Important Upcoming Events April 7 - 13 School Library Month April 10 - Student Holiday - Cultural/Religious  Observance April 18 - Virtual Parent Coffee - 9-10am

Message from Mr. Stokes National Library Week PTA Officers Recruitment SOL Testing Dates Summer Programs Other Schools Are Sharing

A Message From Principal Stokes

Greetings Panthers,

A special thank you and recognition goes out to our awesome library team – Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Donovan.  They combine their wisdom and energy to create and grow a wonderful library for our students.  Our library is always a hub of activity as students regularly visit to view the latest exciting titles, meet with their classmates for collaboration and conversation, or take advantage of the quiet times and spaces.  We are fortunate to have such a vibrant space due to our librarians’ welcome attitude and thoughtful curation of the catalog.  With this week being National Library Week, this is a great moment to share our appreciation for the efforts of Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Donovan. 

Hope that everyone has a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stokes

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. National Library Week is April 7-13. 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 of your school librarian!

Please join us in celebrating our RCMS Librarians: Ellen Bickford and Elizabeth Donovan pictured below.

Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. 

 See the complete School Year Calendar

Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Internal Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians of FCPS students. Parents/guardians will be asked for feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community. The survey will be distributed electronically via FCPS This Week. The survey window is April 15 - April 26, 2024.
Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholder.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12  took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing updated information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.

3rd Quarter Grades

The end of 3rd quarter was Friday, March 22. The gradebook module in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE will be unavailable from Friday, March 22 at 4 pm until Monday, April 15 at 6 am. At that time, report cards will be visible in ParentVUE. Students will receive a copy of their 3rd quarter report card during Panther Time on Monday, April 15.

Virtual April Family Coffee: “Moving Up: The Transition to Middle and High School”

Please join us virtually to learn more about the transition to middle and high school at our next Family Coffee on April 18th from 9-10AM.  

RCMS school counselors will be presenting two separate virtual sessions.

For our high school session, we are excited to have a school counselor from South Lakes High School participate along with RCMS assistant principal, Kelly Cosgrove, a former high school administrator.  

Please click here to register for the high school session. 

💜 Purple Up! On April 17 to Support Military Families

April is the Month of the Military Child.  Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday April 17.  Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.

8th Grade Service Learning hours

This is a reminder that all 8th grade students are required to have 15 service learning hours verified and approved in x2VOL by May 1st at 11:59 pm. Please remind your student to check that their hours have been verified by their sponsor in x2VOL by the May 1^st deadline. Students have been frequently reminded to check x2VOL and to see that their total hours are verified and correct. If a student needs a service experience, they can check the Schoology Service Learning folder under Carson Student Central.

RCMS PTA   Now Accepting Nominations

Believe it or not, the Rachel Carson PTA is already planning for the 2024-2025 school year! Are you or is someone you know enthusiastic about supporting Rachel Carson and all of its students, teachers, and staff? We are soliciting nominations for several positions that will be open next year including:

• President
• Communications Secretary
• VP of Fundraising and Social Events
• Membership Chair
• Basketball Chair
• Multicultural Night Chair
• STEAM Night Chair

Current Board members will assist new members with the transition. Please email rcmspta.pres@gmail.com if you are interested, or know of someone who would make a great addition to our team!

SOL Testing Dates

All students will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in May. Testing will begin first thing in the morning (at 7:30 am) to ensure students have adequate testing time before lunch. Please see the testing dates below to ensure your student attends school on the testing day.

With parent/guardian permission, student rapid retake SOLs will occur the week of May 28th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email David Dewett, Testing Coordinator at dmdewett@fcps.edu.

Mason Math Odyssey Enrichment Camp at GMU

July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Mason Math Odyssey enrichment camp (MMO) is a place for rising 6th - 9th graders who are curious about math to learn about beautiful mathematics concepts typically not taught in K-12 curriculum. Students will engage in fun and friendly team competitions that will help build mathematical maturity while honing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Camp participants will embark on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time to learn about some of the greatest mathematical discoveries from ancient times to this day, get exposed to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts from the areas of geometry, topology, number theory, probability and algebra, as well as mathematical modeling, and compete for a chance to win the camp trophy. As part of the daily agenda, students will be immersed into one of the mathematical themes through guest lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects featuring Olympiad-style problems as well as simple mathematical puzzles and culminating in a peer and instructor judged presentation.

Where: In-person – GMU Fairfax Campus

Dates: July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Time: 9am - 3pm (drop off and pickup windows TBD)

Cost: $490 includes all materials, activities, and daily lunch!

