The Pine Spring Paw Print


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feb 4

AAP February Updates

AAP AAP 2

VDOE Winter Virginia Growth Assessment Parent Reports

The Virginia Department of Education announced the release of the new Parent Report covering the results of this year’s Winter Virginia Growth Assessments for students in grades 3-6.  

An example of the new Parent Report as well as additional resources for parents can be found on the Parent & Caregiver Resources for Assessments webpage on the VDOE website.

The Parent Report  informs parents of their child’s test scores, shows if the child needs additional support, is considered at-risk of falling behind, or if the child is generally well prepared at this point of the school year. Parent Reports will be available in ParentVUE starting at the end of January.


Principal Pop-In Winners!

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Friday, Mrs. Bowser’s class won the first "Principal Pop-In." This initiative rewards classes for perfect attendance on the day that Ms. Yacubovich makes a surprise visit and announces, “PRINCIPAL POP-IN!”. Mrs. Bowser's students showcased their commitment to being present and ready to learn, earning them a special attendance prize. Let's celebrate their dedication and teamwork. Well done, Mrs. Bowser's class, for setting a wonderful example for the whole school!


Social Emotional Learning Screener

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6 between February 26th – March 15th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: 

https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Leah DeLew, at lmdelew@fcps.edu.


PTA Bingo Night

Bingo New

WIDA Testing Schedule

Federal legislation requires that all students identified as English learners (ELs) are assessed annually to monitor their progress and proficiency in English. In Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs for this purpose. The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development standards and assesses English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. If your child will be participating in the WIDA testing, a notification letter was sent home. The dates for testing are below.  It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school. If you have any questions about this test, please contact Jennifer Ganci at jlganci@fcps.edu.

 

Grade 1    

 January 31, February 1, 8, 9, 12, 13, 26, 27

Grade 2

 January 31, February 1, 8, 9, 12, 13, 26, 27

Grade 3

 January 31, February 1, 14, 15,  16, 20, 28, 29 

Grade 4

 February 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 20, 28, 29

Grade 5

 February 5, 6, 21, 23, March 1, 4

Grade 6

 February 5, 6, 21, 23, March 1, 4


School Calendar

Please remember that the school calendar for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 are both available and allow you the opportunity to enjoy time with family, while still ensuring a strong learning experience for your child.


Kindergarten Registration

Children turning 5 on or before September 30 should be registered for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year. 

I know it seems early, but now is the time for students to be registered. We are planning playdates, screenings, orientation, and other gatherings for kindergarten students to get to know their teachers and each other over the summer. Register soon to make sure your child doesn't miss out! 

Students should be registered at the school they will be attending. A boundary locator is available online, along with a list of required documents, and additional help for military families, families who need language assistance, and other forms of support. 

If you know someone who needs this information, please forward this message or have them call Pine Spring Elementary at 571-226-4400 to schedule a time with Ms. Breeden.  

We are currently anticipating Kindergarten Orientation in-person at Pine Spring on April 2nd.


Superintendent to Present FY 2025 Proposed Budget

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the board. 

View the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, or the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, please visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.


🚍 Here Comes the Bus

Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.

To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.

Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to HCTB@fcps.edu.  

Note: eNotify text messaging will continue to be used for reporting bus delays and bus incidents.


Congratulations, Principal Raven Jones!

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We are excited to share that Raven Jones, Principal of Luther Jackson Middle School, has been awarded Region 2's New Principal of the Year! This honor reflects Principal Jones' exceptional leadership and commitment to creating a positive learning environment. Join us in celebrating Principal Jones and the bright future ahead for our students attending Luther Jackson in the fall. Congratulations, Principal Jones!


Save The Date

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February 8: 100th Day of School

February 19: George Washington’s Birthday-Holiday

February 27-28:  IOWA (IAAT) Testing (6th Advanced Math)

March 5: School Planning Day/Student Holiday

March 7: AAP Parent Session (5:00 PM)

March 7: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

March 12: 3rd Grade Field Trip- GMU Center for the Arts

March 14: Family Math Night

March 20: Falls Church Pyramid Art Show- (5:00 PM)

March 21: Spring Portraits and Class Pictures

March 25-March 29: Spring Break

April 1: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

April 2: Staff Development Day/Student Holiday

April 2: Kindergarten Orientation (9:00 AM)

April 4: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

April 4: 6th Grade Field Trip (Graham/Lewis)

April 4-12: Naglieri (NNAT) Testing (1)

April 5: 6th Grade Field Trip (Monroe/Hamm)

April 10: Holiday- Eid al Fitr

April 12: 4th Grade Strings Rehearsal (9:00 AM-Cafeteria)

April 12: Combined 5th & 6th Grade Band Rehearsal- Gym (9:00 AM)

April 16: 6th Grade Band Rehearsal in the Band Trailer / 6th Grade Strings Rehearsal- Gym (9:00 AM)

April 16: 1st Grade Field Trip- National Zoo

April 16: 5th Grade Band Rehearsal in the Band Trailer / 5th Grade Strings Rehearsal- Gym (10:05AM)

April 17: 4th Grade Strings Concert (9:00AM)

April 18: 5th and 6th Grade Band and Strings Concert (9:00AM)

April 18: AAP Level IV orientation (6:00 PM)

April 19: ALVN Build a Child’s Library 

April 23: Family Science Night

April 26-27: All County Chorus Festival

April 27: Falls Church Jaguar 5k

April 29-May 3: Teacher Appreciation Week

April 29-May 24: Spring SOL Testing Window

May 2: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

May 3: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

May 7: 6th Grade Panoramic Picture

May 10: K Field Trip- Hidden Oak Nature Center

May 27: Holiday- Memorial Day

June 6: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

June 11: K and 6th Grade Promotion

June 12: Last Day for Students

See the complete school year calendar