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Dear Stenwood Families,
It was quite a special and memorable week! Whether your Stinger took in Monday’s solar eclipse at school with classmates at Stenwood or with you made plans to enjoy it with them, it was certainly a memorable day. Students had a great time experiencing something so incredible for the first time alongside one another. Thank you to all who donated glasses and time to help make this happen.
Other excitement from the week included 4th grade families coming for an invite today to see their students’ Ocean Models. And on the topic of families, we hope all who observed Eid this week had wonderful celebrations with family and loved ones.
As we mentioned last week, April is the Month of the Military Child. On Wednesday next week, we will “Purple Up” to show support for our Military children and their families. See more details below.
Below you will find additional information about:
- Purple Up Day! - NEW
- Band/Strings Selection for 24-25 - NEW
- Class Placement Input Form - Reminder
- Spring Book Fair is Next Week! - Reminder
- Spring Photos Are Now Online! - Reminder
- Lost and Found Items - UPDATED
- Lunch Volunteering at Stenwood - Reminder
- Stenwood is Hiring for 24-25 - Reminder
- FCPS’ Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces - NEW
- Fairfax County Health Department School Health Services Internal Survey - NEW
- Family Summit - NEW
- Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award - Reminder
- 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
Purple Up Day!
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 17th for military children.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
Band/Strings Selection for 24-25
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families, today you will be getting an email with information on Band and Strings selections for next year. We ask that you complete this form by Friday, April 26th so that we can ensure we have adequate staffing for these positions.
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.
Spring Book Fair!
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The Stenwood Library is holding its Spring Book Fair next week. Students will be able to browse the fair and make a wish list on Monday or Tuesday, then be able to buy books on Wednesday through Friday. Also, parents (and their students) are invited to shop in person after school. The book fair will be open after school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 - 5:00pm. |
Please note: You will need to enter the library from door 8 on the playground and come directly into the library from the back. As always, please contact Mrs. Cole with any questions you might have.
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 watch this short video and if you see something that belongs to your family, you are welcome to stop by or contact Mrs. Hunt with the number of the item and she will try to help locate it for 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.
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.
 New FCPS Regulation on Meditation and 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 our Assistant Principal Bryan Case regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
Fairfax County Health Department 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 are 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.
Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey. The survey window opens April 15th and closes April 26th.
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 stakeholders.
Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20th, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families such as raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
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
 
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.
Solar Eclipse Viewing!
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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