RAVENS' NEST 10/12/2022

Upcoming Events

calendar

 

Oct 4th – 21st – Socktober Charity Event

Oct 18th – LBSS Pyramid Feeder Night  Volleyball Game 6:30 pm

Oct 24th ­– Student Holiday (Diwali)

Oct 25th – Lake Braddock SS Trunk or Treat, 6-7:00 pm on the blacktop, $5 per family

Oct 26th – Family Coffee (Virtual), Social Emotional Learning at Ravensworth, 6:30 pm

Oct 28th – Run 4 Ravensworth (see details below)

Oct 28th – 2 Hour Early Release, 1:20 pm

Oct 31st – Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

Nov 1st – 2nd – Religious & Cultural Observation, Dia de los Muertos

Nov 8th – School Holiday, Election Day

Nov 10th- Bravery Breakfast- celebrating our Veterans and Active Military (more details to follow)

Nov 11th – Student Holiday, School Planning Day

Plan Ahead – 2022-2023 Standard School Year Calendar 

Because of technical difficulties, if any link does not work, please copy and paste it into your browser.

 

Our Voices, Our Future

Four kids in front of a mural of kids holding hearts. "FCPS Our Voices, Our Future. Strategic Planning"

 

Fairfax County Public Schools is launching the engagement phase that will help us develop our brand new Strategic Plan

During her Community Conversations listening tour in each high school pyramid, Superintendent Michelle Reid has heard from many of you about your hopes and aspirations for our students. That feedback will become part of our proactive strategic plan that will serve as our North Star—or guide—for the future.

Starting in October, we will be inviting the entire FCPS community to engage in building our shared future. This includes hearing from our parents and caregivers, students, and broader community, as well as surveying students in grades three and above. You will have an opportunity to have your voice heard in one of many sessions (both in-person and virtual) during November and December. We encourage you to join us in this journey by actively participating in the conversation.

The goal is to have the final strategic plan by June 2023. For a more detailed overview, visit FCPS’ Strategic Planning webpage.

------------------------------------------------------

Nuestras voces, Nuestro Futuro

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax están lanzando la fase de participación que nos ayudará a desarrollar nuestro nuevo Plan Estratégico

Durante el recorrido de conversaciones comunitarias por cada pirámide en escuelas secundarias, la Superintendente Michelle Reid ha escuchado a muchos de ustedes sobre sus esperanzas y aspiraciones para nuestros estudiantes. Esa retroalimentación se convertirá en parte de nuestro plan estratégico proactivo que servirá como nuestra Estrella del Norte-o guía-para el futuro.

Comenzando en octubre, invitaremos a toda la comunidad de FCPS a participar en la construcción de nuestro futuro compartido. Esto incluye escuchar a nuestros padres y cuidadores, a los estudiantes y a la comunidad en general, así como encuestar a los estudiantes de tercer grado y superiores. Usted tendrá la oportunidad expresar su voz en una de las muchas sesiones (tanto en persona como virtualmente) durante noviembre y diciembre. Los animamos a que se una a nosotros en este viaje participando activamente en la conversación.

El objetivo es tener el plan estratégico definitivo para junio de 2023. Para un resumen más detallado, visite la página web de Planificación Estratégica de FCPS.

 

Model Policy Comment Period

 

A new policy model was recently proposed by the Virginia Department of Education regarding the “privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.”

https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf

A 30-day public comment period on the model policy began September 26 and closes October 26. You may provide feedback to the Virginia Department of Education on the new drafted policy. If you missed Superintendent Reid’s message regarding the new proposed model policy, please view it on our website

----------------------------------------------------------

El Departamento de Educación de Virginia propuso recientemente un nuevo modelo de politica en relación con la "privacidad, la dignidad y el respeto de todos los estudiantes y padres en las escuelas públicas de Virginia".

https://doe.virginia.gov/support/gender-diversity/2022-model-policies-on-the-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-town-hall.pdf

Un período de 30 días de comentarios públicos sobre la política modelo comenzó el 26 de septiembre y se cierra el 26 de octubre. Usted puede dar su opinión al Departamento de Educación de Virginia sobre el nuevo plan de política redactado. Si se perdió el mensaje del Superintendente Reid sobre la nueva política modelo propuesta, por favor, véalo en nuestro sitio web

 

Social and Emotional Learning Activities and Screener 

 

Students in grades K-2 will no longer participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener. Instead, the Child Behavior Rating Scale administered in kindergarten, existing attendance, and behavior data will be used to determine necessary social emotional instruction and supports. School teams will use these measures alongside family input, as they develop their understanding of students’ needs and strategies to support them. Students in grades 3-12 will be able to participate in the SEL screener. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. This year, students will participate in the screener in the fall (October/November) and spring (March). Parents are able to opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Read more about SEL and signature practices online.

