Volume 2, Issue 13; March 31, 2023
Stronger Together
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Dear Clearview Families,
Spring Break is a time for rest and renewal. We wish you a peaceful spring break with time to enjoy family and friends and the beautiful cherry blossom trees all around our area.
 Warm weather brings the biggest smiles
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 break!
Stephanie Almquist Joshua Redford Rachel Charlton
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Welcome Ms. Jennifer Riddle
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Ms. Jennifer Riddle is pursuing a graduate Music Education Licensure Certificate from George Mason University and is excited to be student teaching alongside Ms. Theresa Tomko at Clearview! Jennifer started playing the trumpet in 4th grade at Hunters Woods Elementary School in Reston. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance. She performs with local ensembles including the National Concert Band of America and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra. Please give Ms. Riddle a warm Clearview Welcome when you see her! |
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.
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.
Does Your Child Qualify for PreK or Early Head Start?
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start Programs provide a quality preschool experience with no cost to qualifying families who live in Fairfax County. Your family may qualify for preK or Early Head Start if you:
- Have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30,
- Receive free or reduced-price school meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Income, and/or are considered homeless per definition of the McKinney Vento Act, or
- Receive resources such as from a shelter and/or the FCPS homeless liaison office.
Though many families may qualify, spaces are limited. Selection is based on need, not “first come, first serve”, with pre-K priority given to 4 year olds. It is important for all families to apply as soon as possible.
Early Head Start is for children 2 years of age and younger, and pregnant women who live in the Reston, Herndon, and Springfield areas.
Visit the Pre-K and Early Head Start webpage for more information, or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Parent Coffee, April 18 at 9:00 am.
Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and INOVA Healthy Plate will be joining us to teach us all about healthy food choices at home. Please join us to learn about fun, healthy meals and snacks.
Also, we will take a gallery walk through the hallways of Clearview to showcase student artwork. Clearview students are so talented and creative and we can’t wait for you to see the efforts of their hard work.
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.
 Register Now for Special Education Conference
The FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29. Registration is now open on the event website for this virtual event. Guest speakers have been added to the website along with the topics they will address. Interpretation can be requested during registration. Registrants who need language assistance can contact the Parent Information Phone Lines.
Nominations are still open for First-Class Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students in all facets of education. Please complete this form to nominate an individual by Friday, April 14. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
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.
Classroom Monitors Needed at Clearview
Classroom Monitors provide supervision of students throughout the school day to include but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal; help maintain a positive and safe learning environment; perform some administrative and non- instructional duties; and work with individual and small groups of students. Serving as a monitor is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference! This is an hourly position paid at $16.36 per hour.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please call or email Mr. Joshua Redford, Assistant Principal and apply on-line.
Substitutes Needed at Clearview
We are always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers and instructional assistants need to be out of the classroom. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference! Substitute instructional assistant pay is $16.59 per hour and substitute teacher pay is $18.50 per hour.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please call or email Kerry Buss, Office Assistant, and apply on-line. Also, you can sign up for a virtual, one hour substitute information session here.
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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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. 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 |
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April 19 is Purple Up! Day when we wear purple to honor the service and sacrifice of our military families.
National Arab American Heritage Month
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FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. |
The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS
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.
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.
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.
Theravada New Year is Celebrated April 6
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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. |
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.
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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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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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.
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 Parent Coffee, 9:00 am, Clearview Cafeteria
PTA Meeting, 6:30 pm Cornerstone’s Herndon
Neighborhood Resource Center & Zoom
April 19 K-6 Spring Pictures
Purple Up! Day in honor of military families
April 20 Preschool Spring Pictures
STEAM Night/ Art Show
April 21 No school (Eid Al-Fitr)
April 25 AAP IV Center Orientation, 5:30pm, Clearview Cafeteria
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 Herndon Resource Community Center and on Zoom (link will be posted on PTBoard)
- Thurs., April 27: Springo, our spring bingo event
- Sat., May 13: Save the date for the annual Clearview 5-K and Fun Run
April’s PTA meeting: New day of the week! New time! New location!
We’re trying something new for our April member meeting. We will be gathering at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center’s Room C (1086 Elden Street, next to Dona Azucena/Cell Depot 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. Pre-order your bingo cards here. And consider signing up to volunteer at the event here. 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.
- 5:15 & 5:45 p.m.: Buses depart from the Berkdale Apartments
- 5:30 p.m.: Food truck starts serving food
- 6:00 p.m.: Doors open
- 6:30 p.m.: First game begins
- 7:45 & 8:00 p.m.: Buses depart from Clearview
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Last call: Please consider joining the PTA Board
We need to elect 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.
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
How much time is involved?
From August to May, the PTA Board meets 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.
What’s the next step?
Nominations are due by Friday, April 7. You can nominate yourself, a friend, or a family member by completing a form (link to English and Spanish versions). Email your completed form to Amana Katora at ackatora@gmail.com.
- We will make nomination announcements at the Tuesday, 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 sixth graders
It’s a Clearview tradition to have a sixth grade celebration at the end of the year! 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 our sixth graders (and their families) are raising 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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