Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
Winter Break has finally arrived! What a festive week Lake Braddock students and staff have enjoyed. We kicked off the week with our wintery themed “Spirit Days,” celebrated our staff with a “snow day” faculty luncheon, and cheered on our students who participated in our holiday concerts and winter sporting events. It has been a whirlwind week for all, and a break is much deserved. We hope you and your family take time to relax, unwind, and enjoy family and friends.
To support this time away from school, we ask that you and your child review the guidelines we have shared with staff regarding work over the break:
- Students should not be assigned to complete work over school breaks.
- No major assessments scheduled immediately upon return from break (at least first two days, 1 Purple/1 Gold day).
- For classes having long-term assignments, refrain from scheduling due dates immediately after the holiday (at least first two days, 1 Purple/1 Gold day).
If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for clarification and information.
Lake Braddock is a community of many gifts and talents among students, staff, and families, for which we are thankful and grateful. As we look ahead to a new year, we eagerly anticipate what these gifts and talents will bring to our Lake Braddock community. We wish you all a safe and wonderful winter break, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
Lake Braddock staff and students enjoyed a joyful spirit week this past week!
In this Issue
NEW Information
Calendar Reminder: Winter Break Is December 20-31
Congratulations to our Lake Braddock Outstanding Employees of the Year
Mask and Tardy Policy Reminders
Winter Break Counselor Support
Bruin to be Honored for Volunteer Work on It's Academic
Lost and Found
Reminder of Attendance Procedures
Junior Lake Braddock Dance Team Workshop
Three Kings Day - January 6
Orthodox Christmas - January 7
High School Information
Climate Survey
HS Student Services Winter Newsletter
WorkKeys Testing Information (Junior Parents)
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Class of 2022 Schoology Group
Middle School Information
MS Student Services Winter Newsletter
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!
Important Reminders
Edison Academy Open House January 8th
PTSA Information
PTSA Seeking Your Input on In-Person VS Virtual SAT/ACT Practice Exams
PTSA-The Princeton Review Partnership
PTSA Opening For a Board Position
FCPS Information
Stay Healthy This Season
Say YES to FCPS-Join Our Team
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
Calendar Reminder: Winter Break Is December 20-31
From the Lake Braddock family to yours, have a wonderful winter break! The building will be closed during the entire break. School will resume for students on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
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Mask and Tardy Policy Reminders
To end the year and set the stage for a successful 2022, we used this week to remind students about our mask wearing and tardy policies. Masks must be worn over the mouth and nose while in the school building. Anyone attending indoor sporting events in FCPS are REQUIRED to bring and wear masks. NO mask, no entry.
Your child may have also discussed our tardy sweeps. Students were notified each morning that tardy sweeps would occur randomly this week, and they were meant to encourage on time behavior for their safety, learning, and overall well-being. We are committed to promoting a safe and secure learning environment where all students can succeed. Knowing where students are at all times and ensuring their safety during the day is our first priority. Having students in class on time helps our teachers implement strong Tier 1 instruction with minimum interruption. Two tardy sweeps were held this week on different days and during different times of the day. While there were no consequences assigned for those caught in the sweep, we know that being on time is a life skill. We ask that you encourage your child to listen to the bells and make every effort to arrive at class on time to begin their learning journey. We will continue to support on-time arrival to class by having a tardy sweep when we return in January.
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Winter Break Counselor Support
The holidays can be a difficult time for many students. This year, counselors will be available to meet with students via Zoom during winter break. Counselors will be available Monday through Friday from 11 AM – 12 PM. Students can access this support through the All Students Course in Schoology.
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Bruin to be Honored for Volunteer Work on It's Academic
Set your alarm, or at least your DVR, for two upcoming episodes of It's Academic! on Saturday mornings, December 18th and January 1st at 10am on NBC4!
On this week's episode, Lake Braddock senior Josh Reiff, one of the co-captains of our Scholastic Bowl/It's Academic team, as well as one of the leaders of the Creative Writing Club and a star of the LBT stage, will be featured for his volunteer work. A short video Josh made about a community gardening project he spearheaded will air during the show.
Then, for the big event, tune in on New Year's Day to watch Josh and fellow Bruin seniors Jack Bradecamp and Delaney Hingst take on West Springfield HS and Banneker Academic HS in first round play. We don't want to give spoilers from the pre-recorded episode, but let's just say the Bruins put in a historic performance that will ring in 2022 on a very high note for Bruin Nation!
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Lost and Found
Thanks to volunteers from the middle school Bruins Stay After program, the Lost & Found has been organized. Students will have the opportunity to look through the clothing racks and shelves for any missing items during lunches the week of January 3rd. Please encourage your student to check for their misplaced items. Remaining clothing items will be donated the week of January 10th. Thank you for your support!
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Reminder of Attendance Procedures
Regular school attendance is an important factor in student achievement. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Students are expected to attend every class or activity for which they are scheduled each school day on time. FCPS requires that a call or completed online attendance form be received within 72 hours of an absence from a parent or guardian. No notification will result in an unexcused absence. Please see our website for full attendance procedures.
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Three Kings Day - January 6
Three Kings Day (January 6), also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas. FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays.
