Riverhawk Reminders

** Any messages sent from BEMS through our Blackboard account (noreply.belmontridge@lcps.org) come from an account that is not monitored. Please use our website to locate the email addresses of any staff members you need to contact. Thank you. **

¿Cómo traduzco el boletín? En el lado derecho del boletín, aparecerá una barra con las funciones ADA y Traducción. Aquí es donde los espectadores podrán traducir el boletín al idioma que deseen.

Newsletter topics include:

• Upcoming Events
• BEMS PTO Family Night
• Early Dismissal Reminders
• Yearbook Sales
  
• Advisory Lessons
• Family Liaison Update
• Belmont Ridge Talent Showcase
  
• Signs of Suicide Presentation (8th Grade Only)
  
• Varsity Tutoring
• Parenting Wisely Seminar
• Academies of Loudoun Admission and Outreach Information
  
• Special Programs Fair
• Family Book Club
• Tree Planting Save the Date
• New LCPS App
• Runway for a Cure
• Trunk of Treat

Upcoming Events:

Anti-Bullying lessons during resource and spectrum: October 8th : 8th and 7th grade and October 9th : 8th and 6th grade

Family Book Club Event: October 9th at 8:00am and 6:30pm

The College Funding Coach Virtual Seminar: October 16th: 6:00pm

BEMS PTO Family Night 5:30pm - 8:30pm: Friday, October 18th

Signs of Suicide presentation for eighth graders: Tuesday, October 22nd and 23rd 8th grade only

Red Ribbon Anti - Drugs Events:

Wednesday October 9th - "Peace out to drugs" (Wear tie dye)

Wednesday October 16th - "Unity day" (wear orange to show support)

Wednesday October 23rd - "Lei off drugs" (wear Hawaiian shirts)

Tuesday October 29th - "Don't be fooled by drugs" (wear a Halloween costume)

LCPS Student Holidays

• October 14, 2024 Holiday (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
• October 29, 2024 End of the First Grading Period
• October 30, 2024 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)
• October 31, 2024 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)
• November 1, 2024 Holiday (Diwali)
• November 4, 2024 Student Holiday (Professional Development Day)
• November 5, 2024 Student Holiday (County-Wide Staff Development
• November 27, 2024 Thanksgiving Break Begins
  
• November 29, 2024 Thanksgiving Break Begins
• December 23, 2024 Winter Break Begins
• January 3, 2025 Winter Break Ends (Classes Resume January 6, 2025)

Family Discussion Questions For House Arrest by K.A. Holt

Weeks 1-8

1. Timothy stole money to help pay for medicine his brother desperately needed. Discuss with your student their thoughts on if what Timothy did is right or wrong, and their reasoning as to why or why not. Can you brainstorm other ways that the family could have asked for and received the help that they needed?

2. Timothy compares both himself and his house to Jose’s. What are the similarities and differences in their home lives? Why does Timothy enjoy being at Jose’s?

3. What do you think Mrs. Bainbridge meant when she said that Timothy had a breakthrough in the last part of his journal (p.25)? Timothy doesn’t think he did. Discuss whether you agree with Mrs. Bainbridge and why/what was the breakthrough.

Weeks 9-15

1. Even though Timothy knows his family needs financial help, he doesn’t like when Mrs. Bainbridge mentions a fundraiser. Discuss why you think he is resistant to this idea. Timothy thinks about if he had a magic wallet, would he be tempted to steal again. Discuss why he would be willing to steal (putting himself at risk) but not ask for help from the community.

2. Timothy notices that Jose complains a lot about his family, and it makes him angry. Why do you think he feels this way, and why doesn’t he talk with Jose about how he feels?

RSVP now for our 6th annual Riverhawk Family Night! This fun evening at the school involves a movie and more! Pizza is now available for pre-orders and Chick-fil-A and Kona Ice will be available for purchase at the event. We’re also looking for event volunteers if you can help out that evening!

RSVP and/or pre-order Pizza Here

Sign up to Volunteer at Family Night Here

Winter Coat Drive: temps will be changing soon as fall has begun. I'm currently accepting donations of new and gently used coats in all men's, women's, and kids' sizes. Items must be clean and in great condition, with no rips, tears, or broken zippers. Winter hats, gloves, and boots will also be accepted. There is a collection box in the entryway at BEMS that is accessible during school hours. If you are not able to drop off your donations to the school, please email me at Susan.Ferguson@lcps.org to make alternative arrangements. The coat drive will go thru October 17. Thank you!

Chess Club begins on Friday, October 11. Time is running out to sign up! Scan the QR code in the flyer or contact

Www.chessacademy.com to register.

Dear Parent or Guardian:

As you know, life is often a roller-coaster ride of emotions, with teen years being especially susceptible to wide variations in mood. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression is among the most common disorders in youth. Suicide is directly related to mental illness, typically depression, and is one of the most serious public health problems facing our youth. Over 90% of youth who die by suicide have a mental disorder that is often undiagnosed or untreated.

