Volume 2, Issue 2; January 13, 2023
Stronger Together
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Dear Clearview Families,
Thank you for supporting the arts, including band, strings, and chorus! Last night’s winter concert was phenomenal. Kudos to the students for your practice and dedication and thank you to Dr. Robertson, Mrs. Tomko, and Mr. De La Cruz for coordinating an entertaining winter concert. We are looking forward to the spring concert, for sure!
 
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 Ms. Widad Mohamed!
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Ms. Mohamed joins Clearview as a Cat B Special Education Instructional Assistant. She has a great deal of experience supporting students with special needs. Ms. Mohamed has three children, her favorite hobby is cooking, and she loves listening to Sudanese music.
Please introduce yourself to Ms. Mohamed and welcome her to Clearview!
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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
Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?
The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But, why do we need a new strategic plan?
Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era.
Salad Bar
meals based on a foundation of colorful fruits and vegetables. Science-based research proves that changing fresh food access and availability in school settings has a direct correlation to wellness. Incorporating salad bars is a strategy that models healthy eating and reinforces positive behaviors.
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Great news: Clearview will be opening the salad bar on January 25! We encourage you to watch this video with your child so that they can prepare for the experience.
Salad bars offer a variety of nutritious choices every day and encourage children to consistently build
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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.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results (Grades 3-6)
SEL screener results will be mailed home in early January. Please review this link https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener/score-report to receive information and guidance on how you can talk with your child about their results.
COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:
Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.
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
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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.
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. |
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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. |
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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
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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.
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 Tutor.com for Test Prep
Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website.
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 13 Spirit Night at Honeygrow in Reston
January 16 Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday (no school)
January 18 PTA meeting (in-person and via Zoom link), 7 pm
January 18 – Grade 4 Reading VGA
January 20 – Grade 4 Math VGA
January 23 – Grade 3 Reading VGA
January 24 – Grade 3 Math VGA
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) and PTA
Spirit Night at Mod Pizza in Herndon
January 27 Student Holiday (Professional Workday, no school)
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Mark your calendars
- Fri., Jan. 13: Spirit Night at Honeygrow in Reston
- Wed., Jan. 18: PTA Meeting at 7 p.m. in the library and on Zoom (link will be posted on PTBoard)
- Thurs., Jan. 26: Spirit Night at MOD Pizza in Herndon
- Tues., Feb. 14: Pajama Day for the kids and Valentine’s Day Breakfast & School Supplies for the teachers
Spirit Night at Honeygrow TONIGHT!
Come enjoy yummy and healthy stir-fry, noodle bowls, and salads—and 20% of your order goes back to the PTA! Honeygrow is in Reston Town Center West (12100 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190) near Little Beast, BGR, and Tiki Thai. Be sure to mention Clearview PTA (dining in) or use promo code GIVE128 (online).
Would you enjoy another round of BINGO?
You have done such an amazing job of raising funds for field trips (thank you!), that we can now shift our focus to another major budget item: showing appreciation for our wonderful Clearview staff. To raise funds for Staff Appreciation Week in May, we thought it would be fun to host a spring bingo fundraiser (SPRINGO!). If you’d like to be involved, here are a couple of ideas:
- Attend the Jan. 18 PTA meeting, share your ideas, and raise your hand to help. Or email us at clearviewelementarypta@gmail.com.
- Donate prizes: we welcome any new, unopened items that would be enjoyed by our families (just in case you’ve been doing any post-holiday clean outs…). If you have connections to local businesses, we would greatly appreciate any donations, including gift baskets, gift cards, or gift certificates.
- Plan the event: choose the date, identify volunteers, check inventory of bingo cards/markers and order any additional supplies.
- Volunteer: prize collector, set up, greeter, sales, caller, prize distributor, clean up
Coming Soon: Spirit Wear, Round Two
You asked and we’re going to make it happen! Watch for more details about how you can score adorable Clearview winter hats and socks. And if you missed your chance to order a hoodie or t-shirt, we’ll have some options available again.
Love is all around on Valentine’s Day
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, we’ll be showering our teachers with love by hosting a breakfast and supply drive. Watch for more details soon about how you can sign up to donate food and items from the Amazon supply wish list. Valentine’s Day will also be when our students can wear pajamas to celebrate that we fully funded our field trips thanks to amazing fundraising efforts the first half of the year!
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