School News
Fauquier County Public Schools
Oct. 30: Half day for all schools (exams)
Oct. 31: Half day for all schools (exams); end of first nine weeks
Educational Access Channel: Fauquier County Public Schools' television channel, available to Comcast subscribers, is located on Channel 18. The channel features an ongoing bulletin-board of school announcements including school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals. Programming includes School Board meetings as well as FCPS music and drama programs. The schedule is posted on the school division Web site's News and Information page at www.fcps1.org and on Channel 18.
Electronic notification: Parents and interested community members are reminded that they may subscribe to receive school division news releases electronically through the "eNotify" service. There are several options available, and subscribers may choose to receive any or all of the following kinds of news releases: emergency closing announcements via email and/or text messaging, summaries of School Board meetings, media releases from the FCPS coordinator of information, school-specific news or Special Education Parent Resource Center announcements. To register, click on "FCPS eNotify Service" under the "Stay Connected" section at www.fcps1.org.
School closings: School closings and delays are communicated in several ways. Radio and television stations that are notified when schools will be closed or delayed are listed on Page 44 in the Student/Parent Information Handbook distributed to all students at the beginning of the school year. Parents may call the school division's information line at (540) 347-6195 or refer to the school division's Web site at www.fcps1.org or Comcast Channel 18 for information. School closings and delays are also communicated via electronic notification (see section above). This year, FCPS will use the "Global Connect" phone system to notify parents of school closings and delays; parents do not have to register to receive the recorded messages that will go automatically to phone numbers in the school division's student information system. Parents who do not wish to receive a notification by phone will have an opportunity to request having their number(s) deleted from Global Connect.
Senior Gold Card: Fauquier County senior citizens are reminded that the school division offers a program that will grant them free admission to school events. The "VIP Senior Gold Card," available to any Fauquier County senior citizen age 60 and older, is an admission ticket to almost any FCPS school event that charges admission. This benefit is an expression of gratitude for the contribution senior citizens make to our local community.
To obtain a VIP Senior Gold Card, senior citizens must apply in person at any Fauquier County public school. Go directly to the front office and ask for the VIP Senior Gold Card application. You must present a driver's license or other proof of date of birth at the time of application. You will receive your VIP Senior Gold Card in the mail. The card is non-transferable.
The VIP Senior Gold Card is the holder's admission ticket to almost any school event in Fauquier County Public Schools that charges admission. This includes dramas, choral and band concerts, and regular-season athletic competitions in the county.
The VIP Senior Gold Card does not apply to out-of-county regular-season games involving FCPS teams nor does it apply to post-season games at home or away. The VIP Senior Gold Card applies only to school events held in Fauquier County.
FCPS mental health specialist: George Isidoridy, mental health specialist for Fauquier County Public Schools, is serving in the second year of a three-year grant given to the school system by the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County.
The purpose of his position is to provide mental health services to the County's three public high schools. Isidoridy works with the high school staffs and parents to identify the mental health needs of students and coordinate contacts and referrals with community agencies.
His position is part-time, and he works two days a week covering the three high schools. Mr. Isidoridy may be reached at gisidoridy@fcps1.org or by calling any of the three high schools' guidance departments and leaving a message.
Parent Resource Center
(Located in Building A, Central Complex, 430 East Shirley Ave., Warrenton; (540) 349-8560, ext. 1094, prc@fcps1.org; Marilyn McCombe, Parent Coordinator; open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays).
On Friday, Oct. 10, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., there will be an open house and grand opening of the Self-Service Parent Center. From 2-3 p.m., meet Mr. Finn, the new Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services.
The center offers "do-it-yourself" access to PRC resources during extended hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Resources available include Internet access, computer programs including Boardmaker and Adobe, and resource check-out.
The Lunch and Learn Video Series will be held again this year. Bring lunch and learn with others. All presentations will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PRC conference room, and videos will be available afterwards for checkout.
Thursday Oct. 2: "Including Samuel" "documents the Habib family's journey a they work to include Samuel in all facets of their lives, a journey that transforms each of them."
Thursday Oct. 16: "Inclusive Education: Rediscovering Our Right to Belong" video of a workshop given by Norman Kunc, a powerful self-advocate.
