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SEPTEMBER 2011 HOME OF THE H URRI CAN ES PAGE 1

Harper Park Middle

701 Potomac Station Dr.

Leesburg, VA 20176

School Hours 8:30-3:18

Main Office 571-252-2820

Attendance 571-252-2822

Clinic 571-252-2821

www.lcps.org/hpms

Contents:

From the Main Office……...….3

School Menu………………........4

Bell Schedule………....………...7

Dress Code….……....…...……...8

LCPS 2011-12 Calendar…..…..9

Notes from the Nurse………….10

Counselor‘s Corner……….........15

Dean‘s News……………............17

Bus Schedule………....…..........21

Notes from Parent Liaison…....26

PTA………………….……...…....27

September Calendar……..…....28

Harper Park Middle School “A School to Watch”

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

By William S. Shipp

HOME OF THE HURRICANES

First Day of School

is August 29th and

an ―A‖ Day

Welcome to Harper Park Middle School - and what an exciting year this will be

as we‘re celebrating our thirteenth year serving the Leesburg community! I cer-

tainly hope everyone had a wonderful summer break and took time to refresh

themselves for what is sure to be another tremendous year at Harper Park. I am

looking forward to seeing the students and all the other members of the Harper

Park family back together again on August 29, the first day of school. Our en-

rollment for the first day is projected to be about 1007 students. Our mission

will be to continue to provide a challenging curriculum and innovative instruc-

tion to our students in an environment which is safe and nurturing. We are de-

termined to provide a rigorous curriculum to all our students.

To all rising sixth graders and their parents / guardians, we look forward to see-

ing you at the Sixth Grade Meet and Greet on Thursday, August 25. This event

will be held from 1 – 3 PM and will be a wonderful opportunity to tour the school,

receive the locker combination and homeroom assignment. We all are very ex-

cited about meeting our new students!

Inside this newsletter you will find school information which will assist you and

your child in preparing for school. The 2011-2012 school calendar, bus schedules,

bell schedule, dress code, after school activity programs and other school infor-

mation articles can be found within. Please review the bus routes which have

been included. All students are encouraged to ride the bus on the first day of

school. Please be sure to discuss with your son/daughter the safest route to the

bus and proper behavior. Students must conduct themselves appropriately to and

from school and at the bus stops. If you have any questions please call the

school.

School will begin at 8:30 AM and end at 3:18 PM. Students will be allowed in the

building at 8:00 AM. We will continue to follow the alternating day A/B schedule.

The first day of school, August 29, will be an ―A‖ day, with blocks 1-4 meeting.

The second day of school will be a ―B‖ day, with blocks 5-8 meeting. Since each

block is eighty-eight minutes, attendance is critical. If your child must miss

school, please call the school. On the first day of school your child will receive

his/her schedule in homeroom. All students will report to their appropriate

Houses after unloading from their buses- 6th grade students to House C, 7th

grade students to House B and 8th grade students to House A. For additional

information, please refer to the articles regarding lunch prices and opening day

procedures.


Principal‘s Message cont…..

For 2011-2012, we have had a few staffing changes and we have welcomed new staff to our team. We have included

a listing of all new staff and their positions in this newsletter.

We will continue sending our newsletter out on-line this year and it will be accessible on our school website. If you

would like a hard copy of the newsletter mailed to you, please contact Ms. Debbie Wells at 571 252 2827. In addi-

tion, teachers will be posting any homework assignments on their school website this year.

We have many exciting activities and initiatives planned for this year. We will share information with you in our

newsletters, on our website and through information we send home with your child. Additionally, our first PTA

meeting for this year will be Thursday, September 15, at 9:00 AM. Please mark that date on your calendar and we

hope you will be able to attend.

I certainly hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school at

571-252-2820. You also may visit our website. Once again, welcome to Harper Park - we are excited about the

2011-2012 ―Hurricane Season.‖ Please rest, relax and enjoy your remaining days of summer vacation – we look for-

ward to seeing you on August 29.

Position Employee

Dean Fitzroy Frew

Dean Mary Beth Woodford

ELL Alison Figi

German Ian Stutzman

English / History Heidi McPhillips

Latin David Yates

Math Andrew Avery

Math Steven Reasonover

PE and Health Michael Hill

PE and Health Meredith Mayner

Science Bridget Bangert

Science Matthew Smith

Spanish Brigitte Engleman

Special Education Wendy Carter

Position Employee

ELL Assistant Barbara Crandell

Resource Stephen Sumner

Secretary Teresa Burciaga

Special Education Aimee Holloway

Technology Asst. Matt Aubel

Harper Park Middle

School New Staff


From the Main Office

Visitor, Volunteer, and

Late Student Sign in Procedure

All visitors need to stop by the Main Office upon

arrival. All visitors, volunteers, and late students

will log into the computer located in the main of-

fice. A pass or name tag will automatically print

out. While at HPMS, all people signing in will be

required to wear a visitor‘s name tag. Students

will take their late pass to their House Office and

sign in there as well. Please be prepared to show a

valid ID.

Early Dismissals

If at all possible, please send a note in with

your child the morning of an appointment.

