Upcoming Events
Oct 4th – 21st – Socktober Charity Event
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), Presentation/ Conversation SEL/RC/P2 6:30–7:30pm
Oct 28th – Dress up as your Favorite Book Character
Oct 28th – Run 4 Ravensworth (more details to come)
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 to honor our veterans, active-duty military, and reservists 8:00 – 8:30 am
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.
Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid
Going Home Today, October 19th
Beginning on Wednesday, October 19th, FCPS will be asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school.
If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the box in Section 3, sign, date, and return the form.
For parents who work or live on federal property in Virginia, please fill out all sections that apply, sign and date the bottom of the form.
All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by Friday, October 21st.
All results are confidential.
Instructional Video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3yaNyr3Yc0
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Comenzando el 19 de octubre, FCPS estará pidiendo a todas las familias que llenen una Encuesta de Estudiantes-Padres para Ayuda de Impacto Federal. Devolver esta forma es importante porque la información de esta encuesta resulta en una subvención adicional de $3 millones cada año del Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos. Estos fondos se utilizan para apoyar a todas las escuelas y centros públicos del Condado de Fairfax.
Por cada niño en edad escolar en su hogar, por favor complete, firme, coloque la fecha y devuelva la encuesta a la escuela de su hijo.
Si las secciones 1 y 2 de la encuesta no aplican para usted, simplemente marque la casilla de la sección 3.
Todos los formularios deben ser firmados, fechados y devueltos antes del 4 de noviembre.
Todos los resultados son confidenciales.
Acceda al video instructivo en el siguiente link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3yaNyr3Yc0
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends out a newsletter around the 15th of each month for military-connected families? Sign up for that newsletter (under “Division Administration News and Updates” then “Professional Learning & Family Engagement”) or other topics on our website.
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new
Our Voices, Our Future
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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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
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
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!
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
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
Ravensworth Character Day
To celebrate our school-wide love of reading and our Run for Ravensworth, students are encouraged to dress up as a favorite book character on Friday, October 28th.
Students should bring a copy of a book that includes the character they are representing. The book must be one that the child has either read or listened to an adult read.
Guidelines for Book Character Costumes:
- Characters must be age appropriate and from elementary or middle-grade level books.
- Costumes may not involve book or other horror-type elements
- No weapons of any kind or masks that cover the entire face
- Costumes must allow students to take care of personnel needs, sit at desks, and participate in school and classroom activities throughout the day, including appropriate shoes for PE, recess, and Run for Ravensworth.
Bravery Breakfast
On November 10th from 8:00am to 8:30am in the cafeteria, Ravensworth Elementary will be hosting a Bravery Breakfast to honor our veterans, active duty military, and reservists. Students may invite a veteran, active duty military, or reservist to attend this special event. We would love for our military connected students and parents to join us. We will be displaying student work honoring our military and would love it if you could wear your uniform. We would also like for our military parents to consider talking about their military experience to a few of our classes after the breakfast (if interested, please answer that question in our RSVP link below). If you choose to do this, Mr. Austin will contact you with the details. If you would like to attend, please indicate your child and his or her military parent(s) that will be attending in the RSVP link below. We will be serving donuts and juice. If you have any questions, please contact Todd Austin at wtaustin@fcps.edu or call at 703-426-3638.
Link to RSVP… https://forms.gle/3YruUkj61EDchjpx6
Local Resources for Food and Other Basic Needs
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
This week our school community is focusing on the character strength of Integrity. Integrity means you are honest and speak the truth. You present yourself genuinely and sincerely.
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. People with integrity practice what they preach and maintain a consistent pattern of behavior aligned with their values. They have the courage not to follow the crowd if it means going against their beliefs. Integrity is closely aligned with the terms of honesty and authenticity. People with integrity tell the truth and have alignment in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Integrity is vital to individual growth. It is correlated with a multitude of psychological well-being measures. Harmony in your feelings, thoughts, and actions makes you better able to personally grow and achieve goals. Authenticity and a lack of pretense make you more likable and trusted by others, meaning your relationships will benefit.
To practice and encourage the character strength of integrity with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
https://posproject.org/p2-for-families/
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 Weekend Challenge
Join your fellow Ravens in a Weekend Challenge!
Any class that raises $750 OR MORE in donations for the Run 4 Ravensworth Weekend Challenge will earn a classwide donut party! All donations earned between 12:01 AM Friday, October 21st and 11:59 PM Sunday October 23rd will count towards your class's Fundraising total and your student's individual total. All Students receive a small prize just for registering on the fundraising website!
https://app.memberhub.gives/ravensrun/Campaign/Details
Please volunteer your time on Run Day - Friday, October 28th. Sign up using the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9a623a1fec52-run4ravensworth2
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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to ravensrun@ravensworthpta.org!
Yearbook Cover 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!
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 & New Email Address
PTA is still working with Mah'ki to bring two new after school sessions: Feb 2023 and again in late April 2023.
Any questions or concerns -- email Michele at mahki@ravensworthpta.org
Reminder: Teachers, Staff & Parents of registered Mah’ki students are welcome to drop in and Ignite your Energy with us on Thursdays, (now thru 11/17) after school in the gym.
Get Your School Spirit Wear Today!
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
 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
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
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