Important Upcoming Events
- 2/6 - 2/10 National Counselor Week
- 2/8 & 2/9- SR&R Spring Refresher during PE Classes
- 2/20 - No School- Presidents' Day
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Message from Principal Stokes
Greetings Panthers,
Welcome to the Second Semester. Throughout the first two quarters, our students brought plenty of positive energy and a commitment to working hard in their classes. We know these trends will continue through this upcoming stretch of the school year. Many students have the chance to make new connections as they begin their second semester electives. Whether starting a new class or continuing with existing classes, acting as a Ready, Responsible, and Respectful student is key to our success as a school. We encourage our students to think about and act upon how they will carry out our three Rs.
In addition to the semester change, students are also engaged in the academic advising process. Our school counselors are working with each student to discuss course options for next year. Please continue these conversations at home to help with making the best choices for next year’s learning.
We are looking forward a great second half of the school year.
Sincerely,
Gordon Stokes
Parent Advocacy Handbook
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) has created a Parent Advocacy Handbook to provide information and support to families as they navigate the FCPS system for their children. It is designed to be particularly useful for families who may be less familiar with such a large school division and/or with schooling in the U.S.
You may download a copy from the web in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Korean at: https://www.fcps.edu/parentadvocacyhandbook
Panthers On Time!
Please continue to stress on-time class arrivals with your student(s). Carson’s expectations for being to school and class on-time support a safe and less disruptive learning experience for all students. Students who accumulate three tardies in any one class will meet with their administrator to plan for timely arrivals. Students and families can review their attendance and class tardies on their StudentVue and ParentVue accounts.
https://carsonms.fcps.edu/about/attendance-procedures
January SWAG (Students with Awesome Growth) Recognition
Each month teachers from different departments recognize students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive impact at Carson. Mr. Stokes had the pleasure of celebrating the January students of the month complete with certificates and SWAG bags. Congratulations to these students for having SWAG (Students with Awesome Growth): Ali, Audrey Rain, Ayshia, Chloe, Corvin, Dinesh, Estelle, Fatoumata, Hibba, Jordyn, Josephine, Kayce, Kelly, Kent, Mairead, Marlena, Maya, Medda, Nathan, Olivia, Raghavsimha, Raulito, Rishab, Sergio, Sreeya and Toma. A picture of these students is proudly displayed outside of the cafeteria for all to see. Congratulations!!!
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Student Intention Forms Moving this summer? If your family plans include relocation, please notify us by completing the Intention Form and send it to Ms. Andrea Tawil ajtawil@fcps.edu at your earliest convenience |
2nd Quarter Report Cards
SIS ParentVue and SIS StudentVue Gradebook and Report Card Modules will be unavailable Wed, Jan 25, 2023 @ 4pm until Mon, Feb 6, 2023 at 6am in order for teachers to finalize second quarter grades. A copy of your child’s report card will be distributed to students on February 3, 2023, through Panther Time. Saturday, February 4th, 2nd Quarter Report cards will be visible in SIS StudentVue and ParentVue.
Academic Advising
Please visit our school website for more information. Feel free to contact your child's counselor for any questions.
- Students will meet with their counselor individually between January 17 to Feb 28 to enter their course selections in SIS.
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Summer Learning Opportunities: If you have a student planning to explore summer learning opportunities, please visit the FCPS Summer Learning site for more information. Please have your student speak to their counselor about summer learning plans.
Request for Academic Records
If you are moving or transferring to a new school request for student academic records may be directed to the registrar in our Student Services Office. Please call 703-925-3614 or email Andrea Tawil at ajtawil@fcps.edu. There is a 5-day turnaround time, so please plan accordingly. If you want copies mailed, please be sure to provide us with a stamped, addressed envelope. Requests for student medical records also should be directed to the registrar. If you are currently applying to private schools, please follow the instructions listed below to complete the process.
