April 11, 2024 Newsletter

Month of the Military Child graphic

April 11, 2024

From the Principal’s Pen

Dear Laurel Hill Families,

We hope everyone enjoyed their spring break, and Eid al-Fitr holiday for those who celebrate.  The whole school enjoyed viewing the solar eclipse on Monday!  What a cool experience.  Please see some pictures below.

April comes with many celebrations, including Month of the Military Child, Earth Day and Autism acceptance.  FCPS and LHES are gearing up to honor and celebrate our military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child and on Purple Up! Day on April 17.  This is a time for our community to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support, gratitude, and appreciation for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

With just 45 school days left this year, we are committed to the following: resetting our practices in order to address the important work that we do to support teaching and learning within a positive school culture; reflecting on our why as a reminder of the reason we chose to do this important work, and reaching for a strong finish for the 2023-24 year!  

Wishing each of you an amazing and blessed week filled with joy, peace, and hope! 

Sincerely,

Janice Dalton, Principal

Addison Smith, Assistant Principal

Thmeaka Traylor, Assistant Principal

eclipse 1eclipse 2eclipse 3eclipse 4eclipse 5

4th graders had a Zoom call with astronaut Frank Rubio!  He holds the American record for the most consecutive days in space with 371 days.  Students were able to ask him questions and hear about his adventures.  Thank you to one of our parents, Mr. Sok, for setting up this special opportunity.

Frank RubioCalendar reminder graphic

Save the Date:

Apr. 17: Purple Up! for military children appreciation (wear purple)

Apr. 22: Earth Day

Apr. 22-April 25: Spring Book Fair

Apr. 23: Book Fair family night, 5-8 pm

Apr. 23-26: Autism Acceptance week

May 3: Teacher workday, no school for students


LHES News:

DEADLINE: Year Book Sale

Yearbook deadline has been extended to 4/14/2024.  Yearbook link

 

Scholastic Spring Book Fair: 

Get ready to immerse yourself in the excitement as we gear up for the LHES Spring 2024 Book Fair, happening from April 22nd to April 25th!

  • Volunteer sign up: Please use this Sign-Up Genius link – anyone can volunteer, and we appreciate our wonderful volunteers!
  • Explore our online book fair offerings at Scholastic Book Fair.

 

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment by calling or emailing Sarah Orlick at 703-551-5300 or SCOrlick@fcps.eduSouth County High School Summer Camps

Summer Program information

Some LHES students will be participating in programs this summer.  There will be a Bridge to Kindergarten class, SOAR classes and young scholars classes.  Students will attend 4 hours a day from July 8-26.  More information is coming and please reach out to your child's teacher if you have specific questions.

SCHS Substance Abuse and Prevention newsletter

This submission includes information about how to help children cope with mental health issues such as anxiety and ADHD.

South County High School Summer Camps

South County High School is offering 2 summer camps. Please view the links to basketball camp and volleyball camp for details of options.

camp

 

FCPS News:

💜 Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families

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. 

 

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-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 theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan

 

🏫 Advertised Budget Focuses on Schools and Instruction

Investing in excellence means putting our dollars where it matters most — schools and instruction. Nearly 93% of FCPS full-time staff work directly in our schools. And nearly 86% of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Advertised Budget is dedicated to instructional programs across all grade levels, including special education. 

Only 5% of the advertised budget is for general support and central administration. Central office administrators represent only 0.8% of total full-time positions.

For more details on FCPS’ advertised budget, view budget documents, including the FY 2025 Budget Book. 

Check out the Budget Calendar for important dates in the budget process as well as opportunities for the community to provide feedback.  

 

PTA Membership

Visit the PTA website.

 

Amazon Wishlist

Open Amazon wish lists here!