| Important Upcoming DatesSeptember 11 (Tuesday): Scouts BSA meeting
September 14 (Friday): Woodson Feeder Night, 6-9pm.
September 19 (Wednesday): Early Dismissal, 1:05pm.
September 25 (Tuesday): THR Kick-off meeting, 9:30am, Room 30.
September 27 (Thursday): Girl Scouts troop formation meeting, 7pm, Library.
September 28 (Friday): RESCHEDULED Pizza and Ice Cream Social, 5:30-7:00pm, Mantua playground. Volunteers needed!
Parents of Students in Grades 3-6
All new students to Fairfax County Public Schools that are attending Mantua, and don’t have a Cognitive Test on file, will be administered the CogAt Test during the testing window of October 1st – 12th.
If you are interested in a one-time retest for possible acceptance to AAP Center, please contact Eva Bousbouras at vsbousbouras@fcps.edu by Friday, September 21st.
Parents of students taking the CogAt Test will receive a letter from school.Fall 2018 Enrichment Registration!
The Mantua PTA is excited to offer a wide selection of enrichment classes focusing on many areas of interest including art, music, STEM, sports and more! Fall registration begins 8AM Wednesday, September 5th and ends 12PM Friday, September 14th. (Late registration is available for a $40 fee beginning 1PM September 14th and ending 12PM September 17th.
Classes run October 1st - December 7th. Program information can be found here:
https://em-mantua.jumbula.com/#/home
Questions, email enrichment@mantuapta.orgRegistration Open for Global PLUS ClassesIntroduce your child to the new FCPS/World Language program! GLOBAL Plus will establish a strong foundation in foreign language learning by increasing the use of functional vocabulary, with an emphasis on communication skills. The new curriculum provides more structure, yet offers the teacher flexibility to be creative for a fun experience.
This year we will be offering the following classes: 20 weeks — $359 Early Bird Discount — register by Oct. 5 to save $20 using promo code GLOBAL20.
These classes begin the week of Oct. 15. - GP03120-0004 Chinese, Grades 1-3 Wed 4:15 pm
- GP03220-0004 Chinese, Grades 4-6 Fri 4:15 pm
- GP05220-0001 German, Grades 4-6 Wed 8:00 am
- GP07120-0007 Spanish, Grades 1-3 Thurs 8:00 am
8 weeks — $155 Early Bird Discount — register by Oct. 5 to save $8 using promo code GLOBAL8. These classes begin on Oct. 4. GP02308-0001 American Sign Language, Grades 1-6 Wed 8:00 am Registration is currently underway. Registering multiple children? Call 703-658-1201 to receive a 10% Sibling Discount. (Sibling Discount cannot be combined with Early Bird Discount). Use the above course numbers to register at http://bit.ly/GLOBALPlus. Email Susie Eister at globalplus@mantuapta.org with questions.
See Flier - https://bit.ly/2wuXqsR Join our PTA clubs!Beginning Sept 5th at 8am you can register for the following clubs: Raccoon Runners, Chat n Chew, Kids Care Club, and Photo Club. Registration link for all clubs:
www.memberplanet.com/s/mantuaelementaryschoolpta/2018-19clubs Chat'n'Chew
Love to read? Registration for the lunchtime book club, Chat 'n' Chew, begins Wednesday, Sept 5th, 8 am. Register through the link on mantuapta.org or on your memberplanet account. Students in Grades 3-6 meet once per month from December through March at lunch to discuss a book in small groups. Groups meet once a month to discuss four books chosen in consultation with the librarian and reading specialists are provided as part of the program. Cost is $35 ($25 for PTA members).
PARENT VOLUNTEERS are needed to facilitate the book groups. SHHHH! This is the most fun volunteer opportunity at the school. Contact Kathy Philips at ChatNChew@MantuaPTA.org
Raccoon Runners - Registration
Join a positive youth development program for third through sixth graders empowering them to be true to themselves through lessons in positive body image, health and nutrition and social awareness. Our Raccoon Runners, separated by boys and girls, are strengthened through various fitness activities while training for a 5K run.
Raccoon Runners - Boys and Girls
Registration Fee: $70
Grades: 3-6
Days/Times: Wednesday and Friday mornings 8-9am Runs: October 3 – Nov 30
Max Enrollment: 50 Students
Information http://www.mantuapta.org/programs.html
Questions, contact Jenn McRobbie at RaccoonRunners@MantuaPTA.org
Photography Club - Registration
Take Home Reading KickoffThe Take Home Reading program will kick off with a training and information session. It will take place on Tuesday, September 25th at 9:30 am in room 30.
What is Take Home Reading? THR is a program coordinated by our reading specialists with kindergarten and first grade teachers that provides an opportunity for every child to read a book one on one with an adult volunteer. Your child then borrows that book to bring home and show off their new skills! THR is a GREAT volunteer opportunity, as you’ll get to know your child’s classmates while you read with them individually. You can volunteer as often or as little as works for your schedule. Even if you have volunteered for the program in the past, join us to refresh your memory and to meet our reading resource teachers Mrs. Grice and Mrs. Wilson.
