This Week at Frost

Greetings Frost MS Community,

There is so much to talk about! There are a lot of great things happening at Frost! The students are doing well, SOL testing started this week, and lots of end of year planning is underway. I am currently working my way to most of the feeder elementary schools to welcome our incoming 7^th grade students! They are a barrel of laughs, and they ask great questions!

Though the year is winding down, I had to highlight this, just in case you missed! I was thinking to myself, I wonder how many families know about the free 24/7 all day every day online tutoring service that FCPS has now!

I still can’t believe it! I thought it was worth it to really hit home this week that FCPS has FREE tutoring services for all students! One on One help for most subjects! No more excuses kids! LOL!

Although there is no substitute for the classroom teacher, this is a pretty good resource!  Talk about amazing! Look below to see how it works. You can also google FCPS Tutoring Service to go to the page directly.

All the best and have an amazing weekend!

Work Hard. Be Nice. Widen your Circle. We are #ONEFrost!

Anthony

How to Use FCPS Tutor!

Get expert help in a safe, secure virtual learning space—anytime, anywhere, on any device. Tutors can help you with reading, math, and so much more! You can connect by voice or text-chat and work together with your tutor in our online classroom.

Step 1: Get started

Log in to your Schoology® account.

Step 2: Enter a specific course

1. Click on the "COURSES" link in the top navigation bar in Schoology.
2. Select the "Subject" you want to discuss with your tutor
3. Click on Tutor.com on the left side of the screen (opens in a new window)

Step 3: Find the right tutor

Tutor.com will open in its own window. You can connect with a tutor from the main page.

Steps to find a tutor:

1. Under the "What do you need help with today?" heading, use the dropdowns to find your tutor:

• Language (that the tutor will communicate with)
• Topic
• Subject (options are based on Topic)
• Grade level

• Chat - use the chat box to text with your tutor
• Chat + Voice - Speak over the phone with your tutor and use chat box  

• Write what you would like to get help with.  

• Click the "Attach File" link
• Click the "Choose File" button
• Select the file you want to talk about with your tutor

Step 4: Start your session

Click on the "CONNECT NOW" button to connect with a tutor.

NOTE: Tutoring sessions are recorded if you need help remembering something your tutor said. You’ll also be able to email or print the text-chat and whiteboards.

Step 5: Rate and review your session

A survey window appears after the end of session.

1. Fill out the radio button ratings
2. Add any feedback in the textbox
3. Click the "Submit" button Step 6: End your session

Once you finish rating and reviewing your session:

1. Click the 'Close' button of the Tutor.com window.

Start a new session whenever you need help

If you want to start a new session right after another session ends, follow steps 2–6 above.

NOTE: Make sure the topic you choose is part of the course you chose in Schoology.

Use My Account

The My Account menu on the Tutor.com main page has several sections:

• My Sessions - View your saved past sessions.
• My Favorite Tutors - Add tutors to your favorites list so you can reconnect with them or see when they are next scheduled in the section.
• My Locker - See files you have saved or shared with your tutors.
• Sign out - Log out of Tutor.com

Use Special Tools

In your tutoring session there are many tools available to help you and your tutor communicate. These tools are located across the top of the session window and include:

• Whiteboard - Use this board to draw, erase, add shapes, and change colors
• Graphing Calculator - Use this tool when working on complex math
• Code Editor - Use this option to work on code for computer science
• Text Editor - A tool for editing writing

Writing Help

The Drop-Off Review service allows you to get help from a tutor without a live tutor.

Click the "Submit for Review" button found on the top navigation of the Tutor home page to start the review process.

How the Drop-Off Review Works

1. Upload your writing homework, grammar worksheet, etc.
2. Your tutor will send you helpful feedback within 12 hours.
3. You can see what your tutor said in My Sessions.

Practice Quizzes

Practice quizzes are available to help you get ready for Math, Science, and English tests. 

Click the "Take a practice quiz" button on the top navigation of the Tutor home page.

Practice Quiz Steps

1. Take a quiz in the subject of your choice.
2. View your score.
3. Review the questions you answered correctly.
4. Connect with a tutor about anything you missed.

The Princeton Review® is not affiliated with Princeton University.

