🎉 Family Literacy Night is Coming! 📚
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Sycamore Park Elementary — Sponsored by Title I

Run, run, as fast as you can… to an exciting evening of reading, creativity, and family fun! We’re thrilled to welcome author and illustrator Layton Scarbrough to Sycamore Park! ✏️📖

Layton will read his new book The Gingerbread Rex, share what it’s like to write and illustrate a story, and lead students in a step-by-step directed drawing activity. Every student will go home with their very own illustration!

Plus—each child will receive a take-home writing/drawing kit to create stories together as a family. ✨

👨‍👩‍👧 Students must attend with an adult.
📩 Be sure to return the RSVP form sent home.

We can’t wait to see you there for a sweet and creative evening! 🍪🎨📚
#ThePark https://5il.co/3sglk
1 day ago, SPES Admin
A festive flyer decorated with gingerbread cookies announces “Run, Run, As Fast As You Can… to Family Literacy Night.” Event date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 PM at Sycamore Park Elementary, sponsored by Title I. A section labeled “Author Visit” introduces author and illustrator Layton Scarbrough, who will visit Sycamore Park. A small photo shows Layton drawing at a table, with an illustration badge on his shirt. Text explains that he will read his new book The Gingerbread Rex, talk about writing and illustrating it, and lead a directed drawing activity. Students will leave with their own illustration. A small image of the book cover is included showing a smiling gingerbread dinosaur with children reacting excitedly. Another box titled “Take Home drawing writing kits” notes that all students will receive a fun writing/drawing kit to create stories at home. At the bottom is an RSVP section for families to fill out with student name and number of adults and students attending. Decorative gingerbread figures appear throughout the background.
A festive Spanish-language flyer decorated with gingerbread cookies announces “Corre, corre, ¡tan rápido como puedas… a la Noche de Lectura en Familia!” Event date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 PM at Sycamore Park Elementary, sponsored by Title I. A section labeled “Visita de Autor” introduces author and illustrator Layton Scarbrough, returning to Sycamore Park. A small photo shows Layton drawing at a table. Text explains that he will read The Gingerbread Rex aloud, describe how he wrote and illustrated it, and lead a step-by-step drawing activity. Students will leave with their own illustration. A small image of the book cover is shown featuring a smiling gingerbread dinosaur with children reacting. A box titled “Kits de dibujo y escritura para llevar a casa” explains that all students will receive a writing/drawing set to create stories at home. At the bottom is an RSVP section in Spanish requesting the student’s name and the number of adults and students attending. Gingerbread decorations appear throughout the background.
Our online Spirit Wear Store opened Monday, November 10th! The store will be open through November 24th, so be sure to grab your Park gear before it closes. Spirit wear will arrive before the holidays.

Shop online here: https://prints.kashimprints.com/SycamorePark2025/shop/home
2 days ago, James Dugger
Graphic with a wooden background. Large white text at the top reads ‘Order Your Spirit Wear.’ Below the text are illustrations of two clothing items: a gray T-shirt and a navy hoodie, both with the word ‘PARK’ printed across the front in white letters
Our SCA at #ThePark is hosting a Food Drive from 11/17-11/21. We are accepting canned vegetables, canned fruits, boxed potatoes etc. The class that brings the most items will have a Donut and Juice Party!
4 days ago, James Dugger
“Promotional graphic for the SCA Food Drive. The background looks like wood. Large text reads: ‘SCA Food Drive November 17–21.’ Below it states that the school is collecting canned vegetables, canned fruits, boxed potatoes, and other non-perishable items, and that each classroom will have a collection box. It also says the class bringing the most items will win a Donut and Juice Party. The image includes illustrations of cans, boxed potatoes, a juice box, an apple, and a donut next to a cardboard box filled with food. A red heart appears at the bottom.”
Students in Mr. Day's class enjoyed the Day of Awesome last week! #ThePark
4 days ago, SPES Admin
A young boy in a red T-shirt stands outside in a line with other children. He is smiling and holding a jacket. The group is on a grassy field with other students in the background.
A girl with long blond hair is crawling through a circular inflatable tunnel. She is smiling and partially upside down inside the colorful bounce-house obstacle.
A young girl slides out of a bright yellow, purple, and red inflatable tunnel. She has braids and is smiling as she leans out onto the inflatable surface.
Two children pose happily in front of a large inflatable structure with big colorful letters. One stands behind the letter “O,” and both children have their arms outstretched and are smiling.
A boy is sliding down a large inflatable slide with blue, red, and yellow sections. He has a big open-mouthed smile as he reaches the bottom.
A child with shaggy blond hair climbs through a purple and yellow inflatable tunnel. The sun creates a bright glow in the top corner of the image.
Ms. Russell’s 4th grade class had a fantastic time working to breakout of the Jamestown themed boxes! Teamwork is the key! #ThePark
4 days ago, James Dugger
Students gather around a toolbox on a classroom table, using their hands to manipulate a lock and clues. Worksheets with numbers and images are spread out beside them.
A student holds a sheet with cipher-style symbols while another student points to clues on the table. Several laminated puzzle sheets and a composition notebook are nearby as the group works together.
Two students lean closely over a black toolbox, examining a small object or clue. Papers with coded symbols are on the table next to them.
A student in a striped sports jersey holds a small metal lockbox while another student works on puzzle sheets and a folder on the table.
Students receive guidance from an adult pointing at clue cards on the table. A toolbox, laminated worksheets, and lockboxes are part of the activity.
Students work at a table with laminated clue sheets, a bright pink folder, and dry-erase markers. One student writes on a sheet while others read and discuss the puzzle.
Students receive guidance from an adult pointing at clue cards on the table. A toolbox, laminated worksheets, and lockboxes are part of the activity.
Students receive guidance from an adult pointing at clue cards on the table. A toolbox, laminated worksheets, and lockboxes are part of the activity.
Students receive guidance from an adult pointing at clue cards on the table. A toolbox, laminated worksheets, and lockboxes are part of the activity.
Students look inside an open toolbox filled with colorful lollipops. Hands reach in as they search through items for a puzzle or clue.
Mr. Wiegel's 2nd Grade class at #ThePark studied about voting for this past Election Day! Some of the students created videos to share!

