Message from Dr. Smith
I apologize for the unexpected nature of my announcement earlier this week. I would have liked to meet with you in person, however it was simply not possible given other constraints. This decision was very difficult, but ultimately an opportunity that I needed to take. It’s been great to connect in person with many staff over the past few days and I look forward to talking with you more in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday, our Instructional Council took time to reconnect with our shared vision, identifying the steps that we have taken and the ways we can move our work forward. It was incredibly powerful to see our progress and the next steps that were identified by our department chairs and instructional leaders.
Yesterday, our CT leaders met and were able to dig into the importance of establishing the guaranteed and viable curriculum as a part of the CT cycle. This curriculum represents the essential standards and skills identified and selected by the CT. This is a critical part of our work and I am excited to see our continued progress.
As you can see, our culture of continuous improvement is alive and well at Lake Braddock. Our work is supported by the principal and administrative team but is not owned by them. The faculty and staff at our school are the true leaders and the ones that continue to push us to new heights and achievements for all of our kids. I am thrilled to see our continued progress and momentum towards continuous growth and achievement at our school!
Always a Bruin,
Daniel
Tech Tips
Here is your weekly installment of LB’s Tech Tips! Highlights include:
- Get ready for 3rd Quarter posting! Look over the 3rd Quarter Gradebook check.
- Ever accidentally delete an assignment or assessment in Schoology? Check out the Schoology Snapshot: Recycle Bin!
- Interested in trying student podcasting? Check out the POG: VoiceThread for Podcasts!
- Want to capitalize on March Madness with your students? Learn how to use brackets for student engagement!
March 31 and April 1
Next week, March 31 is an early release day for students marking the end of the 3rd quarter. April 1 is designated as a "work-where-you-work-best Teacher Workday." Please see this schedule for activities or events happening on those days.
Get ready to post 3rd Quarter grades!
We are quickly approaching the end of 3rd quarter, so please make sure to double check your assignments’ grading periods.
You can quickly check to make sure the assignments are in the right quarters by navigating to Grade Book > Assignments > click the Grading Periods tab. Change the number of assignments to 100 Assignments.
- Anything assigned from 1st quarter should have 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter checked.
- Anything assigned from 2nd quarter should have only 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter checked.
- Anything assigned from 3rd quarter should have only 3rd and 4th quarter checked.
Please contact Kim or Sarah if you have any questions or concerns.
Wanted: AP Academic Coordinator
The AP Academic Coordinator is a school leader who supports AP instruction that is innovative and promotes equitable student outcomes. Advanced Placement teaching experience is preferred. The coordinator will support LBSS administration in implementation of county and school-based initiatives related to Advanced Academics, including:
- Attending quarterly meetings with the High School Advanced Academic Specialist for discussion of College Board programs, initiatives in FCPS Advanced Academics, professional learning and networking
- Writing the Student Achievement Grant proposal and overseeing the implementation of grant funds awarded
- Communicating professional learning opportunities to LBSS AP teachers and staff
- Managing LBSS’s annual AP teacher audit process through The College Board portal
- Working with the AP testing coordinator to support the implementation of The College Board instructional and exam ordering
- Presenting an overview of the LBSS Advanced Academic programs to parents and community members
- Maintaining a database of LBSS teachers who have the Advanced Academic endorsement and supporting teachers in obtaining the endorsement
- Facilitating data dialogues between AP teacher teams and school leadership
- Facilitating teacher professional learning
- Collecting, reviewing, and distributing summer assignments for AP courses
If interested please contact Anne Polino by Friday, April 1, 2022. Make sure you include why you are interested in the position and how you plan to support the AP program and our students.
The AP Academic Coordinator Position Job Description can be found in this link.
LBSS Cultural Appreciation Day! Tuesday, March 29
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear a modern or traditional outfit that represents their culture for our Cultural Appreciation Day! Come watch students perform in the evening performance of the International Show at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater, Tuesday March 29nd.
Self-Care Opportunity
Dr. Tracy Davenport offers a talk on sleep which may change how you view and value sleep for yourself, your children, and your students.
March 31st – 1:30-2:30 in the Lecture Hall
Register here.
