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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,
As the days grow longer and a gentle warmth creeps into the air, a sense of anticipation fills our halls – spring is almost here! This season of renewal brings with it a renewed sense of energy and excitement to our school community. As we embrace the changing seasons, let's create lasting memories and continue to work in partnership as we foster a love of learning at Clearview!
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
After School Clubs - Interest Forms Coming Soon!
Please check your child’s backpack for an After School Clubs Interest Form on Tuesday.
The deadline for returning the Interest Form (complete with student first and last name and parent signature) is Monday, March 18. Below is a preview of the form:
We’re excited to offer a range of after school clubs. To ensure fairness, students’ names will be entered into a lottery. Families of selected students will receive a permission slip that will need to be signed and returned prior to spring break.
***Priority will be given to students who haven’t participated in clubs this school year.
Please indicate interest in clubs below by checking the appropriate box(es) and return by Monday, March 18. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept interest forms returned late.
Tuesdays: Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4
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Healthy Plate (grade 1) Through cooking and trying new foods, participants can explore various healthy options and develop a taste for nutritious ingredients. This club fosters a fun and interactive environment to learn and connect with others. Bon appetit!
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Eco Club (grades 3-6) Do you enjoy outdoor learning? Are you interested in creating gardens and habitats to support native plants, animals, and insects and growing food for our school? Our mission is to have fun while getting our hands dirty.
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Community Service (grades 4-6) Are you ready to make your community a better place? Join the community service club to help the community out with acts of kindness including special projects, games, crafts, and other fun activities.. Help make the world a better place starting right here in our neighborhood!
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Art Club (grades 5-6) Get ready to unleash your inner artist at Art Club! Dive into a world of creativity where you can explore drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and even fiber arts like weaving and crochet. This hour packed session will be full of fun and excitement! Join us as we discover new techniques and hone our artistic talents. Don't miss out on the creative adventure – sign up for Art Club today!
Wednesdays: Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5
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Science Olympiad (grades K-1) Do you like asking questions and learning about how different things work? There is a chance to do that with the science olympiad! Come make friends and learn about the world of science as you use your problem solving skills and experience all the fun that scientists can have working together.
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Robotics Club (grades 2-3) Do you like building Legos and robotics? Clearview Elementary School Robotics Club is for you! Come join us as we explore how to create and code structures that move and perform tasks with LEGO SPIKE. Our mission is to have fun as we work together to learn about coding and robotics.
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Science Olympiad (grades 3-4) Do you wish you could learn more about science and enjoy conducting experiments with your friends? Then the science olympiad is for you! This is a great opportunity to make new friends, work as a team, and compete in different scientific challenges. Join the science olympiad today to start expanding your scientific knowledge and abilities.
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Math Olympiad (grades 4-6) Step up to the challenge with the Math Olympiad! Dive into thrilling math adventures that spark creativity and sharpen problem solving skills. Calling all fourth, fifth and sixth graders to join us in the ultimate mathematical showdown!
An after school bus will be available (for current bus riders) for all clubs with the exception of Healthy Plate Club and Community Service Club that require parent pick-up. All clubs end at 5:25 pm with the exception of Healthy Plate which ends at 4:45 pm and Community Service Club which ends at 5:00.
***If your child comes home from school and immediately takes a nap, please consider waiting until the fall to participate in after school clubs.
Updated Based on CDC Guidelines:
For Which Symptoms Do I Keep My Child Home from School?
When reporting absences, please leave detailed information about symptoms (below) so that we can accurately monitor illness and take action, as needed, to prevent the spread of illness. Thank you for your support!
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
The white of the eye is pink and there is a thick yellow/green discharge.
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If there is yellow/green discharge from the white of the eye, your child must be evaluated by a healthcare provider before returning to school. If diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, the child should remain home while symptomatic or until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment has been completed.
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Severe Coughing
Severe, uncontrolled, rapid coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
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Keep your child home and contact a health care provider. If symptoms are due to asthma, provide treatment according to your child’s Asthma Action Plan. When symptoms are controlled, send your child to school.
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Diarrhea
Frequent, loose or watery stool may mean illness but can also be caused by food and medication
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If, in addition to diarrhea, your child acts ill, has a fever or is vomiting, please keep your child home until the diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours. If stool is bloody, if the child has abdominal pain, fever or vomiting, consult with a health care provider.
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Fever
Fever usually means illness, especially if your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher as well as other symptoms like behavior change, rash, sore throat, vomiting etc.
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If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, keep them at home until his or her fever is below 100.4 for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. If the fever does not go away after 2-3 days or is 102.0 or higher, consult with a health care provider.
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Rash With Fever
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Keep your child home if they have a rash with a fever. If a rash spreads quickly, is not healing, or has open weeping wounds, you should keep your child at home and have your child seen by a health care provider.
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Strep Throat
Sore throat, fever, stomach ache, and red, swollen tonsils
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Keep your child at home for the first 12 hours after an antibiotic is begun. Your child may return to school when they have completed at least 12 hours of antibiotic use, is fever free and symptoms are improving
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Vomiting
Child has vomited 2 or more times in a 24-hour period. If vomiting is associated with diarrhea or fever, please reference the recommendations for those symptoms (diarrhea, fever).
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Keep your child at home until the vomiting has stopped for 24 hours. If vomiting continues, contact a healthcare provider.
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COVID- 19
Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose/congestion, diarrhea, nausea/ vomiting, headaches
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Stay home until fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours and their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours.
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Body Safety
The Body Safety Program, from Fairfax County Department of Family Services, delivered lessons from the Speak Up Be Safe curriculum. We welcome the program and facilitators to Clearview ES and thank them for their support in keeping our Yellow Jackets safe!
Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)
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Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. |
Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
🥁 Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
Elementary Institute for the Arts
Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a weekly Arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades during the month of July. Students take classes in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Elementary Institute for the Arts website for more information or email eifta@fcps.edu.
Early Intervention:
Child Find and Infant & Toddler Connection
Do you have concerns about your infant, toddler, or preschool aged child? Does your child exhibit atypical behaviors (repetitive body movements, feeding or sensory sensitivities) or have difficulty with communication, fine or gross motor skills (movement), adaptive behavior, or cognitive/attention skills? About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The Infant & Toddler Connection (ITC) of Fairfax provides evaluations and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (up to age 3) who have a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays. Parents should contact ITC when they have concerns about their child's development. Call 703-246-7121 with questions or if your child has a medical diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays.
These developmental checklists for ages birth through 3 years can give you an idea if your child is on track: Developmental Checklist.
Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs 20 months- 5 years by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) program. Screenings are FREE to children ages 20 months to 5 years old who are Fairfax County Have questions or want to schedule a FREE assessment? Please call 571-423-4121.
More information about typical developmental milestones can be found at Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia or Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Ramadan
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This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. |
March 11 is an O day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact Joshua Redford, Assistant Principal, regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Good Friday (Falls during Spring Break)
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. |
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National Women’s History Month
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. |
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Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
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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
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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 Coffee (Formerly Known as Parent Coffee)- March 21
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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
6:00 - 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
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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
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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
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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.
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🔍 Lightspeed Classroom Management🔍
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for our students, our school is using a classroom management tool that will help teachers better connect with student devices during classes. We are continuing to expand our use over the coming weeks. This tool will provide teachers with a number of helpful features:
- Easily view student screens in real time from the teacher console to see which students may need guidance or support.
- Focus student attention on a particular website on their device to minimize distractions.
- Pause student access to the internet to focus on other classroom tasks.
We believe this classroom management tool will allow us to maximize class time to support your student’s learning while at school. Please note that student devices will not be monitored outside of school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.
Important Dates
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
3/25-29 No School- Spring Break
4/1-2 No School- Teacher and Professional Work Days
4/3 Students return to School
 Mark your calendars
- 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.
Join us for Spirit Day at Chick-fil-A on Tues., March 12
As we continue to help our 6th graders raise funds for their end-of-year celebration, we’re hosting another spirit day. On Tues., March 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!
- Place your pre-orders for pizza here by Mon., March 18. You can bring a picnic-style dinner for yourselves, if you prefer. We will also have snacks and drinks available for purchase.
- Buses will pick up from the Berkdale Apartments at 5:45 and 6:00 p.m. They will depart Clearview at 7:45 and 8:00 p.m.
- We still need event volunteers! View this sign-up sheet and let us know if you can help with set up, pizza and bake sale, or clean up—or by donating items like drinks, snacks, and sweet treats for the bake sale.
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 donate a new game to the library. Event and game donations can be dropped off at the Clearview office or brought to the event.
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).
Want to become more involved at Clearview through the PTA?
Learn more about what it means to serve on the PTA board (also called the executive committee). And if you aren’t ready to take on a leadership position, remember that we need many volunteers throughout the year, with different commitment levels. At our March 20 member meeting, we will call for nominees. Here’s a little bit about the open roles:
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President: You’re responsible for membership, planning and leading monthly board and member meetings, attending the virtual school board member’s quarterly district meeting, communicating with families, and supporting events. You’re organized, a strong communicator, and enjoy engaging with families, school leaders, and staff members.
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President-Elect: You’re responsible for learning the ropes as you directly support the president, with the expectation that you’ll take over the following school year. You attend monthly board and member meetings and volunteer at PTA events. You also help manage the sales of school spirit wear. You’re a natural leader and a quick learner.
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Treasurer: You’re responsible for everything that has to do with money. You submit member dues and tax forms and pay all bills and invoices. You prepare and deliver a financial budget report each month at the board and member meetings. You prepare cash boxes for PTA events and deposit all cash collected. You are familiar with basic accounting (income and expenses) and ready to learn our basic budget software.
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Vice President of Programs: You’re responsible for all events for families and staff. You plan for event logistics, sign-ups, and promotions. You attend monthly board and member meetings. You’re organized, detailed-oriented, ready to learn how to create basic event flyers, and are comfortable using Facebook and Instagram.
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Vice President of Fundraising: You’re responsible for ensuring we raise enough funds to cover our budgeted expenses. You work with the bake sale and spirit night coordinators. You plan and run one major online donation drive each fall. You work with the VP of Events to plan and run 1-2 spring fundraiser events. You attend monthly board and member meetings and volunteer at PTA events. You’re organized, creative, enthusiastic, and ready to learn our basic fundraising online platform.
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Secretary: You’re responsible for all meeting minutes—from recording them to posting them to the PTA website. You help the President with the weekly school newsletter submission and the monthly PTA newsletter. You help the VP of Events with event promotions. And you co-manage the social media accounts. You attend monthly board and member meetings and volunteer at PTA events. You’re good at taking notes and ready to learn our basic PTA website.
Not ready to commit to a board position? Here are our four key volunteer roles!
- Tuesday Folder Flyer Printer (Weekly; Fridays or Mondays during the school day)
- Spirit Night Coordinator (September-May)
- Bake Sale Coordinator (September-January)
- Staff Appreciation Coordinator (May)
Want to chat about board or volunteer positions? Reach out to our nomination chairs, Amana Katora and Mylene Cusson, or current PTA president Christine Graham.
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.
Quick Links
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