Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
The first part of the 2021-2022 school year has flown by quickly, and we have enjoyed welcoming students back in the building and witnessing learning up close and purposeful. Now that we have successfully completed our first quarter and are well in to the second quarter, we are looking forward to seeing and sharing the various milestones our students are making each month.
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving Break, we are thankful for the many accomplishments we have achieved thus far. As we reflect, we are thankful our students are back to face-to-face instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. We are thankful we are able to offer Athletic and Performance events with invitations extended to all and we are thankful that we can provide relevant and authentic learning experiences to our students during Advisory each week to support their social and emotional well-being. We believe all Bruins have a Story and we are dedicated to giving each child an opportunity to share their story.
We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and you to take some time to relax, reflect, and enjoy your families.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
Every Bruin needs to "paws" once in a while to take a well-deserved break! From our Lake Braddock family to yours, have a safe and Bear-y happy Thanksgiving!
In this Issue
NEW Information
Administrative Team Update
Register Your Child for Optional COVID-19 Screening Testing
Reminder of Traffic Pattern in Morning
FCPS Safe Routes to School Office to Visit LB November 30th
LBSS Safe Routes to School Committee Seeking Volunteers
Calendar Reminder-Thanksgiving Break
Join the Welcoming Atmosphere Walk-Through at Lake Braddock
National Special Education Day is December 2nd
Burke School Cocoa Dash
High School Information
Interested in Joining the NHS?
ACT/SOS Presentation for 11th Graders
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Class of 2022 Schoology Group
Middle School Information
Python and Java Coding Class Offered
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Call for Pictures for the MS Yearbook!
Important Reminders
PE Attire for Colder Weather Reminder
FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards Nominations
Gift Card Drive for the Holidays
PTSA Information
Dining for Dollars at Glory Days October 18 - November 24
FCPS Information
Reduction in Student Quarantine Period
VaxUP! New Pediatric COVID-19 Clinics Announced
Say YES to FCPS-Join Our Team
Multilingual Parent Podcast: FCPS Advanced Academic Program Continuum of Services
Reminder: School Board Meeting Monday, November 22
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!
Schoology
FCPS Technology Support for Families
FCPS Cares
FCPS Medical Resources for Families
FCPS Mental Health Resources
New Information
Administrative Update
Congratulations to Ms. Kearns, our Associate Principal, on the birth of her baby boy. During her maternity leave, the following changes have occurred in our Admin Team.
Ms. Teri Hampton, Subschool 3 Assistant Principal, will serve as Acting Associate Principal. Ms. Hampton has the following to say:
Lake Braddock has been my home since 2001. Through the years, I have held several positions, HS Social Studies teacher, class sponsor, School Improvement Plan committee member, Assessment Coach, and currently a HS sub school assistant principal.
As an assistant principal, I am most proud of the relationships and meaningful connections I make with students, families, and teachers. I invest time and effort in developing authentic relationships so I can gain an understanding of their cultural beliefs, traditions, and backgrounds. Developing and fostering these relationships allows me to establish an environment where all stakeholders feel welcomed, included, and valued. Understanding others is essential in my efforts to provide relevant and appropriate supports when issues arise.
I am excited about this new opportunity and look forward to learning and growing as an instructional and caring leader.
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While Ms. Hampton is serving as Acting Associate Principal, Ms. Jacquie Naughton, HS Counselor, will serve as Acting Assistant Principal for Subschool 3. Ms. Naughton has been a Lake Braddock Bruin for the last 8 years in our High School Student Services department. Before joining the Bruin community, Jacquie was a special education teacher and an alternative school counselor. Most recently, Jacquie was the Summer School Principal at Lake Braddock and loved being able to lead such an amazing team of Lake Braddock teachers and support staff as they helped our Bruins find success. Jacquie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Michigan State University and earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from George Mason University. Jacquie returned to GMU to complete her certification in School Administration. She is most passionate about working with teachers, support staff and families to help students see their potential for success, even when the students themselves might not yet realize their potential. When Jacquie is not working with her students at Lake Braddock, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling the globe with her two nieces, Brynne and Brigit. She is looking forward to the opportunity to serve in a different leadership role at Lake Braddock during the 2nd quarter as the Acting Assistant Principal of Subschool 3.
