The Puma Paw
A Pinebrook community information source
January 27, 2023
Hello Puma Families,
LCPS is building upon the last few years' work to aim at the 2027 strategic plan for LCPS. Features of the new plan include familiar concepts of deeper learning and an emphasis on equity. Reframed and updated concepts in the strategic plan involve empowering students, providing holistic support for students, and engaging the community. -Elements we work toward daily, let me emphasize, every day at Pinebook.
Here are the strategic goals of LCPS and its core values.
For more information regarding the LCPS strategic plan, click here for a detailed PDF or a video.
"Paw-erful Points"
- Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 is an A Week
- Jan. 31 - Virginia SOL Growth Assessment for students in grades 3 - 5. And, Report Cards available for parents
- Feb. 2 - Family Literacy Night! Join us 5:30 - 7:00 PM! See flyer!
- Feb. 3 - PNB Spirit Day - Wear puma gear or house color!
- Feb. 6 - 8 - COGAT Test for Grade 2 Students
- Feb. 8 - 5th Grade Handprint Day! And, Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! -wish our crossing guard a word of appreciation!
- Feb. 10 - Someone Special Dance! More info to come!
- Feb. 13 - 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Week!
- Mr. Thiessen will be away from school from Jan. 25 - Feb. 6 to handle a family matter at home. Assistant Principal Boyd, Dean Ms. Donaldson, and the Main Office staff will be happy to assist you with anything you need. Thank you!
- Kiss - N - Ride reminder! First, my kiss-n-ride reminder is not to use the kiss-n-ride. But if it's unavoidable, please be sure to have your child dismiss the car when stopped on the sidewalk. Lately, some parents have released students when the car is closer to the school entrance door. While we understand the preference, please know that waiting delays the line comprehensively - thus making it slower overall. A quicker process helps as many students arrive at school on time. Please allow your child to be released when they are on the sidewalk or prompted by staff. Thank you!
- Bus Riding Kindergarten Families - Reminder to bring the bus tags to the bus stop to accept bus-riding students. Thank you!
Pumas That Pounce!
We want to give a shout-out to Reading Specialist Hillary Hennessy. She's been down a teammate for the last few months and has carried the work of two with a smile, hard work, efficient thinking, and pure grit. Appreciate the commitment to our students, Mrs. Hennessy. We are happy to have you as a Puma!
To Purchase Tickets for the quilt please email denise.higgins@lcps.org. Thanks!
Attention Riding 6th Grade Parents!
Miss the Rising 6th Grade parent Tuesday Talk? Click here to check it out!
Friday Spirit Week!
We're bringing back Friday Spirit Day! Each Friday, have your child wear their PNB Spiritwear or house colors!
School Colors - navy blue, maroon, white
House colors:
- Yukon - yellow
- Yosemite - red
- Patagonia - purple
- Sonoran - orange
- Everglades - green
- Andes - blue
*For many students, they might know their color ... we might not have locked up the specific house names yet.
PNB Represented in Ethics In Leadership Day
Mrs. Higgins, Puma's librarian, also serves as Grant Chair for Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK). ADK is a professional organization for woman educators with a focus on supporting the teaching profession in promoting innovative learning.
She was proud to participate in one of this year's grant recipient events, Stonebridge High School's Ethics and Leadership Day, a day-long exploration of ethical scenarios for 210+ students at the National Conference Center.
During the event, Mrs. Higgins encouraged and facilitated interesting conversations for three different scenarios: a mock trial involving an unlicensed driver involved in a fatal accident, a hazing incident about a student who died just three weeks after arriving on his college campus and a third scenario about the ethics of cheating.
It was a powerful day filled with robust conversations, active listening, and the opportunity to ponder ethical dilemmas in a safe and supportive learning environment.
PTA Updates!
PTA Virtual Bingo is Back Baby!
Mark your calendars - Virtual Bingo is BACK! Join the Pinebrook PTA on Friday February 24 from 6:00-7:30 PM for tons of Bingo fun and games. We have 25 amazing prizes to give away to our winners (sneak peeks coming soon!)
Don't forget to purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win a bluetooth hoverboard!
Bingo cards are sold in sets of 3. Cards and raffle tickets can be purchased at https://pinebrook-elementary-school-pta.square.site/
Those who purchase bingo cards will receive zoom information, game instructions, and bingo cards via email the week of the event.
See you there!
LCPS United for Wellness, annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 28 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 for One LCPS United for Wellness, the annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference. This year's conference will be held at Lightridge High School (41025 Collaboration Dr, Aldie, VA) and will spotlight 30 speakers, providing strategies promoting youth mental health and wellness.
The focus of this year's conference is on wellness and will feature approaches such as learning about music mediation, interrupting the stress cycle, and building the teen toolkit with yoga and breathing exercises. Other topics include coping with anxiety, mindful parenting, positive relationships with food, and navigating mental health insurance challenges.The conference will also include a vendor fair featuring area businesses that support mental health and wellness. There will also be a raffle giving away great prizes. Refreshments will be provided. Please plan to join us!
Parent Resources To Know
See the flyer below for SchoolCash Online! Field trip fees, scholastic orders, and other school payments will now use SchoolCash for transactions. Please sign up today!
School Information
Specialist Content Google Site
Remember, when you come to school...
- When you come to school, it's essential to be in the habit of three things:
- Make an appointment
- Have your ID;
- Have your phone, especially if you are tardy, picking up, or returning a child to school, as we use an electronic form to record the child's return. You will access the form via a QR code scanned by your phone.
Pinebrook Elementary - "Every Teacher for Every Child ... Everyday"
Website: https://www.lcps.org/pinebrook
Location: 25480 Mindful Court, Aldie, VA, USA
Phone: 703-957-4325
2023 All Rights Reserved – Loudoun County Public Schools