 This month, Cameron hosted its second annual ST Math Madness competition. Classes competed backet style to complete the most puzzles each week. In the end, Ms. Mitchell's 3rd grade class won by completing 7,916 puzzles in all! This hardworking class got to celebrate by pie-ing Mr. Johnson in the face! Shout out to every Cheetah who demonstrated Determination and Effort to complete as many puzzle as they could in ST Math this month. Keep up the hard work!
 Fairfax County Fire and Rescue came to visit our Pre-K students this week! They got to explore the truck and gear, and talk to the firefighters!
 This week was Administrative Assistants Day! We wouldn't be anywhere without our amazing office crew: Ms. Saravia, Ms. Flores-Cuevas, Ms. Trupo, Ms. Duffy, and Ms. Donlin. They make everything happen behind the scenes every day. Thank you for all of your hard work!
🎻🥁🎶May 2 Spring Concert
 Come see our Chorus, Band, and Strings students perform their spring concert on May 2 at 7pm!
🎨May 17 Creatives Night
 Join us for the 3rd annual Creatives Night from 5:30-7:30pm! The night will feature student work from Art, Music, and Steam. Activities include construction, robotics, crafts, and games. Pizza will be served!
📅End of Year Testing Calendar
May 6
- 1st Math iReady
- 2nd Reading iReady
May 7
- 4th Reading SOL 📘
- 2nd Reading iReady
May 8
- 5th Reading SOL 📘
- 2nd Math iReady
May 9
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
- Reading / Science SOL Make-Ups 📘🧪️
May 20
- 3rd Math SOL ✏️
- 6th Reading iReady
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 28
- SOL Retakes - Reading 📘
- 4th Reading iReady
- 6th Math iReady
May 29
May 30
- SOL Retakes - Science 🧪️
- 4th Math iReady
- 5th Reading iReady
May 31
June 3
What are the SOL and iReady tests?
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The SOL: According to the Virginia Departent of Education,
"The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Social Science, and other subjects.
SOL tests measure the success of students in meeting the Board of Education’s expectations for learning and achievement. All items on SOL tests are reviewed by Virginia classroom teachers for accuracy and fairness, and teachers also assist the Virginia Board of Education in setting proficiency standards for the tests."
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The iReady: According to Curriculum Associates, "The Grades K–12 diagnostic testing assessments manifests our core belief that all students can grow and achieve grade-level expectations. Use these diagnostic assessment tools to help educators see where students are, set high—but achievable—expectations for growth, and connect the right instructional tools to help them get there."
SOL data is used at the district and state level. iReady data is used to inform school instruction. Students can feel a range of emotions about end of year tests, so here are some tips for how to prepare at home.
Be Encouraging: Talk about testing at home before it happens so that students feel comfortable expressing any worries or doubts they may have. Encourage wanting to do well, but emphasize that one test won't measure all your child can do.
Staying Calm: Reinforce strategies that students have learned in school about how to take breaks, and how to regulate breathing and big emotions. Ask them which strategies they plan to use during the test if they need to.
Physical Preparedness: Make sure your child gets a good night of sleep the night before a test, and has a plan to eat a filling breakfast. Pick out a lucky or comfortable outfit, or send students with a good luck note that they can use for motivation! Any little touches that mean something to your family will be beneficial.
Know the Testing Calendar: Be prepared for when your child has a test. It is important they arrive to school on time that day so that they can have their usual morning routine without feeling additional stress.
Graphic Novels on Sports
In this School Library Journal article, Brigid Alverson recommends graphic novels on team sports, competition, and the emotions of players and the people around them (click the article link below for cover images and short summaries):
- Shark Princess: Surfin’ Sharks by Nidhi Chanani, grade K-2
- We’re Big Time by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui, grade 3-7
- Tryouts by Sarah Sax, grade 3-7
- Cupcake Diaries: The Graphic Novel: Katie, Batter Up! by Coco Simon, illustrated by Glass House Graphics, grade 3-7
- My Little Pony: Kenbucky Roller Derby by Casey Gilly, illustrated by Abby Bulmer and Natalie Haines, grade 4-7
- Strikers by Kiel Phegley, illustrated by Jacques Khouri, grade 4-8
- I Felt Myself Slipping by Ray Nadine, grade 7-9
- Out of Left Field by Jonah Newman, grade 7-9
“Comics Take the Field” by Brigid Alverson in School Library Journal, April 2024 (Vol 70, #4, pp. 42-44)
☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
 🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s important for students to stay engaged, attend school, and finish strong! Visit our website for attendance resources.
🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Cameron's Kindergarten Orientation is on Thursday, May 2 at 5:30pm.
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Important Dates
May 2: Kindergarten Orientation, 5:30pm
Spring Concert, 7pm
May 3: No School for Students, Orthodox Good Friday
May 14: PTA Meeting, 7pm
May17: Creatives Night, 5:30-7:30pm
May 27: No School, Memorial Day
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