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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.
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
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 8th Grade group photo. One more quarter until these students are high schoolers!
Principal's Message
Hello Stone Panther Families,
Hope you had a great spring break! We are excited to start our final quarter of the school year on Wednesday April 3rd. With the start of the new quarter, we are starting a new incentive program which is our NO TARDY party opportunity. Students who are not tardy during the 4th quarter will be invited to a special no tardy party featuring gift card giveaways, food and fun! Throughout this year I have expressed the importance of attendance and that includes being on time to class. Missing class instruction leads to lower grades and lower self confidence about your academic potential. I really hope that our no tardy party is full of students! More information about our no tardy party opportunity is located below this message.
With the start of the fourth quarter also means that it is time to start thinking about the end of year course exams a.k.a. SOLs. SOL testing will begin the first week of May. We will have numerous remediation and enrichment opportunities throughout the building to help students prepare for the testing season. Please remind your students to participate in all available opportunities.
We are celebrating our two assistant principals for National Assistant Principals Week! We want to thank Mr. Davis & Ms. Levy for their dedication in supporting teachers, students, and staff here at Stone Middle School. Mr. Davis & Ms. Levy are huge contributors to the positive caring culture that exists here at Stone. Daily they face unpredictable challenges. Each and every day they rise to the occasion and support the needs of our community. THANK YOU Mr. Davis & Ms. Levy.
Although Ms. Brumett is not an assistant principal, she plays a crucial role on our administrative team supporting students and staff. I would be remiss to not include her this week and honor her contributions to our team. I appreciate the entire administrative team for their hard work and commitment to our school and the profession. I hope you will join me this week in celebrating the work of Mr. Davis, Ms. Levy & Ms. Brumett.
April 4th is National School Librarian Day! We are fortunate to have Ms. Outlaw on staff at Stone Middle School who offers a diverse collection of resources and literature to our students on a daily basis!
Let's have a great week Panthers!
Sonya Williams, Principal
📆Calendar Reminder: April 1st and 2nd
Schools are closed for students on Monday, April 1 for a teacher workday and Tuesday, April 2, for a school planning day.
We will welcome students back on Wednesday, April 3 for an Odd Day.
💻Upcoming Spring Testing
In support of the focus on integrating reading and writing instruction to build student literacy skills, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has a new assessment item type for the grades 5, 8, and EOC 11 Reading SOL tests (beginning Spring 2024). The new item type asks students to write about what they have read in nonfiction passages that may include history/social science or science-based content. While reinforcing the importance of having students write about what they have read, this new integrated reading and writing item also provides a measure of students’ writing ability without requiring an additional test.
On Friday, April 22 or Monday, April 26 all 8th grade students at Stone MS will participate in the Integrated Reading and Writing Assessment (IRW) through their English class. Students have as long as they need to complete this assessment within one school day, but we anticipate this will take students between 60 - 90 minutes to complete. Please assist us in completing this assessment by having your students present and on time at school.
Additional Upcoming Spring SOL Testing Dates:
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Tuesday, May 7 - Reading Grade 7 & 8
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Friday, May 10 - Math Grade 7 & 8, Algebra
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Monday, May 13 or Tuesday, May 14 - Science Grade 8
If you have any questions about the IRW or any of the Spring SOL Tests, please contact our school testing coordinator, Jenni Maybury, at jpmaybury@fcps.edu.
⏰Quarter 4 - No Tardy Policy
We're committed to helping students succeed, and that starts with being on time! In response to an increase in class tardies we're excited to announce a new No Tardy Policy, which will go into effect on Wednesday, April 3rd.
Why a No Tardy Policy?
On-time arrival allows students to settle in, participate fully, and maximize their learning. This policy will help establish strong routines and ensure everyone gets the most out of each class.
Here's what you need to know:
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Definition of Tardy: Any student not in the classroom when the bell rings will be considered tardy.
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Consequences:
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3rd Unexcused Tardy: Teacher will contact you by phone.
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4th Unexcused Tardy: Teacher will assign detention (lunch or after school, teacher choice).
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5th Unexcused Tardy: Formal Discipline Referral + Admin-issued after school detention. No show results in additional consequences.
Staying On Time Pays Off!
We understand mornings can be hectic, but here are some tips to help your child be on time:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
- Pack backpacks and lay out clothes the night before.
- Leave for school with enough time for unexpected delays.
- Communicate any potential tardiness reasons to the school office.
Celebrate Success with the No Tardy Party!
We want to recognize students who prioritize punctuality! Students with ZERO unexcused tardies by the end of the quarter will be invited to a No Tardy Party during Panther Block. It will feature an ice cream treat, a raffle for prizes, and some fun!
Thank you for your partnership in helping your child be successful in school. Let's work together to make on-time arrival a habit!
🏐 After School Program
The 4th Quarter After School Activity Calendar is now LIVE on our after school webpage, https://stonems.fcps.edu/activities/after-school-program.
Quarter 4 after school clubs and activites will resume on Wednesday, April 3.
🐾 Message from PTSA
May 6 - 10 is STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK! Please help us celebrate and thank our AMAZING Stone staff by donating a $10 gift card listed below!
The cards will be distributed during Staff Appreciation Week so please have all donations to the school by April 26 so we ensure every staff member is appreciated.
Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
☀️ 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 our school 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.
🔔 Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click a date above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
🩴Summer Learning Opportunities
 All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1, to Thursday, August 1 — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs.
Registration is open. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend. Reach out to our after-school specialist, Mr. Anderson - nmanderson@fcps.edu, for scholarship availability due to financial hardship. This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Additional Summer Learning Opportunities
Visit our Summer Learning Opportunites webpage to learn more about all the opportunities for Summer 2024.
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Updated COVID Recommendations
- Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- April Webinars and Events for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Stone Quick Links
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