Questions, email Kristina Clarke at thr@mantuapta.org. RSVPs are appreciated to the same address, please include your name and your child’s teacher.Back to School Pizza and Ice Cream SocialPlease join us in kicking off the 2018-2019 school year with our Back to School Pizza and Ice Cream Social! The event will be held from 5:30-7:00pm on Friday, September 28, on the playground at Mantua Elementary School. Tickets ($1.00) can be used to purchase pizza and ice cream sundaes (two tickets each), as well as bottled water and glow necklaces (one ticket each).
Volunteers are needed to set up, sell tickets, serve food and drinks, and clean up. Please sign up at
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4ba8ae2eaafa7-back.
Scouts BSA Girls Troop Info Meeting
Are your girls interested in camping, outdoor activities and STEM? How about working toward the Eagle Scout Rank? Our PTA-chartered Scouts BSA Girl's Troop for ages 11-18 will officially begin on February 1st, 2019. Join Scoutmaster Bob Phillips for an informational meeting on Tuesday, September 11 at 7:15 pm at Mantua to find out more! Contact the Scoutmaster at rp27@georgetown.edu.Girl Scout Information & Troop Formation NightParents, come learn about the many Girl Scout opportunities available at Mantua ES! Girl Scout Information & Troop Formation Night will be held on Thursday, September 27, at 7:00 PM in the Library. Girl Scouts is a world-wide organization for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program offers a wide variety of activities to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts helps girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect; develop values to guide their actions; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills and cooperation with others. Please indicate your interest (no obligation to join) by completing this form: http://bit.ly/2MGmC9P. Troop Organizers will then contact you about possible troop placement. Questions? Attend the September 27th Parent Meeting or contact girlscouts@mantuapta.org.Mantua PTA Basketball Registration
Registration opens September 4, 2018. The Mantua PTA Community Basketball League is a developmental organization which embraces student athletes with a wide variety of skill levels and emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of basketball in a neighborly environment. All third through sixth grade, male and female students, are eligible for registration and encouraged to sign-up for this fun, supportive, community-based, basketball league which promotes sportsmanship and a love of the game. Third through sixth grade students are eligible to register starting September 4, 2018. Late registration will begin October 2, 2018, and end October 18, 2018. NO registrations will be accepted after October 18, 2018.
All eligible Mantua ES students are encouraged to register at www.mantuabasketball.org starting on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. The school-based league is comprised of roughly 300 student athletes each year.
Registrants are organized into four divisions: third and fourth grade boys, third and fourth grade girls, fifth and sixth grade boys, and fifth and sixth grade girls. Typically, the divisions are broken down to teams of 7-8 players, which have one evening practice session each week and one game each weekend. All games and practices are held in the Mantua ES’s gym. The season culminates in a fully-inclusive playoff period, including championship games in early March.
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR LEAGUE The league started almost 50 years ago and we believe it is the oldest operating, PTA-sponsored, school program in Virginia. Four division commissioners (one for each division) work directly with League Commissioner, Eric Fleming, to coordinate volunteers, assign players to each division and operate the league. Please consider donating your time by signing-up as a coach and/or referee to support this great league and help provide this amazing resource to our precious children. No experience is required.
• Coaching: At least one parent is needed to coach each team. Coaching requires holding practices and preparing their team for weekly games.
• Referees: One parent form each team is required to referee a game each week (cannot be your child's game). The referees help make sure players are playing fairly and following the rules of basketball.
• High School Volunteers: High school students over the age of 15 may assist the league and can earn community service credit, but responsible adults who can manage emergencies should assist. Ask the commissioners if you have questions.
• Training: The league provides training opportunities for new and returning coaches at the beginning of each season. Seasoned coaches are always happy to help new coaches with any questions or techniques. The league also provides ongoing training and evaluation of referees to help improve knowledge of the game and rules and to ensure they are comfortable refereeing in different divisions. Most league leaders started learning about basketball by volunteering for their own children as they entered the program. You can do it!
Questions or to Volunteer, contact
Eric Fleming commissioner@mantuabasketball.org Academic Competitions
Academic Competitions not only encourage students to delve deeper into their favorite subjects, but they facilitate creative team-building activities that ultimately promote resourcefulness, self-confidence, problem solving and leadership. These academic competitions offer opportunities for all students, K-6 to try new things or delve deeper into their favorite subjects. Families at Mantua participate in the following academic competitions: AMC-8, Destination Imagination, Future Problem Solvers, Lego League, Mantua Science Fair, Math Counts, National Geographic Bee, National Spelling Bee, Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad and XSTEM 2019. Additional information (including web links) about each of these competitions can be found in our Academic Competitions Summary located at http://mantuapta.org/programs.html. Please sign up (http://bit.ly/2MMYKS8) to indicate interest in being part of a team through September (note: this is interest signup, not competition registration). Contact this year’s academic competitions coordinator at academiccompetitions@mantuapta.org if you have more questions.
