Spring Hill ES Panther Press

A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Spring Hill Families,

We have come to the end of a short week and are looking forward to an even shorter week for students next week. 

We are so proud of our students for all their work so far raising money to help feed children throughout the world.  As of today, Spring Hill students raised a little over $6,800 or approximately 16,000 meals. This amount exceeded our goal of $5000. Congratulations Panthers. 

Have a great weekend!


School Board Reviews Draft School Year Calendar Options

At the January 17th work session, the School Board discussed draft calendars that were created for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Draft calendars were developed using the following criteria as a framework:

  • Federal, state, and Virginia Department of Education guidance.
  • Superintendent’s priorities.
  • School Board input.
  • Student absentee data.
  • Staff absentee data.
  • Surrounding jurisdictions’ calendars.
  • Survey results.
  • Calendar Feedback Committee input.

You may view the draft calendars and other related documents in Boarddocs. The calendars will be presented as new business during the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 26. The Board is scheduled to vote on the calendars during their meeting on Thursday, February 9. 


Attention All Student Artists

art

Draw, Paint, or Sketch a piece of art for the 2022-2023 Yearbook Cover Contest

We are looking for two designs for the front and back cover of the 22-23 yearbook.  Students are asked to draw, paint or sketch a picture that captures the spirit of Spring Hill. 

  • This contest is open to ALL current Spring Hill ES Students
  • Artwork must be on a 8.5x11 piece of paper (copier or printer paper is acceptable, but cardstock is preferred)
  • Artwork must be positioned in portrait, not landscape format, to fit the yearbook cover.
  • All Artwork must be submitted by, Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the front office.
  • We must have, Student’s Name, Grade and Teacher on the back of the artwork.
  • Only one submission per student.

Family Nutrition Tip of the Week: Optimize Immunity

Particularly during cold and flu season, we want to optimize our immune system by consuming micronutrients that are critical for the growth and function of immune cells. Incorporate the following food sources of these micronutrients into your diet to prime your body to fight off infections.

  • Vitamins A & C: keep barrier tissues healthy and support antibody and white blood cell production with carrots, strawberries, and tomatoes
  • Vitamins D & E: regulate antimicrobial proteins and protect immune cell membranes with egg yolks, fortified dairy, peanuts, and avocado
  • Zinc & Iron: support your immune response with spinach, beans, nuts/seeds, whole grains, and fortified cereal
  • Supplementally, a diet rich in probiotic foods like yogurt, and anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish help to support your immune system

Yearbook Picture Collection

To contribute pictures to our yearbook, please visit https://community.lifetouch.com/invite?code=SHES-YEARBOOK-23 and enter your email to begin uploading pictures. Please TAG your pictures with the tags provided. By tagging your pictures with your students' grade and teacher name, we can be sure that pictures end up on the correct final pages in the yearbook. Thank you in advance for your contributions! Please contact Kate Allen (ksallen@fcps.edu) if you have any questions.


A Message from PTO

Bids for Kids - Event Tickets ON SALE NOW! 

Join us on Saturday, February 4, for an evening of fun, food, and fundraising at Spring Hill PTO's Bid from the Heart event! Tickets are for sale now through February 1. Get yours today! 

Each ticket allows entry into our Bid from the Heart fundraiser, complete with catered bites, cocktails, deejayed music, a wine pull, paddle raise, and a live auction! This is a party you will definitely want to attend! 

Visit our auction website for more information on our online auction, which is taking place from January 29 through February 4. New and exciting items are added daily!

Volunteers are still needed to help this event run smoothly. If you are interested in being of service before, day of, or during the event - thank you! Please email Anna at springhillptosecretary@gmail.com. .


OSA Winter and Spring Registration - LAST CALL!

We are excited about the many wonderful offerings for our Winter and Spring Sessions of Outside School Activities (OSA's). Registration closes on Friday January 20th at 10pm. Act now if you'd like your student to attend either a winter or spring (or both!) session. There will be no late registrations, or refunds, allowed. 

 

Please note there will be only ONE registration period for BOTH sessions. This means you may register and submit payment in January for a program that begins late January (Winter session) OR not begin until March (Spring session). 

 

Visit the OSA page on the PTO website for important policy details and a description of the lottery process for classes that reach capacity during registration. If you have any questions, please email springhillptoosa@gmail.com


FCPS Parent Resource Center


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


Meet the Author Series All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann

Cats take a playful look at the world of autism, and these fun feline friends will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with children on the Autism Spectrum. Join Kathy Hoopmann as she celebrates the diversity within this neurodiverse community by reading from her book and answering audience questions.

Thursday, February 9, 2023, 7 - 8 p.m.

Register for Meet the Author Series All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann

View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.


Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools

How can families partner with schools?

  • Strategies to set your child up for success
  • How to advocate for your child
  • Tools for collaborating with your child's school

February 10, 2023, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist

Register for Neurdoversity at Elementary Schools

View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.


Supporting Mental Health Through Play

Join us for a 2-part interactive session designed for parents, caregivers, and educators to discover how incorporating more unstructured play & sensory foundational activities to support all young children’s development, including children with special needs and mental health concerns. 

Session #1 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.

  • The power of unstructured play in creating opportunities to build executive functioning skills
  • Differences in play experiences over the past 30-40 years
  • Benefits and Ways of incorporating  unstructured play into a child’s day

Session #2 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.

  • Angie Voss’ “power sensations” (movement & touch) 
  • Reflecting on our own temperaments, including sensory preferences, in order to provide a “goodness of fit” for our child or student
  • Creating an environment where all young children can thrive

This webinar is presented by Early Childhood Special Education Assistant Director, Amber Gant, with George Mason’s Training and Technical Assistance Center. 

Session 1: February 17, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m.

Session 2: February 24, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register for Supporting Mental Health Through Play


Important Dates

 

January 23 - Substance Abuse Presentation - Langley HS - 6:00 PM

January 25 - End of Quarter - 2-hour early release

January 26 - Student Holiday/Professional Workday

January 27 - Student Holiday/Professional Workday

January 31 - Parents/Principal Book Club (6:30 PM)

February 4 - Rise Against Hunger Event

February 10 - Bingo Night

March 18 - Fun Fair 

March 30 - Staff Basketball Game