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Upcoming Events
Nov 26th – PTA Spirit Night – McDonalds 5:00 pm
Nov 27th-29th - Thanksgiving Holiday- No School
Dec 2nd-5th – Scholastic Book Fair (library)
Dec 3rd- Boundary Community Review Committee at Lake Braddock SS, 6:30 pm
Link to 2024-2025 School Year Calendar 2024-25 FCPS School Year Calendar
Because of technical difficulties, if any link does not work, please copy, and paste it into your browser.
A Message from the Principal
Dear Families,
Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. And fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits—including academic success and improved mental health.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Book Fair:
Online Book Fair Shopping Dates: Nov 25, 2024 – Dec 8, 2024
In-Person Book Fair Shopping Dates: Monday, Dec 2 – Thursday, Dec 5
Location: Ravensworth ES Library
There’s even more info on our school’s Book Fair homepage:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/ravensworthelementaryschool
While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds.
When you fund an eWallet, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a giving initiative called Share the Fair. Your contributions directly support our students who need help buying books from the Fair. Many of us still remember the rush of finding the perfect book at a Scholastic Book Fair. I hope you’ll join your child at our school’s Fair and share a reading experience they’ll remember forever.
Happy reading,
Erika Aspuria
Principal
Attention FCPS Families! The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online.
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools started providing paper forms on Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Need to Register for ParentVUE?
Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
Family Engagement Month
November is National Family Engagement Month! This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 40 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their children. The importance of family engagement will be highlighted during the month of November as we celebrate and strengthen family-school partnerships together.
Handwashing
As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it's important to remind our students, staff, and families about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.
Key Reminders:
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Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not readily available, provide access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
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Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly in a wastebasket and wash their hands.
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Avoid Touching Face: Discourage students from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Hand Washing Prevents The Spread of the Flu
Your Health Is In Your Hands with the Help from a Shark
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
SEL Screener Results
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.
Cell Phone Feedback Opportunity
FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.
The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.
Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month
As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.
Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates. The Region 4 Boundary Review Community Meeting will be held at the Lake Braddock SS cafeteria on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 pm.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
PTA
Thank You, Ravens Families! Together, We Soared
Dear Ravens Families,
Thank You, Ravensworth Community!
We are thrilled to share that this year’s Run 4 Ravensworth was a phenomenal success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! Your participation, enthusiasm, and generosity helped us raise an incredible $21,828.11—plus an additional $2,500 from our amazing sponsors for a total of $24,328.11!
With support from families and friends across 29 states, this truly was a community effort, showing how strong and united the Ravensworth family is.
We are so grateful for your commitment to our school. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on our students and their future!
Prize Update:
Final prize distribution will take place today! However, depending on classroom schedules, it may take until Monday for all students to receive their items.
🎉 A special congratulations to Alexander Martinez, the winner of the Done Prize—outstanding work!
Because of You, We’ve Already Achieved So Much:
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Equipped teachers with books from ThreeWishes Bookshop to kickstart the year.
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Funded nearly $2,000 in classroom grants, empowering creative and engaging learning opportunities.
- Hosted teacher appreciation events to show our gratitude—with more on the way!
- Provided every student, teacher, and staff member with a Ravens spirit shirt.
- Supported classroom STEAM activities and field trip transportation.
And this is just the beginning! What’s Next?
Mark your calendars for even more exciting events: 📚 A Spring Author Visit with John Gallagher on March 21st. 🎉 Fun Fridays are getting a refresh! We’re planning exciting new activities your kids will love—stay tuned for details (2025 dates remain the same). 📖 At the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair, we’ve allocated $4,000 for a library refresh and ensured every teacher can select $75 worth of books for their classrooms.
Not Yet a PTA Member? Join Us!
To those who are already PTA members—thank you for your support! If you’re not yet a member, we’d love for you to join us. Your membership keeps you informed and involved in the exciting initiatives that make Ravensworth soar.
Thank you for your energy, generosity, and support. Together, we’re making Ravensworth a place where every student and teacher can thrive!
With gratitude,
Your Ravensworth PTA
PTA Spirit Night at McDonalds
Please support Ravensworth Elementary School PTA with a spirit night at McDonalds Kings Park Shopping Center 8976 Burke Lake Rd. Springfield, VA 22151, on November 26th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The PTA will receive 15% of the sales when you mention the spirit night fundraiser or show the flyer that it's being sent home in students Wednesday's folders.
Spirit Wear Fit for You
Did everyone outgrow their Spirit Wear this summer? The Ravensworth Spirit Wear Store has all the sizes you need to stay comfortable and keep your
Ravens Pride. You can also pick-up Spirit Wear at all August events from the PTA table. Get your gear and start the school year looking stylish.
Follow Ravensworth on Social Media
Are you connected to Ravensworth Elementary School and the Ravensworth PTA on social media? The PTA’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ravensworthelementarypta and the school’s accounts are https://www.facebook.com/RavensworthElementary
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