To proactively address this issue, Belmont Ridge Middle School is offering the Middle School SOS Signs of Suicide Program this school year. The SOS Signs of Suicide® Suicide Prevention Program is the only universal school-based suicide prevention that has demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64%) (Aseltine et al., 2007 & Schilling et al., 2016).

Our program goals are straightforward:

• Decrease suicide and suicide attempts by increasing knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression and mental health;
• Teach our students to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, self-injurious behavior, and potential suicidality in themselves and others;
• Educate youth that suicide is not a normal response to problems but a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression or other mental illnesses; and
• Encourage help-seeking by teaching teens to respond to the signs of suicide as a mental health emergency and to take specific action steps to help prevent a tragedy.

We intend to implement this program in the eighth-grade RESOURCE Classes at BELMONT RIDGE Middle School. The program will take place during the class period as an educational lesson including a video and will be conducted by school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors. At the conclusion of the presentation, students will be asked to complete a brief post-test knowledge survey and indicate whether they would recommend the presentation to a peer. The presenters will be available for follow-up with students who wish to speak with them. Please note, the Signs of Suicide presentations are not part of the School Counseling Program. As such, if you completed the School Counseling Program opt-out for your child, they will still receive this presentation provided by a school psychologist or social worker. If you do not wish for your student to participate in the Signs of Suicide program, you must opt-out below.

If you would like your student to participate, no action is required at this time. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please complete this form before FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11th opting your child out of the lesson. Additionally, if you have any questions or wish to preview the educational materials prior to the classroom presentation, please contact us at 571-252-6500 or access the Screening for Mental Health SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program Parent portal.

You can find additional information on the topic of youth suicide on the LCPS webpage (Suicide Prevention).

Sincerely,

Anderea Mason, M.Ed.

School Psychologist

The Welcome to LCPS EL Family Workshop is designed to provide a brief orientation to new EL families about the U.S. School System and LCPS. Sessions are held at the Historic Douglas High School in Leesburg from 6:30-8pm on the following Thursdays:

• October 10th

• November 7th

• December 5th

• April 3rd

• May 1st

• June 5th

See Welcome to LCPS flyer to learn more.

Youth and Family Support Services helps strengthen parental and family relationships through prevention, education, and supportive case management services. These services are offered within a strengths-based, trauma-informed and protective/promotive factors framework. These services are based on the Parenting Wisely programs from Family Works, Inc. that offer tips and tools to parent children in difficult situations.

Families that complete a Parenting Wisely program may also participate in short-term, family-focused intensive support sessions. We will assess each family’s needs/concerns, initially and continuously, to ensure appropriate, adequate, and timely access to services across the system of care that reduce the challenging behavior and address any crises that arise.

Parenting Wisely - Teen Edition

Loudoun County families with youth between the ages of 11-17 experiencing challenging peer and family relationships and life crises can get support. Youth and Family Support Services are available to Loudoun County families with a teen that has had one of more of the following problems: running away, failing grades, truancy and poor school attendance/avoidance, drug and alcohol experimentation, or concerning behaviors, to include aggression at home, school and/or in the community.

Families and youth may participate in individual sessions or multi-family group sessions that use the evidence-based curriculum – Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition. We work with families to understand the barriers and behaviors that may be impacting the family dynamic; share information on parenting styles and adolescent development; and teach coping strategies to help improve communication and create mutual respect. In addition, the curriculum can also assist families with developing family contracts and safety plans, as needed.

Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition is offered in English and Spanish.

Upcoming group sessions:

English: 5-week virtual program on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 p.m. | View the flyer (PDF)

· August 14 - September 11, 2024

· October 2 - October 30, 2024

· November 13 -December 18, 2024

Spanish: 10-week in-person program on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Loudoun County Department of Family Services - Family Engagement and Preservation Services office located at 45201 Research Place, Suite 110, Ashburn | View the flyer (PDF)

· November 12, 2024, - January 21, 2025

The Academies of Loudoun 2024 Fall Admission Cycle opened on Monday, August 19, 2024, and will remain open until Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The fall admissions cycle is for any eighth-grade student enrolled in Algebra I or higher who is interested in applying to the Academies of Loudoun for ninth-grade entry into the Academy of Engineering & Technology (AET) program and/or the Academy of Science (AOS) program for the 2025-2026 school year.

The admissions office will conduct four (4) fall admissions information sessions for Loudoun County students in eighth grade and their parents or guardians. These sessions will provide details about the Academies, its programs and how to apply.

Here is some additional information regarding the Fall Admissions Cycle for AET and AOS.