Private School Application Process
Please complete the "Private School Request Form" and the "Parent Consent Form: SS-SE79" and submit them to the Student Service’s Office (You can email Andrea Tawil at ajtawil@fcps.edu) or submit to your counselor. Counselors will be emailing all records to the requested schools via an admissions email OR the school's portal. Please note these requests are due at least 2 weeks prior to the due date.
Please visit our website here for more information regarding required forms and teacher recommendations.
Calling all 8th Graders!
Here is the CPP (College Partnership Program link to the online application: http://tinyurl.com/CPPAPP2023. Students will need to log in to their G Suite account to complete the online application.
Interested 8th graders only should contact Gina Fajardo, CPP Advocate, with any questions or concerns at GPFajardo@fcps.edu
Easy and safe communication between families and school
FCPS has recently approved the use of TalkingPoints, a two-way messaging app that allows parents and caregivers to communicate with teachers and schools. Carson staff members will be starting to use this service to help communicate to all of our families. The app translates messages, so teachers can input messages in English, and parents can respond in their preferred language. TalkingPoints supports 125 languages, making it easier and faster for our FCPS families to connect with their schools. If you need to update your preferred correspondence language, contact our registrar, Lesa Lloyd. For more information, visit the FCPS TalkingPoints webpage
From the Oakton Pyramid-Substance Abuse Prevention
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further Information & support:
Michael McNulty
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
mpmcnulty@fcps.edu
AFTER SCHOOL CORNER
Please click on the link below to view the updated after school schedule. If you have any questions, contact Riley Barrows, rtbarrows1@fcps.edu
RCMS After School Schedule
Spelling Bee
This year, we will use the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s online testing platform to hold our Rachel Carson spelling bee via an online spelling test.
The first step to spelling bee participation for your child is registering for the online testing platform by visiting https://online-test.spellingbee.com
I encourage you to watch this video tutorial that will walk you through the registration process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ThKRsffiFc
The Preliminary Spelling Bee will take place on February 14th during A Block after school in the cafeteria (2:23-3:23). The top 40 scores/students will move on to the School Spelling Bee on February 28th during A Block in the cafeteria.
Our school champion will then move on to represent Rachel Carson in the 2023 Fairfax County Spelling Bee on March 19, 2023, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The County Bee will be an in-person event.
Remember, the first step to spelling bee participation is to register at https://online-test.spellingbee.com.
Sincerely,
Riley Barrows
After School Program Specialist
Rtbarrows1@fcps.edu
Would you like to be a part of the RCMS PTA Family? Members and volunteers are needed.The Carson PTA is sponsoring school events in support and gratitude for our educators and families and kicking off 2 major fundraisers to support our mission statement in support of our students. Parents, please join the PTA fun and participate in our "Name that Tune" contest.
Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications
For the past two years, the federal government has provided no-cost meals to all public school students without the need to complete the annual Free and Reduced-Price Meal application. The extension of the no-cost meals benefit to all students is expected to expire at the end of this school year, meaning families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year. Learn more about the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program online.
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Yearbook Sales
2022-2023 Yearbooks are available for purchase. Reserve your copy today by purchasing through MySchoolBucks!
Link to Purchase: Yearbook Sales - MySchoolbucks
We have a limited number of surplus, once we reach our sales limit yearbooks will be sold out. Sales are on a first come first serve basis. Make payments online to avoid the handling of cash and check.
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If a student will be absent or arriving late to school, parents or guardians should always report the details of the absence to the RCMS Attendance Office. Teachers do not have access to mark a student excused for an absence, which is why it is imperative that parents contact the attendance office (instead of, or in addition to, the teacher) when their child is absent so we can mark them correctly.
To report an absence, parents have these options:
- Use the link to our online attendance form (preferred) from the main page of the RCMS website:
- Send an email with full details to: CarsonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu, or
- Call the attendance line at 703-925-3636 being sure to include the spelling of your student’s last name and reason for the absence.
