Olde Creek Weekly Update
Important Upcoming Dates
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 - 4:00
March 21: Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall at Lake Braddock Secondary
March 23: Religious/Cultural Observance-Ramadan
March 27: Woodson Pyramid Art Show - 6:00-8:00PM - Door 3, CAV Hall
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 17-20: Get2Green Earth Week 2023
April 19: Military Child Day - Purple Up! Day
April 20: Kindergarten Orientation - 4:00PM Cafeteria
April 21: No School/Religious/Cultural Observance-Eid al Fitr
April 24-28: Spring Book Fair
April 27: Family Engagement Night/Book Fair Late Night - 6:00PM
April 28: PTA Family Heritage Night
New This Week
1. Bingo Night is Tonight!
2. Calendar Reminder: Daylight Saving Time
3. Read Across America Continues
4. Ramadan
5. Opioid Awareness Meeting
6. Salad Bar Returns March 17
7. Overtime Athletics Summer Camp at OCES!
8. SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
9. Equity Book Club & C.U.B Club
10. Woodson Pyramid Art Show
11. Lost & Found
12. FCPS Purple Up!
13. Career Shares in April
14. Family Engagement Night - April 27
15. PTA News
16. FCPS News
17. Review Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
18. Spotlight on Trauma & Coping
Reminders
19. Woodson FanQuest on March 11
20. Joint Braddock and Springfield District School Board Town Hall
21. Recognitions & Celebrations
22. SOL Schedule
23. Olde Creek Opportunities
24. Kindergarten Registration
25. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
26. Bears in the Spotlight
27. OC Staff Shout-outs
28. Yearbooks Now on Sale
29. Contacts
30. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
1. Bingo Night is Tonight! 6:30-8:00PM
We hope you will be able to join us for our PTA Bingo Night tonight!
This is not a drop-off event. An adult must be present.
Price List:
$5 per reusable BINGO board
$2 candy
$1 bottle of water
$1 bag of chips
For more information, visit the PTA website.
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2. Calendar Reminder: Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 12, at 2:00 AM, Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
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3. Read Across America Continues
Olde Creek will celebrate Read Across America throughout the month of March!
 Check out Olde Creek's Reading Bingo board below!
4. Ramadan
This year, the first day of Ramadan is Wednesday, March 22. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year, a time for spiritual discipline for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Mohammed. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids.
Ramadan begins with a half “O Day” on March 22, followed by an O Day on March 23. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. Half O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete 2022-23 School Year Calendar.
Olde Creek recognizes that many families in our community will be celebrating Ramadan. The library will be available for any student who will be fasting and we have rooms throughout the day allocated for praying. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s teachers if your student will need to use either of these spaces.
5. Opioid Awareness Meeting: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community
Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities. Fairfax Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School.
Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department, in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.Watch the video and learn more on our website. Register for the March 13 event.
6. Our Salad Bar is Returning March 17
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!
7. Overtime Athletics Summer Camp at OCES!
See below for the flyer about camps at Olde Creek this summer!
Registration Link: https://otamanage.azurewebsites.net/office/nova
 
8. Olde Creek SCA and Girl Scout Pop Tab Collection
For more information, see the flyer that went home last week in Friday Folders!
9. Equity Book Club & C.U.B Club
Olde Creek is excited for our 3rd Equity Book Club & C.U.B. Club!
- WHO: Equity Book Club for grades K-2 & C.U.B. Club for grades 3-6.
- WHAT: Reading- "Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You." Considering- "How can we help create a safe/equitable community?"
- WHEN: Tuesday, March 28th from 3:15-4:15
- Please complete this Google Form to indicate if your student(s) will be participating.
The first 40 families to register will receive a free copy of the book, registration closes on 3/24.
10. Woodson Pyramid Art Show - March 27
11. Lost and Found
Is your child missing any items? Please encourage your child to look for missing items or feel free to stop by and check out our lost and found in the cafeteria. Over spring break, all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.
12. FCPS Purple Up!
April is the Month of the Military Child, an opportunity to celebrate the over 14,000 military-connected youth enrolled in FCPS! Virginia’s Purple Up! Day is Wednesday, April 19.
Please help us turn FCPS purple for one day in recognition of our military-connected youth’s service and sacrifices. The FCPS Purple Up! t-shirt is available for order now through March 16 here!
13. Career Shares in April
We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers that would be willing to create a 10-15 minute video for guidance shares during the month of April. In this video you will share your knowledge and expertise relating to your career. Feel free to answer the following questions as a guideline for your video response.
- What is your career/job?
- What education or training is helpful/required for your job?
- What are the joys and challenges of your work?
- What would be the highlights of a typical day if a student were to shadow you?
- What brought you to this occupation? Who and/or what were your inspirations?
- What did you want to be or do when you were in elementary school?
Please contact Jeanna Squif at jmsquif@fcps.edu if you are interested for more info on how you can share about your career!
14. 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.
15. PTA News & Updates
Family Dinner Nights
The following Family Dinner Night will be March 21st at &Pizza in Fair City Mall from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Olde Creek PTA.
Spiritwear
16. 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.
17. Review Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.
FCPS emailed the survey link to all parents and caregivers on Monday, March 6. Please check your email, if you haven't had a chance to take the survey yet. If you are a community member who does not have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
18. Spotlight on Trauma and Coping
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 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:
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:
De’Ja Ruffin, MSW
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
dsmcneil@fcps.edu
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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!
27. 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!
28. 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.
29. 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
30. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
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