AVID Advantage
AVID presents its fifth issue of “The AVID Advantage” –a platform for sharing successful strategies schoolwide in an effort to support all teachers and students. This year’s issues have all focused on note-taking skills and featured multiple formats and resources for notes. Today’s issue is a summation of this work which displays student exemplars and teacher-created resources across content areas. If you would like additional resources or have a topic you’d like to see covered in a future issue, reach out to our LBSS AVID Site Coordinator, Laura Stone, at LCStone@fcps.edu.
Congrats to the Middle School Bands
Congratulations to Krista Pezold and the Lake Braddock Middle School Bands. All three ensembles attended the state VBODA Concert Assessment this weekend and received straight Superior Ratings. Congratulations on all of their hard work and excellence in musicianship!
A Big Thank You to the National Art Society and Bruin Philanthropy Club
A pediatric office in Springfield received a bunch of thank you cards from the Lake Braddock National Art Society students and the Bruin Philanthropy Club and posted them on their staff appreciation day. "We were all thrilled to receive them and we marveled at the talent and kindness that went into making them. A big thank you to those students and the Lake Braddock community for thinking of us!"
FCPS Cares
Submit your story about a colleague who goes above and beyond. Share the good work that goes on here at Lake Braddock by submitting an FCPS Cares.
Elizabeth Moore, Lake Braddock SS
"She has been working hard as a 11th grade teacher. Even though I don't have her as a teacher, she tells me about her work. Even with being an English teacher, she has the side job of being the head coach of the swim team for my high school." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Joseph Soos, Lake Braddock SS
"I appreciate how kind he is towards me and other students and really understands the struggles students have being a teacher. He doesn't get enough praise for the days he has given a smile on his students faces and really cares about the students health in the school." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Martinez is one of the best teachers I've had. He makes sure everyone is included and makes sure that everyone understands. He keeps his class fun while still teaching us a lot every day. Sometimes teachers kind of lecture you or talk at you for the whole class but I'm glad that's not how he is. He is very approachable and I'm never afraid to ask him questions. He gets to know every student and I love that about him. Everyone has the opportunity to talk to him one on one and create a great connection with him." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Mike Horgan, Lake Braddock SS
"Thank you so much Mr. Horgan for all you do and the 11 classes you have to handle! You work so hard, handling more classes than any teacher in our school and maybe even the county with all the engineering teachers missing, so you are on the top of the list for people who deserve to be appreciated." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Christiana Edinborough, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Edinborough is a great teacher. She always helps the class when they don't understand while still keeping it fun and everyone interested. Ms. Edinborough is also very flexible with assignments and has your best interests at heart." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Martinez is nice, funny and an elite teacher. He cares for his students and that's why he is the real MVP. #Martinez2024" - a Lake Braddock SS student
Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS
"I think that he works hard to make the class interactive and spends a lot of time working on slides for his students to use. He makes the class fun while also making sure we stay on task." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Brandon Gilbert, Lake Braddock SS
"He is a new teacher joined, FCPS last year during COVID-19. He is trying his best to understand this school, and he is doing good at teaching and understanding his students." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Lise Mandes, Lake Braddock SS
"The way you teach is very good because it keeps me interested in the topic. You are very caring and nice to your students and makes sure they're okay. I hope you continue teaching like this." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Catherine Fleury, Lake Braddock SS
"She is so nice and patient with my class. She is always encouraging everyone and helping us finish our assignments. 8th period is always crazy with my class. English was always my favorite subject but she makes the last class on gold days so much better." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Thomas McLarney, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. McLarney is a nice and cool person. Knows me pretty well and is nice to everyone else in the class. Even if we mess something up he doesn't just say it is wrong, he helps us fix it. Thank you for your hard work." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Venetia Edwards, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Edwards is a teacher that understands the situation around her and can give valuable information to her students in a respectful manner. Her style of teaching is engaging yet informative. Ms. Edwards only teaches what is important to know, in this fashion, it isn't boring." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Martinez is very caring and kind to us. He helps us to fix our grades and he is very understanding. He lets us play fun games when we don't have any lessons and when we do have lessons, he lets us all participate so we can all have a voice." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Lise Mandes, Lake Braddock SS
