 Learning Around the Towne
Preparing for Snow Days
FCPS announced updates to its inclement weather procedures for the 2022-23 school year. Like last year, the first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days.” These five days may occur consecutively due to a single weather event or may take place as several individual events.
Once these five days have been taken, FCPS will use the flexibility provided by the General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, wherever possible, to maintain continuity of learning.
At LTES we are preparing now for the possibility of inclement weather in the future. To be prepared for the possibility of a virtual learning day, all London Towne students (PreK-6) will practice taking their devices home for one night, on Tuesday, January 10th.
On the evening of Tuesday, January 10, please do the following:
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Connect your student’s device to the family wifi.
- Ask your child to show you how they solve puzzles on ST Math. All students access ST Math regularly in school.
- Students with laptops (1st-2nd) access ST Math through Schoology.
- Students with iPads (PreK-K) access ST Math through the Clever app (blue square with white C).
Extra! You can also access free, no login required family math activities to celebrate ST Math Family Week here.
Students will not bring home chargers for this one night virtual learning practice. Devices should be returned to school the following day, Wednesday, January 11, as students use them daily in class.
If you are having trouble connecting the iPad to your wifi, please use this iPad Wifi Connection Help Video (PreK-K).
If you are having trouble connecting to your wifi with any device, you can contact the FCPS IT Family Help Desk. Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit a ticket or speak to a representative in multiple languages.
We will send more communication about virtual snow days when the possibility is more likely.
Thank you, as always, for your support! Please let your classroom teacher know if you have additional questions or concerns.
Salad Bar Returning to LTES on January 18!
 FCPS partners with Real Food for Kids to provide Salad Bars for all elementary school students. Prior to March 2020, FCPS was on track to have a salad bar in each elementary school. Beginning this month, Salad Bars will be reintroduced across the division. London Towne will be one of the first schools in the division to see the return of the Salad Bar and we are excited.
The Salad Bar offers students a variety of nutritious choices and encourages them to consistently build meals with colorful fruits and vegetables! Click here to view the Salad Bar in action and to review the rules of the salad bar. To see the lunch menu and Salad Bar options, click here.
Volunteers Needed
If you are interested in supporting our students as they begin to use the salad bar, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4badae2ba3fc1-volunteers#/ to be a Salad Bar Volunteer. This is a districtwide list so please make sure you are signing up for London Towne. Salad Bar Volunteers will:
- ensure students use hand sanitizer prior to going through the line
- help separate the lunch trays
- provide reminders and information about the salad bar (maintain space as they move through the line, the hot entrée selection, take only what you can eat, remember salad dressing, etc.)
Dual Language Immersion Program Information Session & Registration
 Dual Language Immersion Program Registration Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23. Current pre-k students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2023-24 school year.
Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Visit the DLI registration page for more information on where the programs are offered. London Towne provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Spanish Immersion Program.
Families who are interested in the DLI programs in FCPS are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at their school site. Meetings will begin on January 11. Details regarding access to virtual meetings will be available on the Dual Language Immersion registration page by the meeting date.
Get more information on DLI programs and registration.
London Towne will host a Dual Language Immersion Information Session on January 12 at 7:00 p.m. Snow Date | January 24 at 7:00 p.m.
FCPS Ombudsman at PTA Meeting on Jan. 10
Join us at the PTA Meeting on January 10th @ 6:00 p.m., in the Library or Virtually. 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.
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
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
From FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist: New Year’s Resolutions
In December, many people will head to their local Target or Michaels to find a new planner. The crisp, fresh feeling of new paper to write new and improved goals gets some of us excited. When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress. What goals would you like to share with your child, to show them examples of healthy adult introspection? Introspection, looking within, is necessary to learn how to manage stress in a healthy manner. What regular coping skills can be implemented into your daily/ weekly routine? Some goals may be physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional. Would it be easier to have serious conversations over a family dinner? Or maybe regular family dinners, spark joy and connection that’s often missing.
Research has shown that family therapy is the best treatment option for young people who misuse drugs and alcohol (SAMHSA). Many people use drugs to manage life’s hardships when they feel disconnected from themselves or others. The opposite of addiction is connection, and young people benefit from connection with their families. Families who have a common mission based on autonomy and openness instead of secrecy and silence thrive. Families teach young people how to manage stress when they communicate honestly and openly with one another. Learning how to manage stress early in life could be a major factor in whether or not a young person decides to use drugs.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Sources & Resources:
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference
SMART Goals Quick Overview
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
For further Information & support, please contact Stacey King, MSW, M.Ed
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, at saking@fcps.edu.
Important Dates
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
January 12
Spanish Immersion Parent Information Session | 7:00 p.m. | Click here for more information
January 16
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, No School
January 25
End of Second Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release (1:05 p.m.)
January 26
Staff Development Day/ Student Holiday, No School for Students
January 27
Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday, No School for Students
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