Swanson Anchor The The Swanson Anchor is published by the Swanson PTA, 5800 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22205. The Anchor is published monthly except July and August. January 2016 Capacity Planning Committee Summary and Outlook The Swanson Capacity Planning Committee was formed as a parent and teacher led group to address the safety and instructional needs of students as the school faces capacity challenges over the next three years. It has been meeting regularly since the beginning of the school year to provide input on space utilization as we prepare to add four new relo- catable units which will house over 21 classroom spaces for the 2016-17 school year. The committee was tasked with formulating recommendations by December 2015 so that the APS Facilities and Purchasing departments could begin their work with sufficient time to be ready for the beginning of the next school year. Committee representatives include Swanson parents, PTA representatives, elementary feeder school parents, Swanson staff, and members of the APS Facilities Department. Swanson Staff APS Families Bridget Loft, Swanson Principal Noah Simon, Swanson PTA president Scott McKeown, Swanson Assistant Jennifer Shoji, Glebe & Swanson parent Principal Kelly King, McKinley parent Beth Sanderson, 6th grade teacher Mary Kate Stoller, Tuckahoe parent and Co-Instructional Lead Teacher Liz Walsh, Tuckahoe & Swanson parent Ellie Touse, 7th grade teacher Lillian Wallace, Barrett & Swanson Billie Vaslavsky, French teacher grandparent Debbie Neuhaus-Palmer, 7th grade Mary Beth Warner, Taylor & Swanson parent teacher Miles Mason, Arlington Science Focus parent Carolyn Sharpe, 7th grade teacher Patricia Trapanese, Swanson parent The committee provided feedback related to: • Determination of the configuration of the relocatable units. • Need for additional classroom spaces. • Creation of frequently asked questions as a clearinghouse of information for parents, January 2016 January 12 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. Library From the Principal’s Desk PTA Board President: Noah Simon [email protected]Vice President: Zoe O’Neil [email protected]Treasurer: Monique Brown [email protected]Secretary: Madelon Brennan [email protected]Fundraising Chair: Ann Heinrich [email protected]Anchor Staff Editor, Designer and Publisher: Victoria Lion Monroe [email protected]Principal: Bridget Loft 703-228-5501 Front Office: 703-228-5500 Attendance Line: 703-228-5506 Swanson Website: www.apsva.us E-groups: [email protected](Continued on page 2)
Transcript
Swanson AnchorThe
The Swanson Anchor is published by the Swanson PTA, 5800 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22205. The Anchor is published monthly except July and August.
January 2016
Capacity Planning Committee Summary and Outlook
The Swanson Capacity Planning Committee was formed as a parent and teacher led group to address the safety and instructional needs of students as the school faces capacity challenges over the next three years. It has been meeting regularly since the beginning of the school year to provide input on space utilization as we prepare to add four new relo-catable units which will house over 21 classroom spaces for the 2016-17 school year. The committee was tasked with formulating recommendations by December 2015 so that the APS Facilities and Purchasing departments could begin their work with sufficient time to be ready for the beginning of the next school year.
Committee representatives include Swanson parents, PTA representatives, elementary feeder school parents, Swanson staff, and members of the APS Facilities Department.
Swanson Staff APS FamiliesBridget Loft, Swanson Principal Noah Simon, Swanson PTA presidentScott McKeown, Swanson Assistant Jennifer Shoji, Glebe & Swanson parent Principal Kelly King, McKinley parentBeth Sanderson, 6th grade teacher Mary Kate Stoller, Tuckahoe parent and Co-Instructional Lead Teacher Liz Walsh, Tuckahoe & Swanson parentEllie Touse, 7th grade teacher Lillian Wallace, Barrett & SwansonBillie Vaslavsky, French teacher grandparentDebbie Neuhaus-Palmer, 7th grade Mary Beth Warner, Taylor & Swanson parent teacher Miles Mason, Arlington Science Focus parentCarolyn Sharpe, 7th grade teacher Patricia Trapanese, Swanson parent
The committee provided feedback related to:
• Determination of the configuration of the relocatable units.
• Need for additional classroom spaces.
• Creation of frequently asked questions as a clearinghouse of information for parents,
students and Swanson staff to keep stakeholders abreast of the process.
• Advocacy of quality of life features, including the addition of cafeteria space, student lockers, and preser-vation of trees and outdoor space for team and student use.
• Research and preparation for student safety through use of security cameras, staff entry card readers, and plans for student ingress and egress.
• Dissemination of information to Swanson and feeder school families.
• Analysis of student perspectives on the process.
