Olde Creek Weekly Update
 Olde Creek Bears celebrated Read Across America Day by having a Read-In and wearing pajamas!
Important Upcoming Dates
March 7: Spring Pictures - Class & Individual
March 8: Jump Rope Performance (Grades 1-3) - 4:00PM Gym
March 8: PTA Meeting - 6:30PM (Virtual)
March 9: Jump Rope Performance (Grades 4-6) - 4:00PM Gym
March 10: PTA Bingo Night - 6:30-8:00PM
March 12: Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
March 17: Salad Bar returns
March 21: PTA Family Dinner Night - &Pizza - 4:00PM
March 23: Religious/Cultural Observance - Ramadan
April 3-7: Spring Break
April 12: Principal’s Walking Club - 8:00AM
April 13: End of the Third Quarter - 2 Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 1:15PM)
April 13: Religious/Cultural Observance - Last Day of Passover
April 14: No School/Teacher Workday/ Religious/Cultural Observance -Orthodox Good Friday
April 20: Kindergarten Orientation - 4:00PM Cafeteria
April 20: AAP Local Level IV Orientation - 5:00PM
April 21: No School/Religious/Cultural Observance - Eid al Fitr
April 27: Family Engagement Night - 6:00PM
 Thank you to the Woodson Environmental Club who came out and worked with some of the members of the Green Team this week!
New This Week
1. Message from Mrs. Miller
2. Read Across America
3. PTA Meeting - March 8
4. Our Salad Bar is Returning!
5. Green Team Updates
6. Family Engagement Night
7. SOL Schedule
8. National School Social Work Week
9. Recognitions & Celebrations
10. Woodson FanQuest on March 11
11. FCPS News
12. PTA News & Updates
13. Joint Braddock and Springfield District School Board Town Hall
Reminders
14. Olde Creek Opportunities
15. Kindergarten Registration
16. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
17. SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
18. Bears in the Spotlight
19. OC Staff Shout-outs
20. Yearbooks Now on Sale
21. Tutor.com
22. Reading Fitness Quest
23. Contacts
24. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
1. Message from Mrs. Miller
Dear Olde Creek Families and Friends,
Even though this was a short week for our students, it was a busy one! We kicked off our month-long love of literacy on Read Across America Day. Our Bears enjoyed being in their pajamas for the read-in with their stuffed animals! Throughout the month, students will participate in reading activities that reflect our diverse community of readers and have opportunities to engage in Reading Bingo to win small prizes and be a part of a raffle to win class books. Please see below for additional information.
Our Bears came out strong to our Principal’s Walking Club this week! We enjoy starting our day together by moving and chatting about the day ahead. Ask your student if they would like to join us next month on April 12 at 8:00AM!
We hope you will be able to join us for our PTA meeting this week. PTA Bingo Night is on Friday and we can’t wait for a fun night with our families!
Our Best,
Melissa Miller, Principal
Alison Butler, Assistant Principal
Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal
2. Read Across America
Olde Creek will celebrate Read Across America throughout the month of March!
 Check out Olde Creek's Reading Bingo board below!
3. PTA Meeting - March 8
Last month during our PTA meeting, our reading specialist provided literacy updates with our families. This month we are thrilled to have Kim Saunders, our math resource teacher, joining us. She will be providing some math updates and explaining Math Recovery. Math Recovery provides dynamic professional development which impacts the way professional educators think about student numeracy learning. Educators learn to design, implement, and analyze mathematics instruction based on individual student learning. Research based diagnostic assessments, learning progressions, and high quality instructional tools help teachers increase student understanding and achievement.
We are excited to share that members of our staff at Olde Creek are trained, or are currently attending training, in Math Recovery. Come learn how Math Recovery assessments and instructional tools help guide our planning and support your child’s growth in mathematics.
4. Our Salad Bar is Returning!
Have you heard…..the salad bar is returning! Beginning March 17, we will have our salad bar back. This will be an adjustment for our students, and we are looking for a few parent volunteers to help the first couple of days. Please click on this link to volunteer.
School salad bars provide access to critical nutrition – fresh whole fruits and vegetables as well as quality protein sources – that are a huge step in ensuring students are well-nourished and supporting them to be eager and active learners. Students will “practice” salad bar etiquette and new procedures for the lunch line before the salad bar opens. You can view the following flier and video with your student in preparation for March 17.
Please review the Salad Bar Rules and expectations on the flier attached here: The Salad Bar!
Watch the Salad Bar Video - Salad Bar Video!
5. Green Team Updates
During the month of February, The Green Team had a special guest speaker from NOAA to expand our understanding of our world of water. Mr. Scott Lundgren, the Director of the Office of Response and Restoration, works with a team of scientists who are dedicated to protecting our coastal resources. Students were able to see how their own conservation efforts could apply in a professional setting. Throughout Mr. Lundgren's presentation, students were able to make some great connections to things they have learned about in classrooms, such as the water cycle and water conservation. The Green Team has been continuing our water saving efforts by hanging posters around the school and by creating video skits to show in classrooms and on the news show. Next week, Green Team members will begin to visit all classrooms to discuss the importance of water conservation, model for students how to save water, and provide each classroom with a water saving poster.
6. Family Engagement Night - April 27
 Join us on Thursday, April 27 from 6 – 8pm for Family Engagement Night! Families will experience hands-on learning in innovation, math, and reading while incorporating Portrait of a Graduate Attributes.
7. SOL Schedule
As you plan for upcoming appointments, we want to be sure you have our SOL dates. We encourage you to schedule appointments and any absences that can be avoided with these dates in mind.
