The Rosa Lee Carter Register · (classes resume January 5th) ... Our students may choose to participate in the 2015 International Aviation Art ontest. The artists are to create a

The Rosa Lee Carter Register

December 2014

43330 Loudoun Reserve Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Phone: 703-957-4490 Attendance Line: 703 957-4491

http://www.lcps.org/carter

December Calendar

● 12/12 Winter Festival

● 12/16 Spirit Night/

Dining for Dollars

● 12/18 Winter Choral

Concert

● 12/22-1/2 Winter

Break - No School

(classes resume

January 5th)

● Web Calendar

From the Principal’s Pen

Parents,

It is amazing how quickly this school year is passing by! Before a blink of an eye we will soon be

approaching 2015! Before I highlight December’s activities, I would like to thank our teaching

staff for a fabulous American Education Week. We had close to 700 parents visit our classrooms

for this special occasion, and it was a perfect opportunity for our community to see their children

in action!

Also, our Watch D.O.G.S Dad’s program is in full swing. We had such an outpouring of requests

that we needed to bring two dads on board every Friday morning. Our fathers have become an

integral part of our school’s Friday sessions. The feedback I am receiving from our Dads not only

confirms my thoughts of the exemplary instructional practices at Rosa Lee Carter but also gives

me a pulse of the needs of our community.

I want to thank Mrs. Homer, our school Technology Resource Teacher, for giving a detailed ac-

count of our present level of technology initiatives and device inventory at our last PTO General

Meeting. Due to the PTO’s generosity, we were able to purchase 14 Chrome books which are

soon to be in circulation. We see technology as a tool for supplying high engaged lessons and

project-based activities. Acquiring additional devices helps tremendously when meeting the

needs of our students and their instructional day. Our PTO continues to amaze me with their

unwavering support of staff and students.

I ask that you continue bringing in items for our Winter Clothing Drive. Mrs. Simran Kaur is active-

ly taking coats, hats, gloves and other items to families in our community that are in need of

warm clothing. Please take this as an opportunity to teach your children about the gift of giving.

Instilling traits of kindness and compassion will last a life time.

Lastly, this month we will be having our annual Winter Festival. It will be held the evening of De-

cember 12th in our school gym and cafeteria. I ask that you visit our PTO website to place your

dinner order. It should be a fun filled evening for our families. I look forward to seeing everyone

there.

Parents, I ask that you have a restful winter break and spend precious

time with your friends and family. January is just around the corner.

Regards,

Mrs. Ann Y. Hines


http://www.lcps.org/Page/61292




The Rosa Lee Carter Register December 2014

Web Page

Please be sure to visit our school

web page. You can access im-

portant school information

through our web page. Supply

lists, traffic flow guidelines, up-

coming activities and a monthly

lunch menu can

be found on our

website.

Absentee Phone Line If your child is absent for

any reason, please make sure to call the Rosa Lee Carter Absentee Phone Line, (703) 957-4491. If possible, please call before 7:30 am. Also, please call the absentee number if your child will be tardy that day to prevent a phone call having to be made home. The ab-sentee phone line is available for your use 24 hours a day, everyday.

CogAT Testing Dear Parent/Guardian:

During the period from February 2nd through February 20th, second grade students in Loudoun County Public Schools will take the online Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), Form 7, Level 8. The CogAT measures general and specific cognitive skills that allow a student to learn new tasks or solve problems in the ab-sence of direct instruction. Students’ reasoning abilities are measured by three different batteries, or groups of test items: the Verbal Battery, the Quantitative Battery, and the Non-Verbal Battery. Each battery is comprised of three subtests. Students will complete all nine subtests, three per day, on three consecutive school days. The daily test administration period is untimed, however each day’s admin-istration period should not exceed 90 minutes.

Because students cannot prepare for the CogAT, they will have the opportunity to become familiar with test items through practice activities. Students will become familiar with the online testing environ-ment via practice questions administered before the first subtest.

Score reports will be sent home to parents/guardians no later than April 10th.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.


http://www.lcps.org/Page/61291





With the first marking period finished, we are gearing up for new projects!

