LBSS Weekly News - April 12, 2024

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Message from Ms. Kearns

Hello Bruin Families,

We have a new feature in our NYC starting this week:  a series on Artificial Intelligence. See below for relevant information on AI to help you and your families navigate this new technology in daily life.

Tonight is our Pyramid Art Show, featuring artwork from LBSS students along with our Pyramid elementary schools. We hope you can stop by the gym this evening to enjoy the talent.

Finally, next Wednesday, 2nd and 8th periods will be flipped for our HS Pep Rally. 

Lindsey Kearns


day prom 24

Students from our Adaptive Curriculum classes enjoyed their Day Prom on Thursday.


In April, we celebrate:

Month of the Military Child
National Arab American Heritage Month
Muslim American Heritage Month
School Library Month
Autism Acceptance Month
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
National Poetry Month
Workforce Readiness Month

Stay tuned for recognitions throughout the month in this newsletter and on social media.


Arab American Heritage Month graphic

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.



In this Issue

New Information and Important Reminders

Upcoming Dates and Events
SAFER Choices Program Feedback
April 17 Events
Volunteer Proctors for AP Exams
Spring Testing

Middle School Bruin News

High School Bruin News

NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families

LBSS AI Series for Caregivers

Episode 1: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Athletics and Activities News

Medical Professionals Needed
Sports Physical Night

Class of 2024 News

Important Dates

Family Liaison News

LBSS PTSA

Adult Volunteers needed for All Night Grad Party

FCPS News

Quick Links



New Information and Important Reminders



Upcoming Dates and Events

April 17 - Spring HS Pep Rally - 2nd and 8th periods will be flipped
April 17 - Purple Up! Day
April 22,23 - Passover
April 24 - Theravada New Year


SAFER Choices Program Feedback

Last week our 8th and 10th grade students participated in the SAFER Choices Assembly. Here is the feedback we received from the Center for Respect for the 10th grade survey.

  • 94% of student reported they were more likely to ASK FIRST before engaging in sexual intimacy with a partner.
  • 95% of students reported they were more likely to STOP someone from using alcohol to sexually assault a partner.
  • 94% of students reported they are more likely to tell loved ones I am here for them if they are ever sexually assaulted.

Did you miss the SAFER Choices Parent Program? Use the link and password below to view it today.

https://www.centerforrespect.com/full-presentation-of-live-onsite-safer-choices-for-my-child-in-todays-sexualized-world-parent-session-with-mike-domitrz/

Password: LakeBraddock/2024


April 17 Events

Pep Rally: The Spring HS Pep Rally is happening on Wednesday April 17th. The day will have a flipped bell schedule with advisory being at the end of the day. The pep rally will honor spring sports/activities and our Fanquest students! 

Purple Up! Day: To show our support for all our military-connected families, we invite students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” for military children. Wear purple on Wednesday, April 17. 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.


ap proctor

LB Parents - It is that time again. We NEED you to help proctor AP Exams in May. We will have teachers assigned, but if YOU take a slot, we can release them, and they get their planning period back. These exams are during Staff Appreciation Week and THIS is what teachers want. You can sign up for as many slots as you want, including back-to-back slots. All you will do is help hand out/collect exams and walk around as students take the exams. That is it! Your student does not need to be enrolled in AP Exams to help. We welcome MS parents. You may NOT proctor a particular exam if you have a child taking that exam. Please consider helping out in this very meaningful way. Sign up at the link below. If you have questions, just let us know. THANK YOU! #BruinsHelpBruins #Onceabruinalwaysabruin

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0944A8AD2CA1FB6-lake6#/


Spring Testing

As the Spring SOL testing window quickly approaches, we want to remind families that schools do NOT have extra chargers and students are responsible for coming to school with fully charged Chromebooks as well as their chargers.  State standardized testing cannot take place on personal devices therefore students MUST bring their school issued Chromebook and charger on testing days to be properly prepared.  It is imperative that all students arrive to school and their testing/holding locations on time.

https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/about/sol-schedule



Middle School Bruin News



High School Bruin News



NOVA Virtual Sessions for Seniors and Their Families 

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is offering virtual information and application sessions. Information sessions will provide an overview of NOVA and the opportunities, services, and resources designed to connect high school seniors to the NOVA Nighthawk Community.

