Quarter 1 - 2017

Volume 16 Issue 1

RBMS Contact Information River Bend Middle School 46240 Algonkian Parkway Sterling, VA 20165 Main office: (571)-434-3220 Absentee Line: (571)-434-3222 Clinic: (571) 434-3223 Fax: (703) 444-7578

RBMS Administration Administrative Team Principal ..........................................Dave Shaffer Asst. Principal ........................................Eric Fritz Asst. Principal .................................Nikisha Diehl Main Office Staff Bookkeeper......................Stephanie McLaughlin Secretary………………………………………. Gwen Pride Secretary........................................Missy Hooper School Nurse................................Kayleen Galvan Parent Liaison………………. Ana Martin-Habibelahy

House A – 8th Grade Dean………………………………………………. Nick Fisher Counselor…………………………….…. Sherri Robinson Secretary.........................................DeLaine Land House B – 7th Grade Dean…………………………………….……Melissa Dober Counselor……………….…................Janae Gwizdala Secretary............................................Robin Byrd House C – 6th Grade Dean…..............................................Juliet Kenny Counselor...........................................Kate Syme Secretary..........................................Truus Foard

Follow us on: Website: www.lcps.org/rbms

https://www.facebook.com/RBM.LCPS River Bend Middle School Official https://twitter.com/RBMS_Official RBMS_Official

New LCPS App – Follow River Bend

2017-2018 PTA Board • Sherita Wilkins, President

• Linda Smith, VP – President support

• Michael Strange, Treasurer

• Karen Anderson, Treasurer support

• Jennifer Michael, Secretary

• Dawn Renzoni, Hospitality Chair

Administrative Assistance If, due to a disability, you need assistance to

enable you to participate meaningfully in a

meeting or conference, etc., please contact

Mr. Eric Fritz at 571-434-3220 at least five

working days prior to the meeting.

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Administrative Assistance Servicios Especiales - Si por alguna razón de salud usted necesitara asistencia (silla de ruedas, alguien que maneje hasta el colegio, etc.) para poder atender una de las actividades, sea una conferencia, reunión, evento, etc. por favor contacte al Sr. Eric Fritz al 571-434-3220 con por lo menos 5 días anteriores al evento. Si fuera necesario los servicios de un intérprete para participar de actividades, conferencias, reuniones, eventos o algún programa, por favor contacte a la escuela con la misma anticipación.

Contents RBMS Contact Information ................................ 1

RBMS Administration ......................................... 1

Follow us on: ...................................................... 1

2017-2018 PTA Board ........................................ 1

Administrative Assistance .................................. 1

Administrative Assistance .................................. 2

Visitor, Volunteer, and Late Student Sign in

Procedure ........................................................... 2

Attendance ......................................................... 2

Tardies/Early Dismissal ...................................... 3

Parent Contact Information

Corrections/ParentVUE ...................................... 3

Lost and Found ................................................... 3

Business Partnerships ........................................ 3

Clinic Tips ........................................................... 3

Recordatorios de la Oficina de Salud Escolar .... 6

Parent Link ....................................................... 11

7th grade Field Trip ........................................... 11

Leo Club ........................................................... 11

From the Library .............................................. 12

National Junior Honor Society ......................... 12

Counselor’s Corner .......................................... 12

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) .... 13

P.E. Department .............................................. 13

Microsoft 360 .................................................. 14

PTA ................................................................... 14

Visitor, Volunteer, and Late Student Sign in Procedure All visitors must show identification and report to the main office to sign in and receive a Visitor’s Pass to wear. Students may not bring friends from other schools to attend classes.

Attendance River Bend parents, we need your help! When your child is absent, you must call the attendance line at (571) 434-3222 to notify the school. For your convenience, this is a 24-hour answering machine. An absence will be unexcused if the school does not receive a note or a phone message from the parent or guardian.

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Tardies/Early Dismissal Students who arrive late need to check in at the main office to receive a pass. Students may not leave the school building or grounds without official written permission. A parent or guardian must sign their child out in the main office. Early dismissals after 3:00 p.m. will only be allowed in the case of an emergency.

