GovDelivery | Stone Middle School

Important Message

GovDelivery2 days 15 hours ago

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Good Morning Stone Community:

It is with a sense of profound sadness that I share the passing of one of our student’s siblings over the weekend. This is a heartbreaking loss for our community.

The death of a child is difficult for all of us. If your student is affected by the news, please encourage them to share their feelings. Stone’s counselors, school psychologist, and social worker are available for any student, staff member, or parent/caregiver who would like assistance with processing what has happened. Please contact our front office at 703-631-5500, and we will connect you with a member of our crisis team. If you or your student needs support after hours, please contact the 988 Lifeline by texting or calling 988.

You might also find resources on this website helpful when speaking with your child.

On behalf of all members of the school staff, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Sonya Williams

Principal

Prrincipal's Message

GovDelivery3 days 13 hours ago

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Stone Families,

Report Cards and School Goals

This week, students received their report cards, reflecting their academic and attendance progress for the first quarter. Please take time to review them with your child. Celebrate their achievements and discuss areas for improvement as we move into Quarter 2!

Stone Middle School sets annual goals to improve student learning and well-being. This year, our focus areas are:

Vocabulary Development: We're implementing new strategies to strengthen vocabulary across all subjects and grade levels.
SOL Success: We're committed to raising pass rates on the Math, English, and Science SOL exams.
Building a Positive School Culture: We're working to increase students’ sense of belonging and fostering cultural awareness in our school.
Reducing Absenteeism: Our goal is to have less than 10% of students missing more than 18 days (10% of the school year) for any reason.

How You Can Help

Reading at Home: Support your child's vocabulary growth by encouraging reading at home and introducing new words during conversations.
Regular Attendance: Regular school attendance is crucial for learning. Please ensure your student arrives on time and attends school daily.
School Involvement: Encourage your child to participate in clubs, sports, or other activities to feel connected to the school community.

American Education Week - November 18-22

Next week, we celebrate American Education Week! We recognize ALL who contribute to our school community, including teachers, counselors, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, support personnel, and more. Their dedication ensures our students' success. Nominate exceptional educators for the FCPS Cares program to show your appreciation: FCPS Cares Nomination Form

Fall Weather and Dress Code

With cooler temperatures, Stone MS prioritizes daily outdoor breaks unless it's below 40 degrees. Please ensure your child brings appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during outdoor brain break.

A Big Thank You!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Centreville Aquarium for generously supporting our 7th Grade Science program! Let's all show our appreciation if you visit them.

Stone PTSA Spiritwear Contest

Unleash your child's creativity! The Stone PTSA is holding a student spiritwear design contest. Your child could be the designer of the next Stone MS spirit wear item. For details and submission instructions, visit: https://forms.gle/4auteH2HCQKW1Hn46 & Spiritwear Contest.docx.

Respectful Behavior in Our Community

Stone MS has received concerns about student behavior at local businesses like Starbucks and Giant. We cherish these businesses as part of our community and want to ensure their continued support. Please encourage your child to behave respectfully and appropriately when visiting these establishments.

Together, we can make Stone MS a thriving learning environment for all! Let’s have a great week Panthers!

Sonya Williams

Principal

Information from Student Services

Thank you to all who attended the Parent Coffee on Friday of this week on the topic of Self-Esteem. Here is the recording link for those who missed it.

Passcode: #z6NqJ88Z

Did you know????

All students enrolled in FCPS have a LEAP Card that allows them to check out 3 items at any of the Fairfax County Public Libraries. We recommend that you visit at least once per month to check out books as a family. The libraries offer materials in various languages to support family literacy. In addition to materials in English, you can also find books in Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The libraries also have World Languages Bags - each contain a kit with 8 picture books in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Nepali, Tamil, and Urdu. More information about reserving World Languages Bags can be found here.

FCPS Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday December 2, 2024 at Westfield High School from 6:30p - 8pm.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Lexia Parent Night: Helping Children Learn to Read

Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.

Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia and discover strategies to support your child’s literacy. Events will be held on Tuesday, November 19, and Thursday, December 5.

✨ Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

Visit the Family Academy Catalog for more classes, workshops, and webinars.

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:

Veterans Day Recognitions
Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
Teacher Hiring Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Principal's Message

GovDelivery1 week 3 days ago

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Varsity Jazz Band Perfomance at FCPS Gatehouse Adminstration Center

Good afternoon Stone Families,

I hope this message finds you all well. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and honor our veterans. This Monday marks Veterans Day, a time for us to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices and dedication inspire us all, and we encourage everyone to take a moment to show appreciation for the veterans in our community.

Last week marked the start of a new quarter. With this fresh beginning, students have the chance to build on past successes and set new goals. As part of this transition, report cards will be sent home this week, providing an important opportunity for families to discuss achievements and areas for growth. In addition to academic data, families will also receive an attendance report card as well.

With the start of a new quarter, we also have a new after school program calendar, which includes a variety of enriching activities designed to engage and inspire students outside of regular school hours. We look forward to seeing many of our students participate and make the most of these opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Let’s make this new quarter a successful and meaningful one for everyone!

Let's have a great week Panthers!

Sonya Williams

Principal

Stone Clothing Drive

Clothes Drive!!! Help support our Stone Community, to have a successful Warm Clothes Drive, to support our families in need. If you can contribute, the items we are requesting that would help our students the most-in new condition please-are: Socks, Gloves, Hats, Hoodies, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants.

The PTSA has kindly created an Amazon list, in case it is easier for you to order directly to school, or for ideas: Amazon Wishlist

Any items may be sent in with your student or dropped off at the main office. Donations accepted all next week, last day for donations is Friday, November 15th.

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday November 11th in honor of Veteran's Day. Thank you to all who have served our country and their families With gratitude for your service to America on Veterans Day and always.

Here is our 2nd Quarter After School Program Calendar

There will be no after school program on Nov 25th & 26th.

Being a Stone P.R.O. (Prepared, Respectful & On Time)

Being on-time to every class is very important to each students’ academic success. At the end of the 1st quarter, we have seen an increase in students’ being in the hallways instead of in class. To continue our support of students’ academic progress, starting in 2nd quarter, students can expect the following consequences for unexcused tardiness or unverified absences (meaning student’s location is unknown) from their class periods.

Students who meet the school wide attendance expectations will be eligible for various rewards, prizes and drawings throughout the school year.

We appreciate the partnership of our families and ask that being a Stone P.R.O. - prepared, respectful, and on-time is reinforced at home.

Behavior

Consequence

3 unexcused tardies from a single teacher’s class

Teacher will contact home

4 unexcused tardies from a single teacher’s class

Lunch or after school detention assigned by teacher

A total of 5 unexcused tardies across any class period on the student’s schedule

After school detention from administrator

3 unverified absences (meaning student’s location is unknown) across any class periods

After school detention from administrator

WIDA Alternate ACCESS

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

World Language Credit Exam

Students that have previously registered for the WLCE will be taking it on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:30 a.m. Students should have their fully charged Chromebook to take the exam. Students should check in with their 2nd period teacher and then report to locations as follows:

7th grade students should report to the Library
8th grade students should report to Senora Powell’s room, 229

Students will receive an email with this same information to their fcpsschools.net account by the day prior.

If you have any questions, please contact the testing coordinator, Jenni Maybury at [email protected].

FCPS Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Stone Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Friday, November 15 during flex-back and panther block.

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor as soon as possible. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Stone Student Services Updates

Parent Vue Access

Parent Vue grading will not be viewable from Mon, Oct 28, 2024 @ 4:00 PM until Tue, Nov 12, 2024 @ 6:00 AM when Quarter 1 grades will be posted.

Report Cards

First Quarter Report Cards will be distributed to students on Wednesday, November 13th. Each student will receive a printed report card to take home. Please note that for the remainder of the year, parents who have opted for "paperless report cards" through ParentVUE will not receive a printed copy.

Additionally, students who achieve All A's during the first quarter will be invited to participate in the All A Honor Roll Ceremony scheduled the week of November 18th. We warmly welcome parents to attend the ceremony virtually. The virtual Invitation date, time and link will be sent to the selected students and their parents next week.

If you have any questions regarding grades or the honor roll program, please feel free to reach out to your student's school counselor.

Counselor Coffee – Friday, November 15th @ 9:00am.

