10/11/24 Happening at Hutchison

By Sarah Aiello
For Parents
October 11, 2024

Look for the translate button at the top-right of the screen. translate icon

 Busque el botón de traducción en la parte superior derecha de la pantalla. 

Tìm nút dịch ở phía trên bên phải màn hình. 

ابحث عن زر الترجمة في أعلى يمين الشاشة. 

Message from the Principal

Hello Hutchison Families,

I've been so impressed and delighted by the incredible progress our students have made this year. It's been a joy to witness their growth and enthusiasm in the classroom.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a special video coming next week. It will showcase our students' learning and the fantastic work of our dedicated teachers.

Fall conferences are being scheduled! Conferences are a  crucial component of the educational partnership between schools and families. They provide a valuable opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with their child's teachers, discuss their academic progress, and gain insights into their overall development.  Please be sure to connect with your child’s teacher.

Sarah C. Aiello 

View Upcoming Events at Hutchison

NEWSubscribe to Hutchison Events

Contact:

Sarah Aiello

@email 

Community Calendar

October 14–Indigenous Peoples’ Day–No School

October 28–Optional Early Release Monday

October 31–2 Hr Early Release 

Contact:

Maureen Griffin

@email

 

Community Connections

Community Connections: Come learn about our instructional programming and be an academic partner with us!

10/17  9:00 AM & 7:00 PM  Literacy   (In-person & Virtual)

10/24  7:00 PM  Hutchison Theater Program (Virtual Only)

Contact:

Sarah Aiello

@email

PTA Corner

Welcome to the first PTA Corner!  Here you will find what the PTA is working on, what events are upcoming, and how to support the PTA as we support the teachers and students of Hutchison.  Our first meeting is Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 at Hutchison ES.  At this meeting we will vote on officers, vote on by-laws, and decide a meeting schedule for the school year.  Join us as a member--and then join us on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 for the first meeting!

Please consider joining the PTA.  Registration links are attached and will be sent home in your child’s Tuesday folder!

What is a PTA? We are a group of Parents and Teachers who meet to discuss what is working as well as areas of improvement for the school.  We meet regularly to learn what’s going on at Hutchison, to offer suggestions for areas we love and want to see improved, and to raise awareness and funds for all the good that can be done for our students. 

PTA Form (English, Espanol)

Contact:

Michael Gueltig

@email

 

After-School Program Registration Form

Please complete the registration form: https://forms.gle/oWjmebStNBdvoVAw9

Hutchison ES is offering an after school program for students in grades 3-6. If your child is interested in participating in one of these programs, please complete this form by Friday, October 11th at 9PM.  We will enroll students on a first come/first serve plan and will confirm classes by Monday, October 14th.

Program Information:

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-5 PM

Start Date: October 17th

End Date: November 26th

 

Contact:

     Mikeala Antonio

@email

 

Benchmark Advance

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) was signed into law in 2022 and takes effect this school year.  This requires all schools in the state of Virginia to receive core literacy instruction using an evidence based literacy curriculum.  Fairfax County Public Schools selected Benchmark Advance from the state’s approved curriculum list.  Take a moment to watch this video (8 minutes in length) from the Benchmark Advance caregivers’ website to see the materials your child will be bringing home, and ways you can support their learning. Come to our community connection next Thursday, October 17 at 9:00am or virtually at 7:00pm to learn more!

Contact: 

 

 

Amanda Salvo

@email

 

Willy Wonka–Grades 4-6 Info Session

Get ready to enter the world of candy with our spring musical for the 2024-2025 school year, Willy Wonka, Kids. It tells the story of Charlie Bucket and his quest to become the new owner of Wonka's candy factory. The musical will be open to all 4th-6th grade students and we will be practicing before school from 7:30-8:30 a.m. starting in December. If you are interested, there will be an information session during the 7 pm Community Connection on October 24th. Let one of the music teachers know if you have any questions!

Contact:

Cathy Kirschner

@email

 

Digital Citizenship Week October 14-18

Digital Citizenship week is an opportunity to promote a healthy, balanced, and positive approach to media and tech use for children. Our students first teachers are their caregivers at home. Here are some resources you can use at home to support safe and happy use of technology: 

  • Common Sense Media: Check if the app, movie, TV show, or game is appropriate for the age of your child by typing it into the search bar. You can change the language at the top-right of the screen. (Puede cambiar el idioma del sitio web de Common Sense en la parte superior derecha de la pantalla.)
  • FCPS Resources: Setting expectations at home
  • Apps to monitor your students phone use or location
    • ANDROID Family Link: Tools designed to help parents set screen time limits, filter content, and better understand how their families spend time online.
    • APPLE Parental Controls: Content and privacy restrictions, restrict web search, prevent app store purchases. Use Find My to track location of devices.
    • Life360 App: Track a phone’s location

Contact:

Carly Le Blanc

@email 

Cognitive Abilities Testing Home Language Opt-In Letters

 - All 2nd Grade and Some 3rd - 6th Grade Students 

September 24th - Be on the lookout for this letter, in your child’s Tuesday Folder,  if you have a home language of Spanish, Urdu or Arabic.  This letter is asking if you want your child to receive the COGAT directions in your home language or in English.  Only the directions will be in another language, all other parts of the test are in english only!!  The 2nd and 3rd grade assessments are primarily pictorial.  If you can’t find the form, but need your child to receive the directions in their home language, please contact your child’s teacher ASAP!!

  Please return this form to your child's teacher by October 11, 2024

Contact:

Wendy West

@email

 

Cognitive Abilities Testing Dates

It is important that your child attend school on time these days, if possible. If your child must miss school during this time period and your child does not have another ability test result in their student record, they will have an opportunity to take another ability test later this fall. 

Grade Level

Testing Dates

All 2nd Grade

October 15 - October 18, 2024

Some 3rd - 6th Grade

October 23 - October 25, 2024

Score reports will be provided to parents once results become available. Typically, these reports are available before winter break.

Contact:

Wendy West

@email

 

Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia is an educational program that students access during the literacy block for 10-15 minutes daily.  Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the 24-25 SY.  Information regarding the Lexia Parent Nights can be found on the translated fliers below.

Contact:

Amanda Salvo

[email protected]

Unlock Your Child’s Reading Potential - FCPS Resources

The Virginia Literacy Act requires that parents receive resources to support their child’s reading plan at home.  Resources will continue to be added to this page.  FCPS Family Literacy Resources website

Contact:

Amanda Salvo

[email protected]

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School.

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

 

Science Fair Interest Meeting hosted by Thomas Jefferson High  October 18

Students have the opportunity to submit a science experiment or computer science project to the science fair with the help of Thomas Jefferson High School students. The meeting is online on October 18th 6:00pm=7:00pm to learn more about the Science Fair. 

Link: https://tinyurl.com/mr4xdw7u 

https://tjsciencefair.wordpress.com/ 

Contact:

TJ High School

@email 

Bullying Awareness

During October Wellness Lessons, Counselors will teach about Bullying Awareness.  In the early grades it is lessons on how to be a good friend.  In the middle grades, we examine acts of respect vs. disrespect.  In the upper grades we look at roles, how to be inclusive and kind and how we can speak up as bystanders. Check out these resources to learn more about How To Talk About Bullying.Prevent CyberbullyingWarning Signs for Bullying  (Select preferred language at the top of the page.)

Contact: 

Andrea Kessler

@email

 

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Updates from the County

Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:  

  • .Tuesday, October 8. 3-7 p.m.
    • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m
  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.  Upcoming Early Release Mondays for Hutchison are October 28 and December 9,

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services’ (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus available.