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MAY 2016Horizon ElementaryComet CourierMAY EVENTSMay 2-6Teacher Appreciation WeekWednesday, May 4DARE Graduation, 1:00Thursday, May 44th Grade Egg DropFriday, May 65th Grade Panoramic Picture, 8:45Saturday, May 7Free Skate at Ashburn Ice House (see p. 5)Tuesday, May 10PTA General Meeting and Elections, 6:30Wednesday, May 113rd Grade Field Trip to Nat. History MuseumThursday, May 122nd Grade Field Trip to Oatlands PlantationMonday, May 16Last day for GOTR donations to the Pet PantryTuesday, May 171st Grade Field Trip-Henry and Mudge playTuesday, May 243rd Grade Field Trip to Wegmeyer’s FarmRetirement Reception for Mrs. Toth, 3:00Thursday, May 26Kindergarten Field Trip to Bowl AmericaPoetry Masters RecitationsFriday, May 27ECSE Field Trip to Reston ZooMonday, May 30Memorial Day Holiday, No SchoolA MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Greetings Comets! It has hard to believe how quickly this year is flyingby. A lot will be happening in May and June. Please stay current withthe upcoming events.Starting on May 13th our third, fourth and fifth grade students will betaking the Standards of Learning Assessments. The schedule per classis listed on p. 3 of the Comet Courier. Remember that attendance atschool during testing is extremely important. Please arrange any outof-school appointments for times that will not be in direct conflict withtesting. Thank you!This month we will begin the student placement process for next year’sclasses. We invite you, our parents, to share information about yourchild or family that we do not have access to at school that you believewould impact your child’s educational placement. Should you choosethis option, please send me a letter and/or complete the ParentPlacement Information Form on p. 17; I respectfully request that yousend it on or before Friday, May 6th. Your input should not request aspecific teacher. It is impossible to grant those kinds of requests and Iknow that it can be disappointing when your child does not get into theclassroom of the teacher that you request. Please do not approach yourchild’s current teacher to ask who he/she thinks would be the bestteacher for your child. That could potentially be an uncomfortablesituation for both the parent and/or teacher. Please be assured that agreat deal of thought and consideration goes into placing children intoclasses at Horizon and we do our best to make the correct placementchoices.We have included a copy of the 2016-2017 adopted school calendar forLCPS and Horizon’s Back to School Nights/Kindergarten ParentOrientation/Open House information. Please refer to this calendar anddates as you begin long-range planning for next year.I wish everyone a great last quarter! Together we can maximize theselast six weeks of school.Sincerely,Jennifer Ewing Horizon Elementary School46665 Broadmore Drive Sterling, VA 20165 Telephone 571.434.3260 Fax 703.444.7418Absentee Line 571.434.3261Absentee Email hrzabsentee@lcps.orgHorizon Elementary School website: www.lcps.org/horizonPrincipal: Mrs. Jennifer EwingBookkeeper: Mrs. Holly BuehlerAssistant Principal: Ms. Stephanie Baran Attendance Secretary: Mrs. Violet Sowa-Badders
A TESTING REMINDER TO3rd, 4th and 5th GRADE PARENTSAs part of the Virginia State Assessment Program and the Loudoun County AssessmentProgram, the Standards of Learning Tests (SOLs) will be administered to third, fourth andfifth grade students at Horizon Elementary School next week.The first day of testing will be on Friday, May 13.AM testing sessions will begin between 8:00 and 8:30.PM testing sessions will begin between 11:00 and 11:30.The students will be taking their SOL tests online.Please help your child come prepared to take the tests by ensuring that:-Your child gets plenty of sleep the night before each testYour child eats a good breakfast the morning of the testYour child is present on the testing dates ON TIMEYour child is encouraged to put forth his/her best effort on the testsThe complete testing schedule is on the next page. Thank you for your support andcooperation at home!Sincerely,Jennifer Ewing, PrincipalStephanie Baran, Assistant Principal
THE HORIZON PTA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWINGSPONSORS OF THE COMET WALK FOR THEIR GENEROUSDONATIONS:Audi ContractorsAudi DesignersBarakat OrthodonticsBelfort FurnitureC3 Cyber ClubFriends & Family DentistryHavertysHighkicks Taekwondo of SterlingDr. Rick Jackomis DentistryJoe's PizzariaKids First Swim SchoolMajest Martial ArtsThe MeadowsParcel PlusPotomac River Running Store/PR Running ClubVillage Green Day ***********************************************2ND GRADE IS COLLECTING USED CRAYONSDid you know that you can collect BoxTops all year long? We submit themtwice a year, but you can send them inany time. Or, you can hold on to themuntil the fall for our next class contest!However you do it, just keep collectingthose box tops!As a continuation of our fall Project Based Learningexperience, 2nd grade will be collecting used/brokencrayons from the Horizon community. Each classroomat Horizon will be placed on a team to see who cancollect the most used crayons. The collection startedon March 14th and will continue through May 20th.Additional information was sent home the week ofMarch 7th. The 2nd grade students would greatlyappreciate any crayon donations!
