Panther Press for January 22, 2023

To read in other languages please view it on the Parklawn website .

Para leer en otros idiomas, puede verla en el siti website de Parklawn

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The Lunar New Year is January 22!

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


Calendar Reminder: January 25-27

As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day and Friday, Jan. 27, for a teacher workday. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.


Parklawn Family Field Trip is Full!

museum

Thank you, Parklawn families! We had an overwhelming interest in traveling with us for the family field trip. Currently, there are no more available seats on the school buses. Our office team has begun calling those interested to share whether you are confirmed for a slot. Families that are not able to take the bus are still welcome to join us at the museum! We typically arrive at opening, 10 am. It is a “self tour” of the museum, and it is fun to see panthers out and about! We hope to have another opportunity for a family field trip later in the spring.

Where:  National Museum of American History 1300  Constitution Ave. NW,  • Washington, D.C., 20560

Date:  Saturday, February 4, 2023


SEL Screener Update

Most students in grades 3-5 took the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener this fall. The SEL Screener reports have been mailed directly to families. This website includes both the Parent Report Template, as well as a Family Guide to support you in understanding results and ideas for talking with your student about their results. Both are available in multiple languages. To learn more about SEL and how we support students at school and at home please see the FCPS SEL website.  Please reach out to our school counselors, school psychologist or school social worker with any questions.


School Board Reviews Draft School Year Calendar Options

FCPS Calendar Development

At their January 17 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.


FCPS Strategic Plan: Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!

Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.


Positivity Project for January 21-27: Social Intelligence

P2

 

This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means you are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.

Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It is distinct from a person’s IQ or “book smarts.” It includes an individual’s ability to understand, and act on, the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of other people. This type of intelligence can take place “in the moment” of face-to-face conversations but also appears during times of deliberate thinking. It involves emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships -- and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.

To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.

Have a wonderful week!


Upcoming Dates

January 23: The Salad Bar Opens!

January 25: End of 2nd Marking Period; 2-hour early release for students

January 26: Staff Development Day/Student Holiday

January 27: Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

February 4: Family Field  Trip