3.17.24 Community Gazette

Principal

Glasgow Parents and Community:

Greetings! I hope this is reaching you well. Our PTA meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday at 7:00PM. The end of the Quarter is on March 22nd. Spring Break begins on March 25, 2024. 

April is a critical month, as we prepare for SOL testing. We have developed a school improvement plan that utilizes data from SOLs, FCPS benchmarks, classroom tests/quizzes and exit tickets for various student groups to determine areas for opportunity. For us, our 8th Grade science SOL scores and Absenteeism is a big focus for us. Our actions to address this have been within Tier I classrooms, intervention blocks, Lexia intervention, after-school intervention, Saturday school events and small group targeted instruction. Here are a few resources parents may find helpful:

Please continue to reach out to your child’s teacher about their grades and classroom performance, which can strengthen the communication and trust between staff and community. Clear and effective communication with families to support student success is key. We utilize talking points, email, parent phone numbers, virtual options and Schoology to communicate. Also, as a plug to maintain visibility and accessibility to students and families, I am in our hallways and classrooms everyday; and I value our community meetings and home visits that allow me to connect with the larger community.

As we get closer to the end of the quarter, our teams are focused on making sure all our students have the appropriate resources and materials for their classes, such as technology, learning materials and scaffolding needed to learn the material. We have also been reminding students of the Students Rights and Responsibilities and reteaching expected behaviors within our PBIS systems and Panther Time lessons to ensure our students are practicing Kindness, Commitment and Safety each week. During this hiring season, we are selecting and retaining high quality staff to ensure Glasgow MS has the best candidates available in the hiring season. 

Take the Family Engagement Survey Today! If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment
  • Communication
  • Student success
  • Advocacy 
  • Family and school partnerships
  • Community partnerships

Humbly,

Victor L. Powell, Principal

Contact Information:

Email: vlpowell@fcps.edu

Twitter: @VictorLeonPowe1

Website: http://www.fcps.edu/GlasgowMS/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowMS.FCPS/


panther

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Mar 19, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsdOugrj8sHtKluzx7P9eoydRUK14KznFc 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


(Glasgow Wind Ensemble)

kids in band

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

FBLA Students
FBLA

School-Based Administrator Performance Evaluation Program 23-24

On Monday, March 18, Glasgow Middle School parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters! 


kids in class learning

students learning in class

State Science Olympiad Tournament

Congratulations! Glasgow had a very successful regional competition on Saturday, March 2.  Out of 26 competing teams, Glasgow was the sixth-highest school and for the third year in a row, Glasgow secured a spot at the State Science Olympiad Tournament (to be held April 6 at the University of Virginia).  Glasgow students won medals in the following events:

  • First Place in Wind Power (Laura Prudius and Lucia Egan)
  • First Place in Reach for the Stars (Kiran Kane and Liliana Torres)
  • Second Place in Wheeled Vehicle (Laura Prudius and Lucia Egan)
  • Second Place in Fossils (Kiran Kane and Lilly Scherer)
  • Third Place in Optics (Leo Hartness and Nicolas Robinson)
  • Third Place in Road Scholar (Laura Prudius and Emmett Stadtler)
  • Fourth Place in Disease Detectives (Hillary Nguyen and Mariam Oukchir)
  • Fifth Place in Air Trajectory (Ketki Khadilkar and Aura Sripechpong)

Plus we had nine additional top 10 finishes!  It was truly a team effort to make it to the States and everyone should feel very proud. Well done!

Students in classroom

students in class

Student Activities

Are you looking for Summer fun for your student(s)? Well, VIP (Value in Prevention) Summer Camp is once again taking applications. VIP Camp is for rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders residing in Fairfax County. If you’re interested, please click here for more information and to register. Please do not wait, it’s first come, first served. Once we reach capacity, students will be placed on the wait list. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Williams gwilliams2@fcps.edu.

Flag Football is returning on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Sign Ups will take place during your lunch period. Please ensure your students are wearing proper footwear. Students that are not wearing appropriate footwear will not be allowed to participate.

Hoop It Up Practices will begin on Tuesday (6th Grade), Wednesday (7th Grade) and Thursday (8th grade). Practices will take place during 2nd (activity) block.  

Our normal After School basketball clubs will take place during 1st Block except on Mondays.

Please mark you calendars! Our 2nd Annual Little River Rumble Soccer Competition versus Poe and Holmes Middle School will take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024! Please email Mr. Williams gwilliams2@fcps.edu with any questions you may have.

This past weekend our Science Bowl team competed in a state competition. The team departed Glasgow at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 to Newport News, VA. The 9 person team had a great time and enjoyed competing. I would like to thank Ms. Rutland for her time and efforts in starting this club and allowing our students an opportunity to grow and learn in competitive environment.

This past weekend our Science Bowl team competed in a state competition. The team departed Glasgow at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 to Newport News, VA. The 9 person team had a great time and enjoyed competing. I would like to thank Ms. Rutland for her time and efforts in starting this club and allowing our students an opportunity to grow and learn in competitive environment.


Fairfax County Budget

#InvestInExcellence ✨ The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from Fiscal Years 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in 2024. The county’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements. If the county returns to 52.6% for the upcoming year, that would be $63 million more as an investment in excellence for our schools.

We are in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback.

