Pirate's Cove Updates

Dear Pirate Families,

It's hard to believe that we are entering our last week of the 2025-2026 school year! This will be the last edition of the Pirate's Cove Weekly Update. We hope you and your child are taking many great memories from the year! Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

Parents or guardians of 5th graders should have received an invitation last Friday to the 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 28th at Massaponax High School. We have moved it the high school to allow us to hold one ceremony. More information is below!

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

Congratulations to Ms. Heflin's 4th grade class for having 98.26% of students in attendance this week! They have earned 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!

Our 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony will take plan on Thursday, May 28th at Massaponax High School beginning at 6:30pm. Students should arrive at 6:00pm. MHS has asked that we not have any balloons. Thank you for helping us to meet their expectations, so that we can continue to use their auditorium for years to come.

Please note that if your child was assigned as a "car rider" for the 25-26 school year, that preferred mode of transportation will automatically roll over to Battlefield Middle School for the 26-27 school year. If you want your child to ride the bus as a 6th grader, you will need to contact BMS after May 29th.

We’re Hiring for 2026–2027! Our school division is looking for passionate educators and support staff who are committed to making a difference for students each day. As part of our continued efforts to attract and retain strong candidates, recent updates to compensation for the upcoming school year reflect a focus and commitment on remaining competitive and supporting our staff.

If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our team, we encourage you to explore current openings on our careers page: https://spotsylvania.schoolspring.com. All positions include updated FY27 salary information. You can also view additional details, including full salary scales, on our HR webpage: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/page/join-scps.

As a reminder, parents may access the Parent Portal on the VADOE website for more information about their child's SOL scores. Please use the linked documents below for guidance on how to access the Parent Portal and for a Frequently Asked Questions Guide.

The Massaponax Volleyball Team has two PANTHER PUP VOLLEYBALL CAMPS this summer.

• Panther Pup Mini Camp- JUNE 1st and 2nd - 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Panther Pup Tryout Prep Camp - JULY 21-24th - 8:30 AM- 11:45 AM
• Massaponax Volleyball Website

Learn to pass, set, spike serve and dig alongside the Panthers players and coaches in a fun and friendly environment!

If you have questions, contact Coach Joe Cox at jcox@spotsylvania.k12.va.us or (804) 938-5269.

Spike into Summer with Riverbend Volleyball Camp!

Get ready to dig, set, and spike your way to a fantastic summer! Riverbend Volleyball is thrilled to host a summer camp for rising 6th to 10th graders.

Whether you're new to the sport or looking to refine your skills, our camp is designed to build and develop both team and individual abilities, fostering a love for volleyball. Players will be grouped by age and ability to ensure focused instruction on fundamental skills appropriate for every participant.

Camp Details:

• Dates: July 20-24, 2026
• Times: Session A.) 8-11AM OR Session B.) 12-3PM
• Location: RHS Gymnasium, 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia
• Cost: $100

We would love to have any interested students join us for a fun and enriching experience!

Ready to sign up? https://forms.gle/fFjJf1RCUYBnjKvz6

MAY

25th Student/Staff Holiday

27th Field Day

28th Early Release

28th 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony at Massaponax High School @ 6:30pm

29th Early Release/Last day of school

29th 5th Grade Picnic

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. Also, if you plan to pick your child(ren) up from school, and they typically ride the bus and you did not send in a note to the teacher, please plan to arrive by 3:15 as once dismissal starts there is no guarantee that your student will be called prior to the bus departing.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.

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