The student‘s house secretary will write a

pass to excuse the student at the appropriate

time. This will alleviate the need to disrupt

the classroom, and your child will be waiting

in the front office when you arrive. If send-

ing a note is not possible, please arrive

5 minutes early to assure a smooth pickup of

your student.

HPMS Contacts

Main Office

Principal………………………...William S. Shipp

Asst. Principal…………………….Don Keener

Asst. Principal…………………….Beth Robinson

Main Office Secretary…………...Susan Lang

Main Office Secretary……….…Teresa Burciaga

Bookkeeper………………………...Janice Steele

Parent Liaison……………………..Neldy Negron

Nurse……………………………….Terri Thomson

House A (8th grade)

Dean………………………………….Meshelle Cary

Counselor…………………………….Cherie Krisa

Attendance Secretary ..…………….Linda Young

House B (7th grade)

Dean…………………………………...Fitzroy Frew

Counselor……………………….Zamarit Simpkins

Secretary…………………...………..Debbie Wells

House C (6th grade)

Dean……..…………………..Mary Beth Woodford

Counselor……………….…………..….Leslie Kole

Secretary…………………..Catherine Happersett

School Work Requests

When students are absent, the parent or

guardian should call the Absentee Line at

571-252-2822 and inform the school of the

reason of absence and when they will return

to school. When a student misses 3 or more

days, the parent/guardian may request

missed school work from their child‘s House

Secretary by calling before 9:00 a.m. The

missed class work from the teachers will be

collected and available for pick up after

3:30 p.m. on that day. Please do not request

class work on the Absentee Line. Attendance Harper Park Middle School parents: we

need your help! When your child is absent,

please call the attendance line at 571-252-

2822 to notify the school. For your conven-

ience, 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.

Tardies

All students must be in their classroom by the 8:30

a.m. bell. Any student arriving to class after the

8:30 a.m. bell will be considered ―tardy‖ and must sign

in at the Main Office and receive a ―tardy‖ pass. A par-

ent/guardian should accompany his/her child to the

office or send a note with the child when arriving late

to school.


Week 1 cycle menu – Secondary Schools

Week 1 - Week of August 29th

And Week of September 19th

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets

Macaroni & Cheese

All Above: Wheat

Roll

Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Ham & Cheese Wrap

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger

Pizza & Salad Line: Cheese Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza

Vegetarian Chef Salad

Traditional Chef Salad

Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Fruits & Vegetables

All Lines: Choice of 3 different

fruits and vegetables

Choice of 8 oz. 1% or

skim milk


Pork BBQ & Coleslaw

All Above: Wheat

Roll

Sandwich Line: Spicy Chicken Sand-

wich


Chicken Salad Sand-

wich

Steak & Cheese Sub

Grilled Cheese Sand-

wich


Pepperoni Pizza



Chicken or Turkey Cae-

sar Salad

Fruits & Vegetables

All Lines:

Choice of 3 different



skim milk


Taco Pie

All Above: Soft Pret-

zel


wich


Turkey Sandwich

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza



Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Taco Salad on Taco Day Only

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk


Spaghetti & Meatballs

or Marinara Sauce and

String Cheese

All Above: Steamed

Rice


wich


Tuna Salad Sandwich

Steak & Cheese Sub

Bean & Cheese Burrito


Pepperoni Pizza



Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk


Chicken and cheese

Enchilada


wich


Chicken Caesar Wrap

Fish Filet Sandwich

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza

Tuna Salad

Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk



Week 2 - Week of September 5th

And Week of September 26th

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Teriyaki or Orange

Chicken All Above: Wheat

Roll Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Ham & Cheese Wrap

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza

Vegetarian Chef

Salad

Traditional Chef

Salad Hummus/Pita Vege-

table Platter

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Turkey Tetrazzini All Above: Wheat Roll


wich


Chicken Salad Sand-

wich

Steak & Cheese Sub

Grilled Cheese Sand-

wich


Pepperoni Pizza

Vegetarian Chef Salad Traditional Chef Salad

Chicken or Turkey

Caesar Salad

Fruits & Vegetables

All Lines:




skim milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Beef or Bean Soft Taco All Above: Soft Pretzel Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Turkey Sandwich

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza Vegetarian Chef Salad


Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Taco Salad on Taco

Day Only

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Chicken Parmesan with mari-

nara Spaghetti Noodles All Above: Steamed Rice Sandwich Line: Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Peanut Butter & Jelly Tuna Salad Sandwich

Steak & Cheese Sub



Pepperoni Pizza



Fruit Salad with Yogurt

Fruits & Vegetables All

Lines: Choice of 3 different fruits

and vegetables

Choice of 8 oz. 1% or skim

milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets with

Wheat Roll

Beef or Bean Nachos with Tortilla Chips Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Chicken Caesar Wrap

Fish Filet Sandwich

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza

Tuna Salad

Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk



Week 3 - Week of September 12th


Wheat Roll Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Ham & Cheese Wrap

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza



Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Open Faced Beef Steak

Sandwich All Above: Steamed

Rice Sandwich Line: Spicy Chicken Sand-

wich


Chicken Salad Sand-

wich

Steak & Cheese Sub

Grilled Cheese Sand-wich

Pizza & Salad Line:

