Thoreau Matters -- March 29, 2024

Thoreau Matters

March 29, 2024


Reminder that students will be off on Monday, April 1st and Tuesday, April 2nd and will return to school on Wednesday, April 3rd. Our office will be open from 8am - 1pm on Monday and Tuesday.


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


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

Athletic Physicals for Middle School Sports

Athletic physicals are required for middle and high school student-athletes. Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in middle school sports during the 2024-25 school year. These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50. Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available. You can register here: Student registration. Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time. Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form: FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE).

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.


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.

Date

7th grade

8th grade

April 16th

 

Integrated Reading & Writing SOL

May 9th

 

Science SOL (Except for the Turtle Team)

May 13th

 

Science SOL (Turtle Team)

May 15th

Reading SOL

Reading SOL

May 17th

Math SOL

Math SOL 

Make-Ups

Scheduled as needed throughout window

Retakes

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.

 

If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).


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VIP Summer Camp!

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Registration Link: https://forms.gle/MjZnZyzhZjJNxSah8 


Natural High

The Problem: 

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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: 

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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


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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.