February 16 - Family Newsletter

Rolling Valley Families,

Is snow in the forecast for tonight? It’s been an interesting winter for sure! Regardless of the weather, we’ve been staying warm and busy with all our RV activities! This week we had many Valentine-inspired activities, leading to many smiles throughout the week. 

A big thank you to the PTA for providing the “Caffeine Machine” gourmet coffee truck to provide a coffee treat to our staff! 

Looking ahead, a reminder there is no school on Monday, February 19, in honor of Presidents Day! We hope you have a great weekend.

Veronica Del Bagno

Rolling Valley Elementary Principal

Presidents Day

February - 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

Invention Convention!

In honor of Engineering Week Rolling Valley will be hosting its first Invention Convention on Thursday, February, 22 from 5:30-6:30. Students are encouraged to create an invention of their own to share in a Science Fair-style presentation. Use this link if you are interested in creating an invention. https://forms.gle/RCV2jjPyVKM1pGJA8 All are welcome to attend, even if you do not create an invention. The RV Robotics Club will be demonstrating their robots and there will be hands-on exploration stations. Come on out for an evening of fun.

Kids in Today's Society

At Irving MS

February 21st IN-PERSON PTA MEETING @ 6pm! + "Kids in Today's Society" presentation (formerly "Hidden in Plain Sight") from our local Fairfax County Police in West Springfield. This presentation provides insight into a range of teen behavior, from drug and alcohol use, risky to illegal behaviors and more, that the local police are currently dealing with. It is an adult only presentation. This presentation will be combined with our general PTA meeting.

2024-25 Kindergarten and New Student Registration

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is open! FCPS is conducting its annual Survey of Preschool Children. The survey was sent home to all families and can also be found here. If you have a child eligible for Kindergarten this August (rising Kindergarten students need to be 5 years old before September 30, 2024), please complete the form and return it to our office by March 22nd.  If you have no need for the form, please check with your neighbors who may have children eligible for kindergarten and share this form with them.

Information pertaining to registration, including eligibility and forms is outlined on our student registration page Enroll.

All registrations are done by appointment only. Appointments are open now and continue throughout the summer.  Questions? Please contact our registrar, Lourdes Presnell, 703-923-2700, lcpresnell@fcps.edu

 Kids Heart Challenge

(formally Jump Rope for Heart)

RVES is particpating with Kids Heart Challenge, which is a service-learning based fundraising program that gives students the opportunity to raise funds, support family & friends health, and acquire lifesaving skills such as Hands Only CPR (done at home, not school). The assembly will be interactive for students and explain how the Challenge will take place.

All fundraising and learning will take place at home or in PE.

On Monday, February 26^th, PE will host the Kids Heart Challenge and students will jump rope during the Specials time.

Girls on The Run

Grades 3-6

Girls on the Run practices will be from March 6 through May 18 before school on Wednesdays and Fridays. We would love additional help if anyone can commit to 1 day a week, either Wednesdays or Fridays (or both if you want, too 😊). Coaching help would include helping to facilitate a lesson, then being out on the track with the girls as they run/walk laps.

 The Girls then participate in a 5K during the weekend of May 18 - 19**  

**5K event dates and locations are tentative.   

For more information about GOTR, check out the website.

KISS & RIDE Parking

Families we are asking for your assistance with our Kiss & Ride Line! To ensure the safety of our students and smooth out the pick-up line, we are asking that cars not park on the school side along Barnack Dr. This includes directly in front of the school (here the marquee is) and behind the bus entrance. You can park on the side of Barnack Dr. opposite the school and with limited impact on the Kiss & Ride Line. We appreciate your support in helping smooth out the dismissal procedure and ensure all students stay safe!

Smart Watches & Cell Phones

We have seen an increase in teachers reporting cell phone use and smartwatches used for texting or playing games during the school day. Please remind your student to keep their phones on silent and in their backpack, and to turn off the texting feature on smartwatches during the school day. 

Below please see the Students Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) for more information.

