Celebrating The Gift of One Another
Hello London Towne Families,
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, winter break offers us the opportunity to slow down with our loved ones and enjoy the best gift of all, time with one another. While we are happy to be together as a school community this school year, we know that it has had its challenges and worries that have been stressful for students and families. Yet, no matter what, we are blessed to have each other and know the time we have together is a gift!
During this winter break, we encourage you to engage your Lion in different kinds of learning opportunities to broaden their experiences and create special memories. What might it look like? Perhaps it’s sharing a family recipe with your child and inviting them to bake a special treat with you to share with others. Try spending some quality time curled up and cozy, reading a good book together--or each reading your own. Talk about what you’re reading and what’s sparking your interest. Lively conversations about books are great at any time. Dust off the board games and play as a family. Games are a great way to explore cooperation and strategy! You can also explore volunteer activities and teach your loved ones how to take care of others, and in the process, how good it feels to do so.
Whatever winter break brings for you, we hope it is full of big and small moments together in which you can cherish the gift of family and friends. The London Towne Elementary Faculty and Staff wishes you a very special holiday season and a wonderful winter break. We look forward to an amazing new year when our Lions return.
The London Towne school office will be closed from December 19-January 2. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
See you in 2023!
With much appreciation,
Ms. Padmore and LTES Faculty and Staff
Give Your Student the Gift of Education
We recognize that holidays are an important time to reconnect with family and expose children to their heritage and culture, whether they grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. If your family’s holiday plans include extended travel, please remember the impact to your children’s education if they miss too much school.
Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Oh What Fun We Had Around the Towne...
Enjoying our December Traditions
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Goal-Directed & Resilient Individual Countdown to Winter Break Spirit Week | We counted down the last week of school in 2022 by strengthening our Goal-Directed and Resilient Skills in fun ways. Staff and students enjoyed themed dress-up days such as: Merry Monday – Put on your thinking cap or festive hat and never give up when things are hard! And Teamwork Tuesday – Dress in a team or wear a jersey and learn from your mistakes, lean on your team, and keep trying!
Check out photos from the week here: https://londontownees.fcps.edu/features/countdown-winter-break-spirit-week
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Second Grade Showcase | Our 2nd graders performed a variety of holiday and winter-themed songs at their musical showcase this past week, under the direction of music teacher Barbara Vazquez Vazquez, for their families. The performance was also broadcast via Zoom for family members who could not attend in person. Check out the recording here: https://londontownees.fcps.edu/features/2nd-grade-musical-showcase-0
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LTES Winter Sing-Along | We were so excited to return to our London Towne tradition of gathering in the gym to sing winter and holiday songs today to celebrate the end of the last day of school in 2022! Check out the recording here: https://londontownees.fcps.edu/features/winter-sing-along-0
Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring Available
 FCPS students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback:
- “This tutor was very helpful! She didn't tell me the answers. When needed, she helped me solve them! She was very kind and she really helped me!” –Elementary Math Student
- “This was an awesome tutor! She explained why I needed to do specific steps, and she gave me practice problems! Best tutor I have had!” –IB Chemistry Student
Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
LTES Participated in Computer Science Week
 London Towne Lions participated in Computer Science Education Week the first week of December. Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science skills in order to be prepared for the many job opportunities, some of which have not even been dreamt of yet, in tomorrow’s workforce.
Computer Science Week is celebrated each year during the week of Grace Hopper’s birthday (December 9, 1906), who invented the first compiler and coined the term “bug” (an error in a program) after removing an actual moth from a computer in 1947! Students at London Towne tried out games and activities that teach basic coding principles during their STEAM and Technology specials.
Lions are encouraged to check out the coding games linked on our Student Links page of our LTES website at home.
 Therapy Dogs Visited LTES
Caring Angels and the Fairfax Fire and Rescue therapy dogs visited select classes at LTES just after Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful experience for the Lions and the dogs. We look forward to more visits from them.
Special Message from the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety. Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further information and support, contact Stacey King, MSW, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at saking@fcps.edu
Important Dates
December 17-January 2
Winter Break, No School; School Office Closed
January 3
Students return to school
January 10*
PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m., Library or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:
- lms.fcps.edu
- Parent/Guardian Login
- Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
- If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
- Zoom > Join
* The FCPS Office of the Ombuds will visit and share during this PTA meeting. The Office of the Ombuds serves as an independent, confidential resource for students, families, community members, and employees who are seeking informal help to answer questions, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters. The Office of the Ombuds reports to the Chief Experience and Engagement Officer.
The word Ombudsman means "representative." More information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/ombuds.
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