Join our Counselors on a Virtual Parent Coffee on an important topic: Self-Esteem. Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3z4Ig19 (see flyer for more details). Spanish Interpretation will be available.

Thomas Jefferson HS Application

Deadline: Wednesday November 13th at 4pm.

IMPACT AID IN PARENTVUE

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Each year, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is eligible to apply for federal Impact Aid grant funds that assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. The funds from this program assist with the FCPS general operating budget.

Following the success of the electronic form last year, the Federal Impact Aid Survey is once again accessible through your ParentVUE account.

Please complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey electronically through SIS ParentVUE by Wed. Nov. 20th, 2024.

How to Complete the Survey:

Click on ‘Online Registration’ or ‘Online Packets’ for Apple/iPhone Users in the upper right corner.
Select the 24-25 Impact Aid Survey button to begin.
Complete the questions and click ‘Submit’.

(Please Note: The Impact Aid Survey must be completed for all active FCPS students)

Additional information about the Federal Impact Aid Survey can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formulagrants/impact-aid-program/ or on the FCPS Federal Impact Aid website at https://www.fcps.edu/impact.

For questions, contact the Impact Aid office at [email protected] or 703-329-7750.

Thank you for your continued support.

PTSA MEETING REMINDER

Please remember that the general membership meeting is scheduled for 11/12/2024 at 7pm in the school library. The speaker for the meeting will be Victoria Otchere, Licensed Professional Counselor. She will share about current trends on mental health and substance abuse among our youth. You do not want to miss it. Parents & Students are welcomed! You do not have to be a member of the PTSA to attend.

Spanish interpretation will be available.

Those that want to attend virtually can click on the link below at the time of the meeting:

Meeting Link

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School.

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

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:

Fall Testing Results
Boundary Review Community Meetings
Resources for Families

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal's Message

GovDelivery2 weeks 3 days ago

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Some our 8th graders celebrating halloween

Welcome to the 2nd Quarter of the school year. We will have short weeks throughout the month of November, celebrating our end of quarter, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Holiday, so please make sure you pay attention to the FCPS & Stone MS calendar.

Special THANK YOU to our AMAZING PTSA who provided over 700 end your quarter sweet treats for students. Thanks to your donation our students got to end their quarter with a treat bag full of goodies.

Gentle Reminder:

Stone Middle School’s Main Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 5 for Election Day.

The building will be open for voting as it is a polling location.

The office will reopen on Wednesday, November 6 when students return to school.

Let’s have a great week Panthers,

Sonya Williams

Principal

Parent Vue Access

Parent Vue grading will not be viewable from Mon, Oct 28, 2024 @ 4:00 PM until Tue, Nov 12, 2024 @ 6:00 AM when Quarter 1 grades will be posted.

Attendance Matters at Stone Middle

Students who meet the school wide attendance expectations will be eligible for various rewards, prizes and drawings throughout the school year.

We appreciate the partnership of our families and ask that being a Stone P.R.O. - prepared, respectful, and on-time is reinforced at home.

Behavior

Consequence

3 unexcused tardies from a single teacher’s class

Teacher will contact home

4 unexcused tardies from a single teacher’s class

Lunch or after school detention assigned by teacher

A total of 5 unexcused tardies across any class period on the student’s schedule

After school detention from administrator

3 unverified absences (meaning student’s location is unknown) across any class periods

After school detention from administrator

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School. Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop. Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success. Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment. All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating. Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event. Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.

FCPS YOUTH SURVEY

Stone Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Friday, November 15 during flex-back and panther block.

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee Nominations are open October 21-November 5

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this google link.

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 5, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Levy, Assistant Principal, at [email protected]

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:

Calendar Reminders
Resources for Families
Complete Impact Aid Survey

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principals Message

GovDelivery3 weeks 3 days ago

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Message from Principal

Hello, Panthers! We’ve reached the end of the first quarter!

As a reminder, Thursday will be a 2-hour early release to celebrate the close of the quarter. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, November 6, to kick off the second quarter.

Congratulations to our Stone cross country team for completing their season with a strong showing at the FCPS Middle School Cross Country Championship Meet this past Saturday at Liberty Middle School! We are so proud of their hard work and can't wait to see their progress in the Spring Track season.

A special shout-out goes to our National Junior Honor Society and the many students who participated in last week’s Walk to End Hunger. Together, they raised $1,125 and collected 250 pounds of food and toiletries to support our community partner, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Thank you for making a difference!

Tuesday, October 29, marks our last fall basketball game of the season. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. at Rocky Run Middle School—hope to see you there!

Let's make it a great week, Panthers!

Sonya Williams

Principal

Message from Parent Business Boosters

Reminder that we have one more week for teachers and parents to submit their favorite past Halloween costumes for our 'Ghosts of Halloweens Past' Costume Challenge. (Voting begins Monday!)

Here is the link to see their awesome costumes and entry to win our Amazon gift card! https://www.KidBizInc.com/Halloween

Looking forward to our great November challenges including:

1) Salute to Service

2) 'Best in Show' Pets Challenge

3) 'Thanks for Giving'

Thursday, October 31, 2024: 2 Hour Early Release

Friday, November 1, 2024: HOLIDAY

Monday, November 4, 2024: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday

Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee Nominations are open October 21-November 5

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 5, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Levy, Assistant Principal, at [email protected]

FCPS Youth Survey

Stone Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Friday, November 15 during flex-back and panther block.

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Food for Neighbors

Hunger is an unwelcome guest this holiday season.

For many families in our school community struggling financially, providing daily meals is difficult and a special holiday meal can become a source of worry and stress. Help a local family know the joy of gathering together for a holiday meal. We’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide $50 grocery store gift cards to our most vulnerable families. Visit the Food For Neighbors’ website to learn how you can help. Thank you for your generosity.

Learn more here: www.foodforneighbors.org/home/holiday-meals/

Report Student Absences Using ParentVUE

Parents and guardians did you know you can report full-day absences for the current school day and the next four school days using ParentVUE?

This convenient option is available using your ParentVUE account and can be accessed using your ParentVUE mobile app or a web browser. Instructions on how to submit attendance through ParentVUE can be found on the FCPS website here

Log into ParentVUE
Click the “Report Absence” button next to the student's name to open the Report Attendance screen. You can also find this button inside the Attendance module at the top right corner.

* The Start Date field will be pre-populated with today’s date. Select the End Date only if you are reporting an absence for multiple school days.

Select A Reason from the dropdown menu:

Report Illness Abs (fever, cough, sore throat, flu, etc.).
Report Absence (anything not health-related)

Provide details for the student’s absence in the Note box. This information helps the school process your request quickly and reduces the need for a phone call.

Upload Documentation, if available, using the “Add doctor’s note or document” button.

Click Save. The information will be reported to the school and updated.

If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please email Mrs. Amy Copeland at [email protected] to obtain your activation code.

For absences that extend beyond this five-day window, as well as for late arrivals and early dismissals, please contact the school's attendance office directly at 703-631-5501 or [email protected].

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

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:

Federal Impact Aid Survey
Football Players Tackle Literacy
Tips to Keep Children Safe

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Correction Principal Message

GovDelivery4 weeks 1 day ago

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Basketball Games This Week

Correction to this Sunday's Principal Message!!!

There is NO Basketball Game tonight.

We have an after school basketball game on Thursday at Katherine Johnson Middle School at 6pm.

Our game against Rocky Run will be Tuesday October 29th at 6pm.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Principal's Message

GovDelivery1 month ago

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Dear Stone Middle School Parent Community,

We had a fabulous week celebrating digital citizenship culminating with our first pep rally of the year where students were honored from our cross country and basketball teams. We were treated to sounds of our Stone pep band and laughed at our peers and teachers competing in inflatable races and challenges. This week we will celebrate National School Bus Safety Week and Westfield HS Homecoming Week.

Congratulations to Annabelle C, Emma W, Santino M, Ronan D., Eshan J, and Jayden C on their participation in the Thomas Jefferson Intermediate Math Open on Saturday. Ronan placed 3rd in a team competition!