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Register Your Child for Optional COVID-19 Screening Testing
Parents and guardians can use the secure online portal to register their child(ren). If you do not want your child to participate, no action is required. You will have the option to update your child’s vaccination status and/or withdraw consent for testing anytime.
Student-athletes do not need to pre-register with the LTS online portal for screening testing, they will use a separate portal provided by their school’s student activities director.
There will be no student COVID-19 screening testing the week of November 22 due to the Thanksgiving break.
For more information on student COVID-19 testing, visit the FCPS website.
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Reminder of Traffic Pattern in Morning
Bruin safety is our top priority. A reminder that you cannot stop your car to drop off your student in the middle of Lake Braddock Drive. We were notified by the FCPD that students were being let out in the middle of the road. This is very dangerous for our students and other drivers. We know that morning drop off can be long and frustrating, but our community needs to follow the procedures in place to assure safety for all our Bruins and their families. Please review the following carefully for instructions:
KISS AND RIDE: Parents entering from Burke Lake Road will need to stay in the far right lane and follow the direction of security to drop off students at Doors 15 and 16. The secondary entrance is from Lake Braddock Drive and students may be dropped off at Door 3. Do not park or leave your car unattended in either of the two drop-off locations.
STAFF AND STUDENT PARKING: From Burke Lake Road, students and staff will be able to park in the lot on the right hand side of the school. If entering from Lake Braddock Drive, students and staff will only be able to park in the lots on the left side of the building. No one will be permitted to cross through the median for entrance to another parking lot. Hang tags must be displayed to obtain entry to either of these parking lots. Students must park in the white parking spots. Yellow parking spots are reserved for Lake Braddock Staff.
BUSES: All buses will enter from Burke Lake Road and will use the far left lane. They will merge with cars as they exit the school parking lot; this process will be facilitated by security.
Please be patient and respectful at all times. Every Bruin’s safety is our priority.
FCPS Safe Routes to School Office to Visit LB November 30th
Be on the lookout!
On the morning of Tuesday, November 30th, representatives from the FCPS Safe Routes to School Office and volunteers from Lake Braddock Safe Routes to School Committee will be at Lake Braddock, observing how students arrive at our school during the morning. There will be 3-4 small teams of surveyors near the entrances to the school. They will be wearing safety vests, carrying clipboards, counting cars and even taking pictures of our school zone. Team members will receive training to ensure their safety, and the team will not interfere or slow down morning traffic in any way. We are very glad to welcome traffic and safety experts from FCPS and DOT who will be guiding our volunteers as they conduct the observation.
This survey, called a Walking Audit, is being conducted as part of the Safe Routes to School program at Lake Braddock. Safe Routes to School is a PTSA effort with support from our school administration. The goals of Safe Routes to School are to minimize the risk of accidents impacting our students as they travel to school, and to increase the number of students who walk or bike to school. The information gathered during the audit will help inform the work of the committee and may be used in grant applications to help Lake Braddock reach the goals of the Safe Routes to Schools program. If you would like more information on the Lake Braddock Safe Routes to School Committee, please email LBSS.SRTS@gmail.com.
LBSS Safe Routes to School Committee is Seeking Volunteers!
The new LBSS Safe Routes to School Committee is seeking volunteers! Volunteers are needed to be committee members, and to participate in a Walking audit of our school during student arrival and dismissal. The committee is part of PTSA.
Safe Routes to School is a DOT and FCPS program that seeks to improve safety for students as they travel to school, and to increase the number of students who walk or bike to school. About 20 volunteers are needed for the walking audit before school on Tuesday November 30. Please send an email with contact information or any questions to Michele Richoux at LBSS.SRTS@gmail.com, to sign up, or use this link to a signup genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4fafa828aa8-lake. Everyone (parents, students, community members and staff) is welcome to help ensure our students are safe as they travel to and from our school.
Join the Welcoming Atmosphere Walk-Through at Lake Braddock
Our school will be conducting a Welcoming Atmosphere Walk-Through, a process that will help us learn how we are currently helping families and others in our school community to feel comfortable, appreciated, and valued. The Walk-Through will take place on Friday, December 10th from 8:30am-9:45am.
