Churchill Chatter - Issue 9, December 2, 2022
Third graders learn about coding by programming robots with our technology specialist Mr. Kilpatrick.
Dear Churchill Road Families,
It is hard to believe that it is December and Winter Break is less than three weeks away! Our students have been busy learning.
We have also been continuing to focus on modeling with students our expected behaviors (see PAWS image below.) We would appreciate your help in reinforcing these PAWS behaviors at home as well. This week in the hallway we saw great evidence of students incorporating these routines and expectations into their daily actions and interactions.
Over the past few weeks,
- Kindergarten students learned how to generate ideas about how to write stories that are fun to read.
- First graders explored Mount Vernon during a field trip.
- Second grade students worked on creating museum displays to showcase the life of the three Native American tribes we study (Lakota, Pueblo and Powhatan).
- Third graders learned coding skills with Mr. Kilpatrick and Finch coding robots from the Fairfax County Public School STEAM office.
- Fourth graders began writing an opinion essay.
- Fifth graders designed the book cover for their realistic short story. Some students used paper while others designed a digital cover.
- Sixth graders are starting their narrative nonfiction stories, choosing a topic that reflects their expertise.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Pierson-Barr and Ms. Niccolls
In This Week's Issue
- Advanced Academics Referral Deadline December 15
- Portrait of a Graduate - Goal Setting for Success
- Preparing for Winter Weather
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Dogs on School Grounds
- Family Engagement Tips - It's Never Too Late to Get Involved
- Upcoming Events at the Alden Theater
- FCPS Cares Program
Advanced Academics Program (AAP)- Referrals for Full-Time Services for 22-23 School Year Due December 15
If you would like your child in grades 2-6 screened for full-time, AAP services to begin at the start of the 23-24 school year, this year’s parent referral deadline is December 15th.
The following information should be submitted by this deadline:
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Level IV Referral Form (mandatory)
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Parent/Guardian Questionnaire (optional but highly recommended). Please make sure to include specific examples to support each rating on the questionnaire.
- 2 single-sided pages of student work samples that demonstrate critical, creative, and/or advanced reasoning and problem-solving (optional). Samples should include a few sentences explaining how the work demonstrates advanced thinking.
- Private ability testing done through George Mason University or a licensed psychologist (optional). More information on outside testing can be found here: https://www.fcps.edu/node/37056
- Recommendation letters and awards are not permitted.
All items should be submitted together through one of the following methods:
- Digitally- Please email all items you would like included in the application to Esther Lee, eclee1@fcps.edu. All documents should be PDF files and labeled with the student’s name. Deadline December 15th, midnight.
- Hard copy- If you would prefer to submit the application in hard copy, all items should be submitted together in an envelope or folder and clearly labeled with the student’s name and classroom teacher. Hard copy applications must be turned into the front office by 4:00 p.m. on December 15th.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our AART, Esther Lee, at eclee1@fcps.edu.
Portrait of a Graduate
This month’s theme is aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate attribute of being a Goal Directed and Resilient Individual. This involves skills such as making healthy choices when choosing friends, managing time, and setting goals to accomplish important tasks.
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Dogs on School Grounds/Walker Arrival and Dismissal Locations
Sadly, we are going to need to tighten the policy that dogs are not allowed on school grounds and therefore not at the walker area at arrival and dismissal. We have had situations that have created safety concerns for our students and families. Thank you for adhering to this policy.
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Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.
Family Engagement - Tips from the FCPS Parent Resource Center
  FCPS offers many resources supporting family engagement. Tip sheets on a variety of topics may be accessed from the Parent Resource Center here.
Upcoming Events at the Alden Theater, McLean Community Center
Virginia Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.
Tickets $15-$25
Northern Virginia’s own Virginia Chamber Orchestra has been called “one of the most interesting orchestras in the metropolitan area” by The Washington Post. Celebrate the holidays with festive orchestral sounds.
“Frosty” from The Barter Players
Monday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.
Tickets $ 10-$15
A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover that the real magic of the season is love.
FCPS Cares Program
Recognizing employees who go above and beyond
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS, and more specifically, Churchill Road employees.
Important Dates
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Tuesday, December 6 - Winter Chorus Concert for Community, 6 PM
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Tuesday, December 6 - PTA Meeting (Virtual) @ 7 PM
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Monday, December 12 - Winter Band & Strings Concert for Community, 6 PM
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Monday, December 19- Monday, January 2 - Winter Break (No School for Students, Front Office Closed)
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Tuesday, January 3 - Classes Resume after Winter Break
Please visit the FCPS School Year Calendar for more information
2022-23 School Year:
https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar/2022-23-school-year-calendar
Quick Links
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