JTP Emphasizes the Importance of Outdoor Learning for Children’s Development and Social Skills

Most days at JTP include outdoor time, which is essential for healthy development.   Whether on the playground or in the outdoor kitchen, time outside benefits young learners as it is a refreshing part of their day when they can explore, observe, move, and take risks.  It’s a great time to socialize with peers and to collaborate in unstructured play.  Remember to send your child(ren) to school in layers appropriate for the changing weather!

Mount Daniel Celebrates Music in Our Schools Month with Student Compositions and Upcoming Spring Performances

In Music Class at Mount Daniel, students can play various instruments, including the ukulele and the keyboard. With these tools, they work to compose their own songs and play along with songs they know and love. Students also use plenty of hands-on tools to help them to learn musical concepts and solidify their skills! Keep an ear out for their spring performances that are quickly approaching!

Mount Daniel Elevates Music Education with Innovative Tableau Artistry

Mount Daniel staff and some students worked with Sean Layne, a dynamic teaching artist who ignites creativity and passion. With Layne’s guidance, they explored the intersection of art and learning by learning about the art of tableau, where actors made “frozen pictures” that told a story directly related to their content. This opportunity aligned with their Responsive Classroom initiative and taught IB Approaches to Learning Skills such as communication skills, social skills, and self-management skills.

Robotics Team to Host First Competition at Meridian

The Meridian High School Robotics Team is using this week to repair a damaged reboot (called Mantis) to compete in their first-ever HOME completion, March 23-24 in the Meridian High School main gym. The competition is open to the public, and FCCPS encourages anyone with children interested in STEM in Action to stop by. Competitive play will begin around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, and at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.Learn more here.

The event is free to spectators. FCPS is looking for volunteers to support this event in their concession stand (funded by the generous support of their Athletic Boosters). Sign up for the concession stand here. 

Music in Our Schools Month – Choir Classes at Secondary Campus

In choir classes on the secondary campus, under the direction of Ms. Jamie Sample, students developed their personal musicianship skills and their contributions to their ensembles through units that focus on music literacy and interpretation as well as performance, presentation, expression, and reflection.

This year, 163 students are participating in choir on the secondary campus. They kicked off the year with the fun of Mickey’s Music Spectacular in October. In November, 18 students auditioned for the District Honors Chorus, and 16 were selected to participate. In December, they presented Winter Concerts in the evenings, and Chamber Singers spread holiday joy throughout the community. They broke the chill of winter in February with two shows of Broadway Desserts, 15 students participating in District Honors Choruses, and Singing Valentines at Meridian. Six students from the secondary campus auditioned for All VA Honors Chorus, and three were selected. Four ensembles participated in District Assessments in March and earned excellent and superior ratings.

Save the Date: Grad Night Auction & Fundraiser April 14

The Meridian PTSA and the Grad Night Senior Spectacular Committee invites FCCPS families to a night of terrific auction items while enjoying dinner at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church) on  Sunday, April 14 5:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.  All funds support the Senior Spectacular event activities, help pay for tickets for those in need, and ensure a congratulatory sign in every senior’s yard.

Call to Action for Parents: Help Make Graduation Night Senior Spectacular a Success!

FCCPS is asking parents for help, both financial and logistical, to help make this year’s Graduation Night Senior Spectacular a big success.  The Graduation Night Senior Spectacular is an annual event held the night of graduation (hence the name). It’s the last time for the seniors to congregate and have a fun, safe evening full of food, games, and alpacas!

As of now, about 50 percent of the fundraising goal has been raised. In addition to help pay for the party, contributions go towards a staff meal on graduation day, tickets for kids families for which the cost is a burden, and those cute Meridian Grad signs that will pop up in a month or so all over the Little City.  To donate, visit tinyurl.com/FCNP0324gp.

FCCPS also needs volunteers for the event.  To volunteer, visit tinyurl.com/FCNP0324ss.  Those in the shift after registration will get the exciting opportunity to take a selfie with a super-cute alpaca!  Any parent can sign up to help, whether you have a Pre-K kid at JTP or an 11th Grader at Meridian!

