Principal Updates

GovDelivery1 week 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

BINGO Night--Friday!

Come support our amazing PTO by joining us for Family BINGO Night this Friday!

Please arrive between 5:30-5:45 through the main entrance to get checked in. The first bingo game begins at 6pm in the cafeteria. Upon arrival, if you pre-order a la carte items or the family bundle online, please head to the pre-order line.  If you do not pre-order, or you would like to order additional game cards, raffle tickets or a la carte food  items, you will be able to do so day-of, but please come early to allow enough time to go through the lines, check out the raffle prizes and find a seat.  Raffle prize winners will be revealed after the bingo games have concluded. We hope you can join us for a night of family fun to raise funds for our PTO.

Pricing:  

  • Bingo Game Cards- $1 each (a new card is required for each round)
  • Raffle tickets- 2 for $5
  • Day-of food/drink pricing- $1- drink or dessert ticket, $3- pizza (cheese or pepperoni) by the slice

Family bundle for pre-order! $45 (pre-order closes Thursday, 1/30) -1 Large pizza (cheese or pepperoni) -6 drink/dessert tickets -16 game cards (2 for each game) -3 raffle tickets (additional items can be added to your online order)

Avoid the lines and pre-order now!

🕧 3 Hour Early Release

The next 3 hour early release Monday will be on February 10, 2025. Confirmation letters will be sent next week for how students are going home using the previous family selection

Remaining early release Mondays for Mason Crest include: 

  • February 10
  • March 10
  • April 21
  • May 12

Students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. on the dates listed above.

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

January 29--Teacher Workday, No School for Students

January 30--Glasgow Middle School Curriculum Night for 5th Grade Families; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

January 31--Family BINGO Night; 5:30-8:00 p.m.

February 7--5th Grade Panoramic Picture and Club Photos

February 10--3 hour Early Release Monday

February 17--President's Day, No School

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates 1/21/25

GovDelivery2 weeks 5 days ago

January 21, 2025

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Practicing Getting Dressed for Winter Weather in Preschool

Mason Crest Families,

  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and/or other cold-weather clothing, gloves, and a hat, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Throughout the winter, FCPS and the Mason Crest principals monitor the weather for very low temperatures, wind chill advisories, and weather warnings which may prevent children from being outside and call for us to shorten the time outside for recess.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing our Family Liaison, Liz Denman ([email protected]) is happy to support you. 

Thank you,

The Mason Crest Principals

Flu Season

There has recently been an increase in respiratory illnesses at Mason Crest. These illnesses can cause symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. Please consider the following for keeping your child safe this flu season:

  • teach your child to wash their hands for 20 seconds especially before eating
  • remind your child to avoid touching their face (eyes, nose, mouth) as germs spread this way
  • get vaccinated (flu and COVID-19 shots are available at local health care centers and pharmacies

 If you have any questions, please contact the School Public Health Nurse, Erin Zimmerer at 571-585-9516.

BINGO Night, January 31st

Our annual bingo night fundraiser will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 in the MCES cafeteria. We will be sending out sign-ups shortly for volunteers and information on how to pre-purchase food, drinks and raffle tickets, so be on the lookout for that in Wednesday folders this month. We need your help!  Do you own a business that can donate something to our raffle? Are you able to ask your gym, frequently visited restaurants or shops, trampoline parks, spa/nail salons if they would be willing to make a donation?  Please email us at [email protected] with questions or to make arrangements for donations as we kindly request all donations be received by January 29th. Thank you for your help in making this event a success! 

WIDA Testing

Multi-lingual learners will begin their language development testing next week. The testing will continue through the month of February. Students are tested in four domains--speaking, listening, reading and writing. Families will receive notification of their child's language growth later this Spring. If you have any questions regarding the test, please feel free to reach out to the administrative team at 571-226-2600. 

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

January 22--Poe Middle School Curriculum Night for 5th Grade Families; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

January 28--End of 2nd Quarter

January 29--Teacher Workday, No School for Students

January 30--Glasgow Middle School Curriculum Night for 5th Grade Families; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

January 31--Family BINGO Night; 5:30-8:00 p.m.

February 10--3 hour Early Release Monday

February 17--President's Day, No School

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates with Working Links

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from our PTO: Support Our Teachers & Show You Care!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Days of Cheer, from December 18th to 20th. This tradition is an opportunity for us to show our support and gratitude to the incredible Mason Crest crew who dedicate themselves to our children's education. We need your support to make Days of Cheer a success! We will be asking for handmade signs and decorations to spruce up the teacher’s lounge, we’ll be hosting a hot chocolate bar on Wednesday, a catered lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday. You can contribute by donating your time, dropping off items for the staff, or making a cash contribution. 

Sign-Up Genius Here

We also have started an Amazon Wish List!  If it’s easier to purchase the items online and send them directly to school, we would appreciate it!  Please just note the shipping/delivery dates to ensure the items will arrive on time.

