Mustang Memo 1.27.23

Note from Dr. Sheers

emma

We are delighted to share that Ms. Emma Python, sixth grade teacher, has been selected as the Pyramid representative for FCPS 2023-23 Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Python will now be considered at the Region level to be the Region representative for the FCPS Teacher of the Year. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Python!


News and Notes

Rising Kindergarten Information
We are excited to begin thinking about 2023-2024!  Do you have a child at home who will be five by September 30th?  Please start your registration now by filling out this intake form.  If you have any neighbors with little ones, please send this information to them as well.  This form simply collects initial information to help us plan for staffing for next school year.  Thank you!

Save the Date – Kindergarten Orientation
Thursday, March 2nd from 2:30 – 3:30 pm

SR&R Review
As we start third quarter, we will be providing a mid-year SR&R review for all students. Given that FCPS cell phone expectations are new, we wanted to highlight the following:

In elementary school, Kindergarten-sixth grade student’s phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool. The full SR&R can be accessed online at: https://www.fcps.edu/srr

WSES Science Expo is Coming Soon!
Calling all Mustang Scientists. Let's investigate and create! It's time to start planning your Science Expo project. Work independently or with friends. Share your research discoveries with the WSES community. Project Proposals due FRI, FEB 3. For complete entry details please review the Science Expo Packet. The 2023 Science Expo will be held on Pi Day, 3.14.2023, WSES cafeteria, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. Questions? Contact Science Expo Chair, Matt Radio: wses.scienceexpo@gmail.com


Resources

Tutor.com ~ Still Available for Use
Students who have used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback. Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet the needs of the student from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers. Learn more at FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.

Does Your Child Refuse to Go to School?
Each year, nearly 5% of youth experience school refusal. This refers to a child refusing to go to school on a regular basis or remain in school throughout the day due to significant emotional distress. School refusal includes kindergarten students with relatively mild separation anxiety and more severe cases where a student misses weeks or months of school because of debilitating anxiety or depression. See how to get your child back to school in the Healthy Minds Blog or learn more about attendance policies. You can always reach out to our school counselors or social worker for support and resources as well.

FCPS February Webinars
Don’t miss any of these new and informative webinars FCPS will be offering in February! All webinars are free and open to parents, educators, and community members. Interpreters are available by request.

  • Meet the Author Series - All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann: Thursday, February 9 from 7:00 – 8:00pm
  • Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools - How families can partner with schools: Friday, February 10 at 10:00 am
  • Special webinar presented in Arabic - Strategies to support children with emotional stress: February 3 at 10:00 am
  • Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education: Wednesday, February at 6:30 pm
  • Supporting Mental Health Through Play - Special 2-part interactive session: Friday, February 17 at 10:00 am (Session 1) and Friday, February 24 at 10:00 am (Session 2)

For more information about each webinar and to register, use this link: Webinar Information/Registration

Military-Connected Families: Lunch and Learn with CYS
Join Child and Youth Services (CYS) at Ft. Belvoir on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00 pm for virtual parent education presentations facilitated by CYS Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs). Upcoming topics: Stress Reactions and Coping Mechanisms (February 8), Strengthening Parenting Practices (March 8), and How to Support Children When Moving (April 12). Sessions are free and are open to all. For more information, use this link: Lunch and Learn with CYS


Save the Date

Thursday, January 26 - Friday, January 27 - Student Holidays

Monday, February 20 - President's Day

Thursday, February 23 - WSES Heritage Night 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.