Thursday, Nov. 6: "1-2-3 Magic," a Dr. Phelan video, Managing Difficult Behavior in Children 2-12. Learn effective discipline methods to get your kids to stop obnoxious behavior.
Thursday, Nov. 20: "More 1-2-3 Magic," a Dr. Phelan video. Encouraging Good Behavior, Independence and Self-Esteem. More 1-2-3 Magic teaches how to encourage positive behavior, responsible independence, and a healthy self-concept.
Grace Miller
Mark calendars for Grace Miller's upcoming Scholastic Book Fair scheduled for Oct. 13-17. Hours for the fair are 8:30 am. to 5 p.m. daily, closing at noon Oct. 17 with the drawing for a book fair shopping spree. Family night at the book fair will be celebrated 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 15 with prizes given away every 10 minutes. There will be a wide selection of books and educational games for sale, with proceeds going to support the GMES library.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Lions Club will be conducting a hearing and vision screening for the third grade, as well as for all newly enrolled students that have not had screening. This is being offered free of charge.
Upcoming dates:
Oct. 20: Yearbook group/club photos
Oct. 22: Kindergarten field trip
Oct. 24: Fourth-grade field trip
Oct. 25: PTO Fall Festival
Oct. 29: Third-grade Economics Fair
P.B. Smith
Oct. 9: Market Day pickup, 5-6 p.m.
Oct. 10: Fall Field Day
Oct. 13-15: COGAT testing
Oct. 17: Student pictures
Oct. 24: First-grade field trip to Cows-N-Corn
Oct. 24-31: Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 28: Kindergarten field trip to Great Country Farms
Oct. 30-31: Half days
Parents are reminded that students should not be dropped off before 8:20 a.m. If early, please wait in the dropoff lane for Mrs. McVearry to arrive before dropping off children.
Mary Walter
Oct. 16: Second-grade field trip to Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 22: Kindergarten field trip to Graves Mountain
Parents are reminded to call the clinic when their child is absent. Voice mail is available 24 hours a day on the clinic line at (540) 439-3039.
Taylor Middle
The Battle of the Books team will have its second meeting of the year from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Ms. Dickey's room. All interested students are invited to attend.
The Mysteries Club will hold its first meeting from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Ms. Dickey's room. Please see Ms. Dickey for information and a permission form before this meeting.
The National Junior Honor Society will be having a bake sale during homeroom on Oct. 30. Items will be available for 25 cents.
Lego robotics meets on Friday after school until 3:30 p.m.
Interims went home with students on Sept. 29. Please sign and return the bottom portion of the interim report.
Warrenton Middle
Library sponsors pumpkin contest: Students are invited to take a pumpkin and create a character from a book they have read. Then use paints, magic markers, yarn, cardboard, pipe cleaners, etc. to decorate it. The only limitation is no carving(the pumpkins will rot too quickly when carved).
Pumpkins will be voted on by teachers and staff in the following categories: Most Original, Most Creative, Most Realistic, and Most Clever.
Take decorated pumpkins in anytime during the month of October to the library to be displayed. Judging will be held by teachers and staff on Monday, Oct. 27.
All participants will receive a bag of Halloween candy treats.
Sports: The boys football team outplayed Marshall Oct. 25 and celebrated their first victory of the season. Steven Gaskins scored two touchdowns. Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work.
Congratulations to the Lady Warriors girls basketball team, as they remain unbeaten after a very tough contest with Taylor Middle School Thursday afternoon. Currently 5-0 in conference, they were looking to continue the momentum against Marshall Middle School Tuesday at home.
Gym bags are for sale in the office. Cost is $8 each.
Health screens: Vision and hearing screens for all seventh graders and newly enrolled students will be held Oct. 10. Students who wear glasses or contacts should please make sure they have them on the day of screening.
Battle of the Books: Sign up in the library. Orientation Meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 2 (changed from Sept. 30 due to a basketball game) after school until 3:30 p.m. Students will need written parental permission to stay that afternoon.
Other news: Interims were sent home Sept. 26.
WMS is looking for parent volunteers to help coordinate snacks and drinks for the monthly meeting. Also looking for parents that are willing to read a couple of the books on the list and generate questions.
