 |
|
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۔
|
Lexia Data Parent Reports
Our school-wide implementation of Lexia continues to be successful. Lexia data parent reports are available, and we will be sending these reports to families in January 2024. These reports will be sent home in Wednesday envelopes on or before Wednesday, January 17. In the meantime, we request families not reach out directly to teachers requesting data reports.
Window for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Level IV Referrals to Close December 15, 2023
All parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7, who would like their child to be considered for Level IV Full-Time AAP services, may submit the AAP Level IV Referral Form and optional materials to our Advanced Academic Resource Teachers Tene’ McBee and Arlene Ventimiglia by emailing dtpittman@fcps.edu and aeventimigli@fcps.edu. Please cc’ our Assistant Principal LaChelle Williams lrwilliams2@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2023.
How to Submit Referral Materials
Please submit the referral form and optional materials in one email with the subject line “Full-Time Level IV AAP Referral for (Your child’s initials, Teacher last name)”. If you prefer, you may drop off a hard copy with our office staff during regular school hours.
What to Submit
-Referral Form- required*
-Parent/Guardian Questionnaire- optional
-Two pages of work samples (pdf or jpg files or 8.5x11” one-sided page)- optional
-Additional Testing if applicable (i.e. from a previous school or an ability or achievement test administered outside of Fairfax County Public Schools that you would like included.)- optional
You should receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your referral materials. Please note that late referrals cannot be accepted.
Additional information can be found on the Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu) website.
Holiday Spirit Week - 12/11 to 12/15
Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
Special Education
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2022-2023 School Year
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey. This survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2022-2023 school year. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov, or via telephone at (804) 418-4672.
PTA News
SLES Yearbook 2023-2024 for Sale Online
Stratford Landing Yearbook can now be purchased online until 4/1/2024. If you wish to make an order please go to this link. For additional details contact the PTA. The prices will be the following:
$20.00 until 3/1/2024
$25.00 until 4/1/2024
Family Volunteer Workspace
We are opening a family volunteer workspace at Stratford Landing! We are looking for volunteers to assist teachers with photocopying, laminating, and other clerical work that's very time-consuming. If we can get this fully staffed, we could be a HUGE help to our amazing teachers! Please email volunteers@slpta.org if you are interested in helping out.
Spelling Bee - Thursday, Feb. 15th @ SLES
The PTA is looking for someone to chair this year's Spelling Bee! The event will take place on Feb. 15th in the SLES cafeteria. If interested, please contact Bridget Eldridge at volunteers@slpta.org.
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.
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 aqui para completar la encuesta.
Letters That Love Program
A West Potomac High School student started a program called Letters That Love. The program's mission is to send cards annually, during holidays and special occasions, to children who had a parent or close loved one pass away. Cards are to be sent around the time of the parent or close loved ones passing and near major holidays. These cards will be written by West Potomac students to provide support in the years following a parent or close loved ones passing.
Five years ago, the student's mother passed away. In the years since, outside support has faded, which inspired her to start Letters That Love, so that children in our community would not have to experience the lack of support she experienced. Letters That Love would be open to all students with a parent or close loved one that has passed. Click on Letters That Love if you think your children could benefit from this lovely, kind, and thoughtful program.
🙋♂️ Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators providing a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers lending a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental health challenges will not receive treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 19% of adults in the United States (47.6 million) dealt with a mental health challenge, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). People often turn to alternative methods to cope with issues that are uncomfortable topics to speak about. These reasons include turning to drugs, alcohol, food, etc. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage difficult situations or high-stress levels. These mind-altering substances are sometimes used as coping mechanisms for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, focusing, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary moment away from the reality of everyday life. Substances can enhance the feelings of pleasure, and decrease feelings of anxiety and restraint. Substance use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not all coping mechanisms are destructive or fail to provide appropriate or adequate adjustment to the environment or situation; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The main goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. Schedule a visit to your Primary Care Physician and a Professional Counselor if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in the stabilization of a healthy mind. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and good examples. Keep in mind that finding balance in life is an ongoing process. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270. For further information and support you can also contact Elizabeth Knudson at eaknudson@fcps.edu
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
Chanukah - 12/7 to 12/15
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 - 12/8
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. See the complete school year calendar.
|
|
