Division Professional Development (no school for students).

To ensure the safety and security of everyone on our premises, we kindly request that all parents, guardians, and visitors always bring a government-issued ID when visiting. This measure helps us verify identities and maintain a secure environment for our students and staff. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe. Thank you for your understanding and support.

We are excited to partner with Varsity Tutors to offer your children free tutoring services, including:

• 24/7 Homework Help
• Live Enrichment Sessions
• Writing Support
• Test Preparation
• On-Demand Tutoring

For more information, visit Varsity Tutors:

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/instructional_technology/online_tutoring/index

Dear Families,

This fall, let’s come together to help those in need. We invite you to donate non-perishable food items to our annual Fall Food Drive. Your generosity can make a big difference in our community.

Thank you for your support!

Tyler Elementary School will be administering the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System
(VALLSS) to all kindergarten students in Prince William County. Approximate testing windows: September 30th - October 22nd.

Make-up testing will continue throughout the testing window as needed. For more information, visit the PALS Legacy website at https://literacy.virginia.edu and click on the tab “Families +”.

Please feel free to contact Stephanie Richards, Tyler's Reading Specialist, at richarsm@pwcs.edu or 703-754-7181 if you have any questions about VALLSS testing or procedures.

The Impact Aid Survey will be available in ParentVUE starting September 30, 2024. We encourage all parents and guardians to complete the survey by the deadline of November 30, 2024. Your participation is essential in helping us secure vital funding to support our students and programs. Thank you for your cooperation!

Mrs. Krause enjoyed her lessons with all second grade this month! Students listened to the book, "Perfect Square", by Michael Hall. Students then were challenged to make their own "perfect" square by transforming a square into something else! Students worked diligently to add color and detail! Students did an amazing job!

In PWCS, all students in kindergarten through second grade participate in enrichment lessons taught by gifted resource teachers. The lessons focus on nurturing critical and creative thinking skills and expose all students to challenging opportunities. The Early Talent Development program recognizes students with gifted potential and provides targeted support to develop that potential.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about dyslexia and promoting understanding and support for those affected by it. Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia, making it essential for us to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. It is not related to intelligence, but rather to the way individuals process information. People with dyslexia often have strengths in areas such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Signs of Dyslexia Some common signs of dyslexia include:

• Difficulty reading, especially reading aloud
• Problems with spelling and writing
• Trouble with phonological processing (the ability to recognize and work with sounds in spoken language)
• Slow reading speed and poor reading comprehension

How We Can Help As a school community, we can support students with dyslexia by:

• Providing access to resources and tools, such as audiobooks and speech-to-text software
• Offering extra time for tests and assignments
• Using multi-sensory teaching methods that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles
• Encouraging a growth mindset and celebrating the unique strengths of each student

Get Involved There are many ways to get involved during Dyslexia Awareness Month:

• Attend workshops and seminars to learn more about dyslexia
• Participate in awareness campaigns and share information on social media
• Support organizations that provide resources and advocacy for individuals with dyslexia

By working together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s use this month to educate ourselves and others about dyslexia and to celebrate the diverse talents and abilities of all our students.

Bridgette Everett: Special Education Level I Teacher

This month, we are excited to spotlight Bridgette Everett, our dedicated Special Education Level I Teacher at Tyler. Mrs. Everett has been a passionate educator for 17 years, with 13 of those years spent enriching the lives of students at Tyler.

A Passion for Student Success Mrs. Everett's favorite part of her job is witnessing the moment when students recognize their own success. “When they realize they are capable of what they have accomplished, it just brings so much joy to my heart,” she shares.

Inspirational Quote Mrs. Everett lives by the quote, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship” by Dr. James Comer. This philosophy underscores her commitment to building meaningful connections with her students.

A Lifelong Resident of Haymarket Having moved to Haymarket at the age of 7, Bridgette has deep roots in the community. She loves sharing her local knowledge and is always ready to help anyone with questions about the area.