Give your feedback on the Fairfax County budget: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/FY25Budget

Contact your state and federal elected officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: https://bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25

#InvierteEnLaExcelencia ✨ El promedio de fondos transferidos del Condado de Fairfax a FCPS fue del 52.6% de los desembolsos del condado desde el año fiscal 2019 hasta 2023. Disminuyó al 51.6% en 2024. La propuesta de presupuesto del condado para el próximo año transferirá el 51.4% de los desembolsos totales. Si el condado regresa al 52.6% para el próximo año, eso serían 63 millones de dólares adicionales como una inversión en la excelencia de nuestras escuelas.Actualmente estamos en medio del proceso anual de presupuesto, que incluye oportunidades para que proporciones tus comentarios.Proporciona sus comentarios sobre el presupuesto del Condado de Fairfax: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/FY25Budget

Comunicase con sus representantes estatales y federales para dar tu opinión sobre la financiación de la educación K-12: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov 

Obtén más información sobre el Presupuesto Anunciado de FCPS para el año


Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. 

Learn more about the event and register online.


students in class

students in class

Community Conversations

Families and community members are welcome to attend whichever Community Conversation is most convenient for them. Feel free to only promote the event being held in your region, if you prefer to shorten the message. 

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

🎤 Nuestras Escuelas, Nuestro Futuro: Las Conversaciones Comunitarias   Continúan

Únase a la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid para Nuestras Escuelas, Nuestro Futuro Una Conversación Comunitaria. ¡Su voz es importante! Comparta sus pensamientos acerca de FCPS y traiga sus preguntas a una conversación el:

No es necesario inscribirse con antelación para asistir a una conversación comunitaria, pero nos ayuda a planificar el evento. Se ofrecerán servicios de cuidado de niños y de interpretación para todos las conversaciones comunitarias. Estos eventos están abiertos para todos. Infórmese sobre otras oportunidades de conectarse con la Dra. Reid.


students in class

Morning Drop Off Kiss and Ride

When dropping your child off in the mornings, please use the kiss and ride lane and drop students off at the front of the building.  Dropping students off in the back by the buses or in the parking lot is dangerous and puts your child’s safety at risk.  We realize that the kiss and ride lane can back up, so we will provide students with EXCUSED TARDY passes, if students are late due to the length of the kiss and ride lane.  We do ask that all cars pull as far up as they can when dropping off, so that more students can get out of the car on the sidewalk,  Thank you for your help with this. 

Updated COVID-19 Guidance

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations in accordance with the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance.  

The COVID-19 isolation period of 5 days is no longer recommended. 

The new respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, to include COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Students who have symptoms of, tested positive for, or have been diagnosed with, a respiratory virus e.g., COVID-19, influenza, RSV may return to school when: 

  • Student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND
  • Student’s symptoms have improved or resolved 
  • Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities

Parent engagement flyer.

How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com

tutoring

FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/guardians can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Detailed information and FAQs are available on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to OnlineTutoring@fcps.edu.


🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14. 

All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.

Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online

🎤 Únase a una Conversación Comunitaria sobre el Fentanilo y Otras Drogas

Una conversación comunitaria que se dirige a la crisis de los opioides en el Norte de Virginia y las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax se llevará a cabo el miércoles 18 de marzo, de 6:30 a 8 p.m., en el auditorio de la Escuela Secundaria Lake Braddock. Por favor entre por la puerta #14. 

¡Todos los participantes recibirán un curso gratuito de REVIVE! Narcan gratis durante el evento y aprenderán sobre los servicios de apoyo actualmente disponibles dentro de FCPS y el Condado de Fairfax.   

Esta conversación les proporcionará a las familias, al personal y a los estudiantes un valioso conocimiento sobre los peligros de las drogas y el mortal fentanilo.El material discutido es adecuado para estudiantes de 6º a 12º grado. Juntos, como comunidad, pretendemos explorar estrategias de colaboración para minimizar el impacto de estas sustancias nocivas y, con demasiada frecuencia, mortales.

Se ofrecerán servicios de interpretación y de Lenguaje de Signos Americano. También se proporcionarán servicios de cuidado de niños y transporte, según sea necesario. Aprenda más sobre el evento y regístrese en línea.


girl getting a booster shot

🩹 Measles Is Preventable

Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region. 

The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.

Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics

To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:

Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment. 

Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being. 

Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.

🩹 El Sarampión se Puede Prevenir

El sarampión está en los titulares, ya que el número de casos en todo el país ha superado los 40, con tres casos confirmados en personas que viven o viajan a través de la Región de la Capital Nacional. 

La buena noticia es que el sarampión se puede prevenir mediante la vacunación. Las vacunas ayudan a enseñar al sistema inmunitario a defenderse de los gérmenes, contribuyendo a aumentar las defensas naturales. Proporcione a su hijo la mejor protección contra el sarampión con dos dosis de la vacuna contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola (SPR).

Visite el sitio web del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para obtener más información sobre el sarampión.

Horario Extendido en las Clínicas de Vacunación

Para ayudar a los padres/cuidadores a obtener vacunas para sus hijos, el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax (FCHD) ofrecerá clínicas de  vacunación con horario extendido:

Se aceptan pacientes sin cita previa hasta las 7 p.m.

Sin cita previa se aceptan hasta las 5 p.m.

Los padres / cuidadores deben hacer una cita, pero un número limitado de personas sin cita será aceptada. Llame al 703-246-7100 para concertar una cita. 

Obtenga más información sobre la vacunación de su hijo y encuentre recursos comunitarios para apoyar su salud y bienestar. 


Invent Virginia Club

Have you ever heard of peanut butter slices? Yes, it's just like a cheese slice but peanut butter. Last year, an FCPS Young Scholar student invented them as part of the Invent Virginia Club. If your child is a Young Scholar and wants to join Glasgow's Invent Virginia after-school club, email Ms. Morsillo tmorsillo@fcps.edu. The club will start next Tuesday from 2:30-3:30.


basketball clinic

boys and girls club
boys and girls club