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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletin en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
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The Lion’s Roar
January 13, 2023
Student Teachers Make Learning Fractions Fun for Fellow Students
The guest teachers explaining fractions to students in Mr. Shaw’s 5th grade math class this week looked familiar to many of those learning the lessons – they were 6th graders from Ms. Wilson’s 6th grade class down the hall! Mr. Shaw and Ms. Wilson partnered to make this peer-to-peer learning project successful and rewarding for Lane lions on both sides of the equation. Students often connect with other students more easily than adults, which can facilitate their learning, and those who teach not only build leadership skills but also strengthen their own learning through reteaching the material.
Upcoming Events
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Monday, 1/16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday, School and Office CLOSED
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Friday, 1/20 - PTA Game Night, 6 - 8 p.m.
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Wednesday, 1/25 – End-of-quarter 2-hour early release, 2:05 p.m. dismissal
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Thursday, 1/26 & Friday, 1/27 – Student Holidays/Professional Workdays
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Tuesday, 2/7 – PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
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Thursday, 2/16 – STEAM Night, 6 – 8 p.m.
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Monday, 2/20 – Presidents Day Holiday, School and Office CLOSED
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Thursday, 2/23 – Spelling Bee, 4:45 p.m.
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Thursday, 3/2 – 2-hour early release, 2:05 p.m. dismissal
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Friday, 3/3 – Student Holiday/School Planning Day
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Tuesday, 3/7 – PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, 3/9 – Family Heritage Night, 6 – 8 p.m.
In This Issue
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday Next Monday!
- Other Calendar Reminders
- Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week January 15th – 21st
- Can You Hear the Spelling Bee Buzz?
- International Night Is Coming Back Better than Ever with a Brand New Name – Family Heritage Night!
- SEL Screener Results
- We Need Your Input on Literacy Communication
- January Is National Mentoring Month
- Dual Language Immersion Program Registration Opens January 23rd
- Make Plans Now for Summer Tech Adventure Camp
- PTA News: Winter Enrichment registration, Game Night, and teacher workday lunch
- Parent Resources: Military family connections; special-education resources; substance abuse parent information session; upcoming webinars from the Parent Resource Center
- FCPS News & Announcements: Food & Nutrition Services job opportunities
News & Notes
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday Next Monday!
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. You can learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. here.
FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service – Saturday, January 14th to Monday, January 16th. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved, including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.
FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. We hope your student – and your family – will join us in service this weekend.
Upcoming Cultural Holidays and Celebrations
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19th 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 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. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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. You can read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.
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Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week January 15th – 21st
Next week is the statewide celebration of school administrators known as Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week. Our leaders of the Lane Pride, Mrs. Prahl and Mr. Dickens, work hard every day to keep the learning going strong in a safe and supportive school building for all students and staff. We appreciate them every day!
Can You Hear the Spelling Bee Buzz?
If your child in 1st through 6th grade is interested in participating in this year’s Lane Spelling Bee, be sure to fill out and return the form sent home last week or sign up online by Monday, January 23rd at 4 p.m. No late forms will be accepted. |
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The Bee will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 4:45 p.m. (with an inclement weather date of Thursday, March 2nd at 2:45 p.m. – this is an early-release day). Study lists will be provided to interested students and optional before-school sessions may be held to help them practice and prepare.
A parent/student information session will be held via Zoom next Wednesday, January 18th, at 6 p.m. Interested students and their parents should attend. Please use THIS LINK to join the session.
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Chozick at schozick@fcps.edu.
International Night Is Coming Back Better than Ever with a Brand New Name – Family Heritage Night!
After a three-year absence due to COVID-19, one of Lane’s most popular traditions is coming back – International Night! This year it returns with a new name – Family Heritage Night – to make it even more inclusive and to better reflect the wide range of cultures and backgrounds that make our school so unique. Our central theme remains the same though – “A Celebration of Cultures.” Mark your calendars now for Thursday, March 9th, 6 to 8 p.m. because this is an event you won’t want to miss!
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We are looking for some parents to help with planning and putting on this event. We'll have displays, food, performances, and a Parade of Nations, among other activities – all of which need support. If you'd like to help and would like to learn more, please sign up here. Our family liaison, Melanie Crosby Hardy, will contact you soon with more information. Please note that if you help on the night of the event, it will be a limited shift, meaning you and your family can still actively participate to share your culture as well.
Thank you in advance for your support!
SEL Screener Results
Parents of students in grades 3 through 6 should be receiving SEL Screener report letters via US mail sometime over the next week. For more information about how to read the report and/or talk to your student about it, you may access the family resources provided on the FCPS website here. Students who were opted out or were absent during the administration window will not receive scores.