Upcoming Events:

Our Stone Book Fair has 2 more days left! Stop by the library to make a purchase!
The Stone After School Program basketball team will face the Rocky Run Rams this Tuesday at 6:00 PM at Rocky Run Middle School. Tickets are $5 (cash only at the door), and the games typically conclude by 7:30 PM. Please ensure timely pick-up of your student, as we have a full day of school the next day. They will play again this week on Thursday at Stone vs Katherine Johnson Middle School.
History 7 Day will take place this week.
Our first music concert of the year will be on Wednesday at 7pm in our gym.
Westfield HS Homecoming Parade will start at Stone MS on Friday afternoon around 4pm, we hope to see you along the route!

Let’s make it a great week, Panthers!

Sincerely,

Sonya WilliamsPrincipal

STONE MS PTSA SPIRIT NIGHT At Chick Fil A

Tuesday, 10/22, 4-8 pm - Chick-Fil-a

Flyer is required

Stone NJHS Walk to End Hunger

Don’t Just Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk to End Hunger Now!!

Many people continue to go hungry in our community. Each step you take matters to them! Walk with NJHS to End Hunger now!

WALK with us, Thursday, October 24 after school 2:25 – 3:25 pm - Register today!!!

Open to any Stone MS student

● Pre-register by Tuesday, October 22 with parent signature
● Walk registration: $15.00/walker - Checks are preferred. Make checks payable to WFCM.
● Bring non-perishable food to help restock WFCM’s Food Pantry (List of most needed items on back)

WHY it matters
● 1,904 households in the Sully District live below the poverty level. The minimum income level for a
family of four is $25,750 annual income or $2,146 monthly income.
● 74,210 (1 in 15) people live in poverty in Fairfax County (defined as an annual income of $23,850
for a family of four). One in six (181,235 individuals) county residents have incomes under 200% of
poverty ($47,700 annual income for a family of four).
● Per Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, the USDA reported that in 2022, the overall food
insecurity rate increased sharply, rising from 10.4% in 2021 to 13.5% in 2022. The rate, which
amounts to over 44 million people, or 1 in every 7, is the highest it has been since 2014.
● In the 2022-2023 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools reported that over 60,000 students
were eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Many students come to school hungry.

HOW you help WFCM
Walk registration funding enables WFCM to:
● Provide emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other basic needs.
● Keep the refrigerators and freezers running at WFCM’s Food Pantry, so we can serve over 450
families each month with food.
● Provide a nine-week financial education course and six monthly financial counseling clinics.

REGISTER and RETURN FORM TO NJHS Sponsors
Student Name (First & Last):________________________________________
Student’s Civics Teacher __________________________________________ Period ______
Parent Signature: __________________________________________, I give permission for my child to participate in this after school activity Thursday, October 24th. I realize that they will be walking off school property during this activity.

Make sure you return this signed form by 10/22 with $15.00 cash or check. Checks preferred. Please make checks payable to WFCM to Ms. Deal (NJHS Co-Sponsor) in Room 126. Thank you for your participation! Contact Ms. Deal [email protected] with any questions and to turn in your registration.

CURRENT WFCM PANTRY NEEDS

Food & Beverages
● Flour
● Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
● Vegetable Oil
● Pasta Sauce
● Pasta
● Cereal (low sugar preferred)
● Pancake Mix
● Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
● Canned Chicken

Toiletries
● Body Wash
● Bar Soap
● Toothpaste
● Hair Shampoo
● Toilet Paper
● Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers)
● Size 6 Diapers
● Baby Wipes

Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee Nominations are open October 21-November 5

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 5, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Levy, Assistant Principal, at [email protected]

Coffee with the Counselors

Thank you to those who attended this month’s Coffee with the Counselors, and special thank you to Ms. Liz Deal for guest speaking! The link to the recording can be found below: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/JpoL94ITRsHYzuLrJ97qrpoM6FZe7qswnY97rwPcFUlnz_-Psb7BnScSeXP-2YVY.ccWUdfLKMbR6QK-u

Passcode: %ma.M9n2*t

All the resources that were discussed can be found on the Student Services Schoology Course. Once on the course page, click “Materials” on the left-hand side and then the yellow “Coffee with the Counselor” folder. Study Skills resources are in the pink folder. Please feel free to email your student’s school counselor with any questions. If you missed it this time, mark your calendars for our next virtual Coffee with the Counselor meeting on Friday November 15th at 9am.

Ms. Marrefi – Last Names A-G -- [email protected]

Mr. Garcia – Last Names H-O -- [email protected]

Ms. Luper – Last Names P-Z – [email protected]

📝 Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click on a date below to register:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Elementary School Clinics

Middle and High School Clinics

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

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:

FCPS Family Orientation
Community Conversations
Immunization Clinics

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal's Weekly Message

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

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Stone Families,

A quick reminder: there is no school for students on Monday, October 14, 2024. Our staff will be engaged in a professional learning day, and as a result, Stone Middle School’s office will be closed.

Upcoming Events:

This week will conclude with our first pep rally of the year! Since this is new for many students, please take a moment to talk with them about the importance of positive cheering and supporting their peers during the various pep rally activities.
Stone After School Program basketball team will face the Liberty Lions this Thursday at 6:00 PM at Stone Middle School. Tickets are $5 (cash only at the door), and the games typically conclude by 7:30 PM. Please ensure timely pick-up of your student, as we have a full day of school the next day.
Stone Cross Country will be competing on Saturday at 8:30am at Franklin MS. Please come out and cheer on our runners.

Reminders:

We’ve noticed an increasing number of students violating our “Away for the Day” device policy and arriving late to class. Our administrative team will review the data this week, and students may be assigned detentions based on repeated infractions. Please continue to partner with us by discussing the importance of keeping devices away during school hours and arriving to class on time.

Let’s make it a great week, Panthers!

Sincerely,

Sonya Williams

Principal

Our Health & PE teachers are amazing at Stone MS. They often jump right in and play along with the students encouraging physical fitness. Can you spot Mr. Checkosky? oh....and a certain Principal joined the game as goalie..LOL!

Digital Citizenship Week is THIS WEEK!

Our theme of "Always Choose Kindness Online" encourages our students to practice respectful and compassionate behavior in their digital interactions. Throughout spirit week, students will participate in lessons and discussions focused on creating a positive online environment, with the goal of continuing these important lessons all year long. We invite you to join us in reinforcing the significance of kindness in your child's online activities. Stay tuned for tips to encourage responsible tech use at home. Together, we can help our students navigate the digital world with empathy and respect. Thank you for your continued support!

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

FCPS YOUTH SURVEY

Stone Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Friday, November 15 during flex-back and panther block.

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

The carnival will be in the auditorium from 4-8pm featuring games, princess and pirate meet and greets! Costumes encouraged. Come anytime!

The escape room (for ages 12 and up) in the Blackbox classroom from 4-8pm. Sign up for the escape room with the QR code on the flyer or by this LINK.

As we quickly approach the end of the first quarter, please remember if your student needs additional support or to make up work, please have your student stay after school on Tuesday for TEACHER TUESDAY!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Stone MS Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming Oct 14–Oct 21. Our students are excited to shop for their own books and every purchase at the Fair benefits our school! For more info, visit https://scholastic.com/bf/stonemiddleschool.

REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES

Parents and caregivers can report full-day absences for the current school day and the next four school days using ParentVUE. For absences that extend beyond this five-day window, parents and caregivers must report these directly to the school by calling the attendance line or using the attendance email. Parents and caregivers must also report late arrivals and early dismissals directly to the school, as partial-day absences cannot be recorded in ParentVUE.

PARENTS OF 7TH GRADE STUDENTS:

All middle and high schools in FCPS teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. All schools use an evidence-based program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.

Through the program, students learn:

that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend.

Following the video, students will complete a brief depression screening tool. This tool cannot provide a diagnosis of depression but does indicate whether a young person should be referred for evaluation by a mental health professional.

We encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. You can also view this parent video or visit this site to learn more about how you can continue this important conversation at home. If you’d like to come to Stone to preview this lesson, please complete this RSVP form and we will reach out to you with a date/time for the preview.

At Stone, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening will occur for all 7th grade students on Tuesday, October 22nd.

We recognize that you may have opted your child out of this program through the Parent Digital Consent tool (PDC). If you did not complete opt out using the PDC and would still like to do so you can opt out of this lesson by Tuesday, October 15th by emailing Tami Brumett, Director of Student Services at [email protected] or feel free to call me with any questions in regard to this screening at 703-631-5527.

Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

What is “DRUG TAKE BACK DAY” ?

