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Dear Stenwood Families,
Spring break and the end of the 3rd quarter are finally here! And it is a well-deserved break after a wonderful and busy week in the Hive.
6th graders had quite the exciting week with two exciting events. They welcomed a virtual visit from a water resource engineer as part of their science water unit. They also went out into the real world and explored history, as they spent all day Tuesday in Gettysburg, PA making important connections to their history curriculum.
The 2nd grade team had an engaging and educational family invite on Wednesday afternoon. They were great communicators and critical and creative thinkers as they helped our Kitchen Manager, Ms. Sabine, solve the case of the Mystery Goop in the sink! They asked some great questions as they learned more about states of matter and how to clean up the goop.
Our week ended with a beloved SCA Spirit Day: Book Character Day! We had comic-book superheroes, fairy tale princesses, mice with cookies, cats with hats, and there may have even been a crime-fighting Dog-Man or two out there roaming the halls.
Next week, March 25th-29th, is Spring Break followed by teacher workdays on April 1st and 2nd. Stenwood’s office will be closed during Spring Break. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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
Lunch Volunteering at Stenwood
We are asking for parent volunteers to come in and help out during lunch. Please go to the sign-up to volunteer for your child’s grade level and other grade levels if you’re able.
If you decide to sign-up as a volunteer on a regular basis, Mr. Case will provide volunteer training opportunities on Wednesday, April 3rd at 12:30PM and Friday, April 5th at 11:45AM. More training sessions can be added later for regular-basis volunteers who are unable to make either of those first two sessions. Email Mr. Case (bgcase@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Stenwood is Hiring!
We have already started hiring for the 2024 - 25 School Year! We have several special education instructional assistant positions available. These are full-time positions. Here is a link to FCPS’ application portal. Please email me at esriley@fcps.edu if you are interested or want more information.
We continue to look for anyone who is interested in being a Classroom Monitor or Substitute. 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 2024 - 25 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.
Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
Good Friday
 This week we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. This year's Good Friday artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Summer S. On this day, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for those who believe.
Easter
A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! This year's Easter artwork was created by Falls Church High School student Dayanara M. The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who sacrificed so that Christians may have life with God after death.
Summer and Dayanra’s artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j.
Spring Book Fair!
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The Spring Book Fair is coming! This fundraiser for the library will be April 15th - 19th. Students will be able to browse the book fair, make wish lists, and then purchase books for themselves and/or their teachers. But before all this can happen - we need volunteers to help out! |
 Please consider signing up for a slot or two. Book fair is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, get a sneak peek at the books, and just have an all-around good time. As always, please contact Mrs. Cole with any questions you might have.
Link to Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044DA8AC2DA46-48641984-2024
Spring Photos Are Now Online!
  For questions, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse
on April 8th
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8th, 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 Stenwood dismissal at 3:25PM, 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.
Click here for the newsletter in English and Spanish!
FCPS Family Engagement Survey
FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey will is open. Parents/caregivers will received the survey link via email from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students.
Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and your school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school.
The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!
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.
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.
Preschool Pizza Activity!
2nd Grade Science Parent Invite!
6th Grade Gettysburg Field Trip!
Book Character Spirit Day!
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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