Mustang Weekly, February 24, 2023

Dear Mustang Community-

Your Views and Opinions Are Important to Us!

On Monday, March 13, South County Middle School parents/guardians will be contacted through email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form Online. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include instructional leadership, school climate, management (human resources and organizational), communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism.

The questionnaire will be collected online between March 13 and March 24. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your opinions matter!

Peter Kownacki

Principal

South County Middle School

703-690-5500

@pakownacki


Mark Your Calendar

Dates to Remember

February 28 - PTSO Meeting

March 8 - SEL Screener

March 16 - South County Information Session on Drugs and Alcohol

 

News Show, February 24, 2023


horsecard

CONGRATULATIONS

To our Horse Card Winners this week:  A. Myres, S. Marshet, B. Fullerton, A. Mirza, A. Zahn, & Y. Nofal.


Weekly Math SOL Reviews

Students have recently started completing weekly SOL Review assignments for their math classes. Here is some key information for you to support your student at home:

  • Students are permitted to use their notes, slides and information posted in Schoology, Mathspace textbook and practice questions, and other resources used in class. They may also use tutor.com to access support outside of school on these assignments. Students may also ask for teacher support in seminar or after school office hours. They may not collaborate with other students.
  • Each review will count as a formative assignment, and will be included within the weekly homework time guidelines for students.
  • Reviews open each Monday at 7:00 am and are due every Sunday at 11:59 pm. These assignments are in Mathspace.
  • Students who do not show understanding of content will be reviewing questions during class and/or during seminar time.
  • More detailed information was given to students during class and is posted in their math Schoology course.

Please check with your student and reach out to your student’s math teacher with any questions!


mustang meet up

Beginning in March, SCMS will host monthly “Mustang Meet-Up” celebrations during learning seminar. Mustang Meet-Up is an incentivized time for students who exhibit HORSE traits by arriving to all classes on time and consistently demonstrate positive choices.


math support

Does your student need extra math support or help with homework? Beginning Monday, February 27th, an afterschool math support group will be held every Monday and Thursday from 2:30-3:30 in Mrs. Briggs’ classroom. Please reach out to Libby Briggs with questions- lgbriggs@fcps.edu


Spotlight on Trauma & Coping

It is February, a time when the recognition and promotion of the contributions and resilience of African Americans are celebrated. Historical trauma is critical in the understanding of 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 when carried into adulthood manifests in many ways, with the possibility of creating cycles of adverse experiences that could affect future generations.

Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are more important than ever post-COVID. During the height of the pandemic there were heightened feelings of unsafety and struggle 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 safe secure feelings. 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:

  1. Developing healthy relationships (internal and external support)
  2. Teaching self-regulation skills
  3. Encouragement
  4. Increasing self-esteem
  5. Promoting independence and strength
  6. Modeling healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations
  7. 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:

Catric W. Marshall, MSMHC., LRIC., CCC

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

cwhaleymarsh@fcps.edu


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