Thoreau PTA Newsletter - April 25, 2024

For all information related to the Thoreau Middle School PTA, please visit our website.


In this Issue:  

  • Donate Gift Cards for Teacher Appreciation Week 
  • Save the Date - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration is Tuesday, June 11th
  • We are looking for 2024-2025 PTA Volunteers
  • Save the Date - May Dining for Dollars at Big Buns on Wednesday, May 8th
  • Parent Program at Oakton HS - Hidden in Plain Sight
  • Calling all Stenwood Alumni!  Help Stenwood celebrate its 60th Anniversary
  • Stenwood Elementary School's BEE Kind 5K needs Volunteers
  • Fall 2024 Sports Reminder
  • Welcome to our newest Thoreau PTA Business Sponsor:  Smell of Love Candles
  • Thoreau PTA Business Sponsors - Support extended through 2024-2025 school year
  • High School Spring Musicals are here - Marshall's Legally Blonde begins this week!
  • High School Sports Physical Nights
  • News from our local high schools - Info for Rising Freshmen,  Madison Bridges Program and Summer Sports Camps, Oakton Summer Sports Camps, Marshall Summer Sports Camps, and much more! 

Lots of great info - check it out!


teacher

We need your help for

Teacher Appreciation Week 2024!

Teacher appreciation week is coming up fast - it's the week of May 6th! We need everyone's help to show our teachers, admin, staff, and bus drivers just how special they are!

Please sign up here to bring in gift cards for our amazing staff. This is a hugely popular event and they must be 100% parent donated. We don't want any teachers to miss out on the fun!  


save the date

8th Grade End of Year Celebration - Tuesday, June 11th

 

Calling all 8th grade families!  This year's 8th Grade End of Year Celebration will be Tuesday, June 11th from 11:45am - 2:15pm.  

If you would like to help with planning this bash, e-mail Gayle Schlueter (gschlueter5@gmail.com).  There will also be plenty of opportunities to donate and volunteer soon!


volunteers

Call for 2024-2025 PTA Officer & Committee Chairs

We are looking for parents who would be interested volunteering with the Thoreau PTA during the 2024-2025 school year.  Currently, we are looking for the following positions

  • PTA Secretary (PTA Board position) 
  • Spiritwear Chair 
  • 7th Grade Event Chair (typically held in the fall)

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with Thoreau administration and help support our amazing students, families, and Thoreau community. We will ensure that you will receive plenty of support and training to help make the transition as smooth as possible. 

If you are interested and/or would like to learn more about the available positions, please e-mail Melanie Nunez (melanie.a.nunez@gmail.com).  


save

May Dining for Dollars on May 8th at Big Buns

Mark your calendars for our next Dining for Dollars event on Wednesday, May 8th, at Big Buns in Vienna, from 4-10pm

Take the night off from making dinner and help support the Thoreau PTA!


Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Parent Program

Oakton High School is partnering with our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Mr. McNulty, and the Fairfax County Police Department to bring back the Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) parent program for the second time this school year. 

Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) is FREE and has seats available!

Join us Thursday, May 30th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Oakton High School (Lecture Hall).  Please use Door 2 to enter.  

Register here:  https://bit.ly/hipsohs05302024

The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an IN-PERSON interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, mental health concerns, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors and more.

The PowerPoint presentation details red flags (props will be passed around) and how they are indicative of — or used in — risky behavior. We include up to date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behavior and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life.  Let’s open the door to communicating with our teens!


stenwood 60th

 

Calling All Stenwood Alumni!

Stenwood Elementary is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, and the Stenwood Elementary PTA is throwing a special end-of-year celebration in honor of Stenwood's 60th.

  • When: Friday, May 17, 2024
  • Time: 5:00-8:00pm
  • Where: Stenwood ES

Whether you roamed the halls in the early years or recently bid farewell, Stenwood would like to welcome back any and all alumni of the past six decades to revisit, reminisce, reconnect, and revel in the cherished memories of Stenwood Elementary.

Limited edition 60th Anniversary Commemorative T-shirts are also available to showcase your pride in being part of the Stenwood family.

Click on this link to RSVP, purchase a commemorative t-shirt, and to learn more about Stenwood's 60th Anniversary Celebration.


stenwood 5k

Volunteers Needed for Stenwood BEE Kind 5K

Are you looking for service hours?  Stenwood Elementary School needs volunteers for their annual BEE Kind 5K & 1-mile Fun Run. 

The race will be on Sunday, April 28th

 

Please use this link to sign up:

https://stenwood.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=kdM75vfyT7uLnMZPN4vlR3N___52cx8Q7X___nF5NYvV

 

*Please include a non-FCPS e-mail, phone number, and shirt size when you sign up.

 


fyi

More Info for Rising Freshmen - Fall 2024 Sports Tryouts

For those rising freshmen interested in participating in Fall Sports at your high school, please know that tryouts will take place during the first week of August, and practices start right afterwards.  This means, plan your vacations for June and July, just to be safe!