Rosa Lee Carter artists have been invited to show their work

internationally. Our students may choose to participate in the 2015

International Aviation Art Contest. The artists are to create a poster for the

FAI World Games Dubai 2015. The deadline is January 23, 2015 so that the

work may be judged on the state level first. The Virginia State level winners

will be notified by the end of February. Ms. Hassinger and Miss Savarese have

a detailed brochure for all interested students. This is such a great

opportunity! Please encourage your student to create a poster!

Fifth graders have finished their yearbook covers, and the staff voting will begin. Fourth graders are

beginning their ugly face jugs along with the quilt/history project. Meanwhile, third graders are learning

how to draw fantasy creatures like dragons. Soon they will be starting the coil pots. Second graders are

finishing up the Monarch butterfly unit, and first grade artists are working on parrots.

As always, if you have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact either Ms. Hassinger or Miss

Savarrese!

The Artist’s Brush

Please join us for our

Thursday, December 18th

at 7 p.m.






For the month of December in physical education class, the students will begin working on underhand striking, tossing and catching with a short handed implement, and fitness will continue to be addressed in every unit. First and 2nd grade will begin games and activities that incorporate the skill of underhand striking and 3rd-5th will begin a volleyball unit. The underhand striking unit will be followed up by the game called 4 square, which every grade level will be moving into with some modifications for 1st and 2nd grade. All grade levels will then get into our scoops unit which integrates tossing and catching with a short handed implement into games and activities.

Physical Education at RLC

In December in music, fourth and fifth grade will need

to order recorders. Most of our fifth graders should

have one from last year but are welcome to order

again if needed. Information about this will be sent

home to both grades. Fifth grade will also be

auditioning for All-County Chorus this month and only

four students will be selected. Mrs. Hardy and Mrs.

Stetz are very excited to hear our wonderful singers.

Only the students who returned the form will be

allowed to audition. A reminder that December 18th at

7 PM is our chorus concert and we hope to see many

of our coyotes at the concert! Have a

wonderful holiday!

Sing-cerely,

Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Stetz

Music

Counselor’s Corner

Although this time of year can be filled with many fun events, it can also be stressful and it’s even more important to practice

good self-care. The following ten tips may help you manage your stress during this busy season:

1. Exercise everyday

2. Get enough sleep

3. Eat healthy foods

4. Talk about your problems

5. Keep a journal

6. Break large tasks into small steps

7. Practice taking slow, deep breaths

8. Avoid negative people

9. Don’t over commit

10. Think happy thoughts

Guidance






We are very fortunate to have wonderful public libraries in our area. The Ashburn and Gum Spring Li-

braries offer many programs for children. Here are just a few upcoming programs. Click here to ac-

cess the public library program brochure to see all of the exciting programs your child can attend.

LEGO® Builders

Ashburn Library

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 4:00 pm

Build a themed creation with LEGO® bricks.

December: Snowscapes and Ornaments For Grades 3-5.

Open Door Sensory Storytime

Gum Spring Library

Saturday, Dec. 13, 3:00 pm

Registration required, begins Nov 29.

Sensory Storytime is an interactive and educational program that can be enjoyed by all children, but is

especially designed for children with sensory integration challenges. It combines books, songs, move-

ment, and therapeutic activities to stimulate all five senses and promote learning. If your child has

difficulty sitting through one of the library’s other storytimes, this inclusive program of stories, songs

and activities may be just what you are looking for!

For Preschool & up with a parent or caregiver.

123 Math & Science

Gum Spring Library

Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:00 pm

Registration required, begins Dec 4.

December: Structural Engineering -- Learn about structural engineering, view some famous structures,

and take part in a structural building challenge.

For grades 3-5.

Library


http://library.loudoun.gov/Portals/0/Images/Pages/

http://library.loudoun.gov/Portals/0/Images/Pages/




The Rosa Lee Carter Register December 2014 Technology News






The festival will include a family dinner, snowflake shop for the chil-dren, free magic show, and our popular silent auction. We will have a variety of items to bid on at the auction, such as autographed sports memorabilia, an American Girl doll, passes to local attractions and re-sorts, tour of the Virginia wine country, and much more. Advanced reservations/payments are required for dinner, and can be done through the PTO website. The cost for dinner is $12 for adults and $8 for children, which includes a buffet dinner catered by Chin Chin Cafe. Please note that you will not be able to pay for dinner at the door.

