Clearview Community Connect

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۔


The Clearview Community Connect

Stronger together

Dear Clearview Families,  

This week, the learning continued even though we had fewer than two days of school thanks to Mother Nature. We hope everyone had another enjoyable snow day either outside playing or from the comfort of home. Thank you for sharing your snow day pictures on the Clearview ES Facebook page.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or compliments you may have. If you have seen a Clearview staff member going above and beyond, fill out an FCPS Cares here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stephanie Almquist        Joshua Redford         Rachel Charlton  

Principal                         Assistant Principal     Assistant Principal

This week at Clearview


Dual Language Immersion Program Registration

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.



Volunteer Opportunity

Please reach out to Assistant Principal, Rachel Charlton, if you are available to volunteer, even for an hour, in the cafeteria over the next four weeks. Call Clearview or email rgcharlton@fcps.edu.



Opioid Awareness: What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

  • Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
  • Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
  • Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage
  • Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
  • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Visit FCPS’ website for more information.



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.

***If you have a child in grade 5 or 6, this is the optimal time to learn about these programs.



Orthodox Epiphany

In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and commemorates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. It is believed that 

Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan began Christ's ministry on earth and revealed the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind.

Epiphany


Quarter End, Early Release, and Student Holiday

Thursday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher work day. See the complete school year calendar.



January is National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.  



Parent Coffee

On Thursday, February 8, come enjoy freshly brewed coffee and donuts with members of the school community including your neighbors. This month, we are focusing on the importance of friendship and fostering connections within the school community.

This is a perfect opportunity to share experiences, gain insight, and strengthen our bonds as parents while we nurture friendships among children.

parent coffee


Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework

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.



Tech Talk

 

Digital Learning Resources on Clearview's Public Webpage

Clearview's website is now home to a treasure trove of digital learning resources meticulously curated to enrich your child's educational journey. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education, we understand the importance of providing dynamic tools that engage and inspire our young learners. Our website proudly boasts a diverse array of interactive platforms, educational games, and supplemental materials designed to reinforce classroom lessons and foster independent learning. We invite you to explore this virtual learning hub, accessible from the comfort of your own home, and discover the wealth of resources tailored to meet the unique needs of our Clearview students. Your partnership in fostering a love for learning is invaluable, and we are confident that these digital resources will serve as valuable companions in your child's academic exploration.

Click here to be directed to our Student Technology page. 

Click here to be directed to our Digital Learning Tools page.

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

 



Save the date

Important Dates

1/25 Two-hour early dismissal

1/26 School is closed! (Teacher Workday)

2/8 Parent Coffee, 9am, Cafeteria



PTA

Mark your calendars 

  • Wed., Jan. 24: Spirit Night at Chipotle, 4-8 p.m.
  • Fri., Feb. 2: Sixth Grade Basketball Game at Herndon Middle School
  • Wed., Feb. 14: Staff Valentine’s Day Breakfast & Supply Drive
  • Mon., Feb. 19: Spirit Night at Chuck E. Cheese from 3-9 p.m.
  • Wed., Feb. 21: PTA Member Meeting & Summer Camp Fair at 7 p.m. in the Clearview cafeteria

 

Special thanks

We’re off to a great start in 2024! Many thanks to everyone who helped make our Winter Dance such a heart-warming event. Whether you joined Mr. Redford for the Cupid Shuffle, did the griddy with Stinger, or just danced along to the tunes from our local teen DJ, Calvin Smith, our students and their siblings had a blast! We are happy to report that we delivered 6 bags of food and 3 large bags of warm winter items to Cornerstones this week. Thank you to 4th grader Jonny Katora for suggesting that we hold a dance and including a way for all of us to give back to our local community.

 

Thank you also to Ms. Kari Kain for such an enjoyable tour of the library at this week’s PTA Meeting. The library is very much the heart of the school and we are so excited about the plans to add a Maker Space. Ms. Kain is also organizing a free book fair later this year, so watch for more details about how you can help ensure every Clearview student ends the school year with a new book in their hands.