Upcoming Dates - Mark Your Calendars

May 3 – May 24          No After School Program on Tuesdays and Fridays

May 17                        7^th and 8^th Grade Reading

May 19                        7^th and 8^th Grade Math (including Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2)

May 26                        Last Day of the After School Program

May 30                        Memorial Day Holiday

May 31                        Yearbook Distribution – 4^th Period

June 3                         8^th Grade Celebration

June 10                       Last Day of School

New This Week

Welcome to our new Frost MS PTA Executive Board

We are very excited to announce that at our May PTA meeting a new board was elected! Please take a look at the new members and extend a hearty congratulations if you see them:

• President, Chris Lieu
• Vice President, Tharini Sathiamoorthy
• Secretary, Caren Lee
• Treasurer, Elizabeth Holmquist

MathCounts National Competition Winners from Frost Middle School!

So many congratulations to Calvin W. (8^th grade) and Patrick D. (7^th grade), who represented the Commonwealth of Virginia in the MathCounts National Competition.  Out of over 200 mathletes from across the county, Patrick placed 44^th and Calvin placed SECOND!  Both mathletes placed in the top 25 percent of competitors from the Fairfax Chapter earlier this year and advanced to the state competition.  They then placed in the top four in Virginia!  Please join us in congratulation these students and their huge accomplishment!

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.

Jewish American Heritage Month May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S.

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month

Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members (speech/language pathologists & audiologists) in providing life-altering treatment.

For 2022, our theme is “Connecting People.”

Multilingual Parent Podcasts:  Preparing for SOLs

In this episode, we explain the Virginia Standard of Learning tests (SOLs) and how parents might help their child prior to the tests. The SOLs are administered in FCPS in May.

Many answers to frequently asked questions about the SOLs are available online. 

Listen and subscribe:

• Spanish podcast. 
• Arabic podcast.
• Korean podcast 

Register for Dr. Reid’s Virtual Town Hall (May 17)

Dr. Reid will host a multilingual virtual town hall on Tuesday, May 17. Share the registration information with families and staff:

On Tuesday, May 17, incoming superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. will join staff, families, and students for a multilingual virtual town hall, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online.

Dr. Reid will be hosting additional engagement sessions throughout the county after her official start date on July 1. Stay informed about community engagement opportunities by visiting our website. 

Spanish:

El martes, 17 de mayo, la superintendente entrante Michelle Reid, Ed.D. se unirá al personal, las familias y los estudiantes para un ayuntamiento virtual multilingüe, de 7 a 8 p.m.  Regístrese en línea.

La Dra. Reid organizará sesiones de participación adicionales en todo el condado después de su fecha de inicio oficial el 1 de julio. Manténgase informado sobre las oportunidades de participación comunitaria visitando nuestro sitio web.

Spring Health and Safety

Fairfax County has transitioned to medium community level and COVID-19 cases and outbreaks are increasing in schools, especially elementary schools. Please remind families, staff, and students that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves from illness and reduce the spread of illness in our schools. 

Refer to the Spring Health and Safety Updates talking points to answer questions or provide information.

Included in the talking points is the following draft letter you may use in newsletters or to respond to concerned families or staff:

FCPS has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks and we understand families and staff have concerns and questions. Our commitment is to provide students with the education and support to help them succeed while maintaining a safe environment for in-person learning. 

Our layered prevention strategies have served us well throughout this school year, and are fully supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Northern Virginia Health Departments. 

Vaccinations are available for school-age children five and up and are proven to reduce the severity of illness. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.

Currently, masks are optional for all students, staff, and visitors. We encourage families and staff to consider wearing a mask when reports of COVID cases are high or if they or a family member is at high risk. CDC advises individuals to wear a mask when there is a lot of COVID in your community. See a full list of masking recommendations on the CDC website.

If Fairfax County transitions to high community level, FCPS will require all students, staff, and visitors to wear a face covering when indoors (except while actively eating/drinking) on school property (to include the buildings, school buses and other school provided vehicles). 

In alignment with the Code of Virginia, the parent/legal guardian of any child enrolled in

an FCPS school may elect for such child to not wear a face covering while on school

property (to include FCPS buildings). No reason or documentation will be necessary to elect for your child to not wear a mask.

One of the most important things we can all do is check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. Parents and guardians are advised to keep their students home if sick and get them tested to stop further spread from occurring. Employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.

The most up to date information is available on the Health and Safety Guidance Document webpage. If you have questions or concerns unique to your child’s situation, please contact your school. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy so all our students have the opportunity for engaging in-person learning.

