PTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP NOVEMBER MEETING
TONIGHT, November 11 at 7pm
Zoom Webinar
Amharic Interpretation provided
This month brings us A'lice Myers-Hall, President of the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C., as our guest speaker as we celebrate November's Native American Heritage month. We are combining our 360 Committee "Coffee Conversation" (our monthly chat highlighting the Heritage Calendar) and our regular Membership Meeting.
Ms. Myers-Hall is President of the DC American Indian Society, retired military, member of our local Indian Nation, and an educator.
Additionally, Dr. Zissios and Ms. Bustard will share any further updates, answer questions, and address concerns.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94608511932?pwd=dVEvYUtFenJleUlvQlh3MEdSUE9ZUT09
Telephone:+1 301 715 8592
Passcode: 57535113
Webinar ID: 946 0851 1932 Passcode: lionspta
360 INCLUSION COMMITTEE
November is Native American Heritage Month!
American Indians and Alaskan Natives served valiantly in our Armed Forces in overwhelming numbers after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Among a total Native American population of 350,000, approximately 44,000 served on active duty, including more than 6,000 Alaskan Natives in the Alaska Territorial Guard. Their valiant service garnered many distinguished medals and honors, including the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Air Medal, and Distinguished Service Cross. Three service members earned the Congressional Medal of Honor-the highest military award granted in the country.
Let's Read Together!
"Heritage Month Book List"
What better way is there to celebrate with children the diverse cultures and families that are a part of the LCTA school community than with books? Every month we post a reading list that accompanies the Heritage theme for the month. November's informative and inspiring book list, focusing on Native American heritage, was created by our one and only Ms. Powell.
To join the 360 Committee, or if you have questions and comments about 360, please reach out to April Bryant and Alexis Doxey at 360inclusioncommittee@lctapta.org
LEARNING PACKETS
Grades K-2 Second Quarter Learning Packets are now ready for pick up. Please pick up your child's learning packets between 9 am and 3 pm this week from the LCTA Office. Please note: Packets for grades 3-5 will not be available until next week.
LCTA PTA FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & CONTEST
Now through November 30
Winners announced on December 1!
We are at 26.9% School-wide membership (up a few percentage points from last week's 24.6%)
Please remember to join the PTA (there is no fee to join the PTA this year; it is donation only). Even if you joined the PTA last year, membership must be renewed annually. The LCTA PTA, along with generous membership donations, is covering our dues to the Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC), the Virginia PTA, and the National PTA.
There will be prizes!
Every family and staff member who joins the PTA will be automatically entered into a RAFFLE.
There will be one drawing per grade level and one drawing for staff.
You could win a gift card to Amazon, Target, Taco Bell Cantina, Five Guys, Papa Johns, and more!
And... That's not all...!
The grade with the highest percentage of participation will win an asynchronous afternoon!
The grade with the second highest percentage will win an asynchronous period!
THE RACE IS ON:
Still leading the charge is KINDERGARTEN with 33.3%
Still in a VERY CLOSE 2nd place is SECOND grade with 32.3%
3rd place: FIRST grade has edged ahead of fourth grade at 27.4%
4th place: FOURTH grade at 25%
Bringing up the rear (but we know not to be ultimately defeated), are THIRD grade at 20.6% and FIFTH grade at 20%
The class with the highest percentage is Ms. HRIBAR'S class with 55.6% participation and the second highest is Ms. WADLEY'S class with 41.7%
Thank you to those who have joined the PTA. For everyone else - as you can see, we still have a ways to go to reach our 100% participation goal. Since there is no membership fee this year, we should EASILY have 100% participation.
SIX REASONS TO JOIN THE PTA!
1. Get Connected and Make New Friends – There is no better way to learn what is happening at your school and develop new friendships.
2. Tap Into a Network – Parenting is not easy, especially during a pandemic! It helps to share ideas, concerns and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PTA functions (including those over Zoom) provide opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport and discuss issues.
3. Be a Role Model – As a PTA member, you demonstrate to your child the importance you place on education.
4. See Yourself Grow – By Volunteering with PTA, you gain valuable experiences. It is an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause – your child and all children.
5. Speak Up – Because the PTA is a forum for idea exchange and advocacy, PTA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest change.
6. Be a First-Hand Witness To Improvement – By getting involved in PTA, you will help make positive changes. Local PTAs play and important role in providing programs vital to school’s success.
There is still time to join: Connect with the PTA
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
November 11-13
ACPS Elementary Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences will be November 11-13. Teachers will assign asynchronous work to equate to a half-day of learning on November 11, 12, and 13. Students can also look forward to creative and engaging synchronous (links posted in Canvas) activities provided by our Encore team when they enter "THE FUN ZONE:"
Wednesday 11/11 Disney Art & Disney Sing-Alongs
Thursday 11/12: Rock Paper Scissors - Book & PE Game
Friday 11/13: Potluck Friday - Go Noodle Dances, Dance Party (Music Requests), Kung Fu Fighting Dance
Grades K-2: 9:00 am
Grades 3-5: 10:30 am
PROGRESS REPORTS
ACPS Progress Reports generated through the central office will be sent to family mailboxes the week of November 16.
NOVA DISTRICT PTA ANTIRACISM SEMINAR "YOU CAN DO MORE"
Saturday, November 14 from 1:00-5:30 PM
This is a free seminar series of several presentations & panels, including one on "Ending Tracking and other Discriminatory Education Practices" given by GWMS teachers. Other topics and presentations will include Partnering with Parents for Racial Justice and The Trauma of Racism and Understanding the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Study.
Link to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6086328334266304011
SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT
Join Mai Trinh, MS Global Health and Certified Health Counselor, and parent in our LCTA community, for an evening of learning vital self-care tips to stay healthy for the holidays. This will also serve as the kick-off for the first ever LCTA Single Parenting Group where parents can share resources, provide emotional support and form single parent/solo guardian friendships. Mai has been a solo parent for over 7 years and has learned tips and tricks in the solo parenting journey. Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions: mtrin@hotmail.com
No registration is required to participate. Please see Zoom link below and spread the word to other LCTA single parents so we can start our supportive community.
Lyles Crouch Single Parent Support: Healthy for the Holidays
November 18, 8:00 PM
Meeting ID: 859 8748 2426
Passcode: 302632
CLASSROOM LIAISONS
ALL classes now have a designated classroom liaison. Connecting with your classroom liaison is particularly important while school is virtual - please support your liaison in their efforts! The role of the Classroom Liaison typically is to help the teacher as needed with additional classroom supplies, plan holiday parties, lead teacher appreciation and birthdays, and relay any other necessary information. Due to school being online, the role has shifted to focusing more on connecting and creating community in the classroom. Examples of ideas that your liaison may initiate include a Zoom playdate or game, a parent Zoom happy hour, ways for students to recognize class birthdays, or anything that helps everyone feel more connected as a class. Your classroom liaison will also reach out to you about American Education Week (teacher appreciation).
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
NEXT WEEK: November 16-20
American Education Week presents us with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Given all the extra hours our teachers and administrators are putting in, it is serendipitous timing to observe this! Please note on your calendar and look for communication from your classroom liaisons with ideas to celebrate our teachers and staff. THIS DOES NOT REPLACE TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IN MAY, it is an additional opportunity to recognize our hard-working teachers and staff. Look for details from your Class Liaison.
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