Glasgow Parents and Community:
Greetings! If you missed our February PTA Meeting this past week, please see the recording here for viewing. As we approach the halfway mark of February, I want to remind you of some important dates and opportunities to stay engaged in your child's education.
Firstly, it's a critical time to connect with your child's teachers regarding their grades and any classroom needs they may have. Your involvement and support are crucial in ensuring their academic success. Please take the time to reach out and communicate with teachers as needed.
As a reminder, there will be a student holiday on February 19th, followed by the mid-point of the quarter on February 23rd. These are important milestones to keep track of as we progress through the academic year.
Looking ahead, please note that the two days following Spring Break will be a Teacher Work Day and a Professional Development day for our teachers and staff. Therefore, there will be student holidays for both FCPS and Glasgow MS students. Please plan accordingly.
Last week was School Counseling Week, and if you haven't already, I encourage you to reach out and show your appreciation to your child's school counselor. Their dedication and support play a crucial role in the well-being and success of our students.
As we move forward into the second semester, we remain committed to partnering with you in the education and development of our GMS students. Research on best practices in co-parenting emphasizes the importance of collaboration between parents and educators. Together, we can ensure that our students have the support and resources they need both academically and behaviorally to thrive. Also, I wanted to update the community on a data point from the last message I sent. It was related to tardy data and should have been related to the decrease in classroom cut data. Apologies.
In the coming weeks, we have several exciting events planned, including field trips and engaging units in our students' classes. Your involvement and support are invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best possible education for our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Also, please see the images below from our Attendance celebration for students who have not missed any days of school and our International Night.
Humbly,
Victor L. Powell, Principal
Contact Information:
Email: vlpowell@fcps.edu
Twitter: @VictorLeonPowe1
Website: http://www.fcps.edu/GlasgowMS/
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Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring
Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.
A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.
We strongly encourage all FCPS middle and high school students to click on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal for homework help, concept review, writing support, and test prep—anytime, anywhere.
Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.
📚 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools to use as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support, and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend an information night on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., at Thoreau Middle School. Parents/caregivers will learn more about Lexia, and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom and supporting student growth in reading. Attendees will also get tips for supporting their students at home.
Register to attend or submit a question in advance. Unable to attend in person? Join on Zoom.
Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
📚 Noche de Lexia para Padres: Como Ayudamos a su Hijo a Aprender a Leer
FCPS financia el uso de Lexia para que todas las escuelas primarias e intermedias lo usen como parte de su instrucción de alfabetización. Lexia es un programa computarizado que complementa la instrucción en el aula para ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades de alfabetización. También proporciona a los maestros datos para identificar a los estudiantes que necesitan apoyo adicional, y la capacidad de saber qué conceptos y habilidades específicas priorizar.
Asista a una noche de información el lunes, 12 de febrero, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Intermedia de Thoreau. Los padres/cuidadores aprenderán más acerca de Lexia, y como FCPS lo está integrando en la clase y apoyando el crecimiento de los estudiantes en lectura. Los asistentes también recibirán consejos para apoyar a sus estudiantes en casa.
Regístrese para asistir o envíe una pregunta por adelantado. ¿No puede asistir en persona? Únase a través de Zoom.
Integrar Lexia en el currículo de alfabetización se alinea con el Acta de Alfabetización de Virginia, el Acceso Equitativo a la Alfabetización de FCPS, y la Meta 3 del Plan Estratégico de FCPS, que apunta a que todos los estudiantes lean al mismo nivel al final del tercer grado.
Junior National Honor Society
This week, our Junior National Honor Society is hosting TWO events:
- Spirit Week!
- Candy Gram Sales!
****For Anything but a Backpack day, please be sure that your child brings their items in a school appropriate item.
Morning Drop Off Kiss and Ride
When dropping your child off in the mornings, please use the kiss and ride lane and drop students off at the front of the building. Dropping students off in the back by the buses or in the parking lot is dangerous and puts your child’s safety at risk. We realize that the kiss and ride lane can back up, so we will provide students with EXCUSED TARDY passes, if students are late due to the length of the kiss and ride lane. We do ask that all cars pull as far up as they can when dropping off, so that more students can get out of the car on the sidewalk, Thank you for your help with this.
Celebrating 2nd Quarter Honor Roll
We are proud of the hard work students have been doing so far this year in all of their classes and we look forward to celebrating students who have earned either All A or A/B Honor Roll. All A and A/B Honor Roll Certificates will be handed out in Panther Time on February 12th.
