To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website. Para leer este boletin en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web. يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى

The Lion’s Roar

March 22, 2024

It was a spirited week at Lane as we moved closer to Spring Break. The SCA sponsored a whole week of themes to crank up the fun as the third quarter came to an end. Here are a couple of scenes from Dress as Your Favorite Special, Wacky Wednesday, and Cartoon Chaos days!

Upcoming Events

• Monday, 3/25 through Friday, 3/29 – Spring Break, school and office CLOSED
• Monday, 4/1 & Tuesday, 4/2 – Student Holidays/Teacher Workdays – Students DO NOT REPORT
• Thursday, 4/4 – Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test for 1st Graders (corrected date from last week!)
• Wednesday, 4/10 – Eid al Fitr Holiday – School and Office CLOSED
• Tuesday, 4/16 & Wednesday, 4/17 – “Walk in My Shoes” inclusion activities during P.E. classes
• Tuesday, 4/16 & Wednesday, 4/17 – PTA Restaurant Days at Kumo Asian Bistro, Manchester Lakes (all day)
• Wednesday, 4/17 – “Purple Up!” Day for Military Kids – wear purple to show your support for our military students
• Friday, 4/19 - Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) SOL Test for 5th Grade
• Friday, 5/6 – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday – Students DO NOT report

In This Issue

• Spring Break Next Week, Teacher Workdays April 1st and 2nd
• Yearbook Early-Bird Price Ends TOMORROW!
• Family Engagement Survey Extended through April 3rd
• Orientation for Incoming Kindergarteners and Their Parents – Tuesday, April 2nd, 9 a.m.
• Month of the Military Child Schoolwide Celebration Coming Next Month; Morning Reception Open to All on Monday, April 15th
• New Dates for “Walk In My Shoes!” Parent Volunteers Needed!
• Attention 5^th Grade Parents: Standards of Learning (SOL) Test Scheduled for Friday, April 19th
• Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Spring Newsletter: Screening Information
• Parent Resources: Attendance guidance for COVID and other illnesses, summer camps, Lexia Reading Night, and more!
• Community Events & Activities: Rose Hill Players’ The Claw, Techstravaganza
• FCPS News & Announcements: Family Summit April 20th, community conversations on middle school start times

News & Notes

Spring Break Next Week, Teacher Workdays April 1st & 2nd!

Spring Break is next week! School and the office will be CLOSED Monday, March 25th through Friday, March 29th. In addition, Monday, April 1st and Tuesday, April 2nd are Student Holidays/Staff Workdays. Students DO NOT report to school on those days.

School will reopen for students at the regular time on Wednesday, April 3rd.

We wish you and your family a restful, rejuvenating break. Whether you’re traveling or stay-cationing at home, be safe and enjoy this time together!

Yearbook Early-Bird Price Ends TOMORROW! School yearbooks are now on sale for just $16.50 each, but that price disappears tomorrow – Saturday, March 23rd. The new price per book will be $20 starting Sunday the 24th. If you want a yearbook, order now and save!

There are options such as imprinted name on the cover, extra autograph pages, and stickers you can choose to add. You can find more information on the flyer pictured below.

Ordering is simple: Just go to http://ybpay.lifetouch.com, put in yeabook ID code 10217424, and pay with your credit card. 

PLEASE NOTE: There most likely will not be any additional books for sale in June. If you want your child to have a yearbook, please order one now.

Family Engagement Survey Extended through April 3rd!

Thanks to all of our families who've already filled out the FCPS Family Engagement Survey that is currently underway. If you haven’t yet filled it out, please do so soon. The deadline to participate has been extended until Wednesday, April 3rd. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you!

This survey measures our current success with family engagement and will gather data to help us better serve all families in our school community. You should have received an email on March 3rd with a link to the survey, or you can use this link: https://bit.ly/FESURVEY2024.

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 informtion.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Julie Kubiak at jbkubiak@fcps.edu.

Orientation for Incoming Kindergarteners and Their Parents – Tuesday, April 2nd, 9 a.m.

Orientation for our littlest new lions and their families – our 2024-2025 kindergarteners – will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. At this meeting, we will provide a general overview of the kindergarten program as well as a chance to meet the teachers and ask questions. While parents/guardians attend the session in the cafeteria, children will visit kindergarten classrooms.

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten and other grade levels.

1. Determine eligibility.
2. Identify your local school.
3. Gather documents.
4. Fill out forms.
5. Schedule an appointment with the registrar at the school

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

Registration for all grade levels will begin on Monday, April 8th. If you’re enrolling older children and would like more information about the school, please contact our family liaison, Melanie Crosby Hardy at macrosby@fcps.edu.

Month of the Military Child Schoolwide Celebration Coming Next Month; Morning Reception Open to All on Monday, April 15th

April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), and here at Lane we are planning several special activities to celebrate the strength, spirit, and resilience of the many young military-connected lions we have in our community. Nearly 25 percent of our student body is military-connected.

Each year, we host a “Muffins for Military Lions” reception to kick off “Purple Up! Week” (a nationwide celebration dedicated to military children), but this year we’re doing something a little different. In the past, this reception has been for military families only, but we recognize that all Lane Lions are connected to these students as classmates, friends, neighbors, and more! So this year, all Lane Lions – military and non-military – and their families are invited to come to school at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15th for a celebratory muffin exchange we’re now calling “Muffins with Military Lions.” We ask that each family bring a dozen mini muffins or half a dozen full-size muffins to share with others. Muffins can be store-bought or homemade. We just ask that if you make your own you provide an ingredients list so that our families with allergies can choose safely.

If you’d like join us that morning, please fill out this RSVP form and tell us what you’ll bring.

Check the April 5th Lion’s Roar for more information on other activities planned for Month of the Military Child.