Parent Contact Information Corrections/ParentVUE ParentVUE and StudentVUE provides access to student schedules, assignments, grades, attendance, and more. Online pre-registration is also available for new or returning students.

The ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps, which provide some, but not all content of the web version, are available for both Android and iOS devices. Downloadable documents are available on Mobile Apps page including a comparison of ParentVUE Web Version vs. Mobile Apps.

Parents, if you have had a phone number, or email change. You can update this information on ParentVUE. We encourage all parents to use ParentVUE. ParentVUE also offers a single sign-on to view school information for all siblings, regardless of the grade level or school of attendance. Any address changes need to be done with our attendance secretary.

Lost and Found Students that misplace their belongings can check in the Lost and Found located in each House. “LCPS will not replace or pay for personal items that may be damaged, lost or stolen.” This information is published in the LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Items that go unclaimed will be

donated at the end of each quarter to a local charity.

Business Partnerships Barakat Orthodontics Chick-Fil-A K & H Landscaping Kravitz Orthodontics Michelina Queri & Associates/Keller Williams Realty Papa John’s

Clinic Tips Kayleen Galvan, R.N., BSN This year we welcome Ms. Galvan to our River Bend family. She is a native of Loudoun County and comes to us from the Cleveland Clinic. Reminders from the School Health Clinic Ms. Galvan works in the clinic each day from 8:00 a.m. until 3:18 p.m. A health clinic specialist (HCS) works under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (resource nurse). School staff can contact the school resource nurse at any time for advice or emergencies. HCSs are trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of an external automatic defibrillator (AED), and medication administration. The resource nurse visits the school regularly. Please check the website for the resource nurse for your school. Clinic personnel (HCSs and nurses) are not allowed to make a medical diagnosis. If you have an urgent medical concern, please take your child to their personal physician or a medical facility.

• If your child has any significant medical needs, please notify the HCS/RN even if the school has been notified in previous school years. If your child has asthma, diabetes, seizures, life-threatening allergies, or other medical conditions, you and the physician will need to complete a form so the school can

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understand and address your child’s needs. These forms are available on the Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) website. These forms must be updated each school year.

• School-Sponsored After-School Activities and Sports If your child has diabetes, an epinephrine auto-injector, an inhaler, or other emergency medication at school, please notify the teacher/sponsor that your child has the health concern. Also, notify the health clinic specialist/nurse 2 weeks prior to the event. The clinic is closed after dismissal and the HCS/RN is not in the building. Arrangements need to be made to have medication available and to train staff. It is strongly suggested that middle and high school students carry their own inhaler and/or epinephrine auto-injector for quick access to medication. For students to carry an inhaler, the physician must complete and sign the “Asthma Action Plan” giving his/her permission for the student to carry the inhaler, and the parent and student must sign page 3, the “Parent/Student Agreement for Permission to Carry an Inhaler”. For students with an epinephrine auto-injector, the physician will need to sign the bottom of the “Allergy Action Plan” and the parent and student will need to sign page 2 under “Agreement for Permission to Self-Administer and/or Carry Epinephrine.” For students with diabetes to carry any of their medical supplies, the diabetes form, Part 4: “Permission to Self-Carry and Self-Administer Diabetes Care,” will need to be signed by the physician, parent, and student.

• If your child is ill because of a contagious disease such as the flu, strep throat, chickenpox, etc., it would be helpful to note the reason for the absence when you call the absentee call-line. This will help the school take measures to know the extent of the disease and reduce its spread.

• Students who have fevers should be kept at home until free of fever for 24 hours. Students who do not feel well should stay home. When students come to school ill, they not only are unable to participate fully in class, but they may also infect other students with their illness.

• A parent or guardian must deliver any medication (prescription or non-prescription) to the school office or clinic. Students may not transport any medication to or from school. Parents are responsible for picking up any unused medication. Medication remaining in the clinic at the end of the year will be destroyed per state law and LCPS guidelines.