Horizon Elementary Summer Reading Challenge Summer is almost here!We are sure you have many fun trips, activities and vacations planned this summer. Whilethese are important, we also want to encourage you to continue to read regularly throughoutthe summer break. Horizon Elementary is continuing the tradition of our summer readingchallenge. Students will be challenged to read 1000 (or more!) pages during their summerbreak. More information about the 1000 page challenge will be posted on our website in June!Happy Reading!Mrs. HaakonsonMrs. CarnillSchool Board Adopts 2016-2017 CalendarThe Loudoun County School Board unanimously adopted a calendar for the 2016-2017 school year at its Tuesday,December 1st, meeting.2016-17 School CalendarAugust 10-11: New to Profession Teacher InstituteAugust 12, 15-16: New Employee Orientation/Workdays - All Teachers New to LCPSAugust 17-18: In-School Staff Development - All TeachersAugust 19: Planning/Records/Conference DayAugust 22-24: County-Wide Staff Development - All TeachersAugust 25-26: Planning/Records/Conference DaysAugust 29: First Day of SchoolSeptember 5: Holiday (Labor Day)October 10: Holiday (Columbus Day)November 4: End of the Grading PeriodNovember 7-8: Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days)November 23-25: Holiday (Thanksgiving)December 22-January 2 Winter Break: (Classes Resume January 3)January 16: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)January 26: End of Grading PeriodJanuary 27: Moveable Student Holiday * (Planning/Records/Conference Day)February 20: Holiday (Presidents’ Day)April 6: End of Grading PeriodApril 7: Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)April 10-14: Holiday (Spring Break)May 29: Holiday (Memorial Day)June 9: Last Day of School/End of Grading PeriodJune 12-13: Planning/Records/Conference Days*NOTE: Parents with childcare or other weekday scheduling concerns - Date of the Moveable Planning/Records/Conference Day between first andsecond semesters may change if the school calendar must be changed due to school closings for inclement weather or other emergencies.IMPORTANT BACK TO SCHOOL DATES!Tuesday, August 23 Gr.3-5 Back to School Night, 6:30 pm (parents only)Thursday, August 25 Gr.1, 2, ECSE Preschool Back to School Night 6:30 (parents only)Kindergarten Orientation 5:30 (parents only)Friday, August 26Open House 10:30 am – 12:00 (students welcome)
Calling all Ice Skaters!*FREE* Skate Session at Ashburn Ice HouseDATE: Saturday, May 7, 2016TIME: 12:30-2:00DETAILS: Any student from Horizon can go to Ashburn Ice House onthe above date and time, tell the staff they attend Horizon Elementaryand they can skate for free!Horizon was the winner of Ashburn Ice House’s “Skate for Your School”contest held last fall.Ashburn Ice House is located at:21595 Smith Switch Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147
Our Comets do a great job showing the 3C’s (Courtesy, Care, Cooperation). Below arethe Spin It to Win It winners for March:KindergartenSecondFourthNeil JakkaChristo MirevskiMax MonahanKatie ShipmanMia TsoiJaquelyn MalapiraAngelina Le-HoangJulia PrelewiczHampton BrownKendall ForisDomenick ArcuriColby MargenauAbby BelachewCamila AquinoLuke EgenriederFirstThirdFifthJordan DillardBaylie HooverMelania FundatureanuFernanda CieloDaniel LonderganBrady BritschNatalie SapioRoshni LoboTrisha CherianJason KuRoqiya RoaneQasim PopalEthan ReidyTina YaoKaty PriceAleeha SalamCOURTESY, CARE,COOPERATION!Congratulations to the following studentswho were selected as representatives fromtheir grade level to attend the Comet Café.Two students from each grade who regularlyshow the 3C’s (courtesy, care andcooperation) were selected to attend. Thewinners for the 3rd quarter were:KindergartenAdriana MusniBenson BiggsThirdIsaac RossiBelle PattonFirstNika GhaffariLuke HooperFourthChristian CieloKayla MurphySecondSunny ChenThomas KalkaFifthClaudia Tardio-LewisAndrew PopeCongratulations to all the Horizon students who tookthe April WordMasters challenge! They all learnednew words and got practice with analogies. Here arethe students who earned the three highest scores ineach grade that participated:Third Grade:1st place: Brendan Charen2nd place: Devin Fuller and Sienna Bogar, tied3rd place: Abby VasakFifth Grade:1st place: Nicholas Inra2nd place: Saurav Sukumaran3rd place: Jonathan MasonCongratulations on a job well done!!!