https://youtu.be/VmLMxr3xxOE
6 days ago, SPES Admin
The students in Mrs. Richardson's class enjoyed a breakout lesson on Jamestown. They had to use their knowledge about Jamestown to complete tasks which opened different locks and revealed a hidden prize. They had a blast! #ThePark
7 days ago, SPES Admin
“Students smiling and holding lockboxes while participating in a classroom breakout activity with maps and notebooks on the table.”
“Group of students using a UV flashlight to reveal clues during a classroom escape-style learning activity, with papers and lockboxes on the table.”
“Three students working together and smiling as they look through notebooks and worksheets during a classroom problem-solving activity.”
“Student examining a red lock mechanism attached to a toolbox while classmates beside her write clues on paper.”
“Four students collaborating at a blue table, solving math or word puzzles with notebooks, markers, and a lockbox nearby.”
“Students at a table working together on papers and a black lockbox during a classroom breakout challenge.”
Mrs. Smith’s class is learning about Veteran’s Day while practicing Multiplication and Division with their Color By Number Activity. #thePark
7 days ago, SPES Admin
“Student and teacher sitting together at a table, smiling while working on a colorful worksheet using markers and crayons.
“Three students sitting at a table coloring math activity sheets with pencils and crayons; school supplies and laptops on the table.”
“Two students sitting side by side at a table, coloring U.S. map worksheets with bright crayons and pencils; Chromebooks and water bottles nearby.”
“Student focused on coloring a math worksheet at a desk with school supplies and Chromebooks around.”
Ms. Norton’s 2nd Grade Class has been working hard at work building our paired reading skills! 📚Earlier this year, we took a fun field trip to LuckStone Quarry, where we learned about rocks, minerals, and even saw real dinosaur tracks! 🦖We also mixed a little science and fun by making orange soda floats to investigate the three states of matter! 🧊 Through all the excitement that 2nd grade brings we still make time for our favorite brain breaks to recharge and focus! 🤍✨
9 days ago, James Dugger
“Students sitting at desks in a classroom wearing pajamas and raising cups in celebration, smiling toward the camera.”
“Two students seated at a round table working on a math worksheet with dice patterns printed on it.”
Student sitting on a black carpet with white geometric lines, reading and pointing to text on printed worksheets.”
“Two students sitting on a black carpet with white lines, working together as one points to words on a red paper strip.”
“Two students at a classroom table reading and tracking words with their fingers on a printed literacy worksheet.”
“Two students seated side by side at a classroom desk, reading a phonics worksheet with dice patterns and sight words.”
“Students walking in a line through a large rock quarry under a blue sky with scattered clouds, accompanied by adults in bright green shirts.
“Children and adults walking together in a rock quarry; a student leader in a green shirt and safety workers in hard hats are visible.”
“Students crouching on stone ground making rubbings with crayons over fossil imprints; a sign nearby reads ‘Uneven Surface Please Watch Your Step.’”
“Group of children standing with a teacher near the water at a rock quarry, holding up papers from their fossil rubbing activity.”
Our office and admin team practiced using an AED on Mr. Dugger to make sure that everyone is ready in case of an emergency. We're always working to keep everyone safe at #ThePark!
9 days ago, SPES Admin
A man lies on the floor in a school hallway, appearing to participate in a medical or safety training scenario. Several adults stand or kneel around him observing, including a woman in a “thankful, grateful, blessed” pumpkin-themed shirt and a uniformed officer. A rolling cart with medical supplies and bags is nearby.
A woman wearing glasses and a light sweatshirt stands beside a rolling supply cart, holding medical equipment and speaking as if giving instructions. Behind her is a blue wall with a large panther mascot graphic and a seated officer.
A group of adults stands in a school hallway near the entrance to an office area labeled “The Park.” They appear to be listening to someone speaking, likely as part of a training or demonstration. The tiled floor and open wooden doors frame the group.
Last week, for Election Day, Ms. Stein's Kindergarten class learned about elections and the voting process. The students watched "Duck for President." Then they voted on who they would want to run the class. Turns out, Duck won again! #thePark
10 days ago, SPES Admin
“Students sitting cross-legged on a brown rug, looking toward the camera in a kindergarten classroom with tables and chairs behind them.”
“Student at a front table working on a worksheet with a pencil; open crayon boxes on the table and classmates working in the background.”
