RAVENS' NEST 12/13/2024

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Upcoming Events

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Dec 23rd – Jan 3rd - Winter Break, No School

Jan 6th- PTA Fundraiser at Ledo Pizza 5:00 to 9:00 pm

Jan 8th- PTA General Meeting – Library 7:00 pm

Jan 16th- Dual Language Immersion Information Meeting 6:30 pm – cafeteria

Jan 20th- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday- No School

Jan 29th- Teacher Workday- No School

 

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

 

Hello Ravensworth Families,

Yesterday our school community enjoyed hearing from our Grades 5 and 6 Chorus.  The students did a fantastic job learning several pieces of music over the past few months.  A big thank you to Ms. Blend and Ms. Dutko for arranging a wonderful winter concert.

This coming week is often a time of fun and joy.  We ask that you remind your child that we still need to follow the school expectations.  We recognize that our students are looking forward to the winter break.  We want to ensure we are balancing both fun and learning.

Sincerely,

 

Erika Aspuria

Principal

 

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

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Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Andrea Trumbull at astrubmull@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2024

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Andrea Trumbull at astrubmull@fcps.edu.

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

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Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding, and managing emotions, establishing, and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

 

Winter Break Breakfast and Lunch Packs

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At Ravensworth we are noticing a slight increase in students who could benefit from supplemental food over extended school breaks. With generous support from our community partner ECHO (https://www.echo-inc.org/), we are pleased to offer supplemental food to students in need over this year’s winter break.

The food consists of non-perishable shelf items and is intended to replace the food a student would receive via free or reduced lunch during the two-week break. Food will be distributed December 19th and 20th and will be available for pick up at the school.

If you would like for your student to receive supplemental food this winter break, please email school social worker Heather Colby directly at hcolby@fcps.edu

 

Bundle Up With Books Over Break

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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 their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

 

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

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FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

 

Student and Family Resources

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Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

 

Preparing for Winter Weather

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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, 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.

 

PTA

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Join the PTA Today

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Hey Ravensworth Families!

We're gearing up for an amazing school year and we need YOU to make it even better! Join Rio the Raven and become a superhero by signing up for the PTA today.

As a superhero, you have the power to make a significant impact on the Ravensworth school community by joining the Ravensworth Elementary PTA! With the PTA's exciting calendar of events for the year, there's a perfect opportunity for you to get involved, share your talents, and help create a vibrant, supportive environment for all students. From fundraisers to fun school activities, your superhero energy will be a valuable asset in making this year unforgettable. 

Join us and be part of something extraordinary!

 

PTA Fundraising at Ledo Pizza

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Enjoy a great family dinner while raising money for Ravensworth Elementary School spirit night on January 6th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Ledo Pizza 8324 Old Keene Mill Rd. West Springfield, VA 22152. The organizer receives 10% of dine-in sales for each flyer presented or 10% for orders on-line using the code “Fundraiser”. Also, if any staff member or parent order catering during the week of the fundraiser our organization will get 10% of the check total.

Bring a friend and tell your neighbors! All proceeds go to Ravensworth Elementary School PTA.

 

Spirit Wear Fit for You

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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

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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