Important Upcoming Events May 1 - Principal Appreciation Day! May 2 -  Basketball game @ Stone MS May 3 -  Teacher Workday - No School for students May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week May 18 - Panther Prowl Family 5K Run/Walk 8-11am May 27 - Holiday - Memorial Day - No School

Message from Mr. Stokes Student Services Newsletter Teacher workday - Friday, 5/3 SOL Testing Dates News from the School Clinic Summer Programs Other Schools Are Sharing

A Message From Principal Stokes

Greetings Panthers,

Next week (May 6-10) is Teacher Appreciation Week.  We are grateful for the incredible hard work and dedication of our teachers and instructional assistants.  They give their heart and soul to provide a positive learning experience for our students.  In the coming days, we look forward to celebrating our teaching staff with fun events and treats on each day.  A big kudos to our PTA for their commitment to Teacher Appreciation Week as they have plans in place to provide recognition and celebration.  We certainly encourage our students to say thanks to their teachers.  A few words of thanks are incredibly meaningful to our educators.  Families – we are thankful for the support and recognition that you are providing for our staff.  Your ongoing support is valued.

Thank you and enjoy the remainder of this week.

Sincerely,

Gordon Stokes

Wednesday, May 1 is Principal Appreciation Day!

Friday, May 3 is School Lunch Hero Day. RCMS students will sign cards of appreciation for our cafeteria staff. 

Happy Spring Panthers!  Take a look at Student Services’ newsletter to learn more about upcoming events including standardized testing. There are also several summer events including Tech Adventure and Institute for the Arts Camp.   

Allergy Season

Allergy season is upon us! Tree pollen has been moderate to high, and we are seeing a lot of uncomfortable students in the clinic. Signs and symptoms of allergies include congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes nose and throat, runny nose, fatigue, cough. If your student has known seasonal allergies, it is time to start them back on their allergy medication as directed by your physician."

Sincerely,  

Hannah Wilkinson, BSN, RN 

Public Health Nurse III 

.

• New 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 [the principal/family liaison/their child’s teacher] regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12  took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing updated information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.

Virtual April Family Coffee links below

Click on the links below:

Transition to Middle School Parent Coffee Recording

Transition to High School Parent Coffee Recording

8th Grade Service Learning hours

This is a reminder that all 8th grade students are required to have 15 service learning hours verified and approved in x2VOL by May 1st at 11:59 pm. Please remind your student to check that their hours have been verified by their sponsor in x2VOL by the May 1^st deadline. Students have been frequently reminded to check x2VOL and to see that their total hours are verified and correct. If a student needs a service experience, they can check the Schoology Service Learning folder under Carson Student Central.

SOL Testing Dates

All students will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in May. Testing will begin first thing in the morning (at 7:30 am) to ensure students have adequate testing time before lunch. Please see the testing dates below to ensure your student attends school on the testing day.

The Virginia Department of Education has set the passing score for SOL tests at 400. Students who earn between a 375-399 qualify for a rapid retake of the respective SOL test, with parent/guardian permission. Rapid retake SOL tests will be administered May 28^th through May 31^st. We are asking that all parents/guardians complete this google form to indicate your preferences for rapid retakes for your student as soon as possible. Should your student qualify for the rapid retake, you and the student will be notified, however retakes can only occur with parent/guardian permission.

Please reach out to your student’s teacher(s), or the school testing coordinator, David Dewett, Testing Coordinator at dmdewett@fcps.edu. with questions regarding the SOL exams and/or rapid retakes.

Mason Math Odyssey Enrichment Camp at GMU

July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Mason Math Odyssey enrichment camp (MMO) is a place for rising 6th - 9th graders who are curious about math to learn about beautiful mathematics concepts typically not taught in K-12 curriculum. Students will engage in fun and friendly team competitions that will help build mathematical maturity while honing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Camp participants will embark on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time to learn about some of the greatest mathematical discoveries from ancient times to this day, get exposed to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts from the areas of geometry, topology, number theory, probability and algebra, as well as mathematical modeling, and compete for a chance to win the camp trophy. As part of the daily agenda, students will be immersed into one of the mathematical themes through guest lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects featuring Olympiad-style problems as well as simple mathematical puzzles and culminating in a peer and instructor judged presentation.

Where: In-person – GMU Fairfax Campus

Dates: July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024

Time: 9am - 3pm (drop off and pickup windows TBD)

Cost: $490 includes all materials, activities, and daily lunch!

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 4, 2024

 More details: Mason Summer Day Camp | GMU College of Science.

Contact: Jennifer Lawler jlawler@gmu.edu

FCPS Summer Learning and Fun

Career and Technical Education

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.

Institute for the Arts Camps

IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register. 

Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.

Summer Online Campus

Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.

