Churchill Chatter School Newsletter - April 30, 2025

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Churchill Chatter - Issue 16, April 28, 2025


Dear Churchill Road families,

What a beautiful day.  Thank you for your support of the early release today.  Our final early release is May 19th.

Our SOL testing begins next week, please be sure your child is well rested for testing and please avoid having any appointments on these dates.  It is so helpful to have as many students as possible on the scheduled date.  Please also encourage your child to take their time and use their test taking strategies.  We are excited to see all the information our students have learned over this past year.

Our spring musical concerts are scheduled on May 8th (Strings), May 15th (Band), and June 3rd (Chorus).

Additionally, we hope you will be able to join us for Family STEAM night on May 9th.  It promises to be a fun event.  

Again, we can’t thank our PTA enough for all they do for us.  This past Friday evening was Churchill Road’s first Color Fun Run.  Our student and staff runners had a blast as you can see from our school instagram account. We are so grateful for the organization and creativity our PTA brings to all of this year’s events.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pierson-Barr


In This Week's Issue

  • Spring 2025 SOL Dates
  • Bike, Walk & Roll to School on May 7th
  • Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
  • Character Strengths Focus - Purpose and Enthusiasm
  • FCPS Summer Learning Extravaganza - May 10th
  • In Case You Missed It
  • Important Dates

 


Save the Dates! Spring 2025 SOL Testing

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Spring 2025 SOLS continue throughout the month of May (see chart above).  It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this time period. It is also important that your child has had a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing! We thank you, in advance.


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Bike Walk & Roll to School on May 7th

National Bike, walk, and roll to school day is on Wednesday, May 7th. Students can participate by walking, riding a bike or rolling to school (scooters, roller blades, skateboards, etc...). Please remember to wear a helmet and choose a safe route for your journey!

We hope this fun event will encourage our student’s physical activity, safe paths to school and community engagement and hope you will join us!


Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1 

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade

With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for. 

Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity. 

Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage


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Character Strengths Focus

The next character strengths our school community is focusing on are Purpose and Enthusiasm.

Purpose means you have beliefs about your life’s purpose. You want to be part of something important.

Enthusiasm means you feel excited and energetic about life! When people are around you, they start to feel the same way.

To practice and encourage the character strengths with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions about these character strengths.


☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs. 

Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage


Cooper Middle School Presents

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Thursday, May 1st: 7:00 PM

Friday, May 2nd: 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 3rd: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

 

TIckets Available at:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15632/cooper-middle-school-theatre

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We would love to have you join us at our matinee!  If you scan this QR code and fill out the form you will receive 1 free student ticket for Saturday, May 3rd 2PM show!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCHA8Vh-cTDUnoTMM9hvsolZ1NXOlp032wu6gA7lNUFmZu9w/viewform?usp=sharing


💊 DEA Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and free opportunity to dispose of old medications discreetly. On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site.


In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • Protect Your Child From Measles
  • Celebrating FCPS Staff and Students
  • Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


FCPS Cares Program

Recognizing employees who go above and beyond

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of FCPS, and more specifically, Churchill Road employees.


Important Dates

  • Wednesday, May 7 - Reading SOL Grades 3-6
  • Thursday, May 8 - Spring Strings Concert, 6 PM
  • Friday, May 9 - Family STEAM Night, 6 PM
  • Wednesday, May 14 - Math SOL Grades 3-6
  • Thursday, May 15 - Spring Band Concert, 6 PM
  • Monday, May 19 - 3 Hour Early Release Monday  12:20 PM
  • Thursday, May 22 - Science SOL Grade 5
  • Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day Holiday
  • Friday, May 30 - PTA Backyard BBQ
  • Tuesday, June 3 - Spring Chorus Concert, 6 PM
  • Wednesday, June 11 - Last Day of School, Dismissal @ 1:20 PM