This Week at Frost - May 12, 2023

Important Dates

  • May 9 – 15                                       Spring Book Fair
  • May 11 – 13                                     Spring Musical
  • May 16                                              Reading 7 and 8 SOLs
  • May 18                                              Science 8 SOLs
  • May 23                                              Math SOLs
  • May 25                                              Last Day of the After-School Program
  • May 29                                              NO SCHOOL/Memorial Day
  • May 31                                              SOL Retakes (Reading and Science)
  • June 1                                               SOL Retakes (Math)
  • June 2                                               8th Grade Celebration
  • June 16                                             Last Day of School

 

This Week at Frost....

THANK YOU, PTA and Frost Families!!

TAW1

Teacher appreciation week was amazing!  The generosity and kindness of Frost families were on display all week as you spoiled us with a wonderful taco bar luncheon, gift card draw, admin staff lunches, and gifts for counselors and custodians.  

We are so grateful to you and thank you for making this week so special!

TAW 2

 

 

REMINDER – Reading and Science SOLs Next Week

Please share these great reminders for SOL readiness with your students!  Another reminder – remember to bring a book to read in case you are finished early!

SOLs

 

Get Your Tickets!  Spring Musical Willy Wonka, Jr.

Over 90 Frost students have been working hard both on stage and off stage, and we can’t wait for you to see the show! Performances are today and Saturday and tickets can be purchased here.

More information and a QR code are on this flyer: Wonka Poster Final.pdf

 

Middle School Athletics Coming This Fall

FCPS has designated funding in the budget for 2023-24 for middle school spring and fall athletic activities to support student well-being at no cost to students. Pending budget adoption, this will be the first time FCPS has offered middle school students a chance to participate in extracurricular sports programs. 

Middle schools will start with cross country this fall. Track will follow in spring 2024.

Any middle school students who would like to participate in athletics will need to have a Virginia High School League (VHSL) pre-participation examination (PPE). The physical exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Fairfax County public high schools will offer PPEs at a cost of $50 per student through June 17. Students who receive free or reduced meals are eligible to receive an exam at no cost. Learn more about PPE and middle school athletics.

 

Observance Design Challenge for Middle/High School Students

Design

 

FCPS is looking for middle and high school students to submit artwork to represent the observances on the FCPS school year calendar for 2023-24 (PDF)

The goal of the Observance Design Challenge is to encourage students to tap into their creativity to create visuals that accurately and positively represent the many religious observances celebrated in the FCPS community. Students may also choose to submit a design for Thanksgiving.

Selected entries will be featured on FCPS social media and in newsletters in the next school year! 

See all the submission guidelines and instructions on the FCPS website. Entries will be accepted through June 11, 2023.

 

Frost Students Win Big in Robotics Competition!

Robotics

 

A team of four Frost students qualified to compete at the 2023 Vex Robotics World Championship. The team, Calvin L., Matthew C., Lucas L. and Colin H., took the top award at a qualifying event. The team went on to win the design award at the State Championship, qualifying them for the World Championship.  The World Championship took place in Dallas, Texas where the team competed against 800 teams from around the world.  They finished in the top 25% in skills, top 5% in programming and the 12th highest individual game score in their division out of 400 games.  The competition was attended by competitors from over 40 foreign countries and over 50 states, territories, and Native American nations.  It was a great experience for the students and an exceptional performance for their rookie year!

 

Student Bus Passes

Smartrip

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! Fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year, with the pass. Learn more about the Student Pass online. Complete the application and return it to Student Services.  Paper applications are available in Student Services as well.

Starting this month, the Fairfax Connector has expanded their fare free service to include riders 12 and younger (when accompanied by a paying adult).

 

Moving or Changing Schools?  Please complete the Student Intention Form!

