May 2018 Newsletter from School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders

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Contact Karen:

E-mail:
Karen Corbett Sanders

Phone: 571-423-1086

 

Lisa Madeja

Executive Admin Assistant
571-423-1055

emadeja@fcps.edu

Karen Corbett Sanders's Newsletter

Dear Families,

 

This time of year is filled with so many exciting events.  Many of our families are celebrating college graduations, high school commencements and sixth grade completion celebrations.  Each of these events recognize the hard work and dedication of our students.  It is also a time to reflect on the importance of the partnership between parents, teachers and students.  So please take the time before the end of the  school year to thank the teachers and staff at your child’s school and consider how you can support the PTA and PTO at your student’s school next year.

 

Prior to the end of the year, the school board still has a number of items on its agenda, including the budget, approval of the student rights and responsibilities and the family life curriculum.  Additionally, there are a number of parent education events available in our community.



Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Adopts FY 2019 Budget; School Board Chair Jane Strauss Issues Statement

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted its FY 2019 $4.29 billion General Fund budget which becomes effective July 1. Included in the county's FY 2019 budget will be the full funding of Fairfax County Public School's FY 2019 budget request. School Board Chair Jane Strauss released a statement thanking the BOS for their efforts. Read her message.  The school board will adopt its budget on May 24, 2018.  I expect that there will be a few amendments and follow on motions to address concerns over compensation and discipline.

 

Recommended Family Life Education Instructional Materials Available for Community Review

Fairfax County Public Schools recommended Family Life Education (FLE) materials (media and lesson objectives) to support instruction are available for community review through the close of business on Friday, June 8. Recommended materials under review will affect students in grades 4 and 7-12. Get more information about the recommended materials.

 

Internet Safety - Help Kids Navigate Adolescence in the Digital Age

As parents in the digital age, being aware, alert, and involved in your child's use of the internet is crucial. What else can you do to keep your teenager safe on the internet? Join Richard Stegman, FCPS Educational Specialist, to learn the top internet dangers for teens and seven steps for good digital parenting.

 

Register now!
Friday, June 1, 2018
10:00 a.m. - noon
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services
2334 Gallows Road
Entrance 1 - Room 100
Dunn Loring, VA (map)

 

Student Transfer Information - New for the 2018-19 School Year

School Board Approves New Fees to Be Implemented for Student Transfer Applications

On May 25, 2017, the Fairfax County School Board approved a student transfer application processing fee of $100 per student per year. The application processing fee applies to all student transfer requests (Initial, Renewal and High School Curricular) based on criteria outlined in Regulation 2230. The non-refundable application processing fee will apply for all transfers effective at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year and will be integrated and collected within the online student transfer application using a debit or credit card, prepaid credit card, or electronic check, prior to submitting the student transfer application.

 

The application fee is automatically waived through the online application for students who qualify for the free and reduced-price meals program and have submitted a Consent to Share Information for Benefits for Other Programs.

 

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness month. While the majority of our students thrive and are resilient, all students can struggle at times with emotional and behavioral issues that can affect their learning and overall wellness. Schools are often the place where these kinds of issues, as well as other mental health needs, are discovered and where school-based supports can be provided. FCPS wants all parents and guardians to know that your school psychologist, school social worker, and school counselor are available for consultation and support on concerns such as anxiety, peer relationships, stress, depression or other social and emotional issues. They can also provide a list of private and community-based mental health resources. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school to connect with a member of the student services team. Click on the following links to learn about resources and ways to foster resilience in your child. Mental Health and ResiliencyHealthy Minds Blog, and Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies.

 

Deputy Superintendent Steve Lockard Named Superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools

Lockard

 

On April 26, Superintendent Brabrand announced that Deputy Superintendent Steve Lockard has officially been named the superintendent of schools for Carroll County, Maryland. This role is a lifelong pursuit of Dr. Lockard's, with strong personal and professional ties. He grew up in Carroll County, and his father, Brian Lockard, served as superintendent of the school district as well. Personally, I would like to extend my gratitude for Dr. Lockard’s dedication and professionalism that he exhibited as the interim superintendent of schools during the 2016-2017 school year.  I was honored to work with him and wish him great success.

 

2018-19 Kindergarten Registration

kinder

 

Will your child turn five years old by September 30? If so, contact your child’s school to make arrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Most schools begin getting information together now for parents of incoming kindergartners, and many host an orientation or open house. All kindergarten programs are full-day and located in FCPS elementary schools.

 

Check your school’s webpage or contact the school directly for specific enrollment information and dates of orientation that typically occur now until the end of June.

 

Get more information about kindergarten registration

 

School Bus Driver 2018 Job Fairs

FCPS is searching for full-time bus drivers.  School bus driver job fairs for 2018 will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the following locations:

 

June 1Lorton Transportation Center

June 22Stonecroft Transportation Center

 

Driver pay starts at $18.82 per hour, including:

  • Excellent Benefits
  • Summers Off (optional)
  • Daycare Savings (bring your kids or grandkids on the bus)
  • Paid Training
  • Flexible Hours
  • Advancement Opportunities

If possible, please bring two (2) employee references (one from your most recent/current supervisor) and two (2) letters of recommendation.  This will help us process your application faster.  Access this link to obtain the forms.   

 

Applicants residing outside of Virginia, please bring your driving record.

 

Bus drivers and training staff will be available on the above dates to answer your questions.  You may also call 571-423-3023 or email us at driveforfcps.edu.

 

Career Switcher Information Session

Considering a career in teaching?  Join us on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Willow Oaks Center.

  • Presentations from Educate VA, Old Dominion University, Regent University, Shenandoah University, and Troops To Teachers.
  • Panel of FCPS educators will share their stories of transitions from their former careers to teaching with FCPS.
  • The FCPS licensure team and substitute office staff will be available to answer questions.

If you are interested and want to attend, please register here.

Willow Oaks is located at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, 1000A/B, VA 22031.

 

Gum Springs Day and Parade - June 16, 2018


gum springs

Gum Springs will be celebrating 185 years of its founding on June 16, 2018.

 

Plans are underway for a community parade to kick off Gum Springs Community Day!

For more information and to stay up-to-date on Gum Springs Community Day & Parade and to download the required parade application, please visit the community website – www.ngsca.org.

Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Richmond Highway & Fordson Road and end at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park (8115 Fordson Road). Activities in the park will begin shortly after the arrival of all parade participants and end for the day at 5:00 p.m.

Join the Gum Springs Community for a fun-filled day with planned games, food, and other family-friendly activities.

 



Important Dates to Remember

May 28 - Memorial Day - Student Holiday

 

June 7 - Graduations on or after this date

 

June 15 - Last Day of School - Early Release

 


School Board Meeting

The next School Board Meeting will be held on May 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at Jackson Middle School.  Information about upcoming meetings and agendas can be found here