News from the Nest
January 24, 2024
A note from Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers . . .
Piney Branch is so excited to open its doors Friday night for our annual Family Heritage Festival Night. We look forward to sharing and learning about everyone’s families and cultural background. All are welcome! We also look forward to the PTO’s rescheduled family dance on February 2nd – the event is sold out, tickets will not be available at the door.
Mid-year Virginia Growth Assessments are under way. These tests provide our teachers with valuable instructional information that will lead to improved outcomes for our students. We appreciate the students’ attentiveness and effort given thus far. It’s important for students to come to school on state testing dates. Thursday is the second and final day of VGA testing. Don't forget that we dismiss at 12:40 p.m. on Friday, and Monday (1/29) is a teacher workday.
- Transfer Request
- Counselor’s Corner
- Career Day
- Family Heritage Night
- Winter Testing
- 2024 Scripps Spelling Bee
- Teacher of the Year Nominations
Sincerely,
Steve Thorne and Monica Sobers
Fresh Takes
PBES Family Heritage Festival
This Friday, January 26, 2024, Piney Branch will celebrate its Family Heritage Festival. We want to thank all the families that have signed up to share a bit of their family's heritage. We are looking forward to having a fun night learning about all the Piney Branch cultures. We invite all students and their families to come out and enjoy a night of learning about the different cultures of their classmates. Sign up is still open click the link below to see open spots to share traditional food, do a song, dance, or other talent, create a display with information about your country/culture, an art activity, do henna, or other ideas to share with others. So far, we have over 15 countries represented by those who have signed up already. We hope for many more countries to be represented, as well as more US traditions! We look forward to celebrating with you and your family this Friday night!
Those of you that signed up to participate in sharing a bit of you culture here are a few reminders.
- If you signed up to bring a food, please plan to be here between 6-6:15 to set up your table. You are welcome to bring an extension cord
- If you’re bringing food, please provide a recipe or list of ingredients used to prepare traditional plate. Please have all things needed to serve samples (we will have plates, napkins, utensils, and toothpicks).
- If you are doing a song or music, please bring you device (i.e. ipad, phone) we will connect your device to speakers here.
Please see this information about the event and photos from previous years.
January 26th – Half Day for Students
January 26th is a ½ day for students for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Dismissal will be at 12:40 p.m. Lunch will be served. Due to the early release, any early dismissals will need to take place by 12:00 p.m. in order to secure the building and prepare for dismissal. Thank you for your understanding.
2024-2025 Transfer Requests
Transfer season for the 2024-25 school year is now open and will close on April 30, 2024. If your student is at Piney Branch on a transfer, a form needs to be completed each school year. See PWCS Regulations 721-1 for more detailed information about the reasons for student transfer. Transfer Request and Daycare Verification.
Safe at Home, Safe Alone
Safe at Home, Safe Alone is approaching on Friday, February 16th, 2024, for our 4th-grade students. If you are a 4th-grade parent and can volunteer your time that day, we would appreciate it very much. We would begin at 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch and recess. If you can volunteer, please RSVP. Thank you. If you have any questions, please contact Shawn Biegler at 571-261-5300 or [email protected].
Career Day
Piney Branch School Counselors are preparing to host a Career Day on March 1st, 2024. If you have a passion for your career and would like to share it with our students, please let us know. You may present your career to any grade level you choose. Please note the times vary for each grade level. If you can help, please sign up.
SCA End of the Quarter Spirit Week
With the second quarter coming to a close the SCA will be having a Spirit Week for students.
Thursday- 1/25 School colors Day (Red, Black, White)
Friday- 1/26 PJ Day
2024 PBES Spelling Bee
Calling all spellers! We will be hosting a schoolwide spelling bee for grades 2-5 on Wednesday, February 7. Students in grades 3-5 will be participating in classroom-level spelling bees the week of January 22. 2nd grade participation is optional. Interested 2nd graders are invited to participate in a grade level spelling bee by filling out this survey. Please contact Emily Kennedy, Piney Branch Reading Specialist, at [email protected] with any questions. Families can help students prepare with these classroom lists attached to the Nest email.
Teacher of the Year Nominations
Prince William County would like to give recognition to our outstanding educators. If there is a beloved Prince William County teacher you feel deserves to be nominated for this award, please see the form below. Please note that the last day to enter a nomination is February 5, 2024.
