Braddock?

They wanted to see our school spirit!  Happy Homecoming weekend Bruins!



In this Issue

NEW Information
REMINDER: Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid Due November 5
UPDATE for Homecoming
Welcome Lake Braddock's COVID Case Manager!
Community Review of K-8 Science Basal Instructional Resources
Marching Bruins Capture a Superior Rating at VBODA!
Lake Braddock Theatre Presents The Heidi Chronicles 
Calendar Reminder: Student Holidays November 1-2
Happy Halloween!
Dia de los Muertos Celebrated November 1st and 2nd
Diwali Celebrated November 4th

High School Information
Interested in Joining the NHS?
2022 VA Summer Residential Governor's School (SRGS)
News from HS Student Services
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!

Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Graduation Announcements and More from Herff Jones
Last Opportunity for Senior Portraits at Lake Braddock
Order Your Senior Shirt!
Senior Ads for Yearbook
Class of 2022 Schoology Group

Middle School Information
News from MS Student Services
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Call for Pictures for the MS Yearbook!
Applications for TJHSST Open October 25

Important Reminders
LB to Administer the Fairfax Youth Survey to 8th, 10th, and 12th Graders
Gift Card Drive for the Holidays 
Schoology Parent Account Help Sessions
White House Ornaments Available for Purchase
LBSS Peer Tutoring

PTSA Information
Dining for Dollars at Glory Days October 18 - November 24!
LBSS Directory!

FCPS Information
COVID-19 Screening Testing Updates
2022-23 School Year Calendar Survey
Fairfax County School Board Selects Superintendent Search Firm
FCPS is Hiring Substitute Teachers

Important LBSS and FCPS Resources
How to Stay In Touch
LBSS Attendance Lines
Procedures for Picking Up a Student Early
Late Bus Information
Stay Informed with Lake Braddock Athletics!
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



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REMINDER: Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid Due November 5

Impact Aid forms were distributed to students this past week in Advisory classes.  FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid.

Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's 4th period (Advisory) teacher. If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the boxes in Section 3. All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 5. All results are confidential.  

Watch this video to learn more about the Federal Impact Aid Form.

More information is available online.


UPDATE for Homecoming

We understand that there are some concerns about the potential impact it will have on our scheduled Homecoming.  The Homecoming Dance is currently scheduled to remain outside.


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Welcome Lake Braddock's New COVID Case Manager!

It is our pleasure to introduce one of our new COVID Case Managers. Katie Fox started in this position this week. Katie is from Vienna, Virginia and studied Health Sciences at James Madison University. She is interested in public health and improving the health and wellbeing of others. She ran cross country and track at JMU. Katie will be handling our COVID cases here at Lake Braddock and will be the person to contact you if the need arises. Welcome to LBSS, Katie!


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Community Review of K-8 Science Basal Instructional Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new K – 8 Science Basal Instructional Resources for the 2022-2023 school year.  A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December to review the instructional materials under consideration and community feedback. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources.  

K - 8 basal instructional resources may be accessed online until November 14, 2021. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/node/39027. People reviewing the material online may complete an electronic comment sheet (https://forms.gle/g76TjGmewaN8Fgfb6). 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting. 


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Marching Bruins Capture a Superior Rating at the VBODA!

We are excited to announce that the Lake Braddock Marching Band received its 40th consecutive Superior rating at the Virginia State Marching Band receiving straight ones in Visual and Music.  We are proud of the students and their work coming back this season!


Lake Braddock Theatre Presents The Heidi Chronicles

Get your tickets today at LBtheatre.com.!

heidi

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Calendar Reminder: Student Holidays November 1-2

As a reminder, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 2, for teacher work days.  The Main Office will be open from 9am-3pm. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.


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Happy Halloween!

Lake Braddock hopes everyone has a happy, and safe, Halloween this weekend! Consider the health department’s tips for a healthy Halloween before you venture out.


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Dia de los Muertos Celebrated November 1st and 2nd

Dia de los Muertos, also known as The Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico and elsewhere associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, and is held on November 1 and 2. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died.


diwali

Diwali Celebrated November 4th

Diwali (duh-vaa-lee) will be observed on Thursday, November 4. You may notice that some of your classmates and teachers are absent on this day. Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs (sicks) and some Buddhists. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. You can greet friends who celebrate Diwali with “Happy Diwali”.  FCPS has designated Diwali as a reigious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays.



High School Information



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The online New Member Application form is open and the link can be found on the LBSS website.

