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The Lion’s Roar
Monday, October 21, 2024
Fall Holidays and Cultural Celebrations Take Center Stage
Last Thursday, Lane celebrated its first Cultural Awareness & Recognition Event (CARE) Night, which invited families to explore and learn about cultural holidays and traditions recognized and celebrated by FCPS during the fall. Displays and activities were dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month, Dia de los Muertos, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, and Disability History and Awareness Month. There were interactive crafts, tasty treats, and lots of music and dance. Thanks to all the families who shared their culture with us, and to all those who attended. A second CARE Night is in the works for the winter, in conjunction with Celebration of Cultures Night. Stay tuned!
"Breakfast Bites" Return with 3rd & 4th Grade Gathering
Our popular grade-level "Family Friday Breakfast Bites" resumed last week with a delicious breakfast buffet for 3rd and 4th grade families.
Fun, Fitness, and Friendship at Field Day
Classes celebrated friendship and teamwork as they worked their way through fun fitness stations during our annual Field Day last Friday.
Upcoming Events
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Continuing through Monday, 10/28 – Social-Emotional Screener (see the list of specific dates below)
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Tuesday, 10/22 & Wednesday, 10/23 – PTA Restaurant Nights at Smyrna in the Hayfield Shopping Center
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Thursday, 10/24 – Full-time Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Screening Process Parent Information Meeting, 6 p.m.
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Friday, 10/25 – “Family Friday Breakfast Bites” for 5th and 6th grade families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Sunday, 10/27 – PTA Trunk or Treat, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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Monday, 10/28 – SCA Spirit Day: “Switch Day”
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Tuesday, 10/29 – SCA Spirit Day: “Pajama Day”
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Wednesday, 10/30 – SCA Spirit Day: “Twin Day”
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Thursday, 10/31 – SCA Spirit Day: “Orange and Black Day”; End-of-Quarter 2-hour Early Release, dismissal at 2:05 p.m.
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Friday, 11/1 – Diwali Holiday, FCPS Schools and Offices CLOSED
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Monday, 11/4 & Tuesday, 11/5 – Student Holidays/Teacher Workdays, students do not report
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Friday, 11/8 – Veterans Day Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., and Classroom Visits, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (See article below for how you can participate)
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Friday, 11/8 - NEW DATE! PTA Play & Chat for Families and Students with Disabilities, 5:30 p.m., main playground
In This Issue
- Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Full-Time Screening and Timeline Parent Meeting Thursday, October 24th, 6 p.m.
- Honoring Our Lane Lion Veterans and Active Military Service Members for Veterans Day on Friday, November 8th
- Final Family Friday “Breakfast Bites” This Friday for 5th and 6th Grade Families!
- End-of-Quarter Spirit Days Coming Next Week!
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screening Continues This Week
- Student Information for Providers Outside of FCPS
- PTA News: Upcoming Restaurant Nights, Trunk or Treat, and more!
- Parent Resources: Upcoming FREE Webinars from the Family Resource Center
- Community Events & Activities: Hayfield All Night Grad Party 2025 fundraiser and Tri-M honor society Trunk or Treat, Delia's costume event,
News & Notes
Advanced Academics News: Full-Time Screening and Timeline Parent Meeting October 24th, 6 p.m.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Full-time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services begin in 3rd grade. Parents of 2nd through 6th graders who would like their child to be considered for full-time services for the 2025-2026 school year must submit a parent referral form no later than December 15th.
Lane’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Linda Simon, will host a meeting on Thursday, October 24th at 6 p.m. in person in the Lane library for parents of students in grades 2 through 6 to explain the screening process, timeline, screening file components, and parent responsibilities for Full-time AAP eligibility and placement. The meeting will be in person; there is no virtual option.
Note: The December 15th deadline applies to all eligible grade levels (2nd through 6th), including 6th graders screening for 7th grade even though middle school course selection does not take place until January/February 2025. If you want to have your child screened for services in middle school, please be sure to submit the referral by December 15th.
