Olde Creek Weekly Update
 Important Upcoming Dates
February 6-10: National School Counseling Week
February 13: 100th Day of School
February 15: Woodson Pyramid Virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night - 7:00PM
February 20: Presidents Day - No School
February 21: Woodson Math Enrichment Session (2nd & 3rd Graders)
February 24: Woodson’s International Night - 5:00-9:00PM
February 28: PTA Family Dinner Night - Hamrock’s
March 1: Principals’ Walking Club - 8:00AM
March 2: 2 Hour Early Release - 1:15PM
March 3: Student Holiday - School Planning Day
New This Week
1. Calendar Reminder: Presidents Day
2. Olde Creek Cultural Shares in Counseling
3. Eating Disorder Awareness and Resources
4. Woodson Pyramid Virtual Pyramid Substance Use Education Night
5. Yearbooks Now on Sale
6. IEPs and IEP Progress Reports in ParentVue
7. SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
8. Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
9. Special Education Enhancement Plan
10. FCPS News
Reminders
11. Black History Month
12. Bears in the Spotlight
13. OC Staff Shout-outs
14. Our PTA Needs You in 2023-24!
15. Tutor.com
16. Woodson’s International Night
17. Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
18. Reading Fitness Quest
19. Contacts
20. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
2. Olde Creek Cultural Shares in Counseling
We are celebrating our wonderfully diverse cultures during the month of March. I would like to invite you and/or your child to share your culture during our 30-minute grade level classroom lesson during the week of March 13th. Presentations can be virtual or in person. Some ideas to share include:
- Special celebrations/customs/dress
- Cultural history (age appropriate)
- Music/dance/arts/games
- Pictures/artifacts
- Maps/flags
We thank you in advance for supporting diversity at Olde Creek Elementary and look forward to learning about your wonderful culture. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me by email at Jeanna Squif: jmsquif@fpcs.edu. I would be happy to coordinate a time for you to share. Thank you for your support!
3. Eating Disorder Awareness and Resources
The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2, requires Virginia public schools to provide, on an annual basis, parent educational information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades five through twelve. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022):
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
FCPS has created a webpage, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, containing detailed information and resources about eating disorders.
4. Woodson Pyramid Virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night
 Use this link to RSVP or scan the QR code above.
5. Olde Creek Yearbooks Now on Sale!
It’s time to order your copy of the 2022-23 Olde Creek Yearbook. Order early and reserve your copy for $16 at this website: www.strawbridge.net.
School Code: YB26259
For more information, view the yearbook flyer here.
6. Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and IEP Progress Reports in ParentVue
Parents are now able to view their students’ individualized education program (IEP) and IEP Progress Report in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue web app. To set up your ParentVue account, visit the SIS ParentVue information page. Please use a strong, unique password to protect your child’s information. IEP documents are not delivered via the SIS ParentVue mobile phone app.
Once logged into SIS ParentVue, click on the “IEP Documents” tab to view your child’s current IEP and the most recent IEP Progress Report. If you do not see the most recent IEP or IEP Progress Report in ParentVue, please contact Mr. Lizardo Santos in our main office.
We will continue to provide copies of IEPs and IEP Progress Reports via hard copy.
7. Olde Creek SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
For more information, see the flyer that went home last week in Friday Folders!
8. Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult, but vital, for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive.
There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for.
Common values to develop in healthy relationships include:
- honesty
- reciprocity
- effort
- respect
- safety & security
- laughter
- acceptance
- healthy boundaries
- unconditional love
- friendship
- non-judgmental
As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe.
Resources:
Healthy Relationships
Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support:
De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), MSW
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
dsmcneil@fcps.edu
9. FCPS Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.
10. FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Building and Renovation Plans
- Upcoming Webinars for Parents/Caregivers
- Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
- Academy Open Houses
- Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
11. Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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12. Bears in the Spotlight
We continue to highlight the incredible things our Bears are doing outside of school on our News Show segment titled Bears in the Spotlight! If your student is interested in sharing their skills and talents, please complete this Google form. Examples can include pictures or videos from their games, playing instruments, cooking, singing, etc. We can’t wait to feature our OC Bears on the News Show!