Mark Your Calendars for the

PTO Sponsored Winter Festival

Friday, December 12th

5-8 p.m.


http://www.lcps.org/domain/9582





The Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) works with the school board, administrators,

parents and teachers who are responsible for students receiving special education services.

When Are SEAC Meetings? Meetings are held monthly during the school year from 7pm to 9pm at the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Administrative Offices, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148. The meetings include a presentation on a special education topic of interest to parents, staff and edu-cators. Please check the website at www.lcps.org, click “Parents”, then select “Special Education Advisory Committee” to view the current meeting and presentation schedule.

The remaining 2014-2015 SEAC Meeting Dates Are: December 3, 2014 – Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams – Welcome to LCPS and Perspective on Special Education

January 7, 2015 – Parent Special Education Support Panel (Harmony Middle School)

Special Education Advisory Committee News

Talking Points from the November 5th 2014 SEAC Meeting

The November 5th meeting presentation featured Jodi Folta, SEAC Chair and included an overview of the SEAC Annual Report presented to

the LCPS School Board. The main function of SEAC as specified in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs For Students With

Disabilities in Virginia is to advise the local school division of the needs in education for students with disabilities. The top needs identified

in the report are:

Consistency in Programs and Services - Provide clear, consistent and understood practices and policies to ensure that students are re-

ceiving services that are available and appropriate;

Quality Inclusion – Providing an inclusive educational experience as it applies to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and in its appli-

cation to teaching practices and school culture;

Transition – Continue efforts to provide effective planning and preparation for students graduating to the next level with meaningful

Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and ultimately prepare students with disabilities to lead productive and independent adult lives.

Inclusive Schools Week is December 1-5, 2014 – This year’s theme is “Inclusive Education: One School Community” SEAC has distributed plan-

ning ideas to school administrators for consideration. The Office of Special Education will provide posters and materials to all schools again

this year. Great ideas are also available at www.inclusiveschools.org Please feel free to share your school’s plans and/or activities with SEAC

by emailing [email protected]

PTA Reflections Art Program – SEAC is asking school PTA/PTO to include information and links about the Special Artists Program available at

www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html to ensure inclusivity of students with disabilities in the Reflections Art Program.

Bullying of Students with Disabilities – In response to an increasing number of complaints and the troubling trend of bullying involving stu-

dents with disabilities, federal officials again on October 21st reminded the nation’s schools of their responsibilities to ensure that students

with disabilities are not subjected to bullying. Educators are obligated under federal law to step in immediately when bullying of students

with disabilities is suspected and act to halt attacks and prevent any recurrence. The Department of Education (DOE) has also provided a Par-

ent Fact Sheet on what is required available at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-factsheet-bullying-201410.pdf

Parents are encouraged to reach out to the Parent Resource Center at www.lcps.org/prc to learn about upcoming programs and workshops

of interest to the disability community and to seek information about LCPS special education programs and services. This is a wonderful par-

ent resource and parents are urged to utilize the PRC.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014 at 7pm in room 100B of the LCPS Administration Building in Ashburn,

Virginia. Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams will be our guest speaker and will provide his perspective on special education.

To stay up to date: LIKE us on Facebook.com/loudounseac, visit our website at www.lcps.org/seac and sign up for our email subscriptions at http://eepurl.com/3q9TL.


http://www.lcps.org

http://www.inclusiveschools.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.vapta.org/arts-in-education/reflections.html

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-factsheet-bullying-201410.pdf

http://www.lcps.org/prc

http://www.lcps.org/seac

http://eepurl.com/3q9TL





Remaining 2014-2015 SEAC Meeting Dates (continued):

February 4, 2015 – Inclusive Education Practices in LCPS (Part 2) March 4, 2015 – Special Education Administration and Support Staff: Who is Who?

April 8, 2015 – Incorporating Technology for Students and the Classroom May 6, 2015 – Discipline: Local and State Changes

Who May Attend SEAC Meetings?