-----------------------------------------------------

Los estudiantes de los grados K-2 ya no participarán en la evaluación del aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL). En su lugar, se utilizará la Escala de Calificación del Comportamiento Infantil administrada en el jardín de infancia, la asistencia existente y los datos de comportamiento para determinar la instrucción y los apoyos sociales emocionales necesarios. Los equipos escolares utilizarán estas medidas junto con las aportaciones de las familias, a medida que desarrollan su comprensión de las necesidades de los estudiantes y las estrategias para apoyarlos.

Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 12 podrán participar en la evaluación SEL. Los equipos escolares y las familias utilizan esta información para desarrollar culturas escolares positivas y apoyar a los estudiantes académica y personalmente. Este año, los estudiantes participarán en el examen en otoño (octubre/noviembre) y en primavera (marzo).

Los padres pueden optar por que sus hijos no tomen el examen SEL. Lea más sobre SEL y las prácticas de firma en línea.

 

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health 

 

Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker. Please reach out to our school counselors: Todd Austin wtaustin@fcps.edu, Dana Smith dmsmith@fcps.edu, or our school social worker Amity Kim ankim@fcps.edu to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:

  • Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the CrisisLink hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.
  • Chat online with a specialist.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.  Call 911.

 

How to Receive FCPS Messages in Other Languages

 

You may wish to read FCPS messages in a language other than English. There are several ways you can receive or view our communications in a different language.

FCPS This Week is distributed in other languages to parents/caregivers who have filled out the Home Language Survey form and selected a language supported by FCPS as their preferred language for communication. Home Language Survey forms are available in the following languages: Amharic | Arabic (العربية) | Chinese (中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (español) | Urdu (اردو) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).

Learn more about receiving other FCPS communications in other languages.

 

 

Square 1 Art

art 1

 

Coming home to you soon will be your child's custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser. Get a head start and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like!

Simply search for your child's art using this link:

https://shop.square1art.com/Shop/artwork/Search

and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order!

Order by:  10/31/2022

Upload additional art if you like, using this link:

https://shop.square1art.com/Shop/upload

If you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online at:

https://www.square1art.com/contact/

Thank you for supporting our school!

 

Erin Fortenberry

Square 1 Art fundraiser coordinator

Ravensworth Elementary

 
   

Socktober Charity Event

socktober

 

Ravensworth ES is collecting new socks for people in need, to support Lake Braddock SS.  This event has been a huge success in the past.  We help make a huge difference in people’s lives.  Please help us make this event a success!

 

Lake Braddock Feeder Night Update

lbss volley

 

Due to the impending weather and most certain downpour, the Lake Braddock Pyramid has rescheduled the pyramid event indoors for 10/18/22. We hope to see you there!

 

LBSS Trunk or Treat

LBSS Trunk or Treat

 

Please join us at Lake Braddock SS for Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 25th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.  This event will be held on the blacktop.  Costumes are encouraged!  Cost is $5 per family.

 

Lake Braddock SS Dance Team Hip Hop Dance Clinic

lbss dance

 

Friday, October 28th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

The LBSS Dance Team is hosting a Hip Hop Dance Clinic on October 28th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm for students ages 5-12.  Learn and perform a tricky dance with the Dance Team and get a free t-shirt and treat!  The cost is $40.

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QHXEvuEw6lTMm3vGkF3W2fK9QZMLHK8j6z7PknW-ZYo/viewform?edit_requested=true         

Pay Here:

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain.action

 

Local Resources for Food and Other Basic Needs

ecumenical

 

Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO), provides clothing, grade-appropriate school supplies packaged in backpacks, household items, computers, food, and financial assistance in emergencies to families that live in Burke and the greater Springfield area.

 

ECHO

703-569-9160

Please call for an appointment.

www.echo-inc.org

 

If you need assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities please contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services at (703) 222-0880.

Please reach out to our school social worker, Amity Kim, for further questions regarding assistance at ankim@fcps.edu or (703) 426-3682.

 

Positivity Project  

other

This element of the Other People Matter Mindset is so important today due to the increasing number of distractions vying for our time and attention. Phone calls,

text messages, emails, social media notifications all have the dangerous capacity to pull us away from the present moment and what’s most important – our relationships with other people. How dangerous is this? Very.