The committee’s work taken together with Swanson’s instructional needs, plus the considerations of the APS Facilities department will result in the placement of four seventh grade teams in three large relocatable units for the 2016-17 school year. These core team classrooms (English, history, math and special education) will remain in prox-imity to one another while 7th grade science classes will remain in the main building because of their lab and equipment needs.
The committee determined that grade-level administrative and guidance support should be provided in proximity to the teachers and students in the relocatables.
In order to help support some of the overtaxed space needs, APS’s first cafeteria annex will be provided. This space will be able to accommodate 75-100 additional stu-
dents during lunch in order to remove some of the con-gestion found in the cafeteria during our lunch MODs. This space will be available to provide an extra space for PE classes to accommodate larger classes.
Finally, in order to accommodate these additional units, Swanson’s existing lower parking lot will be used to house these temporary classrooms. To accommodate staff and parent parking, APS has secured an agreement with Westover Baptist Church to lease additional parking dur-ing the time that these classrooms are in place. Swanson staff will also be working with Arlington Transportation Partners in order to help reduce vehicle traffic to and from Swanson.
Once the committee has completed its recommendations, the Finance and Facilities departments will complete the purchasing and placement of units so that our seventh grade teams will be able to take occupancy at the start of the 2016-17 school year. We estimate that these units will be in place until the start of the 2019 school year when the converted Stratford Middle School will open.
If you have any questions, or need further information, visit the Capacity Planning Information web page under the “About Us” tab on Swanson’s website (http://www.apsva.us/Domain/5420 ) or the More Seats for More Students web page (http://www.apsva.us/moreseats) or contact the Swanson Principal, Bridget Loft, at 703-228-5501.
Promotion PlanBecause of the large number of eighth graders being promoted on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, we will once again be issuing tickets to our eighth grade families to create as comfortable and safe a promotion ceremony as possible.
In early June we will be distributing two tickets to each eighth grader through their STAR teachers so that our students’ loved ones can view the ceremony in the gymnasium. In a change over previous practices, tickets to view the ceremony in the auditorium on a live video feed will be made available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies, last during the Kings Dominion pickup time on the evening of June 20, 2016.
In order to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for all of our eighth graders and their loved ones, no one will be admitted to the gym or the auditorium for the promotion ceremony without a ticket.
News You Can Use• As a helpful resource for students regarding
pedestrian safety, check out the front page of the Swanson website for a handy double-sided pedestrian safety card! It contains some quick tips for students about staying safe while walking, along with important emer-gency numbers, all of which can fit in your pocket, wallet, or backpack! Print a few out for your students today.
The link appears on the home page http://www.apsva.us/Domain/1825 under Site Shortcuts (left menu)
• Please remind your students to check the Lost and Found closet in the Cafeteria periodical-ly. Even though winter break just ended, the closet is already overflowing with everything from lunchboxes and binders to travel soccer jackets and winter coats. Students are rou-tinely reminded during lunch mods to check Lost and Found, but additional suggestions from home will help get the message across. Keep in mind that unclaimed Lost and Found items are purged and donated at the end of each quarter.
A message from Washington-Lee High SchoolWashington-Lee wants to make sure that families are aware of the following new information related to the transfer application process since we receive many inqui-ries about transfer procedures and deadlines.
In an effort to respond to growing APS enrollment, the School Board approved a waiver to the current policy that will now allow voluntary transfers into Wakefield (95 slots) and Yorktown (94 slots) for the 2016-17 school year, based on 120% building capacity over a four-year period. Families will need to provide their own transportation for students who transfer to Wakefield or Yorktown High School. To allow time for families to consider this option, the School Board also approved moving the deadline to apply for a transfer or admission to any secondary (middle school or high school) program to Friday, February 5, 2016. Transfer forms are available online at www.apsva.us/schooloptions. Parents of rising sixth or ninth grade students can also call the Department of School and Community Relations at 703-228-6005 or APS second-ary schools for assistance.
Washington-Lee will hold its annual Scheduling Night for Rising 9th Graders on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7 p.m.
Attention all Admirals! If you would like to show support for your community, please donate to the Swanson food drive to help Arlington families in need. Student Government is partnering with Emerging Scholars to help make this happen...but we need your help too! We will be holding a food drive from January 19-29. Just bring in canned foods and we’ll collect them from you STAR.
Course Scheduling for Next School YearSwanson counselors will be coming into classrooms in January and February to discuss course planning for the next school year. Counselors will help students under-stand the core class requirements and elective options. We will also discuss high school graduation requirements and academic planning. Students will be bringing home course request forms that may include specific course rec-ommendations.