The National Honor Society promotes academic scholarship, community involvement, leadership opportunities, character, and active participation in school and extracurricular activities.

If you have any questions, please email the Faculty Advisor, Mr. R.L. Andrews or come by C-234.


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2022 VA Summer Residential Governor's School (SRGS)

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website and view the promotional video.

To be considered for an academic or VPA Governor’s school, students must complete the steps below.

1.  Attend our school interest meeting which will take place on  Wednesday, November 3 during WIN in the Career Center. Attendance at the meeting is optional but strongly encouraged.

2.  After attending the informational meeting, all students interested in applying to governor’s school can complete the interest form linked below for either Academics or VPA. The form is a required part of the application process and is due November 9th. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain. 

Academic Interest Form 

Visual and Performing Arts Interest Form

3.  Complete the application for the specific program to which they wish to apply and return it to their school counselor who is supervising the Governor’s School application process.

Academic applications are due to the school on December 7, 2021

VPA applications are due to the school on January 28, 2022.

For the Application timeline for Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s Schools, please visit this link

If you have questions about the application process for the Virginial Summer Residential Governor’s Schools, please find contact information below:

Academics & Mentorship Programs:  Mrs. Veenstra

Visual & Performing Arts: Mrs. Carrera


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News from HS Student Services

The high school student services fall newsletter is now available!  Please make sure to review these items for information on upcoming programs and supports for students and parents!

High School Student Services Fall Newsletter


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!

HS yearbook


Class of 2022 Information



Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set

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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herff

Graduation Announcements and More from Herff Jones

Please see the information from Herff Jones in the flyer below and on our website. Note that appointments are available next week for in-person ordering at LBSS.


Last Opportunity for Senior Portraits at Lake Braddock

Victor O'Neill Studios will be at Lake Braddock on November 4, 5, and 8 for the last opportunity for senior portraits at the school.  Please sign up for your session time here.

If you wish to use the photographer provided tuxedos, drapes
or cap and gown, please note this will be shared clothing and students must bring this signed waiver with them to the shoot.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to seniors@vosphoto.com


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Order Your Senior Shirt!

Seniors, you can now order your Senior shirt!  Store closes November 8th.  Order here!


Senior Ads for Yearbook

senior yb ads

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Class of 2022 Schoology Group

Have your senior join the class of 2022 Schoology group for all of the most up to date information! The group code is: WWFX-8766-FHNJ6



Middle School Information



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News from MS Student Services

The middle student services fall newsletter is now available!  Please make sure to review these items for information on upcoming programs and supports for students and parents!

Middle School Student Services Fall Newsletter


MS Yearbook

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!  Our school code is 13596.


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!


TJ

Applications for TJHSST Open October 25

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2026 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) beginning Monday, October 25. 

The application is available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 19, at 4 p.m.



Important Reminders



LB to Administer the Fairfax Youth Survey to 8th, 10th, and 12th Graders

In mid-November, Lake Braddock will be administering the Fairfax Youth Survey to all 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. It provides a wealth of information about a variety of topics related to our youth that influence their physical and mental well-being, from sleep and nutritional habits to substance abuse behaviors to symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts. The survey is anonymous and no individual information is reported.

More information about the survey can be found here.  

If you do NOT want your child to participate in the survey, please print and complete the Opt Out Form. Please have your child return the form to their Sub-School.

Translated versions of the opt out form can be found here.  ​​​​​​​

The results of this survey are published each year here and are used by school officials, youth leadership classes, youth-serving county agencies, and local non-profits to determine the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs offered in schools and communities. It is also used to identify changing trends and areas of need.


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Gift Card Drive for the Holidays

You can help give back to the Lake Braddock community this holiday season! You can support your Bruin community by donating gift cards to give to families in need. We are looking for gift cards to Walmart and Target ranging in $25 to $50 to help our families have a joyful season. Gift cards allow families to purchase their preferred holiday cuisine and gifts for their families. Thank you for your support!

Drop off Locations & Contact information:

            Nicole White 703-426-1039 (Middle School Student Services)

            Anna Ghafoori 703-426-1064 (High School Student Services)


schoology help

Schoology Parent Account Help Sessions

Lake Braddock Secondary School will be offering sessions to help with your Schoology Parent Account. (Sesiones de Schoology para padres:)

  • In-Person Session on Tuesday, November 2 11:00 AM - 1:00PM in the Lecture Hall. (No registration required.)
  • En persona: Martes Nov. 2 de 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Colegio Lake Braddock Lecture Hall Entrada No.1.
  • 대면 세션은 11월2일, 화요일, 오전 11시부텨 오후 1시에 Lecture Hall에서 진행됩니다.(등록은 안 하셔도 됩니다.)