• If your child takes a prescription medication and missing a dose would have serious health consequences (seizure medication, insulin, etc.), it is strongly suggested that a 24-hour supply of the medication be left in the school clinic in case of a prolonged school day. The medication must be in an original pharmacy-labeled bottle and have a physician’s order on file in the clinic. The order must give the times during the 24-hour period that the medication is to be administered.

• The HCS/RN must have written instructions from the physician to administer prescription medications. The instructions should include:

▪ student’s name; ▪ name and purpose of the

medication; ▪ dosage and time of

administration; ▪ possible side effects and

measures to take if those occur; ▪ end date for administering the

medication; ▪ Parent/guardian signature

giving permission to administer medication and to contact

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physician, and physician’s signature.

▪ LCPS will not accept parent/guardian amendments to a physician’s order, including any restriction of the principal’s designee (HCS/RN) from contacting the physician to clarify the medical order.

▪ The “Authorization for Medication Administration” form should be used for physician’s orders. Copies of this form as well as other medical forms are available in the school office or at the LCPS website under Student Health Services.

• All prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy bottle with the proper label containing the student’s name, medication, dosage, and instructions for administration. Upon request, most pharmacies will provide an extra labeled bottle with the proper amount of medication for school. Please do not send more than a 60-day supply of medication.

• If the HCS/RN needs to administer non-prescription medication:

▪ it must be provided by the parent/guardian in an original package with the name of the medication and instructions;

▪ she must have a note from the parent regarding when and how much medication to administer;

▪ she will only give the amount listed on the package for your child’s age and weight and for the recommended length of time the student should receive the medication unless she has doctor’s orders on the “Authorization for

Medication Administration” form to dispense differently; and

▪ she cannot administer medication that is not in its original container.

• For the HCS/RN to give acetaminophen (generic Tylenol) to your child, you must have completed the section on the emergency card that gives permission and sign it. Parents/guardians of elementary students will be contacted before any acetaminophen is given to assure that it has not been given at home. Because acetaminophen taken in large amounts over a period of time can cause liver damage, middle and high school students may only receive four doses of acetaminophen in a four-week period. Before a fifth dose is given, the parent/guardian will be contacted.

• Be sure to keep the “Emergency Information” updated so we can reach you if your child is ill or injured. This can easily be done on-line through the Parent Information Management System (PIMS) on the LCPS website.

• All 3rd, 7th, and 10th grade students and students new to LCPS will be screened for vision and hearing during the first 60 days of school. Kindergarten students who did not have distance vision screening or hearing tests within two months of the beginning of school will also be screened.

• The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that school divisions provide information on scoliosis to parents of students in grades 5-10. The scoliosis flyer on the next two pages is provided by the school at the beginning of each school year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the clinic.

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Kayleen Galvan, R.N., BSN kayleen.galvan@lcps.org

Recordatorios de la Oficina de Salud Escolar El/la especialista en salud clínica/enfermero/a registrado/a de nuestra escuela es Kayleen Galvan. Trabaja en la oficina de salud todos los días, desde las __8:00__ hasta las __3:18__. El especialista en salud clínica (ESC) trabaja bajo la dirección y supervisión de un enfermero registrado (ER) (enfermero de apoyo). El personal de la escuela puede ponerse en contacto con el enfermero de apoyo en cualquier momento para solicitar asesoramiento, o en caso de emergencias. Los ESC están capacitados en primeros auxilios, resucitación cardiopulmonar (RCP), uso de desfibriladores externos automáticos (DEA) y administración de medicamentos. El enfermero de apoyo visita la escuela regularmente. Consulte en el sitio web quién es el enfermero de apoyo de su escuela. El personal de la oficina de salud (los ESC y enfermeros) no está autorizado para realizar diagnósticos médicos. Si tiene consulta médica urgente, lleve su hijo a su médico personal o a un centro médico.

