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From the Principals’ Desk
This quarter, our SOAR value focus is Accepting. At SEES, being Accepting means creating a school climate where every student feels seen, respected, and like they truly belong.
As part of this work, both staff and students are learning and practicing four simple strategies for speaking up when words or actions may be hurtful or unkind:
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Interrupt – Calmly say that the words or actions are not okay.
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Question – Ask, “What did you mean by that?” to better understand.
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Educate – Explain why certain language or behavior can be hurtful.
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Echo – Support others who speak up. There is strength in standing together.
Our staff are learning and modeling these strategies alongside our students. Adults continue to guide conversations, support students through challenges, and ensure that everyone feels safe and cared for. We want students to build confidence in speaking up, while always knowing they have trusted adults ready to help.
We encourage families to talk at home about what it means to be Accepting and how we can all contribute to a school where everyone feels valued.
Together, we continue building a community where all Eagles belong.
With appreciation,
April Martin, Proud Principal & Kassandra Flading, Assistant Principal
Dates & Reminders
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March 2 to 6: Read Across America Spirit Week. See flyer below for details. Note: All SEES students will be participating in a schoolwide reading event on Friday, March 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Families who may be picking their students up early on this day are encouraged to do so prior to 3:00 p.m. to avoid delays.
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March 5: Spring Picture Day.
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March 17: Family Math Night. See flyer below for details!
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March 18: PTA Restaurant Night at Silver Diner. Details coming soon.
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March 20: Eid al-Fitr Holiday. School is closed for staff and students.
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March 25: Three Hour Early Release. Students will be dismissed at 1:05 p.m. unless we have already received notification from their families that they should stay until 4:05 p.m.
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March 27: Two-hour early release/End of 2nd quarter. All students will be released at 2:05 p.m.
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March 30 to April 3: Spring Break Holiday. School is closed for staff and students.
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April 6: Teacher Workday. School is closed for students.
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April 10: School Planning Day. School is closed for students.
Click here to see the full 2025-2026 FCPS calendar.
✨ Literacy Spotlight
What’s happened in Fourth Grade Reading this week?
FCPS Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence: Benchmark
Fourth Grade Unit 5 Essential Question
How do we make decisions about developing new technology?
This week, our fourth graders are reading informational texts about how new technologies change society. They are exploring how technology can be both helpful and challenging, and why it can sometimes be controversial. Students are learning how robots are designed to do certain jobs efficiently and how automation continues to affect the way people live and work. They are also discussing what drives new inventions—especially how society’s needs (and other motivations) influence the technologies that are developed and how we decide whether to use them.
➕ Math Spotlight
What’s happened in Third Grade Math this week?
FCPS Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence - Student Centered Engagement
Third Grade Focus for This Week:
In third grade math, students have been working hard solving two-step word problems using addition and subtraction. They’ve been strengthening their problem-solving strategies by carefully reading, identifying key information, and showing their thinking. A special focus has been on mastering subtraction across zeros, and we are so proud of the persistence and growth they’ve shown! As they wrap up this unit, students are excited to jump into unit 8, where they will explore measurement, area, and perimeter—continuing to SOAR by being supportive classmates, optimistic learners, accepting of challenges, and responsible mathematicians each day.
🏡 Community Corner
💬 Family Conversation Starters: Building an Accepting Community
This quarter, our SOAR focus is Accepting. Here are ways you can continue the conversation at home.
🌱 For PreK–2 Families
Being Accepting means we help everyone feel like they belong.
Try asking:
- How can you be Supportive if someone feels left out?
- What does it look like to be Accepting when someone is different from you?
- How can you be Optimistic and use kind words?
- What is one Responsible choice you can make if you hear something unkind?
Remind your child that grown-ups at school are always there to help. We work together to keep everyone safe and cared for.
🌟 For Grades 3–6 Families
Being Accepting means we use our voice and actions to build a community where everyone belongs.
Consider asking:
- How can you be Supportive if you notice someone being left out or treated unfairly?
- What does it mean to be Accepting of different perspectives, cultures, or identities?
- How can you stay Optimistic and respectful when you disagree with someone?
- What is a Responsible way to speak up or seek help if something doesn’t feel right?
Encourage your child to talk through situations and remind them that speaking up does not mean handling it alone — trusted adults are always ready to guide and support.
New Visitor Management System
We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.
For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check in at the front office.
But now there is also an app, which can make check-ins even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check in at school.
If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast
Multiple studies show that school breakfast is important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Also, students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.
This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? View Nutrition Services’ printable menus.
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