Family and Hobbies In her spare time, Bridgette can be found at the volleyball courts or baseball fields, cheering on her three children. She is a devoted mom who balances her professional and personal life with grace and enthusiasm.

A Message to Tyler Families Mrs. Everett wants Tyler families to know how deeply she cares about her students and their needs. Her dedication to their growth and well-being is evident in everything she does.

Local Sports Enthusiast Mrs. Everett is a big fan of local sports teams, including the Nationals and Commanders. She also enjoys attending games at local middle and high schools, supporting the community’s young athletes.

Connecting to Dyslexia Awareness Month As we observe Dyslexia Awareness Month this October, Mrs. Everett’s role as a Special Education Level I Teacher is particularly significant. She works tirelessly to support students with diverse learning needs, including those with dyslexia. Mrs. Everett’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their learning differences.

We are grateful to have Bridgette Everett as part of our Tyler family. Her dedication, passion, and love for her students make her an invaluable asset to our school community.

Dear parents, our Lost and Found will be cleaned out at the end of each month. Please remind your child to check the Lost and Found section in the morning for any missing items, as unclaimed items will be donated.

Just a quick heads-up: the PTO Store will be open every Friday at a table in our cafeteria. To make sure your child has enough time to shop, please remember:

• Store Hours: Every Friday
• Cut-off Time for Purchases: 8:43 AM

Children only have time to shop after arrival and before the first bell rings, so we suggest planning ahead to avoid any rush with breakfast and shopping. This can help ensure a smooth start to the day.

Thanks for your support!

We warmly invite all parents to join our Family Engagement Series, a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together as a community. This series includes interactive workshops, informative sessions on child development, and fun family activities designed to strengthen the bond between parents and children. Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with other families and gain valuable insights to support your child’s growth and well-being.

Target Audience: All PWCS students and families

6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Live Zoom Webinar

Join us on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, for a webinar that will provide an overview of the Varsity Tutors for Schools platform, a free online resource for grades K-12 designed to support your students’ academic growth. You will learn how to access these resources through the school portal.

Presenter for this session: Sarah Marr, Senior Director of Partnerships, with Varsity Tutors for Schools

Register for Tuesday, October 8 - Zoom Webinar

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the October 8 event by Thursday, October 3.

Target Audience: All PWCS students and families

6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Live Zoom Webinar

Join us on Thursday, October 10, 2024, for a webinar that focuses on the Prince William County Public Schools’ security team. We will share details of our training programs for school security officers, staff, and students within our district.

Presenters for this session: Jacob Edwards, Supervisor of Crisis Management, and Marcos Bocanegra, Senior School Security Officer, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Thursday, October 10 - Zoom Webinar

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the October 10 event by Monday, October 7.

Target Audience: Elementary school students and families

6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Live Zoom Webinar

Join us on Thursday, October 17, 2024, for a webinar that will focus on what Specialty Programs are available at the elementary school level. We will review the program offerings and discuss the application process, including deadlines. We will also discuss transportation options for students attending Specialty Programs.

Presenter for this session: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Thursday, October 17 - Zoom Webinar

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the October 17 event by Monday, October 14.

Target Audience: All PWCS students and families

6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – Live Zoom Webinar

Join us on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, for a webinar to learn how Prince William County Public Schools is fostering strong connections with families and the community. Learn about our Family Engagement Series, meet School Parent Liaisons, and get to know about our Family Academic and Community Engagement Specialists (FACES) and Community Hubs. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and connect!

Presenter for this session: Yanet Boyd, Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Tuesday, October 22 - Zoom Webinar

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the October 22 event by Thursday, October 17.

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom online seminar

Join us for a webinar that will provide students and families with valuable information about the new Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and what this means for your student. An overview of the main elements of the law will be provided and specific changes you will notice this year in literacy instruction and the updated Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) for students in kindergarten - grade 3.