• Si su hijo tiene necesidades médicas significativas, por favor notifique al ESC/ER, incluso si la escuela ha sido notificada en años anteriores. Si su hijo sufre de asma, diabetes, epilepsia, alergias con riesgo de vida u otras enfermedades, usted y el médico tendrán que completar un formulario para que la escuela pueda entender las necesidades de su hijo y ocuparse de ellas. Estos formularios están disponibles en el sitio web de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Loudoun (LCPS). Estos formularios deben ser actualizados en cada ciclo lectivo.

• Actividades y deportes extracurriculares patrocinados por la escuela

Si su hijo tiene diabetes, un autoinyector de epinefrina, un inhalador u otra medicación de emergencia en la escuela, por favor notifique al maestro/patrocinador sobre la situación de salud de su hijo. Notifique además al especialista en salud clínica/enfermero con 2 semanas de anticipación al evento. La clínica cierra cuando los alumnos son autorizados a retirarse y los ESC/ER no están en el edificio. Es necesario hacer los arreglos pertinentes para que haya medicación disponible y capacitar al personal. Se sugiere encarecidamente que los alumnos de escuela media y secundaria lleven sus propios inhaladores, o autoinyectores de epinefrina, para tener rápido acceso a la medicación. En el caso de los alumnos que llevan un inhalador, el médico debe completar y firmar el “Plan de acción por asma", que autoriza al alumno a llevar el inhalador; el padre y el alumno deben firmar la página 3, el "Acuerdo de autorización de padres/alumnos para llevar inhaladores”. En el caso de los alumnos con autoinyectores de epinefrina, el médico tendrá que firmar la parte inferior del “Plan de acción por alergias”, y el padre y el alumno deben firmar la página 2, donde dice “Acuerdo de autorización para llevar y auto administrarse epinefrina”. Para que los alumnos con diabetes puedan llevar sus medicamentos, el médico, el padre y el alumno deben firmar la Parte 4 del formulario de diabetes “Autorización para llevar y auto administrarse atención por diabetes”.

• Si su hijo está enfermo de una enfermedad contagiosa como la gripa, una infección de garganta por estreptococos, varicela, etc., será útil informar el motivo de su ausencia cuando llame a la línea de atención correspondiente. Esto ayudará a que la escuela tome medidas para conocer el

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grado de difusión de la enfermedad y reducir su diseminación.

• Los alumnos con fiebre deben quedarse en casa hasta que su temperatura sea normal durante 24 horas. Los alumnos que no se sienten bien, deben quedarse en casa. Cuando los alumnos van a la escuela enfermos, no solo son incapaces de participar bien en clase, sino que además pueden infectar a sus compañeros.

• El padre o tutor debe entregar toda la medicación (recetada o no) a la dirección o la oficina de salud de la escuela. Los alumnos no pueden transportar ningún tipo de medicación a la escuela o desde ella. Los padres son responsables de retirar cualquier medicamento que no haya sido utilizado. Los medicamentos que continúen en la oficina de salud al terminar el año serán destruidos según la ley estatal y las normas de las LCPS.

• Si su hijo toma medicamentos recetados y saltear una dosis tendría graves consecuencias de salud para él (medicamentos para la epilepsia, insulina, etc.), se sugiere encarecidamente dejar una provisión del medicamento para 24 horas en la oficina de salud de la escuela, por si el día escolar se prolonga. La medicación debe entregarse en el envase original, etiquetado por la farmacia, y la oficina de salud debe contar con la receta del médico en sus archivos. La receta debe indicar los horarios de administración del medicamento durante el período de 24 horas.

• Los CES/ER deben tener instrucciones por escrito del médico para administrar medicamentos recetados. Las instrucciones deben incluir:

▪ el nombre del alumno; ▪ el nombre y propósito del

medicamento;

▪ la dosis y el horario de administración;

▪ los posibles efectos colaterales y las medidas necesarias si ocurren;

▪ la fecha en que se debe dejar de administrar el medicamento;

▪ la firma del padre o tutor, autorizando a administrar la medicación y a contactar al médico, y la firma del médico.