Cheese Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza



Chicken or Turkey

Caesar Salad

Fruits & Vegetables

All Lines:




skim milk


Soft Pretzel Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Turkey Sandwich

Corn Dog

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza Vegetarian Chef Salad


Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Taco Salad on Taco

Day Only

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk


Beef Lasagna & Wheat

Roll

Sandwich Line: Spicy Chicken Sand-wich


Tuna Salad Sandwich

Steak & Cheese Sub



Pepperoni Pizza



Fruit Salad with Yo-

gurt

Fruits & Vegetables All Lines: Choice of 3 different



skim milk

Hot Meal Line: Chicken Nuggets Hot Dog/Chili dog with

cornbread Sandwich Line: Crispy Chicken Sand-

wich


Chicken Caesar Wrap

Fish Filet Sandwich

Hamburger

Cheeseburger


Pepperoni Pizza

Tuna Salad

Hummus/Pita Vegeta-

ble Platter

Fruits & Vegetables




skim milk


Bell Schedule

8:20 Homeroom Bell

8:30 Tardy-to-Homeroom Bell

8:30 - 8:50 Homeroom/DEAR

“A” DAY “B” DAY

8:53—10:18 Block 1 Block 5

10:22—11:47 Block 2 Block 6

11:51—1:49 Block 3 Block 7

11:51—12:21 7th Grade Lunch 6th Grade

Lunch


Lunch


Lunch

After School Clubs

and Activities can

be found next

month in the Octo-

ber Harper Park


Dress Code

Appropriate student attire is extremely important in helping to maintain a school climate which fosters aca-

demic excellence. Not all clothing is suitable for school. School attire should be comfortable and not disrup-

tive or distracting to the learning environment. Any clothing deemed as inappropriate and/or disruptive may

result in consequences. The guidelines for proper student attire are as follows:

(a) Beach attire/play wear is not appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, plastic/rubber/

leather/cloth shoes that are not secured to the heel of the feet (shower shoes/flip flops), spaghetti

strap shirts, tank tops, short crop tops which expose the midriff, halter tops/racer backs, sun

dresses, under shirts, and provocative, revealing shirts and blouses. Provocative and see-thru

clothing is not appropriate for school. Appropriate tops should cover the top of the shoulders.

(b) Outfits which allow exposure of the midriff or undergarments are not permissible school attire

and are not to be worn in school. Tops, shirts, blouses and the like must be attached to shoulder

straps.

(c) Short shorts (less than 3‖inseam) and short skirts are not appropriate for school (this includes

rolling the waistband to make athletic and gym shorts shorter and cuffing the hem).

(d) Shoes must be worn at all times.

(e) Headwear including hats, bandanas, etc. may not be worn in the building.

(f) Students are not to wear any clothing with inappropriate or suggestive logos, including sayings

that advertise illegal substances or any product that is prohibited in school. This also includes

language that is inappropriate for the school setting.

(g) Sleep attire, lounge wear and underwear may not be worn as outerwear. House slippers are also

prohibited.

(h) Bandanas of any style or color are not permitted in school or at school activities.

(i) Dark glasses, unless approved by the principal, may not be worn in the building. Glasses may

not be worn on the head.

(j) Outer jackets or heavy coats should not be worn to or in classes. A light sweater or sweatshirt is

more appropriate.

(k) Wallet chains or ornamental jewelry with spikes or sharp objects are not permissible on school

property.


2011-2012 LCPS Student Calendar

August 29 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

September 5 Holiday (Labor Day)

October 10 Holiday (Columbus Day)

November 4 End of First Grading Period

November 7-8 Student Holiday (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 20 End of Second Grading Period

January 23 Moveable Student Holiday* (Planning/Records/Conference Day)

February 20 Holiday (President’s Day)

March 30 End of Third Grading Period

April 2-6 Holiday (Spring Break)

April 9 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day)

May 28 Holiday (Memorial Day)

June 8 Last Day of School for Students/End of Fourth Grading Period

June 11-12 Planning/Records/Conference Days

Week Grading Period Ends

November 4, 2011

January 20, 2012

March 30, 2012

June 8, 2012

Interim Dates

October 5, 2011

December 14, 2011

February 29, 2012

May 9, 2012


A message from the clinic

Terri Thomson, R.N.

Our school‘s health clinic assistant/registered nurse is Terri Thomson, R.N. She works in the clinic

each day from 8:30am until 3:30pm. A health clinic assistant (HCA) works under the direction and su-

pervision of a registered nurse (resource nurse). School staff can contact the school resource nurse at any time for advice or emergencies. HCAs 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 (HCAs 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 HCA/RN even if the school has been

notified in previous school years. If your child has asthma, diabetes, seizures, life-threatening aller-gies, or other medical conditions, you and the physician will need to complete a form so the school

can 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 assistant/nurse 1-2 weeks prior to the event. The clinic is closed after dismissal and the HCA/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 in-

haler and/or epinephrine auto-injector for quick access to medication. For students to carry an in-

haler, the physician must complete and sign the ―Asthma Action Plan,‖ form 11:14, giving his/her permission for the student to carry the inhaler, and the parent and student must sign the ―Parent/

Student Agreement for Permission to Carry an Inhaler,‖ form 11:14b. For students with an epineph-

rine auto-injector, the physician will need to sign the bottom of form 11:10 and the parent and stu-

dent will need to sign form 11:10c 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,‖ needs 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 respon-sible for picking up any unused medication. Medication remaining in the clinic at the end of the year will be destroyed according to state 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 phar-

macy-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 HCA/RN must have written instructions from the physician in order 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 physi-cian, and physician‘s signature.

