Carson MS Weekly Updates -Updates - week of September 9

Important Upcoming Events September 12 - First PTA Meeting Carson Library 6pm and Zoom September 16 - After School Activities Begin, Late buses start September 19 & 20 - School Picture Days October 3 - Religious/Cultural Observance - No School October 4 - Teacher Workday- No School for students

A Message From The Principal

It was great seeing all of our 8^th grade parents, families and staff members out at our 8^th grade Back to School Night last Thursday. It was nice to meet a lot of you and hear your excitement for the year ahead. We too are excited about all of the activities and learning experiences that our students will be taking part in this year. Please know that we are here to partner with you to help your child have a great year. We look forward to seeing you out at our future school events.

Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

Tony Washington
Principal

PTA Meeting Zoom Link

Topic: General RCMS PTA Meeting
Time: Sep 12, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88498870586?pwd=p5ex1XtZ47dEazIsN9rkczI6FXlEIX.1

Meeting ID: 884 9887 0586
Passcode: 004915

Update Your Students’ Information Online: FCPS is excited to announce that parents can now update student information online using the Online Verification Update Packet. Parents can conveniently update phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, and immunization dates for students in grades K-12. Accessible through SIS ParentVUE, the online update feature streamlines registration for parents and staff.

Transportation Information

Please check the Here Comes the Bus app or FCPS School Bus Delays website for potential delays. Students are expected to be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. A double back route assignment may require your bus schedule to be adjusted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Please note that the provided times are estimates and that buses may be delayed due to weather, traffic conditions, and a national and regional driver shortage.

Student Services Updates

We have finalized our master schedule for the school year. Our staffing decisions and the number of courses offered are based on the classes students selected during the registration period last Spring.

When the school year began, we allowed some schedule changes based on student preference. Students may have realized an elective wasn’t quite what they thought, or a core class level was too easy or too challenging. As of September 3rd, we will not be making any additional schedule changes. The classes have begun to build culture and community with teachers and students, and teachers have begun entering grades. Students (and parents) can connect with their teachers and counselor if they need enrichment or support in a class.

World Languages Credit By Exam (WLCBE)

The World Languages Credit By Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English.  Based on the results of the exam, students can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.  New this year, Carson students will take the World Languages Credit By Exam during the school day at Carson in November.  Registration begins on Wednesday, September 4^th and closes on Friday, October 4^th.  Your child’s school counselor will register them after you complete and turn in the WLCBE Notification of Registration Opportunity Form linked here.  There are hard copies of the form located in the RCMS Student Services Office.  Please stay tuned for more detailed information about the testing date at RCMS in November and visit the FCPS website linked here for more specific information.

SEL Screener Information

Attendance

Attendance:  Help your student stay engaged.  Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job.

Starting August 19, parents and caregivers can report up to two consecutive full-day absences using ParentVUE. For absences longer than two days, please contact CarsonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu

All Day Absences: The Attendance feature in ParentVUE is the FCPS secure web solution for reporting all day absences.

Partial Absence: To report late arrivals, early dismissals, or to update already submitted attendance, please contact CarsonMiddle.Attendance@fcps.edu

• Learn more about attendance reporting through ParentVue

Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.

Did you know?

• All Absences, excused AND unexcused count towards a student's and Caron’s Chronic absenteeism rate.
• Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
• By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

We understand that there may be obstacles preventing students from attending school regularly, such as illness or personal circumstances. That’s why it is so important for our school team to work together with our students and families to remove any barriers. We all belong here!

Digitial Tools Consent

FCPS has approved the use of many digital tools that enhance our student’s learning.  Some of these tools require parental consent.  Students WILL NOT be able to access these tools until FCPS receives your consent.  You can find more directions on this process here. 

SR&R Information

RCMS students will participate in a lesson focused on Students’ Rights and Responsibilities on Wednesday, August 28th. These lessons aim to empower students by teaching them about their rights within the school environment, as well as the responsibilities that come with being a part of our school community.

Through these lessons, students will develop a strong understanding of respect, fairness, and responsible decision-making. We believe that this knowledge will contribute to a positive and inclusive school climate for everyone.

We encourage you to discuss these topics with your child at home to reinforce the importance of these values. Please click the hyperlink to access a digital copy of the SR&R, for your reference.

Thank you for your continued support.

Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy and Storage Pilot

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call Rachel Carson Middle School main office - 703-925-3600.

Greetings Panther families!

We are so excited for after school activities to begin soon! Only clubs that require tryouts, testing or applications will meet the week of September 9^th- September 13^th. Please see the schedule here. These meetings will be interest meetings where club sponsors and Mr. Barrows will explain the tryout and/or application process and students can ask any questions they may have. Late buses will be provided to students staying after school for interest meetings. Late bus numbers are different than regular bus numbers. Please check SIS to find your child’s late bus number, it will say RCLR (Rachel Carson Late Run). All after school clubs will begin the week of September 16^th. Please see the Q1 After School Schedule. Each activity is hyperlinked with a description and information about each club. In order for students to participate in our after school program, parents must fill out the After School Registration Form (This form gives your child permission to participate in after school activities, it does not sign them up for specific activities) If you have questions about our after-school program, please contact  Riley Barrows, rtbarrows1@fcps.edu. 

INTEREST MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CLUBS THAT REQUIRE APPLICATIONS, TRYOUTS, OR TESTING

NOTE:

Students not attending the interest meeting for first block will go to the Cafeteria until their interest meeting begins.  Additionally, if students only attend the first block interest meeting they can go to the Cafeteria afterwards until buses arrive or parent pickup.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

If you have questions about our after-school program, please contact our After School Program Specialist, Riley Barrows, rtbarrows1@fcps.edu. 

Riley Barrows

After School Program Specialist

We are very excited to offer inter-scholastic Fall Cross Country and Spring Track & Field competition for our middle-school students.

Students and parents will need to complete several steps prior to participating in middle school sports, including:

• A completed MS Sports Participant Registration form, which also requires parents and athletes to review the FCPS Student-Athlete Athletic Health Education Program. 
• A completed  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE). The exam must be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Please note that the medical exam and all forms must be dated on or after May 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Student-athletes in FCPS are required to be covered by medical insurance.  If your student is not covered by another plan, here is an option to consider.
• Each student-athlete and a parent/guardian will complete a registration process that includes the state-mandated concussion education program and Emergency Care Card information before the student participates in middle school sports.   
• All of the above must be completed before athletes are eligible to practice or compete. 

Even if a student participated last year, all new forms are required for the 2024-2025 season.

Donations Needed! We have a vibrant “Creative Yarn” after school club in need of donations.  We are especially in need of yarn and crochet hooks.  If you are cleaning out your craft corners – please consider sending crochet and knitting supplies our way.  Items can be left in the front office.  Many thanks. Elena James Carson Middle School

Other Schools are Sharing

Join the Carson MS PTA

We highly encourage you to join the Carson PTA by visiting their website. Click here and learn more about this incredibly supportive organization.

You may also go to: https://rcmspta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true&category=Memberships

WE NEED YOU!!!

• Are you ready to give back to our RCMS community and to join this amazing team of PTA volunteers? Have questions?  Please contact us rcmspta@gmail.com

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 
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Join the RCMS PTA today!  

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