Pirate's Cove Updates

Dear Pirate Families,

Hopefully, all of the inclement weather is behind us now! We can't wait to get back to a normal schedule! Due to the inclement weather that whipped through on Friday, we have rescheduled the PTO dance for Friday, February 13th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. As a reminder, all students must have a parent/guardian remain with them for the entirety of the dance. Students are $5 and adults are free.

Don't forget that our next Family Engagement Night will take place on Thursday, February 26th from 5:15pm-7:00pm. Please join us for a LIteracy Adventure! Dinner from Angela's will be served from 5:15-5:45 as long as it lasts. All students in grades K-5 will also receive a free take home bag of books!

Please be sure to send your child(ren) to school in a coat. Because we move from place to place in the outdoors, students are out in the weather numerous times a day. If your child is in need of a coat, and this would cause a financial burden on your family, please reach out to our school social worker, Ms. Rogers @ lrogers@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.

As a reminder, when visiting the building you will need to have your government issued, picture identification out before being able to enter the building. This is to prevent you having to go back to the car to get it. We are required to scan the identification through our Raptor System if you will be entering the school campus, so you must have a "physical" identification (not a picture of your id). Thank you for your understanding in our efforts to ensure our students' safety!

Proud Pirate,

Mrs. Sotzing

In this very short week, we had two classes tie for the top attendance rate! Congratulations to Mrs. West's 2nd grade class and Mrs. Phillips's 2nd grade class for having 99% attendance this week! Both classes will receive extra recess!

If your child is going to miss a day, please be sure to reach out to the Attendance Secretary to let her know why he/she will be out. You can also email the Attendance Secretary @ Spotswoodesattendance@spotsylvania.k12.va.us. Thank you in advance!

We have rescheduled for Friday, February 13th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. We hope you can make it and we don't experience any more inclement weather! Only Spotswood students and younger siblings may attend. A parent or guardian must stay with your child(ren).

Many thanks to the several households donated toward these 'winter survival kits' for our staff. There were hand warmers, lotions, chapsticks, teas, and socks in every kit. Several parents also donated warm drinks for our staff lounge. We hope our staff stays warm and well!

Battlefield Middle School is excited to welcome their rising 6th graders at Battlefield Middle School on February 24th at 6 pm. Students and their families will have an opportunity to tour the building and learn about what it will be like to be a 6th grader. Please arrive promptly at 6 pm; you will be meeting in the cafeteria.

Hello Pirate Families! It's that time of year again, time to order your 2025-2026 yearbook! Order forms went home in your student(s) Friday folders. From now until 2/28/2026 all yearbooks are $20! After the 28th, they will be $25 until 3/15/2026. If you want to personalize it, you must do it online and it's an added $5. If you are paying in CASH or CHECK, make sure to have exact change and checks must be payable to STRAWBRIDGE and returned in the order form envelope that went home.

Sign Up Today!

Our school is getting ready to kick off our Kids Heart Challenge (KHC)! The event will take place February 2nd-28th! Get a Jump Start and Join TODAY to earn your colorful wristband – Complete Finn’s Mission to Learn how to help save a life!

Join our school team on the FREE & fun “AHA Schools” App or at www.heart.org/Schools and

complete Finn’s Mission to learn Hands-Only CPR.

Register today and download the “AHA Schools” app – SUPER rewards this year!

1. Students & Staff - Complete the steps to Finn’s Mission to earn your bright green SUPER

Heart-Hero Cape & you’ll also be entered for a Chance to win 2 SUPER Bowl tickets, to the

2027 Super Bowl!!!

We're going to make a huge impact together, Heart Heroes!

Tip for Success! Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your

donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org

If you have QUESTIONS about the webpage or APP?

Please contact the Kids Heart Challenge Service & Support Team at schools@cdsfulfillment.com or

1-877-824-8531 ~ They are always very happy to help!

Get ready to participate in this year's Community Yard Sale! Spaces are limited, so sign up and pay early. If you'd like to participate, sign up here:https://forms.gle/v2wMFEavXvkcjrj98

If you'd like to volunteer, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4FAFA72CABFE3-61540184-community#/

All English Language Learners (ELLs) in Virginia are required to take the WIDA ACCESS assessment each year. This assessment measures students’ English language proficiency and progress in the four language domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

If your child is identified as an English Learner, they will participate in this required assessment. The testing window is January 26 through March 6.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the WIDA ACCESS assessment, please contact your child’s ELL teacher or the school’s testing coordinator.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s education.

Attention 5th grade parents/guardians! All 5th grade students will take the Integrated Reading & Writing SOL on March 11th. Please make every effort to have your child present on this day, so that he/she does not have to make-up the test at a later date.

All students enrolled in Virginia public schools are expected to take the applicable state tests.

The Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public

Schools in Virginia state:

“In kindergarten through eighth grade, where the administration of Virginia assessment

program tests are required by the Board of Education, each student shall be expected to take

the tests” and “each student in middle and secondary schools shall take all applicable end-of-

course SOL tests following course instruction” (8VAC20-132-40).

The Virginia regulations do not provide for what is sometimes referred to as an “opt out policy”

for students regarding the Virginia assessments. If parents refuse to have their student

participate in one or more of the required Virginia assessments, they should be aware that their

student’s state assessment score report will reflect a score of “0” for any test that is refused.

On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) was signed into law.

