The Clearview Community Connect

The Clearview Community Connect

Volume 2, Issue 8; February 24, 2023

Stronger Together

To view a translated version of our newsletter, click here and select your preferred language. 

Para ver una versión traducida de nuestro boletín de noticias, haga clic aquí y seleccione su idioma preferido.


Dear Clearview Families,  

Thank you to students and families who were able to join us for all of the active learning opportunities Family Fitness Night had to offer and to those of you who volunteered your talents. Thank you to the Clearview Family Engagement Committee for an incredible Family Fitness Night!  We welcome your feedback and ideas for next year as we plan more Family Engagement opportunities.

Fitness night

Family Fitness Night was a great success!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or compliments you may have. If you have seen a Clearview staff member going above and beyond, fill out an FCPS Cares here.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

Stephanie Almquist         Joshua Redford            Rachel Charlton  

Principal                          Assistant Principal        Assistant Principal



Clearview Mascot Naming Contest

Clearview Mascot

What will our mascot's name be? Help us decide by casting your vote here!Click to edit this placeholder text.



Parent Coffee, February 28

Today there is a lot of pressure to look a certain way or be up to the standards of social media Likes and Followers. Please join us to discuss social media pressure on body image and the relationship to eating disorders. Our youth face this pressure every day and, more than ever, it’s a topic that we need to learn more about so we can best support health and wellness. This Parent Coffee will be presented by our School Psychologist, Christine Bilodeau.

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Thank You Bus Drivers and Attendants

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Wednesday was School Bus Driver Appreciation Day (and we appreciate our drivers and attendants every day)! Special thanks to students, parents, teachers, and staff for finding unique ways to thank our bus drivers and attendants for keeping students safe.



Kindergarten Registration

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process outlined for parents looking to register their child for kindergarten:

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after spring break. Please make sure your child is in school every day until vacation starts. Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning. Visit our website for more attendance resources



Share Your Thoughts with Us!

What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.



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. February is Black History Month.

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National School Social Work Week, March 5-10

Elementary School Social Workers provide the full range of social work services to schools, enabling students to achieve optimal learning.  They perform specialized social work in an educational setting and systematically collect, analyze, synthesize, and interpret information necessary to guide services such as counseling, referrals to community-based services, consultation, intervention planning, social work evaluation in the education setting, and much, much more. Please contact Clearview’s School Social Worker, Shayna Sargent, with any questions you may have.



Public Schools Week, February 27-March 3

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Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.



National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids

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Equity in Education Month

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)—in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association—observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. 



Disability Awareness Month 

In March people throughout the United States will celebrate Disability Awareness Month. On February 26, 1987 President Ronald Reagan officially declared the month of March as National Disabilities Awareness Month.  We strive for all of us to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives and recognize the significant accomplishments those with disabilities have made throughout the world .



National Reading Month

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March is National Reading Month. The month kicks off with National Read Across America Day on March 2, where children, teachers, parents/caregivers, and community members around the nation come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading.  On March 2, Clearview is having a special school spirit day to celebrate the beginning of National Reading Month.  Join us to celebrate!

-Dress like your favorite book character. You do not need to buy a costume! Use your imagination and what you have at your house (with permission from your parent/guardian).  No weapons or face coverings (other than masks to prevent spread of illness) please.

-Bring a book with your favorite character to school or checking it out from the school library to share with your friends.



Celebrating Arts in Our Schools

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he Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety.

The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

  • Problem solving
  • Creativity
  • Observation
  • Communication

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. 

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.



Webinars and Events for Parents

FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars and in-person events in March:

  • IEP Updates: A Webinar for Families: Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m. The Department of Special Services will provide resources for families including an overview of the FCPS Special Education Enhancement Plan, and updated policies and procedures.
  • Neurodiversity at Middle School: Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m. Kristen Haynor, a neurodiversity specialist, will share strategies on setting your child up for success (no matter how their brain functions), advocating for your child, and collaborating with your child’s school.

Click on the titles above to register.



Daylight Saving Time, March 12

Sunday, March 12, at 2am, Daylight Saving Time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. 

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Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run or dart into the street or cross between parked cars.



Tech Talk

Tutor.com for Test Prep

Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website.

Family Media Agreement

A family media agreement is an agreed family plan about how you, as a family, will deal with computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, e-readers and any other digital devices that are in your family's life.

Here is a sample agreement for you to consider bringing into your family life: 

Parenting in a digital age

Parenting in the digital age can present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, technology and the internet provide access to vast amounts of information and resources, making it easier for parents to support their children's education and well-being. On the other hand, the constantly connected nature of digital devices can also raise concerns about screen time, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Balancing the benefits and risks of technology use is an ongoing challenge for many parents in the digital age, here are some video resources that may help.



Save the date

February 28 Parent Coffee, 9 AM, Cafeteria- Eating Disorders

March 2 2-hour early dismissal &

Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character Day

March 3 No school/Professional Workday

March 12 Daylight Saving Time 

March 15 PTA Meeting, 7pm

March 21 Parent Coffee, 9AM, Cafeteria

April 3-8 No school (Spring Break)

April 13 Clearview Staff vs 6th Grade Basketball Game, Herndon MS

April 14 No school/Professional Workday (Orthodox Good Friday) &

Kindergarten Orientation, 10am- 12pm 

April 19 PTA Meeting, 7pm

April 20 Family Science Night/Silent Auction

April 21 No school (Eid Al-Fitr)

May 4 Band & Strings Concert

May 17 PTA Meeting, 7pm

May 29 No school (Memorial Day)

June 13 Field Day

June 16 2-hour early dismissal, Last Day of School

June 17-August 20 No school (Summer Break)

August 21 First Day of School

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.



PTA

Mark your calendars 

  • Fri., March 3: Last day to order spirit wear (link to online order form)
  • Wed. March 15: PTA Meeting at 7 p.m. in the library and on Zoom (link will be posted on PTBoard)
  • Thurs., April 27: Springo, our spring bingo event

Spirit wear is back

Not only are the popular black hoodies and rainbow and yellow tie-dyes back, but we’ve added black performance-wear t-shirts and gray hoodies! Visit https://clearview23.itemorder.com or complete the Tuesday Folder form. Mark your calendars because Friday, March 3 is the last day to place an order!

 

Consider joining the PTA Board

We are now starting the process for electing the next PTA Board for the 2023-24 school year. Here’s what you need to know:

 We have six roles to fill and each one serves for a one-year term:

  • President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Vice President of Fundraising
  • Vice President of Programs
  • President-Elect

Curious about the responsibilities for each role? Wondering about time commitments? You can read the descriptions in the nomination forms (links to English and Spanish versions). Or you can ask any current board member. Or you can ask Amana Katora at ackatora@gmail.com.

Nominations are due by Friday, April 7. You can nominate yourself, a friend, or a family member by completing a form (links to English and Spanish versions). Email your completed form to Amana Katora at ackatora@gmail.com.

What happens next:

  • We will be making nomination announcements at the April PTA meeting.
  • The election of new officers will be conducted at the May PTA meeting.
  • The current and new boards will transition in June before summer break.

 


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