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Hive Happenings Newsletter
Dear Stenwood Families,
Welcome to the second quarter! We are excited to be back with your children and are ready to keep learning and growing in quarter 2. We hope you had a chance to connect with your child’s teacher about their progress during Monday and Tuesday’s conference days. Progress reports will be going home with every child next Wednesday in backpacks, so make sure you are checking on Wednesday, November 10th for this additional communication regarding your child’s progress. See the section below for more information.
Clocks turn back one hour this weekend, so make sure you are set for this end to Daylight Saving Time. Our Make-Up Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, so see the section below to ensure your child meets the criteria for a retake. As an additional reminder, Thursday, November 11th, is a two-hour early release for students for the Veterans Day holiday. We will dismiss at 1:20pm this day. We are not hosting our traditional Veterans Day event inside this morning, but please see the invitation below to all the veterans in our community for how we would like to honor you this morning at Stenwood! Our school welcomes everyone to wear red, white, and blue this day as well!
FCPS cafeterias will not be supplying the traditional Thanksgiving meal this school year and because of this and our restrictions on visitors, we will not be hosting our usual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the school building. Please know we will be recognizing and addressing the important historical contexts and cultural importance of this holiday in our classroom settings.
Here are some additional items included in today’s newsletter:
- Veterans Day Drive Thru Celebration *NEW*
- Quarter 1 Progress Report Information *NEW*
- Vaccine Availability for Children Ages 5-11 *NEW*
- Scoliosis Fact Sheet for Parents of 5th/6th Graders *NEW*
- Make-Up Picture Day November 10th! *REMINDER*
- Yearbook - Ordering Now Open *REMINDER*
- FCPS is Hiring - Monitors, Subs, Bus Drivers *REMINDER*
- Community Review of LA and Science Resources *NEW*
- Daily Symptom Check *REMINDER*
- Mask Reminders *REMINDER*
- The Book Fair is Returning In Person! *NEW*
- Positivity Project: Bravery
- Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account
- Tech Resource: Stenwood Stingers YouTube Channel!
- School Meals and Free/Reduced Lunch Applications
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Erica Riley, Principal
[email protected]
Twitter @esriley1
Meredith Mitchell, Assistant Principal
[email protected]
Twitter @MereMitchellAP
Veterans Day Drive Thru Celebration
The staff and students at Stenwood would like to recognize the veterans in our community. We invite any veteran parents or grandparents to drive through our bus loop between 9:30 and 9:45am on Thursday, November 11th.
Members of our SCA will represent our student population with cheers, applause, and a gesture of thanks! With our entrance being affected by the Gallows Rd construction project, we encourage all families to make a right hand turn into Stenwood and a right hand turn on to Gallows when leaving.
Quarter 1 Progress Report Information
Your child’s Quarter 1 progress report demonstrates achievement, effort and citizenship skills after the first 9 weeks of a return to in-person learning. The purpose of any system of reporting to families is to strengthen the home-school partnership and to inform families about student progress. This 1st quarter was unique and presented new opportunities for teachers to prioritize social-emotional health and wellness, as well as identify academic needs through a variety of assessments. Getting to know each child is the best way to match instructional programming to student needs. School staff continues to assess and monitor students’ strengths and areas for growth using a variety of assessments. Your child will continue to have opportunities to demonstrate mastery towards grade level standards throughout the school year and your child’s teacher will continue to communicate your child’s progress.
For more information about elementary grading and reporting, please visit the FCPS website (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/grading-and-reporting/elementary-school ) or refer to the information included on the progress report envelope.
Your child’s progress report will be coming home in their backpack on Wednesday, November 10th.
Vaccine Availability for Children Ages 5-11
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu from the Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand shared the following message this week with families:
Dear Parent/Caregiver,
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) remain committed to utilizing all available public health interventions to create a safer school environment. We are pleased that the authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 provides our community another effective way to keep our children safe and further reduce the impact of the pandemic.
Last evening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director endorsed CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation to adopt the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. This means that children ages 5-11 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccine, which is about one-third the strength of the adult vaccine, has been studied in this age group and shown to be as safe and effective as it was for older children, and we encourage everyone 5 years of age and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. FCPS and the FCHD have worked collaboratively with the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Inova Children’s Hospital on planning to provide families broad access to vaccinations.