A Reminder from Mr. Shelatz and Mrs. Swekosky…
Winter is upon us, and while we know that appropriate footwear outdoors is necessary, the active nature of the current PE classes requires students wear appropriate footwear to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Snow boots and crocs (even in “sport mode”), while comfy and stylish are not the best for PE. Mr. Shelatz and Mrs. Swekosky encourage students to bring a pair of sneakers to school on PE days if they can so that they can safely participate in class.
Student Absence Information
As we enter the second quarter, we would like to share some key information to help your student(s) stay strong through the colder months and on track to have a successful school year.
Missing 2 days a month, or 4 ½ days in a marking period, adds up to 18 days a year (10% of the school year) which is considered chronically absent. Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track, and we are here to support you!
Cold/Flu season is nearing. View illness or injury exclusion criteria for more information on when your student could be sent home from school/School Age Child Care (SACC) or when you should keep the child home from school/SACC.
The second quarter contains some scheduled days off for students
- January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
- January 29 – Teacher Workday
Remember to report your student’s absences. If your student is absent, please remember to contact us at 571-261-5309 or email [email protected] .
Virginia Growth Assessments
As we approach mid-year we are preparing for Winter VGA testing. In response to legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed the Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA). The VGAs were created to help measure growth in reading and math for students in grades 3-8.
Piney Branch students in grades 3-5 took the Fall VGA in September and will take the Winter VGA on January 24-25. We begin testing around 10:00AM; please let your child’s teacher know if he/she will be late.
Although these tests will measure the same content as the Standards of Learning (SOL) reading and math tests given in the spring, they will not be used to assign a passing or failing score to a student. The Fall VGA provided us with a baseline for student’s proficiency in reading and math and the Winter score will give us an indication of their progress thus far.
The VGAs will be taken onsite at schools using a computer adaptive format just like the SOL tests unless there is a situation where a student must test using paper. After testing is complete, parents will receive a report of their student’s performance. For more information on the VGA’s please visit the VDOE Website or the PWCS Testing Webpage.
Camp Invention
Piney Branch Elementary will host a one week Camp Invention during the week of June 17-18– June 20-21, 2024. Camp Invention is not open on Juneteenth.
This camp encourages growth mindset and social-emotional growth with a deep focus on STEM activities. Camp Invention works with Prince William County Public Schools to ensure that this camp can come back each summer and bring these awesome skills to our community. For more information, visit the website.
PWCS Nutrition Job Fair
Are you tired of working evenings and weekends? Would you like to be off during your child’s
school breaks? Are you looking for a job that truly has an impact on your community? Consider working for PWCS Nutrition! The PWCS Food and Nutrition Department is hosting a Job Fair on January 24th from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m! Interested individuals can apply and interview on site at the Job Fair!
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department at 703-791-7314.
For Good Measure
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) Assessment
Piney Branch Elementary School will be administering the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) to all KG, 1st and 2nd grade students, as well as to 3rd grade students who do not have scores in the system or whose progress is being monitored. The testing window is from January 2nd - February 2nd. Testing for each individual student will only require one session within that window which will last an average of 15 - 20 minutes. Make-up testing will continue throughout the testing window as needed.
A letter will be sent home with your child to explain testing in more detail. For more information, visit the PALS website at and click on the tab “Families +”. Please feel free to contact Emily Kennedy, Piney Branch Reading Specialist, at [email protected] or 571-261-5300 if you have any questions about PALS testing or procedures.
Attendance/Dismissal
When you email your child’s teacher regarding their absence and/or dismissal changes, please include the office ([email protected]) just in case your child’s teacher has a substitute teacher. Absences can be reported by calling 571-261-5309. All changes of dismissal should be sent to your child’s teacher/office before 2:00 p.m. For the safety of our students, early dismissals need to take place before 3:15 p.m.
Cold Temperatures/Wind Chill
Please review the following PWCS policy guiding outdoor activity during the winter months.
- When outside during recess or physical education, all students shall wear appropriate clothing to remain warm and dry. Students shall be physically active with limited periods of inactivity.
- At or above 32⁰F with or without wind chill: recess and physical education activities may be held outdoors.
- Below 32⁰F to 20⁰F with or without wind chill: principal discretion with the following considerations:
- Precipitation: snowy, wet, and icy conditions should be evaluated for student safety;
- Playground safety: the playground equipment and surface (i.e. icy conditions) should be evaluated for student safety;
- Student preparation: students have jackets, gloves, and hats. The ability to communicate to school community the intention to hold recess during cold spells and for children to come prepared to play outdoors;
- Sun/Ground: sun is shining and the grounds are safe for play; and
- Time: availability to limit outdoor time.