Sessions are open to all FCPS seniors and their families. For questions, email admissions@nvcc.edu or call 703-323-3000.



LBSS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Series for Caregivers



ai logo

In our ever-evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role. To equip you and your student(s) for the future, we're excited to announce the launch of the Lake Braddock AI Series for Caregivers. Over the next few weeks, the New You Choose will provide you with accessible information about AI, its applications, and its potential activities. We hope through theses snippets you will gain some knowledge to navigate this exciting new frontier alongside your child.


AI Series, Episode 1: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is the term used to describe a special kind of computer program that mimics human behavior and can learn, adapt, and even “think” on its own. There are three main types of AI including machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Machine learning includes programs that perform simple tasks like classifying images, conducting spam filtering, and recommending products.


Try this: Which of the images show items that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)?

ai ep1

The text with these images says "AI or Not?". There is a collage of images that include a robot vacuum, calculator, electric toothbrush, smart thermostat, remote-control racing car, smart speaker.

Answer:

  • Not AI: The calculator, electric toothbrush, and remote-control car are all controlled by the user and they cannot navigate autonomously.

they do NOT use AI. 

  • AI: Smart speakers use natural language processing to recognize your voice and interpret your voice commands. They also use machine learning to improve their performance by learning your routines and preferences. Smart vacuums use artificial intelligence to navigate you home more efficiently by mapping your floor plan, plan cleaning paths, avoid obstacles and recognize and react to objects. Smart thermostats, like Nest, learn your preferences by observing how you adjust the temperature over time.

Interactive ways to explore machine learning:

Conversation starters for your family:

  • Have you ever played a game or used an app that was powered by AI? How could you tell?
  • What are some ways you think AI could be used for good in the world? Are there any ways it could be used for bad?


Athletics and Activities News



act volun

We are once again organizing our Annual Sports Physical Night fundraising event and need volunteer Medical Professionals to sign off on our athletes’ participation status! We do not receive funding from the county to purchase medical supplies or upgrade equipment in the Athletic Training Room, so this event is a great way for our Athletic Training Program to support the needs of our student-athletes! If you or someone you know is an MD/DO/NP/PA, please SIGN UP HERE to volunteer for our event on June 5th at West Springfield High School.

Questions? Please email our Athletic Trainer, Kristyn Wharton.


pn flyer

Our Annual Sports Physical Night is BACK!! As some of you may know, our Athletic Training Program does not receive funding from the county to purchase medical supplies or upgrade equipment. This event is a great way for our community to support the needs of our student-athletes and allow our Athletic Trainers to provide the best possible care! The event will be hosted by West Springfield HS on June 5th – MARK YOUR CALENDARS! If you would like to make an appointment, please SIGN UP HERE. Time slots are limited, we ask that you check your schedules to ensure your ability to attend!

Questions? Please email our Athletic Trainer, Kristyn Wharton.


Learn more about our Student Activities Program!

lakebraddockbruins.com

LBSS News You Choose (Sign up and select Athletics & Activities)



Class of 2024 News



Important Dates

May 17, 2024 - Prom - Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park 

June 4, 2024 - Graduation - Eagle Bank Arena @ 2:00 pm

June 5, 2024 - All Night Grad Party @ Saint James 11:00 pm



Family Liaison News



Please stay up-to-date with our Family Liaisons on our web site:

https://lakebraddockss.fcps.edu/student-services/information-our-family-liaisons

There you will find our weekly newsletters full of important information for our families.



Additional Resources

Family and School Partnerships

Family Resource Center

Parenting Education Programs through Fairfax County

English Empowerment Center: USA Learns 

English Empowerment Center: Free Conversation Class  and Continued Learning Between Semesters 



LBSS PTSA

For up-to-date information, please visit lbssptsa.org.



We are in search of adult volunteers to make our 2024 All Night Grad Party a success! Please consider volunteering, especially if you have a senior but we are also in need of underclassmen volunteers as well. Feel free to recruit friends and neighbors too! The success of this event relies on our volunteer parents. We have two shifts available as well as non-overnight tasks. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CABAB28AB9-47998145-allnight#/

angp


FCPS News



School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.


No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service.


Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion

The FCPS Family Summit 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 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


Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 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 conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association. 

This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break. 



District News/In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Month of the Military Child
  • Register for the FCPS Family Summit
  • Teaching Real-World Math Skills

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.  



Quick Links