In Other News....

After School Program Changes

Beginning on May 3, the after-school program will not be in session on Tuesdays and Fridays.  The program will end for this school year on Thursday, May 26. 

Mindful May!

Welcome to Mindful May! Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention and purposefully bringing awareness to what is happening in the moment. By learning the skill of focused attention, mindfulness can be applied to the five senses as well as thoughts and emotions. Through the use of mindfulness, we learn to create space which allows us the opportunity to change impulsive reactions to thoughtful responses.

During Advisory on 5/02/22, 5/10/22, 5/18/22 and 5/23/22, Falcon Focus teachers will provide lessons on breathing techniques to help students incorporate Mindfulness into daily practice. Through morning announcements on 5/09/22, 5/16/22 and 5/23/22, students will be encouraged to take a Mindful Minute. Additionally, counselors will begin each week in May by announcing a Mindful Monday Tip to provide students with a weekly strategy to try out. Finally, each Friday we will enjoy relaxing music in the cafeteria during all lunch shifts. We hope that these activities will help students find ways to bring peace to their day throughout the month of May!

 Monitor COVID-19 Symptoms and Stay Home When Sick

Fairfax County Public Schools continues to monitor cases and report COVID-19 outbreaks, as outlined by the Virginia Department of Health. Currently,  Fairfax County's Community Level remains low as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our layered prevention strategies are being implemented based on our COVID-19 Community Level, as recommended by the CDC.

However, FCPS has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks and parents/legal guardians are reminded of the daily health screening requirement to check their students for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. Parents and guardians are advised to keep their students home if sick and get them tested to stop further spread from occurring. 

VaxUp

We continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated or boosted as soon as they are eligible. COVID-19 vaccination keeps children safely in school and childcare settings, and also while participating in sports, playdates, extracurricular activities, and other group activities. Strong community vaccination rates help keep our schools safe for in-person learning. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine or find a vaccine provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website.

Masking

As a reminder, students may return to school after five days of isolation if they are fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) individuals should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of the 5-day isolation period. If individuals are unable to wear a mask when around others, they should continue to isolate for a full 10 days at home. 

While not required, wearing a mask while indoors is still considered an important way to protect yourself and others. Families are encouraged to discuss mask wearing as an additional layered prevention strategy.

Additional recommendations to prevent COVID-19 are available online

Important Kiss and Ride Reminder

As we continue with a strong finish for the 2022 school, we offer a IMPORTANT reminder regarding Frost MS Kiss and Ride procedures. To ensure the safety of our students, we’ve implemented a traffic plan for morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.  We understand that you have pressing appointments and engagements; however, we must make certain all Frost students arrive and depart in an orderly and safe manner.  To support this it is imperative that we follow the steps below to support student safety. 

Morning arrival: 7:00 – 7:25 A.M.   School begins at 7:30 A.M.

If you choose to drive your child to school:

What you should know:

• No traffic will be permitted past the crossing guard at the first parking lot except for buses and Frost Middle School staff.

• Students should not be dropped off along Pickett Rd so drivers can make U-Turns. Please follow the guidance of Frost Middle School personnel.  
• Door 5 will be open in the morning to assist with ease of entry into the building as Exit 1 will be difficult to get to because of the renovation.
• Students should not be dropped off in the parking lot to cross over Kiss and Ride Traffic. Make sure that your child exits your car on the building side only (To include Loop in front of the Finance Park Building).
• Drivers are to remain in the driver’s seat.
• Do not pass other cars in line.
• No cell phones should be in use in the Kiss and Ride lane.
• Be mindful of your fellow motorists and pedestrians! Keep your eyes peeled and your speed down so that there are no unfortunate accidents.

What you should do:

Use the right-hand lane once on Pickett Road. Follow the traffic into the first parking lot for student drop-off and make a full circuit of the parking lot.  Please continue to pull forward as directed by the school staff members who will assist with efficient flow of traffic.

The Kiss and Ride Lane for the afternoon is different than morning arrival.  In the afternoons, parents will need to find a place to park on Pickett Rd, between 2:00 and 2:30 P.M.  Please do NOT double park but find a parking space on Pickett.  Your student will be walking out to meet you.

