Thoreau Matters
March 22, 2024
The Choirs from Thoreau traveled to Williamsburg MS in Arlington last Friday for their State Assessment performances. We are happy to report that all choirs from Thoreau have been given the highest rating of “Superior” and the Chamber Choir even received perfect scores from all judges.
Congratulations to the Thoreau Orchestras on their recent success at the Virginia State Assessment! All orchestra students did an amazing job! Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonic Strings earned a rating of Excellent and Philharmonic Orchestra earned a rating of Superior. These are the two highest ratings an ensemble can achieve.
Thoreau Eagles Bands did an amazing job at the VBODA State Assessment where they received top ratings with the Concert Band receiving an Excellent rating and the Cadet and Symphonic Bands receiving Superior ratings!
We are so proud of our music department and their achievements. Congratulations to each of our amazing teachers, Mr. Smith (band), Ms. Yacovissi (orchestra), and Mr. McNamara (choir) and to our students for an outstanding job! See below for photos from the Choir and Orchestra State Assessments.
Upcoming Dates:
March 25 - April 2 - Spring Break! (office closed (office reopens April 1 & 2 8am - 1pm))
Wednesday, April 10 - NO SCHOOL - Eid al-Fitr (office closed)
Friday, May 3 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day (office open 8am - 1pm)
Monday, May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Family Engagement Survey
Participate today! Your voice matters!
Share your thoughts around important topics impacting your student’s success. By participating in the Family Engagement Survey, parents/caregivers are making their voices heard. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
Help us better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
TAKE THE SURVEY!
Visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information.
Neurodiversity Affirmation Week
 This week, and for the first time, FCPS is celebrating Neurodiversity Affirmation Week. It's a time to recognize, appreciate, and honor the diverse neurological differences that exist among us, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological variations. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment that values all student’s unique learning styles and strengths, understanding that diversity is not just about the ways in which we differ, but also about embracing these differences to make our community stronger and more vibrant.
Student Intention Forms
Moving this summer? If your family plans include relocation, please notify us by completing the Intention Form and send it to Ms. Karla Macoto - kmmacoto@fcps.edu at your earliest convenience.
Track Information
- Events to choose from will include 100m, 200m, and 400m Sprint Events; 800m and 1600m Distance Events; Long Jump and Shot Put
- Practices the first two weeks will be on a different schedule due to school holidays. We will begin on Wednesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 4th. The second week, practice will be held on Monday, April 8th and Thursday, April 11th. Following these first two weeks, all remaining practices will be held Mondays and Wednesdays
- All practice times are 2:25 PM – 3:20 PM. Additional After-School activities are available if students wish to use the Late Buses to get home
- There will be four meets: April 20, April 27, May 4, and May 11
- To participate in the Middle School Track Program the following information must be completed:
- Complete this form Thoreau MS Sports Registration
- Have a doctor complete the MS Sports Physical Form. (Physical forms on record for Cross Country are valid if they were done within the current school year). Please have your student turn in the forms to the main office
SOL Test Calendar
The SOL assessment schedule can be found below. The testing schedule will impact the bell schedule each day. Please avoid prearranged student absences on the dates your child will be taking an SOL test. More information regarding middle school SOLs is available on the SOL assessments webpage.
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Date
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7th grade
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8th grade
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April 16th
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Integrated Reading & Writing SOL
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May 9th
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Science SOL (Except for the Turtle Team)
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May 13th
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Science SOL (Turtle Team)
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May 15th
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Reading SOL
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Reading SOL
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May 17th
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Math SOL
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Math SOL
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Make-Ups
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Scheduled as needed throughout window
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Retakes
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For any student who receives a score of 375-399, they will be offered a retake. Thoreau staff will make parent phone calls to obtain parent permission and teachers will provide remediation to students.
Retakes will occur May 28th-31st.
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If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).
VIP Summer Camp!
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/MjZnZyzhZjJNxSah8
Natural High
The Problem:
90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 18.
Natural High is “a drug prevention nonprofit that inspires and empowers youth to find their natural high and develop the skills and courage to live life well.” The Natural High campaign highlights helping children and teens find healthy thrilling activities to fulfill the dopamine (feel good) levels in the brain.
Solutions:
Resources:
Natural High
Fentanyl Is Now The Leading Cause of Death For Young People In the US (Video)
Live Your Life Naturally High
Knowing The Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Use (Video)
Adolescent Substance Use: America’s #1 Public Health Problem
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/ATODParentPresentationRequired103119b/story_html5.html
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further information & support:
Michael McNulty
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
mpmcnulty@fcps.edu
Thoreau After-School Program
After-School clubs & late buses occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 2:25pm - 4:45pm for the remainder of the school year!
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
Week of April 1st - April 5th
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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Myers at cmmyers@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
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