See What's Happening in our Providence District Schools!
Having Fun at our Back to School Nights
Welcome to a new school year filled with unlimited possibilities for your students’ educational growth and success. It was wonderful to meet so many of you during our back to school nights. I hope you will continue to be involved in your children’s schools throughout the year. Studies have shown that when schools, families, and community groups work together, children do better in school and like school more. There are many volunteer possibilities where your schools could use your help. Here’s just one opportunity!
Wanted: Mentors for Students
Was there someone who helped you become the person you are today? You can be that person for one of our students!
MentorWorks is a school-based program in FCPS with a mission to connect every student to a caring, responsible adult. Mentoring occurs at the students’ school site during the school day. Typically, mentors meet with students every week for 30 minutes, over a one-year commitment. Check out the program and see how you could make a positive difference!
A Fun Family Event Saturday October 22 from 1- 3 p.m.
Spirit Open Equestrian Program will present a demonstration ride followed by “Free Educational Pony Rides” for young and old, weather permitting.
Oakton Community Park
2841 Hunter Mill Road,
Oakton, VA 22124
Spirit Open Equestrian Program uses horse-assisted activities to provide therapy, learning and improvement of life skills healing of the body, mind and spirit. They also offer instructional training for the numerous volunteers who help with the lessons, horse care, field care, general maintenance, and in the office. Come meet the staff and the horses or check their website
Fiscal Forecast & Joint Statement with the Board of Supervisors
During the September 22nd Board meeting, our Financial Services Assistant Superintendent presented the FY 2018 Fiscal Forecast. Thanks to the tremendous support from the community and our funding partners at the county and state, the FY 2017 budget had no reductions to instructional programs or services to students and schools. We were able to begin the slow process of rebuilding from the hundreds of cuts sustained since FY2008.
Looking ahead, FCPS will continue to face challenges. Employee compensation remains a division wide priority; but raising salaries to the market average will require substantial resources. Retirement and health insurance rates continue to increase and there are many unfunded needs to be addressed. Economic conditions impacting the state budget remain uncertain and could jeopardize FCPS state funding increases for the current year and FY 2018.
The county government shares the same problem of limited funding resources to meet the increased demand for services resulting from the county’s rapid development and growth. Both the county and FCPS recognize the need to diversify the county’s tax revenue base and to reduce the dependence on real estate taxes. One possibility is a meals tax. To that end, our board, in collaboration with the Board of Supervisors developed a Joint Statement on the Meals Tax Referendum.
I will join other community leaders to discuss the proposed Meals Tax referendum. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the issue from both supporters and opponents of the proposal, please join us.
October 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Providence District Council Meeting
Meals Tax Discussion
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
The Meals Tax question will be considered by Fairfax County voters on November 8, 2016. A meals tax would generate nearly $100 million in revenue annually; of that, 3% would be used to help offset the cost to restaurants. If approved, this new revenue source would generate the same amount of funds as this year’s real estate tax hike. Yet 28% of meals tax revenue would come from non-county residents (commuters and tourists). State law limits what the county can tax and how it may otherwise raise revenue. Almost 90 percent of Fairfax County non-property tax revenues are capped, limited, or controlled by the state. A meals tax would raise revenue that would go directly to the schools and the county.
Where Can I Find Information About ...
FCPS launched a new website this year with multiple information resources. We also developed an easy resource guide for our parents, students, and staff.
The 2016-17 Go to Guide includes a short overview of Fairfax County Public Schools and helpful information that every family needs, i.e. the 2016-17 school calendar, communications between school and home, parent advocacy, and FCPS resources. If you can’t find the information you need, please contact my office and we’ll be happy to help.
October and November Office Hours
Please join me,on a drop-in basis, to discuss, share your thoughts, or ask questions. I look forward to meeting you!
No appointment necessary and no RSVP required.
Thursday, October 13th
6:30-8:00 pm
Panera, Mosaic District
8191 Strawberry Lane A
Falls Church, VA 22042
Wednesday, November 2nd
4:30-6:00 pm
Oakton Library Conference Room
10304 Lynnhaven Place
Oakton, VA 22124-1785
I look forward to working with you for the benefit of our Providence District schools and community. Please contact me with your questions, recommendations or suggestions. Or contact my EAA, Kathy Partlow, for assistance or to schedule meetings.
Email: Dalia.Palchik@fcps.edu
Phone: 571-423-1084 (voice mail)
Twitter: @DaliaPalchik
kfpartlow@fcps.edu 571-423-1064
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