Volume 2, Issue 12; March 24, 2023
Stronger Together
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Dear Clearview Families,
Thank you for sending your children to Clearview each day well rested and ready to learn! Spring is the perfect time of year to review expectations at home and at school since students are ready for additional responsibilities as they are a tiny bit older than they were in the fall. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity!
 Celebrating reading month with a guest reader, Mrs. Fortner, who read Shel Silverstein poems in Ms. Bletsh's 1st grade class!
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 WONDERFUL weekend!
Stephanie Almquist Joshua Redford Rachel Charlton
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Spring Break COVID Test Kit Distribution
If your family is planning to travel or attend large gatherings during spring break, and you would like to ensure your child is healthy before returning to school, please contact us at (703)708-6000 to obtain a test kit in advance of spring break. Please note, testing is NOT required for students to return to school after break. However, you may want to test your student if they are symptomatic or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kindergarten Registration
It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
Clearview’s Kindergarten Registration event will be on Friday, April 14 at 10 am to 12 pm. We hope you will be able to join us. Please contact Nalei Meneses, Student Information Assistant, with questions. |
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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.
Ramadan
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This year, the first day of Ramadan was 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 began 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.
Summer Rec-PAC, June 26-August 3
Registration is open for Rec-PAC! Spaces are filling up fast so click here to register. Register early and save! If you receive Free/Reduced Lunch or would like to find out more about financial help for this program, please contact Gaby or Karen Webb at Clearview.
Build Your Experience while Supporting Clearview ES
If you ever wanted to help at your child’s school, but weren’t sure how, here is your opportunity! Our school health room is in need of a parent or parents as volunteer on the last week of school, from June 14th thru June 16th, 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in helping one or all three days, please reach out to our school health aide, Ms. Stephanie Andrade at sandraderodr@fcps.edu (703) 708-6010 or our public health nurse, Erlin Paredes at eparedesizag@fcps.edu (571) 536-8764. Health Room management training will be provided by the Fairfax county health department, date/time: TBD.
Update Your Emergency Care Information Through weCare@school
Fairfax County Public Schools provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system, to parents/caregivers who have registered for their own parent account. weCare helps manage emergency medical information by allowing parents to enter and update their children’s medical data online at their convenience. That contact information automatically enrolls parents/caregivers to receive eNotify communications from the district and their child’s school. eNotify is the communications tool for FCPS emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closing and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent via email, text, and occasionally phone.
Learn more about updating your emergency care information.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
According to a recent study of elementary and middle schools, there’s a 5.8% difference between April and June attendance rates. Let's work together to end the school year successfully! Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Spirit Night Fundraiser
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You are invited to North Point Village Center Chick-fil-A on Friday, March 24, 7AM-9 PM! Support our PTA by placing a mobile pick-up, mobile drive-thru, mobile curbside, or mobile delivery order. Make sure to include “Clearview Elementary School Spirit Event” in the special instructions when ordering. |
If you don’t have the app, please mention the “Clearview Elementary School Spirit Event” when you place your order in the store or drive-thru.
An incredible 25% of sales will go to Clearview PTA in support of the 6th grade party!
Substitutes Needed at Clearview
Please contact Kerry Buss if you would like to serve as a substitute here at Clearview. We have two substitute Instructional Assistant vacancies in our Preschool Autism Classroom through the remainder of the school year and daily substitute teacher and Instructional Assistant vacancies, grades PreK-6. Serving as a substitute is a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children while giving back to the community.
April is the Month of the Military Child!
Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. |
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We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.
School Library Month
April 4 is National School Librarian Day! We are grateful for Clearview’s Library Team: Librarian, Mrs. Kari Kain and Librarian Assistant, Ms.LaKisha Batts.
Theravada New Year is Celebrated April 6
In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, April is the month of celebration. It marks the end of the lunisolar calendar and the beginning of another, just like January 1 for most people in the world, and is why this holiday is termed the Theravada New Year. |
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The Theravada New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration.
Easter is Celebrated on April 9
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Christians around the world celebrate Easter. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who they believe to be the son of God.
Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids.
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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm students with autism. |
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National Assistant Principals Week is April 1-5!
Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success.
Clearview is fortunate to have not one, but two assistant principals: Mr. Joshua Redford and Ms. Rachel Charlton.
Good Friday is Observed on April 7
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Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.
Read more at Britannica.com.
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Passover is Celebrated April 5-13
Many Jewish communities around the world celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. |
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Many Jewish families eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery.
Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids.
April 16 is Orthodox Easter
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Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Easter Day on April 16 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who they believe to be the son of God.
Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids.
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 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.
March 24 PTA Spirit Night, Chick-fil-A at North Point Village
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 18 PTA Meeting, 7pm Herndon/Reston Community Center & Zoom
April 20 Family Science Night/Silent Auction
April 21 No school (Eid Al-Fitr)
April 27 SPRINGO (Spring BINGO)
May 4 Band & Strings Concert
May 17 PTA Meeting, 7pm
May 29 No school (Memorial Day)
June 6 Field Day
June 7 Field Day Rain Date
June 13 6th Grade Party
June 15 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony
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.
 Mark your calendars
- Tues., April 18: PTA Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Herndon Resource Community Center and on Zoom (link will be posted on PTBoard)
- Thurs., April 27: Springo, our spring bingo event in the Clearview cafeteria
April’s PTA meeting: New day of the week! New time! New location!
We’re trying something new for our April member meeting. We're gathering at Cornerstone’s Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden Street, in the Dulles Park Shopping Center) on Tuesday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. Our agenda includes a guest speaker who will share important updates about changes to health insurance coverage through Medicaid. And refreshments will be served! If you can’t make it in person, please join us via Zoom.
Come play bingo on Thursday, April 27
Mark your calendars because bingo is back! Our “Springo” event will include several rounds of bingo, fun prizes from local businesses, a food truck, and a bake sale. Bus transportation will be available. Watch for Tuesday folder flyers with more details about pre-ordering bingo cards and opportunities to volunteer at the event. Proceeds from bingo card sales will go toward Staff Appreciation Week and funds raised from the bake sale will go toward the sixth grade year-end celebration.
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Consider joining the PTA Board
We are now starting the process for electing the next PTA Board for the 2023-24 school year. We are a fun group of parents who want to make a difference for all Clearview students and staff. And we are ready to answer your questions!
"I may be interested. What are the open roles?"
While we hope some of our current board members return (because passing down knowledge is always a good thing), we do need these five roles filed for the 2023-24 school year:
- President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Vice President of Fundraising
- Vice President of Programs
"I’m really busy. I just don’t know if I have time for the PTA Board."
We completely understand. This year’s PTA board members are all working parents with full-time jobs. From August to May, we meet once a month (at a well-known local gathering spot!) for a board meeting with the administration team, then we host the monthly PTA meeting. If you want to know more about the additional tasks each of us does for our individual roles, send us an email at ClearviewElementaryPTA@gmail.com.
"I don’t know if I have the right skill set to be a PTA Board member."
We are a team with lots of different skills who enjoy working together. The most important qualification is a desire to do something good for the Clearview community!
"Okay, I’m in (or I'll kindly “volun-tell” a family member). What’s the next step?"
Nominations are due by Friday, April 7. You can nominate yourself (or family member!) by completing the short form with a checklist of positions (link to English and Spanish versions). Snap a picture of your completed form and send it to Amana Katora at ackatora@gmail.com.
What happens next:
- We will make nomination announcements at the April 18 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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Supporting our 6th graders
It’s a Clearview tradition to have a sixth grade celebration at the end of the year as students say goodbye to elementary school and hello to middle school! Due to the pandemic, this year’s sixth graders missed out one some special rites-of-passage, so we want to make sure they have an extra-special celebration on June 13. The party is a self-funded event, which means you’ll start to see our sixth graders (and their families) raise money through spirit nights, bake sales, and other initiatives. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to the cause, you can use this online donation form or send in a check payable to Clearview Elementary PTA and a note that it’s for the sixth grade celebration. Thanks for your special support!
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