Chris Yung Elementary
Full STEAM Ahead
March 2019
Principal: Kathy Notyce
Assistant Principal: Ann Quattrone
Mission: Working collaboratively to achieve success.
Vision: A World Class school committed to excellence.
Principal's Message
I am excited to welcome March and look forward to the arrival of Spring in a few weeks! The longer hours of daylight and the warmer days will be a wonderful change from the cold temperatures.
Please join me in sharing my appreciation to the PTO Board and families for supporting the various fundraisers this school year. The PTO’s goal this year was to raise enough money to purchase a Rock Climbing Wall for our school. I am extremely happy to announce that as a result of the funds earned during events such as Box Tops, Chuck E. Cheese, Chick-fil-A, School Spirit Wear, etc. and the very generous donations from parents, we have the $11,500 dollars needed to purchase the wall. This has been an ongoing project that the PTO committee has been working towards since last school year. Our students are looking forward to enjoying the Rock Climbing Wall. The wall will be installed in the auxiliary gym in approximately four weeks. It will allow students to increase their physical fitness, build self-esteem and courage, learn and experience trust and responsibility, etc. all while having fun.
The PTO committee has planned the following events for the month: March 8: BINGO Night @ 6:00, March 11: Cold Stone Creamery @ 5:00-8:00, March 25: Chuck E. Cheese @ 3:00-9:00. These are excellent opportunities to come out and meet other families and allow children to socialize with their friends. Thank you for your support towards making our programs and fundraisers a success. The PTO continues to seek ways to support our students and our school programs. If you have ideas or recommendations, please contact the committee on Facebook @Chris Yung Elementary PTO.
It was great to see so many third, fourth and fifth-grade parents at the recent Parent SOL Nights. These were excellent opportunities to become familiar with the upcoming assessments that your child will be taking in the Spring. Teachers shared updated information from the Virginia Department of Education and viewed websites that you can use at home to help prepare your child to be successful on the tests. The SOL Testing Calendar was also distributed at the meetings. Please note the days that your child will be testing and avoid scheduling appointments on those days. You are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher if you were unable to attend the meetings so that you can get copies of the information.
We’re now in the last semester of the school year so it is extremely important that you communicate often with teachers to discuss your child’s progress, share information, and plan strategies to help them do their very best. Parents and teachers can be an exceptionally effective teams when they communicate and work together to support the learning process. Teachers are always willing to hold conferences and will be flexible to accommodate your schedule.
We value your input and look forward to working together to have a successful remainder of the school year. If you have questions or need support, please call the school at 571.598.3500.
Access Control Entry System
Thank you for your support and compliance with this initiative.
Mark Your Calendar!
Mar. 4: Dr. Seuss’ Week
Mar. 8: BINGO Night @ 6:30
Mar. 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins
Mar. 14: Health & Wellness Family Night @ 6:00
Mar. 19: Tornado Drill Preparedness Day
PTO Meeting @ 6:30 & Advisory Council Meeting @ 7:00
Mar. 20: Spring Picture Day (changed from March 14)
Mar. 20 Gainesville Middle School 6th Grade Information Night @6:00
Mar. 21: 3rd Grade Concert @ 6:30
Mar. 22: All Pro Dads Meeting @ 8:00
Multicultural Family Night @ 6:30
Mar. 25: Spring Book Fair Week Begins
Mar. 25: Book Fair Family Night @ 4:00-7:00
Youth Art Night @ 6:00-7:00
Mar. 28: Science Fair Night @ 6:30
Mar. 29: End of 3rd Quarter
Talent Show @ 6:30
Apr. 1: Teacher Work Day: School Closed
Apr. 4: Kindergarten Registration @ 9:30-3:00
Apr. 11: Kindergarten Registration @ 10:00-2:00 & 4:30-6:30
Apr. 15-19: Spring Break (School Closed)
Kindergarten Registration
Registration for children entering Kindergarten next year will be held:
Thursday, April 4 (9:30 to 3:00)
Thursday, April 11 (10:00-2:00 & 4:30-6:30)
Your child must be five (5) years old by September 30, 2019 to be eligible to register. This means they were born on or before September 30, 2014. Please remember to bring the following documents when registering your child:
* An original copy of the child’s birth certificate.