▪ Las LCPS no aceptarán enmiendas del padre o tutor en una receta del médico, incluidas restricciones a la persona designada por el director (CES/ER) para contactar al médico y aclarar las indicaciones.

▪ Para las indicaciones, los médicos deben usar el formulario de “Autorización para la administración de medicamentos”. En la Dirección de la escuela o el sitio web de las LCPS, podrá encontrar copias de este y otros formularios médicos en la sección de Servicios de Salud para los Alumnos (Student Health Services).

• Todos los medicamentos recetados deben presentarse en sus envases originales de la farmacia con el etiquetado adecuado que contenga el nombre del alumno, el medicamento, la dosis y las instrucciones para su administración. Si lo solicita, la mayoría de las farmacias proporcionan un envase con etiquetado adicional que incluye la cantidad de medicamento adecuada para la escuela. Por favor, no envíe medicamentos para más de 60 días.

• Si el CES/ER debe administrar medicamentos no recetados:

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▪ deben ser proporcionados por el padre o tutor en su envase original con el nombre del medicamento y sus instrucciones;

▪ debe contar con una nota del padre sobre la cantidad de medicamento a administrar y cuándo hacerlo;

▪ solo administrará la cantidad indicada en el envase para la edad y el peso de su hijo, y durante el tiempo recomendado que el alumno debe recibir el medicamento, a menos que cuente con instrucciones del médico en el formulario de “Autorización para la administración de medicamentos” para administrarlo en forma diferente; y

▪ no podrá administrar medicamentos que no se encuentren en su envase original.

• Para que el CES/ER administre acetaminofén/paracetamol (Tylenol genérico) a su hijo, usted debe haber completado y firmado la sección que lo autoriza en la tarjeta de emergencia. Los padres o tutores de los alumnos de escuela primaria serán contactados antes de suministrarles acetaminofén, para garantizar que no lo hayan recibido ya en su casa. Debido a que el acetaminofén en grandes cantidades durante un cierto período puede causar daño hepático, los alumnos de escuelas medias y secundarias solo podrán recibir cuatro dosis en un período de cuatro semanas. Antes de suministrar la quinta dosis, se contactará al padre o tutor.

• Asegúrese de mantener actualizada la “Información para emergencias”, para que podamos comunicarnos con usted si su hijo está enfermo o se lastima. Esto puede hacerse fácilmente en línea, a través ParentVue, en el sitio web de las LCPS.

• Todos los alumnos de 3. °, 7. ° y 10. ° grado y los alumnos nuevos en las LCPS recibirán un examen de visión y audición durante los primeros 60 días de clases. Los alumnos de jardín de infantes que no hayan de visión a distancia y pruebas auditivas dentro de los dos primeros meses de clases, también serán revisados.

• El Estado de Virginia exige que las divisiones escolares proporcionen información sobre escoliosis a los padres de alumnos entre 5. ° y 10. ° grado. Al principio de cada ciclo lectivo, la escuela entrega el folleto sobre escoliosis que se encuentra en las próximas dos páginas.

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Parent Link Ana Martin Habibelahy, Parent Liaison A parent liaison is a school employee who works to bridge the communication gap between home and school, by helping parents to obtain information and the support necessary to ensure that our students thrive academically and socially. Although Parent Liaisons are present in almost every school, we all strive in our own special way to meet the needs of the school community, staff and student body. These are some ways in which I can provide support:

• Answers questions about rules and regulations

• Discuss volunteer opportunities

• Facilitate school tours

• Support during meetings and conferences

• Arrange for interpreter services

• Identify community resources to help with special needs

• Help with physical needs (school supplies, clothing, food, medical, etc.)

Additional information may be found on the school web site under Parents. You can also reach me at the Main Office at (571)434-3220 or via email at (ana.martinhabibelahy@lcps.org). If you have questions, need assistance, or are looking for ways to get involved, please call, email or stop by to talk. I look forward to meeting you in the upcoming months.

Best wishes for a fantastic 2017-2018 school year!