Drop off unused or expired medications at the locations listed or scan the QR code to find other drop off locations
Accepted items: prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets.

Not accepted: illegal drugs, pressurized canisters [inhalers/aerosol cans], needles, large sources of liquids, non-prescription ointments, and lotions.

Disposal is FREE, convenient, confidential, and safe.

Safe handling of unused or expired medications:

Protects the environment.

Prevents drug misuse.

Prevents accidental poisoning.

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:

Learn About Lexia for Literacy
The Power of School Lunches
Upcoming Community Conversations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal's Weekly Message

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Dear Panthers,

Last week, we had the opportunity to celebrate our amazing custodial team during National Custodian Week. A huge thank you to Mr. Ward, Ms. Trottman, Ms. Nolasco, Mr. Daoud, Mr. Henriquez, and Ms. Guerra for their hard work in keeping our building clean and safe!

This week is a full week of school, and as we approach the end of the quarter, we have a lot of learning ahead. With the fall weather arriving, please remember that we take a daily 15-minute outdoor break. Be sure your student is dressed appropriately for the changing temperatures.

Also, our after-school basketball team has a game this Thursday at 6 PM at Hughes Middle School. We hope to see you there cheering on our Panthers!

Let’s have a great week,

Sonya Williams

Principal

No After-School Program Friday, Oct. 11

Due to the upcoming three-day weekend, there will be NO after-school program this Friday. The program will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

Parents or guardians of seventh and eighth-grade students NEW to FCPS as of January 2024 who were not screened in Spring 2024 may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Ormond Stone’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Jenni Maybury, [email protected], by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

Parents or guardians of seventh-grade students who are NOT NEW to FCPS may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Ormond Stone’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Jenni Maybury, [email protected], by Sunday, December 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

Digital Citizenship Week is October 14-18. This year's theme is, "We Pledge to Always Choose Kind When Online," which encourages our students to engage in respectful and compassionate online behavior.

Along with a spirit week, students will be engaging in lessons and discussions aimed at fostering a positive digital environment during this week and continuing these important lessons throughout the school year. We invite you to join us in reinforcing the importance of kindness in our students’ online interactions. Stay tuned for ideas to use at home to encourage responsible technology usage. Together, we can help our students navigate the digital world with empathy and respect. Thank you for your support!

Stone MS Families,

Our School Business Boosters are sponsoring a Parents Connect challenge in October called "Family Petsapalooza" where parents can celebrate their furry friends by submitting pet photos. (One lucky parent/pet from the participating schools will win a $100 Amazon gift card at the end of the month!)

Visit https://www.KidBizInc.com?familyPets=0 to nominate your pet and meet other Stone MS pets.

And help us win the School Business Boosters Fall Parents Connect Challenge by nominating your pet and adding yourself to the "Meet the Parents" directory.

Every connected parent and/or pet helps us win the prize for having the most engaged parents, $250 for our Teacher Appreciation fund!

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person.

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

GCC Community Event

We are very excited for our upcoming GCC Fall Festival happening on Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30-8:30 PM and want to extend an invitation for you and the children and families being supported by your organization to come out to participate in this amazing event created with them in mind. This is a FREE event to join us for an incredible fun family experience. There will be festival rides, games, candy give-away, an amazing family-oriented show, petting zoo and so much more. Food trucks will be available for purchase of food items.

EVENT DETAILS: GCC Fall Festival 2024

Location: 4600 Brookfield Corporate Dr., Chantilly, 20151

Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

This is a FREE event with the exception that food can be purchased from the available food trucks on site.

-Grace Loves (Grace Covenant Church)

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:

All FCPS Schools Accredited
How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
Become a Special Education Teacher

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Counselor Coffee

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Counselor Coffee

JOIN US VIRTUALLY TO MEET OUR TEAM AND LEARN ABOUT HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD WITH STUDY SKILLS

Friday, October 18th AT 9:00 am

https://bit.ly/3z4Ig19

ÚNASE A NOSOTROS VIRTUALMENTE PARA CONOCER A NUESTRO EQUIPO Y APRENDER CÓMO APOYAR A SU HIJO CON HABILIDADES DE ESTUDIO Viernes

18 de octubre A LAS 9:00 a.m.

https://bit.ly/3z4Ig19

Stone Quick Links

Principal's Message

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October is only days away! As the new month begins, please take note that our school week will be shorter with only three days with students. This will be a recurring trend throughout the month, so I encourage you to enjoy the extra downtime and keep an eye on the calendar for any changes. During the month, we will celebrate National School Principals, Disability History & Awareness, National Bullying Prevention, National Coaches Day, National Custodian Appreciation Day, Rosh Hashanah, Indigenous Peoples Day, Yom Kippur and the end of 1st Quarter.

Weekend Event Highlights:Over the weekend, Stone hosted an FCPS Cross Country meet, and I’d like to give special recognition to our Middle School Cross Country Team for their fantastic efforts in their second meet of the year! It was inspiring to witness their progress and the camaraderie between teammates. Congratulations to this week's top runners:

Nick N
Santino M
Noah N
Chelsea U
Layla R
Lexi J
Penelope W

For full results, you can visit: Cross Country Results.

A small group of Stone musicians had the opportunity to play at St Andrews Church’s Oktoberfest! Thank you for representing Stone in the community.

October Highlights:

October 2- PM Observance: Rosh Hashanah (regular school day for students)

October 3 - No School (Holiday- Rosh Hashanah)

October 4 - No School (Teacher Workday)

October 11- PM Observance: Yom Kippur (regular school day for students)

October 14 - No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali)

Let's have a great week Panthers!

Sonya Williams

PARENTS OF 7TH GRADE STUDENTS:

Through the program, students learn:

that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend.

At Stone, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening will occur for all 7th grade students on Tuesday, October 22nd.

All children should READ EVERY DAY! Whether they are reading on their own or are listening to someone else read, children should have access to stories every day. To support our community literacy goals, the Fairfax County Public Library has initiated the Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP), which provides access to materials at the public library branches county wide. All students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have LEAP accounts. These are virtual accounts that students can use if they do not have a physical library card or if they forget their library card but still want to check out books from the public library. It will allow them to check out up to 3 books for 6 weeks (no renewals). Students are not charged fees.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

We had some minor changes to our after school activities calendar.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.

See the complete school year calendar.

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.

Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

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.

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more

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:

FCPS Strives to Become Purple Star School Division
Sign and Return SR&R
Upcoming Immunization Clinic

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Principal Message

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Good afternoon Stone Panthers,

We’re excited to announce that our fall cross country season has officially kicked off! Our first meet at Hughes MS this past Saturday was a fantastic start, and I couldn’t be prouder of all our runners. Congratulations to our top female finishers: Chelsea U, Layla R, and Eva S, as well as our top male finishers: Nicholas N, Eshan J, and Noah N. We look forward to watching the growth of all our runners throughout the season! Mark your calendars for our next meet at Stone MS on Saturday, September 28th. We would love to see you there cheering on our athletes!

Additionally, we are launching our after-school program this week and hosting our first athletic event. Join us for two exciting basketball games on Thursday, September 26th, starting at 6 PM against Franklin MS. We encourage all Stone Panthers to come out and support their peers, and we expect everyone to demonstrate positive behavior while cheering for our teams.

Let’s make it a great week, Panthers!

Warm regards,

Sonya WilliamsPrincipal

Blue Star Welcome Week

Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging to their school communities. Fairfax County Public Schools will be intentionally celebrating and acknowledging Blue Star Welcome Week.

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to empower military families to thrive as they serve. There are approximately 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. Each year, one-third of our military families transition into or out of our district. Blue Star Welcome Week gives schools an opportunity to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure that our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities.

During Blue Star Welcome Week, we hope to see everyone showcasing their spirit! To make this week extra special, we’re hosting a series of themed dress-up days that you won’t want to miss.

STONE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Stone After School Program will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 24. We are proud to offer over 20 clubs to start this school year, with more being added at the start of the second quarter. Parents, please make sure you register your student via this link.

Students that ride an AM bus will also be able to take a PM bus after school starting on 9/24 as well. To keep up-to-date with calendar changes, upcoming events, rules and other after-school program related information, please go to StoneAfterSchool.com.

RULES AND PROCEDURES: Staying after school is a privilege! We want everyone that chooses to stay to have a fun and safe time and to enjoy themselves. In order to do so, students must adhere to the following rules set forth to participate.

STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO:

Trash or vandalize the school.
Curse or use derogatory words.
Fight and/or bully other students.
Order food from DoorDash, UberEats, etc.
Talk in a rude or disrespectful tone to a staff member.
Return to the building after 2:25pm when the buses leave.
Use cell phones without the permission of a staff member.
Leave any supervised club or activity without asking a staff member.

CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENTS THAT CAN NOT FOLLOW THE RULES:

1st offense: Phone call/email will be made to parent/guardian

2nd offense: Suspension of After School Program for a day

3rd offense: Parent meeting + 3 days out of After School Program

4th offense: Removal of After School program for an extended time

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Nick Anderson at [email protected]

School Picture Day is This Week (During PE Classes)!

📅 Date: Wednesday September 25th & Thursday September 26th 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001132504#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

Thomas Jefferson Science & Technology High School Admissions

A Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admissions information session will be held at Stone MS on Wednesday, September 25th at 6 PM in the theater.

Monday, Oct 21 Applications Available – 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Nov 13 Last Day to Begin New Application by 4:00 pm

Friday, Nov 15 Application Submission Deadline – 4:00 pm

A Message from the Stone MS Health Room

Vision and hearing screening will be held on October 28th and October 29th for all 7th graders and students who are new to FCPS. The purpose of screening is to identify students who need further evaluation due to difficulty seeing the screening chart or hearing the screening tones. If your student wears glasses, please be sure that glasses are at school on screening day.

Parents will be notified by letter if screening results indicate that further evaluation is needed. Prompt follow-up with your health care provider is recommended as vision and hearing difficulties can interfere with learning. If you have any questions, please call the health room at 703-631-5530 to speak with the public health nurse, Reggie Santiago or with the school health aide, Brenda Glenn.

Fall Immunization Clinic at Stone Middle School

Stone Middle School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on October 8, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at Stone Middle School may participate in the clinic.

The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:

Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine.

If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:

Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.

A copy of their immunization records (if available).
A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required.

Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by September 30, 2024 in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Reggie Santiago at [email protected] with any immunization questions.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students.

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office.

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Emergency Care and Parent Contact Update:

Parents, please take the time to verify and update your student's Emergency Contact Information and Parent Contact Information. This information can be viewed and updated online through your ParentVUE account.

The Online Verification Update packet or OVU will allow parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS and kindergarten through 12th grade.

Step by step instructions below.

Open the SIS ParentVUE Account Access page https://sisparent.fcps.edu/pvue and enter your username and password.
Select ‘Online Packets’ at the top right corner.
The ‘Select a packet to Begin’ page will display. Select the Online Verification/Update packet from the dropdown menu.

There will be 7 sections you will need to review/update before submitting your packet.
As you complete each area, use the Previous or Save And Continue buttons at the bottom to navigate between pages. Do not use the browser back and forward buttons.
A green check mark means the page is complete.
An orange exclamation mark means the page is in progress.

Don’t have a ParentVUE account? No problem! Please email Mrs. Amy Copeland at [email protected] to obtain your activation code.

Thank you for taking the time to ensure we have the most updated contact information.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
Alcohol or drug use.
Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact our Stone Student Services department at 703-631-5500, to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

World Language Credit Exam

Students who are proficient in a language other than English can assess language proficiency and earn up to 3 high school world language credits by taking the World Language Credit by Exam. To learn more about the exam and how earned credits work, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit by Exam website. Please have your child register with their school counselor by October 4th.

Katie Marrefi, Last Name Alpha A-G

Armando Garcia, Last Name Alpha H-O

Marissa Luper, Last Names Alpha P-Z

Middle Schoolers Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for 7th grade students (age 13 or 14 on the first day of session) who are residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia to page for the Virginia Senate.

This program is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge for the next civic leaders. Middle school students accepted into the program will have the chance to learn work skills like answering the phone, providing concierge services, and speaking to the public. The class will also involve team-building scenarios to enhance leadership and decision-making skills.

There will be specialized sessions about various topics, including cyber security, management, current events, and even life after the Senate Page Program. For more information regarding the Senate Page Program, including the application, please visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/PagePrograms/PagePrograms.html__;!!Pwvz7ORF!J5sbo93LE7jEtNDLnKFgpdIr1NX2ANLIC0eXYOBr8UWhgAfNpGe0y18Dgm6Fm9_S2XTqSJ-7kLin9axFnX8lvHGOceU$

or email [email protected].

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

Check your student’s attendance in ParentVUE

As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about your child's progress and well-being, we encourage you to regularly check your student's daily attendance online in ParentVUE.

Why It’s Important:

Stay Updated: Regularly monitoring attendance helps you stay informed about your child's school presence and any potential issues that may arise.
Support Learning: By keeping track of attendance, you can ensure that your child is attending school regularly and receiving the full benefit of their education.
Address Issues Early: Early awareness of any attendance concerns allows for timely intervention and support to address any issues that may affect your child's learning experience.

How to Check Attendance:

Visit ParentVUE Log in page: Use your login credentials to access the ParentVUE portal. If you don’t have an account or need assistance with logging in, please contact [email protected] for an activation code.

Navigate to Attendance: Once logged in, go to the "Attendance" section to view your child’s daily records. Period attendance is found on this page. More information about absences and late arrivals can be found by clicking on the date; please note that in some cases there will be a delay as information is entered by the school.

Review and Take Action: Review the attendance details and contact the school if you have any questions. You can report your student’s absence using ParentVue, calling 703-631-5555 or by sending an email to [email protected] Attendance procedures and policies are available on our school website.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Your involvement is crucial in supporting your child's educational journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor or administrator.

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:

Accessing Intervention Plans
Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
Update Immunizations Today!

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal Message

GovDelivery2 months ago

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Good afternoon Stone Panthers,

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for the annual Ashi-Jyothi 5K! It was a wonderful day for a walk/run, and it was fantastic to see so many of our Stone Panthers participating. The mission of the 5K is to serve the needs of the underprivileged by providing access to education and healthcare. The Ashi-Jyothi Non-Profit Foundation has supported several local schools with funding for STEAM and Innovation labs, making a significant impact on our educational community. We hope to see even more Stone Panthers participating next year!

A quick reminder that tomorrow, Monday, September 16th, is our fundraiser night at Foster’s Grill. Enjoy a great meal while supporting our school! Additionally, our first cross-country track meet of the season will take place this Saturday at 10:30 AM at Hughes Middle School. We encourage you to come out and cheer on our running Panthers as they compete!

As we enter Week 5 of the school year, we’re approaching the halfway point of the first quarter. It’s a great time to reflect on academic progress and make any necessary adjustments. To help students succeed, I’d like to share some study skills advice from We Are Teachers:

Study Skills for Middle Schoolers

Middle school students can improve their learning outcomes by personalizing skills and strategies tailored to the subjects they are working on.

Through planning, students can use techniques for reading, memorizing, studying, and test-taking that will significantly enhance their learning.

Using the following methods can help your students develop better study habits that will enhance their study habits and help them perform better on tests:

Create a designated study area - Designate a space where your student feels comfortable studying and can make it their own.

Manage or limit distractions - Encourage your students to turn off their phones and electronics and to avoid disruptions from friends during study time.

Get organized - Purchase a planner or notebook to help your students stay on track.

Make a study plan - Help your student create a plan of what assignments need to be completed, how long it will take, and teach them how to prioritize their work assignments.

Take breaks - Middle school students can work between 30 - 45 minutes before needing a break. Help them to recognize their signs for needing a break and taking one when they need to. Signs for a break could be: fidgeting, getting a headache, having trouble concentrating, or needing a drink or a snack.

Personalize their study habits - Have your student experiment with several study styles to see which one works best for them. These study styles include: reading, listening, hands-on learning, etc.

Take notes - Students in middle school should know how to take their own notes by identifying important facts and information but may need you to remind them of key points to remember as well.

Prepare for tests - Have your students review the material, get rest, and eat well before taking tests. While taking the test, they should review the entire test first and answer the easy questions first. Once they complete the test, review it before turning it in.

Make it social - If your students work well in groups, set up study groups or have them work with study buddies but just know that their closest friends may not always be the best study partners.

