Thoreau Matters
May 17, 2024
Dear Thoreau Families,
At Thoreau, not only do we strive for designing instruction that develops lifelong skills in our students, but we have been working towards student ownership of these lifelong skills. To this end, all Thoreau students will be reflecting on their growth with Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills in the form of Presentations of Learning (POL) on June 5th in their Advisory periods. Students have maintained and curated portfolios throughout the school year to house learning artifacts that demonstrate their growth in these skills over time. On June 5th, students will be showcasing two artifacts and explaining how these artifacts demonstrate their growth over time to their peers. In April, all students planned their POG POL to ensure they feel prepared for sharing with their peers on June 5th. We encourage you to ask your student about their growth over time in POG skills at home, and to ask them about how their POG POL went on June 5th. Check out this resource on meaningful questions you can ask your students about their POG skill development, or, check out this page from FCPS on POG POLs for more information.
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
Congratulations to our fabulous Music Department for winning top spots at their annual “Music in the Parks” competition. While at Hershey Park, the Thoreau Music Dept. walked away with a total of 8 trophies (six 1st place, one 2nd place, and one “Best Overall Band”). We are so proud of the amazing work and dedication of our music students! Special thanks go out to Mr. McNamara (Choir), Mr. Smith (Band), and Ms. Yacovissi (Orchestra) for all their hard work planning and preparing our students for these special awards!
Seventh grade student Alikhan Karim represented Thoreau Middle School and won the 2nd place silver medal in his rating class at the 2024 National Middle School (K-8) Chess Championship, which took place on May 10-12, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Congratulations Alikhan!
As our first-ever track and field season comes to a close at Thoreau, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our athletes. Your dedication, perseverance, and passion have been the driving forces behind the success of this inaugural season.
Throughout these past few months, you have shown incredible commitment to your training, pushing yourselves to new heights and surpassing expectations. Your hard work has not only led to personal achievements but has also brought pride and glory to our team and our school!
Beyond the track and field events, you have displayed admirable sportsmanship, supporting and encouraging your teammates every step of the way. Your camaraderie and team spirit have created a positive and inclusive atmosphere that has enriched the entire experience for everyone involved.
Thank you for being a vital part of our inaugural track and field season.
I also wanted to mention our amazing coaches, Coach Shonk and Coach Truesdale and thank them for their commitment to the team this season. We wouldn't be a team without them so thank you both!
Sincerely,
Chris Pinkerton
Athletics Coordinator
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
42nd Street Drama Show!
Come and see those dancing feet of Thoreau Middle School’s cast of 42nd Street. “42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the magic of show biz with wit, humor and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown, PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star?”
Tickets on sale NOW: www.thoreaudrama.com or https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15641/
Tickets $12
Hurry before they sell out!!
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People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. |
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.
Yearbook Sales Update
Online sales have ended as of today, May 17th. Cash and check (strongly preferred) sales will be held June 3rd - June 10th.
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!
Thursday, May 23rd is the LAST DAY of the after-school program and late buses!
THOREAU WEEKLY AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS SCHEDULE:
Week of May 20th - May 24th
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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Email Ms. Colleen Myers at cmmyers@fcps.edu or call 703.846.8089.
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