Honoring Our Lane Lion Veterans and Active Military Service Members for Veterans Day on Friday, November 8th
We are honored to have so many military families – currently active and veteran – in our school community. If you or other family members are active-duty, reserve, or veteran service personnel, we would like to honor you this Veterans Day by inviting you to visit our school on the morning of Friday, November 8th. (Veterans Day itself – November 11th – is an FCPS holiday, and school will be closed.) There will be two events: a military family breakfast and classroom visits where family members can share their stories of service and sacrifice.
The family breakfast will be held before school in the cafeteria from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. If your family would like to attend, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/wKamkNkd3yj7ReUq9. Be sure to tell us how many in your family will attend with you (including you).
If you would like to visit classrooms on the 8th, please sign up using one of these methods:
We will schedule you for two different classrooms, one of which will be that of the student to whom you are connected. This is to ensure that all classrooms have at least one visitor. Be sure to tell us which grade level is preferred for the second session. (If you are connected to more than one child at Lane, we will place you in those classrooms.) Classroom presentations will be about 15 to 20 minutes long.
We need your photographs!
As part of our Veterans Day celebration, we would also like to create an electronic “Gallery of Honor” slide show featuring photographs of the active-duty and veteran members of the military in our school community. Please send a photo of your military family members by Monday, November 4th to be included.
You can send a hard-copy photo in to school with your child (please be sure to label it with your child’s name and teacher’s name) or e-mail a digital copy to our parent liaison Melanie Crosby Hardy at [email protected].
Please note: These photos will be included in a video that will be featured on our school news show. The video will be housed on YouTube, however only people with the link will be able to view it. It will not be shared publicly. Please let us know if it is OK to include your family’s name with your photo in the slide show.
Thank you for participating in this very special event and thank you for your service! We hope to see you on November 8th!
Final Family Friday “Breakfast Bites” This Friday for 5th and 6th Grade!
Our new grade-level Family Friday “Breakfast Bites” events will come to a close for the fall this Friday, as we serve up some morning food and fun for 5th and 6th grade families from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the cafeteria. We just ask that each family bring a breakfast dish or item to share (muffins, donuts, casseroles, etc.). If you are a 5th or 6th grade family that would like to attend, please RSVP here and let us know what you’ll be bringing.
End-of-Quarter Spirit Days Coming Next Week!
It's hard to believe that the first grading quarter of the 2024-2025 school year, but next Thursday, October 31st, is, in fact, the last day of the quarter. To celebrate this milestone, SCA is hosting Spirit Days Monday through Thursday. (School will be closed on Friday, November 1st for the Diwali holiday.) Here is the list of themes for each day:
Monday, October 28th: Switch Day! Students dress like teachers and teachers dress like students!
Tuesday, October 29th: Pajama Day! Because, why not? Who doesn’t love a pajama day?
Wednesday, October 30th: Twin Day! Dress like a friend or a BUNCH of friends! Maybe even the whole class!
Thursday, October 31st: Black and Orange Day! Celebrate the season by wearing these colors.
We hope your child will participate!
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screening Continues This Week
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.
Here’s the schedule for screening by class:
- Tuesday, 10/22: Mr. Benzelock’s 5th grade
- Monday, 10/28: Ms. Lopes’ 4th grade
Student Information for Providers Outside of FCPS
Parents/guardians can ask teachers to complete forms or provide information to providers who are outside of FCPS. We first need the parents/guardians to complete the Consent to Exchange Confidential Student Information Form, and we will provide this form for you upon request. Once that form is complete, teachers can complete the form for the parents/guardians and will send the form directly to the provider.
Parents/guardians can always request a parent-teacher conference or a conference with the provider who is requesting the form for additional information.
PTA News
Restaurant Days at Smyrna Tuesday, October 22nd and Wednesday, October 23rd
Join the PTA for its monthly restaurant fundraiser on October 22nd and 23rd at Smyrna, a relatively new restaurant in our area that celebrates the Aegean kitchen, crafting Greek and Turkish dishes filled with the flavors of the region. Check out their menu here.
All Lane purchases from the entire day both days will help send a percentage of total back to our school. Watch Wednesday Folders for flyers (required for your purchase to count).