LCPS will not accept parent/guardian amendments to a physician‘s order, including any re-striction of the principal‘s designee (HCA/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 phar-macies 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 HCA/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 adminis-ter;

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 dif-ferently; and

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

For the HCA/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 in order 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.

Virginia requires that school divisions provide information on scoliosis to parents of students in grades

5-10. The scoliosis flyer on the next page is provided by the school at the beginning of each school year.


Scoliosis

Curvature of the Spine

Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine from side to side often

described s a ―S‖ curve. It affects 2% of Americans, mostly adoles-

cents.

Cause

The cause is unknown in most cases.

Girls are affected more often than boys.

Untreated, severe scoliosis can lead to lung and heart damage, back

problems, and distressing cosmetic changes.

Normal Spine

Has a slight outward curve in the upper back and an inward curve at

the waist. If scoliosis is detected early, then treatment can be started

before it becomes a physical or emotional disability.

Signs

One shoulder higher than the other

Scapula (Shoulder blade) on one side of the body is higher or

more prominent

One-sided fullness at the waist

One hip higher than the other

Unequal rib prominence

Symptoms

Backache or low back pain

Fatigue

Maybe none

How to check Your Child‘s Spine

Stand behind the child.

Ask child to stand with feet together and bend forward to touch

the toes.

Check that the shoulders and the top of the hips are at the same

height, the head is centered, and the rib cage is symmetrical.

Note that the waist is even and that the body does not lean to one

side.

It may be helpful to run your hands along the spine to detect any

abnormalities.

Ask the child to stand up, turn around to face you, and to bend

down again. Repeat the assessment.

If any lateral curvature is noted, your child needs further

evaluation

What should be done if any of the signs and symptoms are pre-

sent?

Contact your primary care physician for an appointment to have our

child‘s back evaluated.

Normal View from Back

Shoulder blades and spine appear straight

Abnormal View from Back

The spine curves abnormally to the side

Abnormal View Bending Forward

Shoulders and/or hips appear uneven


For further information, visit our website at:

www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/index.htm


Welcome Back! We hope everyone had a great and relaxing summer. We are excited about the new school year

and working together with parents/guardians, staff, and students. Counselors have moved to remain with their

students: Mrs. Kole is in 6th grade, Mrs. Simpkins is in 7th grade, and Mrs. Krisa is in 8th grade. We look

forward to working with your child in the areas of academics, personal/social, and career planning. At each grade

level the guidance department provides many support programs to assist students in having a successful school

year. Counselors will provide an overview of the counseling program with all students during resource, including

opportunities for participation in guidance groups with parent permission.

Please call or e-mail your counselor with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with your children.

Academy of Science

Applications and PSAT test registration are available on the Academy of Science website for 8th grade students

interested in applying to the Academy of Science http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/aos/site/default.asp Students must be

currently enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher to apply. All applications are to be completed and submitted online.

Please call Mrs. Krisa with questions.

Important dates are listed below:

Saturday, September 10th, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon: Parent/student information session and Open

House at the Academy of Science.

Monday, September 19th, 2011 @ 11:59 p.m.: Absolute deadline for applicants to submit Part One of the AOS

application. Part One of the application includes registration to take the required PSAT on Saturday, October

16th, 2010.

Saturday, October 15th, 2011: PSAT administered at Dominion High School for all AOS applicants. Upon com-

pletion of PSAT testing students will receive a short break, then complete the writing prompt portion of the AOS

application.

Friday December 16th, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.: Absolute deadline to submit Part Two of the AOS application for

the 2010-11 admission process. No applications will be accepted after this date.

Friday, March 30th, 2012: Decision letters postmarked to applicants.

Counselors‘ Corner

http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/aos/site/default.asp


Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Students in the 8th grade are eligible to apply to TJHSST, a regional governor‘s school for science and technology in

Northern Virginia. Important dates are listed below. Please call Mrs. Krisa with questions.

Monday, September 19 @ 7:00 PM: Parents only information session at River Bend Middle School.

Monday, September 26th: Applications available from Mrs. Krisa

Saturday, October 1nd: Open House at TJHSST

Friday, October 21st: Applications due to Mrs. Krisa

Saturday, December 3rd: Test Day

Saturday, December 10thh: Inclement weather date for testing

Friday, January 20st: Letters postmarked to semifinalists regarding status

Tuesday, February 14th: Data sheets and recommendations due to Mrs.Krisa

Friday, March 30th: Final notification of accepted students

Wednesday, April 11th: Preview night for admitted students

Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24 & 25: Registration

Student Volunteers

Does your student like to volunteer? Students in grades K-12 are recognized by Volunteer Loudoun (formerly

Loudoun Volunteer Services) by giving their time to enrich the lives of others or to make a difference in the com-

munity in which they serve. Students may be rewarded in several ways such as the Student Volunteer Award.

Please contact your child‘s counselor for more information.