POETRY MASTERSEach month a selection of poems is available for children in grades 1-5 to memorizeand recite. Any child in those grades who wishes to participate may pick up thepoem selections from the office any time after May 4th. He or she will memorize aselected poem for his or her grade category and recite the poem to the poetrycoordinator on Thursday, May 26th.Congratulations to the following students who successfully recited poems in April:Liam TullyArianna MartinLacie MartinPranika GaddamColleen MacGoyLiam SheridanJahzara ShabazzHayden ManorJuline SalahiAinsley LoveMonica GoswamiSahar MiakhelTia BhatnagarSophia CifuentesAshley MartinezEllie BoehmckeMartin KanchevLukas MartinEdward ChristopherAram NajarianStephanie ZhangJosef WaheedIsabella LewisPlease join us for a retirement reception forMrs. Pam TothTuesday, May 24thHorizon’s Library from 3:00-4:30If you would like to share a memory or picture, please drop by the office and pick up a hand.Please leave your hand with Mrs. Buehler or Mrs. Badders by May 20th.
Come Celebrate a Special Diva(a Mom or Female Role Model) atDonuts with DivasWhere: Horizon Elementary CafeteriaWhen: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.Family name starting with K-ZThursday, May 19, 2016 at 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.Family name starting with A-JHorizon Students: Please bring your favorite Diva to school for donuts, milk, juice and fresh-brewedcoffee. We want to take this opportunity to make the important women in your life (mom,grandmother, aunt, stepmom, adult sister or other mother-figure) feel important and special-becauseyou are!Please R.S.V.P. if you plan on attendingPlease come on your designated day. We want to be mindful to give everyone their quality 30 minute time. Please try tocar pool due to limited space in the parking lot. Thank you!Questions? Please contact Amy Sandridge at Amy.Sandridge@lcps.org or call the school at 571-434-3260.R.S.V.P. for Donuts with Divas by May 16, 2016 so we have an accurate count for food.Diva’s Name e-mailChild #1 name Child #3 nameChild #2 name Child #4 nameVolunteers are needed to serve food! (Dads please help!)Volunteer’s Name Volunteer’s e-mail
Horizon's Girls on the Run Team needs your help to make ourcommunity project a success.This year the girls are collecting 3-10 pound bags of non-prescription cat and dog food, as wellas canned dog and cat food. This pet food will be donated to "The Pet Pantry" of LoudounCounty. Pet Pantry makes sure that people in need have enough food supplies to keep their petsfed. Bring your donations and put them in the boxes located at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gradehallways by May 16th. Girls on the Run will also be having their 5K practice run/walk on May 9from 2:45-4:00 here at Horizon Elementary. We are inviting parents, teachers, principals, andwalking buddies to come and cheer the team on from the sidelines. Our goal will be to complete15 laps around the track. Thanks to all for your support of this season's Horizon GOTR Team!Ms. Johnson-Head Coach, Ms. Wasser-Coach, Ms. Zahid-Coach
DRESS CODEThe primary responsibility for the proper dress and grooming of students rests with the parentor guardian of each student. The school has the responsibility; however, to see that the cleanliness, dress,and grooming of students does not present a danger to the health or safety of themselves or fellowclassmates. Clothing must be in good taste, of a comfortable fit and follow school standards. Studentsshould dress for the “business of school.” Inappropriate attire consists of any clothing that disrupts thelearning environment because it is distracting or offensive. Clothing students should refrain from wearing to school: Short/tight skirts, shorts and/or dresses (must be at least fingertip length) halter or spaghetti string tops without a shirt/sweater over it mid-drift tops that expose the stomach area excessively baggy shorts or pants mesh/see-through athletic shirts without a T-shirt underneath clothing that displays inappropriate language, artwork, symbols, alcohol/drugmessages a bandana and/or hat while at school Heelies and/or shoes with wheels Shoes must be worn at all timesChildren must wear sneakers/athletic shoes with solid, rubber soles for all physical education classes.Parents will be called if their child arrives to school dressed inappropriately. It may be necessary for achange of clothing to be brought to school for the child.Hey, Comets! Can you help with Horizon’s Food Rescue Program?You may have heard of Horizon’s Food Rescue Program. We collect uneaten food in the cafeteria that wouldotherwise be tossed in the trash and donate it to LINK. The program is in its second year and has been a big success.Parents, you can also help by volunteering to deliver our food to the local shelter. Just go to our sign up genius pageat zon1/21784920 and pick a date and time that is good foryou! If you have any questions, please contact Amy Sandridge at 571-434-3260.Let’s do our part to help conquer hunger in Loudoun County!