* Social Security Number
* Immunization Record
* Current Physical Examination
* Proof of Residency (3 are required)
Interpreters will be available on those days to aid in the registration process. You are encouraged to register on these dates as it gives us needed information on class sizes and staffing for the upcoming school year. More information will be sent home shortly detailing the types of documentation needed. If you know of other families in our neighborhood who will be enrolling a child in Kindergarten, please share this information with them as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office staff and they will be happy to assist you.
Spring Book Fair!
The Spring Book Worm Central Book Fair is right around the corner. Our fair will take place during the week of March 25–29. Family Night will coincide with the Youth Art Month Celebration on Tuesday, March 26 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Please stop by the auxiliary gym to see the huge collection of books. Daily hours for the Book Fair are posted above.
On Friday March 22, we will be sending home Book Fair flyers. Please check Friday Folders to get a glimpse of some of the great books that will be available for purchase. On Monday and Tuesday, we will be pre-viewing books with classes. Please look for your child’s “Wish Lists” containing a list of books that they would like to purchase.
VOLUNTEERS are NEEDED! We would love to have your help at the Book Fair. Please call (571-598-3518) or email (masterba@pwcs.edu) if you are available to assist at any time during the week.
As always, this fundraiser is not only an important way to keep your child excited about reading but is also a vital way to add new books to our library. We are looking forward to the amazing community support from our Chris Yung families!
Mrs. Masterson, Librarian
Mrs. Davila, Library Media Assistant
P.E. Corner
Jump Rope for Heart: A Huge Success
Thank you for participating in the Jump Rope for Heart event. As a result of your outstanding support, we earned a total of $3,350. We greatly appreciate your donation and hope you take pride in knowing your contributions will help to save lives.
Health and Wellness Night
Chris Yung Elementary School will be hosting its annual Health and Wellness Night on Thursday, March 14 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The purpose of this event is to promote physical fitness and wellness, in conjunction with the Prince William County Public Schools Health & Wellness Initiative. Our goal is to increase the awareness of the impact that healthy eating and daily physical activity can have on the overall fitness level of children and adults.
Some of the local businesses participating in this event are: Orange Theory, Retro Fitness, Life Champs Martial Art, Vertical Rock Climbing, Chick-Fil-A , Freedom Center, Sporting Smiles Pediatric Dentist, etc. You are invited to join us for a fun-filled night.
Mrs. Rose-Roth, PE Teacher
Mrs. Vaziry, P.E. Teacher Assistant
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mrs. Morgan on her nomination for Teacher of the Year! As the reading specialist at Chris Yung ES, she helps struggling readers learn and reach their goals. She works closely with students, engaging them in enriching activities that grow their love for reading. Mrs. Morgan is always willing to share her expertise and assist both teachers and parents so that students get the support needed to be successful.
Mrs. Morgan was honored along with other nominees on February 25 at the Outstanding Educators Program.
"I feel very honored each day to be able to come to such a wonderful school and work alongside amazing teachers to support and instill a love for literacy into all students, not just at school, but at home as well." - Melissa Morgan
Advisory Council
Reading Corner
This month we will focus on ways parents can support reading at home. We will share tips on reading engagement and how to engage in Book Talks with your children. Sharing your love of reading with your children is the best gift you can give them!
Ways to engage:
Help your child find a comfy spot (let them help in this process). Children know what they like- so help them find a “just right spot” for reading. This might be on the couch, bed, at the table, etc. Each child’s spot will be different. Once they pick that spot, together decide that this will be their very own “reading spot”. Many children like to read to someone or something, so even if they are reading alone, allow them to choose a stuffed animal to keep in this spot. This way once they settle in, they can read to their stuffed animal if they would like to! When it’s time to read each day, the task of deciding where to do this and what to bring is already taken care of! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0S_gLw9pXg
Reading Made Fun:
Check out Mo Willems- famous children’s author. His high interest characters such as Elephant and Piggie, Pigeon, Duckling and Knuffle Bunny help his books come to life for children. There are many titles in each character series and all are kid favorites! Visit the library to check them out; or go to http://www.mowillems.com/ . Here you can link to his different sites where you can find videos of him teaching children how to draw his characters and tell about his books, games based on his characters and their personalities, lists of his books, activities to do that go along with different books and much more!