“Three students seated at a table, smiling and completing worksheets; a ‘You Belong Here’ sign and storage cabinets are behind them.”
Students at a table completing worksheets with pencil boxes and supplies; the center student smiles toward the camera.”
“Small group of students seated on a rug, smiling up toward the camera in an elementary classroom.”
“Students on the rug cheering and smiling with hands raised, showing excitement during a class activity.”
“Wide shot of the class seated on the rug for circle time; two students are in front near a taped floor square, with tables and shelves around the room.”
“Class gathered on the rug watching a story on a wall-mounted screen; alphabet posters and a row of picture books are visible at the front of the room.”
Sycamore Park counts by 10! There are 3 members of our staff hitting a birthday that ends in a 0 this week.. 30, 40, and 50!
10 days ago, SPES Admin
Three adults staring in an office. they are smiling
Last week in Miss Nellis' 1st Grade classroom, the students participated in Author Day. For 3 weeks, they worked extremely hard on writing a story all about their favorite animal! They completed research, organized the information, and wrote a story to teach about the animal. After writing, illustrating, and revising, they read their stories aloud to the class! #ThePark
14 days ago, SPES Admin
A student wearing a yellow shirt sits in a white rocking chair, reading aloud from a writing notebook. Behind the student is a classroom whiteboard covered with sticky notes displaying letter sounds and word patterns.
A student in a yellow shirt sits in a white rocking chair, showing a drawing of an eagle in front of an American flag. The page is titled “All About Eagles.” Behind the student, colorful classroom charts and letter-sound cards decorate the whiteboard.
A student in a yellow shirt sits in a white rocking chair at the front of the classroom, reading a story to classmates seated on the carpet. The students watch attentively, and a colorful rainbow curtain hangs near the classroom door.
A student wearing a black hoodie sits in a white rocking chair, holding a drawing of a tree and reading from their writing notebook. Letter-sound cards with vowels and digraphs are displayed on the classroom whiteboard.
A student in a black shirt sits in a white rocking chair, reading from a handwriting notebook that includes a colorful drawing of two houses under a blue sky with a sun. The classroom background includes a whiteboard and reading materials
A student in a gray and black patterned sweater reads from a notebook in a white rocking chair. The open page shows a drawing and the title “All About.” Other students are seated nearby, listening to the presentation.
Mrs. Sweeney's students are practicing their fine motor and reading skills during Language Arts centers. They're also working on sharing and taking turns. Due to the rainy weather, we had indoor recess and got to invite some first grade friends to our room to share our toys! #ThePark
15 days ago, SPES Admin
A smiling teacher sits at a round table with two young students during a small-group activity. Each child is holding bright orange pom-poms and sorting them into containers. The classroom background includes a sink, storage cabinets, and colorful learning materials.
A student stands in front of a classroom smartboard, using a stylus to touch an interactive activity featuring an orange tree and letter cards. The display shows uppercase and lowercase letters, and the student is matching them as part of a literacy lesson.
A student participates in a digital learning game projected on a smartboard. The screen shows bright yellow and orange flower-patterned cards used for a matching game. The student is reaching out to touch a card while focusing on the activity.
A young student smiles while standing in front of a smartboard showing a word and picture-matching game. The screen displays cards with words like “pit” and “sip,” along with images representing the words. The student’s reflection is visible on the whiteboard.
Several children move and play during a classroom activity that includes colorful plastic stepping stones arranged in a line on the carpet. The classroom is decorated with a bright rainbow curtain, posters, and shelves of books and supplies, creating a cheerful environment.
Mrs. Wang's small group is working on segmenting and blending CVC words with our magic wands! #ThePark
16 days ago, SPES Admin
Elementary students work together on a phonics activity, using magnetic letters and whiteboards arranged in a circle.
Students sit in a circle on the classroom floor using whiteboards, markers, and small colored chips for a word-building lesson.
Students display the word “not” written on their whiteboards as part of a reading and spelling lesson.