This information was taken from NAESP (National Association of Elementary School Principals). Source: We Are Teachers

🩹 Immunization Requirements

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:

A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. See how to use the tool.

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that support can be provided if needed. Also, keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

What is the World Languages Credit By Exam?

It is an exam that assesses linguistic proficiency in languages other than English. Linguistic proficiency is the ability to use language in real world situations in a spontaneous interaction, non-rehearsed context, and in a manner acceptable and appropriate to native speakers of the language.

Please go to the World Language Exam Site or contact your child’s school counselor for more information about how to register. Registration is open September 4 to October 4. No late registrations will be accepted.

School Counselor Contact Information

Ms. Marrefi (A-G) - [email protected]

Mr. Garcia (H-O) - [email protected]

Ms. Luper (P-Z) - [email protected]

Westfield High School - DANCE TEAM FALL CLINIC

Date: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (lunch at noon)

Place: Westfield High School (Gym Entrance - Door #11)

All participants will have the opportunity to perform with the Varsity Dance Team at halftime of the Varsity Football Game vs. Wakefield on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.

Registration fee includes pizza, snacks, and an official WHS Dance Team t-shirt!

Click here to register.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.

The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.

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:

New Food Options at FCPS
Parent/Caregiver Checklist
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R): “Shall vs. May” Focus Groups

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Principal Message

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

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Principal Message

This week we hope that the Stone community will support two important local organizations that have partnered their support to Stone students and staff.

Stone Middle School is excited to announce its partnership with the Asha Jyothi Foundation. We would like to encourage you, your family and your neighbors to sign up for the fall Asha Jyothi’s 16 Fairfax 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run, scheduled for Sunday, September 15th, 2024, at Fairfax Corner, Fairfax, VA. Register Here. For AJ 16 we've ambitious goals in mind. We are aiming for a minimum of 100 Stone Middle School registrations!

Stone Middle School has worked with Food for Neighbors for the past two years. Food for Neighbors is a non profit organization that collects their famous red bags full of food and hygiene items in the community five times a year. Items collected are donated to local schools so that we are able to provide food for any student who might be hungry during the school day or evening. Food for Neighbors has made a significant impact at Stone Middle School filling the shelves of our Erin Peterson Fuel Station. Please consider leaving a red bag full of donations on your front steps this Saturday, September 14th.

As we enter the 4th week of the school year, we are excited to launch our fall cross country season with practice starting on Monday September 9th after school! Additionally, I look forward to presenting the State of Stone message during the monthly PTSA meeting scheduled for Tuesday September 10th at 7pm via Zoom & In Person. I hope to see you there!

Let’s have a great week Panthers,

Sonya Williams

Principal

Attention Parents and Guardians:

We hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about your child's progress and well-being, we encourage you to regularly check your student's daily attendance online in ParentVUE.

Why It’s Important:

Stay Updated: Regularly monitoring attendance helps you stay informed about your child's school presence and any potential issues that may arise.
Support Learning: By keeping track of attendance, you can ensure that your child is attending school regularly and receiving the full benefit of their education.
Address Issues Early: Early awareness of any attendance concerns allows for timely intervention and support to address any issues that may affect your child's learning experience.

How to Check Attendance:

Counselor Introduction Lessons Next Week!

Next week, our school counselors will be visiting Social Studies classes to deliver Counselor Introduction Lessons. During these sessions, students will learn about the counseling program, the support services available, and how they can connect with their school counselor. As part of this lesson, students will also complete a short needs assessment survey. This survey will help our counseling team understand the needs of our student body, allowing development and implementation of targeted interventions. We’re excited to get to know our students better and look forward to supporting them throughout the school year! Questions? Contact your child’s School Counselor.

A Message from the Health Room

What is the World Languages Credit By Exam?

School Counselor Contact Information

Ms. Marrefi (A-G) - [email protected]

Mr. Garcia (H-O) - [email protected]

Ms. Luper (P-Z) - [email protected]

Westfield High School Dance Clinic

Date: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (lunch at noon)

Place: Westfield High School (Gym Entrance - Door #11)

All participants will have the opportunity to perform with the Varsity Dance Team at halftime of the Varsity Football Game vs. Wakefield on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.

Registration fee includes pizza, snacks, and an official WHS Dance Team t-shirt!

Click here to register.

Emergency Care and Parent Contact Update:

The Online Verification Update packet or OVU will allow parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS and kindergarten through 12th grade.

Step by step instructions below.

Open the SIS ParentVUE Account Access page https://sisparent.fcps.edu/pvue and enter your username and password.
Select ‘Online Packets’ at the top right corner.
The ‘Select a packet to Begin’ page will display. Select the Online Verification/Update packet from the dropdown menu.
There will be 7 sections you will need to review/update before submitting your packet.
As you complete each area, use the Previous or Save And Continue buttons at the bottom to navigate between pages. Do not use the browser back and forward buttons.

A green check mark means the page is complete.
An orange exclamation mark means the page is in progress.

Don’t have a ParentVUE account? No problem! Please email Mrs. Amy Copeland at [email protected] to obtain your activation code.

Thank you for taking the time to ensure we have the most updated contact information.

2024 Back to School Virginia Medicaid Flyer: Communication Resource for Schools

The Virginia Medicaid agency, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has launched its 23rd annual Back to School campaign. To support our students, families, and the community with gaining access to Virginia’s free health coverage through Cardinal Care (Virginia’s Medicaid and FAMIS programs), as soon as possible distribute the DMAS 2024 Back to School Flyer during your Back to School Night events. In addition to distributing these flyers during Back to School Night events, you are encouraged to distribute the flyer throughout the year to students, families, community members, and to community organizations.

DMAS has mailed 100 copies of this flyer to each Virginia public school for your distribution. If additional copies are needed in English or other languages, this flyer can be ordered in bulk and delivered to your location free of charge by Virginia Medicaid. Shipping may take 5-10 days, so it is important to order materials as soon as you may need them.

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:

Immunization Reminder
Make Attendance a Priority
How Is FCPS’ Redesigned Website Working for You?

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal Weekly Message

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

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Cross Country Interest Meeting

Good afternoon Stone Community,

We had another wonderful week where we distributed chromebooks to all students and continued learning about community, government, measurements, science safety and more. This week we will start our presentations about FCPS Student Rights & Responsibilities along with taking our first assessment of the year with our iReady diagnostic which will be given during students’ English class time on Wednesday & Thursday. Please make sure your student has compatible earphones/headphones for this assessment.

We will also start our Flexback Intervention time during our normal school day. This time is for teachers to reteach lessons to students as a whole group or in small groups as needed to ensure all students have a full understanding of class concepts. If students do not need time for interventions such as these then the time can be used to enrich learning and expand on topics of interest by engaging in teacher-led creative and critical thinking activities. Flexback is a rotation allowing students over a period of 2 to 3 weeks to see each of their teachers for intervention during the school day. Tuesday, September 3rd at 9:00 students will report to their 1st period teacher for Flexback.

Thursday, September 5th at 9:00 students will report to their 2nd period teacher for Flexback.

Please know that all staff will be in the hallways and on the announcements to help guide students to their locations. Thank you for your patience.

Let’s have a great week Panthers,

Sonya Williams

Principal

PTSA Membership

Join the Stone Middle School PTSA, it's totally awesome! You’ll be helping out the school, making it a better place for everyone. Learn about cool events, fundraisers, and projects that actually make a difference. Plus, you’ll connect with other parents, teachers, and students, building a stronger community. No commitment required! Your voice will help shape decisions that affect our kids, and you’ll stay in the loop with what’s happening at school. So, why not? Join the PTSA and be part of something amazing! Join via Givebacks

BIRTHDAY GRAMS

For just $5, your child will receive a cool birthday bracelet and a shout-out during their birthday week on Panther News! It's the perfect way to celebrate their big day at school. Don't miss out—grab a BirthdayGram and make their birthday extra special! Donate via Givebacks

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.

Stone Middle School Administrators will be talking about the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities to all students this week.

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Food for Neighbors

Our Stone EPF Food Pantry is sponsored by a local community organization, Food for Neighbors. You might have seen their red bag collections across the county on Saturdays throughout the year. This year the Red Bag collection days are: September 14th, November 9, 2024, January 11, 2025, March 8, 2025 and April 26, 2025. If you would like to learn how you can help students and their families please visit the Food For Neighbors website. Your generosity can make a difference for our Stone Panthers.