Counselors‘ Corner Cont.


DEANS‘ NEWS AT THE PARK

6th Grade

I would like to welcome all 6th grade students, and their fami-

lies, to Harper Park Middle School! My name is Mary Beth

Woodford and I will be your Dean for the next three years. As

a Dean, I am the administrator in charge of your grade level. I

will move with you at the end of each school year as you pro-

gress from the 6th grade to the 7th grade and finally, to the 8th

grade in just three short years! Harper Park is an excellent

school. I am certain that you will have a great time here mak-

ing new friends, working with our awesome staff, and conquer-

ing daily academic challenges. As a student, ask questions,

complete your work and put forth your best effort. There are

many academic and social opportunities available to you at

Harper Park. Be sure to choose at least one club or activity

with which you can be involved and show off your talents! The

time will go by quickly! Make the most of each day. Before

you know it, you will look back and be amazed at how much

you have accomplished. When you get the chance, stop by and

introduce yourself to me. If you need to contact me by email

my address is: [email protected] or call the school

at 571-252-2820. I look forward to meeting you and working

with you this year!

7th Grade

I would like to welcome 7th Grade students, parents, and

guardians to the 2011-2012 school year. My name is Fitzroy

Frew, and I will be your 7th Grade Dean. I am truly excited to

be a part of the Harper Park family, and I look forward to

working with each of you. As most of you know, Harper Park

is a great place to learn and work. It is a school that is filled

with eager, hard-working students, a very dedicated staff, and

active and involved parents. This combination, I believe, will

lend itself to a very successful school year. While seventh

grade will be a challenging year, the opportunities for success

will be limitless.

Our school-wide theme this year is: ―Through the ‗I‘ of the Hur-

ricane‖. We will spend this year focusing on the needs of each

student in an effort to assist him or her achieving his or her

full potential. We believe that if each student is performing at

his or her peak, the Hurricane Team will be that much

stronger.

Again, I look forward to working with each of you, and I

strongly believe that this year will be a very good year. Please

contact me as needed: [email protected]. Thank you.

8th Grade

Class of 2016 welcome to the 8th Grade! I hope you all had a

summer filled with fun, friends, family and excitement. As we

approach your final year at Harper Park, please take some

time to get mentally and emotionally prepared for the chal-

lenges you will face. Eighth grade can be much more challeng-

ing than your previous years in middle school. Your teacher‘s

main objective is to prepare you for the rigors of high school by

introducing you to a classroom climate built upon: responsibil-

ity, critical thinking, internal motivation, cooperation, and in-

dependent thought. When in doubt, ask questions! Your aca-

demic core classes will cover content material that may be un-

familiar to you, therefore you should expect to sharpen and

utilize your study skills so that you will be able to comprehend

and keep pace with each course. Your social studies course will

be civics, economics and government; science is physical sci-

ence with mathematics content; English will be more focused

on writing; and your math course will likely be for high school

credit. It is important for you to always focus on the material

as it is being presented. Strive to understand the lessons each

day because your entire core courses build upon ideas learned

in previous lessons.

With the increase in workload and more difficult content come

additional opportunities. You will have more electives to

broaden your horizons and you will also have a full block of

resource to review and prepare your assignments. It is impera-

tive that you use your resource time wisely. Your resource

teachers will assist you in making sure you accomplish your

goals. It is also very important that you seek help from your

core teachers during this time. They are available during your

resource block to assist and support you throughout this year.

I have had the pleasure of working with most of you for two

full years and I look forward to our third year together.

This is an exciting time as we focus on our school theme for

this year: Through The ―I‖ Of A Hurricane. We will cele-

brate our ability to proudly work together as a single unit-

the Harper Park Hurricane, while we maintain our unique,

individual identities. This is also our first full year as a

PBiS school (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)

where we will maintain R3 as part of our school culture:

Respect for others, property and self. I will continue to

make connections with students and parents as we wrap up

our journey through middle school. As we know, communi-

cation is the foundation of any good, strong relationship.

My door is always open and I invite students, teachers and

parents to join me in my office to talk, discuss, laugh, cry,

or just to take a break from the hustle and bustle that more

than eleven hundred people can create. You can contact me

at [email protected].

Class of 2016 get ready for a great year and many wonder-

ful memories! See you soon. Meshelle H. Cary, 7th Grade

Dean

mailto:[email protected]



Harper Park Middle School will continue to have several areas where students may walk to school. In fact, 10 % of

our student body are considered ―walkers‖. If a student lives on a street listed below, he or she may walk to school.

If you think your child is a walker and do not see your street listed, please call the school or email Mr. Keener at

[email protected]

Buses are not provided for these streets. Students cannot bike or skateboard to school.

Students walking to school must walk carefully to school, and parents are asked to review the safest route

and proper procedure for crossing a street.

Students must stay on a sidewalk while walking to school and must cross Potomac Station Drive at the

cross-walk in front of Harper Park. There will be a crossing guard stationed at this cross walk. The crossing

guard is the boss!

Walkers abide by all school rules in transit to and from school. School rules apply until students enter their

homes.

