Thoreau Matters
February 16, 2024
Dear Thoreau Families,
Yesterday we celebrated School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and I would like to give a huge shout-out to Officer Mains! She's not just a familiar face in the halls, but an enthusiastic and knowledgeable presence who builds positive relationships with students. Always approachable and ready to help, Officer Mains plays a vital role in keeping our Thoreau community safe and supported. Thank you, Officer Mains, for all you do!
Also yesterday was the annual Thoreau Spelling Bee. Congratulations to winner Mehmet Balci who will compete with other regional school champions in the Fairfax County Spelling Bee on Sunday, March 17. Best of luck Mehmet!
As a reminder, Monday school is closed for the President’s Day observance. Also remember to join me and the PTA for an in-person parent coffee/PTA meeting on Thursday, February 22, at 9:00 AM in the Thoreau library.
Have a great weekend,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
Please join us in congratulating Zach Firestine who was selected as the Madison Pyramid Outstanding New Secondary Teacher! Zach’s hard work, dedication and overall contributions to Thoreau are well known to us all and we are delighted that he has been recognized by the Pyramid. Zach will now move on to the Region 1 round. Best of luck Zach and thanks for all you do!
Congratulations to our VA Middle School All-State Delegates!
Out of 1100 auditioners from around the state of Virginia, 7 talented singers from Thoreau will be heading to Richmond for the Middle School All-State Honors Choir in April! Congrats to Prisha C, Cora H, Allison K, Gabriella M, Hunter N, Amelia N, and Piper S for their acceptance into this prestigious honors choir!
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Student Intention Forms
Moving this summer? If your family plans include relocation, please notify us by completing the Intention Form and send it to Ms. Karla Macoto - kmmacoto@fcps.edu at your earliest convenience.
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. Students will participate in meaningful opportunities to learn about the contributions of Black and African American people as we honor these diverse and important stories. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
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College Partnership Program
The application process for the College Partnership Program (CPP) is now open. See our web site (CPP Flyer) for more information about this program and the support it provides to students.
Middle School Sports
Track and Field Competition is coming to Thoreau MS this Spring. We will be scheduling an interest meeting for students in the coming weeks!
- Events to choose from will include 100m, 200m, and 400m Sprint Events; 800m and 1600m Distance Events; Long Jump and Shot Put
- Practices start in March and will be held Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Additional After-School activities are available if students wish to use the Late Buses to get home
- There will be four meets scheduled in April and May. These will be held on Saturday mornings on High School Tracks
- To participate in the Middle School Track Program the following information must be completed:
- Complete this form Thoreau MS Sports Registration
- Have a doctor complete the MS Sports Physical Form. (Physical forms on record for Cross Country are valid if they were done within the current school year). Please have your student turn in the forms to the main office
- Complete and sign the attached Emergency Care Card. The ECC can also be found and printed from your Parent Vue account. Please double-check that all information is current
The 3 steps must be completed before students can participate.
We are pleased to welcome back Coach Sharphorn as one of our Track & Field coaches this spring!
Interested in becoming a coach alongside Coach Sharphorn? Please email our Athletics Coordinator, Chris Pinkerton at cpinkerton@fcps.edu and let him know that you're interested! There is a $500 contract offered for this position.
Lost & Found Reminder
Reminder: At the end of each month we donate lost and found goods that are brought into the cafeteria. Please make sure your student is checking the lost and found before their belongings get donated! We have plenty of coats, assorted clothing and accessories currently in the cafeteria. Thanks!
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School Laptops
This is a reminder that a student’s FCPSOn device must be used responsibly at school and at home, in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities. The FCPS student device is valuable and should be treated appropriately. It should not be thrown or dropped. It should never be placed on the roof or hood of a car, on the sidewalk or street, or treated in any way that may cause it to be crushed, dropped, or damaged. Laptop keys and screens and iPad screens are all delicate equipment and should be treated gently. Do not push too hard or bang on any device. The student device and charger are for the assigned student’s use only. Friends, other students, siblings, cousins, or other people should not use it. If a student decides to lend their laptop or charger to a fellow student, it is still their responsibility if it is damaged or goes missing. Additional device guidelines may be found here.
If it is found that a laptop was damaged on purpose, or because a student was being careless, there will be a charge to fix the device. Please remind your student about the importance of being responsible with these devices.
School staff should be informed of a lost/stolen device as soon as possible. The sooner it is reported, the more likely it can be found. Students and parents can submit support tickets at this site: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/student/
Understanding HS Mathematics Course Offerings Webinar
How can students participate in mathematics throughout high school in a way that is relevant to and supportive of post-secondary and career interests? FCPS Math Specialists are offering a webinar for parents/guardians on March 8th from 10 to 11:30 AM.
During this session, the presenters will discuss mathematics graduation requirements and how to support students in navigating the various course offerings currently available in FCPS. Students and their families may start thinking about what course pathways are available beginning in middle school.
Presented by Jennifer Allard FCPS High School Math Specialist and Erin Sylves FCPS Math Specialist.
March 8, 2024, 10-11:30 AM. Add to Your Calendar
Register for Understanding High School Mathematics Course Offerings
You can access more information on this website
SOL Test Calendar
The SOL assessment schedule can be found below. The testing schedule will impact the bell schedule each day. Please avoid prearranged student absences on the dates your child will be taking an SOL test. More information regarding middle school SOLs is available on the SOL assessments webpage.
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Date
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7th grade
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8th grade
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April 16th
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Integrated Reading & Writing SOL
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May 9th
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Science SOL (Except for the Turtle Team)
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May 13th
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Science SOL (Turtle Team)
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May 15th
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Reading SOL
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Reading SOL
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May 17th
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Math SOL
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Math SOL
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Make-Ups
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Scheduled as needed throughout window
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Retakes
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For any student who receives a score of 375-399, they will be offered a retake. Thoreau staff will make parent phone calls to obtain parent permission and teachers will provide remediation to students.
Retakes will occur May 28th-31st.
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If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).
FCPS Summer Learning and Fun
Career and Technical Education
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.
Institute for the Arts Camps
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.
Summer Online Campus
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.
Additional Summer Learning Opportunities
Please go to the following website Summer Learning information page to learn about these summer opportunities:
- Credit Recovery Academy/ Extended Learning
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance
Thoreau After-School Program
After-School clubs & late buses occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 2:25pm - 4:45pm for the remainder of the school year!
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
Week of February 19th - February 23rd
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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Myers at cmmyers@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
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