Kindness Rock Garden Ground Breaking Sat., Sept. 9th, 2-4pm in front of White Oaks near the Little Library and big tree
Seeking artists and gardeners of all levels, no experience necessary. Please join us in the official opening of White Oaks’ memorial kindness garden. The Kindness Rock Garden is available for students and families to enjoy. Kindness rocks are painted rocks that are decorated with positive and uplifting messages. Paint a rock to spread kindness and help our garden grow. Take a rock to spread kindness. Or just enjoy the messages as you walk by.
A special thank you to the donors and volunteers including Silverbook Nursery, WOES families & friends.
________
Join us for our first PTA meeting of the year. Tue., Sept. 12th, 7pm via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84320727171?pwd=Z1Bibm5HdFFsQVVXMXRYZjNjcGExUT09 Meeting ID: 843 2072 7171 ll Passcode: WO2023
_________
Wanted: WatchDogs Mon., Sept. 18th, 6-7.30pm WO Cafeteria Kids and Pizza Night with their WatchDog (Dad/Mom/Adult). Meet other WatchDogs, and find out about volunteer opportunities at White Oaks.
___________
Register for Chess Club by Sept. 20 Thursdays, 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. Fall Session: Sept. 21 - Jan. 18
Register at: https://chessctr.org/whiteoaks
For everyone in grades 2 - 6 interested in learning and playing chess
▪ All levels welcome! Beginners and advanced players!
▪ Chess Club meets every Thursday after school in the cafeteria (Chess club will not be
held on any days the school is closed or there is early release).
▪ $135/semester (includes one club T-shirt per year and snacks)
A limited number of scholarships will be provided.
For more information, email:
|
AAP Parent Information Night
Please join our Advanced Academic Resource Teachers Susan Lattuca and Dana Harlan for an AAP Information Night on Monday, October 23rd from 6:00 -7:30 in the White Oaks Library. They will discuss the levels of AAP services, the screening process, and answer your AAP questions. Hope to see you there! Questions? Contact our AARTs, Susan Lattuca (salattuca@fcps.edu) and Dana Harlan (daharlan@fcps.edu). Not able to make it? No problem! We will post the slides from the presentation on the White Oaks AAP site.
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)
Elementary Continuum of Services Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners. FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students.
Through the continuum, students have:
• Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
• A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning. Teachers, Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs), and school administrators work together to provide the following levels of service at the elementary level: Access to Rigor, Grades K-6 (Level I) All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
• All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons.
• Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Access to Rigor is for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.
Screening for Advanced Academic Program Services (Level 4 Services)
Multiple data points are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom. No pieces of the data are weighted in the holistic screening process.
Eligibility decisions for subject-specific advanced differentiation and part-time services are made by a committee at the local school, and screening is ongoing throughout the school year. To refer for subject-specific advanced differentiation and part-time services, submit the AAP School-Based Referral Form to the AART at the local school.
Eligibility decisions for full-time services are made by the countywide central selection committee. Screening for full-time services occurs during specific screening cycles:
• Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January. The fall screening referral window is from the first day of school - October 15.• Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student. The spring screening referral window is from the first day of school - December 15.
Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral for your student in Grades 2-7. Referrals submitted after the full-time services referral windows noted above will not be accepted. Referral forms for all advanced academic program services are found here.
For more information, please visit the AAP website.
Ability Testing
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration of the holistic screening process for advanced academic services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process.
• All students in Grade 1 take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).
• All students in Grade 2 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).
• NNAT and/or CogAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score during the regularly scheduled testing windows.
Parents or guardians may request a one-time retest of either the CogAT or the NNAT in grades 3-6. Requests must be made during the fall testing windows. Please contact the school testing coordinator, Dana Chen (dlchen@fcps.edu), no later than September 15 to request the CogAT or October 15 for the NNAT.
Advanced Academic Programs in Middle and High School
Advanced Academic Programs in Middle and High School Middle School AAP Advanced coursework at the middle school level is open enrollment. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one Honors course each school year in an area of strength and/or interest.
The registration form for Chorus is now open! Chorus is a singing ensemble! It is a great opportunity for students to enrich their lives through music! The registration form is full of information regarding what we do in Chorus, rehearsals, concert dates, and more! We hope that you will join us this year! Registration is DUE by Thursday, Sept. 14th!
Registration form link: https://forms.gle/LD1pVB4JsU69jiS4A
SEL Screener Parent Notification and Updates
FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.
The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students.
Key updates to the screener this year include:
- Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12.
- Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning.
- Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.
Results are mailed home to families after each screening. Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVue.
For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact us at [XXXXX].
Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey. For more information about the Youth Survey, see the Fairfax County Youth Survey site.
Actualización del Cuestionario sobre el Aprendizaje Socioemocional
FCPS está comprometido a apoyar el bienestar mental de todos los estudiantes. El Examen de Aprendizaje Social-Emocional (SEL) ayuda a nuestros estudiantes a compartir sus perspectivas en cómo sus escuelas y comunidades los apoyan y los ayudan a desarrollar las habilidades que necesitan para tener éxito.
