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Important Upcoming Events
- May 1 - Principal Appreciation Day!
- May 2 - Basketball game @ Stone MS
- May 3 - Teacher Workday - No School for students
- May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 18 - Panther Prowl Family 5K Run/Walk 8-11am
- May 27 - Holiday - Memorial Day - No School
- Message from Mr. Stokes
- SWAG Awards
- SOL Testing Dates
- News from the School Clinic
- Summer Programs
- Other Schools Are Sharing
A Message From Principal Stokes
Hello Panthers,
We are entering that hectic time of the school year. The 4th quarter signals the culmination of this year’s learning opportunities. Students will engage in final projects, class presentations, and SOL testing. Further, many students take part in a wide variety of additional activities, both school-related and for personal interest. This busy spring time highlights the importance for our students to be ready for learning and responsible with their time. Students should continue to record their assignments and pay close attention to what teachers share in class and through Schoology about assignments and other requirements. If a student wants to connect with a teacher during Panther Time, they need to make arrangements with that teacher before Panther Time to get approval to visit with that teacher for extra support.
Meanwhile, we’re going to have some fun in the next few weeks. Panthers – be on the lookout for information coming soon about our Panther Prowl Fun Run, Teacher Appreciation Week, and our spring musical production.
Thank you for your support.
Gordon Stokes
April SWAG Winners!
Each month teachers from different departments recognize students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive impact at Carson through our SWAG Student Recognition Program. SWAG stands for “Students with Awesome Growth”. Mr. Stokes shared why each student was nominated during our April celebration. Congratulations to the following students for having Carson SWAG: Sorna, Eduardo, Isabel, Justin, Lily, Moises, Isha, Shelia, David, Dua, Merina, Anvit, Sam, Sophia, Maria, Isaac, Malia, Vivaan, Nicholas, Zachary, Mahanth, Trevor, Joanna, Holden, Sophie, Yogesh, Nora, Adrita, Brayden, Roma, Lillian, Rohith, Suvan, April, Lillian, Maya. A picture of these students is proudly displayed outside of the cafeteria for all to see. Congratulations, Panthers!
Wednesday, May 1 is Principal Appreciation Day!
Purple Up FCPS!
April is the month of the military child!
We are so grateful for all our military families and the sacrifices they make to help our country.
Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Internal Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians of FCPS students. Parents/guardians will be asked for feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community. The survey will be distributed electronically via FCPS This Week. The survey window is April 15 - April 26, 2024.
Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholder.
Allergy Season
Allergy season is upon us! Tree pollen has been moderate to high, and we are seeing a lot of uncomfortable students in the clinic. Signs and symptoms of allergies include congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes nose and throat, runny nose, fatigue, cough. If your student has known seasonal allergies, it is time to start them back on their allergy medication as directed by your physician."
Sincerely,
Hannah Wilkinson, BSN, RN
Public Health Nurse III
.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing updated information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.
Virtual April Family Coffee links below
Click on the links below:
Transition to Middle School Parent Coffee Recording
Transition to High School Parent Coffee Recording
8th Grade Service Learning hours
This is a reminder that all 8th grade students are required to have 15 service learning hours verified and approved in x2VOL by May 1st at 11:59 pm. Please remind your student to check that their hours have been verified by their sponsor in x2VOL by the May 1st deadline. Students have been frequently reminded to check x2VOL and to see that their total hours are verified and correct. If a student needs a service experience, they can check the Schoology Service Learning folder under Carson Student Central.
RCMS PTA
Now Accepting Nominations
Believe it or not, the Rachel Carson PTA is already planning for the 2024-2025 school year! Are you or is someone you know enthusiastic about supporting Rachel Carson and all of its students, teachers, and staff? We are soliciting nominations for several positions that will be open next year including:
- President
- Communications Secretary
- VP of Fundraising and Social Events
- Membership Chair
- Basketball Chair
- Multicultural Night Chair
- STEAM Night Chair
Current Board members will assist new members with the transition. Please email [email protected] if you are interested, or know of someone who would make a great addition to our team!
SOL Testing Dates
All students will take the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in May. Testing will begin first thing in the morning (at 7:30 am) to ensure students have adequate testing time before lunch. Please see the testing dates below to ensure your student attends school on the testing day.
7th Grade Students
8th Grade Students
- Grade 7 Reading: Monday, May 20th
- All levels of Math: Wednesday, May 22nd
- Grade 8 Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW): Wednesday, May 1st
- All levels of Math (except Algebra 1 Regular): Thursday, May 16th
- Grade 8 Reading: Monday, May 20th
- Grade 8 Science: Wednesday, May 22nd
- Algebra 1 (regular only): Thursday, May 23rd
With parent/guardian permission, student rapid retake SOLs will occur the week of May 28th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email David Dewett, Testing Coordinator at [email protected].