  • Virtual Session (English) on Monday, November 1 7:30 - 8:30 PM. To register for the Zoom link, please complete this form.
  • Zoom (Español) on Lunes November 8 de 7:30 - 8:30PM. Regístrese para la sesión ZOOM: form.
  • 영상 세션은 11월8일, 월요일,  저녁 7시30분-8시30분입니다.  Zoom 링크 등록을 원하시면, 위에 있는 form 을 클릭한 후, 양식을 작성하기 바랍니다. form.
capture

White House Ornaments Available for Purchase

The Lake Braddock Band Boosters are selling the 2021 White House Ornaments for $22.  If you are interested in purchasing one, contact Mike Luley or Marie Sullivan.

white house

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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.



PTSA



glory datys

Dining for Dollars at Glory Days October 18- November 24!

Glory Days Grill in Burke will contribute 10% of LBSS patrons' sales to the LBSS PTSA from October 18-November 24!  Simply ask your server for an itemized copy of your guest check and email it to fundraising@lbssptsa.org or drop it off at the LBSS front office.  


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LBSS Directory!

Do you want to access our new Lake Braddock parent/student directory? Join the PTSA at lbssptsa.org/join.

Already a current LBSS PTSA member? Go to lakebraddockssptsa.membershiptoolkit.com and register your account. Initial registration for the directory must be done on a computer. After that, you can access it from a mobile device or computer. Download the app - Membership Toolkit- for easy access at your fingertips when you're on the go.

Students in the class of ‘22 have an additional reason to join the PTSA…scholarship opportunities! Join now and enjoy the membership perks all year long while supporting the PTSA so they can continue to support you!



FCPS Information



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COVID-19 Screening Testing Updates

FCPS’ requirement for student-athletes to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing begins with the onset of the winter sports season. We will begin screening testing for student-athletes who are not fully vaccinated the week of November 15, not November 1 as previously planned.

Many student-athletes are currently in the middle of their two-dose cycle and additional time for testing to begin will allow those students to complete their vaccinations. Students are eligible to try out for their sport if they have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The adjustment will allow FCPS and its contractors time to ensure all components, including the portals are up and running and staff are fully trained.

In order to streamline the process for families who have to register multiple students, we’ve moved the start date for all student screening testing. We will share information about how to preregister and provide consent for COVID-19 testing through a secure online portal shortly.

For more details about FCPS COVID-19 screening testing, visit our website.


calendar

2022-23 School Year Calendar Survey

Wednesday, FCPS shared the 2022-23 Calendar Survey with the community and staff. Due to some technical issues, you may have had trouble opening the survey or it may have been redirected to spam or junk folders. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

We will be sending out an updated version of the survey as soon as the technical issues are resolved.

We encourage you to complete the survey at your earliest convenience. Employees and students in grades 7-12 will be invited to take a similar survey as well. The results will be used to inform and support FCPS staff as well as the Fairfax County School Board as they work to adopt the 2022-23 calendar. All responses are confidential. If you have any questions about the survey, please email FCPSsurvey@fcps.edu.  

Also, mark your calendars for a virtual Calendar Community Meeting on Monday, November 8, 7-8 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.  

This year, FCPS is using a different process to develop the calendar. Learn about the criteria being used in the development of the 2022-23 calendar. about the calendar process in general.


Fairfax County School Board Selects Superintendent Search Firm

The Fairfax County School Board has contracted human resources recruitment firm GR Recruiting to conduct a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of Schools.

In July, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced that the 2021-22 school year would be his last at FCPS. Dr. Brabrand has served the system for nearly 30 years, starting as an intern and ending as superintendent. “My goal in this school division has always been to meet the needs of every child, by name and by need,” Dr. Brabrand said, “I pledge to continue to serve through June 30, 2022, with the same love and passion for FCPS that I had when I started.”


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FCPS is Hiring Substitute Teachers

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. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and anyone who wants a flexible work schedule. Subs save the day- apply here today!



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:


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.


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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sports

Stay Informed with Lake Braddock Athletics!

Want the latest information on anything Lake Braddock athletic events or announcements?  Check out our Lake Braddock Athletic Information webpage!  Here you can find ticket information, team schedules, scores, forms needed and more!  The most up-to-date Athletics and Activities News You Choose for Lake Braddock can be found in the top banner as well.


ETIX

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.


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.

fcps cares

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

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.