13. OC Staff Shout-outs
Our Olde Creek staff is outstanding and we are grateful for all they do every day! We want to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our teachers and staff during the 2022-23 school year. If your family would like to give a shout out to an OC staff member, please complete this survey. We recognize our staff in our weekly staff messages, on the morning news, and at staff meetings. Our students have also been sharing great stories and experiences to highlight the exceptional work of our staff.
FCPS CARES
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Olde Creek. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
14. Our PTA Needs You in 2023-24!
As the end of another school year approaches, students are not the only ones moving on. Parents that have been key leaders are also moving onto other places and responsibilities. The OCES PTA plans and funds events like the Halloween Howl, Laps for Learning and the Sock Hop, to name a few. Our PTA buys books, playground equipment, classroom supplies, helps pay for field trips and more!
See this flyer for more information about how to get involed during the 2023-2024 school year!
15. 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.
16. Woodson 2023 International Night
17. Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Wednesday March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, 2023. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Informational Nights:
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 13, 2023, at 6:00PM - In-person
- Snow date: February 21, 2023, at 6:00PM
- Bailey’s Upper, February 15, 2023, at 6:00PM - Virtual only
- Bailey’s Primary, February 16, 2023, at 6:00PM - In person
- Snow date: February 23, 2023, at 6:00PM
Click this link for additional information.
18. Reading Fitness Quest
If your family needs an incentive to stay active and practice reading don’t forget about Olde Creek’s Reading Fitness Quest! Your child can earn 1 point each day (school day or not!) that they read for 20 minutes AND log any type of physical activity for 20 minutes. Both reading and exercise should be done in a single day for a point. The reading and exercising must be done before school, after school (this includes SACC, jump rope club, etc.), on weekends and holidays. The reading needs to be beyond regular daily homework assignments. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The exercise should be heart healthy. Examples of heart healthy exercises are jump rope, jogging, swimming, biking, soccer, and basketball. You or another adult should sign and date a box for each day your child reads and exercises for 20 minutes.
Yellow papers went home in Friday Folders to get your child started with the first 50 days of Reading Fitness Quest. When your child completes the first 50 days, return the paper to Mrs. Chapman or Ms. Alonso for the next paper. Prizes are awarded as students finish each level of Reading Fitness Quest.
They are as follows:
50 points (one sheet) you will earn a white ribbon
100 points (two sheets) you will earn a red ribbon
150 points (three sheets) you will earn a blue ribbon
200 points (four sheets) you will earn a trophy
We will discuss Reading Fitness Quest further in PE classes this week and please reach out to Mrs. Chapman (emchapman@fcps.edu) or Ms. Alonso (amalonso@fcps.edu) with any questions. Reading Fitness Quest will run through May 17, 2023 with that being the last day to turn in any completed sheets! Have fun!
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19. Contacts
Olde Creek Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-3192
Olde Creek Attendance mailbox: OldeCreekElem.Attendance@fcps.edu
Technology Support for Families/Parent Help Desk: 1-833-921-3277
Parent Information Phone Lines/Support for parents who do not speak English as their first language: Parent Information Phone Lines
Parent and Student technology support: IT Support Portal
Melissa Miller, Principal, mhmiller@fcps.edu
Alison Butler, Assistant Principal, ajbutler@fcps.edu
Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal, sjkaminsky@fcps.edu
Sylvia Alverson, Administrative Assistant, sjalverson@fcps.edu
Ann Platenkamp, Administrative Assistant, amplatenkamp@fcps.edu
Lizardo Santos, Student Information Assistant, LISantos@fcps.edu
Sandy McCulloch, Office Assistant, slmcculloch@fcps.edu
Maria Ruiz, Family Liaison, miriuiz@fcps.edu
20. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
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