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Orthodox Christmas - January 7
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This date works to be December 25 in the Julian calendar, which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God. This holiday differs from Christmas Day because it does not observe Pagan traditions, like waiting for gifts from Santa Claus and decorating a tree, instead it focuses on religious customs. FCPS has designated Orthodox Christmas as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays.
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High School Information
Climate Survey
Parents: This year's Climate Survey will be administered to students in grades 9, 11 and 12 on January 11th and grade 10 on January 18th. An eNotify letter went out on December 13th with more information and opt out instructions. The link and access code will be given to students on the day of their survey, and they will take it during 4th period advisory class. If you have questions, please contact this year's survey administrator, Dr. Jennifer Harris.
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High School Student Services Winter Newsletter
It is hard to believe that we are already starting to plan for the 2022-2023 school year! Academic Advising will begin as soon as we return from Winter Break. Please be sure to spend a few minutes reviewing our winter newsletter that highlights these important events. In addition, we have information from Northern Virginia Community College on a program that allows current juniors and seniors to access their courses at no cost! You will also meet our newest counselor, Ms. Jennifer Jackson, who will be working with students with last names that start with Mai-Ngu. You can view the newsletter HERE.
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WorkKeys Testing Information (Junior Parents)
Earlier this week an eNotify was sent to junior parents regarding testing changes for writing verified credit. The state has allowed schools to offer the ACT WorkKeys Business Writing as an alternate assessment to the SOL Writing in order for students to earn their verified credit in Writing. (Students in AP English Language will still be able to use their May AP exam as a substitute to the Writing SOL.) The WorkKeys writing assessment will be administered through English 11 classes between January 25th and January 31st. Teachers will provide additional testing details as well as test preparation in class this quarter. Please visit our webpage to view additional information as well as access to the opt-out form: https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/node/8115
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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MS Student Services Winter Newsletter
Winter break is here and with the new year we will begin the registration process for the 2022-23 school year. This edition of the newsletter includes the timelines for registration and academic advising and an overview of the counseling lessons from the fall. You can view the newsletter here. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022!
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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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Edison Academy Open House January 8th
Edison Academy invites you to attend our in-person Open House event on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. We are located at 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA. Our entrance is located at Door #13. You will have the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our instructors and current students, and learn more about our incredible courses! Please feel free to contact Cassandra Deedy at (703) 924-8101 or cjdeedy@fcps.edu if you need any additional information. Thank you and we’ll look forward to meeting you on January 8th.
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PTSA
PTSA Seeking Your Input on In-Person VS Virtual SAT/ACT Practice Exams
The LBSS PTSA is seeking your input in whether you prefer to participate in in-person, on-campus versus virtual, online practice SAT/ACT exams in Spring 2022. We welcome your thoughts as we look ahead at future offerings of practice SAT and ACT exams in the coming months for the remainder of the school year. Take the survey here!
PTSA-The Princeton Review Partnership
The LBSS PTSA’s partnership with The Princeton Review entitles LBSS students to a 20% discount on classroom courses and a 10% discount on private tutoring and admissions counseling. See below for more details and the appropriate code for these amazing discounts!
Discounts and Savings Codes:
- For classroom courses: Receive 20% off SAT, ACT, and AP retail classroom courses (LiveOnline) using the code LBSSPTSA
- For private tutoring and admissions counseling: Receive 10% off private tutoring and admission counseling programs using the code LBSSTUTOR
For more detailed descriptions about each course, please visit the below links:
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PTSA Opening for a Board Position
The LBSS PTSA has an opening for a board position who will write and disseminate its biweekly PTSA Pulse Newsletter to the PTSA membership.
This is a great way to get involved in the happenings at the school and the LBSS community.
As a board member you will attend monthly board as well as membership meetings and have voting rights to help improve and enrich school activities and programs for your student(s). There are also many fun PTSA-sponsored activities you can participate in throughout the year.
The role will start in January. If interested, please email Bob Gaylord, PTSA President at president@lbssptsa.org.
FCPS Information
Stay Healthy This Season
It’s time for winter break, holiday gatherings, and travel. Northern Virginia has entered a high level of community transmission, so check out these tips for staying safe along with COVID-19 testing and travel guidance to help us all have a happier and healthier season.
VaxUP FCPS!
Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself from the risk of severe illness. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated or boosted. Find out how to schedule a vaccination or where to find a walk-in clinic.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. FCPS’ diagnostic and optional screening testing sites will not be available from December 18-January 2. Testing will resume on January 3, 2022. If needed, other local providers are available for testing and vaccinations during that time.
Stay Healthy This Season
It’s time for winter break, holiday gatherings, and travel. Northern Virginia has entered a high level of community transmission, so check out these tips for staying safe along with COVID-19 testing and travel guidance to help us all have a happier and healthier season.
VaxUP FCPS!
Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself from the risk of severe illness. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated or boosted. Find out how to schedule a vaccination or where to find a walk-in clinic.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. FCPS’ diagnostic and optional screening testing sites will not be available from December 18-January 2. Testing will resume on January 3, 2022. If needed, other local providers are available for testing and vaccinations during that time.
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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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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