Lane Trunk or Treat October 27th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us on Sunday, October 27th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for our first-ever Lane Lion Trunk or Treat. It's just like trick or treating but in our school parking lot!
The PTA is excited to offer this safe and friendly event for our students, but they need your help! Please have your kids bring a bag of candy to our “candy monster” located in the bus entrance hallway, or sign up for a spot during our event from 5:30 to 7:30! You can sign up with the link here: https://signup.com/go/qjvrbQY.
Reminder: This is not a drop-off event; parental supervision is required.
Play and Chat Date Change: Friday, November 8th
Please join other Lane families and students with disabilities (visible and invisible) for an informal get-together, hosted by the Lane PTA, at the big Lane playground on Friday, November 8th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – and there will be snacks (and hopefully leftover Halloween candy).
This gathering will give children a chance to play together outside of school and caregivers a chance to connect. Although this gathering is geared towards families and students with disabilities, all are welcome! If the weather does not cooperate, the event will be rescheduled.
To gauge interest (and get a headcount for snacks), please fill out this form.
For any questions or to connect, please contact Kristyn King ([email protected]).
Parent Resources
Upcoming FREE Webinars from the Family Resource Center
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services, Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. They will:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon at the Pulley Center, 6500 Quander Rd., Alexandria, VA
Register online
SIBTEEN: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
Attention FCPS parents! From the same people who brought you Sibshops, we are excited to introduce SibTeen!
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services, SibTeen is a community-building group for middle school siblings of children with disabilities. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. SibTeen is a place where participants will feel validated and understood and can build upon their community of support. And…. there will be food!
Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 1 – 4 p.m. at the Pulley Center, 6500 Quander Rd., Alexandria, VA
Register online
5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle: A Webinar for Families
Plans go awry, your child gets disappointed or doesn’t get their way. They begin getting upset. Rational talk doesn’t work. Nothing does. Now your child is in full meltdown mode and doesn’t hold back. What do you do?
Calm Parenting Podcast founder, Kirk Martin will show you:
- How to calm kids with big emotions,
- Exactly what to say in the moment and how,
- Why intensity is critical and why to avoid eye contact,
- How to stop the cycle of shame and embarrassment.
Friday, November 8 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register online
Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Accessing an Adapted Curriculum
Join us for an information session on the K-6 language arts and literacy curriculum for students with significant cognitive disabilities who access an adapted curriculum. This will include an overview of programming available to ensure evidence-based literacy instruction for all K-6 students.
Webinar highlights:
- Virginia Literacy Act updates,
- components of evidence-based literacy instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities,
- language arts and literacy programming for students who are accessing an adapted curriculum.
Join the FCPS Office of Special Education Instruction, Adapted Curriculum Team for this important webinar.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m.
Register online
مهارات التنظيم والاداره (الوظائف التنفيذيه). Executive Functioning Skills
*presented in Arabic
اذا كنت تواجه صعوبات مع الأبناء فيما يتعلق بتنظيم الوقت وترتيب الأولويات ويتأثر بذلك أدائهم الدراسي والأنشطه اليوميه و سلوكياتهم أو اذا كنت ترغب في تنميه مهارات التنظيم والاداره لديهم فأنت مدعو لحضور
ندوه مقدمه باللغه العربيه عبر الزووم للتعرف علي مهارات الوظائف التنفيذيه ومراحل تطورها حسب كل مرحله عمريه وتأثيرها علي التعلم والسلوكيات والعلاقات الاجتماعيه بالاضافه الي كيفيه تنميتها وتحديد اي قصور لمعالجته من أجل أداء أكاديمي أفضل و مهارات سلوكيه واجتماعيه متطوره
Are your children having difficulty with organizing time and setting priorities? Does it affect their academic performance, daily activities, and behaviors? Do you want to develop their organization and management skills?
You are invited to attend a webinar presented in Arabic via Zoom to learn about executive function skills and their stages of development according to each age group. In addition, we will examine each skill’s impact on learning, behavior, and social relationships. You will learn how to develop the skills for better academic performance and advanced behavioral and social skills.
