FCPS This Week - April 12, 2023
Members of the West Springfield High School Orchestra take a selfie at the White House Easter Egg Roll, where they were invited to perform.
đïž April Is Month of the Military Child
Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have more than 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
To show our support for all military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, employees, and community members to âPurple Up!â and wear purple on Wednesday, April 19. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force blue.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPSâ resources for military families. Sign up for the Military Families newsletter.
Military Mom Finds Career at FCPS
Brittany Hooper looked for an occupation that fit her and her military family's schedule. She discovered the New Teacher Residency program at her children's school and decided to take the leap and become a teacher. Watch her story.
Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl
Opioid overdoses are on the rise across the country, including in Fairfax County. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years involved fentanyl.
Last month, FCPS hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives.
The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. FCPS principals and staff will share what is happening in our schools, and give updates on the work to educate our students and prevent substance misuse.
Transportation will 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 how you can take action and get help for yourself or loved ones.
đ DEA National Drug Take Back Day
Safely dispose of unwanted medication on Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be nine drop off sites across the county. Visit the Fairfax County Government website for locations and information on what will be accepted.
Academic Matters: Curriculum for Core Content Added to Website
At the March 30 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented updates to curriculum overview on the FCPS website during the Academic Matters segment. Parents/caregivers can see what their students are learning in their core classes by grade level. We hope this information will allow us to better partner with parents and caregivers to support academic success.
As stated on each grade level and course page, the objectives and outcomes for each unit are common across FCPS and based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. The pacing provides an example of how the curriculum can be organized throughout the year. Teacher teams may adjust the pacing or order of units to best meet the needs of students.
Information will be updated at the start of each school year. To access the grade level and/or course pages directly, visit our Academics page.
School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten
FCPS recognizes that parents are their childrenâs first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
See our easy to follow process for registering children for kindergarten. Register your child today!
Online Registration Available at 30+ Schools
Online registration is now available at more than 30 Fairfax County public schools. All FCPS schools will offer online registration beginning in June.
Families can register their students electronically via SIS ParentVUE at schools currently participating in online registration. All parents/caregivers continue to have the option of downloading the registration form bundle or completing paper registration forms. Visit our website for more information on registering your child for school.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for Students Now Available!
FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their childâs behavior are able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. Teletherapy is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPSâ Teletherapy webpage for details.
đ° Three FCPS Schools Honored by Columbia Scholastic Press Association
Three Fairfax County public school news publications were honored with Crown Awards in a ceremony at Columbia University on March 17. McLean High Schoolâs The Highlander news magazine and website earned a Gold Crown in high school hybrid news. Silver Crowns were awarded to Chantilly High Schoolâs The Purple Tide news magazine and website, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technologyâs tjTODAY news magazine and website. Read more about the awards.
đŹ Fun and Learning on the Calendar This Summer!
FCPSâ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps are now open for registration. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM); culinary; health; trades; and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage to register.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA webpage to register.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA webpage to register.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.
Programs at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
The FCPS Credit Recovery Academy and Thomas Jefferson Middle School Technology Institute will open registration Monday, April 24.
The Credit Recovery Academy is a three-week program that provides an opportunity for FCPS students to recover one high school course credit, or prep for a selected Standards of Learning or WorkKeys test. Visit the Credit Recovery Academy webpage for information.
The Middle School Technology Institute (MSTI) is a summer STEM program that consists of experiential workshop-style sessions for middle school students in our community to explore STEM at TJHSST. Sessions occur weekly. Visit the TJHSST summer webpage for information.
Upcoming Webinars and Events for Caregivers
FCPSâ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. Upcoming PRC webinars include:
- SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Friday, April 14, at 9 a.m.
Presented by School Social Work Services, students in grades 2-6 will be able to share sibling experiences, receive peer support, and play games. This event will take place at Providence Community Center.
- Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options, Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Presented by Career and Transition Services, students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families are invited to hear about options available after high school. This event takes place at Woodson High School.
- Neurodiversity at High School, Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m.
Kristen Haynor, FCPSâ neurodiversity specialist, will share strategies on setting your child up for success (no matter how their brain functions), advocating for your child, and collaborating with your childâs school. This event is virtual.
Click on the titles above to register.
âSeeing the Pure Emotionâ of Learning Is a Privilege
Kirsten Birge, a multiple disabilities teacher at Bull Run Elementary School, took an untraditional path to her current role. After 25 years as a physical education teacher, this year she went back to school herself in order to support and assist her students receiving special education services in a new way. While working toward licensure, she has moved from the gymnasium to the classroom in a role as a multiple disabilities teacher.
Birge enjoys watching her students learn new skills and become excited about their work at school. âI have learned so much more about my students and who they are as individuals,â she says. âWatching my students grow so much right alongside me has been the most rewarding part of my journey as their teacher.â Read more about her inspiring journey.
Thinking about becoming a teacher? A career switcher information session will be held Wednesday, April 19, at 6 p.m.
Medicaid Coverage for Families Post Pandemic
In 2020, the federal government declared a public health emergency. In response, state agenciesâincluding Virginia Medicaidâinstituted a continuous coverage requirement that provided healthcare coverage for all medical assistance programs, including for individuals who were no longer eligible or whose eligibility status has changed.
