October General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, October 14
7pm via Zoom Webinar
We are pleased to have Dr. Kynai Johnson, ACPS Director of School Social Work, as our guest speaker to talk with us about working with our children through the stresses of virtual learning.
Please join us to explore together this very important topic!
Amharic Interpretation provided
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
Online Book Fair
October 27-November 9
The Scholastic Book Fair is back (earlier this year)! While the Fair will be exclusively held online, we still plan on making it a fun experience for our kids. The Online Fair will include features like: LCTA’s own online store, games, virtual store walk-throughs, and more. Remember, every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!). Books will ship to your home.
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site (which will go live for shopping and purchasing on October 27):
Online Store: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/lcta
We can’t wait to “see” you at the Fair!
PTA Membership Drive
Please remember to join the PTA (there is no fee to join the PTA this year; it is optional - donation only).
We strive for 100% participation from families and staff. Stay tuned for some upcoming friendly competitions!
American Education 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, we thought it serendipitous timing to observe this. Please note on your calendar and stay tuned!
A Message from the 360 Inclusion Committee
Heritage Calendar: October is Disability Awareness Month!
Did you know that October is Disability History and Awareness Month in Virginia? The 2009 Virginia General Assembly responded to the call from young people with disabilities to pass a resolution designating the month and to encourage public schools and universities to engage in activities that promote awareness.
Many disabilities are invisible. An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is often not noticeable. Unfortunately, the invisibility can lead to false perceptions and judgements. The behavior you believe is strange could in reality be a disability.
Who inspires you? Did you know these famous people have a disability?
Tom Cruise, the world-famous movie actor, is extremely dyslexic, which is classed as a learning disability. Cruise was diagnosed with dyslexia at seven, struggling through school.
Daniel Radcliffe, suffers from dyspraxia, a neurological problem that impairs the organization of movement. Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States for a massive four terms, went through polio and became a wheelchair user to help with his resulting paraplegia, although this was often hidden in official briefings and photographs. Geniuses Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton are believed by autism experts to have shown many signs of Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Vernon Smith, Professor of Economics at Chapman University and expert in field of experimental economics won the Nobel Prize in 2002. Dr. Smith is open about having Asperger's Syndrome and credits his autism for his professional success. Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, who has spina bifida, and Ellie Simmonds, who has a form of dwarfism, are great examples of people who have achieved incredible success in the disability sports arena.
The 360 Inclusion Committee is focusing on actionable items and discussion topics that offer a perspective of the diverse voices of LCTA. Please note these engaging new initiatives:
Let's Chat Together! "Coffee Conversations"
Tuesday, October 20
7:00 pm
We have officially launched our monthly “Coffee Conversations" which are designed to be a discussion to increase awareness and inclusivity. Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming Disability Awareness conversation.
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. October's informative and inspiring book list, focusing on Disability Awareness, was created by one of our 360 Committee teacher members, Ms. Yonkers.
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
Yearbooks They are coming!! We appreciate your patience. The Yearbook is an enormous volunteer undertaking and it takes countless hours to produce such a keepsake for families to enjoy. This year has been ever more challenging with how the school year ended. We aim to ensure that no child or family is left out. Tracking down photos was a lot of extra effort with everything and everyone operating remotely. Please support our PTA and its’ tireless volunteers in their efforts. The yearbook is with the printing plant and will arrive before October 31.
Joint City-ACPS Facilities Master Plan: Virtual Community Engagement Opportunity ACPS has extended the feedback opportunity for the Joint Facilities Master Plan through October 11, 2020. Please take some time to watch the short video and fill out the accompanying survey. ACPS and the City Council are in the process of creating a long-term strategy that offers creative solutions to address the needs of Alexandria’s growing community.
Information can be found here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=113618#MeetingsandEvents
Direct video link: http://alexandria.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=29&coa_clip_id=4584&coa_view_id=29
VirtualPLUS+ Feedback If you are interested in sharing your feedback regarding VirtualPLUS+ and potential in-person learning, please contact our VP of Legislative and Strategic Affairs, Janice Kupiec at legislative@lctapta.org Janice will share your feedback directly with the ACPS Board of Education members. Parents are also welcome to contact the Board of Education and Dr. Hutchings directly: board@acps.k12.va.us or use this link to access the online form.