Thoreau Matters 1/14/2022

Thoreau Matters

January 14, 2022


Dear Thoreau Families,

We had a great week back from our long winter break. As I mentioned in the PTA meeting last night, I am extremely appreciative of our community for screening students before they come to school. Because of your diligence, our Covid positive numbers remain low when considering the surge in our community. As we prepare to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 17, the county is watching for the potential of winter weather early in the week. We used all of our traditional snow days during last week’s snowstorm. Any future inclement weather days will include virtual learning whenever possible. 

In order to be prepared for a Virtual Learning Day, teachers and staff will make sure students have the devices and accessories they need and will go over how to log in to their virtual learning tools through Schoology and Zoom. Teachers will let students know what to expect for their classes.

At home, we ask that you do a few simple things that will make an inclement weather virtual learning day run smoothly:

  • Make sure students bring their device home Friday and be sure the device is charged ahead of Tuesday. 
  • Review the Student Technology Readiness Checklist with your child and complete all the at-home readiness steps. 
  • Remind your child that the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule includes a two-hour delay so they can check their devices and make sure they are able to log in properly by 9:30 a.m.
  • Remind your child that attendance will be taken on inclement weather virtual learning days.

During weather events, FCPS must consider power outages, technical connection issues, and whether students have access to devices that they may not have taken home the night before. FCPS will announce a virtual learning day in the weather closure announcement on our website and social media channels and through email communications and local media. 

Thank you for your help in making sure an inclement weather virtual learning day is a successful one for your child. Enjoy the weekend and we look forward to engaging with our students on Tuesday either face-to-face or virtually!

Sincerely,

Teresa Khuluki

Principal


Thoreau After-School Program

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM CANCELED FOR 1/18-1/21

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?

Email Ms. Colleen Taylor at cmtaylor1@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.


For your planning purposes, please make note of the following registration events in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year:

Rising 9th Grade Academic Advising and Course Registration Information

Please see individual school sites for additional details

Madison High School Elective Night

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Note: This remains a virtual event

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Marshall High School Curriculum Night

Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 @ Marshall HS

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Rising 8th Grade Academic Advising and Course Registration Information

Thoreau counselors will conduct course presentations in mid-February and will continue to work with students and families through mid-March to complete this process.

Rising 7th Grade Academic Advising and Course Registration Information

Thoreau Curriculum Night & Family Open House

Thursday, February 3, 2022 @ Thoreau MS

Snow date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Note: This will be a virtual event

Zoom link will be sent home on Feb.1 to all families in our database

Additional details are located on our website - Student Services Academic Advising Page


Hiring for a Long Term Substitute (Math)

Thoreau is currently in need of a mathematics long term substitute teacher with an immediate start date. Interested candidates should reach out directly to Assistant Principal Tracy Bromberg at TLBromberg@fcps.edu


ff

COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Available for All Students

xfgj

All students now have access to COVID-19 drive-through diagnostic testing at locations across the county, including one in each of the FCPS school regions. Students who have COVID-19 symptoms or have been identified as a close contact to someone with COVID-19 are encouraged to test quickly to help reduce the spread of the virus. Testing is also a step in the return to school process following illness or exposure.

A full list of locations and schedules is available on our website.

Appointments are not required but families must register through FCPS’ secure online portal before testing.

More information about FCPS’ COVID-19 testing program, including diagnostic testing, is available online.


iohj

Bus Delay Notification System

Stay up-to-date on school bus arrivals with FCPS' bus delay notification system. This system provides parents with timely notification of late bus route information. Parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the FCPS Mobile App to receive the delayed bus report. Morning route information will be available until noon. Afternoon bus route information will be available from 1 to 7 p.m.  

Need assistance or have questions? Contact the Transportation office listed for your school. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.


FCPS is Looking for Substitutes!

h

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 today!


PTA

PTA Update

Time to "Bee" Bold

The Thoreau Spelling Bee is coming soon! All students are welcome and encouraged to participate.  When:  Tuesday, Feb 8  6:30-9:00 pm. Where: Cafeteria, Thoreau MS Registration (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948a9a62aab9-speller) is open NOW through February 4. Don't BEE late - sign up today!!

Crosstown Hoops Returns March 30, 2022

Save the date!  Crosstown Hoops is the annual basketball match-up between Thoreau and Kilmer Middle Schools!  The seventh and eighth grade will each form a girls team and a boys team.  Parents who are interested in helping with this event, either by coaching or by volunteering, or parents who have a student who is interested in playing in the games, should sign up in the Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0445adab2da02-crosstown).  Contact Tom and Alison McKee (alisonmckee0519@gmail.com) with any questions.