"When I was sad she helped me feel better and makes me feel safe, when I have late work or old work I haven't finished, she lets me know where it is when I ask, she checks in on me and is super nice." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Mary Donovan, Lake Braddock SS
"I would say that Mrs. Donovan is an extremely good teacher. She makes the subjects in class interesting and fun, and I love her funny attitude every class. She always tries her best to make sure that everyone is doing well, and I think that Mrs. Donovan has succeeded in that." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Kristen Shoemaker, Lake Braddock SS
"Thank you for teaching me, I've had a lot of fun during the process and I think the way you teach is very easy to follow. Your my favorite teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Natalie Farazmand, Lake Braddock SS
"I love this teacher so much, she understands me so much, she helps me in English and gives me everything I need. She's such a cool teacher and the best English teacher in the world." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Lindsay Puffer, Lake Braddock SS
"Lindsay Puffer is such a nice caring not only teacher but person. She always puts up with me and my questions. She is so patient with not only me but with the whole class. She always makes sure everyone understands what's being taught before moving on. She makes us feel comfortable and safe. She not only teaches math but she also gives us life lessons. I personally don't like math but she makes it just that much more enjoyable. Thank you Ms. Puffer." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Angela Moyer, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Moyer is very nice and makes her class fun. She makes sure that no student falls behind and gives us plenty of time to complete homework." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Mary Donovan, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Donovan always has a positive attitude to everything. She makes learning easier." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Beth Spille, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Spille always motivates my writing and encourages me all the time. I was previously told that writing was not my gift, but Ms. Spille said I could do it and always inspired me. She is very understanding when it comes to turning in my assignments and she is also very caring." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Andrew Staab, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Staab is my favorite teacher, he makes things easier for me to learn. He gives people another chance if they do bad on a assignment which is helpful if have a bad grade. Mr. Staab is my favorite teacher ever." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Isaac Messner, Lake Braddock SS
"He's always kind. His class is also fun." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Mary Donovan, Lake Braddock SS
"She makes learning Science fun." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Amy Toothaker, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Toothaker is the type of teacher that cares about you and the work you get done and if you need to get something done she will let you know. She has a lot of patience with the students in her class. I've never like the subject English but this year on purple days i always look forward to going to her class." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Corey Wright, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Wright makes learning fun for his students because he likes to talk about the cool things he has experienced and tells us what is going on in the world right now. He lets everyone share their opinions and does not judge anyone. Mr. Wright is a really fun teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Christiana Edinborough, Lake Braddock SS
"My math teacher, Ms. Edinborough is always making sure everyone understands what she's teaching and helps out everyone. She quickly recognizes when something is wrong and always tries to help in any way she can. This is the first time i see my teacher as a friend." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Anne Buellesbach, Lake Braddock SS
"My math teacher, Mrs. Buellesbach always helps students to perform at their best. She always gives up her time after and before school to help students if they need it. She tries her hardest to teach her best and make everyone understand. She really does want her students to be the best at math, and also makes her class fun too." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Kelly McMillan, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. McMillan always makes her students feel welcomed and noticed in class. She also makes class so enjoyable, that sometimes you don't even want to leave class. The environment she creates is warm, welcoming and calming, so that you can learn comfortably. I know that Ms. McMillan tries to learn more about each student on a personal level, and not only get to know them as students, but also as people with aspirations and passions." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Christiana Edinborough, Lake Braddock SS
"She is one of my favorite teachers, she is very caring and considerate and clearly cares a lot about her students. Not only is she easy to talk to when you need help, she also makes learning fun and enjoyable this was my first time enjoying any sort of math class." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Natalie Farazmand, Lake Braddock SS