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 4, 2024

 More details: Mason Summer Day Camp | GMU College of Science.

Contact: Jennifer Lawler jlawler@gmu.edu

FCPS Summer Learning and Fun

Career and Technical Education

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register. 

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.

Additional Summer Learning Opportunities

Please go to the following website Summer Learning information page to learn about these summer opportunities:

• Credit Recovery Academy/ Extended Learning
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

VIP Camp: July 1 - August 1

Online Tutoring

This is a reminder that all students in FCPS have access to Tutor.com.  This a free service where students have 24/7 access to an on-line tutor.  Students can connect with someone about nearly any school subject.  We encourage all families to take a few minutes to review the basics of Tutor.com and log-in to try out this great resources.  You can go directly to tutor.com or review the FCPS overview page at:  https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/tutoring-options-fcps/tutorcom-online-tutoring-services

Tutor.com - Online Tutoring Services We are excited to share a great opportunity that is available to all FCPS students! Your child now has unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com. www.fcps.edu

Chess at Carson MS Rachel Carson is hosting another event that your child can be a part of: April 27 - Chess Tournament from 9:00AM-5:00PM Register Here!

Mr. Barrows will communicate with students about activities through email and Schoology and will also be in lunches where a daily schedule will be shown on the projector. We try our best to communicate any changes such as cancellations immediately though email and Schoology. Late buses will be offered Monday-Thursday. Late buses are different than your regular bus number. Please make sure students know their late bus number prior to staying after school. You can find your late bus number in SIS and it will say RCLR (Rachel Carson Late Run).

here is the Q2 After School Schedule

Riley Barrows

Other Schools Are Sharing

💻Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson HS

This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at TJHSST.  Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia.  In previous years, more than 4,500 students have participated in over 70 labs presenting STEM activities.  Exhibitors include TJHSST clubs and volunteers from organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Admission is free and there will be food for sale.  Here is the registration form.  More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org. 

Join the Oakton Band!

**ALL BANDS ARE OPEN TO 9^th GRADERS**

Marching Band ◊ Concert Band ◊ Color Guard ◊ Jazz Band ◊ Drumline ◊ Indoor Winter Guard

Band “Mythbusters”

1. It is possible to do athletics and band.
2. You can do clubs and honor societies and band.
3. You can do band all four years and still get the most advanced diploma.
4. You can still get into a great college without taking every AP class.

Important Dates

• 8^th Grade Auditions: April 15 (woodwinds) and April 16 (brass/percussion)
• 6:30pm at Oakton HS
• You may audition on the other day if you have a scheduling conflict
• Marching Band online registration begins May 1^st
• Mandatory new marcher meeting May 13^th
• Marching Band camp: July 29-August 9, 2024

Questions?

Ask Dr. VanValkenburg (director@oaktonbands.org)

For more information on Oakton Bands go to: www.oaktonbands.org

Click here to register for the Oakton Field Hockey Camp

Click here for more information about registration for the Oakton Junior Dance Team Camp.

Chantilly High School

Charge Ahead Freshman Orientation Registration & Payment links

Chantilly High School is offering three Freshman Orientation options.  The choices to attend a 1-Day session are either August 6, 7, or 8 from 9:00-1:00 PM.  Students will get a chance to get to know us, ease any anxiety, and learn how to navigate high school life here as a CHARGER.  It’s so fun and you don’t want to miss out!  The cost is $50 per student via MySchoolBucks which includes a Class of 2028 t-shirt, snacks, and a Chick-Fil-A Sandwich.  Registrations are on a first-come first-serve basis until July 28.  Register today to secure your spot.

Payment via students
www.myschoolbucks.com

ClickHERE for information about Chantilly HS Sports

Link to Purchase: Yearbook Sales - MySchoolbucks

2023-2024 Yearbooks are available for purchase. Reserve your copy today by purchasing through MySchoolBucks!

We have a limited number of surplus, once we reach our sales limit yearbooks will be sold out. Sales are on a first come first serve basis.

Who to Contact

If you have a question or concern, please visit our website for a full listing of  Who to Contact.  This listing includes all of our administrators, our counselors, and who to speak to regarding a specific content area or class. Contact information for all staff members is listed on our website - just click on the name of the person you wish to contact  to be redirected to their email address: RCMS Staff Directory.

13618 McLearen Rd. Herndon, VA 20171 |  Main Phone: 703.925.3600
Attendance: 703.925.3636 or CarsonMS.Attendance@fcps.edu 
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Join the RCMS PTA today!  

Click here