Horizon ElementaryParent Placement Information Form for 2016-17The information you provide will be considered when placing your child in his/her class next year.Please fill out one form for each child. Return to Mrs. Ewing by Friday, May 6, 2016 with your letter.Student Current Teacher Grade NEXT YearCheck the descriptors that apply to your child.Classroom Setting:needs a highly structured classroomneeds strong routinesprefers to work independentlyother:needs a free flowing classroomneeds hands on activitiesprefers group/partner workInstruction and Learning Style:enjoys readingenjoys mathenjoys science and/or social studiesenjoys music and/or artenjoys problem solvingenjoys hands on activitiesis an auditory learneris a visual learnerneeds additional time to complete assignments other:needs frequent opportunities to interact with othersBehavior:is able to work independently without a lot of teacher assistanceneeds close supervision and support from teacheris able to work cooperatively with peersaccepts responsibility for his or her behaviorneeds frequent feedback/reassurance from the teacherneeds to be pushed by teacher to reach potentialable to remain focusedfollows directionscompletes assignmentsis easily frustratedis easily motivatedother:Medical concerns or special needs for consideration:Social needs to consider:What other information should we be aware of regarding your child that will help with their placement for next year?Please note that this form is for informational purposes only and placement with a specific teacher is not guaranteed.
Potomac Falls ClusterClothing DriveSpring has finally arrived and with that comes the annual cleaningout of the closets. We are collecting gently used out-grown clothing, includingshoes and jackets, that are taking up valuable space in your home.Please bring only clean, gently used or new items in all sizes toHorizon for our Cluster Clothing Drive.Horizon will collect different items each week of the drive. See theschedule below.Horizon is collecting clothes for distribution to the familieswithin the Sterling community during the month of May. Eachcluster school will collect clothes, and will come together atPotomac Falls High School for a cluster-wide no-sale clothing sale on SaturdayMay 21st starting at 9:00 am until 12:00 pm! Help our students and theirfamilies, and help your closets.All clothes can be dropped off into one of the boxes in the front entranceof Horizon during the month of May.Week 1 (May 2nd to May 6th) Boys’ Summer clothingWeek 2 (May 9th to May 13th) Girls’ Summer clothingWeek 3 (May 16th to May 19th) Young Adult and AdultSummer clothingContact Amy Sandridge at Amy.Sandridge@lcps.org with any questions.Thank you for your generosity!
MSAACIn April, MSAAC held a meeting with SEAC on Discipline Gaps in Our Schools. Discussionrevolved around data that shows a disproportionate amount of minority students and studentswith disabilities involved in disciplinary action. In addition to reviewing the statistics, MSAAC'sfocus was to understand how the LCPS system is working on addressing these concerns.Several panel members were in attendance including : Dr. Virginia Crawford- Paterson, Director of Administration Suzanne Petersen- Supervisor, Student Support Services Debbie Rose, School Board Member- Algonkian District Captain Vanessa Grigsby- Interim Chief of Police for Leesburg, VAIn addition to the panel and discussions, we watched a segment of a video titled How Can WeReduce Racial Disproportionality in School Discipline with Kent McIntosh. You can viewthis video as well as others on Equity at this PBIS link :https://www.pbis.org/school/equity-pbisThorough meeting minutes can be found online on the MSAAC site under GeneralMembership Meetings. Please know you are always welcome to attend any meeting!Upcoming Meeting:5/18/16Meetings are held 7-9pm in the LCPS Administrative Building - 21000 Education Court,AshburnFacebook: www.facebook.com/lcpsmsaacOn the web: www.lcps.org/Page/164836Horizon Representatives: kpkidwell@yahoo.com , kandrade2005@gmail.com
Horizon Elementary PTA NewsWhere did the time go?! I can’t believe it’s already MAY!!! This school year has gone by way too fast.Comet Walk - where to begin?! THANK YOU (times INFINITY!) Shanyn Deeds for an amazing job on this majorfundraiser! It was a huge undertaking and she really stepped up to the challenge! The rain delay didn’t dampen thespirits on Monday - everyone had a great time. A special thank you to our local business sponsors, listed on p. 3.Staytuned to see if we won the special assembly!We hope to see many of you on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 6:30 pm, for the next HPTA General Meeting which includesthe HPTA Executive Board elections for 2016-2017. Nominations can be made up until the election, so please considervolunteering to sit on the 2016-2017 Executive Board. More information on the positions can be located on the HorizonPTA website in the ByLaws. There are currently no nominations for two key positions: Treasurer and School SupplyCo
Kids First Swim School Majest Martial Arts The Meadows Parcel Plus Potomac River Running Store/PR Running Club Village Green Day School Wegmans ***** 2ND GRADE IS COLLECTING USED CRAYO
