NO SCHOOL, October 10 Indigenous Peoples’ Day
(Student holiday/Staff Development Day)
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, Oct. 10 is a student holiday and staff development day. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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Welcome Ms. Ferguson!
This week, Interim Principal Ms. Ferguson joined us at Cameron alongside Interim Assistant Principal Ms. Bennink. Linda Ferguson is a Special Projects Administrator with the Office of Professional Learning and Equity, and a former principal. We are happy to have her join our Cameron family!
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Principals' Message
Dear Cameron Families,
I want to thank you for the warm welcome that you’ve offered me. Your children are wonderful. Each day, I’m greeted with smiles, high fives, hugs, and waves. Mrs. Bennink and I have also seen the students at work in their classrooms and during social time at lunch and recess. Your children are hard workers and enjoy being at school. The Cameron staff has created a dynamic caring culture at school. Mrs. Bennink and I look forward to serving during the month of October.
Take good care,
Linda Ferguson and Kristin Bennink
Cameron’s Interim Administrators
Custodian Appreciation Day
 On Monday, students from Mr. Goldberg and Mrs. Loreto's classes performed the song "Harambee" for the custodial staff. 6th grade students accompanied the 2nd grade singers on drums and piano. Harambee means all pull together in Swahili. The meaning of this song definitely personifies the dedication and hard work of our fantastic custodial team!
The Sunshine Committee prepared gift bags to celebrate our wonderful custodians.
From the Cafeteria
Hello Families!
Many of our students have allergies to certain foods. As a result, please remind your child(ren) that we cannot share food in the cafeteria. Students must eat their own food, whether it be food from home and/or the cafeteria. Thank you in support of keeping all of our students safe at Cameron!
-Mrs. Bennink, Interim Assistant Principal
Specials Spotlight
Take a look at all that's been going on in Specials!
Physical Education
Students have been working on team work and cooperation in PE. These skills build a foundation for a successful school year as we work to build our classroom community and get to know our classmates. We have learned how to complete a task by communicating and listening to our teammates. Our students have also spent some time working on their throwing and catching skills in PE. Be sure to ask your child what their favorite activity in PE has been so far! -Mr. Finerfrock
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Art
This week,1-3rd graders finished up their collage paper castles. 4-6th are finishing up their monochromatic self-portraits. Kindergarten classes created collage shape faces. -Mr. Johnson
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Music
This week in music, Kindergarteners performed "Mi Cuerpo" - a song in Spanish and English about how our bodies can make music. Check out the full video! -Ms. Toney
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Library
This week, Cameron students are exploring Mackin Via, which holds our library's collection of nearly 1,500 ebooks and audiobooks. Once a student signs in with their school Google account, these digital resources can be opened and read directly in the browser or downloaded for reading offline. There is also a Mackin Via app available for iOS and Google. Take some time as a family to explore this great resource for reading! -Mrs. Migs
Family Liaison Corner
-Ms. Susana Trupo
Healthy Boundaries
“The wise parent lets the child’s world teach him the lessons of life and then empathizes with his pain. Then he learns to respect the outside world’s limits as well as his parents” ― Henry Cloud
Dear Families,
I took a training about Healthy Boundaries, and I thought I would share it with you.
A very important way to show your children love is to have clear, defined limitations for them. Your kids want guidelines, you are the one who creates a safe environment for them. Setting boundaries is an important piece of parenting. It doesn’t mean they won’t push your boundaries, they will. It is a part of their learning process, and they may even be upset when you uphold certain boundaries, but they will also feel safe and secure at the same time. Here are 10 ways to establish clear boundaries for your kids. I am presenting the fallowing ideas for your consideration.
1.Be trustworthy Your kids need to know that they can count on you. When you fail to back up your words with action your words will cease to mean anything. Your discipline and boundary setting will become hollow.
2. Less is more Follow the guideline of a special education teacher we know. “Five rules respected 100% of the time are better than 20 rules with haphazard compliance.”
3. Be precise Miscommunication is not the way to establish a positive environment. Effective communication is necessary. Ask them to repeat back to you what they heard you say to verify it’s understood. It pays to make sure everyone is on the same page.
4. Involve the kids in boundary setting Have a family meeting. Family communication gets everyone involved in setting the boundaries. When children share ownership of the rules, they’re more invested.
5. Draw up a contract Once the expectations have been established, write up a document that everyone will sign.
6. Post the rules Post copies of the contract in the kitchen and in each bedroom. Remember, these are not restrictions so much as rules to live by.
