December 9th, 2014
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Dear Families,
As we head into the final stretch before winter break, we encourage everyone to keep up the great momentum! Thank you for your unwavering support in helping our students thrive each day.
Here are a few reminders as we navigate these colder days:
Cold Weather and Recess
- We stay indoors for recess when temperatures drop below 32°F to ensure student safety and comfort.
- Please label your child’s jackets, coats, and sweatshirts with their name. This helps us return misplaced items quickly.
Walking Safely to Bus Stops
- Remind students to walk carefully to bus stops and school, especially in the early morning. Frost and ice can make sidewalks slippery.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students during this exciting time of year. Let’s finish strong before we all enjoy a well-deserved winter break!
Warm & Toasty regards,
Principal Vega & Assistant Principal Bermudez
FCPS Calendar
SHES 2024 Read-A-Thon!
December 9 - January 9, 2025
The PTA is proud to announce our second annual Sleepy Hollow Read-a-thon! This fundraiser supports our school and encourages students' reading development goals. Our goal this year is to raise $5,500 and every student has a goal to read at least 300 minutes for the Read-a-Thon period. Our school-wide goal is to reach 200,000 minutes by January 9. If students reach this goal they will get to tape the principals to the wall and get an extra recess! Detailed information will be sent home in Wednesday Folders and the website can be found here: https://bit.ly/read4shes
 Friday, December 13
SHES Holiday Shop
WE NEED DONATIONS!
We are collecting new and gently used items (toys, books, jewelry, holiday decor, crafts, hats and gloves, ties and wallets, small home accessories, tools, etc.) until Monday, December 9.
How to donate:
1) Drop off - At these locations: Susan Bower - 6356 Crosswoods Drive Cindy Heilman – 6347 Carolyn Drive Joel Paque - 3304 Clearwood Court
2) Pick up – To schedule a pick up, please email Cindy Heilman at cindylheilman@gmail.com or text at 301-728-8021
We are also looking for volunteers to help with set up on Thursday, December 12 and on Friday, December 13 to help our SHES shoppers. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/sheshop24
Advanced Academics Referral Deadline ~ Dec 15
The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!
To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to at Principal Vega at MVega1@fcps.edu or submit a hard copy to the front office by 30:3pm on Friday, December 13th. Should you have any questions about the referral process or questions about Local Level IV services, please contact Principal Vega or Lyn Malvin, AAP Education Specialist at LTMalvin1@fcps.edu
Slides from October Parent Presentation on the AAP Referral Process
SHES Parent Presentation AAP Referral
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break
Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.
Check out
⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!
The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.
Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.
their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.
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.
 ❄️ 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 our Main Office and ask to speak with either our Family Liason, Indira Mendez Flores or our social worker, Emily Jackson at (703) 237 - 7000.
Middle School Start Time Study
⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times
At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.
The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.
Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.
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