Science Olympiad Division A
For more information on the Science olympiad please see attached flier http://mantuapta.org/documents/programs/academiccomps/so2018.pdf
Join the Mantua PTA!
Our annual PTA Membership Drive is a fundraiser that helps support the many PTA services provided to you and your child. Cost is only $15 per family (tax deductible), and in return you’ll receive a copy of the Mantua PTA Student Directory, an essential tool for connecting with anyone in our school community. Your family will also receive a $10 discount on fees for Drama Club, PTA Basketball, Chat'n'Chew and Raccoon Runners. Perhaps most importantly, though, joining PTA gives you a vote on what we're doing on campus and how our money is spent!
Visit the registration website for more information. Spirit Wear - Free Shipping Until September 10
School is in session and the spirit wear free shipping event has begun! Orders are shipped as soon as they are processed so order today at www.mantuaspiritwear.com so that you have your great Mantua swag for the new school year!
Many popular designs from last year are back and a couple of new ones have been added! Go check it out! This is a great PTA fundraiser that allows you to support activities at Mantua Elementary School through the proceeds from sales AND support your school and neighborhood with great Mantua gear. If you have any questions, let me know! FREE SHIPPING ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 10!
Reminder About Early Dismissals
As shared in the first day folders, children will not be called out of class for early dismissal after 3:40pm and cannot be released to anyone other than a parent unless that person is on the emergency care card. The exception to the emergency care card requirement would be a release authorized by the parent through an email to mantuaesattendance@fcps.edu received prior to 1pm that day.
For “play dates” notes from parents of both the visitor and the host will be required for students planning to go home with a friend or neighbor after school. Students without corresponding notes will follow their typical dismissal plan.
Mantua Eco Teams
The Mantua Eco Teams will be starting up in September. Our goal is to help our community and the environment, while having fun and learning!
Eco Teams work on projects related to gardening, recycling, food sharing, and conserving energy. Solar energy is one of our longer-term goals. To learn more www.greenmantua.org.
We are also happy to support new projects and areas that your student is interested in. Please contact Ms. Sullivan (masullivan@fcsp.edu) with questions and ideas.
To volunteer for gardening (for either a one-time event or throughout the school year as your schedule permits), please contact our Garden Coordinator, Sarah Wells (sarahfwells@gmail.com). She will share with you the details about Mantua’s many wonderful gardens, large and small. You do not need to have any prior gardening knowledge.
For any parents interested in joining the Mantua Eco-School Committee, please contact Ms. Sullivan as well and she will put you in touch with the group.
We are looking forward to a GREEN YEAR here at Mantua!
Mathcounts
Mathcounts is a national program for math skills competitions. Mantua 6th graders are invited to weekly practice sessions led by 2 TJ students. A team of 12 students will be selected to represent Mantua at the chapter competition in February 2019. The first Mathcounts meeting will take place at Mantua on Thursday September 20th, from 7:30-9pm. To indicate interest, please fill out the combined interest form: https://tinyurl.com/MantuaCompetitions20182019. For additional questions, please contact MantuaCompetitions@gmail.com.
Shopping Online?
Anyone (parents, family and friends) who shops on Amazon can effortlessly earn money for Mantua ES by simply using a special Amazon link on Mantua PTA website. No sign-ups or codes required, no loyalty cards to manage - just click, shop, and watch the contributions to Mantua ES come in! Help us cast a wider net by sharing the links with friends and family. Go to http://www.mantuapta.org and click the Amazon link before beginning your shopping and Amazon will donate to our school. The link is located in the upper right corner of PTA website and also further down under "passive fundraising".
Unsubscribing from the Alert News
If your student has graduated and/or you have moved away from the Mantua ES community, you can help us to maintain a current distribution list by unsubscribing from the Alert News list. It is as simple as clicking on the word "unsubscribe" at the very bottom of this newsletter. Thank you for your assistance!
Translators
Translators comprise another vital part of our outreach efforts. We want every Mantua ES family to feel included and connected—should families need to have a document translated into their native language, our volunteers are here to help!- للحصول على نسخة مترجمة للغة العربية، نرجو الإتصال بالأخت بدرية كفالة على هذا الإيميل: cbn@mantuapta.org . If you need to have a document translated into Arabic, please email cbn@mantuapta.org .
- Если вам необходимо перевести документ на русский язык, пожалуйста обращайтесь к Анне Жердецкой или Виктору Жердецкому по электронной почте: cbn@mantuapta.org или cbn@mantuapta.org . If you need to have a document translated into Russian, please contact Hanna Zhardzetskaya and Viktar Zhardzetski.
- 혹시 한국어로 번역된 자료가 필요하시면 좌승관씨에게 연락주세요(cbn@mantuapta.org.) If you need to have a document translated into Korean, please contact Lisa Libby.
- Para obtener una copia en Espanol favor de contactar a Lisa Libby at cbn@mantuapta.org. If you need to have a document translated into Spanish, please contact Lisa Libby.
Email Lisa Libby at cbn@mantuapta.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer as an ambassador or translator with Mantua ES’s Community Building Network. |