Please complete the attached Student Intention for the Next School Year , and return it to Emily Cheng in the Frost Student Services office, or via email ECheng@fcps.edu if your student is transferring to:

  • Another FCPS school other than Frost or Woodson or boundary HS
  • A private school in Virginia or out of Virginia
  • Another Virginia public school division outside FCPS
  • Another state public school outside of Virginia
  • Out of US

Opportunity to Expunge High School Classes, Algebra Summer Learning Opportunities, and Online Campus Registration

Students enrolled in high school classes during the 22-23 school year (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, World Language Level 1 or 1B) in Middle School have the opportunity to expunge or remove the class from a student’s transcript.  Information regarding the expunge process can be found here.  If a student would like to remove the course from his or her transcript, this form needs to be returned to the school counselor before the end of the first quarter of the 23-24 school year.  The student has the opportunity to retake the course expunged either in the 23-24 school year or over the summer, depending on readiness.

FCSP Online Campus Summer course registration information can be found here. Deadline to register for most courses is June 27th. Students who are currently in 8th grade should remember that they do not have the option to remove from their transcript any courses taken this summer as they are considered high school students. 

  • Summer Online Campus – Algebra 1: This is a course for current middle school students who were enrolled in Algebra this school year and who want to improve their understanding of course content. The grade earned in this course can be used to replace their expunged 22-23 school year grade. No honors credit will be awarded.  The course will run from June 26 to July 27.  Students will meet with their instructors for 1 hour virtually each day and then work independently for the remaining coursework.
  • Credit Recovery – Algebra 1:  Is a course offered in-person to any student who was unsuccessful in earning credit or passing the course in 22-23. Details can be found here.  

Please contact your child’s counselor for more information

Important Information from the School Health Room

The school health room reminds parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later 1230 on Friday, June 16. Medication left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student.

If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s). You can contact Leslie Grottle, SHA at lfgrottle@fcps.edu or 703-426-5710.

 

Tutor.com Offers Live Tutors and Test Prep

Writing help, practice quizzes, and SAT test prep are available to all FCPS students at no cost through Tutor.com. Find out how your child can get these services, in addition to 24/7 live tutoring, through their Schoology account: Elementary School | Middle and High School

 

 

TJHSST

 

Rising 8th Grade Families:  TJHSST Freshman Application Process

Attention rising 8th grade parents/guardians and students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2028 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) beginning on Monday, October 23 (Freshman Round Calendar included below). Please review the TJHSST Freshman Application Process for details about the application process and eligibility.  Some important points about the application process are included below, but it is essential that you review the TJHSST Freshman Application Process if you wish to apply.  Beginning in late August, TJHSST is planning to provide in-person presentations about the application process. Additional information will be sent out about these presentations as soon as it becomes available.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be enrolled in the following courses in grade 8:
    • Algebra 1 Honors or higher level math
    • Honors Science
    • One additional honors course in Social Studies or English, or student is identified as a Young Scholar
  • Minimum GPA is 3.5. This GPA is for final unweighted marks in 7th grade for math, science, English, social studies and World Language (if for high school credit) as well as 1st quarter 8th grade for the same subjects. At the completion of 7th grade, should have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher in order to be eligible to apply. It is highly unlikely that 1st quarter 8th grade marks will elevate a GPA lower than 3.5 at the end of 7th grade to a qualifying GPA.Click here to learn about GPA calculation.
Summer Learning

Summer Fun and Learning!

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI)

Registration has opened for the 2023 Summer Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI). The program will take place at TJHSST and is open to all FCPS middle school students. Participation in MSTI does not mean a student is accepted into TJHSST.

Institute for the Arts Camp

IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.

Career and Technical Education

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM); culinary; health; trades; and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

SoCo Summer Strings

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings (formally Stallion Summer Strings) is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 10th-21st from 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. 

Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1st-June 9th so sign up soon!

Woodson/West Springfield Baseball Camp

W.T.Woodson and West Springfield High Schools are operating a summer baseball camp for players age 7 to 15 from June 19 - June 30.  Please click on the flyer, below, for more information, fees, registration links and points of contact.

Woodson-WS High School Prep Camp Flyer 2023_.pdf

Annandale Summer Sports Camps

Looking for fun activities for your child this summer? Annandale High School is offering a variety of summer camps this year for current elementary and middle school students led by our own Annandale coaches. Help spread the word to friends, family and neighbors!

