Principal's Message: 3/26/2022

Good Morning Parents and Families: 

We had a number of exciting things happening as we closed out the last full week of the 3rd quarter and look forward to Spring break. A quick recap of some of the wonderful things that have occurred: 

• ALL of our choral and band ensembles received Superior ratings in last week’s district-wide assessments. Congratulations to our students and directors, Charley Quinlan and Tracey Magwire, for their talent, dedication and hard work to put on some incredible performances. 
• Good luck to our orchestra ensembles who will perform on Monday in their district assessment. 
• Our basketball teams put on another great display of teamwork, effort and grit in last night’s second matchup with Liberty MS. 
• Congratulations to our girls’ team for their second victory, and an awesome show of sportsmanship from our boys in a tough sudden death overtime loss. 
• Special thanks to our Stone staff who pulled together a great comeback in the second half of the staff game. 
• It has been wonderful having our community back together to support these events; thanks to our students, staff and families for being such amazing  fans! 
• Students and staff continue to be provided opportunities to increase their overall wellness through our wellness carts, therapy dog, Tucker, and a lot of outdoor walks. 

There are several things on the horizon as we finish this last week of the 3rd quarter and look ahead to the 4th quarter and end-of-year activities. A reminder that Thursday, March 31 is the end of the 3rd quarter and a two-hour early release. Friday April 1 is a student holiday and the following week April 4-8 is Spring Break. 

Please continue to reach out if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions. I look forward to our continued partnership as we keep our focus on family, student success and growth to have a strong finish to this school year. 

Enjoy the weekend,

Meredith Norris 
Principal
Stone Middle School

Portrait of a Panther
This week I had a 7th grade student come up to me and say, “Ms. Norris, I really think this student needs to be a portrait of a panther. He is such a kind, nice and helpful classmate and he really deserves it.” How great is that; love when our students are able to identify and celebrate their peers along with myself and the rest of the Stone staff. Click the link above to check out this week’s Portrait of a Panther winners. 

Meet Tucker our Stone Therapy Dog
We were so excited to welcome Tucker to Stone this week as part of incorporating the benefits of wellness into our school community each day. Tucker will be joining us several times throughout the year as classes will have the opportunity to sign up to visit with him. Click the link above to check out students and staff with sweet Tucker. 

NJHS Update
Our National Junior Honor Society is spending this morning supporting our local VFW chapter with a spring clean up. In addition, they are asking for help in supporting the VFW Post 8469 Donation Drive for Veterans.  We have been collecting items to take to the post  but are far short of our goal of 500 items.  We will be collecting items through Thursday, March 31. See donations items needed in the link above.

Family Engagement

Please check out the many wonderful opportunities for family and students this spring by clicking on the link above.

Student Services Update

Standards of Learning (SOL) Spring TestingAs part of the Virginia State Assessment Program, Stone students will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in Reading, Mathematics, and Science. 

The Spring SOL testing dates can be found below and also on our website:

• Reading 7 & 8: Wednesday, May 11
• Math 7 & 8: Friday, May 13
• Science 8: Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20
• Retakes (if eligible): Tuesday, May 24 - Friday, May 27

If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Stone’s school test coordinator, Kristina O’Boyle at 703.631.5968 or kmoboyle@fcps.edu.