Section 1112(e)(2) of ESSA states that parents of students in Title I schools have a right to know

about state or division policies regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by

ESSA, including any policy, procedure, or parental right to opt students out of such assessments.

If you would like to receive information about this topic, please contact Susan Pickett (Assistant Principal) either by phone at 540-898-1514 or, in writing, at 400 Lorraine Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

Mark your calendars for Riverbend's Grizzly Mile Bear Cub Run on Saturday, March 28, 2026!

8:00 AM - Grizzly Mile (14 & under)

8:30 AM - Bear Cub 300m Run (10 & under)

Here is the link to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/GrizzlyMile and the flyer is attached.

FEBRUARY

13th PTO Dance (rescheduled due to weather) 5:00-7:00

16th Student Holiday

26th Literacy Adventures Family Engagement Night

28th All District Choir

MARCH

3rd Spirit Night @ Iztac

7th Community Yard Sale

11th PTO Meeting @ 4:00pm

12th End 3rd Nine Weeks

12th Read for my School Fundraiser Kicks Off

13th Student Holiday

19th Report Cards Available via ParentVue

20th Student/Staff Holiday

26th MultiCultural Night

27th Read for My School Fundraiser Ends

30th Spring Break Starts

APRIL

3rd Spring Break Ends

6th Students return to school

7th Spirit Night @ Jimmy T's

11th STEM Showcase

16th Spring Chorus Concert @ 7pm

30th Community Resource Fair & Carnival

MAY

4th Staff Appreciation Kicks Off

12th Spirit Night @ Dairy Queen

13th PTO Meeting @ 4pm

14th DARE Day for 5th grade

25th Student/Staff Holiday

27th Field Day

28th Early Release

29th Early Release/Last day of school

Lost and Found has gotten a refresh! The clothing is now being organized by when the item was lost. We hope this system keeps the items as accessible as possible, especially for our little ones! Please check out the Google album any time to view lost items.

Want to help out in your child's classroom or at school events? You will need to first complete a Volunteer Form (located below). Please know that the form is due at least 5 days prior to you volunteering; however, you only need to fill out the form once for the school year (a new form is required every year). We can't wait to have you join us!

As a reminder, only service animals are allowed on school property. This means even if you are walking to pick your child up from school, you may not bring your dog. This is to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and parents. Thank you for your understanding.

As a reminder, all transportation changes require a handwritten note. Please do not email/message the teacher to make a change, as there is no guarantee that the teacher will see your email/message prior to the end of the day. Thank you for your understanding!

In July 2024, the SPCS School Board approved changes to the protocols regarding how birthdays can be recognized in the school setting. I realize that trying to read the entire Handbook online is hard so I am providing a copy of the protocol below. Please be aware that classrooms are allowed two classwide celebrations per year and teachers may invite families to send in special, store-bought treats at that time. This ensures that families with students with health conditions have time to prepare for alternate treats and/or have discussions with their individual child about allergies. All food sent in for those events will be checked by the school nurse and must still be nut-free. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our kids safe!

In SCPS elementary schools, we work hard to ensure that students’ minds and bodies are ready for learning each day. In addition to the hard work our teachers and staff do every day to prepare students for success in the classroom, we also work to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, leading them to lifelong success. We understand that celebrating students is very important and we are committed to recognizing students in healthy and safe ways.

Like many other schools, we have many students who suffer from life-threatening allergies. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2011), allergies have increased more than 20% among American children since the mid-1990s. Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 20 years. As a school community, we must do all we can to lessen the chances of an allergic incident happening and must work diligently to keep our students safe.

Each year, across our elementary sites, feedback from staff and parents is mixed with regard to outside food and treats. We are aware that this is a sensitive subject. We will continue to celebrate student birthdays as a school-wide community, however, should you choose to provide birthday treats to classmates, these goodies must be non-edible. Cupcakes, candy, and/or any other edible food items will not be allowed. Your school will reach out with specific, non-food alternative ways you can use to recognize your child’s birthday at school. Specific, school-wide celebrations will continue with other guidance and forward planning for a safe, healthy event.

As was shared previously, all car riders are required to sign-up for a number each year. This is to help us avoid any confusion if there has been a change for your family. Also, only students that are car riders every day will be issued a car rider number and will be allowed to utilize the car rider lanes. Any student that has a car rider number assigned will not have a bus assigned for the afternoon. Each family is issued 2 car rider tags. Additional tags will be $5.00. Anyone who wishes to pick up that does not have a car rider number issued will be required to park and walk-up to sign their child(ren) out. Please be sure to have your government issued identification available.

School policy states that no cell phones, smartwatches may be used from the start of the day until the end of the day (bell to bell). Students must stow away, in their backpacks, any cell phone, smartwatch, or ear buds that have bluetooth capabilities between 8:25 am-3:30pm. The electronic device should be set to “silent” while in the student’s backpack. Please reference C.12 in the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

We have great news! ALL students at Spotswood Elementary School will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2025-2026 school year!! Extras, like ice cream, chips, cookies, and juice, will still be available for an additional fee.

If you plan to come eat lunch with your child, please be aware that you will need to sign in at the office first and get a Visitor's Badge. You will need a government issued ID in order to receive a pass. Unfortunately, adults do not qualify for free lunch.

Vision Statement: At Spotswood, every child is seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential—building the confidence, compassion, and curiosity to thrive in school and beyond.

Email: jsotzing@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: https://wwww.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/spotswood
Location: 400 Lorraine Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 540-898-1514
Twitter: @SpotswoodElem