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۔

The Clearview Community Connect

Stronger together

Dear Clearview Families,  

As we turn the page to March, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your continued dedication and support make our school community truly remarkable. Together, we can continue to foster a positive and thriving learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

March promises to be an exciting month filled with learning, exploration, and community events. Students and staff enjoyed dressing like our favorite book characters today in celebration of National Reading Month and we look forward to Science Night and other events coming soon!

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

Chronic Absenteeism

Attendance is critical to success in school. Missing 10% of school for any reason is considered chronic. Chronic absenteeism affects students academically and socially.  Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school--and themselves.Students who attend elementary school regularly have a significantly higher chance of on-time high school graduation. We are working hard to get our whole-school attendance to a minimum of 90%.  Take a look at the chart (pictured left) that is in our main office.  Way to go third and fifth grades!  Please send your child to school unless they have a fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Please schedule dental and doctor appointments at the end of the day or on teacher work days or any day students are not scheduled to be at school (March 5, April 1, 2)

For Which Symptoms Do I Keep My Child Home From School?

March 5 Presidential Primary

The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.

Therefore, 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, responsive instruction, etc. 

Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days. 

After School Clubs

Stay tuned for an INTEREST form coming soon where families 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), 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

Holidays and Observances

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact Assistant Principal, Joshua Redford, regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

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.

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Equity in Education Month

FCPS — in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association — observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.  

Disability Awareness Month 

In March, people throughout the United States celebrate Disability Awareness Month. This history is a  foundational part of American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of this history year-round, and the celebration of Disability Awareness month creates opportunities to honor these diverse and important stories. 

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.

Celebrating Arts in Our Schools

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including: -Observation -Communication -Problem solving -Creativity

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) is a celebration of theatre in our schools and schools in our theatres. Sponsored by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the goals of TIOS are to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs in and out of school for all students. While TIOS presentations and advocacy may happen anytime in schools, theatres, and other public spaces, AATE and EdTA will recognize and promote March as the official Theatre In Our Schools month.

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.

National School Social Work Week

March 3-9 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Clearview is fortunate to have a fabulous, full-time Social Worker, Shayna Sargent. Feel free to send her a note of thanks for all she does for students and families.  Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

In collaboration with the National Weather Service the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has designated the week of March 4-8, 2024 as “Severe Weather Awareness Week.” The week is designed to refresh, remind, and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. Each day during this week, a different topic will be covered and shared on social media by VDEM, with preparedness tips and ways to stay safe during severe weather.

Family Coffee (Formerly Known as Parent Coffee)- March 21

Struggling to find healthy foods your child will eat?  INOVA Healthy Plate will be presenting ideas and FREE resources to support healthy eating. Hope you can join us!

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

💭 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.

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.

💜 Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families

Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.  Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.

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:

1. 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.
2. Consult your smartwatch manual: Refer to the official manual or online resources for detailed instructions on managing parental controls for your specific device.
3. 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

3/5 No School- Primary Elections

3/20 PTA Meeting: 7pm, Cafeteria

3/21 Family Coffee (formerly known as Parent Coffee): 9am, Cafeteria

3/21 Family Game Night: 6-8pm, Cafeteria

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.

Spirit wear orders due Fri., March 8

Choose from five different varieties of Clearview Yellowjacket t-shirts, available in both youth and adult sizes. New for this spring is a hot pink tee! See the paper order forms sent home in Tuesday folders or place an online order. 

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.

Join us for a Family Game Night on Thurs., March 21

From 6 to 8 p.m., Clearview families are invited to play a variety of board games, make new friends, and grab something to eat and drink. Feel free to bring your own board game to play! 

In addition, the Clearview Library is starting a board game collection where students can check out games to take home and play. View this sign-up sheet to see how you can help us staff the event or donate a new game to the library. Event and game donations can be dropped off at the Clearview office or brought to the event.

Place your pre-orders for pizza here by Monday, March 18. You can bring a picnic-style dinner for yourselves, if you prefer. We will also have snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Let’s talk about children and cell phones

The Clearview PTA was selected as a 2023 program 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. You can also view the job descriptions in our March PTA update.

Support the Clearview True Book Fair 

The goal of the True Book Fair is to provide two free books to approximately 609 students. You can help this project by making a donation through this Donors Choose project. The books go directly into the hands of eager readers at Clearview and help them maintain their reading level over the summer. Your children will acquire knowledge and broaden their perspectives. Their world will grow. They will be exposed to diverse perspectives and cultures. They will be able to express their thoughts and ideas in more creative ways. Reading is the key to unlocking their future. Thank you for your support!

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).

Quick Links

• Attendance email. 
• School Calendar.
• FCPS Calendar. 
• Clearview Website. 
• Contact us. 

12635 Builders Road, Herndon, VA 20170  | Main Office: 703-708-6000
Attendance: 703-708-6060 | Web | Facebook | Instagram