2024 Fall Application Timeline & Requirements

• Application Window Opens | August 19, 2024

• Application Window Closes | October 16, 2024 - The application portal will close at 12:00 PM (NOON)

• Fall Admissions Testing Sessions | October 26, 2024, and November 9th and 16th, 2024 (Register online for one session)

• March 2025 - Admissions offers will be posted in the admissions portal

• March-August 2025 - Applicants must accept or decline all admissions offers. Waitlisted applicants will be notified as seats become available

For more information, visit the Academies of Loudoun Admissions website, email AcademiesAdmissions@lcps.org or call 571-252-1992.

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.

In October of 2021, I (Kristin Epperson - BEMS Art Teacher) was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer. Currently, doctors are searching for answers to what activates this cancer and how to better save lives. With your support, please help us fund research, help cancer patients receive care and treatment, and fund local programs.

Please join us October 6, 2024, at 1 pm for our annual fashion show at Reston Town Center Pavilion. Reston Runway to the Cure, Inc., (www.runwaytothecure.org) with founding sponsors Scout & Molly’s Boutique, Hyatt Regency Reston, and BXP, dedicates the proceeds to a national organization conducting research to end breast cancer through a direct donation, grants to 501(c), and community-based breast cancer non-profit organizations in the local Washington, DC Metropolitan areas that provide support services to breast cancer warriors.

This year we are supporting the following organizations:

1. Local - National Breast Center Foundation: www.nationalbreastcenterfoundation.org
The National Breast Center Foundation exists to improve the lives of women by removing barriers that prevent them from getting proper screening, diagnosis, and
education about breast cancer.

2. National - Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation: www.tnbcfoundation.org
The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation is a credible source for triple negative breast cancer information, a catalyst for science and patient advocacy and a caring
community with meaningful services for patients and their families.

This exciting event brings together merchants, corporations and families from our community who share the common goals of finding a cure for breast cancer and supporting those who are fighting these battles. Local retailers provide the outfits, jewelry, and accessories that the models wear in the show; while others donate hair styling and makeup. The Hyatt Reston is providing discounted rooms for this event: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/RESTO/G-RT24.

The models are former or current breast cancer warriors. Their stories provide a very personal element to the event, and their participation celebrates inner and outer beauty. When each person walks down the runway, they aren't running from their disease, they are owning it and demonstrating the strength required to overcome it. And that is truly beautiful. Monetary donations may be submitted via this Fundraising Page or by visiting www.runwaytothecure.org.

Overview

Youth and Family Support Services helps strengthen parental and family relationships through prevention, education, and supportive case management services. These services are offered within a strengths-based, trauma-informed and protective/promotive factors framework. These services are based on the Parenting Wisely programs from Family Works, Inc. that offer tips and tools to parent children in difficult situations.

Families that complete a Parenting Wisely program may also participate in short-term, family-focused intensive support sessions. We will assess each family’s needs/concerns, initially and continuously, to ensure appropriate, adequate, and timely access to services across the system of care that reduce the challenging behavior and address any crises that arise.

Parenting Wisely - Teen Edition

Loudoun County families with youth between the ages of 11-17 experiencing challenging peer and family relationships and life crises can get support. Youth and Family Support Services are available to Loudoun County families with a teen that has had one of more of the following problems: running away, failing grades, truancy and poor school attendance/avoidance, drug and alcohol experimentation, or concerning behaviors, to include aggression at home, school and/or in the community.

Families and youth may participate in individual sessions or multi-family group sessions that use the evidence-based curriculum – Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition. We work with families to understand the barriers and behaviors that may be impacting the family dynamic; share information on parenting styles and adolescent development; and teach coping strategies to help improve communication and create mutual respect. In addition, the curriculum can also assist families with developing family contracts and safety plans, as needed.

Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition is offered in English and Spanish.

Upcoming group sessions:

English: 5-week virtual program on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 p.m. | View the flyer (PDF)

· October 2 - October 30, 2024

· November 13 -December 18, 2024

Spanish: 10-week in-person program on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Loudoun County Department of Family Services - Family Engagement and Preservation Services office located at 45201 Research Place, Suite 110, Ashburn | View the flyer (PDF)

· November 12, 2024, - January 21, 2025

Registration for the Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition is now open. You will find information about SULYC and the link for the application at: www.loudounyouth.org under Programs: Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition.

As always, we want to hear from you. Please let us know how we can help you promote this program for students in our communities.

If you have any questions about SULYC, or Loudoun Youth, Inc., please reach out to me at swolfson@loudounyouth.org.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to our administrative team- Katie.Johnson@lcps.org, David.McKenzie@lcps.org, or Michael.Surma@lcps.org or your grade level dean if you have further questions.

** Any messages sent from BEMS through our Blackboard account (noreply.belmontridge@lcps.org) come from an account that is not monitored. Please use our website to locate the email addresses of any staff members you need to contact. Thank you. **

Don't forget to download the LCPS App!

Website: https://www.lcps.org/o/bem

Location: 19045 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2220