FCPS This Week: April 19
Charley wears her mom’s Navy cap. This month, we honor FCPS military families for the Month of the Military Child.
🎖️ Thank You for Your Service, Military Families
Military families in the FCPS community share their stories and show their support for all military connected youth in our schools. These students and families face unique challenges, and demonstrate a lot of resilience and strength. We would like to say, “Thank you for your service,” to all who serve and protect our country, and their families.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter.
Safety and Security Town Hall
On Monday, May 8, FCPS will hold a town hall to discuss our approach to safety and security and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools. Please stay tuned for additional details.
New Event: Fentanyl and Other Drugs in FCPS - A Community Conversation with Free REVIVE! Narcan Training
Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
FCPS will hold a second event with new information focused on the opioid crisis in Fairfax County Public Schools. The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Families and students will learn how, as a community, we can partner to reduce the impact of these harmful—and often deadly—drugs. All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
Childcare will be available. Transportation will also be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.
Tutor.com Is Available for K-12 Students
Does your student need help with homework or preparing for a test? Don’t forget, FCPS students still have no-cost access to Tutor.com 24/7. Have questions about the service? View this FAQ.
Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released their annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications from prospective freshmen or transfer students for fall 2023. Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid, as well as unfilled housing.
Additionally, NACAC has created an enrollment deposit fee waiver request form that is considered by some institutions for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Families can learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility on the NACAC website. Students and families may contact their school counselor, and college and career specialist with any questions.
Spring Assessments Measure Student Learning and Progress
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes standardized benchmark assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL), Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. It also includes progress assessments like iReady tests and performance assessments to demonstrate a student’s strengths and competencies. A list of assessments for each grade level provides the spring dates for required tests. Remember that assessment is part of ongoing teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers may also assign end-of-year projects or final exams for certain subjects or courses.
Schools set dates for each assessment and communicate schedules to students and families. Parents and caregivers can help students perform their best by reminding them to get a good night’s rest and have a healthy breakfast on testing days. It is important that students attend school on these dates. If you become aware of a conflict that could result in your student missing a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Please also keep in mind that spring assessments do not signal the end of coursework for the year. Learning continues through the last day of school. In addition to details shared by each school, details about spring student assessments are also available online.
🧪 Academic Matters: Science Fair
At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid highlighted science traditions in Fairfax County Public Schools, including the regional science fair, which has taken place for 68 years.
🚀 NASA Astronaut Lindgren Leads Students to Launch Dreams
NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren returned to Robinson Secondary School to speak to students on March 31. Lindgren—a Robinson graduate—talked about his career at NASA and the advice he would give students aspiring to reach their dreams.
“People will tell you that [some] things are impossible; you will convince yourself that things are impossible,” he said. However, “Part of what NASA does is to make the impossible possible.” Read more about Lindgren’s visit to Robinson.
How to Register for Pre-K or Early Head Start
Fairfax County offers pre-K for students 3-4 years old whose parents meet income requirements. Early Head Start is for infants, toddlers, and expectant mothers who meet income requirements. To register, parents or caregivers should:
- Complete the application form.
- Make a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a residency document (lease, deed, or mortgage).
If your child is selected for one of the programs, the following will need to be completed:
- A school physical.
- Dental exam.
- Fairfax County public school registration forms.
A family service partner will be assigned to guide families through the entire application process. Find out more on the Early Childhood Education webpage, or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Child Find Screenings
Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs as well as educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find screenings and services are provided by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services program for children ages 20 months through 5 years, who live in Fairfax County or Fairfax City. Learn more on the Child Find website.
Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space
The FCPS Trust Policy supports a continued commitment to foster a caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families in our schools. The policy ensures FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials.
🎵 Reflecting on 30+ Years of Choral Festivals
With the exception of two years when she was on maternity leave, Jeanette Essig has been involved with every 6th Grade All-County Choral Festival since 1988. This year’s festival was Jeannette’s last; she will retire in June. Read her reflections on her career and impact.
February FCPS CARES: Putting Students and Community First
James Carlisle, a teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School, is “constantly putting his students and community first,” said his colleague who nominated him for FCPS CARES. Among the activities he’s supported or helped launch are a student book club, the PTA, a lunchtime knitting group, and an environmental club called Roots & Shoots. James has also created a moving exhibit in the hallway based on poems his students wrote about their dreams. He published a book of his students’ poems, I Dream of Eternity.
“Mr. Carlisle is always encouraging co-workers and supports their ideas for creativity and community building as well,” his colleague stated. “He is a great leader and resource to the Woodlawn Community and deserves to be recognized for his support, energy, and time he has put into Woodlawn, the students, and their families.”