Miss Galia’s class is having fun in Flex Time! 📝📖 They’re strengthening their language arts skills by writing their own stories, drawing and describing creative pumpkins, reading their favorite books, and even learning their favorite new read aloud, Pumpkin Trouble, in sign language!
17 days ago, SPES Admin
A student in a red hoodie sits at a classroom desk holding up handwritten story pages with a smile.
A group of smiling elementary students sit in a circle on a classroom rug, practicing a hand sign together.
A student sits at a desk coloring a pumpkin drawing and writing descriptive details on a worksheet. Backpacks hang on hooks in the background.
A smiling student in a purple shirt and teal shorts sits on a black couch reading a book.
In Ms. McCombs kindergarten class students have been learning about the life cycle of plants. Students were able to take a field trip to Graves Mountain Lodge where they got to not only learn about the life cycle of pumpkins and apples, but also got to pick a pumpkin and apples! Students even got to enjoy seeing baby goats, and going on a hayride! #ThePark
18 days ago, SPES Admin
A young boy wearing noise-reducing headphones kneels to gently pet a small brown and white goat in a sunny outdoor area with grass and fallen leaves.
A teacher helps a group of young students explore natural materials at a wooden picnic table. The children are touching seeds and plant pods while wearing colorful backpacks.
A group of elementary students listen attentively to a farmer speaking inside a rustic barn. The children are wearing backpacks and jackets, gathered in front of wooden farm equipment.
Two young girls stand side by side outdoors in a grassy field holding large paper drawings of seeds and sprouts. The sky is bright blue with apple trees in the background.
Here is the Sycamore Park Title 1 newsletter for November!
18 days ago, SPES Admin
The first page of Sycamore Park Elementary’s November Title I newsletter. Header: “Sycamore Park Elementary Title I November Newsletter” in dark red text with fall leaf graphics and orange pumpkins on an orange background. Section 1: Nurse Shannon — A welcome message introducing Nurse Shannon, the school’s new nurse. The section explains she has years of experience, lives in Culpeper with her husband and daughter, and can be contacted for clinic questions. Beside the text is a smiling family photo of a man, woman, and child. Section 2: Social Media — Encourages families to stay connected by following the school’s Instagram account, @ccpsspes. Includes a small pumpkin graphic. Section 3: First Friends — Describes the First Friends program, where two students from each class help new Panthers get to know the school. It mentions that students trained with Miss Powers and are ready to welcome new classmates. Includes a photo of three students in a classroom sitting and talking together. Section 4: Reflex Math at Home — Explains how students can build math fact fluency using Reflex Math at home to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Includes an image of two children smiling in front of a classroom display and a green Reflex Math logo with the letter “R.” Decorations include small pumpkins, autumn leaves, and curved text boxes in cream and gold tones.
The second page of Sycamore Park Elementary’s November Title I newsletter. Header: “Sycamore Park Elementary Title I November Newsletter” at the top with matching fall-themed design. Section 1: PTO Meeting — Invites families to join the next PTO meeting on Monday, November 10th at 5 p.m. Translation services are available, and families are encouraged to participate and make a difference. Section 2: Important Dates — Lists upcoming events: November 14 — Day of Awesome November 21 — PTO Movie Night November 26–28 — No School (Thanksgiving Break) Section 3: Teacher of the Year — Highlights Mrs. Arend, a 2nd-grade teacher, as Sycamore Park’s Teacher of the Year. The text praises her creativity, dedication, and positive impact. Includes a professional headshot of Mrs. Arend smiling. Section 4: My School Bucks — Reminds families that breakfast and lunch are free for all students and explains how to add money to accounts for extras like chips and ice cream using MySchoolBucks online or via an envelope. Includes a cartoon illustration of an ice cream sandwich and a dollar sign icon. The design includes pumpkins, leaves, and warm orange tones consistent with the fall theme.
