 |
|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
|
Dear TLES Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we navigate the academic year together, I would like to address a matter that, while often considered sensitive, is crucial for maintaining a healthy and hygienic school environment. Today, I am writing to discuss the importance of timely communication regarding incidents of head lice.
Head lice are a common occurrence in schools, and it is essential for us to work collaboratively to prevent their spread. Head lice, though not harmful, can be a nuisance and are easily transmitted from one person to another, especially in close settings such as schools.
Our school is committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. One of the key elements in achieving this goal is open communication between the school and families. On December 8th, we learned of suspected cases within one classroom from a third-party parent, but because no cases were reported by those directly impacted, we were unable to respond as efficiently as we would prefer.
Recently TLES has been made aware of 6 cases of lice at our school: 4 cases in one classroom, and the other 2 cases were in 2 separate classes. Not all cases were reported directly to teachers and administrators, putting us at a disadvantage to have a swift response. At this point, all classroom families have been notified.
In an effort to streamline communication moving forward, any new head lice cases discovered require immediate communication to all of the following parties: teachers, school clinic, and administration. Teachers and administrators will then communicate with all families in the impacted classroom. Names of students and families will of course remain private.
Per FCPS policy, students are not required to stay home if the contract lice, however it is preferred that students are treated before attending school after diagnosis. TLES does take preventative measures within classrooms that have cases of lice, such as separating personal items, keeping personal items stored in the hallway, and distancing students’ seating arrangements. Head lice does require an FDA approved treatment and nit combing. If your family does not have access to lice treatment kits, TLES will provide them at no cost.
Here are a few reasons why timely communication is crucial:
-
Prevention of Spread: By informing us as soon as head lice are detected at home, we can take immediate steps to prevent their spread within the school community. This includes providing information to affected families and implementing necessary preventive measures.
-
Timely Treatment: Early detection allows affected individuals to seek appropriate treatment promptly. This not only accelerates recovery but also reduces the risk of spreading head lice to others.
-
Education and Awareness: Communication regarding head lice incidents provides an opportunity for us to educate both students and parents about prevention strategies, proper hygiene practices, and dispelling common myths associated with head lice.
To ensure the well-being of all our students, I kindly request that you notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with head lice. All information will be kept confidential, and our primary focus is on preventing the spread of head lice within the school.
Please feel free to contact our school nurse or administrative staff if you have any questions or concerns. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, and it reinforces our shared commitment to maintaining a healthy learning environment.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ben Chiet
Principal Timber Lane ES
January 15 – MLK Jr., Holiday (Student Holiday)
January 15-21 Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week
January 16 – Winter Choir Concert 7pm
January 18 – Mclean Pyramid Choir Concert
January 19 Orthodox Epiphany
January 24 – PTA Meeting 7pm
January 25 – Early Release (1:35pm)/End of Quarter 2
January 26 – Student Holiday
February 8 – Clubs/Candids Picture Day
February 9 – 100th Day of School
February 14 – Family Market
February 15 – PTA Virtual Paint Night
|
Free Resources for Families
Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities?
Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).
Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.
Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
- Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.
Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.
 |
|
Luther Jackson Middle School is excited to invite you to the Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 (event time will be shared soon). This night will be full of information about Luther Jackson and the transition to middle school. Our core and elective teachers will highlight their exciting classes. There will be students and staff members to answer any questions you might have. |
Come discover softball this spring and make a lot of new friends! Our beautiful, privately-owned facility at 1836 Westmoreland Street is highly convenient to Falls Church and a social hub for families and buzzes with youth sports into the night all spring. Roughly 300 girls of all ages and abilities grow with us every year, and our softball program is highly accomplished globally! We also have adaptive programs for children with special needs. Any girl enrolled at Timber Lane Elementary can play softball at McLean Little League regardless of residential address!
Please send questions to registration@mcleanll.com, and to register, visit us at mcleanll.com and press the REGISTER button!
Mark your calendars for January 24th at 6pm for our next PTA meeting. We’re interested to hear about your experiences with after school enrichment so far. We will also have a school representative talk about how our kids are using technology at school and share a STEAM update!
Remember, you don’t have to be a dues-paying member to attend meetings. The more voices we can have present, the better! We love to have you.
*We’re still looking for volunteers to help with Kids Rec Night, which allows parents to drop off their kids in the gym during the meeting, and allows for kids to have some fun with friends! If you’re interested in helping to supervise kiddos during Rec Night please email board@timberlanepta.com.
 |
|
Girl Scout Nation Capital organization is offering a STEAM spring break camp that includes bus transportation from Timber Lane ES. The camp is 4 full days for $50 with full financial aid available. Space is limited—registration opens January 16!
Questions? Contact Jeanne McElhaney:
jmcelhaney@gscnc.org or (202) 534-3791 Additional information can be found here.
|
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.
Sometimes kids need a change of clothes at school. A quick change of clothes can get them back to class and help them not miss out on valuable instruction time by needing to go home to change. Thank you, to everyone who has already donated in support of this cause! We are in need of pants. Check out this link for ideas:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/OJBYKY1KUCWQ?ref_=wl_share
|
Good evening TLES, for parents interested in supporting our weekend food pick up at Trader Joe's and distribution at TLES, please find this sign-up form:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E4AA9A628A1FE3-tles#/
These weekend events only take approximately 30 minutes of your time in between pick up and distribution at TLES. Thank you for helping us help our community!
During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:
-
Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
-
Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
-
Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on:
- Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
- Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
- Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
- Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
- The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.
Paper forms can be signed and returned to school.
|
