Message from Dr. Smith
Hello Bruin Families,
As we bring the second month of 2022 to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the purpose and history of Black History Month. Each morning, students learned about a Black History Hero, which today's hero was Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson was the brains behind what we now know as Black History Month. On Feb. 7, 1926, Dr. Woodson, initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month, to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long. Dr. Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson also selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping Black history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass We encourage you to talk with your student about the Black History Heroes that we shared with our community.
Our Winter Sports conclude this weekend with State Indoor Track in Virginia Beach. We want to thank all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication to represent Lake Braddock SS in a positive light. Additionally, we want to thank the parents of our athletes for their support this season.
FCPS communicated with families and staff today regarding the changes in the universal mask policy. We are commit to creating a community is a safe place for all students and staff as we transition to this new policy next week. You can see this communication here: https://www.fcps.edu/blog/changes-universal-masking-students-begins-march-1-and-additional-health-and-safety-updates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out our staff for support.
United as Bruins,
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
Another Surprise Staff Spirit Day done! Lake Braddock staff dressed as favorite duos to celebrate Twos-day (2/22/22).
In this Issue
NEW Information
Calendar Reminder:2-Hour Early Release on March 3, Student Holiday March 4
Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Army JROTC Headed to National Junior Leader Academic Bowl Championship
Updates for the PTSA Safe Routes to School
COVID Updates and Information
Changes to Universal Masking Begin March 1
Reminder Regarding Optional COVID-19 Testing for Students
High School Information
Career Talks
Tri-M Application/Renewal Open Again February 28-March 3
Purchase a HS Yearbook!
Class of 2022 Information
Bridging Bruins Interest Form Open!
Class of 2022 Key Dates and Announcements
Middle School Information
MS Yearbook
MS After-School Program
Important Reminders
March SOL Testing
PTSA Information
HP Instant Impact Fundraising Program
LBSS PTSA's 2nd Annual Virtual Auction Live March 9-23
PTSA Spirit Night at Jersey Mike's
Hunt Test Prep Registration Discounts to LBSS Students
PTSA Seeking Nominations for Board of Directors and Committee Chair Positions
FCPS Information
Summer Arts Education
Multilingual Parent Podcasts: Making the Transition to Middle School
ESSER III Grant: Your Voice Matters!
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!
FCPS Technology Support for Families
FCPS Cares
FCPS Medical Resources for Families
FCPS Mental Health Resources
New Information
Calendar Reminder: 2-Hour Early Release on March 3, Student Holiday March 4
As a reminder, students will be released two hours early on Thursday, March 3 (see schedule below), and Friday, March 4, is a staff development day and a student holiday.
Classes will resume on Monday, March 7. See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
|
Early release schedule for Purple Days-March 3rd.
Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year FCPS students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. The application and related details can be found at Student Representative to the School Board. The deadline to apply is March 23rd.
|
Army JROTC Headed to the National Junior Leader Academic Bowl Championship
Through all the obstacles students have faced over the last two years, LBSS Army JROTC cadets have risen to the challenge through their participation in the 2021-2022 JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB). The cadets from LBSS have proven their ability to overcome and succeed despite those obstacles.
After advancing through two intense phases of online competition, the LBSS Army JROTC Leadership Team, composed of Emma Hrabak, Sonya Erickson, Kamilla Welborn, Andrew Ugincius, Dominick Pecoraro, and Pierce Steinke, is set to compete in The 2022 U.S. Army JROTC Leadership Bowl Championship which will be held in June. The Academic Team, composed of Antonio LaNave, Kyle Lovejoy, Keaman Chang, Thomas Dawson, Beemnet Tesfaye, and James Ford, is also ready to compete in the 2022 U.S. Army JROTC Academic Bowl Championship in June as well.
LBSS Army JROTC Leadership Team earned top scores out of 1,371 Army JROTC Leadership Teams that competed from around the world! The LBSS Army JROTC Academic Team earned top scores out of the 1,942 Army JROTC Academic Teams that competed from around the world! The Leadership Team is one of only 40 Army JROTC Leadership Teams is the world to advance to the final competition. The Academic Team is one of the only 32 Army JROTC Academic Bowl Teams in the nation to advance to the final competition.
We wish both teams luck in their next competitions in June!
Update for the PTSA Safe Routes to Schools
The PTSA’s Safe Routes to School Committee has some exciting news to report! During last November’s Walking Audit, we learned that as many as 10-20% of Lake Braddock’s students walk to campus. This is wonderful, as students who get daily physical activity are more likely to feel alert and engaged during school! The audit team and committee identified some safety and education projects to develop for grant funding, so that we can increase the number of students who bike or walk to school, and ensure that all students and staff arrive to school safely. We will be conducting some surveys to gather additional data that will help strengthen our grant applications.
