|
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,
Can you believe it? Spring has sprung, and with it comes a well-deserved break from the busy school routine! All of us at Clearview ES want to take a moment to celebrate all students have accomplished this term. Each and every student (and staff member) has a lot to be proud of and are encouraged to reflect.
Spring Break is a time to recharge your batteries and fill your days with sunshine, laughter, and adventures. Whether you're building sandcastles at the beach, exploring nature in your backyard, or simply relaxing with family and friends, we hope your spring break is filled with joy and unforgettable memories.
Here are a few reminders for a safe and happy break:
-
Be kind to yourself and others. Spread the sunshine you bring to school everywhere you go!
-
Explore your creativity! Read a new book, draw a picture, or build something amazing.
-
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air! Play with friends, go for a bike ride, or simply soak up the sun.
-
Don't forget to read a little each day! It's a great way to keep your brain sharp and discover new worlds.
We can't wait to see your smiling faces when you return on April 3, ready to share stories and dive into new learning adventures.
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.
Wishing you a fantastic spring break,
Stephanie Almquist Joshua Redford Rachel Charlton
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
After School Clubs- Interest Forms
Thank you to many of you who have filled out and returned the Interest Forms prior to the March 18 deadline. To ensure fairness, students’ names were entered into a lottery. Families of selected students will receive a message via Talking Points and a permission slip in your child’s backpack on April 3 that will need to be signed and returned by April 5. Thank you for your patience.
INOVA Healthy Plate FREE Virtual Cooking Program
 |
|
WHO: 1st-6th graders who are eligible for free/reduced lunch
WHERE: Virtual
DATES: April 29, May 6, May 20, June3 and June 10
TIME: 5:30-6:30 PM
REGISTER: Text 571-328-2802 or email HealthyPlateClub@inova.org
Would you like for us to provide the ingredients? Just ask.
*Students with food allergies may not join at this time.
|
Late Arrival, Absences, Early Pick-Ups
We ask families to please let us know about any changes in attendance in advance, when possible. Please complete the information on this form to communicate this information. This helps all parties to be notified about the change so office staff, in collaboration with teachers and staff, can provide logistical support in a timely manner. To support a safe and efficient school dismissal, particularly at this busy time of year, we ask that you please schedule early pick-ups prior to 3:00 pm.
*When picking up early toward the end of the day, please do not park in the bus loop. Buses begin arriving at Clearview around 3:00 pm.
🤧Seasonal Allergies 🤧
‘Tis the season for seasonal allergies in Northern Virginia! Tree pollens, grass pollens, and weed pollens are the most common causes of seasonal allergies in this area. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one out of five children have seasonal allergies. As with any health issue, consider consulting with your child’s doctor or an allergist for the most appropriate treatment plan especially if seasonal allergies are impacting school attendance and other important life activities.
New Regulation on Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact Joshua Redford, Assistant Principal, regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
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.
Tree Planting Opportunity for Students in
Grade 6 - April 3
Did you know that one mature tree can supply all the oxygen for four people? Plus, trees rid the air of carbon dioxide which helps combat global warming. On April 3rd, students in sixth grade will work with Fairfax County Urban Forestry to plant 12 trees in the back of our school (Willow Oak, Black Gum, American Linden, and White Oak). Workers from FCPS will dig the holes and with guidance from Urban Forestry staff, the students will fill the holes around the trees, water, and place deer guards on the trees. The students will also be responsible for watering the trees often during the remainder of the school year. |
|
 |
This planting is the first half of the Tree Restoration project at Clearview. The Forest Conservation Branch visited our school in the fall and determined that Clearview is lacking shade and tree diversity and approved 24 new trees for our school. Twelve additional trees will be added in the front of the school in the fall of 2024.
*In order to participate, students must wear closed toed shoes/sneakers that are safe and appropriate for the event.
School Library Month
 |
|
April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. |
They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs.
Take a moment to learn more about FCPS Library Programs and share your appreciation. At Clearview, we are grateful for our incredible librarian, Kari Kain, and for our wonderful office assistant (who spends a large portion of her time supporting the library), Lakisha Batts. Please consider sharing your appreciation anytime or on one of the dates below:
☀️Safe Viewing of the Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The solar eclipse is a fascinating celestial event where the moon will partially block the Sun's light, creating a partial eclipse visible from certain locations. 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. In collaboration with FCPS Risk Management, we have developed a plan for safe viewing of the solar eclipse. As is always the case, it is dangerous to stare at the sun, so we want to make sure that students can witness this phenomenon safely.