New Dates for Walk In My Shoes! Parent Volunteers Needed!

Lane will host a Walk in My Shoes event during P. E. classes on Tuesday, April 16th and Wednesday, April 17th. Postponed from December during Inclusive Schools Week, the purpose of this event is to give general-education students a broader understanding of the daily situations faced by some of their friends with developmental challenges and learning differences. The program fosters empathy for others and gets students thinking about how they might be able to help a friend. Here is the schedule for grade-level participation.

Tuesday, April 16th

• 5th grade: 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
• 4th grade: 11:20 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
• 2nd grade (except Peters): 1:55 – 2:55 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17th

• 6th grade: 9:45 - 11:15 a.m.
• 3rd grade: 11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• Kindergarten and & Peters’ 2nd grade: 12:50 – 2:25 p.m.
• 1st grade: 3 – 4 p.m.

Each volunteer will receive a script and information regarding their activity and the challenge being explored. Depending on need, you may be asked to understudy a second station. Stations will be confirmed Monday, April 8th. You can review the available slots and sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACAE2BA6FA7-44908671-walk#/.

Attention 5th Grade Parents: Standards of Learning (SOL) Test Scheduled for Friday, April 19th

All 3rd through 6th grade students are required by the state to complete certain assessment tests each spring. The first of those tests for 5th graders, the Reading with Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW), is scheduled for Friday, April 19th. It’s important that your child attend school on this day.

You can learn more about Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests here and view the full Notification of Testing information here.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Spring Newsletter: Screening Information

Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.

Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.

• Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15th, annually. If you wish to refer your child for screening, please submit the referral form to Lane’s AART, Linda Simon, at lesimon@fcps.edu.
• The AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form may be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/advanced-academic-program-aap-forms or by searching “AAP Forms” at https://www.fcps.edu/.
• Parents or guardians who submit a referral will be notified by the local elementary school of their student’s eligibility status by early June.

Screening Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.

Appeals Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to Ms. Simon at the email address above.

Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview

Subject Specific and Part-Time Services in Elementary School
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K – 12 . The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students. Students have:

• Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
• A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.

Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:

Access to Rigor, Grades K-6 (Level I)
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.

• All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons.
• Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.

Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.

Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6 (Level II)
Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:

• Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
• Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
• Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.

Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.

Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6 (Level III)
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.

• Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
• Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.

Part-time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.

Screening for Full-Time (Level IV) Services

Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services
Screening for full-time (level IV) AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for full-time (level IV) services occurs during two specific screening cycles:

• Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January.
  
  • Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
• Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.
  
  • The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.

For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.

Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)
Some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).

Students eligible for full-time AAP services are cluster grouped on a full-time basis and receive:

• Full-time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
• Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.

Full-time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.

Parent Resources

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.

Virtual Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.

Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9th, at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of 3rd grade.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps, including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

Attention 6th Grade Parents: Summer VIP Camp Now Registering!

All rising middle schoolers are invited to attend a summer of fun and leisure with VIP Camp. VIP Camp — which takes place Monday, July 1st to Thursday, August 1st — is designed to encourage teens to develop healthy and positive recreation interests and features a wide variety of leisure activities and programs. VIP Camp costs $100 to attend.

This camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Students who will attend Hayfield and Twain Middle Schools will attend the VIP Camp at Sandburg Middle School. Use this link to register for that program.

Scholarships may be available for families struggling with financial hardship. Reach out to Sandburg’s after-school specialist for more information.

Space is limited so register soon! You can learn more at http://bit.ly/VIPcamp2024.

Upcoming Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center

Registration for April webinars sponsored by the Family Resource Center is now underway! Here are two offerings:

Meet the Author Series: Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 7 – 8 p.m.

Does your child exhibit giftedness and behavioral issues like meltdowns, power struggles, and difficulty relating to peers? Are they out-of-the-box thinkers requiring different teaching and learning methods? 

Join us for a discussion with author Julie Skolnick about her innovative and timely book for families of twice-exceptional children.

Register for this event

Behavior Solution Series: Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication

Friday, April 19, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

We will equip you with strategies for navigating the teen years. Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Register for this event

Community Events & Activities

The Rose Hill Players Present The Claw – Saturday, April 6th

Join The Rose Hill Players from Rose Hill Elementary School for their production of The Claw.

Welcome to the Rose Hill Bowling Alley, specifically inside a Claw Machine that has not been turned on in a long time. The narrator, Claw, introduces you to two best friends: a cow plush named Dot and a stuffed dragon named Aiden. While Aiden wishes they could leave the game, Dot loves being stuck inside, where things never change. Suddenly, all of the toys are tossed around inside the machine, as the claw game springs to life for the first time in ages! Aiden is thrilled and determined to leave the game today. Dot, meanwhile, is terrified of facing the unknown. A trio of Beanie Elders, eccentric Flair Bears, and tough Mighty Mutant Power Turtles teach them how to embrace change and conquer the unknown, but is Dot ready? With things changing so quickly, can they manage to stay together? Or will they be separated forever? Go see the show and find out!

Performances will be held at Thomas A. Edison High School (5801 Franconia Rd. Alexandria) on Saturday, April 6th at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children, $1 for children at the matinee.

Techstravaganza STEM Event at TJ on May 18th!

Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, the event has included more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. The 20th annual Techstravaganza will be held on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Annandale.

Slots fill up fast, so register today at https://tinyurl.com/techstrav24. Visit tjtechstrav.org for more information.

FCPS News & Announcements

Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association.

This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after Spring Break.

Community Forums on Middle School Start Times

Fairfax County Public Schools 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:

• Monday, April 29th, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
• Monday, May 6th, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
• Monday, May 20th, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22nd, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.

Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria, VA 22315  |  Phone: 703.924.7700

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