The Safe Routes to School committee invites interested students, teachers, family and community members to join us in making getting to school safer. Our next meeting will be Tuesday March 8 at 7 pm, via Zoom. Please contact LBSS.SRTS@gmail.com for more info.
National Bike and Roll to School Day is coming up on May 4th! Look for info on bike safety and contests with prizes. Thinking about walking to school instead of driving? March is the perfect month since every Wednesday in March is Walking Wednesday, or Marche Mercredi, in French:). Also, as spring rolls in this month, walking and biking to school are a perfect way to get exercise and enjoy the budding flowers and trees.
Want more info on the benefits of Safe Routes to School programs? https://www.saferoutespartnership.org/safe-routes-school/101/benefits
COVID Updates and Information
For the most up-to-date information, please see the FCPS website for Return to School and COVID-19 Testing.
Changes to Universal Masking Begin March 1
As Dr. Brabrand shared today, you may choose for your child to opt out of the division’s mask requirement starting March 1. There will be no formal process to let us know your choice– no notes or documentation will be needed.
We strongly recommend that students continue to participate in universal masking to help protect their classmates, teachers, and staff who have health concerns. The ability to not participate in universal masking only applies to students. We will continue to follow our roll back plan, shared earlier this month, which will be implemented when we reach moderate transmission, and remain there for seven days. This week, we saw our community transmission level drop into the substantial category and we anticipate we could be at or very close to moderate community transmission as early as next week. FCPS will formally announce when we are ready to make this transition.
Please talk with your child before March 1 about your family’s decision about wearing masks in schools.
Families of special needs children who may need additional consideration for health reasons should work with their IEP or 504 teams.
Reminder Regarding Optional COVID Testing for Students
Participation in COVID-19 screening testing for the general student population will be voluntary and will require parent/legal guardian consent for each student prior to participation in COVID-19 screening testing. Participation may be discontinued at any time upon parent/legal guardian request by revoking your consent in the online registration portal at https://fcpstestingsite.com. You may follow the process for revoking consent by unchecking the “Testing Consent“ checkbox on the homepage. This revocation can be reinstated by re-checking the “Testing Consent“ checkbox. A separate “Testing Consent“ checkbox is provided for each child listed. For support with the online registration portal, you may also email fcps@lts.com or call LTS Portal Support at 571-354-6205.
Your consent in this portal remains valid until you revoke it.
For more information, please see the FCPS website on COVID-19 testing.
High School Information
Career Talks
CAREER TALKS are coming to the Career Center. Students, please sign up in Naviance (click College at the top of page, click visits).
Career Talk – Law March 9, 2022
Career Talk – Environmental Science/Marine Biology March 17, 2022
Career Talk- Civil Engineering/Construction Industry March 21, 2022
Career Talk – Nursing March 29, 2022
Career Talk – Accounting April 12, 2022
Career Talk- FBI April 22, 2022
Career Talk- Careers with United Airlines April 26,2022
|
Tri-M Application/Renewal Open Again February 28-March 3
LB's Tri-M Music Honor Society is having a second round for applications/renewals. This Honor Society, open to 10th thru 12th graders, is an international music honor society designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Students need a 2.0 in all of their classes and at least a 3.0 in their music class at time of application to be accepted. Any students accepted in this application process will be required to complete six service hours for the entire year by May the 28th. Seniors who wish to purchase a pink cord for graduation need to complete their hours by March the 31st.
Interested students can sign up here. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Isaac or Ms. Harmon.
|
Class of 2022 Information
For the most up-to-date information for the Class of 2022, check out the LB Website at the Senior Page and 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.
Bridging Bruins Interest Form Now Open
The Bridging Bruins interest form is now open for the Class of 2022.
Seniors, if you are interested in getting hands-on experience outside of the classroom while forging relationships in the community, complete the Bridging Bruins interest form linked here. The interest form will list all program requirements.
With enough interest and support for Bridging Bruins, seniors in good standing could have the opportunity to work with a business or service organization of their choosing. Instead of going to class the last few weeks of school, students could go to work.
To be considered, please complete the interest form no later than April 8, 2022. Those that complete the form will receive further information.
If you have any questions please email Mrs. Sandy Hunter or Mr. Ward or check out our website!
|
Class of 2022 Key Dates and Announcements
-
Senior Fees- $75 Payable on
MySchoolBucks or you can bring exact cash or check made out to LBSS (memo Senior Fee) to the Main Office during school hours.
