Harmony Newsletter
Aug 29, 2024
Calendar Items
Aug 30 - Student Holiday
Sept 2 - Student Holiday
Sept 10 - 8th Grade Assembly
Sept 26 - Book Fair Family Night (5 PM to 7 PM)
Nov 13 - 6th Grade Awards Night (Last Name A - L) @ 7 PM
Nov 13 - 6th Grade Awards Night (Last Name M - Z) @ 8 PM
Nov 14 - 7th Grade Awards Night @ 7 PM
Nov 14 - 8th Grade Awards Night @ 8 PM
School Resources for Questions
Our first Lock Down Drill will be the week of Sept 3. Contact names are below for any questions.
- School Security Officer, (SSO), Josh Stillwell (josh.stillwell@lcps.org)
- School Resource Office (SRO), Loudoun County Deputy Chris Salter (christopher.salter@loudoun.gov)
- 6th Grade Dean and School Safety Contact, Justin Dailey (justin.dailey@lcps.org)
- Principal, Eric Stewart (eric.stewart@lcps.org)
School Phone is 540-751-2500 (then dial zero to reach the main office)
Information Regarding Opioids in our Community
Parents - this link opens to a letter from our Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Aaron Spence. Inside his letter are these same links which will provide further information about fentanyl and opioid awareness.
Find out About Your Child's Teachers
We had this link last month but are adding again to make sure all parents had a chance to see the videos of their children's teachers. This has links to everyone and will give further details into their classes, curriculum, and expectations. Back to School Link (this link has three pages, one for each grade so make sure to scroll down)
If you still need more time with them, please make contact through email and keep communication open. We want to make sure your needs and your child's needs are meet.
Feedback on the NEW Lightspeed Program
"Just want to take a moment and say, 'L-O-V-E Lightspeed!' This is such a game-changer for teachers! Seeing their screens all at once, checking that they're on the right site, blocking them 'quietly' when they aren't doing what they should be doing is beautiful. One of the best purchases in programs the County has made. Students, knowing that this is now a new norm, are more engaged; I know it's only been a few days, but it has drastically made a huge difference." (from teacher, Jodi Hillebrand)
(See last week's newsletter on our website for information on what Lightspeed does.)
Intramurals Update
Earlier this week we sent a separate email with links and information for all families about the LCPS new intramural program. Please check that out of you haven't read it. This is an excellent program that your kids might really enjoy.
Our school contact is Josh Young / josh.young@lcps.org.
Staff Recognition
This month, our school recognized the following staff and gave them a pair of socks that said, "You Knocked Our Socks Off."
Ms. Cicely Bell, 6th Grade English - Ms. Bell used her positive personality and cheerful demeanor to welcome all parent and students back to school. She also did something very clever. She bought two plastic plants and a welcome mat and placed them at the door to her class as a symbolic way to welcome her student class. Very clever. Very Welcoming!
Ms. Kelli Fleming, teaching assistant, continues to provide incredible support for Harmony staff and students. She started the year off assisting any who needed a helping hand. She stepped in to mentor other assistants with her resource experience without being asked. She always responds with a smile and is willing to take on any challenge thrown at her.
Ms. Gretchen Hatch, House C- Ms. Hatch welcomed her students this year with a positive and pleasant approach that influences everyone around her. While setting up a new room, welcoming new students, and meeting with families, Ms. Hatch was still checking in on her co-workers and meeting with new staff members, welcoming them to Harmony. She always goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues and helps make Harmony a great place to be.
If you would like to nominate a staff member for making you or your kids feel welcomed, valued, or who are giving, please email eric.stewart@lcps.org.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who are eligible can apply for free or reduced-price meals. See the LCPS Nutrition website to apply. If you have any questions about this program, please email freeandreduced@lcps.org.
Clubs Getting Started
Parents and Students. If you have interest in clubs, please check out this link and fill it in. Your emails will be collected so that the sponsor can contact you. A few (but not all) clubs will begin in mid-September.
Adlung's Family Vacation
This is Talya Adlung (8th grade) and Tessa Adlung (6th grade) during our summer vacation to Italy. We visited Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa and Pompeii.
Laing's in California
Maya Laing vacationed in Sonoma, CA this summer. In the picture, she is rafting along the Russian river with her cousin.
MS Students and Parents about Special Programs
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) invites you to its annual Special Programs Secondary Fair. This year, the event will be held at two convenient locations:
Thursday, September 12 @Heritage High School in Leesburg 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 19 @ Park View High School in Sterling 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Programs featured include:
- Academies of Loudoun
- Health and Medical Sciences Academy (HAMSci)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)
- Thomas Jefferson High School
The event will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. with a student panel in the auditorium, followed by breakout sessions that will provide further insight into each program.
Deans Will Speak in Student Classes
Deans begin their meetings next week with each grade (out of their resource classes) to review school rules, appropriate behaviors, and other expectations. We are also including this link to the student dress code for your reference:
https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/loudoun/Board.nsf/files/C72LVS56B2BF/$file/8270.pdf
