Volume 2, Issue 1; January 6, 2023
Stronger Together
To view a translated version of our newsletter, click here and select your preferred language.
Para ver una versión traducida de nuestro boletín de noticias, haga clic aquí y seleccione su idioma preferido.
Dear Clearview Families,
Students transitioned back to school after winter break with enthusiasm for learning and reconnecting with classmates. This week, students worked and played collaboratively while getting back into the routine of school after the winter break.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or compliments you may have. If you have seen a Clearview staff member going above and beyond, fill out an FCPS Cares here.
Have a WONDERFUL weekend!
Stephanie Almquist Joshua Redford Rachel Charlton
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Welcome to Clearview Holly Inman!
 |
|
Mrs. Holly Inman joined Clearview prior to winter break as a School Counselor. She comes with years of experience in the field of education as both a fourth grade classroom teacher and supporting George Mason University athletes as a learning specialist Mrs. Inman is an entrepreneur and animal lover as she owns a dog walking/pet sitting business. She is excited to get to know students, staff, and families
Please introduce yourself to Mrs. Inman and welcome her to Clearview!
|
Connection Combats Addiction
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.
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.
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
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
Further Information & Support:
Diana Vera, MSW, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
FCPS Family Math Week
 |
|
MIND Research is hosting family math week January 9 - January 13. Students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to different math games from around the world.
***All activities are available in English and Spanish.
|
Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We Are All Neurodiverse?
All human beings are neurodiverse. There is infinite variation of thinking and experiencing the world due to our identities, experiences, and brain wiring that is a valuable form of human diversity. This webinar examines the brilliance and advantages of neurodiversity and the different ways brains may function as it relates to neurodivergence or neurotypicality.
January 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m or January 13, 2023 at 10 a.m:
Register here for either time of Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are All Neurodiverse
Save the Date: January 17 6-8 p.m.
at Herndon High School
Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs
In the new year, every FCPS HS pyramid will hold an adults-only, in-person panel discussion about alcohol and drugs presented by the FCPS Student Safety and Wellness Office. These presentations are for families of elementary (especially 5th and 6th grade) students. The presentation will include basic information around drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. More details coming soon.
Family Coffee
Please join us for our monthly Family Coffee Hour January 24th 9- 10:00am
in the cafeteria where you will have the opportunity to:
-Connect with other Clearview parents and guardians and
-Learn about educational digital resources available like Tech Check from our School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) Mr. Newbold.
Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
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.
January is Mentoring Month
 |
|
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month. |
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. The U.S. Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad, through U.S. embassies and consulates.
During this month, we celebrate the efforts of foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Three Kings Day
 |
|
Three Kings Day (today) also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas. Learn more at National Geographic Kids. |
FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day (O day). There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days.
Orthodox Christmas
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who they believe to be the son of God. Learn more facts about Christmas from National Geographic Kids. |
|
 |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Orthodox Epiphany
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan, beginning of Christ's ministry on earth and revealing the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. |
|
 |
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.
Lunar New Year
 |
|
The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.
Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.
|
 Tutor.com
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.
Headphones for school
If you can, please have your student bring in a set of headphones for their school laptops. If you need any assistance or have any questions please reach out to our school based technology specialist, Mr. Newbold, at mcnewbold@fcps.edu.
Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s
Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents and guardians know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided by Lightspeed, our internet content filtering service, at no cost to families. You may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. If you want more detailed information, sign up for the Internet Use Parent portal and log-in anytime to see more detail about your child’s browsing and “pause” access to the internet during non-school hours.
Need internet help?
If you are in need of a MiFi for at home internet service, please reach out to your student's teacher.
Do you have a ParentVUE account?
ParentVUE allows parents to stay on top of upcoming school events, classroom happenings, assignments, tests, and academic performance. Parents can view their children's classroom assignments and scores, attendance, transcripts, graduation status and more.
Click here to log in/activate/reset your password.
If you need assistance with accessing your ParentVUE account please reach out to Mr. Newbold at mcnewbold@fcps.edu.
January 4th - the 25th VGA Testing
January 12 Chorus, Band & Strings Concert, 7pm
January 16 Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday (no school)
January 18 PTA meeting (in-person and Zoom), 7 pm
January 24 Family Coffee, 9-10 am
January 25 2 hour Early Release-End of Second Quarter
January 26 Student Holiday (Professional Workday, no school)
January 27 Student Holiday (Professional Workday, no school)
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
|