 

Come cheer for Clearview

The annual 6th grade basketball game is coming up on Friday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at Herndon Middle School. Whether you’re cheering on the students or the staff, be sure to wear your spirit wear! Proceeds from the game tickets and snack sale will go toward the 6th grade celebration. While our 6th grade families will organize and set up the snack sale, they would appreciate some extra help with selling during the game (so they can watch their children). This is a great way to “pay it forward” since someday your little Yellow Jacket will be a 6th grader! If you can help, sign up here and reach out to Arpita Patel (arpitaptl@gmail.com) with any questions. 

 

Join us for our next two Spirit Nights: Chipotle on Jan. 24 and Chuck E. Cheese on Feb. 19

We’re continuing to host spirit nights to support our 6th graders as they raise money for their end-of-year celebration. Our next one is at Chipotle (1144 Elden St. in Herndon) on Wed., Jan. 24 from 4-8 p.m. A generous 33% of all sales will come back to the PTA! Bring your flyer from this week’s Tuesday Folders for in-store purchases or use the code 886PXKM for all online orders.

 

On February spirit night is at Chuck E. Cheese (2465 Centerville Rd. in Herndon) on Mon. Feb. 19. There’s no school that day (Presidents Day Weekend), so be sure to head over for some pizza and fun from 3-9 p.m. Watch for a Tuesday Folder flyer closer to the event that includes some special coupons, including 10 free play points for Clearview families. We’ll receive 20% of our sales, which we will divide between the PTA and our 6th graders. To help you remember, Chuck E. Cheese himself will be making an appearance during dismissal time on the Friday before the event!

 

Show some love with our Valentine’s Day staff breakfast & school supply drive on Feb. 14

Please help us show some love for our Clearview teachers and staff by treating them to breakfast and boosting their classroom supplies this Valentine’s Day! 

 

At Wednesday’s PTA meeting, our staff representative, Ms. Karen Kucik, shared how excited the teachers and staff are about this upcoming event. We need some help with hospitality: food donations, set up & serving, and clean up. Sign up here. Food items that won’t be served hot and paper goods may be dropped off at the main office up until 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 14. Hot breakfast items should be delivered to the library by 8:00 a.m. on Feb. 14.  

 

Classroom supplies can be purchased from our Amazon Wish List and delivered to the school or you can drop off donations at Sarah Stein’s home. All donations are due by Sun., Feb. 11 so we can sort and distribute the items on Valentine’s Day. Contact Sarah Stein at sarahkt99@hotmail.com to arrange a drop off or ask questions. Thank you!

 

Come to our summer camp fair on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Registrations often start in Jan./Feb. so now’s the time to start planning for your child’s summer activities. Our February meeting on the 21st at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria will include a “summer camp fair” where you’ll have the opportunity to meet with local providers. Thank you to Carla Falconi who will be there to interpret for our Spanish-speaking families. 

 

We’ve got a great line-up: Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center, Fairfax County Public Schools (E-IFTA & Tech Adventure Camp), Herndon Parks & Recreation, Next Stop Theater, Reston YMCA, Skatequest, and Sterners TaeKwonDo. We want to make this event a success, so please reach out and invite at least one other Clearview parent to join you!  

 

Do you enjoy running or walking outdoors?

It’s time to start planning for our annual 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, May 11 at 8 a.m. We’re trying something new this year: we’re making it a Fun Run and WALK! We’re forming a small group of volunteers to support the planning efforts of our PE teachers, Mr. Sommar and Ms. McCarron, and the PTA Board. Thank you so much to the parents who have already raised their hands to help. Who else would like to join us? Let us know at ClearviewElementaryPTA@gmail.com if you are interested in learning about how you can help. 

 

Coming soon: the return of spirit wear

You asked and we’re ready to deliver! Watch for more information next month about our final round of spirit wear sales for this school year. Get ready, Yellow Jackets!

 

We’re here for you!

Your Clearview PTA Board: Christine Graham (president), Nakisha Dixon (treasurer), Ryan Herb (secretary), Amana Katora (head of programs), and Brian Kelley (head of fundraising).



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