7. Recognize appropriate behavior Teachers refer to this as, “Catch ‘them when things are going well.” Too many of us come down on violations like a ton of bricks and never pay attention to what’s going well. If it’s attention they’re after, they’ll get it one way or the other.
8. Avoid labeling children as “good” and “bad” Children—and adults—behave in ways that are acceptable and in ways that are unacceptable. Labeling a child as “bad” will do little to improve behavior and a lot to create a negative self-image.
9. NEVER undermine the other parent “Good-cop, bad-cop” is not a useful game at home. “Don’t tell your mom!” suggests you and your partner are divided. Parents must have each other’s back--it is a way to be consistent.
10. Employ “natural consequences” when possible. Raising teenagers, natural consequences just make more sense. For younger children, this helps associate negative outcomes with specific behavior. If a room is not cleaned as instructed, missing a fun activity it is a natural consequence.
Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day Is Coming Soon!
Fairfax County Public Schools will participate in Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 12, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.
Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work, where safe to do so, on October 12. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school. Check school newsletters for local plans for the day.
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Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser - Friday Oct 14
Family Zumba - Friday Oct 14
Upcoming Author Visit
On Monday, October 17th, author James Riley will be visiting grades 3-6. His presentation will take place from 2-3 pm in the gym.
Students in grades 3-6 received forms to order one of his 2 books he will talking about. Students have until next Wednesday, October 12th to return their cash or check. Please let your child's teacher know if you need another copy of the form!
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Picture Retakes are October 21!
Sign up for retake orders !
Hallowingo!
Families Reunite
 Virtual Free classes: November 1st, 8th, and 15th
From: 6pm to 8:30pm
To register fill out this form
If you are in the process of reunification with your child or children and are interested in participating in this free class, please contact Sussy Tomer at 703-204-4342 or setomer@fcps.edu.
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FCPS Trust Policy Podcast
Listen and subscribe to a FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Offices for ESOL Services, Family and School Partnerships and Professional Learning and Equity.
A safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment–that’s what our new Trust Policy is all about. The policy ensures all students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear of having their data disclosed to federal immigration officials. Also, hosts remind families to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. This annual document explains expectations for student behavior. It also explains how adults respond so that a fair, equitable and supportive school environment is maintained. Plus, this year, there are new cell phone use expectations. FCPS Ombudsman’s Office
Listen and Subscribe:
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ESSER III Public Input: Provide Feedback on ESSER III Impact by October 10
The deadline to share your thoughts about in-person instruction and continuity of services is October 10. This opportunity is a routine check-in on how FCPS is using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to support our work to maintain safe school environments and address the impact of COVID-19 on students. Please leave your feedback on our website. You can learn more about FCPS’ ESSER III plan on our site as well.
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Graduation Rates Remain Strong
After seeing record high rates last year, the Fairfax County Public Schools Class of 2022 continued to report strong on-time graduation rates at 94.2 percent, according to data released last week from the Virginia Department of Education. This year’s overall on-time graduation rate is only 0.4 points less than the division’s 94.6 percent high in 2021, reflecting continued success with a larger and more diverse senior class.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Explore Alexandria’s Arlandria/Chirilagua Neighborhood
Image Credit: Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Did you know about this Alexandria’s diverse multicultural community north of Del Ray. Catch a concert from a favorite artist, enjoy Bolivian, Peruvian dining and admire powerful murals in Alexandria’s Arlandria neighborhood, also called Chirilagua after a region of El Salvador from which many of the neighborhood’s residents hail. In addition to Spanish, you may also hear Mam, a Mayan language native to Guatemala and Mexico. Dive deeper here.
LGBTQIA+ History Month
LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation.
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Disability History and Awareness Month
During October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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Dyslexia Awareness Month
The Parent Resource Center will host an open house for parents to learn more about dyslexia and how to support students with dyslexia on October 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Learn more about PRC events on their website.
The FCPS Dyslexia handbook also provides information and resources to families. It reflects a division-wide commitment to ensure that the needs of students with dyslexia are met as a result of collective responsibility and collaboration across general and special education contexts.
Important Dates
Oct 10 - Student Holiday - Indigenous People's Day
Oct 11, 13 - Early Literacy Family Program @ SACC room, 9:30am - 2pm
Oct 12 - HIPPY Family Program @ SACC room, 9:30am - 2pm
Oct 13 - AAP Parent Information Meeting @ Cameron, 6-7pm
Oct 14 - Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser, 4-9pm
Oct 14 - Family Zumba @ Cameron, 6pm
Oct 17 - Author James Riley visit, grades 3-6
Oct 21 - School picture retakes
Oct 28 - Hallowingo @ Cameron, 6pm
See the complete 2022-2023 school year calendar
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