If your student will be picked up early for an appointment:
Please send them to the front office in the morning with a note stating the time of the dismissal. Students will be given a pass to leave class and meet parents in the office. Parents should come to entrance #1, to the main office, with a photo ID to pick up their student for early dismissals.
For more information on the attendance policies, please visit the RCMS Attendance page.
Here Comes the Bus Mobile App
 Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus® utilizes our GPS data and an easy-to-use customizable map that works on one or multiple devices, such as a tablet or smartphone.
Using the app is EASY! You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and a Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account. Please be sure to follow the detailed instructions at this link. Do Not Use the Student Login or Sign Up links.
If you have problems with the Here Comes the Bus app, please contact the support information within the app itself. Your school has no access to this third-party system.
Other Schools Are Sharing
SOUTH LAKES CHEERLEADING
Calling all rising 9th graders! Interested in trying out for the South Lakes Cheerleading program? If so, please fill out the following online interest form to be added to our email list: https://forms.gle/hVeWZPTPR187AnmX9 Those on our email distribution list will receive information throughout the spring/summer regarding the upcoming season.
A little bit about our program: South Lakes Cheerleading is both a sideline and competitive program. When we are not on the track cheering on the SLHS Football team on game nights, we are practicing for our own District, Region, and State competitions! We have two teams: JV and Varsity that both begin on July 31st and run through early/mid November.
We welcome all levels of experience and hope to meet you soon!
If you have any questions at all feel free to email Coach Slaight at: raslaight@fcps.edu
SOUTH LAKES DANCE TEAM
The South Lakes Dance Team is excited to be holding our 23-24 tryouts from June 20-22! If you are interested in trying out, please fill out this interest form and we will add you to our email list: https://forms.gle/MbkS57BPWUer9tK17. We will be sending out communication about our interest meeting, tryouts, and eligibility requirements through the email list.
The South Lakes Dance Team performs at Football games, Basketball games, pep rallies, and various other school events. We also compete regionally and sometimes even nationally! We love cheering on the Seahawks and promoting school spirit in the community. South Lakes currently has only a Varsity level Dance Team, but we encourage dancers of all skill levels to tryout! We will also be holding a pre-tryout skills clinic on April 13th.
Please email Coach McDermott at chmcdermott@fcps.edu with any questions.
SLHS Seahawk CO-ED Golf Meeting For Rising Freshmen
Is your student-athlete interested in playing for the Seahawk Co-ed Golf Team? Tryouts are projected to begin July 31 and the regular season runs through mid-September. Email Coach Anderson at kanderson3@fcps.edu for more information.
SOUTH LAKES FOOTBALL
Calling all rising 9th graders! Are you:
-Bigger than most people? -Faster than your friends? -Tougher than most others?
If you answered yes to one or more of those questions then we are interested in you trying out for the South Lakes Football Program!
Hurry and fill out the following online interest form to be added to our email list:
https://forms.gle/xbGnwMhDN2M11CPM6
Those on our email distribution list will receive information throughout the spring/summer regarding the upcoming season.
A little bit about our program:
South Lakes Football has three levels in our program; Freshmen, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. Our season officially begins on July 31st, but the JV and Varsity teams are already preparing for our next season and so should you too!
We welcome all levels of experience and hope to meet you soon!
If you have any questions at all feel free to email Coach Hescock at: jrhescock@fcps.edu
SOUTH LAKES GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Calling all rising 9th graders! Interested in trying out for the South Lakes Girls Volleyball program?
For additional questions please email Coach Miller at pmiller@fcps.edu
SOUTH LAKES FIELD HOCKEY
Calling all rising 9th graders! Interested in trying out for the South Lakes Field Hockey program. For additional questions please email Coach Mueller at: almueller@fcps.edu
Who to Contact
If you have a question or concern, please visit our website for a full listing of Who to Contact. This listing includes all of our administrators, our counselors, and who to speak to regarding a specific content area or class. Contact information for all staff members is listed on our website - just click on the name of the person you wish to contact to be redirected to their email address: RCMS Staff Directory.
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