When I’m with other people, I’m present and give them my full attention.

 

PTA

pta

A Message from our PTA

 

Ravensworth ES PTA uses Memberhub for enrollment.  Memberhub is a custom-made software for PTA’s that puts all our resources onto one platform. Best of all, Memberhub allows you to share your contact information with other PTA members and connect with other families in the same class and grade as your children.

To join Ravensworth PTA, go to: https://ravensworth.memberhub.com/store?category=Memberships

There are two membership options.

Family Membership: $20.00 (two adults)*, Single Membership: $10.00 (one adult)*

*A small processing fee will be added to each transaction

Once your membership is processed you will receive an email with directions on how to set up your profile on Memberhub. 

 

The Run 4 Ravensworth Memberhub site is NOW LIVE!

run 4 ravens

 

Register today to start collecting donations. This year we have more school wide and class incentives. Help us make our stretch school-wide goal of $20,000 - and the whole school will have a PTA sponsored movie night!  Check your Wednesday Folders for all the details about our biggest fundraiser of the year!

Parents - we still need your help! Do you own a small business? Work with a business that loves philanthropy and our community? Work for a company that matches donations? We are looking for Corporate Sponsors! To find out more about corporate sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation please visit:

https://app.memberhub.gives/ravensrun/Campaign/Details

Run4Ravensworth is also still looking for any items that could be used as incentives for our runners: small toys, prizes, gift cards, coupons, and more! Your donation will be used to encourage our students to raise funds and run laps for our school.

Looking for other ways to help? Please volunteer your time on Run Day - Friday, October 28. Sign up at Ravensworth Elementary School PTA: Run 4 Ravensworth Volunteers:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9a623a1fec52-run4ravensworth2

If you have any questions, please reach out to ravensrun@ravensworthpta.org! Go Ravens! 

 

Yearbook Cover Contest

yearbook contest

 

Do you love to draw, color, or create! The 2022-2023 Ravensworth Elementary Yearbook needs your masterpiece to set the tone for this amazing school year. The theme is Ready, Set, Ravens.

Submissions must be an original artwork piece from the student, sized 8" x 10". A submission box is located outside the front office and will be open until October 28, 2022.

Classrooms will choose their favorite piece to grace the cover of the Yearbook. Don't miss your chance to make an impression! Have fun and good luck.

 

Ravensworth Chess Club – Register Now!

chess

 

The Ravensworth Chess Club is accepting registrations. Chess club meets on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria and is open to grades 2-6. No chess experience necessary. Chess teaches valuable skills such as discipline, critical thinking and sportsmanship. Register at https://chessctr.org/ravensworth/ Contact Mr. Terry Smith at terrysmith209@hotmail.com with any questions.

 

MAH’KI Update

dance

 

The 25 spaces available for Mah'ki were filled in less than 1 day!  PTA is working with Mah'ki to bring this opportunity again in Feb 2023 and late April 2023.  Mah'ki is working to train additional instructors in hopes to allow for an increase in the number of student participants for the next sessions. We are grateful for the interest & thank you for your support. We do need (2) PTA/parent volunteers to assist with the check in & check out at each class to help keep this program sustainable.

Volunteer Here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4bacab23a20-mahki3

MAH'KI

Thursdays, Oct 13 - Nov 17, 3:25 - 4:25 pm, In the Gym

*All Teachers & Staff and Parents of registered students are welcome to drop in & join the FREE Fun any Thursday!

 

Get Your School Spirit Wear Today!

wear

 

Show your school spirit and support the Ravensworth PTA—purchase your spirit wear in the MemberHub store anytime: https://ravensworth.memberhub.com/store; youth and adult sizes available. Contact spiritwear@ravensworthpta.org if you have any questions. Show your pride for the Ravensworth Ravens all year long!

 

Help Support Ravensworth ES While You Shop

Amazon Smiles

 

Sign in with your existing Amazon account and select Ravensworth Elementary PTA as the organization you would like to support.  Also, be sure to select to use this while shopping from the app!  It is one of the easiest ways to help our school earn money for our programs for both students and teachers.  It does not cost extra and is the same a shopping on Amazon as you would normally do!  Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Ravensworth PTA.

 

Follow Ravensworth on Social Media

follow sm

 

Are you connected to Ravensworth Elementary School and the Ravensworth PTA on social media? The PTA’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ravensworthelementarypta and the school’s accounts are https://www.facebook.com/RavensworthElementary and https://twitter.com/RavensworthES