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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.
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔Click to edit this placeholder text.
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Student Council Association sponsored Spirit Days continue this week.
A Note From Mr. Gates
With only 5 days left until Winter Break we're gearing up for an engaging week filled with both learning and winter festivities.
At this past Thursday's PTA Meeting I shared information about Safety and Security at Hollin Meadows, the Risk Assessment process, and when incidents occur, what goes into determining what information is shared and how it is distributed. If you were unable to attend, please reach out with any questions.
With an uptick in cold weather we have noticed more students arriving and departing by car. Parents/caregivers who choose to drop-off or pick-up their student by car must use the Kiss & Ride line. To reduce traffic, students who have the option to ride the bus, walk or ride a bike to/from school are encouraged to do so.
Kiss & Ride Guidelines
- Follow directions of school staff members.
- Students may be dropped off between 8:05 - 8:20 a.m. (this is when staff are on duty)
- Students should NEVER be dropped off in front of the school along Nordok Place. It's unsafe.
- Although school dismisses at 3:05 p.m., it will be 3:10 p.m. before the first cars are loaded and leaving. Pro tip: planning to arrive at school after 3:05 p.m. will minimize wait time (3:15-3:20 is ideal).
- When departing all vehicles must turn left onto Nordok Place.
- Students should exit/enter the right side of the car independently - staff can assist but parents should remain in car.
- Students should be able to enter the car, be seated, and buckle in unassisted. If necessary, practice having your child exit and enter the car unassisted.
- When parking, please do not park in No Parking Zones or in front of neighbors driveways.
Patience is Key. While we all lead busy lives a little extra patience & kindness during arrival and dismissal can help ensure the safety of students, staff and family members.
As always, thank you for your commitment and support of all things Hollin Meadows. Wishing you a safe and productive week ahead.
Sincerely,
Jon Gates
Principal
Happy Chanukah to all in our community who celebrate! This Festival of Lights is an 8-day 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. #OurFCPS
¡Feliz Janucá a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad que celebran! Este Festival de las Luces es una festividad judía de 8 días que conmemora la rededicación del Templo Sagrado y el milagro de una pequeña cantidad de aceite que encendió la menorá del Templo durante 8 días. #OurFCPS
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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
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Date
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Grades
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Assessment
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Dec. 11
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4 & 6
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Math
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Dec. 12
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3 & 5
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Math
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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. No late referrals will be accepted. Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website
Winter Sing Along Friday, December 15
Join us as we gather as a school community to sing songs as a school community at our annual Winter Sing Along on Friday, December 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Staying Healthy
Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and keep them at home if they are sick. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.
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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!
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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 who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend 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.
¡Asiste Hoy, Para Tener Éxito Mañana!
Cuando se acercan las vacaciones de invierno, notamos que hay más asientos vacíos en los salones de clase. Este año, trabajemos juntos para fomentar un hábito de asistencia sólido como una roca. Cada hora de cada día escolar es una oportunidad única para que los estudiantes aprendan, se conecten y crezcan.
Un gran agradecimiento a:
- 🌟 Los estudiantes que se presentan todos los días y los padres / cuidadores que los apoyan.
- 👩🏫 Los maestros que crean un ambiente acogedor para el aprendizaje.
- 👨💼 Administradores que proporcionan un lugar seguro y atractivo para crecer.
- 👏Los conductores de autobús, el personal de apoyo y los voluntarios que nos ayudan.
Si usted o su hijo necesita apoyo, por favor, póngase en contacto con nuestra trabajadora social de la escuela o el enlace de la familia. Si su hijo no se siente bien, consulte la página web ¿Cuándo Debo Dejar a Mi Hijo en Casa? para obtener orientación.
No habrá clases del lunes 18 de diciembre al lunes 1 de enero de 2024 por vacaciones de invierno. Las clases se reiniciarán el martes, 2 de enero.
Visite el sitio web de FCPS para más recursos de asistencia.
Snow Days?
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.
No Habrá Aprendizaje Virtuales en Días de Nieve Este Invierno
Para el año escolar actual, FCPS volverá a su procedimiento anterior para los días de nieve - no habrá días de aprendizaje virtual cuando la escuela esté cerrada debido al mal clima. Durante los días de nieve, los estudiantes todavía pueden tener acceso a Tutor.com, completar cualquier oportunidad de aprendizaje suplementaria recomendada por sus maestros, y ver programación educativa (disponible virtualmente y en canales de televisión de acceso público):
- Instrucción para la Escuela Primaria: Red Apple 21.
- Instrucción para la Escuela Intermedia: Canal 25.
- Instrucción para la Escuela Secundaria: Canal 99.
Once días de nieve están incorporados en el calendario existente de FCPS. Eliminando los días de aprendizaje virtual nos permitirá maximizar el aprendizaje en persona de los estudiantes y proveer acceso equitativo a la instrucción y servicios estudiantiles.
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, 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.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further information & support:
Elizabeth Knudson, MA, NCC, LPC
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
eaknudson@fcps.edu
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.
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.
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
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Important Dates
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 - School and Offices Closed
Jan 2: School Resumes, 8:20 a.m.
See the complete 2023-2024 school year calendar
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