LBSS Weekly News - January 14, 2022

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Message from Dr. Smith

We were excited to welcome our students and staff back from our winter break and extended snow week! This has been an awesome week of reconnecting and learning for all. The laughter in the hallways and the level of engagement in the classrooms feels like we never left. The level of resilience and flexibility of our students and staff is amazing. We are so proud of their understanding and adaptability as we reinforced, updated, and implemented new safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are asking all to wear a well-fitted mask over their nose and mouth at all times and wash or sanitize their hands frequently throughout the day. Beginning next week, eating food will be limited to the cafeteria during breakfast, the 15-minute break and lunch. For our indoor athletics and performing arts programs, spectators have been limited to only family members until Jan 21.

With the anticipation of inclement weather next week, we are working to prepare our students and staff for virtual learning if we are unable to attend school due to weather. A virtual checklist for students has been uploaded in Schoology. Please review this checklist to prepare your child in case we need to shift to a virtual platform due to inclement weather.

As we prepare to observe the Martin Luther King Jr, holiday, we would like to thank our school community and parents for their service and grace they provide to Lake Braddock Secondary School every day. It is with your help and support that we are able to make Lake Braddock an awesome place to work and learn each and every day.

“Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”  Martin Luther King Jr.

United as Bruins, 

Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.

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In this Issue

NEW Information
Calendar Reminder
Update to Indoor Athletic Events Spectators
FCPS Technology Resources for Students and Families
International Show Interest Meeting
Elections Interest Meeting-Class Office, SGA, or SAC
The Hypnotist Show
2022 CTE Summer Camp Information
FPA 2022 TV & Radio Teen Summer Camp
Orthodox Epiphany-January 19th (Religious/Cultural Observance Day)
Virginia School Principal Appreciation Week January 8-14

High School Information
Climate Survey
Chantilly Academy Virtual Open House
Edison Academy Open House
WorkKeys Testing Information (Junior Parents) 
High School Yearbooks are on Sale!

Class of 2022 Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Day Set
Prom!
Senior Fees
100 Day Meeting
All Night Grad Party
Class of 2022 Schoology Group

Middle School Information
2022 Return of the MS After-School Program
WIN Time Enrichment Activities for MS
Middle School Yearbooks are on Sale!

Important Reminders
Academic Advising and Course Selection Updates
Reminder of Attendance Procedures

PTSA Information
PTSA Seeking Your Input on In-Person VS Virtual SAT/ACT Practice Exams
NovaStar Prep January and Februrary SAT Bootcamp
PTSA-The Princeton Review Partnership
Hunt Test Prep Registration Discount to LBSS Students

FCPS Information
FCPS COVID Updates
Steps if Your Child Receives a Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis
Attend a Superintendent Search Virtual Town Hall
Learn How to Drive for FCPS at the Bus Driver Job Fair
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

Calendar Reminder

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 17, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Also, students will be dismissed two hours early on Thursday, January 20, the last day of the second quarter, and Friday, January 21 (teacher work day) and Monday, January 24 (professional development day) are holidays for students. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.


tech

FCPS Technology Resources for Students and Families

The FCPS website has several pages devoted to technology support for both students and families.  Keep these links handy if you have any questions regarding technology, virtual learning, or zoom!  There is also a link for parent information lines available in 8 languages.


Update to Indoor Athletic Events and Performing Arts Spectators

FCPS has limited the number of spectators for all indoor athletic events and performing arts events to family members only. Please note that this condition has been extended through January 21st. Please reach out to the Student Activities Office if you have any questions – 703-426-1001.


international

International Show Interest Meeting

Interested in participating in this spring’s International Show? Come to our interest meeting (Jan. 26 or 27) in the SGA room, A212, for more details. Mark your calendars for the show date, March 29th, during 4th period and 7 PM, to see fashion and performances showcasing cultures from around the world!


elections

 

Elections Interest Meeting-Class Office, SGA, or SAC

Interested in running for class office, SGA, or SAC? Rising 9th-12th grade students interested in learning more are welcome to come either Feb. 14 (WIN time) or Feb. 15 (after school) in the SGA room, A212, for more details.