Because the health emergency has ended, please be aware that Virginia began reviewing membersâ eligibility for Medicaid, Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS), Childrenâs Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid-Managed Care Organization (MCO) health plans in March.
To ensure Virginia Medicaid has the necessary information to determine eligibility, Virginia Medicaid is asking members to do the following:
- Contact Virginia Medicaid to provide any updated contact information.
- Respond right away if you receive any official communication from Virginia Medicaid, your local Department of Social Services, or your health plan regarding your health coverage.
To learn more about Virginia Medicaid returning to normal eligibility practices, how this change may impact your coverage, how to contact Virginia Medicaid, or what to do if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, visit the FCPS Medicaid Reimbursement Program Public site.
đ School Bus Driver âRoad-eoâ and Job Fairs
The Office of Transportation Services is hosting their annual âRoad-eoâ team building event on Friday, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Stonecroft Transportation Center. Join them for food, fun, entertainment, raffles, a moonbounce, and friendly competition! This event is open to families to enjoy. There will also be hiring representatives for those interested in becoming a school bus driver with FCPS.
Note: Please park across the street from Stonecroft at Westfield High School and take one of the free shuttles to the event.
Bus Driver Job Fairs
Learn more about becoming a bus driver on Tuesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lorton Center and Friday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Stonecroft Transportation Center. Visit the Bus Driver Job Fair webpage for more upcoming fairs and details on the competitive pay, paid training program, and other benefits.
đ„ Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge
The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge is Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Robinson Secondary School. The event includes a public tasting of student dishes and demonstrations from Chef Ryan Moore of Sababa and Chef Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dish. Winning dishes have been featured in cafeterias across FCPS and other area school districts. For more information or to register, visit the Real Food for Kids website.
View Updated Draft Goals for FCPSâ New Strategic Plan
Join us for our final virtual community forum on Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and see how your feedback has helped shape the latest draft of the new FCPS Strategic Plan. Community forums are open to parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Please register today.
We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
âïž FCPS Feedback Opportunities
Proposed Updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document
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.
Parents/caregivers, please check your email for a link from FCPS regarding a brief survey on proposed changes to the SR&R. All responses to the survey are anonymous. The information provided will be used to revise the SR&R document that is presented to the School Board for their approval in June.
Proposed changes include:
- Language in the dress code has been modified to be more specific and objective, as well as less gendered. Focus is on the specific clothes that are/are not permitted rather than the amount of skin permitted to be shown. The Student Dress Code regulation (R 2613) is also being revised to reflect these changes, and to include a belief statement and corresponding values relative to the dress code.
- Draft proposals for several substance misuse infractions include changing the minimum FCPS Student Behavior and Administrative Response (SBAR) Level to at least Level 3, in alignment with Model Guidance and given the increased concern regarding substance misuse.
- The definition of discriminatory harassment has been revised to define what constitutes an âintimidating, hostile, or offensive student environmentâ and specific examples of how discriminatory harassment may be expressed are provided.
- Hazing is currently listed as an FCPS SBAR Level 2-5 infraction. It is proposed to be a Level 5 infraction only to align with the model policies established by the Department of Education.
- Principals or their designees will now be required to notify the parent/guardian of any student who is involved in an alleged bullying incident of the alleged incident within 24 hours of learning of such allegation.
Our goal is to ensure each and every student's right to an education in a safe, civil, and caring environment. Please complete the survey by 8 p.m. on Friday, April 21.
ESSER COVID Relief
FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding 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.
ESSER III focus areas include:
- ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing studentsâ 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.
We encourage your feedback on how well we are responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which is open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the communityâs view of our work. See how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., in the auditorium of Luther Jackson Middle School. Registered speakers will have two minutes to address the Board regarding ESSER III. The speaker list will open on Thursday, April 13.
Spring 2023 ESSER/Return to School Survey
FCPSâ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) is seeking to understand your childâs experiences this school year. Student and family feedback is critical to our understanding of the successes and challenges of teaching and learning this year.
A survey for parents and students in grades 4-12 will be administered Monday, April 17, to Monday, May 1. The survey asks questions about satisfaction with teaching and learning, perceptions of support for learning, and how things are going this school year. The information gathered will be used along with other data to make improvements that support schools, students, and staff. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please tell them to disregard the email survey invitation they will receive in their fcpsschools.net account on April 17.
Please be on the lookout for the survey link on Monday, April 17.
Calendar Reminders: Quarter End
The third quarter ends Thursday, April 13, and students will be released two hours early. There will be no classes for students on Friday, April 14, which is a student holiday and teacher work day.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Read more at Britannica.com.
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 (only 12 month employees report).
See the complete School Year Calendar.
School Board Meeting on April 13 at 7 p.m.
The School Board will hold its regular business meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. Agenda highlights include:
- School Board Code of Conduct, Standards, and Protocols Policy
- Secondary World Languages Basal Instructional Resources
- Awarding of Contracts
See the complete agenda. Find out how to watch and participate in School Board meetings.
