Stratford Landing News You Choose
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ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ።
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
Mr. Morris's MessageAnd just like that, January 2023 has come to a close. Our Stratford Landing teachers are working hard to meet the needs of all our students. During January, each classroom teacher engaged in a “data dialogue” with our instructional coach. During these individual meetings, teachers reviewed important student data such as IReady data, Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) data, and other relevant classroom assessment data. These meetings help teachers provide targeted instruction for each student.
We are strengthening our work with the Lexia reading program. During the teacher workdays, our staff received more professional development on utilizing the analysis tools of Lexia. Teachers are becoming more equipped at analyzing progress and informing their instruction. Lexia also provides teachers with strategies and lessons they can implement, especially when Lexia student data does not align with student classroom performance.
During January, we completed “Instructional Rounds” in grades K-6. Our school leadership team together observed all grade levels and classrooms to collect data and provide feedback around instructional best practices and some of our common school-wide focuses and expectations. We will be working with teams this month to provide feedback and continue to hone our best practices in teaching and learning.
We are ensuring our SLES staff has avenues to provide feedback and influence school-wide decision-making. Last week during grade-level meetings, teachers were able to provide feedback around questions about school climate and culture and their own personal sense of belonging and purpose at Stratford Landing. This feedback helps us refine our supports and focuses for our school staff. This kind of reflective work with teachers helps build trust and rapport and can contribute to higher staff retention rates each school year.
We are providing a supportive working environment for our teachers, and we will begin our 3rd quarter planning days with each grade level next week. Substitute teachers will support the classrooms, and our teachers will be able to focus on a full day of team planning. During our quarterly planning day, we are going to be focused on the following work:
- Revisiting our school Homework Policy and brainstorming ways for students to make connections to their learning from home in school.
- Reflecting on the support we provide parents/guardians and what type of work might we consider sending home related to grades, assessment, and student progress.
- Exploring the most recent Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener data and making connections to our morning meeting and SEL instruction embedded in the academic day.
- Digging into Quarter 3 Advanced Academic resources and planning for equitable access for all our students; provide time to intentionally map out plans related to the AAP curriculum and resources for all our students.
We are very excited to host our first annual Young Author’s Night on Thursday, February 9. There is a palpable buzz in the school with both teachers and students as this night approaches. We are celebrating our student voices, and I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening at school! This event also marks our first major academic focus community event since the pandemic.
With no snow in sight (for now), we are full steam ahead for winter learning at SLES. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or the SLES admin team if you need assistance, have questions, or are looking for support.
Thank you.
Kevin Morris, Principal
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
National School Counseling WeekFebruary 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
Homework at SLESThis is our first year implementing our “Reading and Writing and Learning at Home” Homework policy. As with any new initiative, implementation takes time. We will continue to reflect on our homework messaging and engagement with students and families. This is a great time to explore learning as a family or pursue hobbies and interests together. Our SLES teachers should be regularly engaging students in school about what they are learning, reading and writing at home.
Tutor.com - Extra Help for Students at No Cost to FamiliesWith Tutor.com through Schoology, FCPS students are able to get learning help at any time, even from bilingual tutors! Students in FCPS meet with tutors thousands of times each week to practice reading, prepare for an upcoming math test, write computer programs, study for the SAT, or to get feedback on scholarship essays–all at no cost to their families! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child.
More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here.
Save the Date: Kindergarten Orientation this SpringIf you have a child who will reach the age of five on or before Sept. 30, 2023, please mark your calendar!
The Stratford Landing Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Friday, April 14, from 9 - 10 am.
More details to come!
Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) at the Mount Vernon District StationJoin us on Saturday, February 18 at 12 pm for "Hidden in Plain Sight" at the Mount Vernon District Station.
The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is an IN-PERSON interactive program for adults to be educated about the signs of risky behavior in teens and young adults. It touches on drug and alcohol use, mental health concerns, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors and more.
This is a hands-on learning experience for PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ONLY! We guide you through a presentation that opens your eyes to what is right in front of you. We include up to date statistics and local trends, and law enforcement officers will share their experiences they have had in our community identifying risky behavior and helping to put kids on the right path to a healthy life. Let’s open the door to communicating with our teens!
Click here to register for this free event.
Filling Your Child's Emotional Bank AccountRead the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.
Magnet School Application and Lottery InformationThe Magnet School Program registration window will be open from March 1 at 8:30 am and closes on April 12 at 4 pm. There are no exceptions for late applications. Status notification emails will be sent by April 14.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Informational Nights:
In Person:
- Hunters Woods Elementary: February 13 at 6 pm
- Snow date: February 21 at 6 pm
- Bailey’s Primary: February 16 at 6 pm
- Snow date: February 23 at 6 pm
Virtual:
- Bailey’s Upper: February 15 at 6 pm
Click here to learn more.
SLES Special Education Workshop SurveyStratford Landing Families,
We need your input! Stratford Landing ES is planning the next workshop for the Families as Partners: Special Education Series, and we are looking for your feedback on what the next workshop should cover.
Please click here to complete the survey.
Parent Presentation: Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & DrugsThe FCPS Office of School Safety and Wellness and their partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board will be hosting a pyramid-wide event for our FCPS parents/guardians within the West Potomac and Quander Pyramids on Tuesday, March 7, from 6-8 pm, in the West Potomac High School Library (Rm. 303). *This is an Adults only event.
Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the following:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
For those who are unable to attend in person, a virtual option has been scheduled:
Division-wide Virtual Event
Hosted by the Parent Resource Center
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
10:00-11:30 AM
Click here to register for the virtual event.
FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.
The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available for English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible StudentsThe Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Summer Learning Programs Registration is Open!FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps opened for registration on Wednesday, February 1.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage for more information.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA website for more information and registration.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration.
Last Chance for Feedback on Draft School Year CalendarsFCPS has extended the deadline for community feedback on the draft calendar options for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Please share your thoughts by filling out this form by Monday, February 6, at noon.
Family Liaison News & UpdatesHello SLES Families! As your family liaison, my goal is to keep you informed about the valuable resources, events, and family engagement opportunities available through SLES, FCPS, and the community.
If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student set up for success, I'm here to help. Please email, or call 703-619-3690 to set up an appointment.
Visit the SLES Family Liaison homepage for additional information and resources.
February Webinars and Events for Parents/Guardians
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars in February:
- Meet the Author Series All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann - February 9 at 7 pm
- Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools: How Can Families Partner with School? - February 10 at 10 am
- What should I do before my child grows up? - February 15 at 6:30 pm
- Supporting Mental Health Through Play - February 17 & 24 at 10 am
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or the community. Staff members in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, [email protected], or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!
Spring and Summer Camp Registration is Now Open
The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun Spring Break and Summer Camp registration. Check out the Partakes Digital Catalog and the Activity Search Registration page for more information!
My Market at Food for Others Mark Your Calendar!February 9: Young Authors' Night at SLES (6-7 pm)
February 20: Holiday (George Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day) - NO SCHOOL
February 27: Spelling Bee at SLES (6 pm)
March 2: 2-hour Early Release
March 3: Student Holiday (Professional Workday) - NO SCHOOL
Quick Links- SLES Homepage
- SLES Parent Handbook
- Join our SLES PTA
- SLES Military Support Group
- 2022-2023 FCPS School Year Calendar
- Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R)
- FCPS Parent Resource Center
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
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