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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ።
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
Stronger together
Dear Clearview Families,
In less than one month it will officially be springtime! Now is the perfect time to take stock and celebrate the progress and achievements we've observed in our students so far this school year. Whether it's a child mastering a new skill, a group successfully collaborating on a project, or simply a moment of kindness and understanding between classmates, every milestone is a testament to the power of learning and the dedication of our entire school community, families included.
Looking ahead, we have exciting events and activities planned, each designed to nurture curiosity, build social-emotional skills, and foster a life-long love of learning. Please continue to engage with us and be a part of this learning journey. Stay tuned for information about Science Night and other events in the works!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or compliments you may have. If you have seen a Clearview staff member going above and beyond, fill out an FCPS Cares here.
.Have a great weekend!
Stephanie Almquist Joshua Redford Rachel Charlton
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
 We hope you enjoyed Family Fitness Night last night! Thank you to Clearview’s Family Engagement Committee, teachers, staff, and community volunteers for an incredible event! Family Fitness Night was a huge success thanks to you!
Therapy Dogs
Currently, Clearview has three therapy dogs that visit us throughout the school year. Rhylynn is dedicated to students in the Early Head Start, PreK, Early Childhood Special Education, and Preschool Autism Classrooms while Max and Gracie are dedicated to students in grades K-6.
Some students were able to spend time with Max on Wednesday and many received Max’s trading card! We hope you had an opportunity to meet Java and Nike at Family Fitness Night last night. It’s amazing how therapeutic spending time with a furry friend can be as they provide a calm and affectionate presence.
Read Across America at Clearview- March 1
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National Read Across America Day is celebrated on Saturday, March 2nd. What was once an annual weekly celebration of reading has turned into something much more exciting. Now, reading is celebrated all year long. Clearview celebrates reading every single day by exposing children to rich, diverse, and engaging texts. Clearview celebrates books as a window into another culture or a mirror reflecting our own. |
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This year on Friday, March 1st, Clearview will mark Read Across America with a special spirit day, Dress Like a Book Character. Students are encouraged to create costumes with what they have around the house, there is no need to purchase anything. Be creative! Look for a flyer in next week’s Tuesday Folder.
***Costume masks and weapons are not permitted.
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After School Clubs
Stay tuned for an INTEREST form next month where you can indicate for which club(s) you would like for your child(ren) to be considered. Each eligible student’s name will be put into a random number generator. Families of students selected will receive a permission slip.
*Priority will be given to students who have not yet participated in clubs.
Tuesdays: Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4
Healthy Plate (grade 1), Eco Club (grades 4-6), Math Minds (TBD), Art Club (grades 5-6), and Homework Club (grade 6)
Wednesdays: Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5
Science Olympiad (grades K-1), Robotics Club (grades 2-3), Science Olympiad (grades 3-4), and Math Olympiad (grades 4-6)
An after school bus will be available (for current bus riders) for all clubs with the exception of Healthy Plate that require parent pick-up. All clubs end at 5:25 pm with the exception of Healthy Plate which ends at 4:45 pm.
Please let Rachel Charlton, Assistant Principal, know if you would like to volunteer to lead or assist for an 8-week session.
PreK and Early Head Start
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start is now accepting applications for School Year 2024-25!
- PreK prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30th.
- Early Head Start accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
- Both programs are for income eligible families.
Apply for FCPS PreK and Early Head Start here
Email: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu
Visit the PreK office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22042
For more information call: 703-208-7900
Public Schools Week
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February 27-March 3 is Public Schools Week! Clearview ES welcomes every child, regardless of ability, race, religion, wealth, language, country of origin or needs. Our diversity is our strength. We are #PublicSchoolProud for Public Schools Week 2024! |
SIBSHOP: In-person Workshop for Siblings of Children with Special Needs!
Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in FCPS 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!
Register here for the next Sibshop: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center.
Classroom Monitor Needed at Clearview
Clearview is hiring! We are looking for applicants for the position of classroom monitor--to provide classroom assistance for students and enable teachers to have more planning time.
The salary is $16.85 per hour this school year. Monitors only work when students are in school; not summers or holidays. If you'd like to be considered, call or send your resume to Joshua Redford.
Health/Dental benefits are available for monitors who work an average of 30 hours per week under the Affordable Care Act.
Substitutes Needed at Clearview
We are always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers and instructional assistants need to be out of the classroom. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference!
Substitute instructional assistant pay is $17.08 per hour and substitute teacher pay is $19.05 per hour. Substitute teacher hourly pay is higher for long-term positions (11 consecutive days or more) and on Fridays.
Health/Dental benefits are available for substitutes who work an average of 30 per week under the Affordable Care Act.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please call or email KJ RoRobalino Gutierrez, Office Assistant, and apply on-line. Also, you can sign up for a virtual, one hour substitute information session here.
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 Black History month. |
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Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3
FCPS is partnering with independent research firm K12 Insight to administer a Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Your feedback is critical in helping FCPS to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs throughout the district. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight. A public link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available in our front office.
Please stay tuned for more information.
💭 Share Your Thoughts on Schoology
FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:
- Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
- Secondary students via email from Naviance.
Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups.
Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions.
2nd Annual AVID College Fair at Langston Hughes MS- Thursday, March 21
Free admission, no registration required and everyone is welcome!
5:30-6:00 PM Essentials to College Planning for Parents
6-7:00 PM College Fair - Arrive on time to get tickets to vote for the colleges to
which you’d most like to attend
Kindergarten Registration
This is a very special time for rising Kindergarten families. Kindergarten is the beginning of our children’s formal school experience, and it is a time of great excitement and anticipation.
Kindergarten registration is scheduled for Tuesday April 2n, 2024 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. After April 2nd, 2024, registration will be by appointment. Please contact our registrar, Nalei Meneses, at 703-708-6002 to make an appointment.