The COVID-19 vaccine authorized for the 5-11 population will soon be widely available in the community. Many pediatricians and family practice offices stand ready to make appointments for families who prefer their child to receive the vaccine in their familiar “medical home.” Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions or need an appointment.
There are multiple opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Fairfax Health District. Most sites will be providing vaccines by appointment only. These include:
●Pediatric and Family Medicine Providers: call your doctor to make an appointment.
●Pharmacies, grocery stores, and urgent care facilities: visit www.vaccines.gov (www.vacunas.gov) to search for a vaccine appointment.
●Health Department Vaccination Centers: visit the website to make an appointment, or call 703-324-7404 if you need assistance.
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, 22035
Mount Vernon District Office (Gerry Hyland Government Center), 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, 22309
●Tysons Community Vaccination Center, 7950 Tysons Corner Center, Tysons: visit here to make an appointment or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 711). Appointment assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.
●Inova Children’s Vaccination Clinic: visit here to make an appointment for their weekend clinics at the Inova Center for Personalized Health, 8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax.
When looking for an appointment, be sure to search for Pfizer pediatric vaccine since it is the only vaccine currently available for use in children 5-11 years old. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or another adult at all community vaccination sites.
The health department is also working with FCPS on strategies to ensure equity in access to vaccination for families who have difficulty scheduling an appointment for their child or in getting to one of the other community options. Vaccine clinics will be offered in some schools and at community centers during off-school hours in the weeks ahead. Details will be shared as soon as possible.
If you have questions, talk to your child’s healthcare provider, or call the Health Department’s COVID-19 information line at 703-267-3511. There will be enough vaccines for every child who is eligible, however, it is possible that during the first week, certain locations may not have received their full allocation. Appointments should become available starting later this week.
We look forward to working with each of you to ensure the health and well-being of the FCPS community. Thank you for your patience and partnership in ensuring our children are protected from COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases.
Sincerely,
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, MD, MPH Director
Fairfax County Health Department
Scott Brabrand, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Scoliosis Fact Sheet for Parents of 5th/6th Graders
Families of 5th and 6th grade students: Please check out the Scoliosis Fact Sheet
Make-Up Picture Day November 10th!
This photo day is for students who were absent, new to the school, or who were not happy with their original photo package (students are required to return their original photo package to the photographer). Please review this list of additional eligibility criteria: www.vosphoto.com/retakes
Feel free to direct questions regarding picture day or online ordering to our office using the following email: [email protected]
Anyone who has not ordered can still do so using the link below!
https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000882161
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY!!!
Yearbooks are sold ONLY online; they can be purchased for $16.25 using a credit card or PayPal account. Yearbooks and order options will be delivered to the school at the end of the school year.
Simply go to yearbookforever.com and enter our school name.
DEADLINE IS January 14th, 2022 FOR ALL YEARBOOK ORDERS.
Employment Opportunity: Work for FCPS
Employment opportunity in Fairfax County Public Schools
FCPS schools and centers is hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person additional supervision to students both in the classroom and at lunch. If you would like more information about the position, please review the job description and qualifications if interested. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested. Click here to apply.
FPCS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers!
Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Visit our substitute information page here. Say Yes 2 FCPS!
FCPS is also still hiring bus drivers!
Visit the Bus Driver information page for more information.
Community Review of Language Arts and Science Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts and Science Resources. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December to review the instructional materials under consideration and community feedback. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources.
Elementary English Language Arts basal instructional resources may be accessed in person and online October 26 through November 26, 2021. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/node/36853. People reviewing the material online may complete an electronic comment sheet https://forms.gle/VKxcfabLedjYAZpS8. In addition, hard copies of instructional resources will be available in the lobby of Willow Oaks Administrative Center. Willow Oaks is open each business day from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm and extended hours will be provided until 7:45 pm on October 26 and November 3, 2021. All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting.
K - 8 Science basal instructional resources may be accessed online until November 14, 2021. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/node/39027. People reviewing the material online may complete an electronic comment sheet https://forms.gle/g76TjGmewaN8Fgfb6. All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting.