"She is amazing, cares and understands for every one of her students. She is so easy to talk to. When I don't go to my counselor I go to her. She gives me and my peers amazing gifts, and we always respect her for the respect she gives to us." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Michael Edwards, Lake Braddock SS
"I feel like his teaching is more so involved with students fully understanding the content and he really tries his best to do that. Instead of having a very strict and set curriculum he allows for further progression if they're interested in more math or maybe letting students who fell behind a bit and catch up one on one. Whether it be at the end of each unit or end of each quarter, every student gets through and gets their own share of the positivity that he brings to the classroom everyday." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Catherine Fleury, Lake Braddock SS
"My teacher has helped me through in school problems such as fixing my schedule for more studying time but she has also helped me with out of school problems and taught me some life lessons. She is a caring teacher especially for students and always wants the best for them. She will always reach out no matter what such as writing me a letter and wishing me a happy birthday when I was sick." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Christiana Edinborough, Lake Braddock SS
"She is very nice and has a very different teaching style." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Jen Stevulak, Lake Braddock SS
"Our son got to be the “Yay of the day” and he came home super excited because Mrs. Stevulak noticed things that are specific to him. It shows that she has taken the time to observe and notice." - a Lake Braddock SS parent
Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Nardone continues to contribute a positive energy that connects and inspires her collogues. Her sense of humor and encouraging words do not go unnoticed by anyone she shares a space with." - Darryl Johnson, Lake Braddock SS
Anne Buellesbach, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Buellesbach is an Algebra 1 Honors (Middle School) and Pre-Algebra teacher. When she teaches, she always finds a way to make us laugh. Sometimes, when we really do not understand a concept, she voluntarily stays after school to help us to do well on the topic. She cares very much about our future success in mathematics, and in future grades." - Lake Braddock SS student
Venetia Edwards, Lake Braddock SS
"Ms. Edwards is a U.S. History 7 AAC teacher. She explains to us the events in American history in detail, and uses present time situations to help us understand them better. She gives us advice for future grades often, and gives instruction in a way that will help us in the future. " - a Lake Braddock SS student
Caitlin Zayas, Lake Braddock SS
"I just wanted to recognize Caitlin Zayas on her ability to quickly learn and adapt to the role of our special education chair. This position is an ever evolving role that one learns through each process. Caitlin is ethical, logical, and professional at all times. She's always open to learning and applying the knowledge in her daily practices. Caitlin is a natural leader and I sincerely appreciate all that she's doing during a very busy time of the year in her new role. She's fantastic and I'm honored to be part of her local screening team. Thank you, Caitlin." - Walena Haider, Lake Braddock SS
Daud Ahmed, Jung Sun Ahn, Hannah Ampong, Roberto Argueta, Felicia Boateng, Phuoc Hang Bui, Huy Dinh, Halimo Esse, Tung Hoang, Eun Jung Kang, Jeong Ki Kim, Rene Mercado, Juan Miranda, Dinh Nguyen, Minh Nguyen, Carmen Olano, Tuong Phan, Rosa Romero, Mi Song, Mina Tawdoroys, Emma Aguirre, Francisco Tejada Menjivar, Suong Tram, Helen Whang, and Luz Zamora, Lake Braddock SS
"Thank you so much!! We appreciate you, and value your work!!" - a Lake Braddock SS student
Daud Ahmed, Jung Sun Ahn, Hannah Ampong, Roberto Argueta, Felicia Boateng, Phuoc Hang Bui, Huy Dinh, Halimo Esse, Tung Hoang, Eun Jung Kang, Jeong Ki Kim, Rene Mercado, Juan Miranda, Dinh Nguyen, Minh Nguyen, Carmen Olano, Tuong Phan, Rosa Romero, Mi Song, Mina Tawdoroys, Emma Aguirre, Francisco Tejada Menjivar, Suong Tram, Helen Whang, and Luz Zamora, Lake Braddock SS
"I wanted to nominate the custodians because they all work super hard to clean up peoples messes every single day and don't get the recognition they all deserve. Thank you custodians!" - a Lake Braddock SS student
Nancy Palmer De Sanchez, Lake Braddock SS
"Senora de Sanchez is my Advisory teacher, she has gone beyond by actually caring for us. She always motivates us to happiness, and she is a really nice teacher. She brings us into activities to interact. She deserves a better pay for working overtime." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Todd Murphy, Lake Braddock SS
"Mr. Murphy is an Science 7 AAC teacher. He gives us advice on how to function well academically when we are in higher grades. He also helps us in making discoveries based on our science lessons. He sometimes talks to us like he would to his friends, making us feel more connected and engaged in class." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Julie Miller, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Miller is an English 7 AAC teacher. She works hard to make sure that we understand what we are learning. When we feel ill or are injured, she reacts immediately and makes sure we are well taken care of. She practices the concepts with us so that when the time comes for an assessment, we are very sure we will do well. She is an exceptional teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Tabitha Zermeno, Lake Braddock SS
"She always helps me when I need it, and she is really nice." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Nancy Palmer De Sanchez, Lake Braddock SS
