Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
It's hard to believe that we are already in the 2nd quarter of the school year and the month of November. We hope that your family was able to participate in our Homecoming 2021 events last week; there are some photos below that highlight some of the fun had by many.
November is the time where we begin the process for the Outstanding Employee Awards through FCPS. Families are able to nominate staff, and we have several categories for our various staff to be recognized. We encourage you and your student to take a few minutes and fill out the Google Form below by November 23rd.
Thursday, November 11th is an early release schedule for Veteran's Day. The bell schedule is below. We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank our staff who are Veteran's for all their dedication and service to our country and now to our students. We are grateful for:
Clayton Allen
Michael Burbach
Michaela Demboski
Michael Edwards
Rich Gaul
Edward Guardo
Ricardo Moore
Sherman Wiles
There are a few more opportunities this weekend to see our high school students perform the Heidi Chronicles. The performances are on Saturday at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday at 12:00 pm in our Little Theater. You are able to purchase tickets ahead at www.lbtheater.com and can come through door 14. We hope to see you there!
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
Lake Braddock students were Beary happy to enjoy a wonderful Homecoming pep rally, game, and dance outdoors under the stars thanks to the SGA!
In this Issue
NEW Information
ACT/SOS Presentation for 9th Grade Students
National School Psychology Week Nov 8-12
FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards Nominations
Canned Food Drive Sponsored by SGA
Chorus Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser
Calendar Reminder: Early Release Thursday, November 11th
Veteran's Day
High School Information
Interested in Joining the NHS?
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Last Opportunity for Senior Portraits at Lake Braddock
Order Your Senior Shirt!
Senior Ads for Yearbook
Class of 2022 Schoology Group
Middle School Information
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Call for Pictures for the MS Yearbook!
Applications for TJHSST Open October 25
Important Reminders
REMINDER: Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid Due
Community Review of K-8 Science Basal Instructional Resources
LB to Administer the Fairfax Youth Survey to 8th, 10th, and 12th Graders
Gift Card Drive for the Holidays
White House Ornaments Available for Purchase
LBSS Peer Tutoring
PTSA Information
Dining for Dollars at Glory Days October 18 - November 24!
The PTSA Partnership with the Princeton Review
NovaStar Prep SAT Bootcamp: November 20-21
FCPS Information
Reasons for Recent Menu Changes
Multilingual Parent Podcast: Important FCPS Resources for Parents
2022-23 School Year Calendar Development Webinar
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
ACT/SOS Presentation for 9th Graders
On Monday, October 18, all 9th grade students were given a memo to bring home regarding a county-wide initiative to identify and help students who are struggling with depression and possible thoughts of suicide. During the week of November 15-19, all 9th grade students will participate in a presentation and survey about signs of depression in their Advisory Class.
The Signs of Suicide (SOS) program consists of an informational video that describes the Acknowledge-Care-Tell (ACT) message, a brief paper survey, and follow-up discussion with LBSS teachers, counselors, and clinical staff (psychologists and social workers). Counselors and clinical staff will also meet individually with any students who score at risk for depression or suicide and notify those students’ parents.
Why is there a county-wide push for depression and suicide screening? According to the November 2019 Fairfax County Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 30% of students in grades 8, 10, and 12 experienced symptoms of depression in the past year. The rate of students considering suicide was 14.3%, while 6% reported they attempted suicide in the past year. In addition to events in recent years that have directly impacted communities within Fairfax County, we want to do our best to keep LBSS students from becoming part of these statistics.
The SOS video and survey have already been used by other FCPS middle and high schools and have been used at Lake Braddock for several years. Parents are invited to review the materials by accessing the SOS Parent Portal at https://sossignsofsuicide.org/parent. This portal is designed to provide parents with information about suicide prevention efforts, view the SOS videos, and access educational materials which are helpful tools for supporting your child’s mental health wellness.
If you do NOT wish for your student to participate in the 9th grade presentation, please complete this google form by November 10, 2021.
Please contact Ms. Ghafoori at 703-426-1064 or Ms. Naughton at 703-426-1155 if you have any questions.
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National School Psychology Week Nov 8-12
This week is our opportunity to express how much we appreciate all our school psychologists do for Lake Braddock. If you see our awesome School Psychologists, Carleen McKenzie, Mary Olsen, or Walena Haider, please tell them thank you for all you do!
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FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards Nominations
Nominations for the FCPS Outstanding Staff awards are now open! Please consider nominating a deserving member of our school committee. The categories for nomination are:
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Leader
- Outstanding Professional Employee
- Outstanding Operational Employee
Employees can be nominated by anybody in the Lake Braddock Community, including fellow staff members, students, families, or school leaders. Please consider filling this this nomination form for a deserving candidate by Tuesday, November 23.