7th grade Field Trip This year we are going to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. on September 28 and 29. Students who have science on A days are going on Sept. 28 and students who have science on B days will go on Sept. 29. Permission slips were handed out during science on Sept. 7 and 8 and extras are available in the House B office and attached to weekly parent bulletin. Permission slips and money are due to Mrs. Byrd in the House B office by Sept. 20th. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Dober, 7th grade dean, at melissa.dober @lcps.org

Leo Club The Leo Club is a community service club open to all students who enjoy helping others. Anyone interested in becoming a NEW MEMBER is welcome to attend. Our meetings will be the first Thursday of the month beginning October 5th. Listen to the announcements for reminders. Help others, have fun...be a Leo! Leo Club projects include the following on-going collections to benefit people locally, in the state, and world-wide. Please collect and send in: SODA TABS - to benefit the Ronald McDonald House near Fairfax Inova Hospital. Our goal is to collect one million tabs by May and with your help we can do it. So, tell all your friends and relatives about our project. Send in those soda tabs today. There is a labeled jug in the cafeteria. USED EYEGLASSES - Eyeglasses are inspected, cleaned, processed and then packaged at a facility in Arlington. Each pair of usable glasses is then sent to communities across the U.S. & around the world to be matched to a person in need of glasses. Remember to save any old

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glasses and drop them in the Lion’s Club collection box in the main office. BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION - Each Box Top collected is worth $.10 to the school. Bundle or bag 10 of them, put your child’s name on them, and get them to Ms. Fuchs in C12 or to the Cheerios box in the main office. Every 10 Box Tops earn you a sweet treat. Look for Box Tops on all General Mills products and other goods like Kleenex and Ziploc bags. Money raised from Box Tops will be used support school programs. For more ways to help the school, visit the Box Tops for Education website: http://www.boxtops4education.com Join and select River Bend Middle School in Sterling, VA. Explore all the opportunities to help our school in the EARN BOX TOPS section.

From the Library

As we begin a new year, we are excited to welcome all our new and returning students. We encourage everyone to drop by the library and check out our new book titles! We are looking forward to a fun and exciting year with the return of the Library Club, our Battle of the Books team, as well as many monthly activities. Watch for updates on the VA Reader’s Choice books, Teen Read Week, our book fair, and student and family book clubs, to name just a few. Over the summer we received extra funding so our Maker Zone is expanding. We have more coding electronics materials, our own 3D printer and more thought provoking games in the Game Center. Stop by and check it out!

National Junior Honor Society Applicants need to meet the criteria for scholarship, leadership, service, and character. 8th graders with a 4.0 GPA will be invited to apply after first quarter grades are finalized. For more information, please e-mail renee.crawford@lcps.org

Counselor’s Corner We welcome all students and parents to the 2017-18 school year. We are excited to begin a new school year with you and to provide services to assist students and parents to ensure a transition to a smooth year. Please feel free to call on us during the school year to answer questions regarding scheduling, to schedule conferences, or to ask for our assistance to provide any necessary resources.

Our Guidance Department for this school year includes: Kate Syme - 6th Grade Counselor Janae Gwizdala - 7th Grade Counselor Sherri Robinson - 8th grade Counselor & Contact for: Academy of Science (AOS), Thomas Jefferson Academy of Science and Technology (TJHSST), and Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET) Barbara Jefferson – School Counseling student intern from Marymount University. Barbara will be working with the counselors and students from August 2017 until May 2018.

The counselors have met with their students during resource to complete an interest survey so that we can begin to serve the students’ needs effectively. The information collected will help us to identify possible groups and develop classroom guidance lessons that will help students enhance appropriate social skills, and develop academic planning skills.

We will be providing classroom guidance lessons throughout the school year. The students will learn about bully prevention and how to report bullying, various career options and clusters, and academic planning for the 2018-2019 school year.

The Peer Ambassadors have already been working. They were present during the Open House in August as well as on Back to School Night in September. They did a fantastic job of helping parents and students locate classes and

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they passed out helpful information. They have also been available to help new students and welcome them to our school.