Listed below are documents needed to complete the registration process.
- Completed registration forms. https://www.fcps.edu/registration/forms
- Original birth certificate verifying that your child will be five years old on or before September 30, 2023.
- Proof of Residence – lease, deed or rental agreement for your place of residence.
- In addition, before school starts in August, rising kindergarteners will need to have had a physical examination dated August 2023 or later. A medical form, included in the registration link above. This form must be completed, signed, and dated by a physician, documenting the examination and record of immunizations and health screening requirements, and provided to the school at the time of registration or as soon as possible afterwards.
Smartwatches and School
Did you know? You can manage your child's smartwatch to stay focused during school time! Most smartwatches offer functionalities to limit features and interactions during specific periods. This empowers you to create a safe and engaging learning environment for your child.
For example, here is some information on "Schooltime" for an Apple Watch.
You can also explore these options:
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Check your smartwatch app: Most smartwatch apps have dedicated sections for parental controls or "School Mode." Explore these settings to discover features like limiting contacts, disabling notifications, and restricting specific apps.
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Consult your smartwatch manual: Refer to the official manual or online resources for detailed instructions on managing parental controls for your specific device.
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Explore online support: Several websites and forums offer guides and tutorials on setting up parental controls on different smartwatch models.
Remember:
- Prioritize open communication with your child about these limitations and explain the reasons behind them.
- Consider their needs and find a balance between restrictions and responsible smartwatch usage.
If you need assistance feel free to reach out to Clearview's School Based Technology Specialist, Mr. Michael Newbold, at mcnewbold@fcps.edu.
Digital Learning Resources on Clearview's Public Webpage
Clearview's website is now home to a treasure trove of digital learning resources meticulously curated to enrich your child's educational journey. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education, we understand the importance of providing dynamic tools that engage and inspire our young learners. Our website proudly boasts a diverse array of interactive platforms, educational games, and supplemental materials designed to reinforce classroom lessons and foster independent learning. We invite you to explore this virtual learning hub, accessible from the comfort of your own home, and discover the wealth of resources tailored to meet the unique needs of our Clearview students. Your partnership in fostering a love for learning is invaluable, and we are confident that these digital resources will serve as valuable companions in your child's academic exploration.
Click here to be directed to our Student Technology page.
Click here to be directed to our Digital Learning Tools page.
🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Important Dates
3/20 PTA Meeting in Clearview Cafeteria at 7:00 pm
3/22 Parent Coffee 9:00 am - 10:00 am
 Mark your calendars
- Mar. 6 (Wed.): Spirit Day at Taco Bamba from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Mar. 12 (Tues.): Spirit Day at Chick-fil-A from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Mar. 20 (Wed.): PTA Member Meeting in the Clearview cafeteria at 7 p.m.
- Mar. 21 (Thurs.): Family Game Night in the Clearview cafeteria from 6-8 p.m.
- Apr. 17 (Wed.): PTA Member Meeting & Ready, Tech, Go Workshop at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center at 6:30 p.m.
The return of spirit wear
Watch for more information in next week’s Tuesday Folders about our final round of spirit wear. Our spring sale will feature a variety of t-shirts, including one in hot pink! This sale won’t last long so pay close attention to the deadlines on the flyer and place your orders right away.
Join us for our next two Spirit Days at Taco Bamba and Chick-fil-A
As we continue to help our 6th graders raise funds for their end-of-year celebration, we’re hosting two more spirit days:
- On Wed., Mar. 6, stop by Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Road in the Clocktower Shopping Center) anytime between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 20% of your order goes to the Clearview PTA. Use the code “CLEAR” for any online orders and be sure to mention Clearview for any in-store purchases.
- On Tues., Mar. 12, come to Chick-fil-A (1494 North Point Village Center in Reston) anytime between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 25% of your order goes to the Clearview PTA. Use the code “JACKETS” for mobile app orders and be sure to mention Clearview for any in-store or drive-through purchases.
Have some good old-fashioned family fun
Join us for a Family Game Night on Mar. 21 from 6-8 in the Clearview cafeteria. Bring your favorite board game or card game to play with family and friends. Don’t worry about dinner, we’ll have pizza (details about pre-orders coming soon) and drinks for sale. Watch for more information in the coming weeks, including how you can donate a game to the school library!
Let’s talk about children and cell phones
The Clearview PTA was selected as a grant recipient from the National PTA to deliver a 1-hour workshop for families called “Ready, Tech, Go.” Together, we’ll learn what current research says about kids’ tech habits, explore the meaning of “screen readiness,” and discuss ways to promote healthy and responsible device use for all members of the family. We’ll host this workshop as part of our April member meeting and provide dinner for families that night. Mark your calendar for Wed., Apr. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center (1086 Elden Street).
Deepen your connection to Clearview
It’s not too early to start thinking about next year. Are you curious about what it means to serve on the PTA board? Maybe you’re not ready for a leadership role, but want to get more involved with PTA activities? Now is a great time to informally chat! Reach out to current PTA President, Christine Graham, with any questions.
Stay connected
- In case you missed it, our latest PTA monthly newsletter is posted on our PTA website where you’ll also find announcements, calendars, sign-up forms, and more! When you “sign up” at PTBoard, you’ll also receive announcement emails and newsletters.
- Join our Facebook Group: The Buzz: Clearview Elementary PTA (Herndon, VA). Be sure to answer the membership questions!
- Reach out anytime at ClearviewElementaryPTA@gmail.com.
We’re here for you!
Your Clearview PTA Board: Christine Graham (president), Nakisha Dixon (treasurer), Ryan Herb (secretary), Amana Katora (head of programs), and Brian Kelley (head of fundraising).
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