Rachel Carson Student Services
Quarterly Newsletter: Quarter 2 November 2022
Greetings from your School Counselors
Hello Panthers! Happy Fall!
We are officially in the second quarter of the school year! You made it through the first quarter with perseverance and optimism as you navigated being a middle schooler. We are proud of your hard work and dedication, and we have enjoyed meeting you through our monthly counseling lessons and/or individually.
This new quarter is a fresh start for all of you to put forth your best effort all around---with your academics, friendships, and personal goals. Please continue to focus and do all your work in all your classes and consider the subjects/areas where you need to improve. As a reminder, please check your SIS account regularly so that you are aware of your progress. Parents can also help their children by checking their ParentVue and helping him/her to develop good study habits.
We conducted a lesson on executive functioning skills in October and here are some reminder tips to help you improve in your classes: ask questions in class, check Schoology, utilize panther time for extra help, and keep your materials organized.
UPCOMING PARENT COFFEE
We are excited to announce that Rachel Bailey, former ADHD coach, intensive in-home mentor, and psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults, will be presenting virtually to Rachel Carson families at our next Parent Coffee on Wednesday, November 30th from 9:00-10:00 AM. Thank you for providing feedback on the specific topic for this presentation!
Please join us to learn more about “How to Raise Children With Healthy Self-Esteem in a High-Pressure Culture.” These days, children are expected to be good at everything. Often that type of pressure makes kids feel "not good enough," especially when they look around and compare themselves to others. In this workshop, you'll learn exactly what to DO and SAY so that children believe in themselves -- and thrive -- even in a culture where high-pressure standards sometimes seem unattainable.
To register for the Zoom link, click here.
We hope to see you virtually!
Parent Coffee Schedule - SAVE THE DATES:
-Guest speaker, Zaina Bankwalla, Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College: March 9th, 9-10AM
-Rising 7th Grade- Transition to Middle School: April 13th, 9-10AM
Panthers Stay on Track
Check out these tips for students to stay on the right track this school year:
Student Services Highlights
Panther Pals
Who are Panther Pals and what do they do?
Who?
A Panther Pal is an important member of our community!
A Pal is a Carson student who helps new students on their first day(s) at Carson.
What do they do?
Take new students on a tour of the building;
Show new students to their classes;
Introduce new students to important staff members;
Have lunch with new students for the first week;
Help during open houses and rising 7th grade orientation;
Support new student get togethers.
Why be a Panther Pal?
You can help new students feel comfortable, welcomed and supported!
You will contribute to a positive school environment!
You can build your leadership skills!
Thank you to our sponsors: Mrs. Chustz and Mrs. Schires
Looking Ahead
November:
· Counselors will be conducting lessons on FCPS’ Student Learning Plan found in the web-based K-12 college and career readiness program called Naviance.
December:
· Counselors will cover a Panther Time lesson on Peer Relationships----what makes someone a good or toxic friend----and how issues with peers can cause students some stress, and ways to handle it.
· Counselors will be visiting with the feeder Elementary schools to introduce themselves and discuss the course selections with the rising 7th graders.
January:
· Counselors will be hosting the feeder High Schools at Carson and will be extra busy meeting with both the 7th and 8th graders to discuss their course selection for next school year.
· The student services department will also host a curriculum night for rising 7th-grade students on January 12th.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that FCPS has partnered with Tutor.com so students may access assistance on their schoolwork 24/7? Learn “How It Works” and how to get started by exploring the FCPS Website! Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!
Parent Webinars
FCPS offers a variety of free webinars. Check our past and upcoming webinars here. In the month of December, webinars topics include:
Meet the Author Series: The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers: The Secret to Loving Teens Effectively by Dr. Gary Chapman
December 2, 2022 10-11:00 a.m.
Socially, mentally, and spiritually, teenagers face a variety of pressures and stressors each day. Despite these pressures, it is still families who can influence teens the most, and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers equips parents to make the most of that opportunity.
Join Dr. Chapman as he shares his insights and thoughts about loving our teens.
Parent Resources
Free Parent Information
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.
Additionally, view this graphic for a quick view of available telephone numbers for translation: Translation Services
SIS ParentVue Weekly Progress Reports
Are you interested in receiving weekly progress reports to stay informed about how your child is doing in their classes? Find out more and sign up HERE.
Screen Activity Report for Parents
What is it?
Parents can submit a request for a weekly email report with a summary of their child’s FCPS device Internet activity.
How can parents get access?
Parents can simply submit a request on the Tech Support for Families page https://www.fcps.edu/return-school/technology-support-families
What will parents need to provide?
Before submitting a request, parents/guardians will need the enrolling parent email address on-file in our Student Information System, as well as the Student ID for their child.
How can parents learn more about what is available?
For more information about the report and additional features available to parents, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Report information page https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/lightspeed-parent-reports
FCPS Parent Resource Center
FCPS offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. We provide access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Click here for more information
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Email is the best way to reach contact us, but if you would like to schedule a meeting with us, please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate your needs during school office hours (7am-2:30pm). Please allow 24 hours for a response to your email or phone message.