Clearview ES has organized an educational opportunity for all students to view the partial eclipse inside via live streaming. In addition, students in grades 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to observe this partial eclipse outside using indirect viewers (while facing away from the sun).
Because the timing of the eclipse 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 viewing.
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. |
Easter (Falls During Spring Break)
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.
|
This artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
National Assistant Principals Week, April 1-5
 |
|
Every April, we recognize the significant role assistant principals (APs) play in the overall academic achievement of students nationwide. In collaboration with the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the American Federation of School Administrators, we honor the impact APs have on the success of schools across the USA. |
Join us in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals and their impact on student success. At Clearview, we are fortunate to have two assistant principals, Joshua Redford and Rachel Charlton. Please consider sharing your appreciation for all they do to support members of the Clearview Community.
Kindergarten Registration
 |
|
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 2nd, 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
|
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.
Here are some things you can do now to support your child’s success in kindergarten.
Eid al-Fitr
(Half-O day on April 9, Holiday on April 10)
 |
|
Eid al-Fitr, also known as small Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. It is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). |
Eid Mubarak to those in our Muslim community celebrating! This year's Eid al-Fitr artwork was created by Mark Twain Middle School student Tazrian S. In Islam, Eid al-Fitr is a 3 day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
🔍 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
3/25-29 No School- Spring Break
4/1-2 No School- Teacher and Professional Work Days
4/2 Kindergarten Registration: 3-5pm
4/3 Students return to School
Tree Planting: Grade 6
4/8 Solar Eclipse
4/10 No School- Eid al-Fitr
4/11 Kindergarten Literacy Night: 5:30-7pm
Mark your calendars
- Apr. 12 (Fri.): PTA Board Nominations for next school year are due
- Apr. 16 (Tues.): Taco Bamba Spirit Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Apr. 17 (Wed.): PTA Member Meeting & Ready, Tech, Go Workshop at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center at 6:30 p.m.
- May 6-10 (M-F): Staff Appreciation Week, “Clearview Staff Takes the Gold”
- May 11 (Sat.): Clearview 1 Mile Fun Run, 5K, and Community Walk starting at Clearview Elementary with a course that runs through adjacent neighborhoods
- May 15 (Wed.): Final PTA Member Meeting & New Officer Elections at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria
PTA Board nominations for the 2024-25 school year are now open
If you enjoy all that the PTA provides to Clearview’s student, staff, and families, remember that the PTA Board (along with our wonderful parent volunteers) make it all happen! We are seeking nominations for 6 roles for next year: President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, VP of Events, and VP of Fundraising. If we don’t fill all open roles, we won’t be able to continue all the good things that the PTA brings to our school. Learn more about the roles and nomination process. Then fill out this short online nomination form to express interest for yourself or someone you know.
Join us for our next Spirit Day at Taco Bamba on Apr. 16
As we continue to help our 6th graders raise funds for their end-of-year celebration, on Tues., Apr. 16, stop by Taco Bamba (2415 Centreville Road in the Clocktower Shopping Center) anytime between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 20% of your order goes to the Clearview PTA. Use the code “CLEAR” for any online orders and be sure to mention Clearview for any in-store purchases. Last time, your meal purchases raised $144 for the 6th grade party. Can we get to $150 this time?
Let’s talk about children and cell phones on Apr. 17
The Clearview PTA was selected as a 2023 program 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).
Calling all runner, walkers, and rollers to join us on May 11
A celebrated community tradition, the Clearview 5K and Fun Run is back with some new features for 2024! We want to be more inclusive and bring in participants with all modes of mobility. So we’re encouraging walkers to join us and we’re welcoming wheelchairs and strollers. We also want to encourage you to invite a neighbor or other community member to run, walk, or roll with you. (One little catch, your community member can’t have four legs and a tail. As much as we love our pets, we can’t include them for liability reasons and we need to follow the “no dogs on school property” FCPS rule.)
Here are a few other things you need to know:
- The race takes place Saturday, May 11, at 8 a.m.—rain or shine
-
Registrations that include a race shirt are $15 and due by April 24
-
Registrations that don’t include a shirt are $5 and due by May 3
- Same-day registration (no shirts) are $10 on May 11 from 7-7:45 a.m.
The event is also a fundraiser for the PTA. If you are interested in being a race sponsor—or have an idea for a local business that may be willing to sponsor—view these details and contact Brian Kelley.
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.
We’re here for you!
Your Clearview PTA Board: Christine Graham (president), Nakisha Dixon (treasurer), Ryan Herb (secretary), Amana Katora (head of programs), and Brian Kelley (head of fundraising).
Quick Links
|
