September 26 is a Student Holiday!
Monday, Sept. 26, is a student holiday/professional work day for teachers. It is also Rosh Hashanah, the two-day celebration of the Jewish New Year.
Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur.
Clubs are Back!
Our first round of clubs will begin on November 1st and run through December 15th. Clubs will be on Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:15pm-5:15pm, with the exception of November 8th and 24th. More information and a sign up form will be sent home on September 28th! Be on the look out!
Parent Liaison Corner
Sleep Health Awareness Week - Nightmares
“They've promised that dreams can come true - but forgot to mention that nightmares are dreams too.”
Dear Cameron Families,
Fallowing on our last week note, I would like to share some information I found about those scary moments our kids have now and then.
What are nightmares in children? Nightmares in children are scary or frightening dreams that usually wakes them up. They can involve fear or anxiety, and other emotions like anger, sadness, embarrassment, or disgust. For children, nightmares seem very real, and they may have trouble returning to sleep after a nightmare. Some kids may also resist bedtime because they want to avoid bad dreams.
What causes nightmares in children? The exact cause of nightmares isn’t known. They’re more likely when kids are overtired or experiencing stress. Children who have experienced traumatic events may have frequent nightmares. Some medications may also cause nightmares or disturbing dreams.
Which children are more likely to get nightmares? Most children experience at least one nightmare. Chronic or very frequent nightmares happen less often. Nightmares in children can happen at any age, but they usually start between the ages of 3 and 6 and decrease after age 10. After age 12, girls are more likely than boys to have nightmares.
Can I reduce my child's risk of having nightmares? Steps to take to reduce your child's likelihood of nightmares include:
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Make sure they get enough sleep. Kids often need more sleep than they regularly get (check out our recommendations on our last week NYC).
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Keep the bedtime routine light and happy. In the 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, don’t let your child watch scary movies or TV shows, or read frightening bedtime stories. Try to avoid material that may be upsetting.
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Comfort and reassure your child. This is a time when comfort and cuddling is appropriate. Stay with your child for a short period of time following the nightmare. Most will still be tired and able to return to sleep soon
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Work out ways to overcome nightmares. Together you and child can find creative ways to help them outgrow nightmares. Read stories about getting over nighttime fears. Draw pictures of nightmares and then tear them up and throw them away as a symbolic gesture. Use a water spray as “Nightmare repellent” Whatever creative solution you think may work is worth trying.
When should I call my child’s doctor? Consider calling your doctor if:
- Your child's bedtime fear and anxiety continue, are severe, or grow worse.
- Your child's fears began after a known traumatic experience or event and persist well after the event is over.
- Your child's fear interrupts daytime activities.
- Your child's nightmares are very distressing and repetitious or psychological issues are involved.
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Sign Up for a Free Library Card at Your Fairfax County Public Library
See the full announcement and flyer on our school website.
We want all our students to enjoy reading and build strong reading skills. The Fairfax County Public Library has many resources and programs to support our young readers:
- 22 branch libraries
- Millions of books, magazines, and movies
- Digital resources like ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming videos
- Homework help with online databases
- Fun programs for children from ages 0 - 18
These resources are available to all Fairfax County residents with a FREE library card. To sign up for a card, go to fairfaxcounty.gov/library
At Cameron, we are fortunate to have 2 branch libraries in our neighborhood! You can visit the John Marshall Library in Rose Hill and the Martha Washington Library in Belle Haven. Both libraries are open Monday 1-9 pm and Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 pm.
Upcoming Events
John Marshall Library
6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria
(703) 971-0010
- Robot Stations - Sat. 9/24
- Lego Club - Sat. 10/1
- Monster Fun - Sat. 10/29
- Storytimes every week
Martha Washington Library
6614 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria
(703) 768-6700
- Petting Zoo - Sat. 9/24
- Pumpkin Painting - Sat. 10/15
- Halloween Escape Rooms - throughout October
- Storytimes every week
See the full event calendar at fairfaxcounty.gov/library
Hispanic or Latino?
Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.
See bellow the names, flags and capitals of the Hispanic countries.
The Social Emotional Learning Screener - What Every Family Needs to Know
Social and emotional learning competencies are foundational skills for success in school and beyond. Students will participate in the SEL Screener in the fall and spring this year. The screener provides valuable information that guides planning and learning opportunities for families, staff, students, and school communities.
Join us in an informational session to learn more about SEL in FCPS, the role of the SEL Screener, and how families and schools might partner to foster skills over time.
Highlights include:
- Learn about SEL in FCPS
- Unpack the SEL Screener: What it is and how it's used?
- Understand student results
- Explore ways to continue conversations about SEL at home
Presented by: Lisa Phifer, FCPS Educational Specialist, Trauma Informed SEL, and Jaynie Van Sant, FCPS Social and Emotional Learning Systems Specialist
October 7, 2022 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for The Social Emotional Learning Screener - What Every Family Needs to Know
Promoting Digital Wellness
Access to technology provides limitless opportunities to connect with others, explore diverse perspectives, share and build upon ideas, get involved in the community, and find opportunities. However, many kids are online almost constantly, which poses a number of challenges that impact youth wellness.
Highlights will include:
- How the attention economy makes technology irresistible
- How adolescent development impacts youth technology use
- How schools and families can build the skills needed to navigate the complexity of online life
Presented by Tammi Sisk, FCPS Educational Specialist, Educational Technology, and Bethany Demers, FCPS Educational Specialist, Mental Wellness
October 14, 2022 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Promoting Digital Wellness
Dads: Stop The Power Struggles & Get The Respect You Want
As dads, we want to be respected so our kids don't make the same mistakes we made. But how do you discipline and motivate kids who don't respond to consequences?
Celebrate Calm Founder, Kirk Martin, will give dads practical strategies to:
- De-escalate situations and stop common power struggles.
- Get your kids to actually listen to you.
- Stop the defiance and disrespect without yelling or threatening.
- Motivate kids who don't try hard or quit. Handle the chaos at home after a long day at work.
- Connect with your partner again even when you disagree and have grown apart.
October 6, 2022 6:30-8 p.m.
Register for Dads: Stop The Power Struggles & Get The Respect You Want
Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day
Paige is a happy kid with a unique fashion sense and creative imagination. Despite being bullied because of the things that make her different, she enjoys using her creativity to entertain her family and friends with stories in which she and her dog, Peppermint, are Super Heroes who always save the day!
Join us as the authors, Nalani Butler and Leila Butler, read Paige Saves the Day and share their experiences with families.
Children are welcome to join with their families for this very special webinar and book reading.
October 27, 2022 7-8 p.m.
Register for the Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day
Important Dates
Sept 26 - Student Holiday - Rosh Hashanah
Sept 28 - Family Coffee - Parenting with Enforceable Limits @ Cameron Cafeteria, 9:30-10:30 and 5:30-6:30
Sept 30 - SR&R form due
Oct 5 - Holiday - Yom Kippur
Oct 10 - Student Holiday - Indigenous People's Day
Oct 13 - AAP Parent Information Meeting @ Cameron, 6-7pm
See the complete 2022-2023 school year calendar
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