Stingray Scoop

Dear Stone Hill Middle School Community,

As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I am delighted to share the latest updates and highlights from our vibrant Stone Hill community. Our theme, “Going For Gold: Carrying the Torch for Each and Every Student,” continues to inspire us as we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to shine.

I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the invaluable support of our Stone Hill Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Their dedication plays a crucial role in enhancing our school experience. Currently, the PTO is seeking volunteers for two important positions: a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) representative and a Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC) representative. If you are passionate about supporting our diverse student body and would like to contribute, please reach out to pto-board@shmspto.org. Your involvement can make a significant difference in our community. Together, let’s continue to carry the torch high and make this year truly exceptional!

We are One. We are Strong. We are Stone Hill.

In service to you and our Stingray community,

Rohini Tohan, Principal

Monday, September 2nd

• School Holiday ~ Labor Day

• A-day

Wednesday, September 4th

• B-day

Thursday, September 5th

• A-day

Friday, September 6th

• B-day
• 6th Grade Parent Coffee, 9:30am (Check-in begins at 9:15am)

• September 9th ~ Reading MAP Test
• September 10th ~ Math MAP Test
• September 12th ~ Back to School Night, 6-8 pm, for parents & guardians of all grade levels
• September 13th ~ 8th Grade Special Programs Assembly, 11am
• September 13th ~ PTO Community Event with Food Trucks, 6 - 8 pm
• September 16th ~ Activity Buses Begin (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)

This past week, our dean team hosted grade-level assemblies to make connections with students and review important behavioral and academic expectations for the school year. Please talk with your student(s) about these assemblies and how they can demonstrate our 3R's - being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready in every interaction and in every location.

SHMS 6th grade families, please join us for our first parent coffee on Friday, September 6th at 9:30am. Our presentation will focus on helping middle school students become successful by sharing tips regarding time management, study skills, and social/emotional wellness. Parent check-in will begin at 9:15am.

Tell us you're coming! Please use this link to RSVP.

Who: SHMS 6th grade Families & SHMS Counseling Department

What: Middle School Success Parent Coffee

When: Friday, September 6th @ 9:30 a.m.

Where: SHMS Auditorium

Bus riders should ride their assigned bus and always arrive at their bus stop five minutes early. Please help your student(s) get out of the door on time. Parents are also requested to periodically check transportation information throughout the school year for any changes. Parents will be emailed by LCPS Transportation when changes are made to their student’s transportation.

Carline parents: We thank you for your patience and cooperation in helping to make our car line a safe and efficient area during the morning drop off and afternoon pick up.

Please follow directions displayed on signage and from all car line staff. Please pull as far forward as possible towards the stop sign in order to keep the flow of traffic moving.

All parents/guardians should report attendance, including absences and early dismissals, in ParentVue. Instructions with how-to videos are available on our website or by clicking here.

As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, there have been some changes to the counseling assignments. Please note who your child’s counselor will be this year based on your child’s last names across ALL grades.

LCPS is proud to provide free access to a suite of online learning resources available on the Varsity Tutors platform. To learn more about Varsity Tutors, a free, on-demand online tutoring service available to ALL LCPS students in Grades K-12, click here.

The SNAP in Schools initiative from the Virginia Department of Social Service, which is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps develop partnerships to bridge the gap of food insecurity among school-aged children. The objectives of SNAP in Schools are to reduce food insecurity in school-aged children, to increase the number of students directly certified for free school meals through SNAP, and to increase the number of students eligible without application for the summer EBT program.

Please advise families who could benefit from this program to access the CommonHelp portal link to submit online SNAP applications.

Please also share the flyer below with your families:

• English
• Spanish

Stone Hill PTO Website

Click Here to Become a PTO Member!

Join the Stone Hill Middle School (SHMS) PTO and become a member of an active volunteer organization committed to enriching the academic and social experience for all SHMS students and families.

The SHMS PTO provides financial and volunteer support for a wide variety of school based activities aimed at building a strong school community, supporting academic and extracurricular activities, and providing opportunities for social and service related events and projects.

There is no time commitment required - meeting attendance and volunteering for events is encouraged, but NOT required to join PTO!

We hope your family will join to get involved or simply to show your support for the goals we plan to accomplish this year.

Click here to become a PTO member!

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Welcome Back Social

Join us for our "Welcome Back Social" on Friday, Sept 13th, 6pm - 8pm!

Enjoy live music by SHMS students, free games, and concessions.

Ice cream and pizza will be available for purchase, with a portion of sales benefiting SHMS PTO.

Don’t miss this memorable evening!

Upcoming Fundraisers

Best Runners - Sunday, September 8th, 2024

Location: Rock Ridge High School, Ashburn, VA Start Time: 8:00am

Register for the Best Runners 1K & 5K to support Stone Hill Middle School!

Use school code SHMS during registration.

100% of proceeds go to SHMS.

Our target is 100 registrations.

Fees:

Adults: $25 | Kids: $15

Includes:Race shirt, finisher’s medal, and post-race snacks!

Register at: [SHMS PTO](https://www.shmspto.org/)

Asha-Jyothi 16th Annual Run/Walk/Fun Run - Sunday, September 15th, 2024

Location: Fairfax Corner, Fairfax, VA

Start Time: 8:00am

Support SHMS by participating in the Asha-Jyothi 1K & 5K!

Select "Stone Hill Middle School" when registering.

Use coupon AJ4Schools for 5K registration. Register at: [Fairfax - 16th Asha-Jyothi 5K](https://www.redpodium.com/)

Stone Hill School Store is Open!

Visit the Stone Hill School Store.

Open Monday-Friday, 8:15am - 9:00am.

The store offers spiritwear, locker accessories, and snacks (cash only).

New PTO members can pick up their Spiritwear and Magnet with proof of membership.

Share your suggestions at store@shmspto.org.

Email: rohini.tohan@lcps.org
Website: www.lcps.org/SHMS
Phone: 703-957-4420
X (formerly Twitter): @StoneHillMiddle