 |
|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ።
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
|
Action for Families: Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey
 Watch this video for detailed explanation on Federal Impact Aid Survey
Please fill out the Federal Impact Aid Survey Form. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.
Need to Register for ParentVUE?
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. Find out how to get technical support for ParentVUE.
Background Information for Families:
FCPS uses the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students and to support our request for Impact Aid resources. The federal presence in our area and the significant tax exemptions available to federally connected personnel, businesses, and agencies has qualified Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to be eligible for federal Impact Aid grants.
Impact Aid programs and grants designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.
Federal Impact Aid provides revenue to local education agencies to mitigate costs of educating children in areas impacted by federal activity. The Impact Aid policy was designed to compensate local school districts for the local funding share that is reduced or eliminated because of a Federal presence that is not taxable. School districts with federal lands, military installations, federal low-rent housing or Indian Trust land within their boundaries lose local revenues. Impact Aid is designed to compensate school districts for this lost revenue. Impact Aid goes into the general fund and is intended to offset the costs (e.g. staff, facilities, and transportation) associated with educating military dependent children and other special groups.
Get2Green Program at Stratford Landing
 Stratford Landing is making significant strides in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness through the innovative Get2Green program. Students at Stratford Landing have embraced this initiative, transforming their school into a hub for recycling and gardening practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and ecological stewardship. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Goals.
Get2Green, a comprehensive environmental education and sustainability program, has provided Stratford Landing students with invaluable resources and opportunities to engage with eco-friendly practices. Through this program, students have developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a strong desire to protect it.
Recycling efforts at Stratford Landing have been rejuvenated thanks to Get2Green. Students have embraced the concept of recycling and are actively participating in the collection and sorting of recyclables. The school has clarified uses of recycling bins in classrooms and common areas, making it convenient for students to deposit paper, plastic, and other recyclable materials. The Get2Green program also educates students about the environmental benefits of recycling, encouraging them to reduce waste and reuse materials.
In addition to recycling, Stratford Landing students have been cultivating a thriving garden, contributing to the local ecosystem and enhancing their understanding of sustainability. The school's garden program, bolstered by Get2Green, has introduced students to the fundamentals of horticulture, biology, and healthy eating. It has also become a source of pride for the students, who have taken ownership of their garden beds and regularly participate in tending to the plants.
Our school’s ultimate goal is to attain Eco School Certification. Please let us know if you are interested in joining this effort. Contact Thao Nguyen if you are able to help.
FCPS Buildings Benefit All Community Members
In addition to our students and teachers, we estimate millions of visits by students and community members to Fairfax County public schools. Most of the public meeting and recreational facilities available in the county are FCPS facilities. FCPS works with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and with the Fairfax County Park Authority to ensure that school facilities and athletic fields are available to the public after school hours.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn more about registering to vote.
Quarter End, Early Release and Student Holiday
As a reminder, Friday, November 3, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6, for a school planning day, and on Tuesday, November 7, for Election Day (Teacher Work Day for Staff). See the complete school year calendar.
Calendar Update for March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as it does on other professional work days.
Stratford Landing Fall Spirit Days
Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-2025 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers met in August to review the state-approved Cycle I materials. The committee will re-convene in January to review the state-approved Cycle II instructional materials under consideration. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. Please share the information included in this communication with school staff and community by November 13, 2023.
Elementary English Language Arts basal instructional resources may be accessed in person and online from November 15, 2023, until noon on December 15, 2023. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website. Those reviewing instructional materials may complete an electronic comment sheet that will be available on the website during the review period
Understanding Your Child’s Assessment Scores, Fall Assessment Reporting for Families and Student Progress Conferences
At our most recent Parent & Guardian Advisory Council meeting, we had a dialogue and discussion around beginning of the year assessment results for students. As a result, Stratford Landing will continue to support our families so they may fully understand their child’s progress and assessment data. Here is a helpful link from FCPS to help families understand some assessment results. We will continue to work as a school to ensure we are communicating student data clearly to families.
Families should expect the following information available via ParentVUE:
- iReady (including ORF) grades 1-6 reports will be posted via SIS ParentVUE in late October
- MI/RI grades 6-12 reports will be posted via SIS ParentVUE in late October
- VGA grades 3-8 reports will be sent via U.S. Mail by the end of November
- VRKP grades PreK-K reports will be sent via U.S. Mail in early December
Teachers will be conducting Student Progress Conferences between now and Winter Break, Friday, Dec 15. We are providing a large window of time to accommodate the schedules of our teachers and all our families. Teachers will be sharing specific student data with you at these conferences. As always, if you have any significant concerns about your child’s performance and progress, you may reach out to the teacher directly to share those concerns. The Stratford Landing administration is also available to speak with you.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Students at Stratford Landing
In Fairfax County Public Schools, we use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to support our students. MTSS is:
- Teachers and schools using student data to plan for instruction
- Schools providing more time and support through intervention
- Students receiving support in academics, wellness, and behavior
Students might receive different tiers of support based on their needs:
- At Tier 1, all students receive high quality instruction that is aligned to grade level standards that meets your child’s needs and additional support as needed. Teachers and schools use data to plan for Tier 1 instruction for all students.
- At Tier 2, some students receive small group reteaching and intervention in addition to Tier 1. Teachers and schools use data to determine if students need tier 2 instruction.
- At Tier 3, few students receive intensive intervention, or intervention on specific area(s) of need based on data in addition to Tier 1, and possibly Tier 2. Teachers and schools use data to determine if students need tier 3 instruction.
