The Ridge Roundup
September 29, 2024
October Counseling Newsletter
Please take a moment to review the October Counseling Newsletter. It contains valuable insights and resources to support our students' well-being and academic success. Stay informed about upcoming activities and ways our counselors are here to help!
LCPS and RRD Event Calendar
We're excited to share the new LCPS and RRD Event Calendar for the 2024-2025 school year! This calendar includes important dates, events, and activities designed to enhance our students' educational experience. Please review it carefully and mark your calendars. We look forward to another fantastic year of learning and community engagement.
This is just an overview for the year. We will continue to share the important dates with times in the section above and more detailed information about events when they are closer.
There may be changes on the calendar throughout the year. We will be sure to update it and put out the changes.
Stay Connected and Informed
Exciting news! LCPS has launched a new app designed to keep families connected and informed with just a tap. The app allows users to conveniently access documents, news updates and emergency notifications in one place. It’s a must-have for students, families and staff, and is available for download from the Google Play or Apple App Store (just search for “Loudoun County Public Schools”). With this mobile-responsive tool, you can receive important updates directly from your school and stay informed on the latest features. The LCPS website and app also offer a centralized feed for all division news, events and announcements, providing a reliable way to stay updated than relying on multiple social media sites.
LCPS Food Show
LCPS School Nutrition Services 1st Annual Food Show
School Nutrition Services (SNS), is proud to announce its FIRST food show that will be open to the public.
When: Friday, October 4th, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Independence High School
23115 Learning Cir, Ashburn, VA 20148
K-12 approved foodservice vendors, community partners, and SNS are uniting to sample new and exciting recipe ideas for school menus and community partners will educate on available health and wellness resources in the community.
The event titled, “Fueling Futures: Taste the Change in School Nutrition”, is primarily designed to gather student feedback on comfort foods, culturally inclusive recipes, and delicious snacks so that SNS can provide meals that students love and align with current foodservice and generational trends.
PE Department Message
Calling Rolling Ridge Parents! The PE Department will be hosting Bring your Parent to PE week from Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th.
Parents will use the link below sign up for a day and a time to join alongside their child(ren) and participate in PE class, during that week we will be participating in parachute activities.
Available slots are based on when each homeroom teacher has PE during the week. Parents may only attend a PE class that their child is in, if you have multiple children at Rolling Ridge, feel free to sign up for multiple days.
Please do not bring younger children/siblings as this could pose a safety issue. Parents must follow normal check-in procedures by checking in at the main office before coming to the gym.
PE classes are 50 minutes in length, be prepared to be active and moving for the entire length of the class, you may also bring a water bottle.
We look forward to welcoming our RRD parents into the gym to participate in PE and be active alongside their children.
Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4EADAF2DA3FC1-51127798-bring
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Typically on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. It became increasingly popular as a replacement for Columbus Day, which was meant to celebrate the explorer who sailed with a crew from Spain in 1492.
In a proclamation for last year’s holiday, President Biden said that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intended to “honor the sovereignty, resilience and immense contributions that Native Americans have made to the world.” The Navajo Nation, the country’s largest tribe with about 400,000 people, has long voiced its support for renaming the day. “Transforming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day will encourage young Navajos to have pride in the place and people they come from and the beauty they hold within,” said Jonathan Nez, the president of Navajo Nation.
Jewish New Year, beginning a ten-day period of repentance and prayer, called the High Holidays, to signify the elevated importance of this period. Most students will be spending a significant portion of each day(s) in prayer at synagogue.
Almost all Jewish students and teachers will be absent on the first day, while some will choose to attend school on the 2nd day. Some recommendations include: avoid scheduling events on the evening before or on those days. Assignment deadlines and exams may also conflict with the holiday on the second day of the holiday.
National Bullying Prevention Month
In October, we recognize National Bullying Prevention Month and the responsibility of all of us - students, educators, and families - to speak up and take action to support the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of students in our schools. Nationwide last year, about 20% of students aged 12-18 reported being bullied on school property, yet only 46% of students notified an adult at the school about the bullying. Results of bullying are complex, and “can lead to or worsen feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion and despair, as well as depression and anxiety.”.
Loudoun County Public Schools reaffirms our commitment to providing a Welcoming, Inclusive, and Affirming Environment that is safe for each and every student to grow, learn, and belong, free of bullying and harassment.
On October 16, 2024, many LCPS schools will participate in the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month - Unity Day. On this day, students and staff wear orange - a color associated with safety and visibility - to show that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Policy 8250 - Bullying Prevention
Update from LCPS
In order to ensure the integrity of its efforts, LCPS does not publicly discuss all aspects of the security plan. We do want to let you know of the following protocols that are in place to protect your children and our staff on a daily basis:
The outer perimeter of our schools, as well as our school grounds, are patrolled by law enforcement and LCPS Safety and Security.
Visitors wishing to enter our facilities must comply with visitor-management protocols that require thorough vetting.
Our facilities use enhanced security technology to control access, monitor visitors, and prevent fire and life safety issues.
In addition, School Resource Officers, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and School Security Officers, who are LCPS employees, support the security mission of our schools. These officers help cultivate an inclusive and safe environment where students feel comfortable reporting concerning behavior. In addition, every school has a multidisciplinary threat assessment team that evaluates all potential threats, as well as a school-specific emergency response plan that is consistently tested through training, exercises and drills.
One of the most critical aspects of our security plan is the community responsibility to report suspicious or concerning behavior. Keeping our schools safe is everyone's job and requires a steadfast commitment to the principle of “See Something Say Something.” While something may seem insignificant to you, when reported and pieced together with other information, it may save lives. All suspicious or concerning behavior should be reported to the principal or law enforcement. For those that prefer to remain anonymous when reporting information, the Safe2Talk app is available.
The Division of Safety and Security is constantly re-assessing our security plan and incorporating national best practices and modernized technology to strengthen our capabilities.
Finally, all of our safety and security efforts are coordinated by our 24/7/365 Security Operations Center. Thank you and please remember: If you see something, say something.
What's the Word with Mr. Burd
Rolling Ridge Community,
As the fall season arrives, we embrace the beauty of change and the sense of community it brings. My daughter Chloe and I love to go for walks this time of year, admiring the changing leaves. We even collect some leaves to trace and color, creating beautiful pieces of art.
This season is a wonderful time for growth and new opportunities, and we are excited to continue working alongside our students and families to support learning and development. Together, let’s make this season one of progress and shared success!
Thank you for your continued partnership!
"RRD is the Place to Be!"
Sincerely,
Mr. Burd