We Need Your Input on Literacy Communication
Our reading specialist, Katelyn Randolph, is seeking input on how to better support YOU and your children surrounding literacy practices here at Lane.
She welcomes your feedback through this short Google form, or you can reach her by email at kprandolph@fcps.edu. Please feel free to reach out to that address with questions as well.
Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable information.
January Is National 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.
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Dual Language Immersion Program Registration Opens January 23rd
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23rd. 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.
Parents who are interested in the DLI programs in FCPS are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at their school site. Meetings will begin on Wednesday, 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.
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Make Plans Now for Summer Tech Adventure Camp
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning an engaging summer enrichment program for students! For our current kindergarten to 6th grade students, we have Tech Adventure Camp.
This weekly summer program gives students the opportunity to explore the exciting pathways in Career and Technical Education including STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and computer science. The cost is $275 per week, with transportation included! Check the flyer below for weekly themes and more details. (Click the picture to download the full-size PDF.)
PTA News
Registration for Winter Enrichment Programs Closes Next Thursday! Sign Up Today!
The PTA has organized an entertaining and educational line-up of before- and after-school enrichment programs for the winter session. Registration is open until Thursday, January 19th at 11:59 p.m. Programs fill up quickly, so don’t delay. Get more information and register today online!
Get Ready for Family Game Night Next Friday, January 20th!
Join the PTA at Family Game Night on Friday, January 20th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lane cafeteria! Just bring your favorite board game to play with family and friends, and enjoy a laid-back evening of family fun and snacks!
Staff Appreciation Workday Lunch Friday, January 27th – Your Help Is Needed!
On January 27th – a Teacher Workday – the Lane PTA will provide soups and salads for the Lane staff, who will be spending the day in professional development sessions. The lunch will be served in the cafeteria at 12 p.m., and the PTA needs volunteers to help make it a success. Please visit their electronic sign-up to let them know how you can contribute.
Parent Resources
Military Family Connections
FCPS honors its military community and believes connecting with one another is invaluable. Blue Star Families is committed to strengthening military-families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support. FCPS encourages our military-connected families to consider joining Blue Star Families of the National Capital Region (NCR) to grow our network. You will find that the National Capital Region Chapter offers many opportunities for families to connect! To become a member, visit Blue Star Families and click on “Join Now” on the right-hand side of the page. You can also visit the National Capital Region Chapter page for information on events, and to read their monthly chapter newsletter. For more information, please contact Meredith Ayala, FCPS Family Partnerships Specialist, mlayala1@fcps.edu, or Julie Riggs, Blue Star Families NCR Chapter Director, dc@bluestarfam.org.
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.
Difficult Conversations about Alcohol and Drugs
What knowledge and information do you have to engage in meaningful conversation with your children about drugs? If you’d like to learn more, please plan to attend a special presentation on this topic at Hayfield Secondary School on Monday, January 30th, from 6 to 8 p.m. (Please note that this session is for adults only.)
After this session, you will understand basic info about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids; be able to list what you can do as a caregiver; and identify and connect with community resources. Please see the flyer for more details.
For further information and support on all of these programs, please contact Bryan Villalobos, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at bvillalobos@fcps.edu.
Upcoming Webinars from the Parent Resource Center
Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
The first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development. Social and emotional development includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of their emotions, and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. Join us for this important webinar to learn about the social-emotional developmental milestones in early childhood.
Webinar Highlights:
- Identify social-emotional skills that develop in early childhood
- Discuss strategies to support children in their social-emotional development
- Explore concepts of attachment, temperament, and self-regulation and their impact on social-emotional development
Presented by Naomi H. Grinney, LCSW, Infant Mental Health Specialist, IMH-E® Clinical Supervisor/Behavioral Health Senior Clinician Infant-Toddler Connection of Fairfax – Falls Church
Friday, January 20, 2023, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register for Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting: Building Positive Classroom Communities through Social and Emotional Learning
Join us to hear about how teachers and school staff are building positive schoolwide and classroom communities through social and emotional learning.
During this session, families will:
- Learn about the evidence-based Responsive Classroom practices of Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting.
- Understand how teachers are using these practices to engage students in learning that is challenging, developmentally appropriate, and supportive of the whole child.
- Learn new tips so you can continue these responsive practices at home.
The presenter is Ivette Robles, FCPS Curriculum Resource Teacher, Office of School Improvement and Supports.
Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register for Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting: Building Positive Classroom Communities through Social and Emotional Learning
FCPS News & Announcements
FCPS Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Is Hiring! Become a Part of This Important Team!
The FCPS Department of Food & Nutrition Services, which handles foodservice for schools across the county, has a wide range of employment opportunities available. See the flyer below for more details. (Click on the picture to download the full-size flyer.)
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