We just wanted to give you a heads up!


thank you

 

Welcome to our newest Thoreau PTA Sponsor - 

Smell of Love Candles

 

We would like to welcome Smell of Love Candles (https://smelloflovecandles.com/) as our newest Thoreau PTA Business Sponsor.  The Founder and CEO of this company is Alejandro Buxton, a current 8th grader here at Thoreau. 

Thank you for your support!

 


sponsor

Update to Thoreau PTA Business Sponsorships - Your Support will be extended through 2025!

This year, the Thoreau PTA is inviting local businesses to partner with the school to help create a welcoming and accessible community by offering programs, activities, and financial support.  We introduced Business Sponsorships for $250 for the 2023-2024 school year.  We would like to extend these Business Sponsorships through the 2024-2025 school year for the same price.  Now, Thoreau PTA Business Sponsors will be recognized for $250 from Fall 2023 through June 2025!

As a TMS PTA Sponsor, businesses can showcase their support to families of more than 1200 students by having their company logo on the PTA website and in the PTA's e-mail newsletters distributed weekly throughout the school year.

The Thoreau Middle School PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and 100% of sponsorship proceeds will directly benefit the students and staff of Thoreau Middle School. All donations are tax-deductible and letters for tax purposes will be sent out at the end of the calendar year.

Your support matters! Together, we can create a strong and vibrant community that will make a difference in our children’s lives. Thank you for your consideration!

Interested?  Click here to join us today in making a difference at Thoreau.


spirit

Get your Thoreau Spiritwear!

Looking for Thoreau swag?  We have extra spiritwear items that you may purchase right now!  There are hoodies, long/short sleeve t-shirts, sweat pants, flannel pants, baseball caps, and beanies! 

This is a great time to stock up!

E-mail Nindy Gill (nindygill@gmail.com) for availability and purchase instructions.  

Thank you for your support!


ty

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to everyone who has joined the PTA and also donated to our No-Fuss Fundraiser!  We are so appreciative of your generosity and support.  Thank you for supporting the PTA and our Thoreau community!


Special Education Resources

Did you know that our PTA website has a page dedicated to Special Education resources?  Please visit our website for more information on offerings in our area. 


mosaic

header

Spring 2024 High School Musicals

Our area high school drama departments have been busy preparing for their Spring Musicals.  Please support these talented students and enjoy some great shows!

 

MAD Drama presents Pippin

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man's journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world.

Dates:

  • Thursday, May 2nd at 7:30pm
  • Friday, May 3rd at 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 4th at 2pm and 7:30pm

Tickets:  MAD Drama

 

mad

 

Statesmen Theatre presents Legally Blonde

OMG, you guys! Experience the power of pink with Statemen Theatre’s production of the smash-hit Legally Blonde: The Musical!

Based on the blockbuster 2001 movie, Legally Blonde tells the transformational story of sorority girl Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in her pursuit to win back her ex by getting accepted into Harvard Law School.

Dates:

  • Thursday, April 25th at 7:30pm
  • Friday, April 26th at 7:30pm
  • Saturday, April 27th at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Friday, May 3rd at 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 4th at 2pm & 7:30pm

Tickets:  Statesmen Theatre

 

GCM

 

Oakton Theatre presents Pippin

This May, the Performing Arts Department presents Pippin. The son of a powerful king who wants to be extraordinary. Following the example of life’s own twists and turns, the show follows Pippin down potential career paths, new experiences and hobbies, exciting loves, and betrayals as he finds his corner of the sky—the place where he feels he truly belongs. Tempted every which way by power and intrigue, and the alluring nature of the stage, he eventually comes to realize that the big finale is not always what you think it will be.

Dates: 

  • Thursday, May 2nd at 7pm
  • Saturday, May 4th at 2pm & 7pm
  • Thursday, May 9th at 7pm
  • Friday, May 10th at 7pm
  • Saturday, May 11th at 7pm

Tickets:  Oakton Drama

 

OHS

Spring 2024 Sports Physical Nights

Our local high schools (as well other neighboring high schools in Fairfax County) will be hosting Sports Physical Nights this spring.  All are welcome at any of the schools offering sports physicals.  

The cost of the physical is $50.  Use this form to register for your sports physical.  If you do not see your school listed in the drop down menu, there are no more appointments available at your school.  You may go to any of the schools that are listed.

Here are the dates for our local high schools:

  • Madison - Wednesday, May 8th
  • Marshall - Thursday, May 9th
  • Oakton - Monday, June 3rd

madison

Madison High School News


Sports Physical Night at Madison on May 8th

Madison is hosting Sports Physical Night – Wednesday, May 8th. All are welcome! Come and take care of your pre-participation health screening for the 2024-25 school year. Register using this link in the comments to select an appointment time. The cost is $50.

Questions? Contact Athletic Trainers, Karina Bertness (klbertness@fcps.edu) and Erin Finucane (elfinucane@fcps.edu)


Rising Freshman Information

JMHS Student Services has a Google site for students and families to access more information about Academic Advising, including curriculum overview, graduation requirements, summer school information, Dual Enrollment, and more. 

Use this link to access the Rising Freshman Curriculum Night 2024 slides.  


