To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.  Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web. اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

A Note From Mr. Gates

It was great having our students back in the building and hearing how they spent their time over the Thanksgiving break. 

This past week we kicked off a school-wide Attendance Popcorn Challenge. Classroom with 5 days of no absences between Monday, Nov. 27 and Thursday, Dec. 14, will earn a popcorn party. So far, numerous classes have had one or more day of perfect attendance and are well on their way to earning a popcorn party.  Ask your student how many days their class has had perfect attendance. 

The cold weather last week was a good reminder to prepare for possible snow days, delayed openings and early releases. The FCPS’ website is generally the first place where we will post an emergency weather closing. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. Be sure to plan for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if appropriate.

At this Thursday's PTA meeting I will be sharing information about safety and security at Hollin Meadows. The  meeting starts at 6 p.m. with a family program followed by the PTA meeting at 7 p.m. Make plans to attend.  

As always, thank you for your support of all things Hollin Meadows. Have a fantastic week!

Jon Gates

Principal 

Book It Reading Challenge

Thanks to all of the students who completed the October Reading Challenge.  If you completed the November Reading Challenge, please return your November Reading Challenge form by Friday, Dec 8. The December Reading Challenge form will be sent home in the Tuesday folder on December 5.  If you have any questions or need clarification, please email Ms. Tucker at kdtucker@fcps.edu

Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA)

During the month of December students in grades 3 - 6 will be taking the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) winter window assessments in math and reading. These assessments, which are mandated by the Virginia Department of Education, are given to students in the Fall and Winter of each school year. These assessments help us understand the growth that students make during the school year. The schedule of testing is posted below. Please contact Assistant Principal, Lisa Lin (lalin@fcps.edu), with any questions.

Winter VGA Test Schedule

Student Council Association (SCA) 

School Spirit Week: Dec. 8-15

Attendance Matters

Missing School Over the Holidays

Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener in October, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

Los Resultados del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional Estarán Pronto Disponibles

Una de las maneras en que FCPS apoya el bienestar mental de todos los estudiantes es a través del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional (SEL). En octubre, estudiantes de los grados 3º a 12º tomaron este cuestionario, que proporciona información acerca de sus habilidades como lograr metas, manejar emociones, construir relaciones con adultos y compañeros, y tomar buenas decisiones. 

El cuestionario también ayuda a los estudiantes a evaluar los esfuerzos de su comunidad escolar para que se sientan valorados, incluidos y apoyados. Los datos del cuestionario se utilizan para crear aprendizaje, experiencias y entornos que permitan a los alumnos alcanzar el éxito.

A principios de diciembre, las familias podrán ver los resultados del Cuestionario SEL en SIS ParentVUE. Para las familias que no tienen una cuenta activa ParentVUE, los resultados serán enviados por correo.

Para más información sobre el examen por favor visite la página web del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social-Emocional (SEL). Si necesita ayuda para entender los resultados de su hijo o ideas para apoyarlo en casa, consulte la Guía para Familias o póngase en contacto con la escuela de su hijo.

Recess & Cold Weather

During cold spells, all students at Hollin Meadows will have 30 minutes of outdoor recess. We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare. Additionally, you can contact our Family Liaison, Rubia Rodriguez, or our School Social Worker, Marsi Beschel, for assistance. We have received a generous supply of winter coats for children. 

Reminder:  Window for Full-time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2023

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time (Level IV) Referral Form to Jon Gates (jmgates@fcps.edu) no later than December 15, 2023. 

The window for families to submit a referral for full-time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website

Lost and Found Our lost and found is overflowing. Are your children missing a coat, lunch kit, water bottle?  The lost and found is located outside of the gym. Please stop by to take a look before Friday, December 15th. After December 15th, items left will be donated. Parents please write your child’s name on the inside of winter coats to ensure they can be returned to your child!

Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

Join Dr. Erin Berman, a Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland for these important sessions to help children cope with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Highlights:

• Identify stress in children of all ages
• Explain common sources of stress
• Provide strategies for lowering stress levels so that all caregivers can benefit

NEW DATE: 12/12/23 10-11:30 a.m Share this event with others.

Register for Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series

FCPS Cares FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Hollin Meadows staff members

Important Dates Dec. 6: School Picture Retakes and Make Ups Dec. 7: PTA Mtg., 6 p.m., Program, 7 p.m., Mtg., Cafeteria Dec. 15: Deadline for parents to submit referrals for Level IV AAP services Dec, 15: Winter Sing Along, 1:30 p.m.  Dec. 15: Winter Class Parties, 2:15 p.m.  Dec. 18 - Jan. 1: Winter Break See the complete 2023-2024 school year calendar

2310 Nordok Place, Alexandria, VA 22306  |  Phone: 703.718.8300

Attendance: 703.718.8383 or HollinMeadowsESAttendance@fcps.edu

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