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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
Happy New Year, Bruin Nation!
Welcome to 2024! It is great to see everyone back after a long and restful break. We hit the ground running with our rising 7th grade Curriculum Night last night and our Electives Fair for 7th-11th grades today. Course selection for the students is right around the corner. Please see the flyer below for more information.
January 25th marks the end of the second quarter and is an early release day. Friday, January 26th is a teacher work day and students are off. It's hard to believe we're almost halfway through.
Lindsey Kearns
Three Kings Day (January 6), also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas. Learn more at National Geographic Kids.
FCPS has designated Three Kings Day/Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day (O day). There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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Orthodox Christmas
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more facts about Christmas from National Geographic Kids.
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In this Issue
New Information and Important Reminders
Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs
Academic Advising for 2024-25 School Year
Middle School Bruin News
International Baccalaureate Program Information Night
MS Yearbook Information
High School Bruin News
FAFSA/VASA Completion Event
2024 Gap Year Fair
Save the Date: Academy Open Houses
Soft Launch of New Financial Aid Form
NOVA Early Online College Course Registration
Yearbook Information
Athletics and Activities News
Class of 2024 News
IT FAQs
Family Liaison News
LBSS PTSA
FCPS News
Quick Links
New Information and Important Reminders
Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs
In this video, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid interviews the Fosters, a family who tragically lost their son Cayden to a half pill of fentanyl mistaken for Percocet. This heart-wrenching yet eye-opening video of their experience is essential to raise awareness among parents/caregivers and students about the dangers of fake painkillers.
Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations.
The evening’s program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and students in grades 6-12. All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
FCPS’ website also has resources to help you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.
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
FAFSA/VASA Completion Event
A FAFSA/VASA Night will be held at Lake Braddock Secondary School on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. This event will take place in the Lecture Hall starting at 6:00 pm. The best place to park will be outside of Door 1. We will have staff there to direct you into the room where we will have helpers! Please complete this form so we have a headcount of how many families to expect.
Please refer to link for required documentation.
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.
Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin This Month!
Is your child interested in architecture and construction, information technology, or health science? FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
A high school Academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and view the calendar of Academy open houses.
Soft Launch of a New Financial Aid Form
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form to determine how much financial aid each student is eligible to receive. This aid could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
Any college-bound student — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
The form is currently available for short periods of time while it is being updated to provide a better experience. Learn more about the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
NOVA Early Online College Course Registration
NOVA Early Online College (EOC) allows current high school juniors and seniors to take up to two tuition-free college courses. EOC courses for the spring semester begin on Thursday, January 30, and end on Monday, April 22.
Students should register by Monday, January 8, at 5 p.m.
Courses are asynchronous, online, and for college credit only. Thirteen courses are offered along with courses that fulfill an IT Technical Support Career Studies Certificate. Qualification information is located on NOVA's website. EOC courses meet the requirements for most of NOVA’s associate degree programs as well as being transferable as general education requirements for most colleges and universities.
Athletics and Activities News
High School Spring Sports Try-out Information:
https://lakebraddock-ar.rschooltoday.com/
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
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
Safe Students, Safe Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.
FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
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.
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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