FCPS This Week - April 18, 2024
✔️ 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 and progress assessments. This list of assessments for each grade level provides the spring dates for required tests.
Remember, assessment is part of ongoing teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers may also assign end-of-year projects or final exams.
Schools set dates for each assessment and communicate schedules to students and families. Pay close attention to school newsletters and emails from the school for this information.
Parents and caregivers can help students perform their best by reminding them to get a good night’s rest and have a healthy breakfast, especially 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.
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, families may find details about spring student assessments online.
Mathspace Mastery: Optional Standards of Learning (SOL) Prep and Review
Students in middle and high schools who have access to Mathspace have been assigned an optional task named “Course Name SOL Review (Optional).” Questions have been selected to emphasize the key standards for students to review in preparation for the end-of-year SOL test. Students are encouraged to work through the review activity at their own pace.
For more information on Mathspace Mastery, visit FCPS’ Digital Resources webpage and click on Mathematics under the High School heading.
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
FCPS students in grades 3-12 took the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in March. This survey provides updated information on skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported.
In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via mail.
For more information about the screener, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.
Portrait of a Graduate Prepares Students for Success
During the Academic Matters segment of the April 11 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid recognized 10 years of Portrait of a Graduate (POG) at FCPS. POG helps set students up for personal and academic success by building skills in communication, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and being goal-directed and resilient.
Family Summit Offers Resources for Raising Healthy, Resilient Children
Join us at FCPS’ Family Summit on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School.
The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources. Other topics will include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; helping children manage emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl.
Virtual sessions will provide support for students with disabilities and their families. Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about guest speakers and register for the event.
FCPS Literacy Program Participants Explore Art and Identity at the Smithsonian
As part of a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) and the FCPS Office of ESOL Services’ Family Literacy Program, program participants from five schools visited the Molina Family Latino Gallery inaugural exhibition of “İPresente! A Latino History of the United States” to explore the theme of Latino changemakers.
Following the visit, they participated in art workshops and created their own artworks entitled, “I am – Yo Soy.” These workshops aim to highlight the museum experience and elevate parents' awareness of their own contributions to their families and communities by sharing identity and stories.
NMAL advances the representation, understanding, and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. Our Family Literacy Program’s collaboration with NMAL aligns with FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, supporting Pillars B and D: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships; and Culture of Equity, Excellence, and Accountability, respectively.
🏛️ My First Year Teacher Series: A Day at the Museum
Follow along as first-year teacher Ms. Vivi takes her class on her first field trip to the Natural History Museum. Read about her and her students' experiences and watch the video.
It’s Not Too Late to Apply for College Financial Aid
Nationwide, as many as 30% fewer graduating seniors have completed and submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to recent news reports. Many schools rely upon the FAFSA form to grant students financial aid award letters.
Families who have questions or persistent technical issues filling out the FAFSA might consider scheduling a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax; email [email protected]. All FAFSA help provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.
Early Intervention: Infant & Toddler Connection and Child Find
Do you have concerns about your infant, toddler, or preschool aged child? Does your child exhibit repetitive body movements, have eating or sensory sensitivities, or difficulty with communication? Have you noticed them moving, behaving, or learning differently than other children?
These developmental checklists for children up to 3 years old can give parents/caregivers an idea if their child may need help developing certain skills.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Fairfax provides evaluations and early intervention services for infants and toddlers (up to age 3) who have a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis that may lead to developmental delays. Parents/caregivers who have concerns about their child's development may call 703-246-7121.
Child Find offers free screenings for children from 20 months to five years old to identify potential special education needs. The program is offered through FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services. Call 571-423-4121 with any questions or to schedule an assessment.
Find more information about typical developmental milestones at Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
FCPS is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Register for an in-person forum by clicking on one of the following dates:
- Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
- Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
- Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
- Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
A virtual forum will be held on Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. That registration link will be available soon.
While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
🏆 Nominate Someone Today for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Do you know of an outstanding person or group that has worked for equity in an FCPS school? There’s still time to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.
This award recognizes staff, students, or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any FCPS employee, student, or community member may nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
🍎 FCPS Is Seeking Teachers!
Do you have strong student engagement skills? Attend our instructional job fair on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-noon, at Sandburg Middle School. Registration is required and must be completed by Thursday, April 25.
Take advantage of networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended on site. During a recent job fair, more than 150 offers were extended to qualified candidates! You could be next!
🚍 Shift Gears Into a New Career at the FCPS Bus Driver Job Fair
The Office of Transportation Services will be hosting bus driver job fairs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
- Friday, April 19, at Lorton Center
- Thursday, April 25, at Stonecroft Transportation Center
- Friday, May 17, at Lorton Center
- Thursday, May 23, at Stonecroft Transportation Center
Driving for FCPS is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, and career switchers to earn income with benefits. No registration is needed. Apply today! Call 571-423-3000 or email [email protected] with questions.
🥗 Cook Up Your Next Career at the FCPS Food and Nutrition Job Fair
Food and Nutrition Services will host job fairs on the following Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Office of Food and Nutrition Services: April 17, May 1, and May 15. No registration is needed. For more information or general questions, call 703-813-4800 or email [email protected].
🗓️ Calendar Reminders: Passover
Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids.
Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated evening-only observance days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. These days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school.
Theravada New Year (O Day)
In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.”
Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an observance day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
