MAVERICK MEMO 25:12 (12.06.2024)

Hello Mavericks!!!!

In this Maverick Memo I will share information on the following:

1. PTA Updates
   
2. Fundraiser Input Results
3. Retake Images Available
4. The Civics Bee
5. Attendance Celebration
6. Summer Job Fair
7. Lost and Found
8. Second Step
9. Important Dates

If you have any questions, just send me an email at will.waldman@lcps.org.

Will Waldman, Principal

1. Altitude Spirit Night--December 6 5-8PM. Come bounce around with other Smart's Mill families. Bring a brand new (or unworn) coat to donate to the Good Shepherd Alliance.
2. PTA Book Wish List: Help put a book into the hands of a student at Smart's Mill by supporting the PTA Book Wish List. Not every student has access to the public library or the benefit of a large number of books readily available at their home. You can help the PTA to enhance the educational experience of all students by selecting one of the books that can be found on a Amazon Wish List that will be provided to families early next week.
3. Student trip interest meeting. The PTA shared that there will be an meeting for parents and students to find out about a trip being offered to Greece, Italy, and Spain in July of 2026. There will be a virtual meeting about the trip on Monday, December 9th at 7:00PM. Use this link ( https://meet.google.com/khj-vvmx-hin ) to access the Google Meet.

JOIN THE PTA!! The single most important way to support your student, the staff and the PTA, is to join the PTA. Sign up here.

Also, subscribe to our website so you don't miss any news, events, and more! Subscribe here. Click Sign Up in the top right corner.

Questions? Email smmsvapta@gmail.com.

Thank you to all that completed the survey. The results are below.

There were also a number of suggestions for ways that parents could support the school. They Include:

• Bring back the 5K
• For field trips, institute a "Pay One/Sponsor One" format.
• Silent auction
• Fun Run to engage the kids while still collecting direct donations.

As we move forward, we will communicate the best way to provide the direct donation that was the clear winner. Stay tuned!

The Loudoun Chamber Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber Foundation to host a first-of-its-kind civics competition that encourages young Americans to develop their interest in American democracy, engage constructively in their communities, and build trust with their fellow citizens. The National Civics Bee® will engage America’s 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students to flex their civics knowledge for a chance to earn recognition and cash prizes.

The top-performing Loudoun student will compete in the Virginia State Finals, where the winner will compete in the national championship in Washington, D.C. (Fall of 2025) for prizes up to $50,000.

The National Civics Bee® in Loudoun is being held with the support of The Morven Park Center for Civic Impact and the Loudoun School-Business Partnership Executive Council.

Essay contest: November 4, 2024 – January 11, 2025
Loudoun Civics Bee Competition: March 5, 2025 at Morven Park in Leesburg

For more information, visit the Loudoun Chamber Civics Bee landing page.

At the end of the first marking period, we rewarded the grade level with the best average daily attendance by providing every student in that grade level an additional snack item during CONNECT. We were very happy to provide the 6th grade with this reward for their exemplary attendance.

We intend to do this at the end of this marking period. As you can see below, the 6th grade is in the lead for the second marking period too. It's not too late for the 7th and 8th grade to make up some ground. Every two weeks, we will update the numbers to see who is in the lead!

Smart's Mill is hosting a Summer Job Fair this April. If you own a business or know a local business that will hire 14-year olds, please help us spread the word and make this event a success for our students.

We have Lost and Found items in each house area and in the lunchroom. If you child is missing a lunchbox, water bottle, jacket, etc. Please have them look at each of the different areas to retrieve their items. There are also items like glasses, earbuds, and jewelry that are located in the main office.

Please know that each area has many unclaimed items. All unclaimed items will be donated to local agencies after Thanksgiving Break.

Second Step is the program that Smart's Mill utilizes for our advisory program, "CONNECT." Please use this link to review upcoming lessons.

Additionally, school counselors will be facilitating bullying prevention lessons next week. Please reach out to your student's grade level counselor if you have any questions.

Below are a upcoming dates that families need to be aware of. More details will be in future Maverick Memos. Please remember to check the school's website to review our calendar to identify any other dates by following this LINK.

• December 9: EXPLORE Clubs. If you have an outside club, please dress for the weather.
• December 10: Guitar 8 concert at THS at 7:00PM.
• December 11: Band 7 concert at 6:00PM
• December 11: Band 8 concert at 7:00PM
• December 12: PEP Night at 6:00PM
• December 13: Music 8 FT to see Air Force Band
• December 14: Leesburg Holiday Parade (Smart's Mill students will be in the event)!
• December 16: Chorus 8 concert at 6:00PM
• December 18: Orchestra 7 concert at 6:00PM
• December 20: In-School concerts
• December 21-January 5: Winter Break
• January 6, 2025: Classes resume.

Above are links to Facebook and Twitter. Below are links to the school's website, and my email.

Email: will.waldman@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/o/smm
Location: 850 North King Street, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2030