Teaching is not James’ first career. He retired from the Army in 2015 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving for 26 years. Thank you James, for your service to our country, and our students!
Also recognized in February as FCPS CARES recipients of the month were:
- Paul Dallas, Gatehouse Administration Center.
- Tracy Bromberg, Thoreau Middle School.
- Cecia Cortes Sanchez, Davis Career Center.
- Latrice Betz, Newington Forest Elementary School.
- Christine Lee, Eagle View Elementary School.
FCPS CARES is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. Read more about all the recipients. Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee.
Register for the Special Education Conference
The 18th annual FCPS Special Education Conference will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Registration is now open for this virtual event. Watch the video for information about guest speakers and other important details. Registrants who need language assistance may contact the Parent Information Phone Lines.
FCPS Hires Trio of Support for Students Who Learn Differently
Kristen Haynor (above left) is believed to be the first neurodiversity specialist in a U.S. K-12 public school setting. She hopes her appointment will inspire other districts to follow suit. Kristen was joined recently by Nonye Oladimeji (middle), who began as Virginia’s first public school Twice Exceptional (2E) education specialist. In addition, Rachel Rubio (right) serves as our new dyslexia specialist, a highly specialized role dedicated to the reading and writing disability that affects 20% of the population.
All three positions reflect FCPS’ understanding that there are many different ways to learn, and that we owe it to our young people to provide a school experience that is equitable and accessible to all. Read more about these new employees.
On Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m., Kristen will host a webinar for high school families of neurodiverse students. Topics will include: Strategies to set your child up for success; how to advocate for your child; and tools for collaborating with your child’s school. Registration is encouraged.
Strategic Planning Update
Thanks to everyone who participated in our last round of virtual community forums! Attendees shared their input on the latest draft Strategic Plan goals and brainstormed strategies to consider when implementing them.
There will be one final opportunity to provide feedback on the most up-to-date version of the draft goals. Please stay tuned for the survey link which will be available later this month. In the meantime, you can fill out this form to let us know what keeps you optimistic about FCPS as well as what concerns you. We appreciate all of your efforts to help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
FCPS Feedback Opportunities
Proposed Updates to the SR&R
FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-24 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed. If you haven’t already, please provide feedback on the proposed changes to the SR&R by 8 p.m. Friday, April 21. Please check your email for a message from Fairfax County Public Schools, which contains the survey link.
ESSER III COVID Relief
FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding beginning in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
FCPS is seeking feedback on how well the school division is responding to the ESSER III focus areas including:
- Ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
- Maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
- Addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
Please provide your input on this form. Your response will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work. Visit our website to see how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
Watch the video above or read this story about how ESSER funds recently helped Timber Lane Elementary School celebrate a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Day.
The School Board will hear public comment on FCPS’ ESSER IIII in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Register to speak.
Spring 2023 Return to School Survey
Student and family feedback is critical to our understanding of the successes and challenges of teaching and learning this year. Please check your email for a message from Fairfax County Public Schools, sent on April 17, with a survey link. The survey asks questions about satisfaction with teaching and learning, perceptions of support for learning, and how things are going this school year. These data collection efforts are part of FCPS’ ongoing study of what is working and what needs improvement following the pandemic. Information gathered will be used along with other data to make improvements that support schools, students, and staff. The survey will close on Monday, May 1.
Calendar Reminders: Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. FCPS has designated Eid al-Fitr as a religious and cultural observance day designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Eid al-Fitr is from sunset April 20 to sunset April 21. Thursday, April 20, is a half O Day, and Friday, April 21, is a holiday. See the complete School Year Calendar.
✏️ Public School Volunteer Week
It’s Public School Volunteer Week. This is a great opportunity for schools and families to honor and highlight the powerful contributions parents/caregivers provide at school and home to support student success. From tutoring and mentoring to chaperoning field trips and assisting in the classroom, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the success of students and teachers. Thank you to all our parents/caregivers and volunteers!
🌎 Earth Day
Earth Week is an engaging way to foster conversation and learning about environmental topics that are essential in developing students as environmental stewards, and ethical and global citizens. Learn about the history of Earth Day (April 22) in National Geographic Kids.
Read more about the Global STEM Challenges program at Edison that has students tackling major environmental issues year-round.
Fairfax County Park Authority will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sully Historic Site. Celebrate Healthy People—Healthy Planet with a fun day of entertainment, food vendors, touch-a-truck, prizes, and activities! Learn what Fairfax County is doing to support environmental sustainability and what you can do to help. For more information, visit the Earth Day Fairfax website.
