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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
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Message from Ms. Kearns
Hello Bruin Families!
It has been another busy week at Lake Braddock with evening concerts and the annual rising 7th grade info session. It's hard to believe we are already starting to plan for the 24-25 school year. Academic Advising for our current students starts right after winter break. More information is shared below.
Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of directing the HS Symphonic Band's performance of Sleigh Ride. Thank you to Mr. Luley and the students for this incredible opportunity.
I wish a Happy Chanukah and Happy Bodhi Day to all in our community who celebrate.
Lindsey Kearns
In this Issue
New Information and Important Reminders
Winter Break
SEL Screener Parent Reports
Academic Advising for 2024-25 School Year
Middle School Bruin News
International Baccalaureate Program Information Night
MS Yearbook Information
High School Bruin News
2024 Gap Year Fair
Yearbook Information
Class of 2024 News
Important Dates
Yard Sign Delivery Information
IT FAQs
Family Liaison News
Reminders
FCPS News
Quick Links
New Information and Important Reminders
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.
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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.
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Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18 to Monday, January 1. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar.
SEL Screener Parent Reports will be available early next week. Families with SIS ParentVUE will be able to review them in the documents tab. Those without ParentVUE accounts will receive results via USPS around this time as well. Consider using the language here to share this information with your families.
Academic Advising for 2024-25 School Year
Mark Your Calendars! It’s hard to believe, but when we return from winter break students will begin to select their courses for next year! Please take a minute to review the upcoming events for your students. Additional information will be shared on January 2nd to kick off Academic Advising!
Middle School Bruin News
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Information Night
Robinson Secondary School will host an information night for rising 9th grade students and families about the IB program on Thursday, January 11th from 6:00-8:30 pm. Please see the flyer below for details about the different sessions planned for that event.
High School Bruin News
2024 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 30, 6-8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about increasing opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
Class of 2024 News
We are excited for the start of the school year and are looking forward to celebrating the success of our Class of 2024 Seniors all year.
March 7th, 2024 - 100 Days Meeting @ 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria - Informational session for parents leading up to graduation, prom, and All Night Grad Party
May 17th, 2024 - Prom - Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
June 4th, 2024 - Graduation - Eagle Bank Arena @ 2:00 pm
June 5th, 2024 - All Night Grad Party @ Saint James 11:00 pm
The next yard sign pick-up date is December 13 from 4:00-6:00 pm by Door 14.
IT FAQs
Throughout the school year, we often hear the same questions asked regarding technical assistance. We hope to help everyone by sharing various information. Today's tip is regarding joining the school WiFi.
TALKINGPOINTS:
Q: What is TalkingPoints?
A: TalkingPoints is an easy and safe way families can communicate in their home languages with their child’s teachers for free. We will be using this platform to communicate with you about your child’s education and progress.
Here are two ways families can use TalkingPoints:
- School and teacher messages will come directly to the phone number that is registered in our system as a SMS text or through the TalkingPoints Parent App.
- You can reply by text or through the app.
Families will receive messages in the language they have listed as their correspondence language. Families can reply in any language and the message will be translated into English for the school.
If families prefer to not receive text messages from TalkingPoints, they can reply with "GOODBYE" at any time.
Q: How might I access the TalkingPoints App?
A: The FAMILIES | TalkingPoints app is free. You can go to your Google Play Store or Apple Store and search for FAMILIES | TalkingPoints. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can follow this Getting Started Guide for Families to login for the first time.
Q: Who can I contact in the Talking Points App?
A: Families are able to respond to teachers and staff members via TalkingPoints, however messages sent to Lake Braddock Secondary School administration will not be monitored. If you’d like to contact Lake Braddock administrators, please send them an email directly using the email address in this directory.
Family Liaison News
Please stay up-to-date with our Family Liaisons on our web site:
https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/student-services/information-our-family-liaisons
There you will find our weekly newsletters full of important information for our families.
Additional Resources
Family and School Partnerships
Family Resource Center
Parenting Education Programs through Fairfax County
English Empowerment Center: USA Learns
English Empowerment Center: Free Conversation Class and Continued Learning Between Semesters
LBSS PTSA
For up-to-date information, please visit lbssptsa.org.
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Parent Teacher Student Association (LBSS PTSA) is excited to host an online auction in March 2024 and we hope you will consider participating in our major fundraiser of the year! We are currently looking for donations of products, services, gift cards, and experiences to be auctioned and would appreciate your support. Spending a day shadowing you would be a priceless, amazing, and insightful experience!!
Virtual auction proceeds will be used for scholarships, educational grants, events, programs, teacher and student recognition, family engagement, and general school support. As a thank you for your tax-deductible donation (LBSS PTSA’s Tax ID Number: 52- 1289445), we will promote your generosity on our website, social media platforms, and our Newsletter.
With over 4,300 students, the largest secondary school in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we have a highly engaged group of families, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community with whom we regularly communicate. Our LBSS community actively supports local businesses and entities contributing to our school and students.
For additional information or to donate an item, please complete the donation form on our website (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7Rjh0aoJw3kIDX6DIZC_A4ypVHcV7jgnY7x_63yBl_yazVA/viewform).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Auction Chairs, Connie Coffee at firstvp@lbssptsa.org, Lydia Durand at fundraising@lbssptsa.org, or me directly at president@lbssptsa.org, or 703-338-3033.
Thank you for your time and consideration; we sincerely appreciate your support!
FCPS News
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.
Spanish:🍲 Recursos de Inseguridad Alimentaria para Familias
La inseguridad de alimentos afecta a más de 60,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Hay muchos recursos disponibles para apoyar a aquellos que necesitan asistencia alimentaria. Averigüe cómo recibir u ofrecer apoyo en el sitio web del Condado de Fairfax, o consulte con su Guía de Recursos de Servicios Humanos para obtener asistencia con los alimentos, ropa, vivienda y otros servicios.
Korean:🍲 식량 수급이 불안정한 가족을 위한 자원 (Food Insecurity Resource)
Food insecurity (식량난)은 60,000명 이상의 페어팩스 카운티 주민에게 영향을 미칩니다. 식품 지원이 필요한 사람들을 지원하기 위한 많은 자원이 있습니다. 페어팩스 카운티 웹사이트에서 지원받거나 제공하는 방법을 알아보거나, 음식, 의류, 주택 및 기타 서비스에 대한 지원을 위한 인적 서비스 자원 가이드를 참조하세요.
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.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs:
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
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.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
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.
District News/In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Important Forms for Caregivers to Complete
- Immunization Reminder
- Free Tutoring Resources
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Quick Links
Never miss out and stay up-to-date with all things High School Athletics by subscribing to the LBSS Student Activities Weekly Newsletter!
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