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Dear Stenwood Families,
Happy 4th quarter! You can expect Quarter 3 report cards to be sent home with your child on Wednesday, April 17th. As a reminder, Wednesday, April 10th is a student holiday.
This month is the Month of the Military Child! Stenwood was proudly awarded the Purple Star designation last fall. The designation is awarded to schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. We have 21 Stenwood students who are military-connected. Thank you to those families for your service and support. We are so happy to have you as a part of our Stenwood community for as long as you are here. April 17th is Purple Up! Day, please feel free to join us in wearing purple to honor our military families.
This week is National Assistant Principal Week! Thank you to Mr. Case for all you do at Stenwood!
During the 4th quarter, our school team works on preparation for next school year and in this week’s Hive Happenings there are two items we would like you to consider to help us. First, included below is an optional Class Placement Input Form where you can provide us with any comments you would like regarding your child’s class placement for next school year. Please complete this by Wednesday, May 1st. See the section below for the link and more information. Second, parents of rising 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students should begin considering whether or not your child would like to participate in strings (rising 4th, 5th, and 6th students) or band (rising 5th and 6th students) next year. Ms. Campbell and Mr. Zimmerman will begin their recruitment in the next couple of weeks. After their recruitment sessions, all parents of rising 4th - 6th graders will receive the form to make decisions about next year.
Finally, an early Eid Mubarak to our families who will be ending the season of Ramadan next week. Please see below for more information about this cultural observance and regarding the scheduling impacts in FCPS.
Below you will find additional information about:
- Class Placement Input Form - NEW
- Lunch Volunteering at Stenwood - Reminder
- Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 - Updated
- Stenwood is Hiring for 24-25 - Reminder
- Eid al-Fitr - NEW
- Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award - NEW
- Autism Acceptance Month - NEW
- Month of the Military Child - NEW
- Muslim American Heritage Month - NEW
- National Arab American Heritage Month - NEW
- Stenwood AAP Quarterly Newsletter - NEW
- Spring Book Fair Is Coming! - Reminder
- Spring Photos Are Now Online! - Reminder
- Lost and Found Items - NEW
- Nutrislice Menu and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu
Bryan Case, Assistant Principal
bgcase@fcps.edu
Class Placement Input Form
If your child is returning to Stenwood next school year, we offer you the opportunity to share any comments you would like regarding class placements. If you know that your family will not be joining us for the 2024-25 school year, please reach out to Mrs. Hunt, snhunt@fcps.edu or 703-208-7600 to let us know.
Our staff will be working on tentative class groupings this spring, with classroom assignments finalized in late August. As we make these placements, we consider many factors including individual student information, teacher input, and social relationships. Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning interests. Due to the many factors we must consider in creating classroom placements, including the reassignment of some teachers to a different grade level and the hiring of new teachers, requests for a specific teacher cannot be honored.
If you have information that you believe is pertinent to your child’s placement for next year, please complete the optional Class Placement Input Form by Wednesday, May 1st for it to be taken into consideration. There is no need to complete the form if you do not have any information you would like us to consider. Thank you.
Lunch Volunteering at Stenwood
We are asking for parent volunteers to come in and help out during lunch. Please go to the sign-up to volunteer for your child’s grade level and other grade levels if you’re able.
Email Mr. Case (bgcase@fcps.edu) with any questions.
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse
on April 8th
A solar eclipse is happening on April 8th, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes.
Here's what you need to know:
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Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
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Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.
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Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with our dismissal), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.
If you have family plans for viewing from another state and know you will be absent, please email today, stenwoodelem.attendance@fcps.edu. If you would plan on checking your child out early, please plan on doing so by 2:30 so it does not impact dismissal, and please email Stenwood.
See below for the fun solar eclipse activities that have already taken place this week in STEAM with Dr. Mitchell!
Stenwood is Hiring!
We have already started hiring for the 2024 - 25 School Year! We have several special education instructional assistant positions available. These are full-time positions. Here is a link to FCPS’ application portal. Please email me at esriley@fcps.edu if you are interested or want more information.
We continue to look for anyone who is interested in being a Classroom Monitor or Substitute. If you are interested in any of these positions, please reach out if you have any questions or if you want more information. Here is a link to FCPS’ application portal.
Classroom Monitors: Monitors will work every day students attend throughout the 2024 - 25 school year, and will directly support classrooms by providing additional supervision to students during lunch or in the classroom. The pay is $16.85/hour. Teachers will provide directions/assignments for monitors and students to complete. Please apply here and email me at esriley@fcps.edu so we can schedule a time to talk more. Please share this opportunity with others who might be interested. All FCPS schools are looking to hire for this position.
Eid al-Fitr
  In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three 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. Read more at Britannica.com.
Tuesday, April 9th, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days.
Wednesday, April 10th, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar.
Dr. Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are open for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Month of the Military Child
 April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.
Muslim American Heritage Month
Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.
National Arab American Heritage Month
 FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans.
Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
 Click here for the newsletter!
 Spring Book Fair!
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The Spring Book Fair is coming! This fundraiser for the library will be April 15th - 19th. Students will be able to browse the book fair, make wish lists, and then purchase books for themselves and/or their teachers. But before all this can happen - we need volunteers to help out! |
 Please consider signing up for a slot or two. Book fair is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, get a sneak peek at the books, and just have an all-around good time. As always, please contact Mrs. Cole with any questions you might have.
Link to Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044DA8AC2DA46-48641984-2024
Spring Photos Are Now Online!
  For questions, please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Lost and Found Items
Our Lost and Found is growing by the day, especially with the warm weather coming. Please take a look at the pictures below and if you see something that belongs to your family, you are welcome to stop by or contact Mrs. Hunt, snhunt@fcps.edu with the number of the item and she will try to help locate it for you. This week, we are only focusing on jackets. Next week, we will include all items in a video.
Nutrislice Menu and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications
Free and Reduced-Price Status
Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September. A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
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Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementary
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Instagram
@stenwoodelementary
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Website
stenwoodes.fcps.edu
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PTA Facebook
facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA
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