Swanson Course Scheduling NightsCourse Scheduling Nights will provide an opportunity for families to learn more about course options for the next year and beyond:• Rising 6th Grade Scheduling Night: January 19, 2016
at 7:00 p.m. — Snow date: January 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.• Rising 7th and 8th Grade Scheduling Night: February
11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. — Snow date: February 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Washington-Lee Rising 9th Academic Planning Parent Info NightWL will hold an information night for families of ris-ing 9th grade students on February 2, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to learn about core and elective class offerings and ask questions.
University of Virginia Summer Enrichment ProgramIn coordination with the Curry School of Education, the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at UVA offers gifted and/or high ability students a rich and rewarding residen-tial learning experience. Students enrolled in grades 4–10
during the 2015–2016 school year may apply to attend a session. SEP offers three summer sessions to choose from:• Session 1: June 19 — June 30, 2016• Session 2: July 3 — July 14, 2016• Session 3: July 17 — July 28, 2016Applications are due February 15, 2016. Access the appli-cation here: http://curry.virginia.edu/community-programs/student-enrichment/sep/summer/application-process
Parent Resource CenterMark your calendar for these upcoming events:• February 1, 2016 — 6:30–9:00 p.m.: CHADD
(Children & Adults with ADHD) Parent to Parent Class
• February 8, 2016 — 6:30–9:00 p.m.: CHADD (Children & Adults with ADHD) Parent to Parent Class
• February 10, 2016 — 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Technology and Autism Spectrum Disorders, Syphax
• February 11, 2016 — 7:00–9:00 p.m.: SEPTA Monthly Meeting: I’m Determined; Inclusion; Dental Health
• February 12, 2016 — 6:00–8:00 p.m.: Summer Activities Fair
• February 22, 2016 — 6:30–9:00 p.m.: CHADD (Children & Adults with ADHD) Parent to Parent Class
• February 23, 2016 — 7:00–9:00 p.m.: Arlington Special Education Advisory Meeting, Ed. Center Room 101
• February 27, 2016 — 9:00 am–12:30 p.m. - Child Development Resource Fair
• February 29, 2016 — 6:30–9:00 p.m.: CHADD (Children & Adults with ADHD) Parent to Parent Class
Special Education CycleThe Eligibility Process for Your Child to Become Eligible to Receive Special Education Services
“Before your child can become eligible to receive special education services, the school is required by law to determine your child’s specific needs. The school determines these needs through a process consisting of many steps, often termed the “Special Education Cycle.” When viewed as an ongoing cycle with several steps along the way, the special education process is easier to understand.”
* See previous “Anchor” articles to view prior steps in the Special Education Cycle. What are the next steps once my child has been tested as determined by the Eligibility Committee? Eligibility Committee Meeting
Eligibility Committee Meeting
What: When the formal evaluations of your child are completed, an Eligibility Committee meets to determine if he/she has a disability, as defined by IDEA, and requires special education and related services. The committee may also determine that your child is not eligible for special education services and that his/her learning needs can be met within his/her current educational program.
Who: The Eligibility Committee usually includes the professional staff who tested your child as well as a Special Education Coordinator who represents the Director Special Education. You are invited in writing to attend this meeting and should plan to attend. To prepare for the Eligibility Committee meeting, you may request and review a copy of the evaluation reports, listing your questions and noting information about your child that may be helpful to the committee.
When: Within 65 administrative working days (of receipt of referal) Student Study Committee’s decision to evaluate for special education
What Happens Next: The IEP Team develops an “Individualized Education Program.”
What documents should I keep? You will receive a copy of the “Minutes of the Eligibility Committee Meeting” which summarize the findings of the committee.
Please look for highlights of topics related to special education services in future issues. You can also view this information on the APS Special Education website: http://www.apsva.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2865
6 The Swanson Anchor January 2016
Swanson Latin continues to have success in the Virginia-wide Latin competitions (certamina). There were two contests in December, and trophies were brought back on both occasions. Latin I students — Reese Feldmeier, Luke Chalfont, Jean Lee and Caiden Sword — placed second in the December 5th event hosted by Basis DC Charter school. And the following weekend, another two teams from Latin I competed down in Fredericksburg; one team — Caroline Coleman, Emily Mucchetti, Noah Troppe and Caiden Sword--came in third place behind Classical Cottage and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; our other team — Reese Feldmeier, Jean Lee, Luke Chalfont and Paul Tatum — tied for 5th place with Ni River Middle School, coming in behind Flint Hill’s 4th place. Both teams showed great sportsmanship in some tough rounds of questions.
