Middle School Students Represent Congressional at Regional Math Contest

On Saturday, November 9th, seven students from 7th and 8th grade participated in the annual Intermediate Math Open (IMO) at Glasgow Middle School in Alexandria, VA. The students who went to the contest had previously demonstrated an interest in developing their math skills by participating in CSOV's "Math Counts Club" which meets every Monday after school. Read more. 

Congressional Fund

Thank you to all the families, faculty and staff who have already contributed to this year's Congressional Fund campaign, helping us move toward our goal of 100% participation. Please contribute now to help us achieve our goal of 100% parent participation by November 20. 
Contribute Online   

• BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 100%!
• FACULTY AND STAFF - 100%!
• SENIOR KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES - 100%!
• JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES - 100%
• 2nd GRADE FAMILIES - 100%!
• 4th GRADE FAMILIES - 100%!

Since joining Congressional's Athletic Department in September this year, Coach B (as the students fondly call him) has quickly become a familiar face to many parents and students.

Mihail Belicev grew up playing ice hockey on the frozen ponds of Estonia and watching NBA on soviet television. His passion for sports and physical fitness led him to complete his teaching degree from the National University of Physical Education and Sport in the Republic of Moldova. He holds a FIBA (International Basketball Federation) coaching license as well as American Red Cross certifications in lifeguarding, CPR and first aid. To further his expertise in soccer, Coach B. attended the Open Fun Football School, a project organized by the Football Association of Norway. With over twelve years' experience in the classroom and on the field, Coach B. came to America in 2008 and is happy to have joined the Congressional community where his is able to pursue his passion as a Physical Educator and Coach. 

Our next school-wide event is the Choir Festival on December 7th, in which choral groups from Potomac School, Sleepy Hollow Elementary, and Capitol Hill Day School will join the Congressional 3rd, 4th, and 7th grade choruses. All Congressional families are invited to attend.

 

The CSPO will host a cookie and punch reception for approximately 300-400 people in in the cafeteria following the performance, chaired by Rachael Leonard, mother of Cynthia in 7th grade. The CSPO is in need of volunteers to help bake treats (nut free please) and to help host the reception. Please use the link to sign up. Thank you for your support.
Sign up HERE enter the code "choirfestival" when prompted. 

The after school activity fun continues this season, and the winter classes will begin on December 9. We are happy to announce that Silver Knights Chess will join us on Mondays.  Also, check out some of our new classes like Lego Mania, Remote Control World and Volleyball with Ms. Petty. Don't worry; many of your old favorites are still around like Fitkids, Joy of Dance and Art Brains. Spaces are filling fast, register today! Register Here.

Child Care will be available for Faculty Professional Day on Monday, December 2nd. Registration for child care days and after school programs is now open:  Register Here.

Congressional is currently holding a school-wide Thanksgiving food drive. Students in the Lower & Middle School, and in the Early Childhood are collecting non-perishable goods which will be donated to families in need. The food drive runs through November 22. 

Students in the Early Childhood classes are earning the food donations by doing chores at home. The students will share with their class what tasks they completed at home in order to earn the donations. Food collected in the Early Childhood will be donated to Bailey's Shelter.  

(Following Article by Seventh Graders Siham Araye
and Neha Ratnupuri)  

As announced in last week's Connections, the Lower & Middle School is holding a Thanksgiving food drive for the Culmore Family Resource Center. Since we are all going to be at home enjoying this holiday, the Class of 2015 wants to give back to the less fortunate! The drive started Monday, November 11, but there's still a chance for you to take part in this wonderful opportunity. It goes on until November 22, so get donating! There are donation boxes in which you or your child can put Beans and Rice, Pasta, Dried fruit, Soup, Oatmeal, Sugar, Cereal, Crackers, and any other shelf stable items that don't require refrigeration. Grocery store gift cards are also good.

Donation boxes in the Lower and Middle School are located on the cafeteria benches; your child can also give the food to their teacher or advisor. Our ultimate goal is to get 100% participation from all the students and faculty. Please provide food to local families in need at Thanksgiving by donating to this drive. The Culmore Family Resource Center will be grateful to you and you will feel good at heart. We hope you donate for the families in need. Thanks again! 

7th and 8th grade Spanish students participated in a pen pal exchange with another Spanish class from George Mason University. The students had a lot of fun writing and sending letters in Spanish. The letters included how old they are, what they like to do, how many siblings they have, their favorite food, how many pets they have, etc. Our students were so thrilled to receive personal mail that was addressed to them all in Spanish! The students loved sharing the letters with their peers, and they are excited to send/receive more mail.

Each year, the Congressional community comes together to celebrate our rich and diverse cultural heritage at two special school-wide events. These events include International Day and the CSPO sponsored International Night and will be held this year in January. International Day will be held on Wednesday, January 22, and International Night, on Friday, January 24. More details about these events will be available soon.