BOBCAT BULLETIN
March 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Welcome to the March edition of our school newsletter! As we transition into the spring season, there are plenty of exciting updates and events happening at our school. Here's a glimpse of some fun and educational events this month at Aldie Elementary School:
Read Across America: Throughout the month of March, we'll be celebrating Read Across America with the "One Book, One School" program at Aldie this year. As students read or listen to the selected book across the month, they develop a stronger sense of community through this shared experience. The featured book is Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins. As students read or listen to one chapter each week, they will engage in various school-wide events centered around the novel. We invite families to ask students to retell the story and the valuable lessons learned each week. We hope you enjoy!
5 Ways to Make a Friend: The therapists and actors at A Place to Be have once again partnered with Loudoun County Public Schools, Inova Loudoun Hospital and Loudoun Education Foundation to bring the 30-minute musical, “5 Ways to Make a Friend,” to Loudoun County elementary schools, including Aldie Elementary School on March 14th. With an upbeat message set to hard-to-forget lyrics, the musical addresses one of the biggest challenges that young people face: navigating relationships. The production spotlights five characters who are themselves learning to be a good friend, and in return make and keep friends. Families and preschool siblings are invited to join us for this event. Details will be shared soon.
Family Night Sky Dome: Join us for a night time assembly for the whole family! On March 18th from 6:00 to 6:45 students and their families will journey through the universe from the comfort and security of Aldie Elementary. Enter the inflatable planetarium and tour the solar system. Our navigator will guide us through the stars of the Northern Hemisphere exactly as they appear on the night of the presentation. Learn how to identify every planet in our solar system, and learn about Greek mythological characters and see how these heroes of the past can be found in the stars. This is a FREE event funded by the PTA. We hope you'll join us!
Annual Talent Show: The PTA is hosting another amazing Talent Show for Aldie students on March 22, 2024 at 6:15 PM. Auditions will be held on Friday, March 8th and students must be registered by a parent or guardian. The deadline for audition registration is midnight on March 6th. There is no cost to perform and we look forward to seeing the many talents of our Bobcats!
Spring Break: As a friendly reminder, spring break will take place from March 25th to March 29th. We hope all families enjoy this time together and return refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the school year.
We're dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for every child, and we're grateful for your partnership in their education journey.
If you have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out to me orthe school office anytime. Thank you for being an important part of our school family!
Warmest regards,
Tracy Stephens, Principal
Daylight Savings Time Begins
On Sunday, March 10th, at 2:00 AM, we "spring forward" by moving our clocks ahead one hour. This means we'll lose an hour of sleep but gain more daylight in the evenings.
Here are a few tips to help your family adjust smoothly:
Adjust Bedtime: Start gradually shifting bedtime a little earlier in the days leading up to March 10th to help everyone ease into the time change.
Maintain Routine: Stick to your regular routines as much as possible, including meal times, bedtime rituals, and homework schedules.
Enjoy the Extra Light: Embrace the longer days by spending more time outdoors and soaking up the extra sunlight.
Check Alarms and Timers: Don't forget to update the time on your clocks, watches, appliances, and any other devices that automatically adjust.
We hope this reminder helps you prepare for the upcoming time change. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Annual Stakeholder Survey
Each year, LCPS conducts surveys of staff, students and families to obtain feedback about the learning climate in our schools. Your perspectives are very important to our school and to LCPS leadership. We use the results of the survey to ensure the school environment is optimal for learning. The annual stakeholder survey is administered to parents/guardians, students in grades 3-5 and 9-12, and school-based staff members. The survey will be open through March 17, 2024. Click here for more information about the 2024 Annual Student Survey.
Pre-Order Yearbooks
It’s time to pre-order yearbooks! The 2023-2024 Aldie Elementary School yearbook will feature art by talented students. The experiences of all of our students will be captured in candid photos, club photos, class pictures, the whole-school panoramic and individual portraits. The yearbook will also feature scannable QR codes with videos that tell the story of the 2023-2024 school year at Aldie Elementary. Pre-order a yearbook for your child March 15, 2024 through April 2, 2024. The pre-order cost is $22 per yearbook before April 2nd. After this date, the cost increases to $25 per yearbook. Order online with the LCPS School Cash Online link on the Aldie Elementary website beginning March 15th.
Please note, parents will need to set-up an account if you have not already done so. The LCPS School Cash Online app is used across schools for a variety of purposes including yearbook, clubs, field trips, and other fees.