الأربعاء الثالت عشر من شهر نوفمبر (تشرين الثاني) 11/13/2024 من الساعه العاشره الي الحاديه عشر ونصف صباحا
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register online
Teen Series: Building Resilience: Helping Teens Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Intelligence
Join us for a series of insightful sessions focusing on the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of teen development. Learn strategies to support resilience, mental health, and healthy boundaries, fostering a nurturing environment for adolescents to thrive.
Webinar highlights:
- Learn resilience-building techniques,
- Develop emotional intelligence,
- Strengthen support networks.
Friday, November 15, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register online
Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair
This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS.
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When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
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Where: Fairfax High School Cafeteria, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Enter through Door 1)
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What: Exhibitor Fair
Learn about supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more! Interpretation will be provided using Microsoft Translator on supported devices. (A staffed help table will be available for participants.)
Register online
Starting The Conversation About Drugs: A Webinar for Families
Drugs and drug prevention have become increasingly important topics in recent years.
Are you unsure about how to approach the topic of drugs with your child? Join us to learn how to navigate this importance discussion with confidence and ease!
Presented by Beth Mohaupt, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, webinar highlights include:
- Tips to start the conversation about drugs, as early as 4 years old,
- Practical advice and real-world examples,
- Strategies to prevent drug abuse.
Friday, November 22, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Register online
Community Events & Activities
Hayfield Secondary's Class of 2025 All-Night Grad Party Needs Your Help!
For several years now, the All Night Grad Party (ANGP) has offered Hayfield's graduating seniors a FUN and SAFE drug/alcohol/smoke-free event to acknowledge their recent milestone and to give them one last opportunity to celebrate together with their classmates. The 2025 ANGP will be held again at The St. James in Springfield, VA, and there are tons of fun things planned for the graduates!
To help make this happen, the ANGP committee, along with the seniors and their parents, plans many fundraising opportunities throughout the year. You may have supported them in the past by visiting their annual craft fair in the spring. If so, thank you, and please note that there will be another one in spring 2025!
One of the committee’s biggest fundraising events this year is the Double Good Popcorn sale! This event lasts only four days, and it is all online! Best of all, the ANGP gets 50% of ALL SALES! This year's goal is to sell over $50,000 of popcorn! The sale will run from 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 17th to 9 p.m. TONIGHT, Monday, October 21st!
There are two ways YOU can help our graduating seniors:
- Connect with a Hayfield senior in your neighborhood and buy your popcorn directly from their personal store. Each student has their own link.
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If you don't know a senior, you can purchase your popcorn from the ANGP store link: https://popup.doublegood.com/s/l0qoc822,
If popcorn isn't your thing but you still want to support the 2025 ANGP, visit the committee store link to offer a donation: https://hayfield-senior-celebration.square.site/
Thank you in advance for your support!
The Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) Committee is sponsored by our PTSA, a 501(c)(3), and is supported by the state of Virginia & Fairfax County Public Schools.
Hayfield Tri-M Music Honor Society Trunk or Treat, Monday, October 28th, 5 to 8 p.m.
Hayfield Secondary's Tri-M Music Honor Society invites all elementary students to participate in its Trunk or Treat event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 28th in Hayfield's Senior Parking Lot in the front of the school. They’ll have candy and showcases from members of the Honor Society, so younger students can see their older peers playing instruments! All are welcome!
Halloween Costume Event at Delia's in Springfield, October 29th
Join the seasonal spirited fun at Delia's in Springfield – a regular PTA Restaurant Night sponsor – on Tuesday, October 29th at 5 p.m. for a costume contest! Admission is $10 for kids under 10 and $20 for adults, and it includes food and drinks (pizza and pasta).
Costumes will be judged by a panel of judges, and three exciting winners will be announced! The top prize is a special Delia’s mystery prize for first place, so get creative with your costumes and join the fun!
Delia’s Springfield is located at 6715 F Backlick Rd.
7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 703.924.7700
Attendance: 703.924.7777 | Web | Twitter