-
Senior Yard Signs-Purchase at the PTSA website.
-
100 Day Meeting-March 1st at 6pm, LB Cafeteria
-
Prom-May 14th from 7pm-11pm, Fairview Marriott
-
Graduation-June 6th at 9:30am, Eagle Bank Arena!
-
All Night Grad Party-June 7th at the St. James.
|
Middle School Information
MS After-School Program
|
Important Reminders
March SOL Writing Testing
In the past both English 11 and Grade 8 students had to complete a 2-day Writing SOL in March as part of the state’s testing requirements. However, recent updates in testing policies have enabled these students to partake in alternative assessments. Grade 8 students will complete a local alterative assessment (LAA) during their English 8 classes. For more information about this alternative assessment, please read the FCPS site on Local Alternative Assessments.
Students in English 11, English 11 Honors, and juniors in Dual Enrollment English completed the WorkKeys Business Writing in January or February in order to earn their verified credit in writing. Students who did not pass the WorkKeys Writing or did not take the WorkKeys Business Writing, will have to complete the March Writing SOL. English 11 teachers have communicated to students their WorkKeys Writing scores. The families of students still needing to take the SOL Writing in March will be notified.
PTSA
Check out the LB PTSA website for all the latest news and happenings!
HP Instant Impact Fundraising Program
Are you looking for a less expensive and more user-friendly way to buy printer cartridges without running to the store every other week? Sign up for an HP Instant Ink program and get printer cartridges mailed directly to your home and save up to 50% per cartridge! For more information on how to sign up, visit the HP website LINK HERE. For each new HP Instant Ink subscriber, HP will donate $10 to the LBSS PTSA.
|
LBSS PTSA's 2nd Annual Virtual Auction Live March 9-23!
The LBSS community will have the opportunity to bid on some amazing products, services, gift cards and more to benefit LBSS students, teachers and families. All proceeds from this auction will be used for student scholarships, educational grants, events, programs, teacher and student recognition, family engagement and general school support.
Several local businesses have generously donated some amazing items including Burke Sporting Goods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, A Dog’s Day Out, 29th Parallel Coffee, Barrel Oak Winery, Bunnyman Brewery, Fredericksburg Nationals, Glory Days, Nando’s Peri Peri, Massanutten Resort and more!
To learn more about the virtual auction or to donate to the auction, visit our LBSS PTSA virtual auction page and fill out the donation form at: https://lbssptsa.digitalpto.com/support-lbss/virtual-auction/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
|
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 Schedule: http://huntprograms.com/schedule.html
Registration Form: http://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.
PTSA Seeking Nominations for Board of Directors and Committee Chair Positions
The Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors and Committee Chair positions for the school years beginning in 2022 and 2023. In particular, we are looking for a 2nd VP to represent the middle school on the PTSA Board.
For a list of PTSA Board of Director positions and descriptions, please submit your nomination by Friday, February 25 at: https://lbssptsa.digitalpto.com/info/board-nomination-form/.
For a list of PTSA Committee Chair positions, please submit your nomination by Friday, April 1 at: https://lbssptsa.digitalpto.com/lbss-ptsa-elections/ptsa-appointed-and-committee-chair-positions/
FCPS Information
Summer Arts Education
All students with an interest in continuing to explore the arts are eligible for two summer enrichment programs. Registration opens on March 1 for the Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) Summer enrichment programs.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (for rising 3rd through 6th graders) and Institute for the Arts (for rising 7th through 12th graders) will be held July 5-29 at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes are offered every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. Both programs have fees, waivers are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
For more information or to register, visit the Summer Learning webpage.
|
Multilingual Parent Podcasts: Making the Transition to Middle School
Making the move from elementary school to middle school can be both an exciting and unsettling time for a parent and student. In this week’s podcast, hear ways to ease the transition by:
- Understanding the developmental changes in your child.
- Getting to know middle school culture.
- Encouraging independence, but remaining available.
- Offering emotional support to your child.
- Reiterating your family values and expectations.
- Staying involved in your child’s school.
This podcast’s infomercial is about summer camps. It’s not too early to start thinking about summer fun. The FCPS Tech Adventure Camp and the Career and Technical Education Camp are taking registrations for summer 2022.
Listen and subscribe:
|
ESSER III Grant: Your Voice Matters!
Last fall, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools, and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students. Please provide your thoughts on how FCPS is meeting ESSER III requirements. And, take a look at the impact ESSER III funds are having throughout FCPS. For more information on the ESSER III grant, please watch this video and visit the FCPS website.
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.
|
|
 |
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.
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 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.
|
