Spring Hill ES Panther Press


A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Spring Hill Families,  

     It was a short, but busy week. We have started the second quarter and continue to see learning and joy throughout the school. 

     This upcoming Thursday we celebrate Veterans Day. We are thankful for our school community and family members who have served, or are currently serving, our country.

     Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday (11/7). Remember to turn back your clocks one hour before you go to bed on Saturday. Also, November 11th is a two-hour early release day. We will dismiss at 1:35 P.M. If your child will go home a different way than they normally do on this day, please make sure to communicate this plan to both your child and his/her classroom teacher.  

      Have a wonderful weekend!


Family Life Education

Students in grades K-6 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction through their classroom teacher. Students in kindergarten through grade 3 participate in an emotional and social health unit. 

Students in grades 4-6 will  receive instruction in a Human Growth and Development and emotional and social health. Human Growth & Development lessons will take place the week of December 13th.

For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions here

In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in multiple locations.

  • Online in Schoology - includes lessons and media titles that FCPS has streaming rights. Any additional media or book titles that are not streamed are available at your child’s school library.
  • Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account.

You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 30th,  5:30-6:15pm on Zoom.   Click this link  to access the Zoom meeting.  Once on Zoom, the meeting code is 924 5476 3370.  All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time. 

Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may choose to opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, please fill out the form provided to you in your child’s orientation packet at the beginning of the school year or you may access the opt out forms online here.  If you have already indicated your desire to opt your child out of FLE lessons by using the form provided earlier in the school year, you do not need to complete another form. Should you opt your child out and then later decide you want your child included in FLE instruction, you must notify the school in writing before instruction begins.

If you have any questions, please feel free to connect with Amy Briggs,  Assistant Principal at arbriggs@fcps.edu


Student Council Applications

Election Season is here! Fifth & Sixth grade students interested in running for SCA office must fill out this application form by Monday, November 8th. If you have any questions regarding the SCA, please contact Ms. Kenney, spkenney1@fcps.edu, our teacher sponsor. 


Positivity Project

Next week, our students will be learning about Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary. This means doing the right thing, even if it’s hard to do.  Bravery can take many forms. Physical bravery involves overcoming fear of being hurt physically. Moral bravery occurs when an individual does what he/she believes is right in the face of social consequences. Mental bravery occurs when people overcome their everyday fears and anxieties. 

To learn more about the Positivity Project click here.


Testing Updates

Fall iReady reports will be published to ParentVUE for viewing for grades 1-2 the week of November 8th & grades 3-6 the week of November 29th. 

U.S. Mailing: Parent score report letters will be centrally mailed to parents/guardians of students with fall assessment results listed below:

  • SEL Screener: Fall letters will be mailed by mid-December.
  • VGA (ES/MS): Fall letters will be mailed by mid-January. 
  • VKRP (ES): Fall letters for PreK and K CBRS, EMAS, and PALS results are in development and will be mailed by mid-January. s placeholder text.

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. 


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.


From our PTO

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Playdate and Book Swap this Saturday

We hope to see many Kindergarten and 1st grade families at our Playground Book Swap this Saturday, November 6th from 10am to 12pm. Join us on the big playground located behind the school for a chance to meet new families and friends. Bring TWO books, one to swap and one to donate. To help by volunteering for this event, please visit our Signup Genius.

 

Request for Round 1 Appropriations

Would you like a say in how all of the funds raised by our PTO are spent? Appropriations is your opportunity to directly impact Spring Hill Elementary. Visit the Appropriations page of our website to view information about our Appropriations process and submit your ideas. Round 1 submissions are due November 5th.

 

Principal Coffee for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Families - November 12th

Do you want the chance to chat with other parents from your child's grade? Do you have questions about our school, the curriculum, FCPS, school events? Then join Principal Eck for coffee and informal conversation on Friday, November 12th from 8:45-9:30am in the cafeteria.

 

Get ready for the first Spirit Week of the school year!

Show your school pride by ordering your Spring Hill gear for your kids to wear during the first school Spirit Week - November 15th! We have a brand new vendor this year with lots of options so that you can showcase your unique Spring Hill spirit! SHOP HERE for all of your SHE gear needs! We suggest ordering ASAP as shipping is taking longer than usual. 

 

Winter Holiday Wreath Fundraiser

Ready to start your holiday shopping and decorating? When you shop Lynch Creek Farm for wreaths and other holiday decor, Spring Hill PTO will receive 15% of all sales, which will go directly back to the school in the form of programs, events, and appropriation purchases. Enjoy free shipping on all orders. Simply click HERE to order (Campaign ID:  280523).


Parent Resources


Scoliosis Fact Sheet

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by scoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing.

When should my child be screened for scoliosis?

Scoliosis most commonly occurs during the growing years, between age 10 and the time an adolescent is fully grown. Screenings should begin in early adolescence. Pediatricians should check for early signs during a routine physical exam.

What causes scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females than males.

How is scoliosis treated?

In many cases, the curve is mild and does not require treatment. In some cases, treatment may involve bracing. Severe curves may require spinal surgery. The need for treatment is best determined by a trained medical professional.

What are the signs of scoliosis?

  • One shoulder may be higher than the other.
  • One shoulder blade may be higher or more prominent than the other.
  • One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other.
  • Unevenness of the waist.
  • The spine curves sideways.
  • The head is not centered over the pelvis.

If you have any concern that your child may have scoliosis, make sure that your child is screened by a health care provider. Our school's Public Health Nurse may provide screening for individual students at the request of the parent or guardian.

For more information see: https://www.srs.org or go to the FCPS Fact Sheet by clicking here.


Tips to Improve Your Parenting Long Game: A Webinar for Families

Especially as the demands on parents are higher than ever during COVID, many of us can have become very reactive in our approach with our children -- addressing issues as they happen, wondering how to break out of negative cycles.

In this webinar, you'll learn proactive strategies that lead to more positive behavior outcomes AND will help you enjoy your children again.

Presented by Rachel Bailey, M.A., CPDPE., Parenting Specialist

Friday November 19, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Register for Tips to Improve Your Parenting Long Game: A Webinar for Families


Buying A New Electronic Device for your Child? What Every Parent Needs to Know

Have you been thinking about a new phone, laptop, or gaming system purchase this holiday season?

This session will help parents:

  • Understand developmental factors to consider
  • How to proactively prepare and establish boundaries with your child
  • How to respond to challenges when they arise

Presented by Tammi Sisk, FCPS Instructional Technology Specialist, and Bethany Deemers, FCPS Mental Health Specialist.

Friday December 10, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Register for Buying A New Electronic Device for your Child? What Every Parent Needs to Know


Important Dates

 

November 6 - Kindergarten and 1st Grade Playdate and Book Swap 

November 11 - Two-Hour Early Release

November 12 - K-2 Principal/Parent Coffee

November 15-19-School Spirit Week (details coming soon!)

November 24-26 -  Thanksgiving Holiday

November 30th-Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview Night-5:30pm