Fauquier High
A Fauquier High School yearbook special offer: Have you purchased that senior baby ad yet? Baby ads are the most popular section of the yearbook because they highlight each senior in the best pictures parents can find. Don't miss out on this opportunity to publish favorite pictures of your child and a message to him/her in a book that lasts a lifetime. You must pick up more information in Room 302 of FHS or call (540) 428-2158 from 1-2:30pm. Don't wait! All pictures, text, and money are due Oct. 3. Space is limited. Ads will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis: one-page ad, $200; 1/2-page ad, $125; 1/4-page ad, $75; and 1/8-page ad, $75. Prices will increase after Oct. 3.
The ASVAB Test will be given at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Armory. Juniors and seniors interested in military careers should plan to take this test, and it is also a great career inventory for students who are unsure of future career opportunities. Those taking the test are in no way obligated to sign up or enroll in the military. Students need to sign up in Guidance by Oct. 9.
Liberty High
Congratulations to Ashley Weeks on her well-deserved 8th Place Ribbon from the 2008 Virginia FFA Horticulture Demonstration Contest conducted Sept. 11 at the State Fair of Virginia. Ashley exhibited her knowledge of horticulture and FFA leadership skills. Her performance was recognized by a congratulatory letter from Virginia Tech.
Liberty High School recently announced that Thomas Davis, Tyler Flint, Jill Found, Christopher Hatfield, and Jasmine Turner have been named Commended Students in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented by Roger Lee to these scholastically talented seniors.
Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition by taking the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
(Selected items from the Oct. 2008 Parent Newsletter, available on line at www.fcps1.org.)
Place on the calendar the first Parent-Teacher Conference Day, 1-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Have your son or daughter schedule an appointment on the signup sheet that will be posted by each teacher's door as the date nears.
A few November events to plan for:
Nov. 4: Teacher workday, no school for students
Nov. 11: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1-8 p.m.
Nov. 26-28: No school, Thanksgiving
Writing SOL tutoring: Writing SOL tutoring sessions for students taking English 11 will occur Oct. 7, 9, 14 and 16. The sessions on Oct. 7 and 14 (Tuesdays) will be held in Room 264 with Lisa Miller. The sessions on Oct. 9 and 16 (Thursdays) will be held in Room 123 with Merle Book. All sessions are 2:45-3:45 p.m. Please arrange your own transportation.
LHS Homecoming: LHS Homecoming 2008 will occur during the week of Oct. 20-24. The marching band will play on Friday in the front lobby to encourage excitement for Friday night's football game against Culpeper. Everyone is invited to attend the second annual tailgate competition held on the LHS campus beginning at 3:45 p.m. The week will culminate with the annual dance in the gymnasium. Tickets are limited. Any student wishing to purchase a ticket must present the dance rules and expectations sheet signed by both the parent and student prior to purchasing a ticket.
Summer Governor's School: The Governor's School for the gifted is now accepting nominations and applications. The Governor's school experience is a month-long program during the summer where students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a specific subject and spend time with other students in Virginia with the same interests and abilities.
In addition to academic subjects, students may also be nominated in Visual and Performing Arts in the areas of dance, instrumental music, vocal music, visual art, and theater. If you know of someone with a gift in the area of academics, foreign language, agriculture and/or visual and performing arts, please submit their name to Mrs. Henry-Sievert in the guidance office.
Submit nominations for the Visual and Performing Arts by Nov. 1 to the LHS Guidance Department. Completed applications for the academic programs are due to Mrs. Henry-Sievert in the LHS Guidance Department by Dec. 10. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Virginia State Board of Education web-site: www.doe.virginia.gov. Once there, go to most requested information and click on Governor's Schools.
LHS Trick or Treat Night: The Student Council Association will be hosting their annual Trick or Treat Night from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. This event is open to any younger siblings and friends in the LHS community. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear your best costume, come early and be ready for candy, games and fun.
Attention parents or guardians: The Federal Law, No Child Left Behind, requires schools to release to the United States military the names, addresses, telephone numbers of all juniors and seniors. Should you wish, you may exercise your parental right to opt-out and refuse the release of this information. To do so, please call the LHS Career Center at (540) 439-4225.
FFA news: Congratulations to the newly elected 2008-2009 CL Payne FFA chapter officers: president, Joe Burton; vice president, Nathan Butler; secretary, Ashley Weeks; treasurer, Kraig Smith; reporter, Ben Smith; sentinel, Lindsey Martin; parliamentarian, Lucas Jacobs; historian, Hillary Chapman; student adviser, Taylor Brill; and advisers, Kim Matthias and Pam Woodward.