Asha Jyothi Foundation Partners with Stone Middle School

Stone Middle School is excited to announce its partnership with the Asha Jyothi Foundation. We would like to encourage you, your family and your neighbors to sign up for the fall Asha Jyothi’s 16 Fairfax 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run, scheduled for Sunday, September 15th, 2024, at Fairfax Corner, Fairfax, VA. Register Here. For AJ 16 we've ambitious goals in mind. We are aiming for a minimum of 100 Stone Middle School registrations!

Parent Digital Consent

Forms are available in the FCPS Parent Digital Consent (PDC) starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Parents should log in using their ParentVue username and password.

Available forms include:

Digital Resources Consent (This form is used to agree (consent) or disagree (refusal) for your student(s) to use the FCPS-approved online tools listed on the school website as part of the instructional program.)
School Counseling Opt-Out
SEL Screener Opt-Out
Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
Family Life Education Opt-Out
SOL Retest Permission
Hazel Health
Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

A Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology admissions information session will be held at Stone MS on Wednesday, September 25th at 6 PM in the theater.

Monday, Oct 21 : Applications Available – 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Nov 13: Last Day to Begin New Application by 4:00 pm

Friday, Nov 15 : Application Submission Deadline – 4:00 pm

Safety Drills

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.

Stone MS is planning for the lockdown drill to be September 5th.

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

🌍 Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages

This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.

Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.

Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

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:

Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
School Safety Reminders
Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principal's Weekly Message

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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Dear Stone Families,

We had a wonderful first week of school at Stone. We learned about the Kids at Hope Pledge. We learned about lunch and bell schedules. We spent time getting to know each other and building community. We look forward to this upcoming week as we distribute chromebooks and dive into the learning with student rights and responsibilities, writing assignments, etc.

We’re excited to share valuable resources from Common Sense to help our middle schoolers excel in tech skills and digital citizenship. Check out the Family Engagement Toolkit at this link for tips and family tech planners, and don’t forget to enroll for free resources and support at this link. By working together at home and school, we can provide the support and resources our students need to thrive in the digital world and set them up for long-term success.

Let’s have a great week Panthers,

Sonya Williams

Principal

School Supplies Needed Soon

Students at Stone M.S. will be taking the iReady Reading Assessment in the coming weeks. Your child will need wired earbuds or headphones for this assessment as well as other assessments and assignments throughout the year. As listed on the school supply list, please ensure your child has these by Thursday, August 29th. Details and products are below.

Thank you for your help in preparing your child.

Earbuds or Head phones must be :

wired
have a 3.5 mm connector jack

Products from local stores that meet these requirements:

Walmart: earbuds - https://www.walmart.com/ip/ONN-EARBUDS-BLACK/416099849?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1102&from=/search

Walmart: headphones - https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-On-Ear-Headphones-Black-New/950779601?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1102&from=/search

REMINDERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

Early Dismissal Reminders

Parents, due to buses arriving for dismissal around 1:45 p.m, we are unable to release students for early dismissals after 1:45 p.m. unless you have previously sent in a note with your student.

Students who bring a note to the office will be given a pass to give to their teacher at their dismissal time and will be in the office awaiting your arrival.

Students who are picked up early will not be released to any adult that is not listed on the Emergency Care form. If you send someone who is not on the Emergency Care form to pick up your student, you will be required to email the main office with a copy of your picture ID along with a note stating that the person you send has permission to pick up your student. That person must also have a copy of their government issued photo ID in order to pick up your child.

Visitors to Stone MS

All Stone Middle School visitors must have a government issued photo ID when visiting the building and when picking up students.

This week:

Chromebooks will be distributed to students during their social studies classes on Tuesday, August 27, and Wednesday, August 28. Students will log in using their FCPS username and password from last year. If they have forgotten their login information, we will assist them during check-out. There are also resources to assist them using their Chromebook posted in the All Student Schoology course.

Labor Day

Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-631-5500.

Student Services Update

Dear Caregivers,

We are excited to share that from September 10-13, our counseling team will be visiting classrooms through Social Studies courses to introduce students to the comprehensive counseling program we are offering this school year. During these sessions, we will gather important information from students to help us tailor our programming to meet their needs effectively.

This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students. We look forward to working together to make this school year a successful and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Kind regards,

Katie Marrefi – School Counselor for Students with Last Names A-G

Armando Garcia -- School Counselor for Students with Last Names H-O

Marissa Luper -- School Counselor for Students with Last Names P-Z

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports

Emergency Contact and Student Health Update

Parents, Do we have the most current information for you and your student? The Online Verification Update (OVU) packet allows parents to review and update phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information (such as health conditions and immunizations) for students in grades PS/HS and kindergarten through 12th grade. The enrolling parent will be able to access OVU through their SIS ParentVUE account.

How to access the OVU packet?

Open the SIS ParentVUE Account Access page and enter your username and password.
Select ‘Online Packets’ at the top right corner.
The ‘Select a Packet to Begin’ page will display. Select the Online Verification/Update packet.

There will be 7 sections you will need to review and/or update before submitting your packet.
As you complete each area, use the Previous or Save And Continue buttons at the bottom to navigate between pages. Do not use the browser back and forward buttons.
A green check mark means the page is complete.
An orange exclamation mark means the page is in progress.

Before submitting the OVU packet, please review the information provided and make corrections if needed.

Click on the Review button to open the Review/Submit page. Scroll down and carefully review the information you entered.
Any areas highlighted in yellow, green, and/or red are changes you made since you first started the packet.
If corrections are needed, click on the Edit button located above each area. Click Save and Return to exit the area and return to the review page.
Once reviewing is complete, check the certification box and click on the green Submit button.
To review the Status of your OVU packet, click on the Status page. Packet(s) pending school’s review will be listed under the Active tab.

Need additional information?

https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/family-communication-resources/sis-parentvue-online-verification-and-update-packet

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:

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Updating Immunizations and Records
Transportation Patience and Safety
Superintendent Reid Welcomes Everyone Back to School

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Principal Message August 18 2024

GovDelivery3 months ago

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Stone Middle School is excited to welcome your students to the first day of school on Monday, August 19th.

Here are some first day of school reminders: All students should report to their 1st period classroom. Students who have not picked up their schedule for the year can find their 1st period class information in their Student SIS account. In the 1st period classroom, students will receive a new PURPLE schedule with the most updated school information, including rooms and teacher information as some things have been updated since Open House/Back to School Night. The most updated class schedule information is also available on both Parent and Student Vue applications. Any questions regarding a student schedule should be directed to the child’s school counselor:

Katie Marrefi Alpha last name A-G [email protected]

Armando Garcia Alpha last name H-O [email protected]

Marissa Luper Alpha last name P-Z [email protected]

Schoology Parent ALL Course

We are starting something new this year, Parent All Page in Schoology, which will house all school wide information and presentations. Please visit this site for our back to school presentation, school board representative message and FCPS strategic plan overview. If the link does not work, please follow the instructions to ensure to you are signup for ParentVue.

Parent Digital Consent

Forms are available in the FCPS Parent Digital Consent (PDC) starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Parents should log in using their ParentVue username and password.

Available forms include:

Digital Resources Consent (This form is used to agree (consent) or disagree (refusal) for your student(s) to use the FCPS-approved online tools listed on the school website as part of the instructional program.)

School Counseling Opt-Out

SEL Screener Opt-Out

Denial of Access to Military Recruiters

Family Life Education Opt-Out

SOL Retest Permission

Hazel Health

Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public

Cell Phone Policy at Stone Middle School

Stone Middle School will have the expectation that students will have their phones away for the school day starting at 7:25am until 2:15pm. Stone staff will implement the FCPS policy and document any cell phone use offenses in SIS for tracking purposes.Additionally, staff will be asked not to use cell phones for instructional activities.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Here are the key points:

Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell.
All Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Airplane mode is encouraged.
Students with a documented health or educational need through special services may have an exception. Please work through your child’s administrator or school counselor if you believe an exception is needed.
You can find more information on FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage (for all schools) and cell phone storage webpage (for schools that are getting storage containers). Both of these web pages include a button to provide feedback.

We ask for your support as we work together to build a community that is focused on learning, social-emotional health and well-being.

