Thoreau Matters
November 18, 2022
Dear Thoreau Families,
I am sure many of you are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving next week. This time of year is special because it gives us all a moment to stop and think about our blessings. It continues to be a privilege for me to spend my days in the company of your children.
We want our students to spend time with their families and have the opportunity to take a break from school work. We want our teachers to decompress and put their lesson plan books and laptops away for a few days while enjoying the break as well. It is for this reason that no homework will be assigned over break and no assessments will take place immediately upon our return to school.
May your Thanksgiving be full of happiness with family and friends and some well-deserved rest!
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
Important Dates
November 23-25: School Closed (Thanksgiving)
November 30: Pre-Algebra, Math 7 and Math 7H VGA
December 6: Reading 7 & 8 VGA
December 14: Picture Makeup Day! (Students who had their photo taken on November 1st/2nd will be receiving their pictures in their HPE classes on Monday/Tuesday of next week.)
Winter VGA Dates
In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly introduced the expectation for new state "through-year" assessments in elementary and middle schools. Beginning in 2022-23, students in grades 3-8 take the Virginia Growth Assessment in fall and winter. The purpose of these assessments is to measure student growth and progress in reading and mathematics content standards. Learn more information here about Virginia Growth Assessments.
Students at TMS will be taking the winter VGA tests on the following dates:
|
Wednesday, November 30th
|
Pre-Algebra, Math 7 & Math 7H VGA
|
|
Tuesday, December 6th
|
Reading 7 & 8 VGA
|
* VGA tests are not available for students enrolled in a high school credit-bearing math course, such as Algebra 1.
Students do not need to prepare for these tests as they are used to determine current understanding of content. However, we do ask that you remind your students of the test dates and be sure they come to school with a fully charged laptop.
If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).
Winter Coat/Accessories Drive
 Our Peer Helpers have organized a Winter Coat/Accessories Drive to benefit the local organization, Women Giving Back. During the month of November students can donate gently used winter coats, new hats and gloves, or a new wrapped toy for their annual holiday event for families. Not only do students get the opportunity to help others in our community, but they can also earn one community service hour for donating to this drive. Collection bins are in the main office and Student Services.
Post-Thanksgiving COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county November 28-30 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Thoreau After-School Program
After-School has been amazing for our staff & students! Students & staff are coming up with some really creative clubs so far this year. After-School clubs & late buses occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 2:25pm - 4:45pm.
After-School Schoology Folder: Students should check this folder weekly as this is where the weekly After-School clubs schedule will be posted as well as important announcements:
Schoology > Courses > All School Courses > After-School Program Folder
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
Week of November 21st - 25th
 QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Taylor at cmtaylor1@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
Yearbooks!
Order your yearbook today! You can order at myschoolbucks.com for $40. Hurry-the price goes up to $45 in February! The code for yearbook snap is eagles all lowercase.
We need Yearbook Photos! We are working on Thoreau’s 2022-23 Yearbook and we are excited to announce we will be using YOUR photos to do that! Follow the directions below to send in your photos. This week we need:
What sports does your Thoreau student play? How do I do this? To send in photos through Mobile phone
Step 1: Download YearbookSnap from the app store (orange icon)
Step 2: Type in the school name (enter school name here)
Step 3: Enter school code (school code is anything you want it to be)
Step 4: Hit enter
Step 5: Click the orange arrow after the school name to select photos from your camera roll
Step 6: Choose yearbook special requests
Step 7: Pick up to 5 photos to send and then on the bottom right hit the box with the arrow pointing up
Step 8: Click on the photo to enter a note (students names in picture, Grade, etc.)
Step 9: Click upload
Step 10 : Enter in your first and last name and email and submit photos!
To send in photos that are on your computer
Step 1: Go to yearbookforever.com
Step 2: Enter in the school name (put school name here)
Step 3: Click shop the store
Step 4: Click on Community upload Submit photos for your school yearbook-center near top
Step 5: Enter school code and click enter
Step 6: Upload your photos and make notes on each one (students in picture etc)
Step 7: Enter your first and last name and email
Step 8: Click that you certify
Step 9: Submit Photos!
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions contact Ms. Rumberger at rmrumberger@fcps.edu
PTA News
Join the Thoreau PTA and support Thoreau and your student! Please consider making an additional donation to help fund PTA sponsored activities.
|
|
