Thoreau Matters

 

Thoreau Matters is published every two weeks by the PTA and the Thoreau administrative staff to

inform parents of important information about school life at Thoreau Middle School.

 

Main Office: 703-846-8000    Attendance: 703-846-8080    

Thoreau Web Page: www.fcps.edu/ThoreauMS

PTA Web Page: www.ThoreauPTA.org

 

October 13, 2009

 

  1. The faculty and staff at Thoreau Middle School believe that grades students receive should be based on what students learn and not influenced by other factors such as effort and behavior.  In an attempt to separate effort and behavior from grades, the Thoreau staff has developed an Effort and Behavior Report to communicate progress students make in this area.

·         During the second, third, and fourth quarters, parents will receive an Effort and Behavior Report indicating student progress in the areas of organization and preparedness, homework completion, citizenship, and class participation.

·         The Effort and Behavior Report will be mailed home to parents along with the interim progress report for that quarter.

·         It is hoped that this communication will allow teachers and parents to work together to address these important life skills.

 

  1. Mark your calendars for a special PTA program with Iris Beckwith, “Keeping Kids and Families Safe in a Connected World”, on October 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.  This program will follow the regular PTA meeting that will be held at 7:00 p.m. that evening.

·         Today’s connected technology includes laptops, wireless and high-speed internet connections, digital cameras, cell phones with text messaging, photo and video capability, webcams, Wi-Fi hotspots, and so much more.

·         Even “tech savvy” parents can be left feeling ill-equipped when dealing with their children’s connected activities.

·         Please join us for this very informative and interactive program where you will learn more about topics such as: "sexting", social networking, chat rooms, XBOX Live, cyber-bullying and online harassment, and more.

 

  1. Thoreau students can showcase their artistic talents by participating in this year’s Reflections Program sponsored by the Fairfax County Council of PTAs.

·         The Reflections Program provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.  Each year, a new theme is selected and students are encouraged to interpret the theme using visual arts, photography, literature, musical composition, dance choreography, or film production.  This year’s theme:  Beauty is…

·         Entries will be judged and awarded based on the best interpretation of this year’s theme.

·         Entry packets may be picked up in the main office, obtained from English, music or art teachers, or found at the FCCPTA website.

·         Entries should be placed in the Reflections collection box in the main office by noon, October 26.

·         Questions about this program may be directed to Yolanda Wartenberg at ywarten@aol.com

 

  1. The PTA is sponsoring two special events in November for families to connect with one another and enjoy an evening of fun together.

·         This year’s eighth grade event will be a family potluck dinner on Tuesday, November 10, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by the School of Rock All-Stars. 

·         The annual seventh  grade family dinner catered by Skorpios Charcoal Grill will be held Thursday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

·         More information on these events will be included in the next issue of Thoreau Matters.

 

  1. Get ready for TheaterSports at Thoreau! 

·         Have you seen the popular Drew Carey show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"  Then you have basically seen TheaterSports.  Its improvisational games and challenges are designed for maximum laughter.

·         Performances are on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. on the cafeteria stage.  Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at lunches that week or at the door.   Friday night will feature 7th graders and some 8th graders new to TheaterSports, and Saturday night will feature 8th graders who did an in-class match last year.  Please come out and support these very funny students – and have a good time while you’re at it!

  1. Giant Food Bonus Bucks and Safeway Club Card are excellent ways for parents to support Thoreau Middle School.

·         You can register for Giant A+ Bonus Bucks by logging into www.giantfood.com/aplus.  Thoreau’s code is 02131.  You can also call 877-275-2758 to register your card by phone.

·         You can register for the Safeway Club Card program by logging into www.escrip.com.  Thoreau’s code is 2145172.

·         You can also register for these programs at the service desk of either store.  Make sure you designate Henry David Thoreau Middle School in Vienna, VA.  You must renew your registration even if you participated in previous years.

·         A drawing will be held later this month for a Thoreau t-shirt and a Thoreau magnet for families that have registered this year.  Contact Jane Anzilotti at 703-255-6631 if you have questions.

 

  1. It has come to our attention that some middle school students are participating in a dangerous activity known as the “Suffocation Game”.

·         In this game, students seek a “high” by having their air supply cut off, creating a mild euphoric sensation before the participant loses consciousness.   This sensation continues for a brief period of time after regaining consciousness.

·         Typically, a student will breathe heavily for several seconds to induce a state of hyperventilation and then have another student squeeze them around the chest to prevent breathing.  This causes the student to pass out for a few seconds due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

·         The danger of this activity is that it can kill brain cells, cause permanent brain damage and even result in death.  In addition, students have been known to receive head injuries while falling. 

·         Thoreau’s Health and PE teachers will be addressing this issue with their students.  Please help us by reinforcing that this risky behavior has no place in school and can have very serious health consequences.

 

  1. Applications for the 2010- 2011 school year at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are due to the Guidance Office by 7:30 a.m., Friday, October 22.

·         TJHSST offers a high school experience with an emphasis on science, math, and technology.  Information about TJHSST and its programs can be found at www.tjhsst.edu.

·         Application materials, instructions, and a brochure explaining the application process are available from Ms. Breazeale in Thoreau’s Student Services office. 

·         Additional information regarding the admissions process can be found at http://information.tjhsst.edu/admissions.

 

  1. Students will be released two hours early on Wednesday, November 11 for Thoreau’s annual mini-conference sessions that will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. that afternoon.

·         A long-standing tradition at Thoreau, the mini-conference sessions allow parents and guardians the opportunity to “touch base” with all teachers for a brief three-to-five minute conference.

·         Thoreau teachers and counselors will be available for a short conference on November 11th.   Seventh grade teachers will be in Gym 1 (Old Gym) and eighth grade teachers will be in Gym 2 (New Gym).  There is no need to sign-up.  Upon arrival, please get in line to meet with your child’s teacher.

·         Parents who wish to meet with teachers for a more extended conversation should contact their child’s guidance counselor.

 

  1. The PTA landscape committee is providing another opportunity for families to participate in beautifying the grounds surrounding the school.

·         This event will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (This date is a change from the previously published date)

·         Bring your garden tools (especially rakes and wheelbarrows), work gloves, and enthusiasm as we spread mulch and get the grounds ready for the fall.

·         Students in need of community service hours can use this event to fulfill that requirement.

·         Please contact Maureen Alonzo for more information at 703-255-5024.

 

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 17                        PTA Landscape Day – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Friday, October 23                            Fall Theater Sports Show – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 24                        Fall Theater Sports Show – 7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 26                         PTA General Meeting – 7:00 p.m. in the Library

Monday, October 26                         PTA Internet Safety Program – 7:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall

Friday, October 30                            SCA Dance – 2:40 to 4:15 p.m.

Monday, November 2                       Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

Tuesday, November 3                       Teacher Workday – Student Holiday

Thursday, November 5                     Student of the Quarter Ceremony – 3:00 in the Lecture Hall

Tuesday, November 10                     8th Grade Family Potluck Dinner with School of Rock – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 11                Two-hour Early Closing and Mini-conference Sessions