No traffic will be permitted into the parking lane directly in front of the building or in the parking lot on the right side of the building as this is where buses will be loading students. We highly encourage students to ride the bus due to our traffic pattern this school year. Buses will dismiss at 2:25 each day.  At that time, cars will be allowed to re-enter the parking lane at the front of the school.

Our Kiss and Ride is typically very congested, so it is important to exercise patience and awareness when traveling through our Kiss and Ride lanes. Please remember, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance. We serve over 300 families in the morning and the afternoon in our Kiss and Ride Lane.  Our staff moves cars through safely and efficiently.  It is imperative that everyone follows the procedures in order to keep our students safe. Walkers and staff members should remember to cross at the crosswalks. It is also important to note that while we are under renovation there will be increased traffic from the construction crews and supply deliveries that will be arriving in the morning. It can not be overstated. If your child is assigned a bus, they should ride the bus in the morning and the afternoon. This will alleviate traffic congestion and ensure students arrive to school on time.

In our continuing effort to ensure the safe arrival and departure of our students, please take note of the following items:

Free bus transportation is provided for most Frost MS families unless you have been designated as a “walker”.  Having your student use the bus helps reduce traffic congestion, especially in the morning.  Again, taking advantage of bus transportation is strongly encouraged.  Late arrival to school due to traffic is unexcused. 

Free Online Tutoring Services for All Students Started April 14!

All FCPS students have unlimited access to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost. Funds to support Tutor.com for school year 2022-23 and 2023-24 will come from an ESSER III Unfinished Learning Grant. 

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 student’s 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. All FCPS families will soon receive an email including an online tutoring services notice and opt-out information. Additionally, a hard copy form will be sent home with every student. 

For additional information, visit our online tutoring services website

Student Intentions for Next School Year

For students who will NOT be attending Frost, Woodson, or a boundary FCPS high school next year, please complete the Student Intention for the Next School Year form, https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it110.pdf,  and return it to Emily Cheng in the Frost Student Services office, or via email ECheng@fcps.edu.

This includes students who are transferring to:

• Another FCPS school other than Frost or Woodson or boundary HS
• A private school in Virginia or out of Virginia
• Another Virginia public school division outside FCPS
• Another state public school outside of Virginia
• A school outside of the United States

ESSER at Frost

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) is a federal grant which requires that spending be used in specific areas.  Part of the Fairfax County Public Schools spending plan identifies funding to be used for Unfinished Learning and Student Academic and Social, Emotional, Mental Health (Wellness) Needs.  Schools have been given funding allocations to support the academic and wellness needs of students.  Schools are required to create plans in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Wellness highlighting the strategies they will use to support these areas using their ESSER III funding.  These strategies are shown on the following website: https://frostms.fcps.edu/about/school-improvement-plan

Opportunity to Expunge High School Classes and Algebra Summer Learning Opportunities

Students enrolled in high school classes (Algebra, Geometry, World Language level 1 or 1B) in Middle School have the opportunity to expunge or remove the class from a student’s transcript.   Information regarding that process can be found here: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/grading-and-reporting/secondary/taking-high-school-courses-in-middle-school.  If a student would like to expunge the course from his or her transcript, this form needs to be returned to the school counselor before the end of the first quarter of the 22-23 school year.  The student then has the opportunity to retake it in the 22-23 school year or over the summer, depending on readiness. 

Summer course registration information can be found at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning/online-programs.  There is a change for those students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 this year and wish to retake the course over the summer.  These students are able to enroll in either Summer Online Campus Algebra 1 or Credit Recovery.  Further details are on the website above.

• Summer Online Campus Algebra 1 (new option) is for current middle school students who want to improve their understanding of course content.  Middle school students may use this summer online course to replace their expunged  2021-22 school-year grade.  Students will complete the appropriate SOL test at the end of the course if needed (if not already passed during the school year). No honors credit will be awarded. The course will run June 21 to July 22, and students will meet with their instructors, virtually, for one hour each day.
• Credit Recovery Academy Algebra 1 (in-person) - This course is for FCPS students who have taken Algebra 1 and have been unsuccessful in earning credit.  Students cannot take the in-person Credit Recovery Academy Algebra 1 course if they have already passed Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra 1, or for new course credit.

Summer Arts Program Registration Opens March 1

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

CTE Summer Academy

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.

4101 Pickett Rd Fairfax, VA 22032  | Main Office: 703.426.5700
Attendance: 703.426.5702 | Web | Twitter