Se ofrece a todos los estudiantes de 3º a 12º grado tanto en otoño como en la primavera. Aborda habilidades como la consecución de objetivos, la comprensión y gestión de las emociones, el establecimiento y mantenimiento de relaciones con adultos y compañeros, y la toma de decisiones responsables. Los alumnos también indican hasta qué punto la escuela y la comunidad consiguen que se sientan valorados, incluidos y apoyados. Los datos del cuestionario se utilizan para planificar programas para la división, las escuelas y los estudiantes.
Entre las actualizaciones principales del cuestionario de este año se incluyen:
- Diferentes versiones para estudiantes en los grados 3-5 y 6-12.
- Menos temas con más preguntas para proporcionar a las escuelas y familias más datos para apoyar la planificación.
- Preguntas adicionales alineadas con el compromiso de FCPS a la equidad educativa.
Los resultados se envían por correo a las familias después de cada cuestionario. Las familias que deseen excluir a sus hijos pueden hacerlo completando el formulario de exclusión en el paquete de Notificación Anual o en SIS ParentVue.
Para obtener más información, por favor visite la página web del Cuestionario sobre el Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL) o póngase en contacto con la escuela de su hijo. Tenga en cuenta que el Cuestionario (SEL) es diferente a la Encuesta Juvenil anónima del Condado de Fairfax. Para obtener más información sobre la Encuesta Juvenil, visite el sitio de la Encuesta Juvenil del Condado de Fairfax.
Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:
-
Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
-
Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
-
Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on:
- Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
- Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
- Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
- Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
- The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.
Paper forms can be signed and returned to school.
The Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations
Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.
Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form. To access that form, click Online Packets in the top right of the screen after logging in to SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account by contacting Marti Lee at 703-923-1400.
Statewide Outbreak of Meningococcal
One of the required immunizations for students entering 7th and 12th grade is the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). The Virginia Department of Health is currently tracking a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease. MenACWY can provide protection against the bacteria responsible for this outbreak.
Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of immunization clinics or contact your family’s healthcare provider. Appointments are required for most clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. Get more information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation.
La Importancia de Tener las Vacunas al DíaLas vacunas son obligatorias para entrar en la escuela pública y ayudan a mantener a los estudiantes protegidos de enfermedades graves. Aunque la vacuna COVID-19 no es obligatoria, muchas otras vacunas sí lo son. Consulte con los proveedores de atención médica de sus estudiantes ahora para asegurarse de que están al día con sus vacunas.Los registros de inmunización ahora se pueden actualizar en línea en SIS ParentVUE a través del formulario de Actualización de Verificación en Línea. Para acceder a ese formulario, haga clic en Paquetes en Línea en la parte superior derecha de la pantalla después de iniciar sesión en SIS ParentVUE. Los cuidadores pueden obtener una carta de clave de activación para activar su cuenta SIS ParentVUE poniéndose en contacto Marti Lee at 703-923-1400
Brote Estatal de Enfermedad MeningocócicaUna de las vacunas requeridas para los estudiantes que ingresan al 7º y 12º grado es la vacuna conjugada meningocócica (MenACWY). El Departamento de Salud de Virginia está siguiendo actualmente un brote de enfermedad meningocócica en todo el estado. MenACWY puede proporcionar protección contra la bacteria responsable de este brote.
Visite el sitio web del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para obtener una lista de clínicas de vacunación o póngase en contacto con el proveedor de atención médica de su familia. Para la mayoría de las clínicas se requiere cita previa.
Recuerde solicitar la documentación de las vacunas de su hijo para presentarla en la escuela. Obtenga más información sobre los requisitos de vacunación y la documentación necesaria.
2023-24 Health and Safety Guidance for Schools
Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school.
2023-24 Guía para la Salud y la Seguridad en las Escuelas
Aunque el nivel de transmisión hospitalaria de COVID-19 (anteriormente el nivel de transmisión comunitaria de COVID-19) para el condado de Fairfax es actualmente bajo, los casos de COVID-19 han aumentado en Virginia durante las últimas semanas y la temporada de gripe pronto estará sobre nosotros. Asegúrese de revisar la guía de salud y seguridad para escuelas para mantenerse actualizado sobre las mejores formas de prevenir la propagación de enfermedades y para obtener información sobre cuándo los estudiantes deben permanecer en sus hogares y no asistir a la escuela.
How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com
All 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. Student participation is optional and parents/caregivers can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.
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.
Cómo Acceder a los Recursos Gratuitos de Tutor.com
Los estudiantes de FCPS continúan teniendo acceso ilimitado a servicios de tutoría en línea en vivo, 24/7, 1 a 1 a través de Tutor.com sin costo para las familias. La participación de los estudiantes es opcional y los padres / tutores pueden optar por que sus estudiantes no accedan a los servicios. La información detallada y las preguntas frecuentes están disponibles en el sitio web de Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services.Los estudiantes pueden acceder a Tutor.com a través de un enlace en Schoology. Se proporciona información adicional sobre cómo iniciar sesión y acceder a un tutor a las familias a través de lo siguiente: Primaria - Cómo funciona y Media y alta - Cómo funciona. Las preguntas no respondidas en los recursos publicados pueden enviarse a onlinetutoring@fcps.edu.
Students Are Learning Every Day
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.
|
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Backpack Safety Awareness Month
- Attendance Awareness Month
- September 12th - PTA Meeting 7:00pm, Zoom
- September 18th - WatchDogs Pizza Night - 6:00pm - WOES Cafeteria
- September 25th - Yom Kippur - Student Holiday
|