JROTC news: "To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens" is the mission of LHS Army JROTC's Eagle Battalion. Although many students have been re-zoned to Kettle Run HS and FHS, there is one thing a lot of students will surely return for. That is Liberty High's Army JROTC program, which teaches lifelong leadership skills to high school students of various backgrounds.
Cadets begin each block with the Pledge of Allegiance and JROTC Cadet Creed. Then the class activities begin, ranging from drilling, financial planning, and Winning Colors to studying about past wars, studying physical fitness and training, and actually getting in shape through once-weekly PT (Physical Fitness).
But JROTC activities don't end simply because the school day ends and the bell rings. Depending on the day, you could see a small platoon of casually-dressed cadets drilling by the bus ramp or spinning weapons as well as heading out for a little extra PT. Occasionally cadets in sharp-looking class-A uniforms or rugged ACUs (Advanced Combat Uniforms) shuffle onto a bus, headed out to any of a number of Drill or Raider competitions.
This summer, some cadets traveled south, first to Fort AP Hill for JCLC (Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge) Camp Success and then to Fort Eustice for JCLC Camp Mountain. At both camps, cadets conducted rigorous courses in leadership and teamwork. Put together with unfamiliar people from other JROTC programs, it was the ultimate test in adaptability for any cadet.
At the end of each camp, awards were given to the top cadets. These cadets showed exceedingly exceptional leadership qualities throughout the camp. At JCLC Camp Success, Liberty cadets placed at the top of the ranks: Cadets Michael Bailey and Tannia Benitez took first and second place out of the whole camp. At JCLC Camp Mountain, Cadet Scott Ryan came away with 2nd place Honor Cadet of C Company and Cadet Tessa Schlichting was the top Honor Cadet of B Company. Within D Company, Cadet Matthew Otte was recognized as Most Improved Cadet.
Although summer camps took center stage this summer, they aren't the only things these cadets participate in. Another highlight of the summer was a military-honors funeral, in which cadets paid tribute to the deceased by firing a 21-gun salute (four cadets fired three volleys of blank ammunition) while full-time Army soldiers folded the American flag.
Yearbook information: Yearbook orders are being taken in the Finance Office. Cost is $80. Orders for engraved yearbooks will only be taken until Dec. 5. Questions? E-mail Ms. Miller at lmiller@fcps1.org.
The deadline for senior baby tributes for the 2009 yearbook is fast approaching. To purchase space for a baby tribute, contact the yearbook office ASAP. The last day that senior baby tributes may be turned in is Nov. 14. E-mail Lisa Miller for further information (lmiller@fcps1.org).
There are still a few damaged yearbooks left from 2008 and 2007. Cost is $40. Contact Ms. Miller to purchase one.
Patriot Press news: Congratulations to the newly appointed Patriot Press newspaper editors: editor-in-chief, Emily Campbell; assistant editor-in-chief, Sam Holmes; news and viewpoints editors, Claire Long and Christina Smith; features editor, Stephanie Embrey; sports editor, Cortez Carter; and entertainment editor, Stephen Klier.
More yearbook news: Congratulations to the Liberty High School Yearbook staff for two recent awards (for the 2008 yearbook). They won a second-[lace award from the National Student Press Association with high scores in theme/concept development, photography, and coverage.
An overall ranking of "Excellent" came from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association with "superior" ratings in reader services and student life. Additionally, the yearbook was given "excellent" ratings in academics, advertising, clubs, people, sports, and special touches.
Yearbook Editors responsible for these honors include Garlyn Bell, Ashley Weeks, Kaitlin Egli, Dana McAnallen, Kelly Clark, and Heather Crist.
PSAT: On Wednesday, Oct. 15, all 10th graders will take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. The cost for this test will be paid by the school division.
Some 11th-grade students have registered to take the PSAT a second time at their own expense; they will take the PSAT on Oct. 15 as well.
All students taking the PSAT should report to school at the regular time and go to their designated testing site. Buses will run on a normal schedule for these students.
Students in 9th, 11th, and 12th grades not taking the PSAT will report to school between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m. Buses will make a second run to pick up these students at the later time. These students will go to their third-block classes.