The first page of the Sycamore Park Elementary November Title I newsletter, written in Spanish with a fall theme featuring orange pumpkins, leaves, and acorns. Header: “Sycamore Park Elementary — Boletín de Título I de SPES” in red text at the top. Section 1: La Enfermera Shannon — Introduces the new school nurse, Shannon. The text explains that she brings years of experience, lives in Culpeper with her husband and daughter, and is excited to join the team. Families are encouraged to contact her with clinic questions. Beside the text is a photo of a smiling family of three—man, woman, and child—sitting closely together. Section 2: Redes Sociales — Invites families to stay connected through social media, listing the school’s Instagram handle: @ccpsspes. Includes a cartoon pumpkin graphic. Section 3: Primeros Amigos — Describes the “First Friends” program, explaining that two students from each classroom are selected to help new Panthers feel welcome. The section mentions that they were trained by Señorita Powers and are ready to show new students around with kindness. Includes a classroom photo of three children sitting and talking together. Section 4: Reflex Math en Casa — Explains how students can continue to practice math fluency at home using Reflex Math, supporting addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. A note encourages parents to contact their child’s teacher for login help. Includes an image of two smiling students, one standing near a classroom display board. The background colors are orange and cream, with decorative fall leaves and pumpkins throughout the layout.
The second page of the Sycamore Park Elementary November Title I newsletter, Spanish edition, designed with the same fall color palette and festive icons. Header: “Sycamore Park Elementary — Boletín de Título I de SPES” repeated at the top. Section 1: Reunión del PTO — Announces the next PTO meeting on Monday, November 10 at 5 p.m., encouraging families to attend and mentioning that translation services will be available to ensure participation for all. Section 2: Fechas Importantes — Lists upcoming events: 14 de noviembre — Día de lo Increíble 21 de noviembre — Noche de Película del PTO 26–28 de noviembre — No hay clases (Receso de Acción de Gracias) Section 3: Maestra del Año — Celebrates Mrs. Arend, a 2nd-grade teacher, for being named Teacher of the Year. The text praises her dedication, creativity, and positive influence on students. Includes a professional headshot of Mrs. Arend smiling against a gray background. Section 4: MySchoolBucks — Reminds families that breakfast and lunch are free for all students. If a child wants to buy extras or snacks like chips or ice cream, parents can add funds online through MySchoolBucks or send money in an envelope with the child’s name and lunch number. A cartoon ice cream sandwich with a dollar sign icon decorates the section. The design includes warm tones of orange and yellow with autumn leaves and pumpkin illustrations along the edges.
🎉 Spirit Days Fun in Mrs. Anderson’s Class! 🎉
Our students had a blast celebrating Spirit Days — from costume day to pajama day and everything in between! 💙🧡
We’re so proud of their school spirit, creativity, and those big smiles that brighten our halls every day. 🥰
#MrsAndersonsClass #SchoolSpirit #PantherPride #ElementaryFun #LearningAndLaughing #ThePark
19 days ago, SPES Admin
Top Left: A group of children in various costumes (including a princess, a ladybug, and perhaps a superhero or pirate) are posing with an adult, who is also dressed up, near a window and an American flag. Top Center/Right: A larger group of children in costumes and pajamas, along with a few adults, are standing and sitting together in the classroom. Some children are wearing Halloween-themed outfits (like a ghost print dress). Bottom Left: A smaller group of children in costumes (including a witch's hat) are posing with two adults near a whiteboard or bulletin board. Bottom Center/Right: A few children, some wearing t-shirts with positive messages, are posing with an adult in the foreground who is taking a selfie, and another adult to the right, in front of a calendar display showing the months of the year.
📢 Important Update for Virginia SNAP Recipients

Virginia will temporarily issue state-funded food assistance on a weekly basis to households’ existing EBT cards while federal SNAP benefits are delayed.

These state funds, called the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program, will:
✅ Use the same EBT cards and beneficiaries as SNAP
✅ Deliver about ¼ of monthly benefits each week
✅ Begin issuing benefits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in November

For questions or the latest updates, visit DSS.Virginia.gov
or contact your local Department of Social Services office.
19 days ago, Culpeper County Public Schools
Graphic titled “Virginia Acts to Protect SNAP Recipients.” It announces that Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program to provide state-funded food assistance amid a federal shutdown. The program uses the same EBT cards and beneficiaries as SNAP, is funded by Virginia’s budget surplus, and delivers about one-quarter of monthly benefits each week—$37.5 million weekly statewide. Benefits are issued Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in November. The chart lists new VENA payment dates for SNAP groups: Group 1 – Monday, November 3; Group 2 – Wednesday, November 5; Group 3 – Friday, November 7. The graphic also notes that updates and FAQs are available at DSS.Virginia.gov and reminds recipients to keep their EBT cards secure using the ConnectEBT app.