"Cool teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Venetia Edwards, Lake Braddock SS
"Thank You for all you do for class." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Natalie Farazmand, Lake Braddock SS
"I really like my English teacher because she lets us do fun things in class and she is a really good teacher. Whenever I go to her class I always feel happy entering and I love the way she teaches. She is my favorite teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Catherine Fleury, Lake Braddock SS
"She was there for me when I was really upset, and she's super nice and caring towards me. I appreciate her so much; she's amazing in so many ways, and she's the reason why I started to love writing. She help's me understand things I didn't understand, and helps me when I'm having trouble with something or someone." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Julie Miller, Lake Braddock SS
"She travels a long way to school every day." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Julie Miller, Lake Braddock SS
"She gets up early in the morning to come and teach us." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Nancy Palmer De Sanchez, Lake Braddock SS
"Has been a great advisor and an amazing teacher. She is kind and never yells. She makes advisory fun by letting kids use their phones, play games and board games, and other fun things. She makes advisory fun." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Julie Miller, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Miller is one of the best teachers I have had the pleasure to meet. She always makes sure we understand what she is teaching, and she is very trustworthy. She is so nice and I love the way she teaches." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Lindsay Puffer, Lake Braddock SS
"Mrs. Puffer's class is always a fun class to be in and I've learned a lot. She always has fun activities planned and let's me sit next to my friend. I've been doing really well in her class and it's because of how great of a teacher she is." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Nancy Palmer De Sanchez, Lake Braddock SS
"Always being nice and joking around in a fun way and always being a good teacher." - a Lake Braddock SS student
Candace Jones and Heather Finch, Lake Braddock SS
"FanQuest is such a beautiful thing for the entire school, and Candace and Heather put an amazing amount of energy into organizing and running this. We LOVE this time of year and can't wait to support you all at the pep rally and games." - Elizabeth Moore, Lake Braddock SS
Jennifer Harris, Lake Braddock SS
"Dr. Harris has been an amazing administrator to the Performing Arts Department. She has helped unify our department as well as bring us back from the pandemic closure. It has been a very challenging time for the performing arts, but she has lead us with grace, support, and a nurturing approach. She has been supportive, giving individual time to each member of the department, and made us feel uniquely valued. She always makes sure we have what we need to be successful so that our students can be successful, grow, and shine. We appreciate all she has done for us!" - Michael Luley, Lake Braddock SS
Kim Hammond, Lake Braddock SS
"Sarah and Kim have taken the time to share their stories and processes of how to stay connected to teachers and other coaches in the building to support both new and veteran SBTS. Their upbeat and supportive style of storytelling is inspiring and engaging. They lead by example and are very valuable members of the SBTS community. Thank you for all you do!" - Summer Johnson, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Sarah Olson, Lake Braddock SS
"Sarah and Kim have taken the time to share their stories and processes of how to stay connected to teachers and other coaches in the building to support both new and veteran SBTS. Their upbeat and supportive style of storytelling is inspiring and engaging. They lead by example and are very valuable members of the SBTS community. Thank you for all you do!" - Summer Johnson, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Personal Coaching Opportunity
The International Coach Federation (ICF) Metro DC Chapter is the largest professional coaches city chapter in the world. The Chapter Pro Bono (PB) Committee supports on an annual basis between three to nine PB coaching projects in the DC Metro area. The committee recently launched a Pandemic Relief Initiative (PRI) to provide free coaching to individuals and organizations who are on the front-line supporting the community during the pandemic, including educators, medical professionals, first responders, etc. We met recently with PB Committee members to discuss individual and collective LBSS needs and how we might apply this PB coaching opportunity at LBSS. ICF PRI project participants would receive eight hours of free, fully confidential, one-on-one coaching with a certified professional coach volunteer. Group coaching might also be an option.
On March 31, 2022, at 1:00 pm (in the Faculty Dining Room), ICF members will be here to hold an information meeting to share additional details about this opportunity and answer your questions. This is a unique, high-value opportunity that we’re excited about, so we hope you’ll join us.
Join the LBSS PTSA today. Your membership will include our bi-weekly newsletter delivered directly to your inbox, free access to the student A to Z directory, discounts with PTSA partnerships, eligibility for student scholarships, voting rights at our membership meetings, and more. The PTSA has membership options for students, faculty, adults, and families (includes 2 adults and unlimited students). Visit the PTSA website to join: https://lbssptsa.digitalpto.com/join/2021online/.