Intervention is additional, meaningful instruction and skill building based on research for your student, as needed.
- At Stratford Landing ES, we use a 30-minute time block during the day called, “Dolphin Time” to provide interventions to students who need them in reading, math, behavior, and wellness.
- During this time, students who need intervention in reading engage in a program called UFLI Foundations, an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading.
- Some students may also engage in a program called Orton Gillingham, in which students are learning language by ear (listening), mouth (speaking), eyes (seeing), and hand (writing). The delivery of instruction follows a well-defined scope and sequence, which provides a logical progression of skills that move from simple to more complex.
Please find more information about MTSS on the FCPS website.
Fall Picture Retake - Nov 14
November’s picture re-takes are for students who were absent on our September 28th Fall Photo Day, or those who purchased a package and are returning the package for a re-take. Students returning packages for picture re-takes must bring the full contents of their package to the photographer.
|
A Message from SLES PTA
Dear Stratford Landing Community:
We are excited to share the progress we've made, thanks to your support and generosity. Together, we have raised $40,611 and this includes sponsorship and offline donations!
However, our fundraising is not over, and there's still more to raise!
We are $10,000 away from the obstacle course and $15,000 from Mr. Morris getting pied on the morning news!
To continue our efforts and reach even greater heights, we have decided to keep the donation link open through the end of October. Your continued contributions can make a significant impact across all areas of our budget including 6th grade final year activities.
Your support means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for every donation we've received so far. With your help, we can make an even bigger difference.
To make a donation or to share with others, please click on the following link:
https://slpta.org/donations/rnr2023/
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to us at fundraising@slpta.org
Once again, thank you for your support and LET'S GO DOLPHINS!.
Warm regards,
PTA
Library Volunteers Needed
Assist Mrs. Snow checking in, shelving and checking out books for Kindergarten and 1st grade students. Times for checking in and shelving books can be flexible. Background checks are not required. Sign up here to volunteer.
Family Liaison Resources
by Inge Gatti
As your family liaison, my goal is to keep you informed about the valuable resources, events, and family engagement opportunities available through SLES, FCPS, and the community.
If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student set up for success, I'm glad to be here to help you and your kids. Please email, or call 703-619-3690 to set up an appointment. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Visit the SLES Family Liaison homepage for additional information and resources.
Neurodiversity Workshop - Nov 3
Come and join our presenter Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist, to learn and understand Neurodiversity. To register for this event please e-mail Lena Feldman. See the flyer below for more information
Family Needs Assessment: We Need Your Input!
The Wellness Team at Stratford Landing Elementary aims to support the students and their families throughout the school year. We are seeking parent/guardian input to help us identify, understand, and support specific family needs. Our goal is to use the information to encourage family engagement and connect families with the appropriate school and community resources. As parents/guardians, your involvement and input are vital to the school’s improvement process. Please complete this form at your earliest opportunity. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration!
Evaluación de Necesidades Familiares: ¡Necesitamos Su Opinión!
El Equipo de Bienestar de la Escuela Primaria Stratford Landing tiene como objetivo apoyar a los estudiantes y sus familias durante todo el año escolar. Estamos buscando la opinión de los padres/tutores para ayudarnos a identificar, comprender y apoyar las necesidades específicas de la familia. Nuestro objetivo es utilizar la información para fomentar la participación familiar y conectar a las familias con los recursos escolares y comunitarios apropiados. Como padres/tutores, su participación y aportación son vitales para el proceso de mejora de la escuela. Por favor complete este formulario lo antes posible. Haga clic aquí para completar la encuesta: https://forms.gle/8Ye6jxxBU7qxTjwm8
Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.
Tips to Help Keep Children Safe
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) reminds parents and caregivers that it’s important to talk to your children about safety topics including:
- What parents should know about their children’s plans.
- Having a meeting spot in case of getting separated.
- Establishing safe areas.
- What to do if you are followed.
Visit the FCPD website for more details on how to discuss safety topics.
Día de los Muertos and All Saints Day
Día de los Muertos is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2, are observance days this year. To learn more about Día de los Muertos, watch this video. While Día de los Muertos is largely celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, it also coincides with All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). These days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants worldwide to honor those who have died and gone to heaven (All Saints Day) and those who may still be in purgatory (All Souls Day). The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances 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.
Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back) - Nov 5
 This Sunday, November 5, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!
National Family Engagement Month
National Family Engagement Month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. More than 35 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their child. Strong parental and family support is vital to the well-being and success of students. FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
The national standards for family-school partnerships include welcoming all families, communicating effectively, supporting student success, speaking up for every child, sharing power, and collaborating with the community.
The following resources are available to all FCPS families. Visit the links below to learn more about workshops and classes for families, digital and printable resources for early childhood, mental health, military families, special education, multilingual and wellness topics.
Events Hosted by the FCPS Family Resource Center
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Some of the November events are:
-
Sibshops: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, November 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Providence Community Center.
-
SibTeen: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, November 6, 1-4 p.m., at Providence Community Center.
-
Funcionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad (presentado en español), Friday, November 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
Click the links above to register for the events. For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Saves Lives
Information was recently posted to the Healthy Minds Blog on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other resources for suicide prevention.
The Healthy Minds Blog shares information related to youth mental health and wellness. Articles include tips and strategies for increasing wellness and resiliency, as well as fostering success at home, at school, and in the community.
The Healthy Minds Blog is a collaborative project between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Prevention Unit of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Subscribe to Healthy Minds and receive a quarterly digest of articles.
|