Henderson Middle School Band Embraces IB Learner Profile Traits, Prepares for Spring Concert

Mr. Jonathan Mills leads the middle school band course, incorporating a range of MYP fundamental characteristics of the IB Learner Profile. The MYP band student in middle school must know proper performing techniques, music reading, and terminology. They must be able to communicate verbally and artistically in how they play their instruments. Being principled is a necessary component of the discipline and work ethic required in the lengthy process of musical preparation. Open-mindedness and the willingness to take risks are needed to play in front of their peers and audiences in live performances. While music is being shaped in their regular rehearsals, it is essential to reflect on their progress, problem-solve different practice methods for tackling new challenges, and plan the following action steps for taking their playing abilities to the next level.

MHS TV – New Episode

Meridian High School’s news broadcasting club, MHSTV, just released their March episode, which covers cherry blossoms, Meridian’s Got Talent, Spring Break, and an exclusive Hot Ones interview with Peter Laub, Associate Principal at Meridian. Want to watch Mr. Laub suffer through increasingly spicy hot sauces?  Check out the episode at tinyurl.com/FCNP0324mt.

West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference

On Friday, Jarret Jardine, Molly Moore, Nico Scappa, and Nora Stufft attended the 17th Annual West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference at George Mason University. They were among 200 other local high school leaders who applied in December to attend the annual conference run by the West Point Society of Washington, DC.

During the conference, they heard valuable lessons on leadership from Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg, Captain (Ret.) US Army and Simone Askew, Captain US Army.

They also learned about and applied an ethical decision-making model to a variety of scenarios based on the framework taught to Cadets at the US Military Academy. Nora was chosen as a finalist for scholarships offered by the society and event sponsors after being recognized for her efforts applying the model during the conference. 

Attention FCCPS Active Duty and Reservist Families

In April, FCCPS will begin the application process for designation as a Purple Star School Division.

The Purple Star Designation is a testament to a school division’s dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for military-connected students and their families. It recognizes the efforts to assist in the transitions and challenges military families often face.

As FCCPS nears the launch, they are calling for their military-connected families to help them in standing up this initiative.

More information for FCCPS military families can be found at tinyurl.com/FCNP0324ad.

Mustangs Secure Victory Over Hylton, Gear Up for Exciting Spring Break Schedule

The Mustangs picked up a win on Saturday against Hylton, with Alessio Azimipour getting the win on the mound and Gavin Longer, James Teague, and Mason Duval each contributing two hits to lead the offense.

Mustangs Dominate Highlanders, Maintaining Perfect Season as Spring Break Approaches

On Wednesday night, the Mustangs continued their winning streak, defeating the McLean Highlanders 16-10.  The lead was only two at the half, thanks to a team effort on the defensive side. The Mustangs began to win the draw in the second, and the added scoring opportunities made the difference.  The attack was powered by goals from Ally Campbell (7), Lila Deering (4), Caroline Carmody (3), and Zoe Gale (2), while Jamie Friedlander had a strong game in goal.  The team rolls into Spring Break with an impressive 4-0 start over much larger out-of-district schools.

Mustang Boosters Celebrate Record-Breaking Mulch Sale Success, Raising Over $9,000 for Student Athletics

The Mustang Athletic Boosters Annual Mulch Sale concluded this past Saturday when over 3,200 bags of mulch were loaded up and delivered to local customers.  Student athletes in grades 8-12, along with many of their parents and coaches, took on the task of loading mulch into cars, trucks and U-Hauls and driving it out into the community for home delivery.  The Boosters raised over just over $9,000 through this sale, with proceeds going towards funding four main priorities: the Bill Rose Athlete Assistance Fund (financial assistance for students), annual stipends for (all) Meridian athletic teams, capital improvements at the school, and annual senior scholarships. To learn more about the Athletic Boosters and what they do, mark your calendar for their next monthly meeting, Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Meridian Library.