We also have the option to Venmo if you would like to send a donation and the PTO can shop for you.  Our PTO Venmo is @Mason-Crest-PTO and label it “Days of Cheer.”

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

December 16-December 20: Spirit Days of Cheer

December 18: PTO Lebanese Taverna Night

December 20: 5th Grade Field Trip to Poe MS

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

January 20: NO SCHOOL-Inauguration

January 29: NO SCHOOL-Teacher Workday

January 31: BINGO Night

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Message from our PTO: Support Our Teachers & Show You Care!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Days of Cheer, from December 18th to 20th. This tradition is an opportunity for us to show our support and gratitude to the incredible Mason Crest crew who dedicate themselves to our children's education. We need your support to make Days of Cheer a success! We will be asking for handmade signs and decorations to spruce up the teacher’s lounge, we’ll be hosting a hot chocolate bar on Wednesday, a catered lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday. You can contribute by donating your time, dropping off items for the staff, or making a cash contribution. 

Sign-Up Genius Here

We also have started an Amazon Wish List!  If it’s easier to purchase the items online and send them directly to school, we would appreciate it!  Please just note the shipping/delivery dates to ensure the items will arrive on time.

We also have the option to Venmo if you would like to send a donation and the PTO can shop for you.  Our PTO Venmo is @Mason-Crest-PTO and label it “Days of Cheer.”

Message from our Health Room

To ensure the health of everyone, students should be free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without medication before returning to school. If a student is sent home from school early with one of these symptoms, they should stay home from school the following day.   Thank you!

Medications may not be brought to school by students.  Parents must bring all medications to the Health Room during school hours. Over the counter medications must be in the original, unopened packaging.  Prescription medications require paperwork to be completed by a doctor.  For medication questions, please call 571-226-2610.

Message from our Music Program

Thank you for always supporting our amazing music programs at Mason Crest. There have been some questions regarding the Winter-Sing-a-Long later this week. Due to limited space, that event is only for students and staff to celebrate the end of 2024 heading into the Winter Break. 

  The Kindergarten and 1st graders will preform as a part of our Arts Showcase Night which is scheduled for the evening of March 27th. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to administration or your child's music teacher. 

Kiss n'Ride Reminders

If you are utilizing our Kiss n' Ride line in the morning or afternoon, we ask that you please remain in your car and pull up to the sidewalk where staff can help your student get into or out of your car. 

We are having families who are parking their cars illegally in the parking lot and walking their child across the Kiss n' Ride line. If you would like to walk your child up to the door, please park on Wayne or on Brookcrest, and use the sidewalks leading up to the school to ensure our Kiss n' Ride line is moving as quickly and safely as possible.

Please help to keep our students safe and plan ahead on those days when the line might be longer such as when there is rainy weather. Thank you for your patience and continued partnership as a part of the Mason Crest community.

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

December 16-December 20: Spirit Days of Cheer

December 18: PTO Lebanese Taverna Night

December 20: 5th Grade Field Trip to Poe MS

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

January 20: NO SCHOOL-Inauguration

January 29: NO SCHOOL-Teacher Workday

January 31: BINGO Night

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

December 2, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Cold Weather Guidance

This is a reminder that students spend 30 minutes outdoors during recess each day. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and/or other cold-weather clothing, gloves, and a hat, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Throughout the winter, FCPS and the Mason Crest principals monitor the weather for very low temperatures, wind chill advisories, and weather warnings which may prevent children from being outside and call for us to shorten the time outside for recess.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing our Family Liaison, Liz Denman ([email protected]) is happy to support you. 

Advanced Academic (AAP) Referrals: Deadline 12/15/24

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Karen Lyle at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Karen Lyle.

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Make Up Picture Day

Our Make Up Picture Day will be on Wednesday, December 11. If your child was present for the initial date and you would like for them to retake their picture, please notify your child's teacher so they can be sent down for their retake.

Students who are new to Mason Crest will also take their pictures so we are able to include students in our annual yearbook. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Shin at [email protected]. Thank you!

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

December 3: First Grade Naglieri (NNAT Testing)

December 6: Spirit Day: House Shirt Day

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 12: Winter Concert 6:00 p.m. Gym

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

November 14, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Book Fair

The Fall Book Fair has arrived! Students will be visiting the Book Fair during their specials time next week. Families may also visit the Fair during the Math and Literacy Night on Thursday, November 21. If you are able to help and volunteer, please use the following link to sign up: Mason Crest Elementary School: Scholastic Book Fair Volunteers.  All volunteers will receive a $10 coupon to redeem at the Book Fair. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Ms. Lingler at [email protected]

Math and Literacy Night

Our annual Math and Literacy Night will be held this upcoming Thursday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Families can join us for free pizza at 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria before they enjoy the space themed activities around the building from 5:30-7:00 p.m. We hope you can join us for one of our favorite nights of learning and fun!

If you have a former Mason Crest high school or college student who would like to volunteer to support one of our teachers at a station, please email Ms. Shin at [email protected].