Watch D.O.G.S. is Back!!!!
The Watch D.O.G.S need you! Calling all dads looking to provide support at our school. The Watch D.O.G.S. program helps provide positive male role models for students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Meanwhile, you will provide an extra set of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying, and provide a greater sense of campus safety allowing students and teachers to focus on learning and instruction. You will help by supporting lunch, recess, hallways, encore, and security around the school. Should you have any questions about this exciting program, please reach out to Jim Pawlak at [email protected]
If you are ready to become a Watch D.O.G.S, follow the link to sign up!
Accessing PBES Resources Outside of School
You can access our PBES resources like Canvas, Office 365 and Clever from almost wherever you are. Please see the following help videos to:
Lost and Found
We have accumulated a lot of lost and found ranging from water bottles, lunch bags, sweaters and coats. Any time you come to the school please take a moment to stop by and look for any lost items your child may have left behind.
Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events
- January 26 – Early Dismissal at 12:40 p.m./ Parent Teacher Conferences
- January 26 – Heritage Night 6:30 p.m.
- January 29 – Teacher Workday/No School for Students
- February 2 – Snow Date “Back to the 90’s Neon Winter Dance”
- February 7 – Report Cards Posted to ParentVue
- February 19 – President’s Day (School is closed)
- February 20 – PTO Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. (Library or Zoom)
PTO News
Back to the 90’s-Neon Nights Winter Dance
Save the NEW date – Due to the Code Red on Jan. 19, the “Back to the 90’s Neon Nights Winter Dance” will now be on Friday, February 2nd from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the gym. Tickets are sold out! Limited quantity of party packs will still be sold at the door.
If you're interested in helping at the dance please sign up.
Yearbook Committee
The Yearbook Committee needs photo submissions. Please include context and the names of the people included. Email pictures to [email protected]
PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting will be on February 20 and will be held in the library and via Zoom.
Join the PTO
Support our school and get free PBES swag by joining the PTO! Join online on our website!
Please visit www.PineyBranchPTO.com for all information related to the PBES PTO.
*This Website (Webpage) is not managed, approved, or sponsored by the Prince William County Public Schools.
Community Flyers and Announcements
Evening Guitar Classes at Piney Branch
Did you know Musically Creative has taught evening music classes at Piney Branch for years? They have a new semester starting in January and they offer very affordable, small group ukulele and guitar classes. They also have piano classes in Nokesville. It makes for a great gift idea for the holidays. Ages 6-adults grouped by age and ability.
Visit the Musically Creative website to find out more.
PWC Girls Softball Little League 2024 Spring Season
Spring softball registration is now open. Save $20 if you register by January 31st. If you have registration questions, please reach out at to [email protected].
Virginia Soccer Association 2024 Spring Season
Spring soccer registration is now open. For more information you can visit the link or contact Chad Mateer at [email protected] with any questions.
Coles Little League 2024 Spring Season
Spring little league registration is now open. See website for more details.
Marsteller Math & Science Speciality Program
The Marsteller Math and Science Specialty Program is an interest-based program. To be eligible to apply, students must have earned at least a grade of B in Math and Science and Cs in all other classes. Additionally, students must have satisfactory conduct/effort grades and satisfactory attendance based on PWCS attendance regulations. Students must maintain these standards throughout middle school. Please check Marsteller’s website for additional details.
Eligible rising 6th-grade students zoned for Marsteller MUST apply for the Math and Science Specialty Program if interested. There is no automatic placement without applying. Families apply for their students with the PWCS program’s online application. Students who are zoned to attend Bull Run, Gainesville, Nokesville, Parkside, Reagan, and Unity Braxton Middle Schools may be eligible to apply as transfer students. Families should check the PWCS find my school website to check school zones. Marsteller accepts 25 transfer students per year by lottery.
Important dates:
- Information Night: October 26 at 6:30 pm at Marsteller Middle School (Spanish translation will be available)
- Information Night: January 11 at 6:30 pm at Marsteller Middle School (Snow date Jan 18) (Spanish translation will be available)
- November 1st, 2023: Application opens.
- February 1st, 2024: Application is due (Firm deadline - No late applications will be accepted)
- Mid-Late February 2024 Program decision is released.
- March 5th, 2024: Program Acceptance is due if offered a seat (Firm deadline – seats will be dropped after this date)
Email Kerry Adkins, program coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions