Spring Hill ES Panther Press

A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Spring Hill Families,

While we always have something to celebrate here at Spring Hill, this week we are excited to celebrate Ms. Jenny Strandlund and Ms. Katie Patel, who were among several amazing staff members nominated as Spring Hill's FCPS Outstanding Employee Award recipients. Nomination packets went on for consideration at the pyramid level, which included nominees from each of the schools in the Langley Pyramid. We are proud to announce that Ms. Strandlund won in the FCPS Outstanding Teacher and Ms. Patel won the FCPS New Teacher for the Langley Pyramid! Their names now move forward to Region 1. Congratulations to both. We are so proud of you. 

Speaking of celebrating, have you check out our features page on the Spring Hill Website. We’ve been capturing and posting lots of candid and awesome moments of school events that are occurring during our school day.

Have a great weekend!


Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account

Interested in ways to support your child's self-esteem and strengthen relationships?  Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children!


Tutor.com - Extra Help for Students at No Cost to Families 


With Tutor.com through Schoology, FCPS students are able to get learning help at any time, even from bilingual tutors! Students in FCPS meet with tutors thousands of times each week to practice reading, prepare for an upcoming math test, write computer programs, study for the SAT, or to get feedback on scholarship essays–all at no cost to their families! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child. More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here. 


Kindergarten and New Student Registrations for 2023-24 Now Underway

We are now accepting kindergarten registrations! Students must be 5 years old by September 30th, 2023. 

If you know anyone who has a rising kindergartener (or 1st-6th student who will attend Spring Hill Elementary), please encourage them to begin registration as soon as possible. Notifying our office of your intent to register or complete registration helps our school secure staffing for the upcoming school year.

If you would like to register your child, begin your Kindergarten and New Student Registration today or contact our Student Information Assistant (SIA), Ms. Kim at 703-506-3400 to schedule an appointment.


Phones and Smart Watches

Parents, please help us in reminding your child that during the school day phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. The only time that they may be out for use, is if a teacher has approved them to be used for instructional purposes.


Family Nutrition Tip of the Week: Eat Heart-Healthy

It's National Heart Health Month! One of the most important ways we can support our heart is through nutrition. Following these evidenced-based diet strategies will help you keep your heart health on track.

  • Help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by reducing saturated fat intake with low-fat dairy, unprocessed lean meats, seafood, quinoa, tofu, and beans, and by increasing fiber intake with whole grain products, oatmeal, brown rice, and plenty of vegetables and fruits
  • Keep blood pressure under control by avoiding pre-packaged and prepared foods and selecting products labeled low sodium or no salt added
  • Limit added sugars, refined carbohydrates and fried foods to reduce your risk of chronic inflammation
  • Consume healthy fats like salmon, avocados, olive oil, and nuts/seeds to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower triglycerides

A Message from PTO


Bid from the Heart Online Auction - ENDS @ 10PM, SATURDAY!

Here's your last chance to get in on the fantastic array of items offered through our online auction. Spring Hill families, relatives and friends are all invited to participate. There's something for everyone:

- Kids Camps in sports, art, chess, dance and more

- Family adventures like climbing, ziplining, and skiing

- Unique teacher experiences with our very own Spring Hill staff, such as breakfasts, movies, museums, and karaoke parties

- Restaurant gift cards

- House listing for any seller looking to save $$$ on commission fees

What are you waiting for? Remember to log in and bid before 10pm on Saturday, February 4th when the auction closes. Happy bidding!

 

Family Bingo Night is Almost Here - Friday, February 10th

Buy your tickets now to secure your spot at this fantastic, fun family event! There will be BINGO games, dinner, dancing, prizes, and more. Tickets will be limited and are first come, first served.

WHEN: Friday, February 10th from 6:00pm – 8:30pm.  

WHERE: Spring Hill Elementary School Cafeteria

WHO: This family-friendly FUNdraising event is open to the entire school community!

WHAT: BINGO!  Bingo is a simple and fun game for all ages.  Prizes will be awarded for each round.  Also, expect dancing and surprise guests!

HOW: Tickets and dinners must be purchased in advance. The cost is $10 per person and includes 1 BINGO game board. An optional prepaid dinner is available for $7 per person and includes a Chick-Fil-A entrée, chips, water, and cookies. Want to increase your odds of winning? Extra game boards are also available for $5 each or 3 for $10.

Please visit the BINGO NIGHT page on the PTO Website for more information and to purchase tickets for this fun event. (NO tickets will be sold the night of the event.)

Treat our Staff on Valentine’s Day!

This Valentine’s Day, give your teachers what they really want…a special treat from their sweet admirers! For $5, you can sponsor a SHE staff member and the Staff Appreciation Committee will use the funds to provide special treats for our beloved Spring Hill Staff on Valentine’s Day. Visit the PTO website for more information on how you can put your heart on display this Valentine's Day! Sign up by by Friday, February 10.


FCPS Parent Resource Center


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

February 10 - Bingo Night

February 20 - George Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day 

March 2 - Two-Hour Early Release

March 3 - Student Holiday/Professional Workday

March 18 - Fun Fair 

March 30 - Staff Basketball Game

April 13 - Kindergarten Registration (2:30-3:30 PM)