Stenwood Hive Happenings

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Hive Happenings Newsletter


We had our first 3-hour Early Release Monday this week. Our Stingers did an amazing job with the change of routine!  Our next Early Release Monday will be October 28th. On Monday we will send out confirmation emails regarding the selection you made for October 28th.  At the beginning of November we will send out a survey for all families to complete with the remaining dates for the year. As a reminder, these 3-hour early releases are providing some of the essential time for our teachers of reading to complete required state literacy training.  

This week is Blue Star Welcome Week in Fairfax County and nation-wide. This is an opportunity for our Stenwood community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and over 14,000 in Fairfax County alone. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Here at Stenwood, we support our military-connected students through our Military Kids club, which meets monthly. Military-connected Stingers also meet together in Hive Families. We are grateful not only for the service and sacrifice of these families, but also the positive and unique contributions they bring to our school community.

Thank you to all that joined us last night for our first Power of Words Community Night. We appreciate hearing the different perspectives and commitments to helping support all of our Stenwood students feeling a sense of belonging.  

Our partnership with families is one of the many things that makes Stenwood the wonderful place it is.  One of the ways we love to connect with families is through our quarterly Family Invite Events.  Our sixth-grade team will host our first Family Invite of the school year on Tuesday next week!  We do ask that all adults sign-in in the front office for all events during the school day, so please make sure to bring your photo ID.  We also coordinate with Fairfax County Police Department for grade level and school wide events.  If you do park in the neighborhood for this event, please be respectful of our neighbors and do not block driveways or crosswalks.

Lastly, we want to remind you of the altered school schedule next week. Thursday, October 3rd, is a holiday for all FCPS students and staff for Rosh Hashanah. Schools and offices will be closed. Friday, October 4th, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

Below you will find additional information about:

  • Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Information Sessions - Reminder 
  • Stenwood Community Book Club - Reminder
  • Rosh Hashanah - NEW

  • Providence Day and Back to School Celebration - NEW
  • Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events - NEW
  • School Pictures Are Now Online! - Reminder
  • School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
  • Stenwood is Hiring!
  • Stenwood PTA

Sincerely,

Erica Riley, Principal
esriley@fcps.edu 

Bryan Case, Assistant Principal 
bgcase@fcps.edu


Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Information Sessions

If you were unable to the meeting regarding the Continuum of Service in FCPS here is the link to a recorded slide deck: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/9weKvqEOCEXBUJrVTZhsXG1vagXQEZ0839JpQjt4B9wz9l9W8LaXT-BMEL8xqsRT.tvDFjq0DnsjmPk0g

Passcode: k?Y572EKAY

Here is where you can find many of the forms that were referenced today: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap

There will be a second session on the Level IV (Full-Time) services and screening process on Friday, October 11th at 8:45AM.  Full-time AAP Services begin in 3rd grade, with the screening process happening in 2nd grade.  All families are welcome to attend, however the information is geared more towards families with students in 2nd grade and up.


Stenwood Community Book Club

Please join us to discuss parenting challenges and strategies in a supportive community. We are excited to be discussing The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. This book lays out the decline in mental health and social development with the rise of social media and smartphones in the 2010s, as well as the steps we can take as a community. If you haven’t already joined the email list, please fill out this form to express your interest and feedback and we will provide you with more details directly. We are planning to meet on October 11th from 12:20 - 1:05 pm on Zoom. And again on November 7th at 3:30 pm, in person at Stenwood. The book club is facilitated by Catherine Wideman, Kindergarten Teacher and Tammy Berick, School Counselor. It is open to all parents, guardians and family members who want to join.


Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah
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Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2nd. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.

Thursday, October 3rd, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4th, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.


Providence Day and Back to School Celebration - Saturday, October 5th

Join us for a day of fun, connection, and community spirit! The inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration is on Saturday, October 5th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Marshall High School. We will celebrate the vibrant and diverse community we're proud to call home and highlight local organizations and businesses while fostering stronger connections among residents and community leaders. This free, family-friendly event is open to all Fairfax County residents and will feature interactive booths, live performances, food trucks, activities for kids, giveaways and prizes, community spotlights, and more!

RSVP TODAY: https://www.facebook.com/share/b12h6pJutavJcxX3/

Accessibility and Transportation: George Marshall High School is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Shuttle services will run from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).

Questions: Email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-560-6946.


🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!


School Pictures Are Now Online!

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Any student who has not had a chance to order your school picture, it’s not too late!

Please visit: vosphoto.com/underclass

Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com


School Meals and Free/ Reduced Lunch Applications

FCPS Food Logo

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast will be $1.75.  Lunch will be $3.25, milk $0.60.  Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com.  You can also write a check to Stenwood Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager at Open House.   During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at https://linqconnect.com/public/menu/ESSF44 .

Free and Reduced-Price Status

Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive these benefits through the end of September.   A new application must be filled out each new school year and forms are available  online now: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals.  Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.  


Stenwood is Hiring!

We are looking to hire Classroom Monitors and Substitutes!  If you are interested in any of these positions, please reach out if you have any questions or if you want more information.  Here is a link to FCPS’ application portal.

Classroom Monitors: Monitors will work every day students attend throughout the 2024-25 school year, and will directly support classrooms by providing additional supervision to students during lunch or in the classroom. The pay is $17.88/hour.  Teachers will provide directions/assignments for monitors and students to complete.  Please apply here and email me at esriley@fcps.edu so we can schedule a time to talk more. Please share this opportunity with others who might be interested.


Stenwood Elementary PTA 

We hope you join our amazing PTA!  If you are interested in volunteering to be a class parent, volunteering in our cafeteria or library, OR just looking to stay connected with the great work of our PTA, you can fill out a survey that will be sent out once class placements have been communicated.  

More information about the PTA is available on their website.


Welcome Picture

Kindergartners Having Fun In Art!

Kinder Art

Kinder Art

Kinder Art

Kindergarteners Learning With MyOn!

Kinder MyOn

Kinder MyOn

Kinder MyOn

Stay Connected

Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES

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Website

stenwoodes.fcps.edu

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PTA Facebook

facebook.com/StenwoodElementaryPTA