Principal's Message December 5, 2025

Dear Stone Families, 

We have two more weeks until winter break. We survived our first winter delay today. 

Please see this week's updates below. 

 

Enjoy your weekend, 

 

Sincerely, 

Sonya Williams

Principal


Stone MS National Junior Honor Society

Our Stone MS NJHS officers have arranged for Stone MS to be a drop off location for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys suitable for children up to age 12. No realistic weapons, food, used items, or liquids. Drop off box will be located in the main lobby. Drive goes until December 10. Toys are needed for children ages 0 to 12, with a high demand for ages 0-2. If you purchase gifts through this Amazon link Toys for Tots Wishlist, toys will be sent directly to G&C Tire - which is the collection center for our area.  Please consider helping this wonderful charitable organization. 


Scoliosis Fact Sheet

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected byscoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing.

When should my child be screened for scoliosis?

Scoliosis most commonly occurs during the growing years, between age 10 and the time an adolescent is fully grown. Screenings should begin in early adolescence. Pediatricians should check for early signs during a routine physical exam.

What causes scoliosis?

The cause of scoliosis is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females than males.

How is scoliosis treated?

In many cases, the curve is mild and does not require treatment. In some cases, treatment may involve bracing. Severe curves may require spinal surgery. The need for treatment is best determined by a trained medical professional.

What are the signs of scoliosis?

  • One shoulder may be higher than the other.
  • One shoulder blade may be higher or more prominent than the other.
  • One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other.
  • Unevenness of the waist.
  • The spine curves sideways.
  • The head is not centered over the pelvis.

If you have any concern that your child may have scoliosis, make sure that your child is screened by a health care provider. For additional resources and information, please contact the school Public Health Nurse (PHN).

For more information visit the Scoliosis Research Society website.


Graduation Status Now Available in ParentVUE & StudentVUE

A new Graduation Status section is now available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The Graduation Status is a tool that helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. This feature includes progress towards the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new graduation status section is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. To view the graduation status section, please take the following steps:

  1. Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
  2. Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
  3. Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on” 

 

For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your school counselor. Additional information about ParentVUE is available on the following website:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview 

 

Additionally, a resource guide with frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the Graduation Status section is available for school counseling professionals on the Graduation Requirements site.


Advanced Academics Program

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15

Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to <<fill in the name and email address of the AART or principal>> no later than December 15, 2025.

Each year, families can submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.

Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services. 

Next Steps for Parents

Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing <<fill in the name and email address of the AART>>.

At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year. 

At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.  

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


🎤 Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid

At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school. 

Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates


Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:

  • Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.  

Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels. 

Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity LevelsDue to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities. ​​​​​​​

As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.

Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check). 


🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.


🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources

 


News from Stone PTSA

PTSA Membership

Please consider joining…this year PTSA is supporting meals for staff, quarterly treats for students, teacher mini grants for professional development and more. 

Join here: https://ormondstoneptsa.givebacks.com/shop

December PTSA Meeting will be Virtual and In Person. The topic for the meeting will be Mental Health with the guest speaker being Vicki Othchere. Link for Virtual Access: 

Sonya Williams is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: PTSA MEETING

Time: Dec 10, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91079896694?pwd=kHHnKpLd6WgbtEG3CTPe9arM2bO0Hr.1 

Meeting ID: 910 7989 6694

Passcode: 457396

One tap mobile

+16469313860,,91079896694#,,,,*457396# US

+19292056099,,91079896694#,,,,*457396# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 931 3860 US

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Meeting ID: 910 7989 6694

Passcode: 457396


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:

  • 💻 Technology Tips
  • 🍲 Food Assistance
  • 📚 Winter Reading Challenge

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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