Ms. Robinson is the counselor and point of contact for Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology. As a reminder, only current eighth graders may apply during the 2017-2018 school year. The winter round of TJHSST applications are available from September 4th-September 29th. If you are applying to TJHSST, you need to apply online. The link to information and the online application can be found by clicking here. Please visit the RBMS school counselor webpage or www.tjhsst.edu for information on deadlines.

Ms. Robinson is also the RBMS point of contact for the Academies of Loudoun, which house both the Academy of Science (AOS) and Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET). The Academies of Loudoun Admissions Portal for 2018-2019 will be live from August 31st until 12:00 noon on September 21st. The website also has the PowerPoint from the information sessions that you might find informative if you have time to look at it. Parents will complete an initial application in the portal and then will be asked to pay an application fee of $35. This will be processed through the LCPS payment portal, which will automatically adjust the fees if students are on free/reduced lunch. Please visit the RBMS school counselor webpage or Academies of Loudoun for information on deadlines.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, River Bend students will celebrate UNITY DAY to stand up against bullying. We ask that students wear orange to show their support and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are together against

bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. We are looking forward to a great year! The RBMS Guidance Department enjoys the positive working relationship with the parents of our students. We feel that it is extremely important to involve you in your child’s progress. You are your child’s greatest resource, but let’s work together to ensure their success at River Bend Middle School.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Any 6th grade students interested in joining the FBLA middle school chapter are invited to attend the first interest meeting on September 21st. We are meeting in Lab 1 from 3:30-4:00.

P.E. Department The RBMS Health & P.E. Department welcomes 2 NEW teachers to our team this year. Ms. Brewer is from Buffalo N.Y. and will be teaching 6th & 7th grades. Mr. Pal, a graduate of Dominion High School, will be teaching 7th & 8th grades this year. He is coming to us from another Loudoun County school.

This year several of the P.E. teachers will be sponsoring clubs to encourage students to get involved in movement based activities after school. Ms. Jordan will be offering the Running-Club for students who would like to challenge themselves by running 1 to 4 miles. This is a great way to get in shape and prepare for a possible career as a cross country runner in high school. Mr. Eirich will be sponsoring the in-door soccer club beginning in November for students interested in keeping their soccer skills sharp during the winter months. Mr. Cummings will be offering the Yoga-Club which begins in early October for students interested in getting in shape, physically as well as mentally. Visit the

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club websites under the activities tab to get all the information.

Microsoft 360 Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will provide Microsoft Office 365 to every student free of charge beginning Monday, April 6th. With Office 365, students will have access to the latest version of Word, for writing; Excel, for spreadsheets; PowerPoint, for presentations; OneNote, for organization and note-taking; and much more. This will allow students to:

• Install Microsoft Office on up to five compatible PC’s and Macs, plus five tablets (including iPad);

• Use Microsoft Office with OneDrive for automatic device syncing;

• Microsoft Office subscription lasts for as long as your child is an LCPS student and Microsoft offers this program.

For more information go to: http://www.lcps.org/Page/150449

PTA I would like to welcome each of you to a new school year! The purpose of the PTA is to support the faculty, staff, parents, and most exclusively our students at River Bend. Your PTA Executive Committee has been busy developing the details for a very productive and exciting year aimed at enhancing the educational environment for all our students. Please check our website regularly to stay abreast of our activities for the upcoming school year.

Please welcome your 2017-2018 River Bend PTA Executive Committee

President: Sherita Wilkins - sdj6395@gmail.com Vice President (President support): Linda Smith - Smith.diane.sd@gmail.com Secretary: Jennifer Michael – jenniferymichael@gmail.com Treasurer: Michael Strange -- mstrange1217@gmail.com

This is your PTA and you are welcome and encouraged to attend all meetings and events. Meetings are held Friday mornings during select months at 8:30 am. The first PTA meeting is Sept. 8, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the school library.

Your participation and support helps build our sense of community for students, parents, families, faculty, administrators and staff at River Bend, as well as the business leaders in our community. We encourage you to show your commitment by joining.