Daily Symptom Check
Parents are asked to screen their children every morning before sending them to school. If you have any questions about whether your child is able to come to school based on symptoms or exposure, please call the office.
- Feeling feverish and/or having chills – documented temperature of 100.4°F or higher?
- Has there been any use of fever reducing medication within the last 24 hours?
- A new cough that is not due to another health condition?
- Nasal congestion or runny nose?
- New shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that is not due to another health condition?
- New chills that are not due to another health condition?
- A new sore throat that is not due to another health condition?
- New muscle aches that are not due to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)?
- Fatigue (more tired than usual)?
- Headache?
- A new loss of taste or smell?
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting?
- New onset of poor appetite or poor feeding?
- Have you had a positive test for the virus that causes COVID-19 disease within the past 10 days?
- Were you currently tested for COVID-19 because you were sick and are still waiting for the lab results?
- In the past 14 days, have you had close contact (within about 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
Persons who have been fully vaccinated and are identified as a close contact to a COVID case do NOT need to quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
- Fully vaccinated
- ≥14 days since last dose
- Asymptomatic
You can view and print a hard copy of this screening at this link: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/HealthScreeningQuestionnaire.pdf
Mask Reminders
Please make sure you check the fit of your child’s mask, especially around your child’s nose. If your child’s mask is not fitting tightly around their nose, please look for another mask that fits them more appropriately. Here is FCPS guidance on masks:
- Approved types of masks:
- Disposable masks, cloth mask coverings, gaiters, clear masks and cloth masks with clear plastic panel
- All face coverings/masks must meet the following requirements:
- Face coverings/masks that fit properly (snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face)
- Face covering/mask with two (2) or more layers of non-woven material
- Face coverings/Masks that are not recommended:
- Face coverings/masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)
- Face coverings/masks or gaiters with one layer
- Face coverings/masks with exhalation valves or vents
If your child is wearing a mask that does not fit well, they may be offered an alternative mask from a staff member.
The Book Fair is Returning In Person!
We're so excited to be bringing the book fair back to the Stenwood library IN PERSON! In order for this to be a success, we need volunteers to help make this happen. Consider signing up to help set up, assist students in finding books, be a cashier, and pack it all up.
It is such a fun time in the library, you don’t want to miss out – plus, you get to see the titles first hand! Check out the Sign Up Genius below to see if there are slots that work with your schedule. As always, please let Mrs. Cole know what questions you have.
Here's the link to the sign up genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044DA8AC2DA46-2021
Positivity Project: Bravery
This week, we are focusing on Bravery. You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
~Mary Anne Radmacher
Questions you might enjoy talking about:
- What are some situations that may call for bravery?
- What are the differences between moral, mental, and physical bravery?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to be brave?
Activating Your SIS ParentVUE Account
The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.
Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.
Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.
Many of our Stenwood families have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):
- Select the “Forgot Password” button.
- Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.
- More information is available here.
Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account. If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Sonja Hunt ([email protected] ) or Brian Spector ([email protected]).
Please take action now to ensure your account is active, so that you won’t miss a beat!
Tech Resource: Stenwood Stingers YouTube Channel!
The Stenwood Stingers YouTube Channel is a great resource for all your tech questions!
School Meals and
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications
Each student is eligible for one no-cost breakfast and one no-cost lunch each school day. Check out the FCPS school meals menus. If your student would like to purchase additional meals or a la carte items, they will need to pay. An additional meal is $4.50.
The best way to purchase items this year is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account and help them memorize their pin. If you have questions about MySchoolBucks, our front office staff can help.
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are available for those who qualify and wish to initiate or renew their applications for the 21-22 school year. While a school breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost this school year, your family may benefit from keeping your application up to date. The application is available HERE.
Stay Connected
Here are a few ways to stay connected with all the happenings at Stenwood ES
WEBSITE: Stenwood ES
TWITTER: @StenwoodES
FACEBOOK (PTA): StenwoodPTA
2620 Gallows Road Vienna, VA 22180 | Main Office: 703.208.7600
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