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The 2022 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 10. This exam gives students the opportunity to earn one, two, or three World Language high school credits towards graduation. Registration closes on Thursday, October 6. Students should contact their school counselor to register students for the exam.
 Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. LJMS would like to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of our LJMS Hispanic families. Parents please save the date for a Hispanic parent meeting and cultural celebration on October 13 from 6-8pm. More information coming soon.
Amber Hill is on maternity leave through November 2022. Please contact Director of Student Services, Tanya Shuford at twshuford@fcps.edu for team Titans and team Quasars concerns and questions and she or one of our school counselors will assist you.
Do you need internet service? Families may qualify for Internet service assistance through a FCPS/Cox program . Please contact Ms. Ruth Orellana at rgorellana@fcps.edu, LJMS family liaison, for program qualifications.
September 26th - Teacher Workday - No School for students
October 5th - Holiday - No School
October 10th - Staff Development Day - No School for students
October 24th - Holiday - No School
October 28th - End of 1st Quarter - 2 Hour Early Release
October 31st - Teacher Workday - No School for students
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness.
Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, and the Fairfax County Community
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or suspected substance use involvement
- Assessing a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, making referrals to the Fairfax Community Service Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate
- Group and individual prevention services for students, staff, parents, and the Fairfax County community
- Most importantly, building positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support:
Anna Teeter
amteeter@fcps.edu
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
The DEA has issued a public warning educating the community about rainbow fentanyl. These particular pills are targeted to youth and young adults by its colorful candy-like appearance making them look harmless. Rainbow Fentanyl resembles playground chalk before it is pressed into pills and has been found in 18 states including West Virginia and New York and are sold as low as $17 (Hawaii) per pill making them affordable. In August of 2022 47,000 pills were
confiscated at the Arizona border as well as 186,000 “Perc 30’s” or “Blues”, another popular synthetic opioid found in our county.
The trend, as reported by users, is to crush the pills, smoke it off of a piece of aluminum foil, with the theory that it is “safer” than snorting. When burned, it often gives off a distinct odor of burned rubber. While we have not seen Rainbow Fentynal yet, Perc 30’s or Blues are popular among adolescents and young adults in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. Fentanyl is
also found in counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, Xanax, and other licit and illicit drugs.
The Medical Examiner from the Virginia Department of Health recently released its 1st quarter data for 2022 stating 483 people have died from fatal fentanyl overdoses in the state. For Fairfax County data and additional information on youth substance use, please see the Fairfax
County Youth Substance Trends webinar linked below.
Sources & Resources:
DEA Rainbow Fentanyl Press Release
DEA Fentanyl Gallery
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Appreciation: A quick note of appreciation to Mr. Hoffert for supporting us in successfully running our in-person PTA meeting. Our appreciation also goes to the administrative team: Ms. Shuford, Ms. Moore, and Mr. Plunkett for taking the time to attend the meeting and introduce themselves. Finally, our gratitude goes to our new principal, Ms. Jones, for being available to talk to our PTA members and for emphasizing her open-door policy.
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Volunteers Needed: The PTA is looking for volunteers for the Nominating Committee and Audit Committee; if interested and for more information email president@jacksonmspta.org. Our Food Pantry program is also looking for volunteers to pick up donations, run the pantry, etc.; if available email foodneeds@jacksonmspta.org.
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Join the PTA: Did you know that the PTA’s mission is “To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children”? Join the PTA today and help us support this mission. https://jacksonmspta.org/ . The date of our next meeting will be announced soon.
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Restaurant Night Fundraiser: Our next restaurant night sponsor is Pupatella at Mosaic District. They will donate to our school a percentage of the sales that mention Luther Jackson MS all day (11:30am-9:00pm) on Wednesday, October 12th.
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Reflections (ART program) call for entries: Reflections is a National PTA-sponsored program that encourages students to express themselves through the arts. This year’s theme is “Show your Voice!”. Deadline for submissions: Friday, October 21, 2022. Check the website to learn more or email the program chair, Meredith Caldwell reflections@jacksonmspta.org.
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Free Webinar -- Empowering Safer Kids: A discussion about how healthy relationships increase the chance your child will ask for help when things go wrong. For more information and to register click here.
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Spirit Wear: There are a few MAGNETS ($5) and ADULT SMALL SWEATSHIRTS ($35) still available. If you would like to purchase any spirit wear, please email Lynn Collins at spiritwear@jacksonmspta.org. Supplies are limited!
 In cooperation,
LJMS PTA
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