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February is Black History Month |
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History Month.
Track and Field Season
First ever Track and Field season is approaching and we’re looking for ONE more coach! Whether you are a FCPS staff or not, a seasoned veteran or not, all are welcome! Coaches will be provided with detailed training plans for all the events (100m, 200m, 400, 800m, 1600m, long jump, shot put) and all the information/equipment needed will also be provided. Practices will be twice a week at GMS and competition will be held on Saturdays mornings. This is a perfect opportunity to be a part of history and make a difference as this will be the first ever season of Track and Field for GMS. If you’re interested in coaching the Track & Field team for Glasgow Middle School, please contact John Lee (jjlee4@fcps.edu) or Greg Williams (gwilliams2@fcps.edu)! Season begins in April!
Art Open Studio
Art Open Studio is BACK!!! Do you like to draw, sketch or make art! Bring your favorite art tools & sketchbook to hang out and make some art with other student artists on Thursdays, during 1st Block! If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Schickel jmschickel@fcps.edu.
As warmer weather continues to creep into the area, our clubs will begin to move back outside. Please dress and plan accordingly for this. If you’re interested in playing any sport in After School, it is important to wear the appropriate shoes to minimize injury. We will begin to monitor this more closely; if your student isn’t wearing the appropriate footwear, they will not be allowed to participate.
Visits from Justice and Annandale School Counselors
Justice and Annandale High School Counselors will be coming to present academic advising lessons to 8th Grade students on Monday, February 5th. Please help your child be at school on-time Monday morning! The lessons will be taking place during Panther Time and continuing through 2nd period. At the end of the presentations students will start selecting their courses for 9th grade. Justice Counselors will be back on February 26th & 27th to meet with students individually to finalize their requests. Students attending Edison HS will have counselor visits on Wednesday February 7th and Falls Church HS will also meet with School Counselors sometime later in the month of February. More information to come on that.
Resources to help with planning through High School:
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rachel Margolis, 8th grade School Counselor at rdmargolis@fcps.edu.
Curriculum Night
Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night at Justice High School – Thurs, Feb. 15, 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm (Snow Date: Tues, 2/20)
For all rising 9th graders who will be attending Justice High School in SY24-25, Justice will be hosting a curriculum night for parents and students to hear about the courses in the core content areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. There will be an optional electives fair for parents/students to learn more about the different electives available for rising 9th graders.
- 5:30-6:25pm – Electives Fair – Cafeteria
- World Languages, CTE, AVID, Perf Arts, Visual Arts, etc.
- 6:30-8pm – Curriculum Night - Auditorium
- Welcome and Logistics
- Parents/Students will be divided into groups based on last names and will attend four rotations: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies
Glasgow Middle School Course Selection
The course selection process for the 2024-2025 school year is beginning! This week, Rising 7th and 8th grade Glasgow students will receive lessons about course options. Counselors will be meeting with students for academic advising throughout January and February in their Social Studies/History and Health/PE classes. Once students begin academic advising, course selection previews will be available in SIS ParentVue and SIS StudentVue by selecting “Course Request”. Please talk with your child about the classes that they want to take. Rising 9th grade students will meet with counselors later in the month of February. Stay tuned to future Gazettes for more information for students and families about course offerings at Glasgow!
Caregiver Coffees about Course Selection
The School Counseling team will be hosting Caregiver Coffees for current 6th and 7th grade families about academic advising on February 13th at 2:30pm and February 20th at 7:30am. Come by to ask questions about course selection and learn about the next school year. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend, please fill out this form here.
Snowball Dance
The 6th and 7th grade Snowball Dance (Hosted by the Glasgow PTA) has been rescheduled for February 24th (6:30pm-9pm). Glasgow students can purchase tickets for $2 in the cafeteria every morning before first class OR email Ms. Cooper at amcooper2@fcps.edu. Parents/Caregivers who are interested in volunteering or donating supplies can sign up here!
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🥁 Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
CTE programs are available for grade 6-11 students to explore CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. IFTA allows students to select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
Summer Learning
Programs are also available for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement, earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program, or recover one high school course credit through the Credit Recovery Academy.
FCPS’ free online class for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provides FCPS middle and high school English Learners the opportunity to continue developing their academic, reading, and writing skills in online discussions with an ESOL teacher.
Find session dates, registration links, and registration deadlines on FCPS summer programs.