Spring Picture Day
Individual Portraits:
All students will be photographed. Send no money now! A proof or portrait package will be sent home from the school with information on how to order within 3-4 weeks. Suggested attire for the best possible picture includes colors that compliment your child. Solid colors and small patterns work best. Avoid clothing with large images and logos.
Classroom Group Photos:
All students will be photographed for classroom group photos on March 20,2024. Classroom group photos can be pre-ordered online at www.strawbridge.net. Click "Order Pictures and enter the following code: FM421653.
Open Registration
Registration for the 2024/2025 school year is underway. The Online Pre-registration portal is open for all grade levels. Children may enter kindergarten if they turn five on or before September 30 of the year they enter school. Please share this information with neighbors and friends who may have children ready to begin kindergarten. Students who are already enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools do not need to register. Additional information about registration can be found on the LCPS Student Registration home page. Contact school registrar Tracie Dillon with questions about registration at tracie.dillon@lcps.org.
Safety at Recess
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students during recess is a top priority for us. As we continue to provide opportunities for active play and socialization, we want to share some important information about safe recess practices:
Appropriate Attire: Please ensure that your child wears appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor play. This includes wearing closed-toe shoes to prevent injuries and dressing in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
Playground Rules: We teach and reinforce playground rules to promote safety and respect for all students. Encourage your child to follow these rules and be mindful of others while playing. Remind them to take turns, share equipment, and use equipment properly.
Hydration and Sun Protection: Encourage your child to stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after recess. Additionally, apply sunscreen to protect against sunburn, especially during sunny days. We also encourage the use of hats and sunglasses for added sun protection.
Inclusive Play: We strive to create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome and included during recess. Encourage your child to include others in games and activities, and remind them to be respectful and kind to their peers.
Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency or injury during recess, our staff members are trained to respond quickly and appropriately. If your child experiences an injury, you will be notified promptly, and appropriate measures will be taken.
Communication: We value open communication with our families. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding recess safety, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is valuable in ensuring the well-being of all students.
By working together, we can create a safe and enjoyable recess experience for all students. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Sign Up for Lunch Visits
We welcome parents and grandparents to join students for lunch at their regularly scheduled lunch time. Sign-up is required due to limited seating. We can accommodate up to three familes each lunch period. Click below to reserve a table. Make certain to include the student(s) name. Check in at the school office upon arrival. Guests may purchase school lunch using your student's lunch account. Click here to RESERVE A TABLE.
LUNCH SCHEDULE
K-2: 10:40 to 11:10
3-5: 11:10 to 11:40
Attendance Counts!
LCPS and Aldie Elementary School are making regular school attendance a priority! To help support improving school attendance, the Loudoun County School Board recently approved revisions to the policy that governs school attendance. This policy outlines what types of absences are categorized as excused or unexcused absences. The policy also provides guidance on make-up work following an absence as well as specific actions school administrators should take if a student demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism.
Some changes to this policy include:
Absences due to family trips or vacations are considered unexcused absences unless they are due to family emergencies or observations of religious holidays. Parents/guardians are advised to schedule such trips during school holidays.
The principal or the principal’s designee is no longer required to determine whether a student’s absence is excused or unexcused. That determination is outlined by the policy.
Excused absences due to personal illness have been expanded to include mental health issues or substance abuse-related illnesses. Principals may require medical documentation to support these absences.
This policy also provides guidance on make-up work following an absence as well as specific actions school administrators should take if a student demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism.
This policy revision was adopted on Oct. 24, 2023, and applies to all LCPS students. If you have questions about this policy, please speak with your school’s principals or contact the Department of Student Services.
PTA News
MARCH PTA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 1
GLOW PARTY
Grab your neighbors, friends, family and head out to the Aldie Elementary Glow Party from 6-8pm. It's going to be a glowing good time with a light show, DJ, activities, and snacks. Each entry ticket comes with a glowing grab bag. Plenty of at the door tickets still available for $15. This is not a drop off event. A responsible adult must stay with the kids. Adult entry is free.
March 8
TALENT SHOW AUDITIONS
We're excited for another great Talent Show. Sign up your performer by midnight, Wednesday, March 6 for auditions here. There is no cost to perform.
Auditions: Friday, March 8 2:15-3:45p
Rehearsals*: Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 2:15-3:30p
Show: Friday, March 22
*At least one rehearsal must be attended, but performers are encouraged to attend both if possible.
March 12
VIRTUAL PTA MEETING
6:00 to 6:30 pm
March 22
TALENT SHOW
Pre-show food at 5:30 pm
Show begins at 6:15 pm
Cheers-
Stefanie Clay
--Aldie Elementary School PTA
President