 Happy Holidays, Panthers!
As we close out 2024, Panther Leadership is thrilled to bring you a festive Winter Spirit Week next week! Get ready to celebrate as we gear up for our Music and Fine & Performing Arts Pep Rally and look forward to winter break!
We’d also love to see you at one of our Winter Music Concerts this week:
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Tuesday at 7 PM: Orchestra
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Wednesday at 7 PM: Choir
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Thursday at 7 PM: Band
Please note:
- There will be no after-school gym use from December 16-19 due to the concerts. Students may access the Game Room during B-session (3:25–4:25) unless participating in dance team practices on the stage.
- There will be no After School Program on Friday, December 20.
Winter Break Office Hours
Stone Middle School’s office will be closed for winter break from Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3.
At Stone, we value the importance of family time over the holidays and are committed to supporting students during this time by:
- Not assigning work to be completed over the break.
- Not scheduling major assessments immediately upon return (at least during the first two class meetings).
- Avoiding long-term assignments with due dates immediately after the holiday.
Honoring Ms. Stanziani
This week, we celebrate the incredible career of Ms. Stanziani, who is retiring after 30 years in education. Her leadership with our Stone Playmakers and her contributions to the theater program have left an enduring legacy. We wish her the very best in this new chapter of her life!
Let’s have a great week,
Sonya Williams
Principal
Although our school libraries will be closed during the Winter Break, your family still has access to books and more. In fact, this would be a great time to explore your local Fairfax County Public Library branch. The Centreville branch is a part of our community, and they are eager to serve you! In addition to a diverse selection of books, they also offer a Library of Things which allows you to check out ‘things’ such as chromebooks, scientific exploration kits, early literacy tablets, board games, thermal cameras, family history kits, and more! Visit your library to learn more about these free resources available to all Fairfax County residents. You may also contact Stone’s school librarian, Ms. Outlaw at sloutlaw@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
Retake/Makeup day images are now online. Families will have received a reminder email to view images from Victor O'Neill Studios.
If you do not see your email, please check the spam folder. If you need help ordering/viewing contact underclass@vosphoto.com
Thank you !
Victor O'Neill Studio
FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students).
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Graduation Requirements and Planning
Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well.
Stone Academic Advising Important Dates and Information (Handout):
1/8/25 Westfield High School Curriculum Night
2/5/25 Stone Middle School Curriculum Night
2/6/25 6th Grade Visit to Stone for Tours
2/10/25 Stone Counselors to Elementary Feeder schools
2/28/25 8th Grade Course Selection Forms Due to Westfield HS (Rising 9th Graders)
3/7/25 6th Grade Course Selection Forms Due (Rising 7th Graders)
3/14/25 7th Grade Course Selection Forms Due (Rising 8th Graders)
Parents are able to VIEW Course Request selections through Parent SIS accounts.
Questions? Email TLBrumett@fcps.edu Tami Brumett, Director of Student Services
ATTENTION: PARENTS OF 8TH GRADERS
Mark your calendars for the Westfield Curriculum Night, January 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Click here for more WHS Academic Advising Information
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.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
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.
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
- Join Our Teacher Team!
- Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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