Additional Summer Learning Opportunities

Please go to the following website Summer Learning information page to learn about these summer opportunities:

• Credit Recovery Academy/ Extended Learning
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance

VIP Camp: July 1 - August 1

Online Tutoring

This is a reminder that all students in FCPS have access to Tutor.com.  This a free service where students have 24/7 access to an on-line tutor.  Students can connect with someone about nearly any school subject.  We encourage all families to take a few minutes to review the basics of Tutor.com and log-in to try out this great resources.  You can go directly to tutor.com or review the FCPS overview page at:  https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/tutoring-options-fcps/tutorcom-online-tutoring-services

Tutor.com - Online Tutoring Services We are excited to share a great opportunity that is available to all FCPS students! Your child now has unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com. www.fcps.edu

Mr. Barrows will communicate with students about activities through email and Schoology and will also be in lunches where a daily schedule will be shown on the projector. We try our best to communicate any changes such as cancellations immediately though email and Schoology. Late buses will be offered Monday-Thursday. Late buses are different than your regular bus number. Please make sure students know their late bus number prior to staying after school. You can find your late bus number in SIS and it will say RCLR (Rachel Carson Late Run).

here is the Q2 After School Schedule

Riley Barrows

Other Schools Are Sharing

For more information on the Oakton HS Dance Team click HERE

Support the Oakton HS Bands by eating at MOD Pizza in Vienna ANY TIME on Tuesday, May 7. Mention "Oakton Band" OR order online through the MOD app or website, using code: "MODGIVES25" and 25% of proceeds will go to the Band! Feel free to share the flyer and make sure to tell everyone to mention "Oakton Band" at MOD Pizza on May 7!"

Thank you so much for your past support of our program!

Click here for QR code for Mod Pizza

South Lakes High School

You’re Invited Families in the South Lakes pyramid schools are invited to see South Lakes Theatre Arts perform Big Fish (a musical) for a special Community Preview event. For one night only, get $5 off each ticket and meet the cast and crew after the show for autographs and pictures.

Buy Tickets Now

A Splash of Magic: Big Fish Community Preview Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm Join us for a special Community Preview event for South Lakes High School Theatre Arts' musical presentation of Big Fish. Big Fish is the story of Edward Bloom, a charismatic storyteller whose fantastical tales captivate his son, Will, while also making him question what’s really true about his father’s life stories. Will reflects on his father’s larger-than-life stories, leading to an exploration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling. On Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm (before the main show dates on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th), students and families from the South Lakes pyramid schools are invited to an exclusive private viewing of this magical show with a $5 discount on each ticket. After the performance, you’ll have a rare opportunity to meet the cast and crew, take photos, and get their autographs. Youth t-shirts will be for sale and can be autographed! This extraordinary experience will only be offered on Wednesday, May 1st for our pyramid families, to allow younger students to see this show together. This is a great opportunity for them to experience the power of storytelling, foster a love for the arts, and capture memories of the magical and heartwarming show. Under the creative direction of Mr. Michael Viola, and featuring an incredibly talented cast and crew, Big Fish promises to be a production that captivates and delights audiences of all ages (best for ages 8+). Did you know that the South Lakes Theatre Arts program won 12 awards for their musical last year, including Best Musical in two different awards shows! So, don't miss out on this special preview event where imagination comes to life on stage. Get your tickets online now, before this special preview sells out.

Buy Tickets Now

.

Click here for more information

and here

to purchase tickets.

💻Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson HS

This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at TJHSST.  Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia.  In previous years, more than 4,500 students have participated in over 70 labs presenting STEM activities.  Exhibitors include TJHSST clubs and volunteers from organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Admission is free and there will be food for sale.  Here is the registration form.  More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org. 

Join the Oakton Band!

**ALL BANDS ARE OPEN TO 9^th GRADERS**

Marching Band ◊ Concert Band ◊ Color Guard ◊ Jazz Band ◊ Drumline ◊ Indoor Winter Guard

Band “Mythbusters”

1. It is possible to do athletics and band.
2. You can do clubs and honor societies and band.
3. You can do band all four years and still get the most advanced diploma.
4. You can still get into a great college without taking every AP class.

Important Dates

• Marching Band online registration begins May 1^st
• Mandatory new marcher meeting May 13^th
• Marching Band camp: July 29-August 9, 2024

Questions?

Ask Dr. VanValkenburg (director@oaktonbands.org)

For more information on Oakton Bands go to: www.oaktonbands.org

Click here to register for the Oakton Field Hockey Camp

Click here for more information about registration for the Oakton Junior Dance Team Camp.

Chantilly High School

Charge Ahead Freshman Orientation Registration & Payment links

Chantilly High School is offering three Freshman Orientation options.  The choices to attend a 1-Day session are either August 6, 7, or 8 from 9:00-1:00 PM.  Students will get a chance to get to know us, ease any anxiety, and learn how to navigate high school life here as a CHARGER.  It’s so fun and you don’t want to miss out!  The cost is $50 per student via MySchoolBucks which includes a Class of 2028 t-shirt, snacks, and a Chick-Fil-A Sandwich.  Registrations are on a first-come first-serve basis until July 28.  Register today to secure your spot.

Payment via students
www.myschoolbucks.com

ClickHERE for information about Chantilly HS Sports

Link to Purchase: Yearbook Sales - MySchoolbucks

2023-2024 Yearbooks are available for purchase. Reserve your copy today by purchasing through MySchoolBucks!

We have a limited number of surplus, once we reach our sales limit yearbooks will be sold out. Sales are on a first come first serve basis.

Who to Contact

If you have a question or concern, please visit our website for a full listing of  Who to Contact.  This listing includes all of our administrators, our counselors, and who to speak to regarding a specific content area or class. Contact information for all staff members is listed on our website - just click on the name of the person you wish to contact  to be redirected to their email address: RCMS Staff Directory.

13618 McLearen Rd. Herndon, VA 20171 |  Main Phone: 703.925.3600
Attendance: 703.925.3636 or CarsonMS.Attendance@fcps.edu 
Web | Twitter

Join the RCMS PTA today!  

Click here