|
Dear Thoreau Families,
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTA for organizing this year’s Pie Day! Your generosity and hard work brought so much joy (and delicious desserts!) to our staff. We are so grateful for all of the families who donated pies and showed their appreciation. We also had a wonderful time at the 7th Grade Dinner, a successful PTA event that provided an opportunity for families to connect, and I truly enjoyed the great conversations with new and returning Thoreau families. If you have not joined the PTA or donated to our “No-Fuss Fundraiser,” I would encourage you to get involved at https://thoreaupta.org/
The snow today is a good reminder for me to address recess and winter clothing. We have observed students wearing tank tops and shorts, so please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. We will monitor for rain/snow, wind chill advisories, and weather warnings that would prevent outdoor recess. However, on the majority of days, students will go outside, as cold temperatures alone are not a reason for indoor recess.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Teresa Khuluki
Principal
We are excited to welcome our new Interim Assistant Principal, Bonnie Robertson, to Thoreau Middle School!
She brings over 30 years of experience in education, including roles in school administration and district-level human resources. Most recently, she served at Madison High School, supporting special education and fine arts. She began her career as a special education teacher at both the middle and high school levels and is proud to be the first in her family to graduate from college.
She holds a degree from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s in administration and supervision from Shenandoah University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and caring for her three cats—Squirrel, Tids, and Oliver.
She is looking forward to getting to know the Thoreau community!
Families, please take a moment to help your child clean out their backpack this week. We’ve noticed many students are carrying old snacks, lunches, and even moldy food that has been forgotten at the bottom of their bags.
A quick refresh will help keep our classrooms clean, reduce pests, and make sure students are organized and ready to learn. Thank you for your support!
-
Thoreau Band and Jazz Band Concert – Tuesday, December 9 🎺🎷
-
Thoreau Orchestra Concert – Wednesday, December 10 🎼
-
Thoreau Choir Concert – Wednesday, December 17 🎶
Please see the Dec. 8-12 After School Schedule
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 Rebecca Aguilar at rjaguilar1@fcps.edu 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.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.
As we approach the winter window of academic testing, please see the notification regarding the classroom based assessments being given in the coming weeks.
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 3-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments within the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development.
- Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math - required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring Standards of Learning (SOL)
- iReady Reading - required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring SOL
- Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - required for certain students based on other reading performance data
If your student is identified to participate in VALLSS, you will receive additional communication from your student’s school with details about this assessment. Families may also choose to opt-in to VALLSS participation by contacting their student’s teacher.
Teachers assess grade 3-8 students with MAP Math, iReady Reading, and VALLSS in fall, winter, and spring. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests. iReady and MAP tests are generally delivered during the classroom instructional block. VALLSS may be delivered within classroom instruction or at another time, such as an intervention or advisory period. The division schedule for iReady, MAP, and VALLSS tests can be found on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).
Teachers set specific testing schedules for students in their class. Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator, Erin Lynch (emlynch@fcps.edu).
Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal curve of the spine and often appears during the pre-teen and teen years. Early detection is key—untreated scoliosis can lead to discomfort and long-term health issues. FCPS encourages families to be aware of the signs and speak with a healthcare provider if they have concerns. Our Public Health Nurse can also assist with screenings upon request.
Click here to view the FCPS Scoliosis Fact Sheet and resources.
At the end of each month, we go through the lost and found to search for item names. If they have names, we email the student and parent. We then donate any unclaimed lost and found items, such as clothes, lunch boxes, water bottles, etc., that don't have names. Please make sure your student checks the lost and found in the cafeteria regularly for any lost items. Thank you.
|
