HAPPENING AT HUTCHISON

The Latest News: November 28, 2022

11/22 Message from the Principal

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Message from Ms. Aiello

Dear Hutchison Families,


Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a restful Thanksgiving, full of family and fellowship! We are so excited to see our students back at school this week. Now, we prepare for a busy countdown to Winter Break on December 16th. There will be many opportunities to support our school and our community in the upcoming weeks.

Warmly,


Sarah C. Aiello

scaiello@fcps.edu


In this update, you will find the following information:

  • December Community Calendar & Community Connection Topics
  • Family Life Education Information
  • Winter VGA Testing Schedule
  • Attendance
  • ESSER Funding Community Input (complete form)
  • Hutchison Parent Group Association (complete form)

December Community Connection Topics (9:15 In-Person OR 7:00PM Virtual)

December 5th: Local Level 4 Advanced Academic Program

December 12th--Literacy & Science of Reading

2022-23 Hutchison Community Calendar

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Dessert Celebration--Thursday, December 8th

The Hutchison Staff loves desserts!

We ask families to share their family favorites with our Hutchison Staff

on Thursday, December 8th.

Please drop off desserts and other treats in the school office.

VGA Winter Testing Schedule

Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) is a test required for students in grades 3-8. The state legislature introduced this requirement to measure student growth and progress within the school year in reading and mathematics.

The VGA will address content that was taught in the previous school year. The purpose of this fall’s VGA is to identify potential learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no “passing” or “failing” outcome for the VGA. Results will provide a starting point to measure growth and will offer information about areas of strength and areas for growth in reading and mathematics.

Students enrolled in grades 3-8 will generally take an assessment in both reading and mathematics. Here are the dates for the VGA assessments in Grades 3-6. Click to access the Parent Notification Letter.

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Tutor.com

Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on-demand, 24/7, at no cost to families. Learn more.


Staying Healthy This Flu & Cold Season

Although the community level of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is currently low, cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses are on the rise.

It continues to be important to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and stay home if you are sick. For more tips, visit our Return to School website.


2022-2023 Hutchison Parent Group Association

ESSER Funding Community Survey

Please share your input on how we can utilize additional ESSER funds to address academic and wellness needs at Hutchison Elementary School

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.

  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.

  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.

  • Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.

  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.

  • Alcohol or drug use.

  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.

  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.


If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker. Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website.


If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:

  • Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the CrisisLink hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.

  • Chat online with a specialist.

  • Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

  • Call 911.

Attendance: When Should I Keep My Child Home?

When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether the days missed are due to illness, truancy, or for any other reason, the end result for the student is the same — learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days your student misses school. Please click here for additional guidance: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/policies-regulations-and-notices/attendance-policies/attendance-when-should-i-keep-my?utm_campaign+=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Office of the Ombudsman

Did you know that FCPS has an Office of the Ombuds that is available to support you? An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. See the link above for more information about this available service. The Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

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