3rd Grade: Reading - May 5; Math - May 12
4th Grade: Reading - May 4; Math - May 11
5th Grade: Reading - May 2; Math - May 9; Science - May 16
6th Grade: Reading - May 3; Math - May 17
8. National School Social Work Week-March 5-10
Hello Olde Creek families. Two school social workers support students and families at Olde Creek. We are Kim Close-Jensen (ksclosejense@fcps.edu) and Maggie Seneca (maseneca1@fcps.edu). We are part of the clinical team that includes the school counselor and school psychologist. We all work together to meet the social and emotional needs of the students at Olde Creek. For us, this often includes meeting with students individually or in groups. Sometimes students need help with peer interactions, anxiety, grief and loss, or managing their feelings. We can help students learn and practice strategies that can address their needs. As social workers, we want to support the whole child which may include collaborating with families and other community partners. Our goal is not to solve problems, but to empower students and families to be problem solvers. We love the students and families at Olde Creek and love being part of this learning community!
9. Recognitions & Celebrations
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 to 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.
Disability Awareness Month
In March, people throughout the United States will celebrate Disability Awareness Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of this history year-round, and the celebration of Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness month are opportunities to honor these diverse and important stories.
10. Woodson FanQuest on March 11th
Join us on Saturday, March 11th for FanQuest, our Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament at Woodson High School. Come out and watch Woodson’s Unified team play Robinson Secondary School!
5:30PM - Doors open for a Tailgate
6:45PM - Pregame Activities
7:00PM - Opening Ceremony and Tipoff between the Woodson Unified Cavaliers and the Robinson Rams in the Red Jenkins Gymnasium.
Join us for a night of spirited fun, celebrating our Special Olympics athletes and peers!
At the tailgate before the game, there will be moon bounces, carnival games, and prizes! During the game, look for a variety of TV timeout games and performances including one by Woodson’s dance team!
The event is FREE! But, bring cash for the 50/50 Raffle, concessions (including Jake’s Ice Cream), and t-shirts.
It’s going to be Out of This World! Our galactic FanQuest shirts will be for sale for $10 the week leading up to the event during all school lunches and at FanQuest.
For more information, click here.
11. 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.
12. PTA News & Updates
The next PTA meeting is scheduled for March 8th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The link to join the meeting will be emailed out in the morning of March 8th.
Interested in joining the PTA Board? Please consider the role First Vice President (currently titled President-Elect) or Treasurer.
Family Dinner Nights
Our next Family Dinner Night will be February 28th at Hamrock's from 4:00PM to 8:00PM in Fairfax City. Proceeds benefit the Olde Creek PTA.
The following Family Dinner Night will be March 21st at &Pizza in Fair City Mall from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Proceeds benefit the Olde Creek PTA.
BINGO Night: March 10th
We are very excited to announce that we have a volunteer to lead BINGO Night! BINGO Night will be March 10th from 6:30PM to 8:00PM in the Olde Creek Cafeteria.
This is NOT a drop-off event. An adult must be present. Cash will be accepted at the event, but pre-paying for BINGO cards and concessions is preferred.
Volunteers Needed! Please sign-up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BA5AE23AAFC1-olde
The BINGO cards will be reusable. You may purchase additional cards, but each participating child will only need one card.
Buy BINGO Cards and Concessions
For more information, please see the flyer that was sent home in Friday folders today!
Family Heritage Night: April 28th
Plans are in the works for Family Heritage Night, but we need volunteers to help organize the event. Family Heritage Night is scheduled for April 28th. Please email board@oldecreekpta.com if you would be willing to join the committee.
13. Joint Braddock and Springfield District School Board Town Hall
 Join Springfield District Representative Laura Jane Cohen, Braddock District Representative Megan McLaughlin, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and Student Representative to the School Board Michele Togbe for a town hall. All Braddock and Springfield District parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members are welcome. We hope to see you there!
When: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 7:00-8:30PM
Where: Lake Braddock Secondary School (Little Theater), 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
*If American Sign Language or language interpretation is needed, please submit your request by 5:00PM on Friday, March 10, 2023.
14. Olde Creek Opportunities
Olde Creek is looking for energetic family members, friends, grandparents, or adult siblings, who may be looking for an opportunity to join our Olde Creek Elementary staff. Olde Creek is a positive work environment, and we are ready to fill the following opportunities with members of our community. Applicants must be 18 or older.
Site-Based Substitutes
Hourly 8:00AM - 3:30PM, Monday-Friday, $24.86 per Hour
Are you or somebody you know interested in working as a substitute with FCPS? FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants! We are looking for a site-based substitute to work at Olde Creek five days a week. You will find information about the application process here. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Miller, mhmiller@fcps.edu or at 703-426-3100. Please also send your resume directly to Mrs. Miller, principal, mhmiller@fcps.edu. To sign up for an information session, please visit our substitute information page here. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
Student Monitors
Hourly 8:00AM - 3:30PM, Monday-Friday, $16.36 per Hour
Description
Provides supervision of students throughout the school day, including but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials, and at arrival/dismissal; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; operates technology; performs administrative and non-instructional duties; ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; works with individual and small groups of students.
Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience is equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable managing student behaviors in large and small groups, ensuring all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed, and have general familiarity/skills with basic office technology in support of teachers, students, and the classroom.
Please pass this information along to anyone you may know. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Butler, ajbutler@fcps.edu or at 703-426-3100.
15. Kindergarten Registration
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:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
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.
16. 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.
17. Olde Creek SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
For more information, see the linked flyer!
18. 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!
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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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23. 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
24. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
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