🥁 Inscríbase en los campamentos de verano y programas de aprendizaje de FCPS
Las inscripciones ya están abiertas para varios campamentos de verano y oportunidades de aprendizaje que ofrecen las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax para todos los estudiantes.
Los campamentos de Educación Profesional y Técnica (CTE) y los campamentos del Instituto para las Artes se llevarán a cabo en julio en la Escuela Secundaria de Lake Braddock de 8:30 a.m. a 2 p.m. Habrá transporte en autobús disponible desde escuelas intermedias y secundarias selectas de FCPS.
Los programas CTE están disponibles para estudiantes de grados 6-11 para explorar áreas de programas CTE, desarrollar habilidades, y empezar a explorar carreras. IFTA les permite a los estudiantes seleccionar de casi 90 clases en arte, baile, salud y educación física, música, y teatro. Visite la página web de IFTA para inscribirse.
Programas de aprendizaje durante el verano
También hay programas disponibles para estudiantes de secundaria para cumplir con el requisito del curso de Economía y Finanzas Personales, ganar un crédito de curso de secundaria a través del programa de cursos en línea de este verano, o recuperar un crédito de curso de secundaria a través de la Academia de Recuperación de Crédito.
La clase gratuita en línea de FCPS Inglés para Personas que Hablan Otros Idiomas (ESOL) ofrece a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo Inglés en las escuelas intermedias y secundarias de FCPS la oportunidad de continuar desarrollando sus habilidades académicas, de lectura y escritura en discusiones en línea con un maestro de ESOL.
Vea las fechas de las sesiones, los enlaces de inscripción y las fechas de vencimiento de inscripción para los programas de verano de FCPS.
 Winter weather & appropriate Clothing
As we enter the winter months, cold weather will be in the forecast. We want to make sure all students are prepared for the cold weather as they wait at the bus stop, play outside for recess, and make their way home at the end of the day. Please make sure you are sending students to school with their winter coats, gloves, hats, and scarfs. If your child is in need of a winter coat, please reach out to our Student Services Department at Glasgow MS.
Please see the National Weather Service (NWS) website for information on cold weather safety.
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How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com
FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/guardians can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Detailed information and FAQs are available on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.
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Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to OnlineTutoring@fcps.edu.
Behavior Solution Series for Elementary and Secondary Families
Join staff from the FCPS Behavior Intervention Services Department to help families encourage positive communication and behavior at home.
Elementary Webinars
2/16 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication Add to Your Calendar.
- Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.
3/15 Taming Tantrums and More Add to Your Calendar.
- Parents, ever had a moment when things feel like a big puzzle and you just need the right pieces? We will share strategies to help when your child’s behavior feels like a rollercoaster. Learn how to turn meltdowns into moments that make you go 'ta-da!'
Secondary Webinars
4/19 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication Add to Your calendar.
- We will equip you with strategies for navigating the teen years. Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
5/31 Taming the Teenaged Brain Add to Your Calendar.
- Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.
Register for all or part of the Behavior Solution Series for Families
How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help with Ann Dolin
Disappointing grades are not always a fair indication of how hard your child is trying, how much they’re learning, or what their potential for success is later on in life (especially for those with ADHD and other learning differences).
On the surface, disappointing grades represent a failure at school. But there’s usually a lot more to it and many emotions for parents and students at stake!
Webinar Highlights:
- What to do if your child comes home with bad grades (and how to prevent over-reacting)
- How to talk to your child about their school performance, including some easy conversation starters
- Ways to investigate why it’s happening and the two most common reasons for poor grades
- What to do about it moving forward, including strategies to help your child study more effectively and stay organized
- Whether you should set consequences for your child’s bad grades (or reward them for good grades)
Join Ann Dolin, educator, author, and Educational Connections Founder for new strategies to tackle these sticky situations while preserving your relationship with your child.
February 23, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m. Add to Your Calendar.
Register for How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help
FBA/BIP Essentials for Families
Does your child have concerning behaviors at school? Did you know that there is a process to identify and support your child at school?
Join us to learn about the FBA and BIP process and how it is used in FCPS to support any student who experiences behavioral challenges.
- Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process to determine the underlying cause or functions of a student’s behavior that impedes social, emotional, and academic learning.
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that utilizes positive behavioral interventions and supports to address behaviors that interfere with learning.
Staff from the Office of Special Education Instruction, Office of Intervention and Prevention Services, and Office of Special Education Procedural Support will be presenting and sharing information.
February 29, 2024, 6:30-8 p.m. Add to Your Calendar
Register for FBA/BIP Essentials for Families
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