FCPS This Week - October 16, 2024
Fifth grade students at Groveton Elementary School display flags for Hispanic Heritage Month.
🩹 FCPS Students Roll Up Their Sleeves for Free Immunizations
Safeway Pharmacy has been hosting free immunization clinics at Frost Middle School for any FCPS student age 18 or younger. The clinics are one of many ways FCPS is providing opportunities for students to receive their required immunizations.
The next clinic will be Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Please note that students ages 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) or through other community resources.
Additional Immunization Clinics
The FCHD will provide immunization appointments at their district offices for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays through December. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
The health department will also host immunization clinics at FCPS middle and high schools through December. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations. Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.
Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation
This interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States.
Sessions in English are held online on Tuesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance.
Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.
🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey. As a parent or caregiver, you are an important part of your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help your student succeed. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships.
📝 Applications Open Monday, October 21, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).
The application will be available starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.
🎓 Prepare for Your Student’s Future at College Fair and Postsecondary Nights
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
A two-night postsecondary virtual event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 5-8 p.m.
Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Fairfax County Youth Survey on Physical and Mental Well-Being
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The survey is given each fall to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. It provides information about a variety of topics related to our students that influence their physical and mental well-being, from sleep and nutritional habits to substance abuse behaviors, symptoms of depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The 2024 Fairfax County Youth Survey will be taken by students between Tuesday, November 12, and Friday, November 22. Parents/caregivers will be notified by their child's school of its plans to administer the survey and given the opportunity to opt their student out of the survey.
Visit the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage to review the opt-out forms. There, you can also find more information and translations of the parent letter.
✨ Providing students with access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
Fairfax County Health Department’s Youth Ambassador Program
The Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) is now available during the daytime at select FCPS high schools and through an evening and weekend program. The program focuses on increasing student interest in healthcare-related activities.
Students in grades 10-12 who live in Fairfax County may apply to the following evening and weekend courses:
- High School and Young Adult Opioid Reduction Training Program
- Young Adult Mental Health Worker Program
Both classes will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, Monday-Thursday, 6-7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Apply for the PHYAP evening and weekend Program by Tuesday, October 22. Learn more about the program.
✨ A Strong Start for Our Multilingual Learners
At last Thursday’s School Board Meeting, Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start Pre-K – 12 was discussed. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid shared significant progress toward English proficiency for our multilingual learners. Read about the improvements in the Goal 1 report (pdf).
📈 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes
In the Academic Matters portion of the School Board meeting, Dr. Reid discussed 2024 Virginia Accreditation and SAT Outcomes. These results show that the hard work of our students, staff members, and parents is paying off.
✨ Growth and performance on state/national assessments is part of FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3.
📍 Boundary Review Updates
At last Tuesday’s School Board work session, FCPS partner Thru Consulting staff provided an overview of the division-wide boundary project management plan. Their presentation included a review of priorities, timeline, project governance and management, community engagement opportunities, communications, the role of data, and sample maps and analytics. You can watch the work session online. For more information about the boundary review process or to provide feedback, visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage.
📰 Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections
Dr. Reid shares updates like these in her weekly newsletter to the community. Read more in the latest issue of Weekly Reflections and subscribe today.
👟 Getting Steps Ahead: Wolftrap Elementary’s Walking Wednesdays
Walking Wednesdays are a long-standing tradition at Wolftrap Elementary School, organized every Wednesday, weather permitting, by the PTA. The goal is to get as many families to walk their children to school as possible.
The grade with the most walkers is awarded the coveted Golden Sneaker trophy. The event helps students get more physical activity, and parents/caregivers get to connect with one another and the school. Read more about Walking Wednesdays.
🌎 Bridging Cultures by Building Trust and Relationships
Angie Aldave can remember being intimidated when she first arrived in the United States as a teenager, visiting from Ecuador. She was overwhelmed by the language and the structure and order of systems in the United States. She has been working with FCPS families since 2015 and now serves as interim director of Community Relations.
Angie is mission-driven to help multicultural families access programs, resources, and opportunities within FCPS that many may find hard to navigate — similar to how she felt when she first arrived in the U.S.
Hispanic Heritage Month
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Angie shared that she wishes people would take more time to learn about all cultures. Angie notes that even within the Hispanic culture, “There’s a rich diversity that often goes unnoticed. It's important to understand that we approach life with deep emotion, and our core values are rooted in our families.” Read more about Angie’s experience.
✨ Building trusting partnerships with families aligns with Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Your Voice Matters!
Dr. Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the remaining conversations:
- Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
- Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.
Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
📱Encouraging a Healthy, Balanced, Positive Approach to Media and Technology
This week is Digital Citizenship Week, a good reminder to talk to children about how they use technology and digital media. Families can access the Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for information on how to support the healthy use of technology.
Digital Equity: Access Technology and Resources
Visit Fairfax County’s Digital Equity and Inclusion website to learn how to:
- Find free wifi.
- Borrow a computer.
- Visit Access Fairfax locations to use a computer.
- Take free tech classes.
- Sign up for an internet discount.
🗓️ Calendar Reminders
⏰ Early Release Mondays
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release early on Monday, October 21: Edison, Hayfield, Lewis, Mount Vernon, South County, West Potomac, Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and Woodson.
Elementary schools in the following pyramids will release early on Monday, October 28: Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, South Lakes, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Oakton, Robinson, and Westfield.
View the Upcoming Events section on your school’s homepage to look for Early Release dates that will impact your child.
🗓️ Quarter End/Early Release, Diwali/Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day, Student Holidays
Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.
Friday, November 1, is a holiday for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.
Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.
See the complete school year calendar.
