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December 6, 2023
From the Principal’s Pen
Dear Laurel Hill Families,
Janice Dalton, Principal
Addison Smith, Assistant Principal
Thmeaka Traylor, Assistant Principal
 Save the Date:
Dec. 7: Picture day makeup
Dec. 11: 6th grade Band concert, 7 pm Cafeteria
Dec. 12: Strings concert, 7 pm Gym
Dec. 13: Interims home to parents
Dec. 18-Jan 1 - *Winter Break-No School
Jan. 2: First day back after break
 Kindergarten students browsing for books.
LHES News:
SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR
This Week
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:30am-3:15pm in the library
Families can send in cash, credit cards, checks (payable to Laurel Hill ES & leaving the $ amount blank would be helpful- we can help the kids fill it in with the correct amount) with their student or sign up for the Scholastic ewallet. Ewallets are an easy way for kids to shop, just add money to an account. *Please note: remaining funds stay on the account, so please be sure to use all the funds or make an online purchase by 12/14/2023.
To sign up for an ewallet, click here
Online orders accepted through 12/14/2023, click here
This event would not be possible without the help of our family volunteers, so please consider donating some time- time slots still available, click here to sign up.
Computer Science Week! (Dec. 4-8)
Computer Science plays such a big role in our society. At Laurel Hill, we provide opportunities for our students to explore how technology works through various coding and programming activities. In the Computer Lab, our younger students learn the basics of programming with interactive activities. In 6th grade, students are working on a Choose Your Own Adventure project where they will code and create their own game. Also, we have the before school Laurel Hill Robotics’ club where students learn to program robots to make them perform certain actions. At Laurel Hill, we are excited to pave the way of opportunity to help our students grow with their programming skills.
The STEAM & Computer Science Department for FCPS created a list of great resources to access at home. Click Here for PreK-2 Resources and Click Here for Grades 2-6 Resources.
Holidays
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be a half-O day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids.
Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year, including Bodhi Day. 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. Learn more about Bodhi Day in this video from the Miami Children’s Museum.
PTA Membership
Visit the PTA website.
Amazon Wishlist
Open Amazon wish lists here!
FCPS News:
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, 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.
Learn more about the screener on 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.
Family Resource Center: December Webinars
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. Pre-registration for webinars is required to participate in the live event; however, recordings of all past webinars are available and organized by topic on the FRC website.
Registration: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/family-engagement/family-resource-center/register-free-workshops-family-resource
Past Webinars: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/workshops-youtube
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 10-11 AM: Using the Data Collection Tool to Inform Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Decision-Making: Join staff members from the FCPS Department of Special Services who will highlight the following: Considering Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) – The Why, What, and How, Documenting LRE Considerations and Decisions within the IEP Process, Understanding the family’s role in the determination of LRE.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 10-11:30 AM: Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series (Part 2): 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. Dr. Berman will highlight how to identify stress in children of all ages, explain common sources of stress, and provide strategies for lowering stress levels so that all caregivers can benefit.
❄️ Preparing for Winter 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 to find out about emergency weather closings. 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. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if needed.
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