 Dear Parents and Families,
This week, I had the opportunity to visit several elementary schools meeting our incoming 7th grade Panthers. The visits were full of wonderful questions and energy that brought me so much joy throughout this week, confirming our dedication to building relationships and challenging students to reach their full academic potential.
In honor of SRO appreciation day which was March 15th , we want to formally say “THANK YOU OFFICER SWARTZ” for all that you do here at Stone Middle School building relationships and supporting the safety of students and staff. We appreciate you and are grateful to have you here as a member of our Stone family.
Wednesday, February 22nd is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Our Stone Leadership students are planning to celebrate our drivers in the afternoon of the 22nd. If your student is a bus rider please remind them to thank their bus driver for keeping them safe each and every day.
February 27- March 3 is Public Schools Week which is an annual celebration of school leaders, educators, parents and community leaders to honor the importance of our nation’s public schools. Here at Stone Middle School we welcome every student to our building and believe in celebrating their strengths. Thank you to all of our dedicated staff members serving our students with compassion and joy every day.
Congratulations to two of our Stone staff members who will represent the Westfield Pyramid in FCPS outstanding employee recognition program. Please wish these staff members well as they move on the region level of outstanding employee awards.
Ashley Candeletti - Westfield Pyramid’s Outstanding New Teacher
Alison Costanza - Westfield Pyramid’s Outstanding School-Based Employee
Throughout the month of February, Stone has celebrated Black History in several ways from our morning announcements to our classroom door decoration contest. Our students were asked to compete for a chance to be a part of our first ever Black History Trivia Bowl. For the past couple of weeks, students were provided trivia study guides and asked to complete several google quizzes. Those top scores will be the contestants in our trivia bowl. The bowl will take place during a panther block and live streamed through the building so that their peers can cheer them on. Congratulations to the following students who will be this year’s contestants!
7th Grade: Sara D., Nour A, Ryan A., Sophia B., & Natalie M. (alternate)
8th Grade: Amy G., Ivana C., Brayden L., & Jordan J.
In honor of President’s Day, our students will not have school on Monday. Enjoy the long weekend, we welcome students back into the building on Tuesday, February 21st!
Sincerely,
Sonya Williams
Principal
Calendar Reminder
 As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Como recordatorio, todas las escuelas y oficinas permanecerán cerradas el lunes, 20 de Febrero por el feriado del Día de los Presidentes. Más información sobre el Día de los Presidentes en Britannica.com. Las clases se reanudarán el martes, 21 de Febrero. Vea el calendario completo del año escolar 2022-23.
After School Program Reminders
There will be no After School Program on Friday, February 24.
Stone at Liberty Basketball Game - The first set of games in our basketball series takes place this Friday night at Liberty Middle School. Come watch our all-star students play in three separate mini games: girls game, JV boys and varsity boys. Game time is 6:30pm and doors open at 6pm. Tickets to the event are $5. The Liberty PTA will be selling concessions at the game, too!
Message from Westfield Pyramid Substance Abuse Specialist
It is February and a time when the recognition and promotion of the resilience and contributions of African Americans is celebrated. Historical trauma is critical to understanding black mental health. African Americans have always thrived through the connection of family. There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations.
Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are more important than ever in post-COVID. During the height of the pandemic there were heightened feelings of unsafety, struggles with increased time spent in stressful family environments. Earlier ACEs studies highlighted traumatic events in the household as primary factors leading to future substance abuse, misuse, and lack of feeling safe and secure. Current ACEs studies have expanded the categories of traumatic events to include experiences such as exposure to racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. Effective coping skills or a brilliant strategy increases levels of resilience and feelings of wellbeing.
Coping strategies include:
- Developing healthy relationships (internal and external support)
- Teaching self-regulation skills
- Encouragement
- Increasing self-esteem
- Promoting independence and strength
- Modeling healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations
- Early intervention and mental health care
Resources:
Why Historical Trauma is Critical to Understanding Black Mental Health
Addressing Childhood Trauma Starts with Family Support
Violence Prevention
ACEs and Minorities
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:
Stacey King, MSW, M.Ed
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
SAKing@fcps.edu
Curriculum Night Feedback
Thank you to all parents who attended our Curriculum Night presentation on Thursday, February 9th.
To help with our planning for next year, please complete this short feedback form.
School-Zone Speed Camera Pilot Program Launched
Fairfax County has launched a speed camera pilot program targeting several school zones where speeding is common. Speed cameras have been installed in the following locations:
- Chesterbrook Elementary School
- Irving Middle School
- Key Middle School
- London Towne Elementary School
- Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
- South County Middle School
- Terraset Elementary School
- West Springfield High School
An additional school zone speed camera near Oakton High School will be installed. Thank you to Fairfax County for helping to ensure we’re all more safe as we travel to and from school!
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 2023-24 School Year Calendar
- Tutors Needed!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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