|
Dear Families,
This has been a tough week for schools and families across the U.S.A. We all want to think of school as a safe place for our students, our families, and ourselves. With the unspeakable horror that unfolded at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday, undoubtedly, these past few days proved to be some of the hardest days to be educators and parents. The gruesome events that led to the loss of lives of precious students, along with our fellow educators left us grappling with questions, some of which will never be answered.
We want to acknowledge that you may be dealing with a wide range of emotions. Your child may continue to have questions and concerns after learning about this tragic news. The National Association of School Psychologists has a helpful resource for families to support them when talking with students about school violence. If you or your child need additional support, please reach out to our school counselors; Mrs. Stacy Keating – Labas -sakeatinglab@fcps.edu or Ms. Shannon Barry- sbarry@fcps.edu
______
On Wednesday, first and second grade students had a visit from ABC 7 meteorologist, Alex Liggitt. Students learned about instruments used to make weather predictions, why it is challenging to predict DC area weather, and what is it like to broadcast a weather report. They also had the opportunity to check out Storm Track! They learned about the tools and computers in the vehicle. They got to see how the video can be changed from the outside view to the reporter on the inside when they are chasing a storm. They were very curious and asked good questions! We may have some budding meteorologists among us!
______
Our students experienced a tornado warning today and followed directions beautifully. During tornado warnings students in trailers or outdoors for recess are brought into the main building to an interior hallway or classroom.
______
Lockdown Drill Notificaton
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for all of us. We have a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan for our school that is reviewed and updated regularly. Our plan includes procedures on how to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Students and staff regularly practice these drills every school year. We also practice lockdown drills.
A new Virginia Law (22.1-137.2) requires schools to notify parents at least 24 hours before a school practices a lockdown drill. However, we are not required to share the exact date and time of the drill. We are required to practice lockdown drills two times a year. FCPS lockdown drills do not include any type of active shooter scenario training, they are instruction and classroom based.
During the Fall, we conducted our first of two lockdown drills. At that time, the first 60 days of school) our kindergarten students were exempt from mandatory participation in lockdown drills.
All grade levels and staff will participate in our second and final planned drill for the 2021-2022 school year, which will be on June 3, 2022.
Additional information on our lockdown drill program to include parent tips and FAQs can be found on the Emergency Planning and Crisis Response web page. After reviewing this content, you should discuss the value of these safety drills with your child.
Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for your help to keep our school safe.
Here are a few reminders about upcoming events
6th grade Promotion Ceremony Information
The 6th grade Promotion Ceremony will be held in two sessions this year on Monday, June 6th, 2022
Session One: 9:00- 9:30am (Students in the General Education program)
Session Two: 9:45- 10:15am (Students in the Japanese Immersion program)
Both ceremonies will be held in the Fox Mill Cafeteria and Reception in the Fox Mill Gym.
There will also be a Car Parade and Pizza/Sundae Party beginning at 6:30pm. Participants should arrive at Fox Mill ES at 6:15 pm. The route for the parade includes the Fox Mill neighborhood, then loop along Viking Drive, through the neighborhood, over the bridge, return through the loop down on Viking to Tewksbury area and back to Fox Mill ES. Police escort will be arranged.
____
End of Year Cookout
We are so excited to bring back the end-of-year student cookout. We are *so* excited, in fact, that this year we are opening it up to families to attend! We would love to see our Fox Mill community come support its students during their cookout times--we'll have hot dogs, mac and cheese, drinks, and a treat for everyone. Meet up with us on the grass lawn in front of the school; there is no cost for families or students--food and drinks are provided by the school administration, and the PTA is bringing treats! Don’t forget to bring a blanket to sit on as we will be in the grass in front of the school.
Grade level days and times are:
- K and 1: June 1, 11:30am-12:30pm
- 2 and 3: June 2, 12:15 - 1:15pm
- 4 and 5: June 1, 12:45-1:30pm
- Rain date will be June 3.
(6th graders will have the picnic on June 2, but the family event will be their promotion ceremony on June 6)
Fall School Supplies
Be on the lookout on the Fox Mill ES website for an updated document on ordering school supplies for the new school year. The P.T.A coordinates school supply kits for each grade level through Sprout. Orders are due by June 21st.
____
Have a safe a lovely weekend and Happy Memorial Day on Monday, May 30th.
Mr. Moose Ms. Denton
|
