Spring Hill ES Panther Press

A Note from Principal Eck


Dear Spring Hill Families,

With March comes Spring and that means it is time to change our clocks. This Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., 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. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

Earlier this week, our 6th graders had a wonderful field trip to the National Art Gallery. They were so happy as they got on the bus to go see all the wonderful exhibitions and beautiful works of art. 

Have a great weekend!


Fun Fair Spirit Week

Join the fun and celebrate school spirit.

Mellow Monday – March 13 – Wear comfy clothes/PJs

Team Tuesday – March 14 – Wear your favorite jersey

Wacky Hair Wednesday – March 15

Twinning Thursday – March 16 – Dress like a friend

Friday – March 17 – Spring Hill Spirit Day – show your Panther Pride!


Testing Updates

Grades K 3-6

Spring SEL screener testing window (Grades 3-6) is now open through March 24th Click here for the notification of testing letter.

VDOE and FCPS require schools to deliver screening and progress monitoring assessments multiple times per year to evaluate school readiness, measure student growth, and inform student intervention/supports. A summary of spring expectations is provided here by grade range.

Grades 1:

Ability Testing

All first grade students will participate in Naglieri testing March 7th-March 9th. Please contact your child's teacher for exact dates. Here is more information regarding the Naglieri testing.

Grades 3-6: 

  • IReady (Reading/Math):April 11-May 19. Click here for more information regarding the iReady.
  • Spring SOL's (May 1 - May 26). Click here for more information.
  • Spring Hill will be administering the SOL's on the following below dates. Please note this is slightly different than the previously published schedule. We wanted to give our students a little extra time to continue to learn prior to these very important tests.

SOL Schedule 2023

Yearbook Sales

Don’t miss your opportunity to have your panther memories for years to come.  Please be aware we will not be ordering extra yearbooks, so if you want one, order now! 

Yearbook Ordering link:  https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/

Yearbook ID Code: 12616523

Direct link: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/LookupJob?jobNumber=12616523

yearbook

Salad Bar is Back - March 15

salad bar

Starting Wednesday, March 15, the Spring Hill Cafeteria will feature a salad bar as another option for student lunches! To learn more about the salad bar, please click here


Kindergarten and New Student Registrations for 2023-24 Now Underway

We are now accepting kindergarten registrations! Students must be 5 years old by September 30th, 2023. 

If you know anyone who has a rising kindergartener (or 1st-6th student who will attend Spring Hill Elementary), please encourage them to begin registration as soon as possible. Notifying our office of your intent to register or complete registration helps our school secure staffing for the upcoming school year.

If you would like to register your child, begin your Kindergarten and New Student Registration today or contact our Student Information Assistant (SIA), Ms. Kim at 703-506-3400 to schedule an appointment.


Family Nutrition Tip of the Week: Boost Brain Health

Eating a brain-boosting diet is important for optimal brain development and function. It also has a significant impact on mood and mental health. Here are some of the best foods to eat to support brain health:

  • Salmon - omega-3 fatty acids improve blood flow to the brain and improve cognition
  • Dark chocolate - flavonoids may support memory and learning
  • Nuts - vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals
  • Leafy greens - vitamin K and folate protect against cognitive decline and dementia
  • Berries - antioxidants stimulate blood and oxygen flow to the brain and boost concentration

Kinder

A Message from PTO


Get your Passport to Fun Fair! 

Saturday, March 18 from 10 am to 2 pm

If you are new to Spring Hill, now is a GREAT time to learn all the "Fun Fair 411" Check out our robust website to have all your questions answered! 

TICKETS: Online ticket sales have closed. In-person pre sales will be at the following times and locations: 

  • Before school Monday to Friday (3/13-3/17) at the main entrance
  • After school Monday to Thursday (3/13-3/16) outside at Door 7 (walker door by the larger playground area) *no after school sales on Friday March 17th*

We will accept cash, check (must be made out to "Spring Hill PTO") and credit cards.

Tickets purchased online will be delivered to your student on Tuesday, March 14th (check their backpacks!).

RAFFLE: Check out our amazing raffle prizes here! Simply write your name and phone number on any purchased ticket, drop it in the box for the prize of your choice, and hope Principal Eck draws your ticket! to Fun

Can't come to Fun Fair? You can still win! Buy tickets next week during presales and drop them in one of the five available raffle boxes: IPad, Xbox, American Girl Doll, Hoverboard, and Slushie Maker. See the tickets section above for times and location of presales.

CANDY CLOCK: Want to rock around our Candy Clock? Please consider donating candy wreaths and necklaces to be used as prizes. 15 FREE Fun Fair tickets to all families that contribute 2 or more items! Please use only WRAPPED, NUT-FREE CANDY for your craft. You do not need to include your name on your donation. Deliver all completed wreaths and necklaces to the cafeteria stage before school March 13-March 17Click here for more info!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Help wanted! No experience needed! Thinking of attending the March 30th SHES Staff Basketball Game? Fun Fair volunteers receive (1) FREE ticket! You can find more information about adult and student volunteer opportunities here


FCPS Parent Resource Center


Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain

Scientists have long recognized that getting enough sleep during childhood can benefit developing brains. Join us for this series on the importance of sleep and the developing brain.

Webinar Highlights:

  • Define sleep and understand the importance of sleep for children’s healthy development
  • Provide an overview of the sleep and wake cycle
  • Identify common sleep concerns and sleep disorders in children and adolescents and how to approach them
  • Illustrate the consequences of insufficient sleep 
  • Recognize some developmental aspects affecting sleep in children and adolescents 

Part 1: March 14, 2023 10-11:30 a.m. 

Part 2: March 28, 2023 10-11:30 a.m, 

Presented by Dr. Shu Buckley, Director of the Sleep Disorders and Neurodevelopment Consult Service at National Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Concepcion Zayas, child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Sleep Disorders and Neurodevelopment Consult Service at National Institute of Mental Health.

Register for Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep and the Developing Brain


Important Dates

March 18 - Fun Fair 

March 27 - K-3 Principal's Coffee (9-10:30 AM)

March 28 - 3rd Grade Music Showcase

March 29 - 4th - 6th Principal's Coffee (9-10:30 AM)

March 30 - Staff Basketball Game

April 3-7 - Spring Break

April 13 - Kindergarten Registration (2:30-3:30 PM)

April 14 - Student Holiday