Madison Bridges Program for Rising Freshmen

James Madison High School is excited to offer our Madison Bridges program to rising 9th grade students. This program is created by Madison High School staff to provide students with the essential background knowledge and skills to make a successful transition to high school. It is designed for all incoming students regardless of educational background.

The program will be held at Madison High School during two separate weeks:  July 22-26 and July 29-August 2.  The program will be from 8:30am- 11:30am each morning (lunch will not be provided).  Students should only sign up for one session.  The cost is $100.  Scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship (contact TJ Anderson directly to inquire at tanderson@fcps.edu). 

For more information and to register, please click here.  


Fall Sports Info from JMHS Athletics

 

Tryout Schedule

Fall Sports begin on August 5. Tryouts are from August 5-7 with practices starting daily on August 8. Plan your vacations for June and July, just to be safe!

 

Athletic Registration

Athletic Registration / Concussion Education will be available for rising freshmen on/around June 15. Please refrain from trying to register your student at Madison until this time because your rising freshmen's student records will not be transferred to Madison yet.  You can find more information about Madison Athletics at warhawksports.org.  

 

Physicals  

Physicals for Fall Sports must be completed, dated and signed by a physician after May 1, 2024. Physicals are good until June 30, 2025. Physical night at Madison is Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The cost is $50 and you can register here.


JMHS Warhawk Summer Camps

James Madison High School is offering a variety of sports camps this summer.  All students are invited to participate.  For more information and how to register, please click here.  


marshall

Marshall High School News


Rising Freshmen Information

Please visit Marshall High School's Academics page for information about what is offered at Marshall.  


Marshall Boys Basketball Summer Camp

The 2024 GCM Boys Basketball Summer Camp (for rising 2nd - 10th graders) registration is now available!  Don't miss out the chance to save a spot for our annual boys basketball camp this year.  Go Marshall Pride!

Registration Link:  https://form.jotform.com/240065065581150

gcm boys

Marshall Girls Basketball Camp

Check out the Marshall Girls Basketball Camp (for rising 2nd-10th graders) on June 17-20 from 9:00am - 3:00pm.  The cost is $175.  Register here.

This developmental camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game while having FUN!  The campers will receive instruction in a small group setting and will progress to game situations, competitions, and scrimmages.


Marshall Girls Field Hockey Camp

The Marshall Field Hockey camp (for rising 3rd-10th graders) is a developmental camp designed to teach the fundamentals of the game while having FUN!  

The camp will be held on June 24-27 from 5:30-8:30pm.  The cost is $135.  Register here.  


oakton

Oakton High School News


ohs art show

2024 Physicals at Oakton on June 3rd 

To participate in sports in the 24/25 school year, your child must have a physical on file dated on or after May 1, 2024, on the new form (Revised February 2021).  This includes working out in the weight room, conditioning, “green days” and try outs.

The Oakton High School Athletic Training Program is offering an opportunity for students to receive a sports health screening and pre-participation physical (PPE) on Monday June 3 from 5:30-8 pm.  Our team physicians, as well as a staff of nurses, physical therapists and certified athletic trainers will be on hand to provide a thorough screening.  If during the screening or physical, the physicians find something that is questionable to them regarding your child’s health, they may request further evaluation by another physician. We are asking for a minimum donation of $50 in exchange for the PPE.  Registration is now open. To register for a PPE, go to: Student registration.

This physical is good for the entire following school year.

This is the Athletic Training Program’s method of fundraising. Once your child’s VHSL physical form is completed that night, it stays on file at the school, as well as a digital copy is kept on our server, so if you need a copy just e-mail one of the ATCs and we can send you a copy.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Paul Rupp, MS, ATC at prupp@fcps.edu or Danilo Salgado, LAT, ATC at dsalgado@fcps.edu.


Rising Freshman Information

You can find information about Oakton High School classes, explained by our teachers, through our course offerings website. Additional information can be found on our academic advising and course offerings page.  

Please click here for the Curriculum Night Presentation (held on January 3, 2024).  


Oakton Cougar Summer Camps

If you are looking for sport summer camp opportunities, please go to our website and look for information on schedules and how to sign up.  So far there are camps for Boys and Girls Basketball, Field Hockey, Dance Team, Football, Baseball, Volleyball & Wrestling.  


Oakton Junior Dance Camp

All rising 1st-8th graders who love to dance are invited to attend camp this summer on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, June 18, 2& 21 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at Oakton High School. 

Participants will learn choreography and technique with OHS Dance Team dancers and coaches. The campers will have the opportunity to perform a routine at the end of the week. Each day there will also be a craft, snack time, and team building activities. The cost is $175 (which includes a camp t-shirt). 

For more information or to register go to:

https://oaktonhighcamps.jumbula.com/#/dance

ohs dance

The Oakton Pantry

The Oakton Pantry is available to any Oakton student or neighbor who is in need. We stock non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household supplies. 

For assistance: ohsfood@gmail.com 

Volunteer/Questions: oaktonpantry@gmail.com

Donate via PayPal

Most needed items: website

Amazon Wish List 


Thank You Thoreau PTA Business Sponsors

smell of love

sunradia

nfcu