The second way to show your support is to participate in the numerous events and programs we have planned throughout the year. Your participation is key to the success of the River Bend family. You also can show your support a third way by providing us your comments regarding our PTA and any ideas for other potential PTA initiatives.

If you have any questions, or want to get involved, please contact us. The PTA needs you! We always welcome new faces and new ideas!

We look forward to working with you this year.

Many thanks, Sherita Wilkins PTA President River Bend Middle School Sdj6395@gmail.com

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PTA Membership Form

Your membership dollars help our students by providing funds for many educational programs that directly impact our RBMS community. Parents, teachers and our community work together to improve the lives of children, through programs and projects sponsored by our PTA. With your support, we can become one voice, speaking for every child. Show support in the education of all students in our school by becoming a member today!

Please fill out the form below and return it along with a check for $10.00 for each individual member. Checks must be made out to RBMS PTA. When PTA gets involved, children benefit. When you get involved with PTA, the child who benefits most is your own.

Member’s Name(s)____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address ______________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address ______________________________________________________________ Student’s Name(s) ___________________________________________________________

□6th Grade □7th Grade □8th Grade

Student’s Name(s) ___________________________________________________________

□6th Grade □7th Grade □8th Grade

Student’s Name(s) _____________________________________________________________

□6th Grade □7th Grade □8th Grade

Day Phone _______________ Evening Phone _______________ Cell Phone ______________ We are seeking Chairpersons and Volunteers. Please check if interested in any of the following areas: □ Membership Committee □ Fundraising Committee □ Spirit wear Committee □ Hospitality Committee

□ Social Media Committee □ Library Support

□ Admin Support (Laminating, copying) □ Special Events (Ticket Sales, Parent Duty)

For more information about the PTA or any of our programs, please visit www.lcps.org/RBMS

We would be happy to assist you!

Note: We respect your privacy! Be advised that for us to provide these benefits, we must share your email address

with the National PTA organization.

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PTA Forma de Membresia

Haciéndose socio(a) de nuestra PTA, usted se une a un gran número de personas que se preocupan por el bienestar de sus niños. La afiliación a nuestra asociación está a disposición de todos los interesados en la salud, educación, y avance de nuestros adolescentes a través de nuestros programas. Con su ayuda, podemos ser una voz unida que representa a todos nuestros estudiantes. Demuestre su apoyo al unirse a nuestra asociación hoy! Por favor llene esta planilla y envíela a nuestra escuela con un pago de $10.00 por cada miembro. Su cheque deberá ser pagadero a RBMS PTA. Siendo parte de nuestra familia beneficiar a la suya también! Nombre del miembro(s) _________________________________________________________ Dirección ____________________________________________________________________ Correo Electrónico _____________________________________________________________ Correo Electrónico _____________________________________________________________ Nombre del estudiante(s)_______________________________________________________________

□ 6to Grado □ 7mo Grado □ 8vo Grado Nombre del estudiante(s)_______________________________________________________________

□ 6to Grado □ 7mo Grado □ 8vo Grado Nombre del estudiante(s)_______________________________________________________________

□ 6to Grado □ 7mo Grado □ 8vo Grado

Teléfono (Día) ______________ Teléfono (Tarde) _______________ Celular______________ Estamos solicitando Líderes y Voluntarios. Por favor indique si desea participar en alguna de las siguientes áreas: □ Comité de Membresía □ Comité de Recaudación de Fondos □ Comité de Espiritu Escolar □ Comité de Hospitalidad □ Comité de Medios Sociales □ Soporte de Library

□ Apoyo Administrativo (laminado, copias) □ Eventos Especiales (Ventas, Supervisión)

Para más información sobre nuestra organización y sus programas, visite

www.LCPS.org/RBMS.

Estamos para ayudarles con gusto!

Nota: Respetamos su privacidad! Le advertimos que para proveer beneficios, deberemos compartir su correo

electrónico con la organización Nacional de PTA

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