Thoreau Matters
May 10, 2024
Dear Thoreau Families,
As we race towards the end of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to several key groups who make Thoreau Middle School such a vibrant and successful learning environment. First and foremost, a huge thank you to our incredible PTA and all the dedicated parents who recently showered our staff with appreciation. From the delicious coffee and donuts to the refreshing smoothies and cookies in the afternoon, your generosity kept our teachers and staff fueled throughout the busy week. On top of that, you surprised them with a makeover of the staff lounges and bathrooms, along with thoughtful gift cards and catered lunch. This outpouring of support truly boosted morale and reminded staff how much their tireless efforts are valued.
Speaking of which, I want to acknowledge the incredible dedication of our teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and counselors. Every day, they go above and beyond to create a positive learning environment where each student feels supported and challenged. They are the heart and soul of Thoreau, and I am incredibly grateful for their hard work and passion.
We have some exciting events planned for the remainder of the school year, and we look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks. In the meantime, thank you again for your continued support. Together, we can ensure a successful and fulfilling end to the school year for all our students.
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
8th Grade Celebration
On June 11th, our 8th graders will celebrate the end of their middle school journey. During this action-packed event, students will have their choice of activities, food, and refreshments courtesy of our PTA. Our goal is for all students to attend this event. However, guidelines have been established to encourage all students to work their hardest to exemplify our RISE principals of Respect, Integrity, Service and Engagement during these final weeks of the school year. As such, students are expected and will be supported in meeting expectations, including:
- No more than 3 unexcused tardies to class during the school day (this excludes arrival to school)
- No more than 3 violations of the away for the day policy which results in a discipline referral
- No in or out of school suspensions as a result of a serious SR&R violation
- Completion of class assignments, projects and assessments
All students will be provided with multiple opportunities to complete missed work assignments and/or retest during Eagle Time or afterschool. The parents/guardians of any student who becomes at risk of losing the privilege of attending the end of the year celebration will be contacted. Our goal is for all 8th graders to attend the end of the year celebration and we will partner with families to provide students multiple opportunities to ensure they can attend. We look forward to a wonderful day celebrating our 8th graders before they move on to high school!
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Student Intention Forms
Moving this summer? If your family plans include relocation, please notify us by completing the Intention Form and send it to Ms. Karla Macoto - kmmacoto@fcps.edu at your earliest convenience.
SOL Test Calendar
The SOL assessment schedule can be found below. The testing schedule will impact the bell schedule each day. Please avoid prearranged student absences on the dates your child will be taking an SOL test. More information regarding middle school SOLs is available on the SOL assessments webpage.
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Date
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7th grade
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8th grade
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May 13th
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Science SOL (Turtle Team)
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May 15th
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Reading SOL
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Reading SOL
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May 17th
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Math SOL
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Math SOL
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Make-Ups
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Scheduled as needed throughout window
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Retakes
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For any student who receives a score of 375-399, they will be offered a retake. Thoreau staff will make parent phone calls to obtain parent permission and teachers will provide remediation to students.
Retakes will occur May 28th-31st.
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If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact Thoreau’s school test coordinator, Erin Lynch (703.846.8058 or emlynch@fcps.edu).
SoCo Summer Strings
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only.
Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!
VIP Summer Camp!
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/MjZnZyzhZjJNxSah8
Oakton HS Dance Team Spring Prep Clinic
If you love to dance and are interested in trying out for the Oakton High School Dance team for the 2024-25 school year or the year after, the Dance Team is holding a Prep Clinic May 20, 22, 28, and 30 from 4-6pm at Oakton HS, open to students in grades 7-11! The clinic will teach a variety of skills and choreography that will be helpful for preparing for tryouts. If you are interested in participating in the Dance Team Prep Clinic, complete the Spring Prep Clinic Interest Form to receive the registration form and information. If you have questions, please reach out to Coach Rowley at kmrowley@fcps.edu.
Oakton HS Dance Team 2024-25 Tryouts
If you love to dance and want to be involved in your school, come try out for the Oakton High School Dance Team! Tryouts will be held June 10, 12, and 13 for the 2024-25 team selection. Not sure if you have all of the skills for dance team?? Fill out the form and come to tryouts anyway! You will have the opportunity to learn skills there, and dancers are often selected based on potential ability to pick up the needed skills! Sign up to get more information about tryouts with this Tryout Interest Form link. Check out the Dance Team website for more information about the team and what to prepare for tryouts. Contact Coach Rowley at kmrowley@fcps.edu with questions.
Check out the attached flyer with QR codes and links to our various dance opportunities related to tryouts and preparing for tryouts this spring!
Oakton HS Dance Team Junior Summer Dance Camp
All rising 1st-8th graders who love to dance are invited to attend camp this summer on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, June 18, 20 & 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 be a craft, snack time, and team building activities. For more information and to register go to https://oaktonhighcamps.jumbula.com/#/dance.
Thoreau After-School Program
After-School clubs & late buses occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 2:25pm - 4:45pm for the remainder of the school year!
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
Week of May 13th - May 17th
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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Myers at cmmyers@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
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