Of course as new housing areas are completed across from Harper Park, more streets may be added for walkers;

however students who live on streets where construction is still present should not walk to school until all con-

struction is completed and the passage to school is safe. Please call the school if you have any questions. The

streets approved for walkers are as follows:

ALL ROADS ARE WEST OF RIVER CREEK PARKWAY AND SOUTH OF FORT EVANS ROAD.

Roads north of Potomac Station Drive Roads south of Potomac Station Drive

Bonnie Ridge Dr. Bonnie Ridge Dr.

Emerald Hill Dr. Bow Lake Pt.

Fenland Ct. Fountain Hall Ct.

Fenland Pl. Larch Valley Dr.

Ft. Macleud Terr. Saddleback Pl.

Hardy Ct. Sand Point Ct.

Invermere Dr.

Kendra Terrace

Mount Holly Pl.

Revelstore Terr.

Sentinel Dr.

Sydney Terr.

Tonquin Pl.

Valemount Terr.

Vermillion Dr.

Vista Ridge Dr.

Students who do not live on the streets listed above must ride school

buses or have parents drive them to school. Students who do not live on

the streets listed above, will not be permitted to walk to and from

home. Students may receive a ―walking pass‖ from their dean when

they bring in a signed note from a parent indicating permission to go

home with a walker.

WALKING to the Park:


Many students are dropped off by parents on their way to work in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. Our

student drop off area is particularly busy during poor weather, with heavy traffic and sometimes lack of pa-tience

from drivers. Keep in mind that the school does not open until 8 AM. Students who arrive early may wait in the

auditorium until 8 AM. Please follow the signs and traffic cones for student drop off. DO NOT interfere with busses

or block bus lanes.

When dropping off your child, pull up past the band room doors and let your child out at the curb. This will al-

low more vehicles to pull up behind you so we can maximize space.

Do not block the cross walk when stopping to drop off your child.

Do not block the handicapped parking spaces.

For the sake of safety, please do not let your child out in the middle of the parking lot and have them maneuver

around moving vehicles to get safely into the building.

Lastly, please be patient in this area. It is very busy in the morning with both staff, students and parents com-

ing and going.

When picking up student in the afternoon, please follow the same procedures. When we work together and follow

safety guidelines, everyone benefits and traffic moves quicker.

Further information: It is illegal to pass the flashing red traffic warning lights of a school bus that is

stopped to take on or let off students. When vehicles pass a bus with it‘s lights flashing and stop sign up, bus

drivers will note the date, the stop location, the time and tag number of the vehicle. This information is reported to

the Transportation Office and an advisory letter is sent to the registered vehicle owner. Keep your children and our

students safe by following the rules and the laws.

Student DROP OFF and PICK UP Information:

Bus Routes and Times:

www.lcps.org

see bus routes tab


More Bus Information:

We are excited about the upcoming school year. A very important piece of information for all students and parents

is transportation. Included in this newsletter are the bus routes for students. Bus routes and bus numbers

some-times change.

The most recent routes and bus numbers can be found at: www.lcps.org (bus routes tab) or the Harper Park web

site. We encourage you to periodically check this web site for changes. Please take time to review the bus routes

and identify your stop.

It is a good idea for new students to Harper Park to walk to the actual bus stop prior to the first day of school, to re-

duce stress and anxiety. Students should be at their bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

In addition to the bus routes, we also want to provide rules for the bus, which will help ensure a safe passage for

everyone. Please review these rules with your children prior to the first day of school. Bus drivers and school ad-

ministrators can assign seats to any student. In depth bus rules can be found on the same web site listed above.

Be at your bus stop five minutes prior to your scheduled pick up time.

Never run to or from the bus.

Do not push or shove while boarding or unloading from the bus.

Always remain in your seat, facing forward.

No eating or drinking while on the bus.

Keep head and arms inside the bus at all times.

Do not throw anything in the bus or out of the bus window. (Federal law)

Always listen and obey the driver.

Do not yell, scream or shout while riding in the bus.

When students follow all of these rules, everyone will have a safe trip to and from school. In addition, we are ask-

ing for parents‘ support and assistance at the bus stops. Specifically, students identified the bus stop as an area of

con-cern with regard to bullying and they enjoy having parent supervision. (Believe it or not!) If parents are visible

and take an active role with their child at the bus stop, incidents of bullying decrease dramatically.

Lastly, we want to remind students and parents that riding the bus is a privilege. If a student chooses to NOT fol-

low the rules of the bus, disciplinary action may be taken which may include suspension of bus privileges and/or

suspension from school. In cases where students endanger themselves and others or are in violation of a law, such

as throwing items from the bus window at other people or cars, the school resource officer will be notified and

charges may be filed. We hope all students choose to follow the bus rules and have a safe and pleasant ride to

school.

Once again, welcome back and we look forward to seeing everyone on August 29, 2011!


Number Time Bus Stop Location

95 7:57 AM Fort Evans Rd NE & Cedar Walk Cir NE

7:58 AM Fort Evans Rd NE & Meadows Lane

7:59 AM Fort Evans Rd/Hunters Crossing Apts.

8:05 AM Fort Evans Rd/The Manor Apts.