But it’s not ALL competitions for the Latin kids. On Thursday 17th December, on the Roman feast-day of the Saturnalia, APS Latin students (over 50 of them from Swanson) celebrated their own version of this ancient holi-day with an evening of games, costumes, gladiatorial con-tests, food and fun, hosted by Yorktown High School. On the original holiday, a sacrifice would have been made to the ancient agricultural god, Saturn, and omens would have been read from the animal’s entrails — we made do with sacrificing a stuffed panther, which miraculously contained omens about which grade level got to head for the pot-luck feast first. The Romans would then have feasted, partied, and exchanged gifts, especially little clay figurines called sigillaria; students made their own clay figurines to give to friends. The most intriguing aspect of this popular ancient holiday was that masters and slaves reversed roles for the day, particularly at a special dinner where slaves would
be served the meal by their masters. Some students really made amazing costumes for this event, and Swanson’s Foundations classes worked hard at making laurel wreaths and “wooden” swords of victory and freedom for winning gladiators. All in all, everyone had a blast.
— Melanie Stowell
The Latest in Latin
January 2016 The Swanson Anchor 7
Theater Update: We are pleased to announce that the theatre depart-ment will be putting on a school wide performance in April of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. It is not a musical but the straight play version adapted from the original story. Scenes from the show will be previewed on the follow-ing days:Thursday, April 28th for 6th grade studentsFriday, April 29th for 7th and 8th grade students.) The full performances will be performed on Saturday, April 30th (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) & Sunday, May 1st (@ 2p.m.). Our first student interest meeting was held on Monday, January, 11th from 2:30 -3:30 p.m. in the auditorium and we had a great turn out!Auditions start Thursday, January 14th & Tuesday, January 19th from 2:30–4:15 p.m.Callbacks are January 21st and Tuesday & January 26th from 2:30–4:15 p.m. (The official cast list will be posted on Wednesday, January 27th, 2016.) Our students are really excited about our upcoming show and we look forward to reviving the Swanson theater department.
Monique CaldwellTheatre Instructor / Director
I am a performing artist and theatre educator with over 20 years of experience working with youth and young adults on and off the stage. I earned a BFA in musical theatre from Howard University and I am cur-rently pursuing my masters in Theatre Education at Catholic University. I enjoy reading, drinking coffee at Starbucks, spending time with my mom, traveling and of course a good show! I am so excited to have this opportunity to share my passion for the performing arts with the Swanson community, and I look forward to a rewarding future!
Welcome to
Continental Math League Contest
Swanson students participated in the second Continental Math League contest of the school year on December 3rd. Swanson students continued to per-form well on the contest. All of the grade levels earned the top team score by having at least 6 students in the grade level score a perfect 6 on the contest. After two contests, almost 20 students have achieved two perfect scores. Those students with perfect scores of 12:
6th graders: Henry Bedell, Jude Heatley, Malik Thomas, and Irene Williams.
7th graders: Braxton Breed, Joel Brown, Matthew Carey, Andrew Murray, Daniel Nadel, Nick Papavassiliou, and Sam Youkeles.
8th graders: Timinte Abraham, Daniel Arabshahi, Michael Farrell-Rosen, Brendan Rindfusz, Suruchi Sen, Nina Sheckler, Helyn Walther, and Aidan Witeck.
In addition to the students above, the following stu-dents also scored a 6 on the second contest:
6th graders: Andrew Arabshahi, Olivia Baptiste, James Barolo, Charlotte Dennis, James Dietterie, Alex Fall, Anna Cristina Fatemi, Stephen Gerson, Joshua Golden, Elizabeth Koumans, Matthew Lange, Michael LesStrang, Elizabeth Marcus, Noah Marino, Rachel Mulvaney, Alex Murphy, Nathan Pease, Jacob Phillips, Hannah Shumsky, Will Torg, Kristin Trapanese, Anika Tripathi, and Owen Williams.
7th graders: Casey Bloome, Sofia Brodsky, Allison Craig, Ethan Davidson, Chris Jennings, Natalie Kerbel, Matthew Larsen, Grace Lynch, Emily Mucchetti, Josh Robbins, Gabriel Sessions, George Stutzman, and Clare Walsh.
8th graders: Angela Glover, Margaret Hall, Michael Kyrychenko, Max Nagle, Ben Nelson, Thayer Smyth, Kirill Usubyan, John Vietmeyer, and Claire Williams.
The next contest was held in early January and will be reported in the February Anchor.
— Laura Partridge, Math Coach
8 The Swanson Anchor January 2016
On Wednesday, December 9th, from 7–8:00 p.m. the 7th and 8th Grade Visual Arts Students displayed their artwork in Swanson’s cafeteria. Over seventy-five students participated in this bi-annual event. Beautiful work!