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Canned Food Drive Sponsored by SGA
SGA is sponsoring Lake Braddock's canned food drive November 8-19 through Advisory classes. Food will be donated to the FCPS Transportation Food Bank, which helps feed the families of bus drivers in our county. Leadership students will be delivering boxes to Advisory classes on Friday, 11/5.
TO WIN: Earn the MOST points within your grade level for a donut party! Classes with at least 40 points will receive candy!
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Chorus Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser
The Chorus Boosters are having the Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser again this year. The sale started on October 21 and ends November 12. Pickup will be Monday, November 29, from 3:15-7:15 p.m. If you have someone who would like to support the Chorus but does not want the plant or does not live in the area, we have coordinated with Sunrise Senior Living and Heatherwood Retirement Community in Burke to donate poinsettias. Simply make a donation of a plant and we deliver the poinsettias for the residents to enjoy! Poinsettias can be purchased on the chorus website or through the mail. More information on the sale can be found at the Lake Braddock Chorus website.
Please contact Michelle Morgan if you have any questions.
- 6-inch pot (plants are approximately 12 to 18 inches tall) - $8
- 8-inch pot (plants are approximately 24 to 36 inches tall) - $15
- Donation plants (6-inch plants) - $8
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Calendar Reminder: Early Release Thursday, November 11th
As a reminder, Thursday, November 11, is a two-hour early release for students for the Veterans Day holiday. Classes will resume on Friday, November 12. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
Click here to see the Lake Braddock Bell Schedules for the 2021-22 school year.
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Veteran's Day
Lake Braddock thanks the veterans in our community for their service on Veteran's Day November 11th and every day.
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High School Information
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.
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!
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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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Last Opportunity for Senior Portraits at Lake Braddock
Victor O'Neill Studios will be at Lake Braddock on November 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!
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Senior Ads for Yearbook
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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
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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! Our school code is 13596.
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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!
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.
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Important Reminders
REMINDER: Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid Due
Impact Aid forms were distributed to students in October 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 were due to be 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.
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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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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.
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)
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White House Ornaments Available for Purchase
The Lake Braddock Band is once again selling collectible ornaments from the White House Historical Association! Members of the band and their families will be making direct sales to raise funds for the band and earn points towards their varsity letters. If you are interested in purchasing an ornament, please see Mr. Luley, Mr. Gilbert, or a band student! Thank you for your continued support of the Lake Braddock Band Program!
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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
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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The PTSA's Partnership with The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is partnering with the PTSA to offer a $200 discount to LBSS students for its SAT Essentials Prep Class. For more information, please visit the PTSA webpage .
In addition, The Princeton Review is also offering an online SAT/ACT practice exam on Saturday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The practice exam is $5 for LBSS members and $15 for non-members. Please register here.
Payment related questions? Email the PTSA.
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NovaStar Prep SAT Bootcamp: November 20-21
The PTSA is partnering with NovaStar Prep to offer an SAT Bootcamp on November 20-21, where ten percent of the proceeds from LBSS student registration fees will be donated to the PTSA. For more information and to register for the bootcamp, check out our website.
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FCPS Information
Reasons for Recent Menu Changes
You may have noticed more frequent school meal menu changes and fewer options lately. An increase in students participating in school meals, 110,000 pre-Covid to nearly 150,000 now, happening at the same time as a global supply chain issue is affecting school meals. Our focus is ensuring all students have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day.
As the school year progresses and industries stabilize, additional menu options will be added. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these challenging times.
Read more about how these issues are impacting school meals.
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Multilingual Parent Podcast: Important FCPS Resources for Parents
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 ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.
In this episode, hear about important FCPS resources listed below. Click the hyperlinked text to go to the FCPS designated webpage. Use the resources to help you navigate the FCPS systems.
Listen and subscribe:
Shark Tank Technology Challenge Open to All High School Students
Calling all high school students! The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee has announced this year’s Shark Tank Technology Challenge, with a focus on new or improved existing technology that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, wounded warriors, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to consider projects that offer assistance in the following areas:
- Active free time activities.
- Participation in the arts.
- Caregiving.
Students can submit an innovative or creative project as an individual or a team. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is December 6. Final proposals are due February 22, 2022. The Shark Tank event will be held in April 2022. The winning projects will receive a cash prize.
More details are available by visiting the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge webpage.
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2022-23 School Year Calendar Development Webinar
FCPS will be holding a virtual Calendar Development Webinar on Monday, November 8, at 7 p.m., on Zoom to discuss how the 2022-23 school year calendar is being developed, and for participants to provide feedback on a series of questions related to this process.
FCPS is offering this community engagement opportunity in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided.
Please register online to attend the Calendar Development Webinar and indicate if you will need an interpreter. You will receive the webinar link on November 8, from “Office of Communication and Community Relations.”
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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!
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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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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.
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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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