Thoreau Matters
April 1, 2022
Dear Thoreau Families,
Congratulations to all of our students and staff for a successful finish to the 3rd quarter. This past week was extremely fun and packed with energy due to spirit week and Crosstown Hoops! A huge thank you to Tom and Alison McKee for coordinating the PTA-sponsored basketball event with Kilmer Middle School. It took a large group of parent volunteers to make it a success. I was very proud of our students because they demonstrated great sportsmanship, respect and Thoreau spirit!
I would like to encourage all of you the complete the FCPS Family Engagement Survey that was emailed to all parents and caregivers on Sunday, March 13. If you haven’t taken the survey, please participate today. Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS’ practices to best support our students. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, Farsi, Urdu, Pashto, and Vietnamese. Take the survey now or Visit FCPS’ website for more information.
Finally, on behalf of the entire Thoreau MS staff, we hope that all of our students and families have a relaxing and enjoyable Spring Break. Our main office will be closed next week. There will not be a newsletter on Friday, April 8th. The next newsletter will be sent on Friday, April 15th.
Enjoy this time with family and friends and we will see you on April 11!
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
Ramadan Begins, April 2 - May 2, Alternative Lunch Location
This year Ramadan begins at sunset the evening of April 2 and ends at sunset the evening of May 1. During this time, many of our Muslim students may be fasting and it is important for those students to have a quiet, alternative location to go to during lunchtime. Therefore, students who would prefer to go to student services or the library during lunch rather than the cafeteria should see their counselor for a pass.
Ukraine Donation Drive
Thank you to the entire Thoreau Community for making the Ukraine Donation Drive such a success. On Thursday, our Peer Helpers loaded Mrs. Turner’s car with all the donations to bring to St. Andrew’s Ukraine Church where it will be packaged and sent directly to the people of Ukraine. We were overwhelmed with the generosity and our amazing our community! Thank you!
  
Thoreau After-School Program
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
 QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Taylor at cmtaylor1@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
Intentions for Next Year
If your child will NOT be attending Thoreau or his/her base high school next year, please complete the Intention Form linked below and return it to kmmacoto@fcps.edu to let us know where your child will be enrolled. If your child is going to Thoreau or his/her base high school, you don’t need to complete this form. If you find out later you will be moving, please contact us so we can update our database. https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it110.pdf
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Spring Window
As previously shared, FCPS is using the SEL Screener to identify social-emotional learning needs to inform student supports. Information about your student’s fall screener was recently mailed to families. Thoreau Middle School plans to have students take the spring SEL Screener in advisory (third period) on Wednesday, April 27th with a makeup date of Friday, April 29th. Additional information can be found on the SEL Screener webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43892).
If you do not want your student to take part in the SEL screener, please email our school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (emlynch@fcps.edu). If you opted your student out in the fall, you do not need to submit this request again.
Online Tutoring Services at No Cost!
We are excited to share a new resource that will soon be available to all Thoreau students to support learning. All FCPS students will have unlimited access to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost.
Students can connect online any time, and in most subjects for as long as they need. Tutoring is focused instruction provided to students in a one-on-one format through voice or text chat. Tutors will focus on developing students’ strengths and capabilities in reading, mathematics, or other specified subjects. Tutoring services may be accessed before, during, or after school hours and/or on weekends through a link in Schoology.
All tutors must pass a rigorous application process including an extensive background check. No personal information is shared between a student and tutor. All sessions are recorded, and transcripts are available for review by teachers and parents/guardians.
Students will automatically have access to the Tutor.com tutoring service unless a parent/guardian submits an opt-out request. Watch for communication soon that will include the online tutoring services notice and opt-out information.
For additional information, visit the FCPS online tutoring services website. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Optimist Oratorical Contest
 Congratulations to the five Thoreau Golden Eagles who competed at the Optimist Oratorical contest on Sunday, March 20: RJ Roberts on the 7th grade Ravens team; Carly Nusbaum on the 7th grade Ravens team; Gem Ali on the 7th grade Goats team; Riya Mynani on the 8th grade Hawks team; and Ariana Paredes on the 7th grade Ravens team, who placed 3rd and won $400! They delivered 4-5 minute speeches on the topic “Staying Optimistic During Challenging Times” and competed against students from Madison HS. Please help congratulate them, and stay tuned for the contest next year!
Spring SOL Testing Calendar & Retest Permission
The spring SOL testing calendar can be found below. It is important that students are in school on-time on these testing days. Please avoid scheduling appointments during this time.
 A few items to note related to testing:
- If a student is absent on their testing day, makeup tests can occur throughout the testing window.
- Once all tests are complete, there is a retake window for any student whose first attempt score is in the 375-399 range. Parents must provide permission for the student to retake the test.
- Local alternative assessments have been approved by the state of Virginia in Grade 7 History, Grade 8 Writing & Grade 8 Civics & Economics. Teachers will be using an alternative assessment in those classes in lieu of an SOL test. Those assessments occur within the classroom setting throughout the second semester.
If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).
After School Mindfulness/Yoga Program
Our School Counseling Team is partnering with Body Grace Yoga Studios for an after school mindfulness/yoga series. Class will be held after school on Mondays during 1st Session (2:20 to 3:20 pm). Spots are still available. If your son/daughter is interested in participating, please have them reach out to Jill Gallagher (jhgallagher@fcps.edu) or Kerrie Turner (kjturner@fcps.edu)
Don't forget to order your Yearbook!
 Olvido ordenar el Anuario (yearbook)? No es muy tarde! Ordénelo hoy en myschoolbucks.com. $45.
OHS Dance Team 2022-23 Tryouts
If you love to dance and want to be involved in your school, come tryout for the Oakton High School Dance Team! Tryouts will be held April 11-13 and April 19-22, 2022 for the 2022-23 team selection. Not sure if you have all of the skills for dance team?? Come to tryouts anyway! You will have the opportunity to learn skills there, and dancers are often selected based on potential ability to pick up the needed skills! You can register for tryouts with this Tryout Registration link. Check out the Dance Team website for more information about the team and what to prepare for tryouts. Contact Coach Rowley at kmrowley@fcps.edu with questions.
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.
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PTA Update
Gift Cards for Teacher Appreciation Week
During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2nd-6th) the Hospitality Committee will be raffling gift cards to our fabulous teachers. We are looking to our community to donate gift cards so we can continue this annual tradition. Gift Cards can be in any amount ($5, $10, $15, $20). Please make sure the amount is known when donating them. Gift cards can be dropped off at the front office at Thoreau MS with attention to Missy Dixon. Purchasing gift cards is a great way to support our local businesses, especially businesses that have been supporters of our school. Please sign up (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054eaeac2da64-gift) so the Committee knows how many gift cards to expect. Thank YOU for your support!
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Staff Recognition
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story below, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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