We are inviting you to join other parents, staff members, and community representatives to help us look at different aspects of our school and share their perspective on how welcoming our school is.
As a participant in the Walk-Through, you will be asked to offer your perspectives on three aspects of a welcoming atmosphere: School Culture and Physical Environment, Family Engagement Practices and Policies, and Communication. You will take part in a discussion facilitated by staff from FCPS Family and School Partnerships. All you need to do is come ready to share your observations and opinions with the other participants!
The Walk-Through will take approximately three hours total. If a hybrid model is used, part of the time will be spent touring the building in person (Friday, December 10th - 8:30-9:45) and the rest will be spent in a virtual focus group (Tuesday, December 14th – 6:30-8:30 pm).
Please respond to Kristin Girardin at kegirardin@fcps.edu by December 6th to let us know if you are interested and available or if you have any questions.
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National Special Education Day is December 2nd
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975.
On National Special Education Day, we celebrate and honor our Lake Braddock teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs. #OurFCPS @FCPSnews
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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.
ACT/SOS Presentation for 11th Graders
On Friday, November 5, all 11th 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 December 6-10, all 11th 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. 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 11th grade presentation, please complete this Google Opt Out Form by December 1, 2021.
Please contact Ms. Ghafoori at 703-426-1064 or your child’s counselor if you have any questions.
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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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
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Python and Java Coding Class Offered
Coding Lessons open to all Middle-School Students. $50 for 6 classes or $30 for 3 with curriculum designed specially for students in Grades 7 and 8! Event dates are December 3,4,10,11,17, and 18 from 5-6pm. A virtual link will be sent to the student once payments are made. Click here for the interest link. Click here for the payment link at MySchoolBucks.
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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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Important Reminders
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PE Attire for Colder Weather Reminder
Attention all PE parents and students: With the colder weather coming, please be sure to bring appropriate clothing to go outdoors. Teachers will be going outside with students for as long as possible so it is important to have warm clothing to be able to appropriately participate. Thank you!
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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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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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PTSA
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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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FCPS Information
Reduction in Student Quarantine Period
With the start of the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 and a drop in the Fairfax County transmission rate from “substantial” to “moderate,” we are adjusting some of the layered prevention strategies that have helped keep the rate of in-school transmission of COVID-19 at just 0.02%.
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Unvaccinated students who are exposed to COVID-19 in a school setting may quarantine for 10 days, instead of 14 days.
- Students will be notified of the day they may return to the classroom via the pause letter.
- If you do not have a pause letter from your school, you will need to quarantine for 14 days, per the requirement of the Fairfax County Health Department.
More information is available online.
VaxUP! New Pediatric COVID-19 Clinics Announced
FCPS and the health department are offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 at ten clinics located at schools across Fairfax County. Clinics will be held after school hours, evenings, and weekends. All children are welcome and a parent or other responsible adult is required to attend with them. No appointment is necessary, and all vaccinations are free. For locations and clinic hours, click here. The health department website has information about other options for children’s COVID-19 vaccination. #VaxUP
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Say YES to FCPS-Join Our Team
Make a difference in a child’s life—find your next job with FCPS. We have openings for bus drivers, substitute teachers, COVID case managers, and school health aides (who are employed by Fairfax County Government but work in schools).
More information and applications are available online:
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Multilingual Parent Podcast: FCPS Advanced Academic Program Continuum of Services
In the latest multilingual podcast produced in conjunction with the Office for ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement, you can learn about the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Continuum of Services and the different levels of services for elementary and secondary students. All K-12 students receive instruction to develop critical and creative thinking skills as part of AAP instruction. The goal is to build upon students’ individual talents and skills to maximize their academic potential as learners. Equity of access to the services is a priority within FCPS. For more information, visit the AAP website.
Listen and subscribe:
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Reminder: School Board Meeting Monday, November 22
The next regular business meeting of the FCPS School Board will be held on Monday, November 22, at 7 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. The meeting will be broadcast on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), and will be live streamed on the FCPS website. Current agenda items include:
- Legislative program.
- Recommended changes to the Governance Manual regarding community participation.
- FCPS Special Education comprehensive review.
See the complete meeting agenda.
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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.
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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