Tamara Derenak Kaufax's Newsletter
Welcome back! I hope that you and your family are enjoying these first few weeks of school.
Even though the majority of our classes were not in session this summer, the schools in Lee District did hold some classes, were recipients of national honors, and had some leadership changes. Please take a moment to read through this newsletter to get caught up on the exciting things that are happening in our schools.
I hope to see you at one of the many back to school events over the next few weeks. Remember parental engagement is a key component to student success! We welcome your support in the classroom as a member of your PTA/PTO or by being a member of one of our many booster organizations. Here's my Back to School message about the importance of parental support. Wishing you and your family a successful school year!
 First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam, visited Riverside ES on September 5. Mrs. Northam came to observe our PreK programs in FCPS. It was an honor to host her, and a joy to see her interact with our students!
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 School Board members, along with school and county staff, meet with First Lady Pamela Northam.
Congratulations to Lee High School and Bush Hill Elementary
School for being named Unified Champion Schools by Special Olympics
International. Out of the 131 schools selected nationwide in 2018, 6 were
chosen in Virginia, with Bush Hill being the sole elementary school from the
state. Lee and Bush Hill demonstrated a commitment to creating a school
environment that promotes acceptance and inclusion of individuals with
intellectual disabilities. Through the ten standards of excellence, Unified
Champion Schools successfully implement Unified Sports, where students with and
without disabilities compete as teammates, Inclusive Youth Leadership that
provides opportunities for all, and Whole-School Engagement that impacts the
entire school climate and influences how students act both at school and
outside our doors. With these efforts, FCPS can reduce bullying, fight
stereotypes, and build relationships, all leading to a Unified Generation that
Chooses to Include!
 One highlight of my summer was visiting Crestwood Elementary School and Hybla Valley Elementary School to observe summer programs. Thanks to a growing partnership that began with Alexandria churches and Bucknell ES, the summer STEAM program expanded to Hybla Valley this summer. This curriculum keeps under-served students safe, engaged, and academically motivated over the break. Crestwood ES hosted their Bridge to Kindergarten (B2K) class, as well as a Young Scholars class. These classes nurture academic potential in underrepresented populations. Highlights this summer included a visit from a local meteorologist, work on unplugged robotics, engineering projects, and a trip to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. Thank you to the FCPS teachers and volunteers who facilitate these programs and help our students develop a love of learning.
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 Young scientists in action at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
I am thrilled to welcome three new principals this fall to Region 3.
Marguerite Saitta, Crestwood ES
Marguerite Saitta joins Crestwood Elementary as their new principal. Before joining this community, Ms. Saitta served Rolling Valley ES and Hybla Valley ES as an ESOL teacher, and most recently served as the intervention administrator before becoming an assistant principal at Hybla Valley ES. Best wishes to Crestwood this year!
Andrew Smith, Franconia ES
Andrew Smith was recently announced as principal of Franconia Elementary School. Mr. Smith has served the Franconia community as an assistant principal since 2015. Before Franconia, Mr. Smith was an assistant principal at Hayfield ES, and a special education teacher at Braddock ES. I am thankful for his leadership in Lee District. Go Mustangs!
Dawn Hendrick, Rose Hill ES
Dawn Hendrick is the new principal of Rose Hill Elementary School, a dedicated educator for almost three decades who has served our Region 3 schools for 21 years. Ms. Hendrick taught at both Cameron and Riverside ES, and served as an assistant principal at Mount Eagle ES. Ms. Hendrick's most recent tenure as principal for Woodlawn ES showed tremendous leadership and results.
 Rose Hill Elementary students wrote welcoming messages to their classmates for the first day of school.
Whitman Middle School PTSA was named winner of the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion PTA Award for its efforts to promote a diverse culture within its membership. The school's PTSA supported our Spanish speaking families by using the Spanish parent liaison and creating multilingual communications.There was a great focus on developing personal relationships with students and families by hosting a wide variety of unique programming. These included a STEM + Families Microsoft Technology Event, a community tea, a workshop on talking with teenagers, and a Fall Festival. The PTSA also enhanced their website and Facebook page for improved communication options. On top of the service to our school, this group gives back to the community through a monthly project with the National Capital Area Food Bank. Congratulations to the Whitman MS PTSA!
Volunteer with GrandInvolve
 GrandInvolve - Changing the World - One Child at a Time
We Need You! Join us in GrandInvolve - a program which facilitates volunteer opportunities in Fairfax County's Title I Schools. GrandInvolve recruits older adult volunteers who are interested in providing mentoring, reading and math tutoring, or classroom assistance. We are currently seeking a core group of community volunteers for the GrandInvolve Lee District Steering Committee. Tasks include developing timelines, establishing goals and objectives, networking in the community, and developing community partnerships.
Become part of GrandInvolve - an Award Winning program that is already successfully providing tutoring services in 16 Title 1 Schools in Fairfax County. To learn how you can be involved, please contact: info@grandinvolve.org or visit our website: www.grandinvolve.org.
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 Bush Hill Elementary teachers put a new twist on the welcome walk by biking around the neighborhood to greet students.
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