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Dear Stenwood Families,
Though it was a short week, we fit a lot in! Thanks to our PTA for sponsoring our Science Labs once again. 5th and 6th graders were able to attend this week and our kindergartners - 4th graders will attend next week. Our PTA also spoiled us this morning with a waffle and yogurt bar for breakfast! Thank you for helping to appreciate our staff and bring extra joy to a Friday morning.
There were so many creative rhymes around the building today! Thanks to the SCA for a fun spirit day. We will include creative pictures next week.
Thank you to all the 4th grade Strings parents that were able to join the performance this morning. Your children have made so much progress and we always love watching them have the opportunity to teach you some of the things they have learned!
Below you will find additional information about:
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal
bgcase@fcps.edu
Bell Schedule Reminders
We have been noticing an uptick of late drop-offs at Kiss N Ride in the morning. All students need to be dropped off by 8:38 to be in class on time by the late bell at 8:40. Students will be marked tardy if they are not dropped off before 8:38. If you see the patrols heading to class - you are late. Kiss N Ride opens at 8:20.
Also, it is very important that only buses use the front entrance of the school from 8:20 to 8:38AM. Please continue to only use the Kiss N Ride for morning drop-offs unless your child is tardy.
Smartwatch Usage at School
We have seen an increase in students using smartwatches and wearable technology in classes during the school day, and in particular to contact families. This causes a distraction to the student, their teachers, and classrooms. In accordance with FCPS SR&R, elementary students are not allowed to use the call/text function on smartwatches during the school day. This policy does include non-instructional times including lunch and recess. If your child is not feeling well, please remind them that they need to tell their teacher and we can support them in the clinic; they can call you from there. Please DO NOT call, message or reply to your child on their cell phone or smartwatch during the school day. Here is the language from the SR&R specific section regarding cell phones and smart watches.
Elementary school Kindergarten-sixth grade
Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) 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 where they are the most appropriate tool, however one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs. Cell phones may be used on campus only before and after school. The full SR&R document is linked here.
March 5th Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5th, to accommodate the safe and efficient administration of the 2024 presidential primary election. Therefore, March 5th will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day.
Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days.
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.
Parent Book Club
Come join us to discuss parenting challenges and strategies in a supportive community. During Quarter 3, we are excited to be discussing The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Books are selected based on your input and interest and are related to parenting skills and raising school-aged children. If you aren’t already on the email list, please fill out this form to express your interest and feedback and we will provide you with more details directly. The book club is facilitated by Tammy Berick, School Counselor and Catherine Wideman, Kindergarten Teacher and open to all parents who want to join.
Next Year’s Intention Forms/
Rising Kindergarten Information
Last month, students brought home a Student Intention Form. We are asking families to fill out this form for each child to help us plan for adequate staffing next year. Thank you to those who have already returned the form. If you need an extra copy please reach out to the office at 703-208-7600.
If you have a child who will turn five on or before September 30th, 2024, please return the blue form or fill out the Rising Kindergartner form. We have Kindergarten Orientation coming up on March 8th at 9:15am. If you have any neighbors that have children that turn 5 on or before September 30th, please let them know to reach out to Mrs. Hunt, snhunt@fcps.edu as soon as possible so we can ensure they have all the information they need.
Community Peers Preschool Program
Next year Stenwood will have community peers in our preschool program. This program provides opportunities for our students to participate in integration activities with typically developing peers. The program is designed to teach preschoolers with delays and without delays in the same classroom. It can provide young children with a more stimulating environment, teach skills for coping with different situations, and provide the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills.
Our program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (2 per class), who are ages 3.5 (by September 30th) to 5 years, to participate in our daily preschool activities.
The children from the community will have the opportunity to make new friends and share experiences with current early childhood special education students. Our students will, in turn, benefit from being with community peers who can model appropriate language, motor, and social skills.
All children learn through their play. Intellectual growth occurs in a social context, influenced strongly by the quality of social interactions. The goal of this program is to encourage active learning and promote social interaction and acceptance through shared experiences between the community children and our preschoolers with special needs. Bus transportation cannot be provided for the community peers. Feel free to contact us for further explanation of our program.
If you are interested in having your child considered for this opportunity, please complete the Community Peers Preschool Program Interest and Information Form by Friday, March 1st. Stenwood will host a playdate for interested students in late March/early April. If you know of anyone who may be interested and does not receive the Stenwood Hive Happenings, feel free to forward them this information.
2024 CTE Summer Enrichment
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning engaging summer enrichment programs for students! For current kindergarten to 5th grade students, there is the Tech Adventure Camp. For current 6th to 11th grade students, there is the CTE Summer Academy.
These are hands-on, exploratory enrichment programs that teaches students engaging and exciting content in Career and Technical Education program areas by making connections to careers and developing new skills.
Registration is open from February 1st through June 7th, 2024.
Nutrislice Menu and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications
Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Stenwood is Hiring!
We are looking to hire Classroom Monitors and Substitutes! If you are interested in any of these positions, please reach out if you have any questions or if you want more information. Here is a link to FCPS’ application portal.
Classroom Monitors: Monitors will work every day students attend throughout the 2023-24 school year, and will directly support classrooms by providing additional supervision to students during lunch or in the classroom. The pay is $16.85/hour. Teachers will provide directions/assignments for monitors and students to complete. Please apply here and email me at esriley@fcps.edu so we can schedule a time to talk more. Please share this opportunity with others who might be interested. All FCPS schools are looking to hire for this position.
Decades Day!
4th Grade Strings Showcase!
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
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Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
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Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
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Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
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PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
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