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cte2

2022 CTE Summer Camp Information

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning an engaging summer enrichment program for students! For our current 7th to 11th grade students, we have CTE Summer Academy.  Please visit our website for more details!

cte

fpa

FPA 2022 TV & Radio Teen Summer Camp

As Fairfax County’s public access station, FPA offers students interested in Television and Radio production a great outlet to learn, experience, and create.  This summer, the FPA is offering several camp programs to choose from which include: radio, television studio, television field and video editing options. Depending on the camp, this can be one-week or two-week camp designed to certify participants in the use of our studio production facilities.  Once properly trained, participants can begin volunteering and earn production experience throughout the year by helping in the various public access programs created at FPA or even work towards creating a show of their own. For more information on the camps, check out the FPA Camp Booklet here or our website, fcac.org.


epiphany

Orthodox Epiphany-January 19th (Religious/Cultural Observance Day)

Wednesday, January 19th is an FCPS Religious/Cultural Observance Day as some of our community celebrate Orthodox Epiphany.  Christian Orthodox traditions in Europe, Russia, Northeast Africa, and Southwest Asia follow the Julian calendar, which places their holy days slightly later than Western Christian observances.  Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas.  


thank

Virginia School Principal Appreciation Week January 8-14

January 8-14 is Virginia School Principal Appreciation Week. This week, we give principals our thanks for stepping up in so many ways over the past two years and for their commitment to our students, staff members, and parents. Be sure to say “thank you” to your child’s principal and tag us at #OurFCPS!



High School Information



survey

Climate Survey

The 2022 Virginia Climate Survey will be administered to all students in grades 9-12 on January 18th during their advisory class. If you completed the opt out form for your student (due date was January 8th), they will be exempt from taking it. For more information on the survey, visit here.


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edison

WorkKeys Testing Information (Junior Parents)

Before Winter Break, 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.


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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prom

Prom!

Currently the 2022 Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th from 7pm-11pm at the Fairview Marriott with a Hollywood/Red Carpet theme!  Stay tuned for more details!


cap

Senior Fees

This year, senior fees are $75.  This fee will include your cap and gown and other graduation items.  You can pay your fees starting Monday, January 17th on MySchoolBucks or you can bring exact cash or check made out to LBSS (memo Senior Fee) to the Main Office during school hours.  No personal checks will be accepted after May 13th.  All seniors, including those who will graduate in the summer, must pay the senior fees.  


100 Days Meeting

Parents/Guardians of seniors, mark your calendar for the 100 Day Meeting March 1st at 6pm where we will share a lot of information about events for the rest of the school year.  Parents/guardians, be on the lookout for more information.


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All Night Grad Party

This year's All Night Grad Party is scheduled for June 7th at the St. James.  Students will have access to the entire complex to play sports, rock climb, play cards, use the pool, and so much more!  Look for ticket sales to start in late January!


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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2022 Return of the MS After-School Program

The MS After-School Program will resume normal operations on January 18th.  On Jan. 18th, all MS after-school activities, practices, meetings and special events have been approved to resume in-person operations.


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WIN Time Enrichment Activities for MS

Starting next week (January 18th), Lake Braddock will be offering some enrichment activities to middle school students during WIN Time for students to participate in and engage with LBSS staff as well as some of their fellow Bruins.

The enrichment activities are set to include (but are not limited to): Trivia (kahoot), Blooket, Bingo, Jeopardy, Board Gaming, Table Top Recreation (air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard, pool & ping pong) AND MUCH MORE!!!!

WIN Time Enrichment will occur on Gold Days during advisory from 9:45am until 10:25am with Mr. Hines and other LBSS staff in the cafeteria. In order to participate, student must sign up using the signup form and receive a confirmation note to use as a hall pass during WIN Time on Gold Days to gain access to the cafeteria.

JOIN WIN TIME ENRICHMENT SCHOOLOGY (to access the signup form; will be released here at 8am each Gold Day): https://lms.fcps.edu/group/5477169590

Schoology Access Code: PHPK-C5C6-RVVMF

WIN Time Enrichment will be offered to students on a "first come, first serve" basis. The confirmation page from the signup form should be used as students’ hall pass during WIN Time. The signup form will be closed once we reach the max capacity number for signups (appx. 100 students per day). Only students that have the confirmation page from the signup form will be authorized to enter WIN Time Enrichment Activities on Gold Days in the cafeteria.

Questions can be directed to After-School Specialist, Jamaal Hines (jlhines@fcps.edu)


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.



Important Reminders



Academic Advising and Course Selection Updates

Please be sure to check out our Academic Advising Timeline for our updated events.


attendance

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.



