Family Newsletter October 28, 2022

Book Character Day

We had so much fun celebrating Book Character Day with a costume parade today! 

book character day

Clockwise from top left: Ms. Coleman with students at arrival; Ms. Gillies (dressed as part of Rock, Paper, Scissors) plays with a student during the parade; Ms. Beggs and her 2nd grade students; kindergarteners during the parade; 2nd grade teachers Ms. Loreto, Ms. Senick, and Ms. Beggs.

book character day

Clockwise from top left: second graders during the parade; Ms. Ferguson with 3rd graders; Ms. Hernandez with kindergarten students; kindergarten students during the parade; 3rd graders from Ms. Glass' class.

book character day

Top row: kindergarten and first grade students during the parade. Bottom row: 5th grade students from Ms. Trujillo's class after the parade


Principal's Message

thank you Linda and Kristin

Hello Cameron Families,

Today marks the end of the first quarter of learning for our students. Monday is a workday for teachers and no school for students.  It also marks the end of my and Mrs. Bennink's time with the Cameron Community. We are excited to have Mr. Johnson return on Tuesday, November 1. I want to thank you for your advocacy of your children and support of the Cameron staff. Cameron is a caring and compassionate community thanks to your partnership with the staff. I wish you all the best this year. Take good care.

Linda Ferguson

Interim Principal


Hallowingo!

Come to Hallowingo hosted by the PTA on Friday, October 28 at 6pm. There will be bingo, costumes, prizes, and pizza for dinner! Pizza will start being served in the cafeteria at 5:30. 

If you're interested, please sign up to be a volunteer!

hallowingo

Order Cameron Gear!

The PTA is hosting a Cameron spirit wear fundraiser. Students have been given, or will shortly be given, an order form. You can also order online. See the options below, and contact PTA President Lee Wilson if you have any questions! president@cameronpta.org 

spirit wear sweatshirt
spirit wear tshirts

Clubs Start Tuesday, November 1

Students that received confirmation this week that they are signed up for a club should plan to stay after school on the day of their club (Tuesday or Thursday) starting next week. All bus stop information can be located in ParentView or a student's SIS account. All students must be picked up from the bus stop. 

If you have questions, contact Ms. Reed at tlreed@fcps.edu 


stress

Family Liaison Corner

-Susana Trupo

Let's Talk About Stress 

“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.” Andrew Bernstein

Dear families,

Stress… a word that we heard quite often. What is stress? Stress is our body's response to pressure. Many different situations or life events can cause stress. It is often triggered when we experience something new or unexpected that threatens our sense of self or when we feel we have little control over a situation. Feeling emotional and nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. I found some good advised about dealing with stress, see bellow some suggestions.

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the traumatic event constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
  • Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
  • Take care of your body.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Talk to others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
  • Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
  • Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

Check out Taking Care of Your Emotional Health for more information and resources.


strategic plan feedback

Strategic Plan Student Survey Coming Soon!

Students will soon be shown a short informational video at school and be asked to complete a survey providing feedback on their experience at school. This feedback will be used to help inform FCPS leadership as they work on planning for the future of the school system. Families are invited to view the survey questions and get more information.


Feedback Welcome on Proposed Family Life Education Changes

The Fairfax County School Board is reviewing recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and invites public feedback as part of the review process. In May 2022, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) presented recommended curriculum changes, to go into effect for the 2023-24 school year. Those changes include adopting gender-combined instruction, and exploring instruction of gender identity, recommended media, and other instructional changes. 

The recommendations reflect leading education and child development research and expert advice. According to research cited in the recommendations, these changes will create a more inclusive learning environment, result in higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.

Public feedback will be shared with FLECAC and the School Board. FCPS staff and the School Board will consider all feedback but are unable to reply to individuals. 

Learn more about the recommended changes on our website. The public feedback form will be available on our website and will be open October 31 through December 1.


Girl Scouts Sign Up

Troop 53193 has space available for girls in the third grade. Meet friends, learn new skills, and have fun! 

Join us on

November 1, 2022

6:30-7:30pm

Girl Scouts Office, 5680 King Centre Drive, Suite 110

Alexandria, VA 22315

Sign up at https://bit.ly/girlscouts-537 or contact Michelle at mjohnson@fscnc.org ~ 703-372-4346

girl scout sign up

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 2022, 9-noon

Providence Community Center 

Contact: Laura Cook: Lecook@fcps.edu

Free - Registration Required

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

October 31, 2022 (Student Holiday) 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services


All Saints Day/Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos / All Saints Day

Día de los Muertos is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. Tuesday, November 1, and Wednesday, November 2, are “O” Days this year. To learn more about Día de los Muertos, watch this video.

While Día de los Muertos is largely celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, it also coincides with All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). These days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants worldwide to honor those who have died and gone to heaven (All Saints Day) and those who may still be in purgatory (All Souls Day).

The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.


Important Dates 

Oct 28 - Hallowingo @ Cameron, 6pm

Oct 31 - No School for Students

Nov 1-2 Dia de los Muertos / All Saints Day Religious/Cultural Observance

Nov 1 - Early Literacy Family Program, 9:30am-2:00pm, SACC Room

Nov 1 - After School Clubs begin

Nov 2 - Family Coffee, library, 9:30-10:30, English

Nov 2 - HIPPY Family Program, 9:30am-2:00pm, SACC Room

Nov 8 - No School, Election Day 

Nov 11- No School for students, Veterans Day

See the complete 2022-2023 school year calendar