 Cameron Student Ambassadors greeted FCPS Superintendent Dr. Reid on Thursday.
 Students in Ms. Campbell's class showed Dr. Reid the ropes of Ms. Cosier's STEAM lab.
 We were honored to have Dr. Reid visit Cameron yesterday. Thank you to our Student Ambassadors and Ms. Heath for welcoming Dr. Reid with a warm Cheetah welcome and a gift bag of Cheetah gear. Thank you to Ms. Kovalcik, Ms. Cosier, Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Migs for hosting classrooms visits. Dr. Reid engaged with students and staff at every moment possible. 4th graders in Ms. Campbell’s class were working on Game Design and Collaboration Ideation and sketching. Dr. Reid bounced from group to group listening to all students and was impressed with the level of creativity and collaboration. We truly appreciate her leadership in FCPS.
Pajama Day Tuesday, Sept 12
This week, students learned all about being a positive role model in common spaces of our school. To celebrate this learning, September 12 will be Pajama Day!
Being a positive role model is one of the five values of Cameron P.R.I.D.E. Ask your student about something they did this week at school to be a positive role model!
Next week, our focus will be on showing respect in common spaces throughout the school.
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Back to School Picnic Saturday, September 30
 RSVP
Bring an ID to pick up your child from school
If you need to pick up your student from school, please remember to bring a valid governmental ID. It can be a non-expired passport, driver's license, or ID from the USA or your country of origin. Pictures on your phone are not acceptable. Thank you for cooperating with these guidelines for the security of our students.
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Family Liaison Corner
Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.
Dear Families,
One of the hardest things for your student is going back to a sleeping schedule now that the school year has started, but then again, having a good night's sleep can make a huge difference in learning. I would like to share something I read about the importance of a good night's rest and some suggestions for you to practice at home.
-Ms. Trupo
Your Brain Needs Zzzzzs
Your body and your brain need sleep. During sleep, the brain sorts through and stores information replaces chemicals, and even solves problems while you snooze.
Most kids don’t get enough sleep. Kids 5 to 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours each night. Not every kid is the same and some kids need more sleep than others.
Can you think of a time when you didn't get enough sleep? That heavy, groggy feeling is awful and when you feel that way, you're not at your best. Without enough sleep, kids can feel moody, tired, or cranky. It might be hard to pay attention or follow directions. Schoolwork that's usually easy may feel impossible, or you may feel clumsy playing your favorite sport or instrument.
One more reason to get enough sleep: If you don't, you may not grow as well. That's right, too little sleep can affect growth and your germ-fighting immune system, which keeps you from getting sick.
How Can I Help My Child Sleep?
As kids get older, it’s still important to have a consistent bedtime routine. Help your child create a relaxing routine. It should take about 30 minutes and can include taking a shower or bath, brushing your teeth, and doing quiet activities like reading.
Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. Keep TVs, computers, and video game systems out of the bedroom. Turn off cell phones or charge them overnight outside of the room.
It also helps to:
- Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
- To be sure your child gets enough sleep, decide when your child needs to get up for school in the morning and count back 9–12 hours from there.
- On weekends, try to stick to the sleep schedule as close as you can. Aim for sleep or wake-up times no more than an hour later than on weekdays.
- Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
- Don't give your child foods or drinks with caffeine (found in coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate), especially in the late afternoon or evening.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise during the day. This can help kids sleep better at night.
What if My Child Has Sleep Problems?
It’s common for kids to have trouble sleeping once in a while. But kids may have a sleep problem if they often can’t fall asleep, wake up a lot at night, snore, or are very sleepy during the day.
Common sleep problems in kids include:
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s sleep, talk with your doctor.
Medically reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
From Nemours Children's Health
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FCPS Policy Reminder: Cell Phones, Laptops, Tablets, and Portable Devices
FCPS is committed to assisting students and staff members in creating a 21st century learning environment. To support this progress, with classroom teacher approval, students may use their personal devices during the approved time allowed per school level (smartphones, laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc.) to access the Internet and collaborate with other students during the designated time per grade level as documented in 2601.37P. FCPS is not responsible for loss or damage of students’ devices.
Cell Phone Guidelines - Elementary school kindergarten-sixth grade (including sixth grade at middle schools)
Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones maybe used on campus only before and after school.
✔️ 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:
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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.
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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.
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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 Ms. Donlin lpdonlin@fcps.edu .
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.
😷 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.
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.
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🧪 STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest Offers Hands-On Activities for Students
Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information.
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.
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✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence
FCPS’ 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in our schools. These five goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. Our equity commitment and a set of measures in each goal will measure our success.
Under Goal 3, every student will learn to use critical and creative thinking. They will meet or exceed academic goals. Students will reach their full potential.
Visit the Strategic Plan webpage for more information. Watch this video to learn more about the many voices that came together to create the plan.
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MCCP Mobile Dental Van is Coming to Your Neighborhood!
Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) offers access to comprehensive medical and dental care to eligible children of working families in Fairfax County. We are thrilled to partner with the Springfield Masonic Lodge to bring a special opportunity to the community.
With our state- of -the- art Dental Van and our amazing dental hygienists, we will be offering free dental screenings for uninsured children 3-19 years old. If further urgent dental treatment is needed, information will be given to parents about who to call. We will also bring free goody bags for each child seen. First come, first serve. Sign up on Sept. 23 at the location below for 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon or 1 pm appointments. Children must have a parent present.
Our DENTAL VAN will visit:
Springfield Masonic Lodge
7001 Backlick Road, Springfield
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
We hope to meet you at that time, and we are happy to answer questions in English and Spanish about our programs and how to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
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September 11 National Day of Service
With the upcoming 22nd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
Get started this fall with two great opportunities: Public Lands Day (September 23) and Volunteer Fairfax’s VolunteerFest (October 21). Information on service projects can be found on the Volunteer Fairfax website.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fairfax Fiesta Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.
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Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 15, is a half-O day in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.
Important Dates
Sept 12 - Pajama Day to celebrate learning of Positive Role Model value of P.R.I.D.E.
- PTA General Meeting, 7pm, Cafeteria
Sept 25 - No School, Yom Kippur
Sept 30 - PTA Back to School Picnic, 2pm, Cameron
Oct 3 - PTA General Meeting, 7pm, Cafeteria
Oct 6 - Chuck E Cheese Night, 6pm
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