REGISTER HERE: https://pwcs-zm-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lvVrBNm2Q_iwDhEq2yPv2A

To request an interpreter, please complete this form by October 18, 2024. https://forms.office.com/r/hYJvbFHHJc

Substitute teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, custodians, food service associates, and lifeguards are in high-demand and needed on an ongoing basis. Go to pwcs.edu/employment

APPLY TODAY

Visit www.pwcs.edu/employment Questions? Call 571-402-3868

Join the Prince William County Food and Nutrition Department.

Visit https://jobs.pwcs.edu/jobs

PWCS provides free translation and interpretation services to multilingual families to ensure they have access to essential information about their child's education, and that they can communicate with school officials in their preferred language. For more information please visit:

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/translation_services/index

Our library circulation system provides the option for parents to restrict access to specific titles in circulation in our school library, if they choose that option for their child. While the school shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the student is not provided with access to such materials, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student understands the restriction and does not attempt to access the materials.

If you are interested in restricting specific library titles for your student(s), please visit the “Parent Library Controls” webpage for more information.

Restriction of library materials using the “Additional User Type” is a parent's responsibility. Librarians and school administrators can provide access to the link but cannot provide support within the system.

We are excited to announce that all PWCS schools have removed pork products from our menus and introduced new halal items. These changes aim to cater to our diverse community and enhance your dining experience.

Food Services: If you would like to ensure specific dietary blocks are in place for your child, please contact Mrs. Battles directly at BattleUL@pwcs.edu. She will be happy to assist you with any dietary concerns or special requests.

You can find food menus, nutrition information, and more on the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Food and Nutrition Services website1. They offer breakfast and lunch in all schools, and there are free meals available for students at 68 schools. If you need further details, feel free to contact the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department at 703-791-7314.

"A complete lunch offering includes these components: protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. Several choices within each category are available daily from which students can select a complete lunch. Students must select at least three components with at least one being a fruit or vegetable to make a meal".

Back to School Health Reminders

Medical Requirements for New Students: State law requires all students entering public schools for the first time to receive a comprehensive physical exam. This exam must be completed no earlier than 1 year before school entry. Students will not be allowed to attend school until this physical is on file. Please bring the completed physical to the school office as soon as you receive it from the doctor. Tyler office will be open all summer to receive your registration documents.

Immunizations: Students must meet minimum immunization requirements for school entry. Documented proof of adequate age-appropriate immunizations; administered within spacing and age requirements must be provided prior to school entry.

Health Conditions: Students who may need emergency treatment or health services for a medical condition are advised to have a Health Treatment Plan signed by both a doctor and a parent/guardian on file at school. Some conditions that require a treatment plan include asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, bleeding and blood disorders, cancer, certain heart conditions and life-threatening allergies. All forms can be obtained in the school office or on the Tyler Elementary School website under the Nurse’s page.

Medication: We encourage all medications to be taken at home whenever possible. For those children requiring medication during the school day, a medication consent form must be completed. Over the counter medications given at school according to the manufacturer’s directions can be given with parental completion of the consent form. Prescription medication, as well as over-the-counter medications not taken per the manufacturer’s directives, will require a physician’s signature. All medications must be brought to the school by a parent/guardian and are to be in their original, sealed container.

Vision and Hearing Screenings: Each school year students in kindergarten, third grade and new students will have their vision and hearing screened. Parents/Guardians will only be notified if further evaluation is recommended.

If a child becomes noticeably sick or injured while at school a parent/guardian is called and may be asked to take the child home. Children who have the following symptoms will need to be picked up.

- A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher

- A rash/skin eruption of unknown origin

- Vomiting or Diarrhea

- A suspected contagious illness

- A serious injury

- Obviously ill

Please have a plan in place making it possible for children to be picked up in the event of illness. The clinic has very limited resources for sick children. Children are to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school following an illness. Please also give children 24 hours after vomiting and/or diarrhea before allowing their return to school.

Your child is beginning a new journey. Keep them engaged in learning by encouraging healthy habits. Frequent hand washing will be their best defense against illness. Encourage exercise, adequate rest, daily breakfast, and nutritious snacks and meals.