Students being tested should read the PSAT Bulletin they have already received and bring a graphing (preferred) or four function calculator and two #2 pencils for the test.
This is a school day for all students and attendance will be taken.
Foxcroft
What is a typical day at Foxcroft School really like? Prospective day and boarding students can see for themselves at one of four upcoming Admission Day Festivals being hosted by the Middleburg girls preparatory school.
The first festival is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13, and space is filling up quickly.
Foxcroft opened this school year fully enrolled, with 185 students, only 24 percent of them day students, and looks forward to another active year hosting prospective families.
Foxcroft's Admission Festivals give students and parents a thorough opportunity to explore the School. Each visiting girl is paired with a student hostess, with whom she attends classes, Morning Meeting and meals. The visitors also get an opportunity to ask questions at a no-adults-allowed student panel. Parents attend Morning Meeting, a separate panel with Foxcroft students and classes. Tours of the campus and interviews are scheduled for both student and parents. A stable visit is available for those interested in Foxcroft's outstanding riding program.
In addition to Oct. 13,Foxcroft's Admission Office will hold festivals on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Monday, Dec. 8, and Friday, Jan. 23. Families are also welcome to schedule visits at other times. Please call (540) 687-4340 or visit www.foxcroft.org for more information.
Founded in 1914, Foxcroft is a college-preparatory boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12. The 2008-09 student body is comprised of 185 girls from 22 states, 12 countries and the District of Columbia. It offers more than 90 courses, including 17 Advanced Placement classes, 11 interscholastic sports and a championship riding program. Its most recent graduating class of 42 girls was offered 125 acceptances to 86 different colleges and universities, including Duke, Johns Hopkins, Michigan, Middlebury, Southern Cal, Swarthmore, Virginia and the College of William and Mary.
Highland
Highland will be part of a private school fair from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Wakefield School. Nearly 90 boarding and PK-12 day schools will be represented at the event. In addition to the opportunity to speak individually with admissions representatives, families will also have the chance to hear a presentation by a nationally recognized speaker on affordability. The event is free and open to the public.
The next boosters meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the lobby of the Center for the Arts.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will host its annual Light the Night walk from the pavilion in Old Town Manassas. Since 2004, Highland has participated in this event in honor of one of our own, junior Heather Latham, who has and is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This year, Heather and the Highland team, Hawks for Heather, have been given the honor of leading the walk.
There will be a school-wide dress-down day on Friday, Oct. 3, to support the team's fundraising goal. Students who wish to support the cause should submit their donation (suggested minimum of $3) to their homeroom teacher or advisory that morning.
Last year, more than 45 members of the Highland community participated in the walk. This year, we would like to double our participation. Upper School students may sign up with Alex St. Clair. Middle School students may sign up with Jackie St. Clair. Lower School students and other members of the Highland community may contact Mrs. Catalfamo or register and join the team online at www.lightthenight.org.
Though not required, all registered team members are asked to consider raising a minimum of $25 to cover the administrative costs to the society.
A bus will depart from Highland at 4:30 p.m. and return at approximately 9:30 p.m. Middle and Lower School students who ride the bus must be accompanied by a parent or Upper School sibling. Team members may also rendezvous at the Pavilion. Food and festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the walk commences at 7 p.m. Many thanks to the St. Clair family for spearheading Highland's participation in this event.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Catalfamo at mcatalfamo@highlandschool.org.
Mrs. Boyce's PK class is collecting pink Yoplait yogurt lids again this year. Yoplait will donate 10 cents per lid to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight breast cancer. To help, please send the lids in, marked to the attention of Mrs. Boyce. The labels will be counted and mailed right before the winter break.
Drum lessons are now available to Highland students after school in the Center for the Arts. The lessons are offered by Rocky Cancelose, who brings more than 15 years of teaching and percussion experience. For more information, call (540) 222-6613 or e-mail rockdrum101@aol.com.
St. John the Evangelist
Thursday, Oct. 2, is a Dress Down Day.
Oktoberfest will be 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Join them for good food and great fun. School dismissal will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3.
There will be a Principal's Coffee on Wednesday, Oct. 15. All are welcome.
Trunk or Treat will be held at St. John's School on Thursday, Oct. 23. Join them for pizza, fun, and treats.
Confirmation will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27.