8:15 AM Arrive at Harper Park

52 7:53 AM Potomac Station Dr NE & Planters Grove Te

7:55 AM Potomac Station Dr. NE & Evans Ridge Te NE

7:58 AM Fort Evans Rd @ Potomac Station Apts


13 8:00 AM River Creek Pkwy & RoseHaven PL

8:04 AM Olympic Blvd & Mid Ocean Pl

8:06 AM Crystal Lake St & Firestone Pl

8:09 AM Firestone Pl & Seminole (CAUTION @ T/A!!)


205 7:54 AM Macallister Dr/Santmyer Dr (N)

7:57 AM Melody Ct SE & Macallister Dr SE

8:00 AM Tavistock Dr SE & Sommerset Park Dr SE




420 7:54 AM Kenneth Pl SE & Rhonda Pl SE

7:56 AM Rhonda Pl SE & Tina Dr SE

7:58 AM Sherry Ann Ct SE & Patrice Dr SE

7:59 AM Patrice Dr SE & Brian Thomas Ct SE


579 8:03 AM Russell Branch Pkwy & (1st Ent) Village Market Blvd

8:05 AM Make U-Turn @ 2nd Ent with Village Market

8:08 AM Longhouse Pl & Battery Point Pl

8:09 AM Kingsport Dr. & Kimberley Ct

8:12 AM Potomac Station Dr & Llewellyn Ct


234 7:57 AM Forest Spring Dr & Big Spruce Sq

7:58 AM Forest Spring Dr & Montview Sq

8:02 AM Orchid Dr & Cattail Spring Dr/Coralbells Pl


596 8:00 AM Teaberry Dr & Gibbon/Dettington Ct

8:03 AM Potomac Sta Dr & Binkley Cir (S)

8:05 AM Burstall Ct & Drummond Pl

8:06AM Drummond Pl & Malloch Pl

8:08 AM Potomac Station Dr & Silverwood Te




592 8:01 AM Santmyer Dr SE & Curtin Pl SE

8:02 AM Tavistock Dr & Duncan Pl/Curtin Pl

8:04 AM Tavistock Dr SE & Hallyard Ct SE

8:05 AM Tavistock Dr & Tall Oaks Sq/Lennon Ct


214 7:58 AM 42885 Edwards Ferry Rd NE

8:00 AM Lake Ridge Pl & Red Rock Wy

8:02 AM Lake Ridge Pl & Oak Lake Ct

8:17 AM arrive at Harper Park

32 7:53 AM Potomac Station Dr. & Allenby Way

7:59 AM Parkers Ridge Dr & McConnell Wy

8:00 AM Parkers Ridge Dr & Tyrrell Ct

8:05 AM Sycamore Hill Dr & Silverbell Te NE


647 7:50 AM Kincaid Blvd SE & Caldwell Te SE

7:51 AM Kincaid Blvd SE & Tammy Te SE

7:52 AM Kenneth Pl & Randi Dr SE

7:53 AM Kenneth Pl & Sandy Landi Dr SE

7:55 AM Rhonda Pl SE & Kincaid Blvd SE

7:56 AM Partice Dr SE & Spencer TE SE




677 7:14 AM Heritage High School

7:27 AM Creek Bend Pl & Eckbo Dr (PM bus 647)

7:37 AM Loudoun Center Pl & Meadowview Ct (PM bus 592)

7:48 AM Orchid Dr & Delphinium Cir

7:49 AM Orchid & Cattail Spring Dr

7:59 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Palmetto Dunes Te

8:00 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Eldorado Wy

8:01 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Glenoak Wy

8:01 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Cypress Point Te

8:02 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Tides Inn Wy

8:03 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Shinniecock Hills Pl

8:04 AM Shoal Creek Dr & Mid Ocean Pl


462 8:01 AM Whitehorn Te & Sherbrooke Te

8:04 AM Northlake Blvd & mill Run Ct

8:05 AM Northlake Blvd & Running Rid Wy

8:06 AM Northlake/Rimrock/Channel Rid Ct




132 7:42 AM Lawson Rd SE & Generals Ct SE

7:44 AM 141 Lawson Rd SE

7:45 AM Lawson Rd SE & Calvary Ct Cir SE

7:46 AM Brigadier Ct SE & Lawson Rd SE

7:48 AM Beauregard Dr SE & Fortress Cir SE (N End)

7:50 AM 509 Fortress Cir SE

7:51 AM Beauregard Dr SE & Fortress Cir SE (S End)

7:52 AM Beauregard Dr SE & Rangers Wy SE

7:54 AM Shiloh Pl SE & Magruder Pl SE

7:55 AM Follow Parking Lot Around

7:56 AM Battlefield Pkwy SE & Solitude Ct

8:00 AM Arrive at Harper

216 8:06 AM Fort Evan Rd NE & Evans Ridge Te NE

8:08 AM Sycamore Hill Dr & Ginkgo TE NE


123 7:59 AM Olympic Blvd & Kingsmill St

8:01 AM Olympic Blvd & Emerald Dunes Pl

8:02 AM Olympic Blvd & Bear Creek Te

8:04 AM Olympic Blvd & Lanier Island Sq (E)



Notes from Neldy Negron.

our Parent Liaison

WHO IS YOUR HARPER PARK SCHOOL PARENT LIAISON?

