-Soaring Falcons-
Virtually Unstoppable! February Edition
Principal's Message
Dear Falmouth Falcon Families,
Winter has officially arrived! As temperatures continue to fluctuate, I’d like to take the time to remind you to pay close attention to the forecast. Please have your child layer his/her clothing if your child is attending FES through a hybrid model. Layering clothes enables him/her to be comfortable in all parts of our school and throughout the morning! Unfortunately, there have been numerous students arriving at school without winter wear (coats, hats, gloves, etc.). Please contact the school if you are unable to provide appropriate winter wear.
At this time, if a one-hour delay is called, elementary school students will all be virtual. Students who would normally report to school at 9 a.m. will log-in to their Google Meet at 10 a.m., which is an hour later than their normal school starting time. Students will attend virtual afternoon sessions (synchronous or asynchronous) at their usual starting time. Only those students with an IEP who access instruction as indicated in "Plan C" will come into the school buildings one hour later than their normal reporting time when a one-hour delay is called.
Stafford County Public Schools has several public notification methods in the event of changes to our school day or school closings due to weather. The school must have an accurate phone contact for you to receive the Blackboard ParentLink notifications. Please review your current phone number and email address listed in ParentVue and update the information if necessary. You may also contact the school to update your child’s contact information if you have changed your phone number and address.
Thank you again for sharing your child(ren) with us each day!
Sincerely,
Dr. JP - Dr. Sallie Johnakin-Putnam
Principal
School Holidays coming up
February 1 - Teacher Professional Day/No School
February 15 - Presidents' Day Holiday/No School
After School Clubs
Checking Out Library books
RACSB Parenting Check-in Sessions
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is hosting monthly parenting check-in sessions via Zoom. These sessions are free and open to any interested community member. The topics will vary each month to address items impacting families. Sessions are appropriate for those parenting children from birth through teens. They are interactive and will include follow-up resources.
February 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. – Kids and Vaping Do Not Mix
Complimentary family activity bags are provided after each session to those who participate (distribution is via contactless pick-up).
To register, please visit https://bit.ly/RACSBParentingCheckIn
PE News
Library Learning
The American Library Association has announced this year's award winners:
John Newbery Medal (Most Oustanding Contribution to Children's Literature)
"When You Trap a Tiger," by Tae Keller
Randolph Caldecott Medal (Most Distinguished American Picture Book for Children)
"We Are Water Protectors," illustrated by Michaela Goade and written by Carole Lindstrom
Coretta Scott King Book Awards (Recognizing an African American Author and Illustrator of Outstanding Books for Children and Young Adults)
Author Award- "Before the Ever After," by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator Award- "R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul," illustrated by Frank Morrison
Pura Belpré Awards (Honoring a Latinx Writer and Illustrator Whose Children Books Best Portray the Latino Cultural Experience)
"¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat," illustrated and written by Raúl Gonzalez
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (The Award Promotes Asian/Pacific American Culture and Heritage and is Awarded Based on Literary and Artistic Merit)
Picture Book- "Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist," written by Julie Leung, illustrated by Chris Sasaki
Children's Literature- "When You Trap a Tiger," written by Tae Keller
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (Most Distinguished Beginning Reader Book)
"See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog," written by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (Most Distinguished Informational Book for Children)
"Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera," written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Mr. Ward, Librarian
Counselors' Corner
Reading Specialists
Please click here for news from the Reading Specialists.
Here's some news on Lexia usage! Click here to view.
Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Brunson, Reading Specialists
FOCUS
Happy Winter! Our Focus students have been stretching their brains since we have been back. I am so proud of their creativity and excitement for learning! Some students have begun their Independent Study projects, while others have been researching inventions and creating their own unique toys which one day, I hope to see on store shelves! I am excited for this second semester as we dive into more problem solving, logic work, and enrichment opportunities! Thank you to the parents and families who have supported students along the way. They could not do it without you and your encouragement!
ITRT News
Hello again FES families,
As I mentioned last month, students are spending more time than ever online. We all know that internet safety is an important topic so I have included a list of 10 tips for parents:
Ask your children about what they see/do on the Internet
Turn on Parental Controls for all mobile devices and with the phone/internet provider
Check privacy settings on all social networks, and periodically check for any changes
Monitor your child’s device and monitor usage. This includes installed apps, browsing history, and text messaging recipients
Set up your own accounts on social media, and follow/friend your children
Review their friends and followers on social media
Know your children’s passwords and usernames, and periodically check for any changes
Don’t let your children know the password to their phone’s iTunes or Google Play account
Don’t allow them to keep their computers or mobile devices in their rooms at night
Don’t allow them to use anonymous texting apps or provocative social media sites
Resources:
https://www.fbi.gov/resources/parents
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Mr. Dupont, ITRT
Online Tutoring Available
Live, one-on-one online tutoring, help with homework and papers, and test prep for grades K-12 at librarypoint.org/tutor. All core subjects--math, science, English, social studies and writing, including AP. Available after school and on weekends. Watch the video for a quick overview, or click the link above to get started.
Tutor.com provides on-demand tutoring, homework help, test preparation and writing assistance for students in grades K-Adult in over 60 subjects. No appointment is necessary! You can also use their drop-off reviews, practice quizzes, video lessons, and The Princeton Review SAT/ACT Essentials for self-study, 24/7.
Breakfasts and Lunches
Submission of this form will permanently stop breakfast/or lunch/or bagged meals from being provided. If you wish to make changes once you have opted out please contact 540-654-9040
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwewaBwrOs7UC0BlN08LD9ziIs3_moTGzppL3mPrupAtfd6g/viewform
Falmouth Elementary School
Email: beasleyks@staffordschools.net
Website: https://www.staffordschools.net/Domain/11
Location: 1000 Forbes St, Falmouth, VA 22045
Phone: (540) 373-7458
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FalmouthElementarySchool/
Twitter: @schoolfalmouth