Here Mo Willems is featured as the Kennedy Centers very first “Education- Artist in Residence” and not only highlights events coming soon, but also shares how we can create and love literacy together as families. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZanmZBk8Lw4
Mrs. Morgan
Reading Specialist
Counselor's Corner
Classroom Guidance: During the past week, 5th graders learned about self-control and how it helps us to reach our goals. At the end of our lesson, each 5th grader identified their “one word” for 2019 and how that “one word” can guide them to reach their goals. The discussion that evolved from this activity was fruitful and thought-provoking. Consider asking your 5th grader what his/her one word is, how they decorated their “one word” note card, and how they plan to use that “one word” as motivation throughout the year.
During the month of March in classroom guidance, our focus will be on problem-solving and mindful coping when faced with a problem. Students in grades 3 through 5 will also learn the three parts of the brain that help with problem-solving. Related library book suggestions include: Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School by Ruth McNally; Hewitt Anderson’s Great Big Life by Jerdine Nolen; and A Day with No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch.
On Track with Character: Our Character Counts initiative is still going strong. Teachers and staff continue to “catch” students when they demonstrate strong character throughout the building. Students are recognized for their positive behavior through weekly drawings and school-wide shout-outs. We are very excited about this program and encourage you to speak with your children about ways they can show strong character both at home and in school.
Gainesville Middle School 6th Grade Information Night: Wednesday, March 20- 6:00pm (Club and Activity Fair / 6:30-7:30 Presentation.)
Art Corner
Family Art Night
March 26
6:00-7:00pm
Art Work on Display
STEAM Challenge - “Oops, I’ve lost my head!”
Selfie With Your Fave Artist
Coloring Station
Ms. Broome
Art Teacher
STEAM Update
How can you create a Makerspace at home?
A key piece of the inquiry-based learning is allowing kids to explore questions they have about what’s happening around them or topic that interest them. You can encourage their curiosity and inspire them to build solutions on their own by creating your own makerspace at home.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Find a corner or small space where you can store materials. Plastic tubs from dollar store or old shoe boxes work to store supplies. A table is helpful but not necessary.
2. Start keeping recyclable items that you would normally throw away and store them in the space.
a. Toilet paper rolls
b. Boxes
c. Containers
d. Packaging materials
e. papers
3. (Optional) Take a trip to the dollar store, Walmart or any store that sells craft supplies and stock up on a few extras.
a. Popsicle sticks
b. Cups
c. Pipe cleaners
d. Paper clips
e. Notecards
f. Paper plates
4. Add in tape, glue and scissors. If you are feeling brave you can even add a hot glue gun for more detailed projects (supervision required). A notebook is great for keeping track of ideas.
5. Have your child imagine and being building.
6. Enjoy making!! Share projects with Mrs. Chidester: chideskw@pwcs.edu
Here’s a great article with more information and ideas: https://www.instructables.com/id/Create-a-Maker-Space-for-Kids/
What’s happening in the lab?
Have you ever seen a Bee-bear or a Gobra? What about a Dat? They are living all over the world and 5th grade has uncovered their existence! Groups have been working hard recording videos about their unique combo-creatures using our green screen after imagining, planning and building them over the last few months. You can watch their videos and learn more!
Check them out: www.tinyurl.com/combocreatures
What would happen in two famous Virginians met for the first time? What would they talk about? 4th grade has been working hard to create their marionettes so that they an create these interactions. Watch as George Mason and Thomas Jefferson talk for the first time.
Embed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITsP5B88hSE
Grades K-2 are working hard on their current driving questions, answering problems that have been presented to them… building ziplines, creating a bird beak or building a larger house. Over the next month they will take time to imagine solutions by themselves. We will then focus on sharing ideas, giving feedback and deciding on one idea with a partner or group. Picking an idea requires a great deal of communication. Be sure to ask your student how they can work with a partner like a “Lego buddy” and not like a “gummy buddy”. They should be able to tell you that a Lego buddy is kind, respectful, a problem solver and a good listener, while a gummy buddy gets stuck on problems and isn’t able to work with a partner to plan and build a new idea. For kindergarten and first grade this is a newer concept and takes time to develop. For 2nd grade we are adding in the concept of feedback as we plan for this project.
Are you following along with the STEAM lab on twitter? Throughout the day, pictures are posted so that you can see what we are focusing on in the STEAM Lab. Find us: www.twitter.com/cyesSTEAM
Summer School News
Chris Yung Elementary School
Website: https://chrisyunges.pwcs.edu/home
Location: 12612 Fog Light Way, Bristow, VA, USA
Phone: 5715983500
Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisYungElementarySchool
Twitter: @CYESsteamengines