All meetings are open to the public. SEAC welcomes anyone interested in special education. There is a designated time for public comment during the meeting. This is an opportunity to share successful educational experiences and express general concerns regarding educational issues for students with disabilities.

What Are The Functions of SEAC And What Do We Do? Advise LCPS of the needs in the education of students with disabilities

Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of students with disabili-ties

Submit periodic reports and recommendations to the superintendent for communication to the school board

Assist LCPS in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of students with disabilities for educational services

Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services prior to submission to the school board and the Virginia Department of Education

Participate in the review of the school division’s annual plan

Informative presentations for parents and educators at the monthly meetings

Provide helpful and timely information via the SEAC website and Facebook page www.facebook.com/loudounseac . The web page is located at www.lcps.org click “Parents” then select “Special Education Advisory Committee”

Recognition in Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards Program

Invites each school to appoint a SEAC PTA/PTO Representative

Host a bi-annual Town Hall Meeting to receive input from parents and caregivers, which assists SEAC to assess the needs of LCPS students with disabilities. The next Town Hall will be held in the Spring of 2015.

How Can SEAC Help You? SEAC helps you understand how to work with the school division and how special education can meet the needs of your child. By attending meetings, you:

Receive information to assist you to become an educational partner in your child’s educational process

Can network with other parents of students with disabilities and educational professionals to gain information and support

Offer input to help inform the policy and program decisions in the continuous improvement of exceptional educa-tion services in Loudoun County

Rosa Lee Carter SEAC PTO Representative

Diane Gibbs [email protected] Diane Gibbs will attend monthly SEAC meetings and RLC PTO meetings to provide a summary of previous SEAC meetings and upcoming topics and events.

For more information, please visit the Loudoun County Public Schools Website.


http://www.facebook.com/loudounseac

http://www.lcps.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1513





Clinic Information Our school’s Registered Nurse is Isabelle Tracy

Clinic Hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Phone #703-957-4490

Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis caused by allergens is not contagious; however, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be easily spread from person to

person and can cause epidemics. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or of passing it on to someone else by

following some simple good hygiene steps.

If you have infectious (viral or bacterial) conjunctivitis, you can help limit its spread to other people by following these steps:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. (See CDC's Clean Hands Save

Lives! Web site for tips on proper hand washing.)

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

Wash any discharge from around the eyes several times a day using a clean washcloth, cotton balls, or tissues.

Wash hands after applying eye drops or ointment.

Do not use the same eye drop dispenser/bottle for infected and non-infected eyes—even for the same person.

Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels in hot water and detergent.

Avoid sharing articles like towels, blankets, and pillowcases.

Clean eyeglasses, being careful not to contaminate items (like towels).

Do not share eye makeup, face make-up, make-up brushes, contact lenses and containers, or eyeglasses.

Do not use swimming pools.

(continued on next page)

The Nurse’s Nook


http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/





Types of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

The Nurse’s Nook






As we head into the winter season, here are some reminders from LCPS about delayed openings and early dismissal due to inclem-

ent weather.

Two-Hour Delayed Opening – Schools and Administrative Offices will Open Two-Hours Late

All schools and administrative offices will operate on a two-hour delayed opening.

Early Closing

It may become necessary due to inclement weather or emergency to dismiss students prior to the scheduled time. Notification of the exact time of

closing will be provided to the schools, parents, media and other essential parties.

Lunch will be served in schools where it has been prepared and time for serving is available.

Extracurricular activities, interscholastic contests, team practices, and non-school activities requiring bus transportation will be canceled for

the rest of the day and evening.

Field trips will be canceled unless already departed. Recall efforts will be made by school principal or designee.

In-service programs and classes for teachers and adult education will be canceled.

All community use of facilities and grounds will be canceled.

Exceptions to any of the above not requiring bus transportation service will be at the discretion of the school principal or designee.

One-Hour Early Closing

All bus routes will operate as usual except for beginning one (1) hour earlier than the normal time.

Two-Hour Early Closing

All bus routes will operate two (2) hours earlier than the normal time with the following program adjustments/exceptions.












Documents

The Rosa Lee Carter Register · (classes resume January 5th) ... Our students may choose to participate in the 2015 International Aviation Art ontest. The artists are to create a