Boundary Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage

Early Release Monday

This is a reminder that this upcoming Monday, November 18, is a 3-hour early release. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. 

Make Up Picture Day

Our Make Up Picture Day will be on Wednesday, December 11. If your child was present for the initial date, we are anticipating pictures being sent to the school prior to the Thanksgiving Break. We will send home the pictures to families which will allow for families to view their pictures prior to making the decision to either keep or retake their pictures. 

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 18:  Boundary Community Meeting at Glasgow Middle School

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Cafeteria

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

December 3: First Grade Naglieri (NNAT Testing)

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates 11-8-24

GovDelivery3 months ago

November 8, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Elementary Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow stronger in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Veterans Day Holiday

In honor of Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their sacrifices and dedication to our country inspire us and remind us of the freedoms we cherish each day. To our veteran families and community members, we thank you for your service and the invaluable role you play in enriching our school. There will be no school on Monday, November 11, in honor of our Veterans.

Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule

Our Thanksgiving Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, November 21. On that day, our lunch  schedule will be:

Kindergarten-11:00-11:30 a.m.

1st Grade-11:30-12:00 p.m.

2nd Grade-12:00-12:30 p.m.

4th Grade-12:30-1:00 p.m.

3rd Grade-1:00-1:30 p.m.

5th Grade-1:30-2:00 p.m.

Lost and Found

Please remind your students to check our Lost and Found. It is overflowing with sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets as the cold mornings give way to sunny, warm afternoons! It is located in the cafeteria.

Make Up Picture Day

Due to Lifetouch not being able to process our photos from our initial picture day, we will be moving our retakes to Wednesday, December 11, to allow for families to view their pictures prior to making the decision to retake their pictures. We apologize for this change, but we wanted to provide families ample time to make their decision. Thank you!

FLE Preview Night

Students at each grade level from Kindergarten through 5th grade participate in the FCPS Family Life Education curriculum. The instruction includes a range of age appropriate topics that are differed by grade level. You can find more information about the content taught at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/subject-area/family-life-education-fle. Last month we sent each family a copy of the opt-out for their child’s grade level. To help our families decide if they would like their children to participate in the lessons or if they would like to opt them out, we are hosting a Family Life Education Preview Night. If would like to learn more or ask questions about the Family Life Education content, please join us at 5:00 p.m. on November 25 in the Mason Crest cafeteria. If you have any questions about this night or the Family Life Education content, please email Larry Aiello ([email protected]) and/or Shana Conroy ([email protected]).

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 11: NO SCHOOL--Veterans Day

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Cafeteria

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Principal Updates 10-30-24

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

October 30, 2024

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Impact Aid Forms

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Mason Crest PTO Bake Sale 11/5/24 (Election Day)

Hello friends and families, we are hosting a Bake Sale at Mason Crest Elementary on Nov 5th, Election Day. School will be closed but we need your help making yummy baked goods and volunteering to sell the delicious treats. You can drop off baked goods on 11/4 at Mason Crest Elementary from 9-2pm or bring the morning of 11/5 early, at 7am.   Please click on the link below to sign up. We appreciate your support for our students!

Thank you!

Mason Crest PTO  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4AA5AC29A0FE3-52385990-mason#/

Lost and Found

As you visit Mason Crest for parent teacher conferences, the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and Math and Literacy Night, please take a minute to check out the Lost and Found for any missing items. It is brimming with sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets as the cold mornings give way to sunny, warm afternoons!

Attendance Tip: Plan Ahead

🗓️ Planning family events or trips? Remember, weekends & school holidays are golden! Keep school absences to a minimum, as 10% missed can lead to chronic absence. Consult the FCPS Calendar for smooth scheduling: https://bit.ly/3RJbauv #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow #AttendanceMattersVA

Student Experience Survey Pilot

Mason Crest students in grades 3-5 have been chosen to participate in a survey that will provide information on thier experience as a student in FCPS. 

If you would like additional information or would like to view the survey, please visit the Student Experience Survey webpage: https://www.fcps.edu/student-experience-survey-pilot. If you wish, you may opt your child out of participating in the pilot by completing the electronic Opt-Out Form at https://fcpsk12va.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cwfgS6HYW0NDOya. If you are not able to complete the form electronically, you may complete a hardcopy version of the opt-out form available from your child’s school. We encourage families to speak with their child about the survey, especially if you choose to opt them out of participation. The deadline to submit an opt-out form is Friday, November 8. If you have questions about the Student Experience Survey, please contact [email protected].

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

October 31:  2-Hr Early Release (2:00 p.m.) -End of the 1st Quarter

November 1:  NO SCHOOL - Diwali

November 4-5:  NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Days

November 5: Bake Sale 7:00a.m.-2:00 p.m.

November 11: NO SCHOOL--Veteran's Day

November 15: Picture Make Up Day

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m.

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

26 minutes 25 seconds ago
Mason Crest Elementary School News and announcements
http://www.fcps.edu/index.shtml Subscribe to GovDelivery feed