My name is Neldy Negron and my daughter is currently attending Loudoun County Public School. I have been living

in Loudoun County for the past sixteen years and am very excited about this opportunity to help out the parents in

the community and work at Harper Park Middle school. I am committed to working with the parents at Harper

Park Middle school to ensure our students have the resources they need and the right environment to mold them

into successful adults.

WHAT IS A PARENT LIAISON?

A Parent Liaison is a person who works to bridge the communication between school and home by helping parents

get the information, help and support they need to ensure their child‘s academic and social success in school.

WHAT KIND OF ASSISTANCE CAN THE PARENT LIAISON PROVIDE?

I will provide you with a personal tour of the school and explain the programs and resources available to you

and your child. You do not have to be a new parent to get a school tour.

I will answer questions you may have about school rules and regulations.

I will help arrange meetings between you and your child‘s teachers or the school administration so that

important information about your child is shared and understood.

At your request, I will accompany you to a parent conference or other important meetings at school to help

clarify information about your child or home situation.

I will help you arrange for an interpreter if you need to communicate in your own language.

I will refer you to resources available for special help or services for your child or your family.

You can reach me at (571) 252-2820, on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 3:30pm., or e-mail me with any question

or concern at [email protected].,

QUIEN ES SU ENLACE DE PADRES EN LA ESCUELA HARPER PARK?

Mi nombre es Neldy Negron, y mi hija es alumna de la Escuela Pública de Loudoun. He recidido en el Condado de

Loudoun des hace 16 anos y estoy muy contenta por la oportunidad de ayudar a los padres de familia en la

comunidad y trabajar para Harper Park Middle. Yo me comprometo a trabajar con los padres de familia de Harper

Park Middle, para asegurar que nuestros estudiantes tengan los recursos necesarios y se formen en un buen

ambiente para que tengan éxito en su vida adulta.


Harper Park PTA News

Welcome back to what we know will be another academically excellent and fun filled year here at Harper Park

Middle School!! There are lots of volunteer opportunities available for you at our school. Please look for the PTA

forms in the 1st day packets and volunteer for what interests you. There are plenty of opportunities for all!! This

year we are hoping to achieve our goal of 100% Parent and Staff PTA Membership so PLEASE send your member-

ship envelope with donation back to school with your student. Your membership will make a difference and

greatly benefit our students, staff and school!

Looking forward to seeing you at our 1st PTA Meeting on Thursday, September 15!!

Nikki Holton, HPMS PTA President

HUGE THANKS TO:

Jen Zecca for coordinating all the volunteers for the beginning of school!

Kathy Alex for coordinating the 6th Grade Meet and Greet!

Heidi Wallace, Barbara Adgate & Ann Smith for coordinating the Staff Breakfast!

Claudia Lee for coordinating the Membership Drive!

Kathy Blackburn for coordinating the Shopping Incentive Programs!

BIG NEWS: The Reflections Program is coming to Harper Park! Info will be coming soon!!!

2011-2012 PTA:

President: Nikki Holton [email protected] 703-669-6703

Vice President: Ann Smith [email protected]

Heidi Wallace [email protected]

Treasurer: Heidi Wallace [email protected]

Secretary: Barbara Adgate [email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator: Jen Zecca [email protected]

LEAP Rep: Arlene Thorpe [email protected]

Membership Coordinator: Claudia Lee [email protected]

Student Directory Coordinator: Claudia Lee [email protected]

Shopping Incentive Programs: Kathy Blackburn [email protected]

Office Help Coordinator: Kathy Blackburn [email protected]

Odyssey of The Mind Coordinator: Kathy Blackburn [email protected]

Reflections Coordinators: Gina Laura [email protected] & Karen Swanchara [email protected]

Library Volunteer Coordinator: Shannon Stone [email protected] Spirit Wear Coordinator: Your Name could be here!!

Staff Grants: Davette Everly Gill [email protected] & Nikki Holton [email protected]

Bingo Night: Christine Yeganeh [email protected]

Fall Luncheon Coordinator: Your Name could be here!!

Cookie Exchange Coordinator: Your Name could be here!!

Staff Appreciation Week Coordinator: Your Name could be here!!

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

Our First Meeting Date:

Thursday, September 15th 9:00am in the Harper Park Cafeteria

~Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.~



Harper Park Middle School

701 Potomac Station Dr.

Leesburg, VA 20176

Check the Loudoun County Public Schools Website for the latest information about meetings, school

closings, etc. at www. lcps.org with a link to HPMS’ website @ www.lcps.org/hpms

Persons who, due to a disability, need assistance to be able to participate meaningfully in any school meeting, should contact Mr. Shipp at the school

(571-252-2820), at least five working days prior to the meeting.

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

September 1 Fundraiser Assembly

5 Labor day Holiday

7 6th gr. Back-to-School Night 7PM

14 7th/8th gr. Back-to-School Night 7PM

15 PTA Meeting 9AM in cafeteria

19 Violence Prevention Begins

27 & 28 Picture Days

October 5 Hispanic Information Night 7PM

Interims

10 Columbus Day Holiday

18 Mix-it-up Day

20 Variety Show 7PM

27 Fundraiser Product Distribution

3:30-7:30

28 8th gr. Party 7-9PM

Future Dates

To Remember

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