Mason Math Odyssey Enrichment Camp at GMU
July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024
Mason Math Odyssey enrichment camp (MMO) is a place for rising 6th - 9th graders who are curious about math to learn about beautiful mathematics concepts typically not taught in K-12 curriculum. Students will engage in fun and friendly team competitions that will help build mathematical maturity while honing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Camp participants will embark on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time to learn about some of the greatest mathematical discoveries from ancient times to this day, get exposed to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts from the areas of geometry, topology, number theory, probability and algebra, as well as mathematical modeling, and compete for a chance to win the camp trophy. As part of the daily agenda, students will be immersed into one of the mathematical themes through guest lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects featuring Olympiad-style problems as well as simple mathematical puzzles and culminating in a peer and instructor judged presentation.
Where: In-person – GMU Fairfax Campus
Dates: July 8, 2024 - July 12, 2024
Time: 9am - 3pm (drop off and pickup windows TBD)
Cost: $490 includes all materials, activities, and daily lunch!
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 4, 2024
More details: Mason Summer Day Camp | GMU College of Science.
Contact: Jennifer Lawler [email protected]
FCPS Summer Learning and Fun
Career and Technical Education
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.
Institute for the Arts Camps
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. During the self-directed course, students work independently to complete the requirements. Students must register by Friday, May 24. For more information, see the Summer Learning information page.
Summer Online Campus
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration ends Friday, June 7. Math, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible students.
Additional Summer Learning Opportunities
Please go to the following website Summer Learning information page to learn about these summer opportunities:
- Credit Recovery Academy/ Extended Learning
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance
VIP Camp: July 1 - August 1
Online Tutoring
This is a reminder that all students in FCPS have access to Tutor.com. This a free service where students have 24/7 access to an on-line tutor. Students can connect with someone about nearly any school subject. We encourage all families to take a few minutes to review the basics of Tutor.com and log-in to try out this great resources. You can go directly to tutor.com or review the FCPS overview page at: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/tutoring-options-fcps/tutorcom-online-tutoring-services
Tutor.com - Online Tutoring Services
We are excited to share a great opportunity that is available to all FCPS students! Your child now has unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com.
www.fcps.edu
Chess at Carson MS
Rachel Carson is hosting another event that your child can be a part of:
-
April 27 - Chess Tournament from 9:00AM-5:00PM
Mr. Barrows will communicate with students about activities through email and Schoology and will also be in lunches where a daily schedule will be shown on the projector. We try our best to communicate any changes such as cancellations immediately though email and Schoology. Late buses will be offered Monday-Thursday. Late buses are different than your regular bus number. Please make sure students know their late bus number prior to staying after school. You can find your late bus number in SIS and it will say RCLR (Rachel Carson Late Run).
here is the Q2 After School Schedule
Riley Barrows
After School Program Specialist
Building Use Coordinator
Other Schools Are Sharing
For more information on the Oakton HS Dance Team click HERE
Support the Oakton HS Bands by eating at MOD Pizza in Vienna ANY TIME on Tuesday, May 7. Mention "Oakton Band" OR order online through the MOD app or website, using code: "MODGIVES25" and 25% of proceeds will go to the Band! Feel free to share the flyer and make sure to tell everyone to mention "Oakton Band" at MOD Pizza on May 7!"
Thank you so much for your past support of our program!
Click here for QR code for Mod Pizza
South Lakes High School
You’re Invited
Families in the South Lakes pyramid schools are invited to see South Lakes Theatre Arts perform Big Fish (a musical) for a special Community Preview event. For one night only, get $5 off each ticket and meet the cast and crew after the show for autographs and pictures.
Buy Tickets Now
A Splash of Magic:
Big Fish Community Preview
Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm
Join us for a special Community Preview event for South Lakes High School Theatre Arts' musical presentation of Big Fish.
Big Fish is the story of Edward Bloom, a charismatic storyteller whose fantastical tales captivate his son, Will, while also making him question what’s really true about his father’s life stories. Will reflects on his father’s larger-than-life stories, leading to an exploration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling.
On Wednesday, May 1st at 7:00pm (before the main show dates on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th), students and families from the South Lakes pyramid schools are invited to an exclusive private viewing of this magical show with a $5 discount on each ticket. After the performance, you’ll have a rare opportunity to meet the cast and crew, take photos, and get their autographs. Youth t-shirts will be for sale and can be autographed!