Registration for all camps can be found HERE. See descriptions of the various camps below. More information can be found at AnnandaleAtoms.net

Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp, and they should bring a snack and a water bottle each day. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to “Annandale Athletic Boosters”. Payment is due on the first day of camp. 

If you have any questions, please email Brandon Sutphin, Director of Student Activities, at basutphin@fcps.edu.

Multi-Sport Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 20-23 ($120): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win prizes! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.

 Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 26-29 ($120): This exciting camp features team activities including soccer, volleyball, basketball, touch football, and relay races. Campers will also get a chance to compete and earn medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 8:30am-3:00pm. Register Here.

For questions about Multi-Sport or Olympics Camps, please reach out to Christopher Bagot, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at cabagot@fcps.edu.

Basketball - Rising 4th-9th Graders - July 10-14 ($250): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a report card on their basketball abilities, a t-shirt, and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. Register Here.

For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy, Camp Director and Varsity Coach, at jjmcavoy@fcps.edu

Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse - Rising K-9th Grade - July 10-14, July 17-21, & July 24-28 ($120/week): For new athletes and those who have been playing for years, camp will be a fun-filled day of training, group competition, and surprise activities. Campers should bring their lunch each day except Friday when lunch will be provided. Hours are 8:00am-3:00pm. Register Here.

For questions about Girls Field Hockey/Lacrosse Camp please reach out to Janan Gokturk, Camp Director and Assistant Varsity Coach, at jahawthorne@fcps.edu

 

Woodson Pyramid News

Little Shop of Horrors has Taken Root at Woodson High School!

LSH

 

The Little Shop of Horrors (music by Alan Menken, of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast fame) is a musical that centers on a hapless flower shop worker, Seymour, and his new exotic plant that happens to have a...particular diet. The mere presence of the plant in the window quickly brings traffic to the small shop, and the owner, Mushnik, promotes Seymour because of it. Seymour even finally catches the interest of Audrey, his coworker who's been stuck in a relationship with a sadistic dentist, Orin. All, it seems, because of the plant. But the plant's appetite continues to grow and grow.

May 12th – 7pm

May 14th – 7pm

Frost students can use the special code “FcpsStudent” for $5 tickets on either May 12th or May 14th!

NOTE: This play may not be considered appropriate for students under 10 - contains mild language, violence and mild suggestive themes.

 

Family Resources

Get to Know FCPS and Resources Available to Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) — This Fairfax County Government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families — FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Engagement Resources — FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
  • Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

 

Office of the Ombuds:  At Your Service!

Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.

Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, at ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!

 

Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.

FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).) 

The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.

Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu

 

How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com

FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families during the 2022-23 school year. Student participation is optional, and parents/guardians can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Detailed information and FAQs are available on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services website.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu.

 

Helpful Resources

  1. https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/26/covid-19-updates-new-vaccine-option-baby-vaccine-data-1-million-vaccines/Free hotspot and internet for families with students who receive free and/or reduced-price meals or Fairfax County services.
  2. 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click here to learn more about 988.
  3. Locations to receive recommended child and adolescent immunizations are available throughout the Fairfax Health District, including at many pharmacies and groceries that have pharmacies. Please click here to find a location near you.
  1. Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends and Supports Webinar (recording). Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports.
  1. Healthy Minds Fairfax has a 1-pager on how to know when your child may have a mental health concern and where to get help.

 

Contacts/School Information

Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702

Attendance Email: frostmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu

Attendance Online Submission: https://frostms.fcps.edu/about-us/attendance-form

Heath Room: 703-426-5710

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

Interim Principal: Marti Jo Jackson  mjjackson@fcps.edu

Assistant Principals:

Director of Student Services: Danielle Hornbecker dshornbecker@fcps.edu

Counselors:

Frost MS Website

Frost MS PTA Homepage

2022-2023 School Year FCPS Calendar

2022-2023 FMS Blue/Gray School Calendar

FMS Bell Schedule

Schoology

SIS ParentVUE Account Access

Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information