A Parent's Guide to Scantron Testing

Posted on by Janis DeVore

All Saints is now using Scantron as our standardized testing program.  Rather than administering Terra Nova in the spring, students will complete three shorter series of tests in math, reading and language arts in the fall, winter and spring.  As the testing will take place online, teachers will have access to immediate results and data.  Additionally, as the test is driven by technology, it is adaptive in nature, with each test being customized to the ability of each student.  Administered three times over the course of the year, it will provide data with which the teachers can tailor instruction and measure student growth.

You can find out more by reviewing the Parent Guide to Scantron Testing.

8th Grade Presents Saints Alive!

Posted on by Janis DeVore

Saints Alive classroom visitThe stories of the saints were brought to life by members of our 8th grade class as they presented Saints Alive! during our school-wide celebration of All Saints Day.

The event is weeks in the making. Under the direction of Mr. Tessier, All Saints eighth grade students begin by selecting three saints. They do a unique project on two of the saints and a research paper on one. They then write a short biography to present on the saint of their choice. Included in each presentation is information about the saint’s early life and why he or she was made a saint.

As part of the project, student also create an artistic rendering of their saints as an icon to support their report and presentation. This brought together faith and art as All Saints Art Teacher Mrs. Blair assisted the eighth grade students in creating meaningful icons.

Students and families attending Saints Alive! get a first-hand look at the saints’ inspiring life stories and gain insight into the challenges faced by each saint in the practice of their faith. Saints Alive! also does a traveling show as members of the 8th grade class go classroom-to-classroom sharing the stories of their saints.

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1)

Almuerzo de Acción de Gracias

Posted on by Janis DeVore

One of our cherished traditions at All Saints is the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, a special meal prepared by the kitchen staff for students, parents, faculty & staff.  In an effort to accommodate all of the families who attend and to reduce wait time, we will again be hosting four lunch seatings this year.  The schedule for the Thanksgiving Luncheon is as follows:

11:00-11:40     Grades 6-8
11:40-12:20     Grades 4-5
12:20-1:00       Grades 2-3
1:00-1:40         Grades K-1

The arrival process will be the same as prior years with parents reporting directly to their son/daughter’s classroom.  There, they will wait with their children, and when called by grade level, report to the cafeteria via the Father Kelley Wing.

So that the kitchen staff may begin planning for the event, please be sure to return your Thanksgiving Luncheon Order Form no later than Thursday, November 17to.  We do hope that you will join us for this Thanksgiving tradition!

Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed

Posted on by Janis DeVore

Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed
Good morning! This year Junior Achievement’s “season” is from October through April.  We’re hoping that if it wasn’t a good fit in previous years then this change can make the program more available than it was before.  Classes that currently do not have a volunteer are: K1, K2, 2B, 6B, 8A and 8B.  Schedules are coordinated between the volunteer and the teacher so you can choose which dates and times work for your and your teacher.  There is a great deal of flexibility between now and April so while we may be in the middle of multiple extracurricular commitments already (fall sports, etc), you can sign up now for class dates during a less stressful time. In you are interested, please feel free to contact me through any of the methods below.  Thank you very much for your consideration and I hope that everyone has a great day!  kat.champney@gmail.com 571-264-6040.

Take Our Online Bullying Survey

Posted on by Janis DeVore

Through the Virtue Program and the full integration of our faith across the curriculum, students at All Saints are encouraged to develop habits of respect, kindness, and compassion.  Over the course of years, these traits become part of the fabric of our students’ lives.  Nevertheless, it is vitally important that we explicitly remind our students of the dangers and consequences of bullying.

In accordance with our school and diocesan policy, this week I would like to invite all parents to participate in an anonymous, online survey for the purpose of assessing the level of bullying at All Saints Catholic School.  We estimate that it should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete the survey.  Students in grades 3-8 will complete a corresponding survey during their computer class.

Parents are asked to complete the survey by Friday, November 4to.  In advance, we thank you for your participation in our efforts to both assess our current climate and to establish benchmarks for future reference.

Ambassador Program

Posted on by Janis DeVore

The All Saints Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for 2nd-8to grade students to promote peer to peer reporting of bullying behaviors on campus.  Ambassadors are trained to help students “get the help” they need if they are being bullied.  They are trained to look and listen: look for bullying situations and get help from an adult and listen to their peers who may need help.

A flyer will be sent home explaining how to apply for those students who are interested in participating in the Ambassador Program.  There will be monthly meetings and students will lead and participate in anti-bullying week activities in the spring. Should you have any questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Angela Slater, School Counselor, at 703-368-4400 (Ext. 213) or at aslater@allsaintsva.org.

Math Lab Volunteer

Posted on by Janis DeVore

Do you have a background in math or science? Do you enjoy working with technology? Would you like to contribute directly to the success of our students at All Saints?

Our school is looking for parents who would be interested in helping to supervise and facilitate the 6th Grade Math Lab. Previously a block of time allocated for the development of study skills, this forty-five minute period will now provide students with an opportunity to strengthen their math skills as they work independently to complete learning modules through our new Accelerated Math program.

This is a once or twice per week commitment (Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:28-11:13 a.m.) and a wonderful opportunity to earn Stewardship Shares. If you are interested in learning more about this program or volunteering to assist, please do not hesitate to contact the school at (703) 368-4400.

Our Lady of Fatima

Posted on by Janis DeVore

Beginning in October, the month devoted to the Holy Rosary, All Saints Catholic School families are once again invited to renew their devotion to Jesus through Mary in a special way. On Friday, October 7th, after being blessed at the school Mass, two statues of Our Lady of Fatima will begin traveling to the homes of our school families for week-long visits.

Families who wish to participate can sign up online at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F084CAEAB22A02-pilgrim.

While the statue of the Blessed Mother is in the home, families are encouraged to pray together either part of or the entire 5-decade rosary for the intentions of our school as well as for their private intentions. Included with the statue is a DVD of “The Day the Sun Danced”, which presents the message of Fatima entrusted to three peasant children in Portugal in 1917.

To create awareness about the program, the two statues began traveling from classroom to classroom earlier this week. In addition to informing the students of the opportunity to host one of the statues in their home, the teachers are leading the students in praying a novena that will conclude on October 6th, one day prior to the start of the program.

Should you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the rotation coordinator, Mrs. Julie Mantooth (mantooth06@msn.com).