This extraordinary experience will only be offered on Wednesday, May 1st for our pyramid families, to allow younger students to see this show together. This is a great opportunity for them to experience the power of storytelling, foster a love for the arts, and capture memories of the magical and heartwarming show.
Under the creative direction of Mr. Michael Viola, and featuring an incredibly talented cast and crew, Big Fish promises to be a production that captivates and delights audiences of all ages (best for ages 8+). Did you know that the South Lakes Theatre Arts program won 12 awards for their musical last year, including Best Musical in two different awards shows!
So, don't miss out on this special preview event where imagination comes to life on stage.
Get your tickets online now, before this special preview sells out.
Buy Tickets Now
.
Westfield High School Theatre Presents Freaky Friday, A New Musical
May 2, 3, 4 at 7pm and May 4 at 2pm (Mother--Daughter Matinee)
Musical is appropriate for all ages.
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
Our matinee performance will feature various mother-daughter themed events including a dress like your mother, dress like your daughter fashion show, pre-show & intermission shout-outs to your mom or daughter, and a photo booth!
We are also hosting a FREE theatre workshop for 4th-8th graders on the next teacher workday - May 3rd from 2-4pm at Westfield.
Click here for more information
and here
to purchase tickets.
💻Techstravaganza at Thomas Jefferson HS
This year will be the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at TJHSST. Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, more than 4,500 students have participated in over 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Exhibitors include TJHSST clubs and volunteers from organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum.
Admission is free and there will be food for sale. Here is the registration form. More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org.
Join the Oakton Band!
COURSE NUMBER
ENSEMBLE
DESCRIPTION
923415
923315
Advanced Band Level 1/Band Level 1
“Concert Band 2”
Rising 9th graders and new students to band register here. Exact band placements will be made after auditions are complete. Marching Band is optional
923416
923316
Advanced Band Level 2/
Band Level 2
“Concert Band 1”
Students who have been in band. Present members instructed to sign up for this class again and will be auditioned for upper level classes in May/June. Marching Band is optional
923417
Advanced Band Level 3
“Symphonic Band”
Auditions in May/June.
Marching Band required (with some limited exceptions)
924016
Jazz Ensemble
Must be enrolled in a band class (exceptions for keyboard, guitar, and bass guitar). Meets after school for credit. Begins mid-fall after the conclusion of the marching season.
922604
AP Music Theory
Open to grades 10-12.
**ALL BANDS ARE OPEN TO 9th GRADERS**
Marching Band ◊ Concert Band ◊ Color Guard ◊ Jazz Band ◊ Drumline ◊ Indoor Winter Guard
Band “Mythbusters”
- It is possible to do athletics and band.
- You can do clubs and honor societies and band.
- You can do band all four years and still get the most advanced diploma.
- You can still get into a great college without taking every AP class.
Important Dates
- Marching Band online registration begins May 1st
- Mandatory new marcher meeting May 13th
- Marching Band camp: July 29-August 9, 2024
Questions?
Ask Dr. VanValkenburg ([email protected])
For more information on Oakton Bands go to: www.oaktonbands.org
Click here to register for the Oakton Field Hockey Camp
Click here for more information about registration for the Oakton Junior Dance Team Camp.
Chantilly High School
Charge Ahead Freshman Orientation Registration & Payment links
Chantilly High School is offering three Freshman Orientation options. The choices to attend a 1-Day session are either August 6, 7, or 8 from 9:00-1:00 PM. Students will get a chance to get to know us, ease any anxiety, and learn how to navigate high school life here as a CHARGER. It’s so fun and you don’t want to miss out! The cost is $50 per student via MySchoolBucks which includes a Class of 2028 t-shirt, snacks, and a Chick-Fil-A Sandwich. Registrations are on a first-come first-serve basis until July 28. Register today to secure your spot.
Payment via students
www.myschoolbucks.com
ClickHERE for information about Chantilly HS Sports
Link to Purchase: Yearbook Sales - MySchoolbucks
2023-2024 Yearbooks are available for purchase. Reserve your copy today by purchasing through MySchoolBucks!
We have a limited number of surplus, once we reach our sales limit yearbooks will be sold out. Sales are on a first come first serve basis.
Who to Contact
If you have a question or concern, please visit our website for a full listing of Who to Contact. This listing includes all of our administrators, our counselors, and who to speak to regarding a specific content area or class. Contact information for all staff members is listed on our website - just click on the name of the person you wish to contact to be redirected to their email address: RCMS Staff Directory.
13618 McLearen Rd. Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Phone: 703.925.3600
Attendance: 703.925.3636 or [email protected]
Web | Twitter
Join the RCMS PTA today!
Click here