Students in grades K-6: Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities when appropriate. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.

Magnet School Application and Lottery Information

The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12, 2024.  No late applications are accepted.

To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:

• Bailey’s Upper, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual only)
• Hunters Woods Elementary, February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (In-person)
• Snow date: February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
• Bailey’s Primary, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
• Snow date: February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Magnet School Lottery Link

To celebrate Read Across America Week (March 4-8), we are trying something new! A book swap!

Here are the details:

• All students are invited to bring in a book/books from their home that they have already read to “swap”
• The books must be in good condition and meant for kindergarten-sixth grade children
• Students can bring in as many books as they want
• During that week, all students will be invited to go “shop the swap” and choose one new-to-them book to take home!
• EVERYONE will get a book, even without a donation

Please send in any book donations between now and March 1^st! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Reynolds at slreynolds2@fcps.edu.

PTA NEWS:

PTA NEWS:  

PTA FUNDS AT WORK:  The PTA had the "Caffeine Machine" gourmet coffee truck come to RVES on Valentine's Day to show our teachers and staff how much we love them! Big thanks to Ms. Del Bagno and Mr. Painter for making sure everyone had coverage so that they could step out and get a coffee treat. 

RUNFIT KIDZ:  Are you ready to run? Learn about nutrition and proper running technique by joining the Rolling Valley RunFit Kidz Team!  The Rolling Valley PTA is excited to offer RunFit Kidz this spring. Classes will be held before school on Wednesdays beginning March 20. 

For more details, click here: CLICK HERE

To register, click here: CLICK HERE

6TH GRADE CELEBRATION-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you have a 6th grader and are interested in joining our committee to help plan the 6th grade end-of-year celebration, please email ptarollingvalley@gmail.com! 

PYRAMID CHALLENGE - SAVE THE DATE: It's official - the rescheduled Pyramid Challenge fun run will take place on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00-4:30pm at Irving Middle School! Registration will open very soon - note that all students who want to participate will need to register, even if they already registered for the original event in November.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tuesday, February 27; 5:00-8:00pm 6th Grade "Run the Diner" Fundraiser @ Silver Diner:  Dine in or get takeout at Silver Diner (next to Springfield Mall) and 20% of proceeds will go to the RVES 6th grade celebration! Also, our 6th graders will be helping as servers, hosts and more! Be sure to mention the fundraiser when you pay.

6th Grade Families - see the information from your child's teacher for details about how to sign them up! Note that this is not a drop-off event, and parents must stay on-site at Silver Diner.

SEPTA NEWS:

SEPTA (FAIRFAX COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION PTA): SEPTA is a PTA organization affiliated with the state and national PTA but specifically established to address the unique needs of special education, special needs, and disabled students and families.  Please click here for more information and details about upcoming events: CLICK HERE

Feel free to contact the RVES PTA at ptarollingvalley@gmail.com with any questions or comments! 

FCPS Cares!

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Rolling Valley ES. We love our RVES staff members, let's tell them how we feel!

FCPS Tutor.com

📝 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.

Family Resource Center

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.

February

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 

• Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
• Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
• Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
• Play games and have fun!

March 2, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services Register for: SIBSHOPS: An Exicting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

Calendar Update for March 5 Presidential Primary The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested schools to close on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election. As a result, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, and responsive instruction. Central offices and school offices will remain open.

From A to Z, Attendance is Key!

Let's empower our young learners with the gift of consistent school attendance. Together, we can unlock their full potential! See how you can encourage good attendance in elementary school: https://bit.ly/3TP2gdB #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow #AttendanceMattersVA

Upcoming Summer Camps:

LOST & FOUND

It's cold out!!!!! Missing a jacket?

Call - 703-923-2700

Upcoming Dates:

FCPS 2023-24 School Year Calendar   Upcoming Dates: No School - Monday, February 19

 6703 Barnack Dr, West Springfield, VA 22152  | Main Office: 703-923-2700

Attendance: 703-923-2727 | Web | Twitter | Facebook