Roadrunner Rundown - 12/4/23

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Description/Date

Principal Message 

Dear Marshall Road Families,

This week we are considering ways to support friends and family when they struggle or help them when things are hard.  Our winter drive is a perfect opportunity to do this. Thank you to those who have contributed.  Please consider brainstorming with your children about ways they can show support at school and home by letting kindness be their guide in the decisions they make.

FCPS sent out information to families last week about safety during the winter months, including dressing appropriately for outdoor activities and guidelines for weather related delays and cancellations.  We are sharing this information again at the end of this communication to assist parents in preparing for the winter months and the unexpected schedule changes it may bring.  It is important that parents and students have a well-communicated plan in place in the event of these emergency situations so that children know where to go or what to do if a parent will not be home.

Have a great week!

Much peace.

Matthew Chapman, Sue Kirby and Antoinette Nauflett

Administrative Team

School Events & Information

Lost & Found

Our Lost & Found is growing.  Remind your children to stop by to look for items they are missing.  Please label your child’s belongings.  

Winter Concert (Band, Chorus, and Strings)

Please join us for the Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 pm.  

Family Life Education Lessons

As a reminder, in the fall, we shared information about Family Life Education (FLE) and allowed families to opt their students out if desired.

Starting next Wednesday, December 13 - Friday, December 15, 5th and 6th grade students will receive instruction on the Human Growth and Development portion of FLE.  4th grade students will have lessons on December 15.

Details about the FLE program and the opt-out process are outlined in the attached letter.  Paper opt-out forms will be sent home in tomorrow's Tuesday folder for 4th - 6th grade students.

Please inform us by Friday, December 8, if you wish to opt your child out of FLE.  If you choose to do so, kindly complete and return the opt-out form linked on our website or provided via Tuesday folder or email Assistant Principal Antoinette Nauflett at amnauflett@fcps.edu on or before Friday, December 8.

Your cooperation is appreciated in ensuring we meet your preferences regarding your child's education.

FLE Opt-Out Letter

FLE Opt-Out Letter Arabic

FLE Opt-Out Letter Chinese

FLE Opt-Out Letter Farsi

FLE Opt-Out Letter Korean

FLE Opt-Out Letter Spanish

FLE Opt-Out Letter Urdu

FLE Opt-Out Letter Vietnamese

PTA Update

Registration is open for Marshall Road Elementary School's production of "Finding Nemo the Musical"!  

Calling all 5th and 6th grade students!  Are you interested in learning about theater and being part of a live production?  Enroll in our theater enrichment class under the direction of MRES Alumni Ashton Schaffer.   

This year's musical promises a wave of excitement and laughter as it brings the beloved Pixar classic to life on stage, starring our talented Marshall Road students!  Before the auditions on January 8 and 9, come to a Theater Workshop on December 11 and 12 (7:50 am-9:05 am), to learn more about the basics of theater and see if this program is right for you.  You'll work with Director Ashton Schaffer, the director of the past two MRES musicals, on bringing this unforgettable experience through the sea and stage!  Don't miss your chance to make a splash in the spotlight!  Practices will be held M/T/Th/F before school from January to March and performances are scheduled for the week of March 18.  See flyer for more details.  

Registration is currently open and will close on Friday, December 15 at 9:00 pm. Register at https://marshallroad.schooltwist.org/.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify and may be requested when you register.  Note: You do not need to register in advance to attend the Theater Workshops.    

Questions or looking to volunteer?  Email PTA theater activity chair Lisa Kelso at theater@marshallroadpta.org. 

Holiday Gifts/Class Gifts for Teachers and Staff

We know many families like to show their appreciation for teachers and staff with a gift around the holiday season. If you’d like to participate, please use this GiftCrowd page to leave a note and a gift for any staff member that has made a difference to your family. The list includes all teachers and staff at Marshall Road, so you can give to your student’s main teacher, as well as specials teachers, specialists, and other staff, all in one place.  Staff members will be able to redeem their gifts for one or more gift cards (including Amazon, Target, Walmart, or hundreds of others).    

We hope this will take some burden off Room Reps and allow gift recipients to benefit from one larger group gift that they can choose how to use.  GiftCrowd is free to use – it does not charge any fees to either gift buyers or gift receivers.  The receiver will see the names of people that contribute but will only see the grand total of money contributed.      

The deadline to contribute is Thursday, December 14, 9:00 pm.  All gifts will be emailed to teachers and staff that evening.  Questions?  Email Renee at president@marshallroadpta.org.    

Winter Coat Drive  

As the ONE campaign grows, the Madison Pyramid is mobilizing collective kindness and generosity to support our community this fall.  We are inviting you to join families across the pyramid in giving through the ONE Campaign Winter Wishes Drives.  #ONEKindAct can change the world.  YOU and your contributions MATTER.  Please read below for more information about how you can help at Marshall Road.

The MRES community will be collecting new or excellent used/ready-to-wear condition winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for children, teens, and women from November 27 - December 8.   A drop-off box will be located in the MRES lobby.     

Contributions will be donated to Women Giving Back (https://womengivingback.org/). Sponsored by the MRES PTA.   

Save the Date: Dining for Dollars at Big Buns   

Have a craving for a GREAT BURGER?  Come on out to BIG BUNS in Vienna from 4:00 pm to close on Wednesday, December 13 and Big Buns will donate 20% of sales.  Online orders and deliveries included!  No code needed, just mention MRES at checkout.  

Check out the menu or place an order online at www.eatbigbuns.com.

Spring 2024 PTA Calendar 

Please mark your calendar for these upcoming spring events:

• Food4Thought Food Drive (January 16-19)
• Science Share/STEAM Night (February 1) 
• Book Fair (February 26-March 1)
• Family Reading Night (February 17)

 Download the spring 2024 PTA calendar here. 

Stay Informed and Get Connected!  

You can find the most up-to-date information on our website, and PTA Facebook and Instagram pages.  You can also complete your membership and join the PTA here. 

FCPS Communications 

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Your school’s principal will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that 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 getting cold weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.

School Delays and Closings Due to Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it!  Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place where we will announce 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 here.