Dear Tyler families,

Please use one of the following three methods to notify the school of your child’s absence, late arrival, early dismissal, or change in dismissal. You can notify the school via email at tyes-frontoffice@pwcs.edu by phone, or through our online portals.

1) Email us at tyes-frontoffice@pwcs.edu

The email address can also be used for any other communications with the front office to ensure an efficient outcome. Please notify the school before 9:30am on the day of the absence.

2) ParentVUE - Please use ParentVUE as your second step for reporting current or future absences. Parents can submit attendance and notes for the same day and up to 30 days in the future, and upload supporting documentation such as doctor’s notes.

• When you login, choose the student that is or will be absent.
• Click " Report Absence” , then enter the information in the pop-up screen.
• Make sure you click on the correct date(s) and always provide a reason for the absence(s).

Click here for a link to use ParentVUE or to learn more about the program: site://www/about_us/the_hub/parent_vue_information

3) NEW Attendance & Dismissal Form (Reporting an Absence, Late Arrival, Early Dismissal or Dismissal Change)Click hereto open the form.

We are excited to invite families to take advantage of MySchoolBucks, a convenient online platform that allows you to keep track of what your students are eating at school. With MySchoolBucks, you can easily monitor meal purchases, view account balances, and even set up low-balance alerts to ensure your child never misses a meal. This tool not only helps you stay informed about your child’s nutrition but also promotes healthy eating habits. Join us in making school meals a seamless and transparent experience for everyone!

Reach Out to Our Social Worker!

If you or your student need assistance, our dedicated social worker is here to help. Whether it’s emotional support, resources, or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to ensuring every member of our community feels supported and valued. Please contact our social worker for any help you may need.

Rachel Wright

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

wrightrr@pwcs.edu

Top Dog Coordinator: Drew Blincoe

Contact: tylerwatchdogs@gmail.com

What is Watch D.O.G.S.?: Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other administrator.

To volunteer: Online sign-up calendar

To learn more about the program: visit the Watch D.O.G.S website

We welcome visitors to enjoy lunch with their student at our designated visitor table. Due to space limitations, students cannot bring classmates to join them.

An optional allergy table is available for students with life-threatening allergies. To avoid cross-contamination, visitors should not sit at the allergy table when space is limited.

Reminders:

• Bring a government-issued photo ID (no digital copies).
• Stay in the main office or at the grey table until you leave. Wandering in hallways is not allowed for safety reasons.
• Students and their siblings need to remain seated at the table with their parent during lunch

Thank you for your cooperation!

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance

To avoid being chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year), please be sure to plan vacations and trips during regularly scheduled school breaks. Below are links to this year's school calendar as well as next year's calendar for planning purposes.

2024-2025 Student Calendar

Tyler is excited to welcome our visitors and volunteers! Please, don't forget that all visitors and volunteers must present a photo ID and be checked into our RAPTOR system upon arrival. Please note that digital IDs cannot be accepted. Safety is our top priority!

PWCS staff members utilize School Status as the primary way to communicate with families. You will see this image at the bottom of email communications. We are learning that these messages may be going to 'junk mail' for some of our families. Please check your 'junk mail' folder for these message. Additionally, we are able to make phone calls using School Status which will appear to come from a new phone number (area code may be 804).

We want every student to feel celebrated on their special day. As a regular part of our morning announcements, birthdays are announced. Students are invited to come to the office for their birthday pencil. This has become a popular tradition at Tyler that we look forward to continuing. We understand that families may also want to do something special for their child's birthday.

Open Special Day Certificate for more information on student birthday celebrations.

*Birthday party invitations are NOT permitted to be passed out at school. Thank you for helping us to keep the focus on learning.

Special Day Certificate (Word)

PWCS is committed to ensuring safe and welcoming environments for students and staff. If a safety concern or crisis occurs in or near our schools, PWCS uses standard terms to communicate with families. Watch this video to become familiar with the terms.

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