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


NovaStar Prep January and February SAT Bootcamp

The LBSS PTSA is partnering with Novastar Prep to offer two virtual SAT Bootcamps to LBSS students in January and February. Ten percent of each registration ($295) by a LBSS student will be donated to the PTSA. To register for the bootcamps, please visit the following links below:

January 29-30 SAT Bootcamp

February 26-27 SAT Bootcamp 

For more information about the bootcamps, please visit the NovaStar website here


princeton

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:


Hunt Test Prep Registration Discounts to LBSS Students

Hunt Test Prep is offering LBSS PTSA members a $50.00 tuition discount on any 2022 Hunt Test Prep Course on a space available basis. When signing-up for a course, please write "LBSSPTSA" on the registration form. For more information, please visit: huntprograms.com

Course Schedulehttp://huntprograms.com/schedule.html

Registration Formhttp://huntprograms.com/RegistrationForm.pdf

Please note: All 2022 classes will be limited to 12 students due to Covid mitigation efforts and social distancing.  As a result, early registration is strongly encouraged. 



FCPS Information



COVID

FCPS-Keeping Up with COVID Information

A lot of new and updated information is available for schools and families due to the current COVID-19 surge and recent changes to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Earlier this week we shared how the new CDC recommendations for quarantine and isolation periods would affect students and staff

The Health and Safety Guidance Document on our website is your source for the most up-to-date information. 

Here are some updates and answers to common questions:

Isolation and Quarantine

We follow the CDC definitions of isolation and quarantine. Understanding the difference is helpful when determining what you need to do following a diagnosis or being named a close contact.

Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. When you or your child has tested positive for, or been medically diagnosed with, COVID-19, the instruction is to isolate.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who are exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. When you or your child has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, the instruction may be to quarantine.


positive

Steps if Your Child Receives a COVID-19 Diagnosis

If your child tests positive or receives a COVID-19 diagnosis, please notify your school so they can provide you with the FCPS Isolation Letter, which will include the anticipated return to school date for your child. 

The process for returning to school after a COVID-19 positive test, diagnosis, or exposure is outlined on our website.

Fully Vaccinated Students with School-related Exposures Can Be Exempt from Quarantine

Fully vaccinated students with a school-related COVID-19 exposure can be exempt from quarantine. Parents or guardians will receive the vaccination survey link in the FCPS Pause Letter provided by the school when the student is identified as a close contact. This survey is only available to school-related cases. 

Who Provides Clearance Letters

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will no longer provide return to school/work letters in most cases. FCPS pause letters will now serve as return documentation for students that are close contacts. The FCPS pause letters will provide the steps students will follow to return to school. 

The FCHD will provide clearance emails ONLY to students who are exempt from quarantine (see above).

Medical Questions About COVID-19

If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact your child’s physician or the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-267-3511 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends). You may email ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov (monitored 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays).


super

Attend a Superintendent Search Virtual Town Hall

FCPS is conducting a nationwide search for a new superintendent to lead the school district when Superintendent Brabrand's contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Your input is an important part of the search process! Please attend a Superintendent Search Virtual Town Hall to provide feedback on the characteristics and personality traits you would like to see in the new superintendent. 

The town halls will be hosted on Zoom on January 12, 13, and 18. There will be a Spanish-language town hall as well. Visit FCPS’ Superintendent Search webpage to register

Also, please take the Superintendent Search Survey if you haven’t already. FCPS parents/guardians, staff, and high school students were sent their own survey link via an email from “FCPS and GR Recruiting.” Community members can access the survey link on our website


bus

Learn How to Drive for FCPS at the Bus Driver Job Fair

Join us on Friday, January 14, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Lorton Center (8101 Lorton Road, Lorton, Va.), for our in-person School Bus Driver Job Fair to learn how you can drive for FCPS. No pre-event registration is needed to attend. 

$3,000 Signing Bonus for School Bus Drivers*

Benefits for bus drivers include:

  • Competitive pay
  • Paid training program 
  • Six paid non-working days 
  • Excellent retirement, health and dental plans
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Infant and preschool age children and grandchildren may ride with you
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Summer hours available 
  • Savings for Staff Program

Learn more and apply! Or contact 571-423-3000 or driveforfcps@fcps.edu with questions.

* Bonus paid for school bus drivers who begin training on or after July 1, 2021, and meet the established criteria.


yes

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:



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.


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.