Reporting Attendance

Starting on the first day of school, Monday, August 19, parents/caregivers can submit full-day absences through FCPS’ SIS ParentVUE platform. This will make reporting and tracking absences easier for our school.

Parents/caregivers may report absences by using ParentVUE or by contacting the front office. Please find important details below:

How to Use ParentVUE: Log in to your ParentVUE account and select “Report Absence.”
More Ways to Report: Use our 703-631-5555 for absences longer than two days, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Please note Stone MS stops early dismissals at 1:45 pm daily.
Where to Get Help: Visit FCPS’ Attendance Reporting webpage for step-by-step instructions.

If you need to set up a ParentVUE account or have questions, please contact our front office at 703-631-5500. Our staff will provide you with an “activation key” and instructions to create a ParentVUE account.

FCPS School Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al-Fitr, may shift and the calendar may be adjusted.

Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

School Lunch

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING for Middle School Academic Screening and Growth Tests

Dear Parents and Guardians:

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 6-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. 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 Reading - all students scheduled to take the spring reading SOL
MAP Growth MAP – all students scheduled to take a spring math SOL

Middle school teachers assess all grade 6-8 middle school students with iReady Reading and MAP Growth MAP in fall, winter, and spring. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).

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 Jenni Maybury at [email protected].

What is a School Board?

The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for running the public schools in Fairfax County. Twelve school board members are elected by county voters every four years.

A student representative serves on the board as a non-voting member. They are chosen by their peers each year.

The School Board makes general rules and sets guidelines to ensure Fairfax County Public Schools runs properly. They follow the laws of Virginia and the rules set by the Virginia Board of Education.

Learning about your local school board is important. Understanding their policies and initiatives can help you advocate for positive changes and ensure that the educational needs of all students are met. There are many ways to get involved.

Learn more about the school board, how to participate in their meetings, and where to watch school board meetings.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.

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:

Phones Down, Engagement Up
Middle and High School Grading Updates
Counting Down to First Day Fairfax

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Weekly Message from Stone Middle School

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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The first day of school is Monday, August 19, and will be a Grey Day. Students will rotate through periods 1, 3, 5, and 7. School hours for students are 7:30am – 2:15pm. Students may enter the building starting at 7:00am. Student schedules will be available at Open House/Back to School Night or on SIS on Aug 15. Students can carry backpacks throughout the day, and laptops will be distributed during the second week of school.

Before the first day of school, make sure you have completed the following:

Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the registrar, Ms. Amy Copeland, if you need a code.

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Contact Information

To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.

Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.

Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.

Prepare for Meals at School

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.

Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced MealsThe application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost. If your family is experiencing financial hardship and in need of school supplies, please complete this form TODAY: https://forms.gle/G2PDszx8uhZmnnJ66

Upcoming Important Dates

Open House: August 15th, 3pm to 4pm
Back-to-School Night: August 15th at 4pm
- This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, tour the school, and learn more about the upcoming year.
- All students will be able to pick up a copy of their schedule at the Open House on August 15th. Schedules will also be viewable online in Student/ParentVue on August 15th. If students are unable to attend the Open House, they will also receive a copy of their schedule on the First Day of School, August 19th. If you have questions about this process or student schedules, please contact your child’s school counselor.

🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al-Fitr, may shift and the calendar may be adjusted.

Middle School Sports: Fall Cross Country

This fall we will have our second fall cross country season. If your student would like to participate in the fall cross country athletic program, you must complete the registration form. Practices are scheduled to start the first week of September with our first meet being on September 21st.

FALL 2024 Middle School Sports Participant Registration Form

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:

Prepare for the First Day of School
FCPS.edu Has a New Look
Free Resources and Workshops for Families

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

Principals Message

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

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Countdown to the first day of school. Stone is looking forward to students returning on Monday, August 19! See the complete school year calendar and Transportation Information.

FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on FCPS Facebook and Instagram.

FCPS Free & Reduced Lunch Info

Students that were eligible for free and reduced lunch programs in the 2023-24 school year will maintain their eligibility for the first thirty (30) school days. All families are required to submit a new application for the 2024-25 school year. Applications are available online via https://www.fcps.edu/frm

School Lunch Meal Prices for 2024-25 SY

Breakfast $1.75 Lunch $3.50

Stone MS Health Room Message

Greetings from the Stone MS Health Room!

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Division’s primary goal is to promote the overall health and well-being of school-aged children. The School Health Division consists of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) and School Health Aides (SHAs) who provide a variety of services to accomplish this goal. PHNs develop individualized health care/action plans for students with complex health conditions and provide health training to school staff to support students’ health needs during the school day. Meanwhile, SHAs deliver direct care to sick and injured students by following standardized protocols or individualized health care/action plans. They are also responsible for administering medications and conducting vision and hearing screenings.

School Health Room Services Include:

Care of sick and injured students in accordance with the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Health Emergency Temporary Care Guidelines and students’ individualized health care/action plans, if applicable.
Administration of medication provided by parents/guardians with proper authorization completed by their health care provider.
Coordination of care for students with chronic health conditions during the school day.
Hearing and vision screening (grades K, 3, 7, 10, new to FCPS, and those students referred by teachers and parents/guardians).

How can you help your school health room provide the best possible care?

Keep your student home when they are sick. Refer to FCPS Document- Can My Child Go To School
Complete the Health Information form on paper or electronically in SIS ParentVUE Online Verification/Update Packet annually.
Throughout the school year, advise and update the SHA or PHN of any changes to your student’s health condition that will impact their school day.
Provide current home, work, and alternate telephone numbers in SIS ParentVUE Online Verification/Update Packet or Emergency Care Card on paper.
Immediately notify the physical education (PE) teacher if your child has any PE restrictions and provide the PE teacher with a FCPS Physician Referral for Participation in Physical Education Form (SS/SE-200) completed by your healthcare provider.

If medication must be administered during the school day, please follow the guidelines established in the current version of FCPS Regulation 2102.

Complete and submit the FCPS medication authorization forms annually, as applicable:

o Medication Authorization (SS/SE-63)

o Authorization for Anaphylaxis Action Plan(SS/SE-64) (updated4/24) for epinephrine

o Authorization for Virginia Asthma Action Plan (SS/SE-65) (updated 4/24) for asthma rescue medication.

Provide the school with properly labeled containers (your pharmacist will usually provide an extra container if requested). Only a 30-day supply of prescription medication should be brought into school at a time. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to bring additional refills, if needed, to the school.
Medications must be transported to and from school by a parent/guardian; except, with parent/guardian approval, a high school student may carry over-the-counter (OTC) medications to and from the school health room and pick up the backup medication from the health room with documented parent/guardian permission.
Medications must be kept in the school health room or other school-approved location unless approved for the student to carry it during school hours. Students approved to carry their own medication, should have a second dose kept in the school health room.
OTC medication for headache, muscle ache, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps may be given as needed throughout the school year with only the parent/ guardian signature on part II of the FCPS Medication Authorization Form. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time (must be in unopened original container/packaging).
OTC medications other than pain relievers may be given up to ten consecutive school days with the parent/guardian signature on the FCPS Medication Authorization form before a health care provider’s authorization is required.
Cough drops and throat lozenges may be carried and used by students in kindergarten through grade 12 as needed throughout the school year, provided that they are in the original container or packaging. Students must not share cough drops or throat lozenges under any circumstances.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping to make this a safe and healthy school year for all FCPS students.If you have any questions, feel free to call either your School Health Aide, Brenda Glenn at 703-631-5530 or your school Public Health Nurse, Reggie Santiago, RN, at 571-460-9581.

Asha-Jyothi 5k Run/Walk with Stone Panthers

Stone Middle School is partnering with the Asha-Jyothi to support our students! Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk is a fun-filled family event with foot tapping music, delicious food and a friendly course. It is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the underprivileged by providing access to education and health care. Asha-Jyothi partners with schools by donating 100% of all registration money from each school back to the school for its STEM needs.

Please join us in supporting this wonderful organization and our students.

Race Date: Sunday, September 15

Location: 4250 Fairfax Corner Avenue; Fairfax, VA 22030

Race Time: Fun Run starts at 8:00 AM and 5K starts at 8:30 AM

Price: $30 / Coupon Code "AJ4Schools" for $10 off the 5K

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:

Summer Graduations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Stone Quick Links

1 hour 2 minutes ago

Stone Middle School News and announcements

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