Kindergarteners showing their appreciation for Franconia's  Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Guillion.

Mark Your Calendar Now!

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 18 in observance of Presidents' Day.

For more information about school happenings, visit the website here.

School Health Room Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians and school staff members who interact with the school health rooms.

The survey has been approved for distribution by the FCPS’ Internal Survey Advisory Committee.

Electronic versions of the survey forms may be accessed at:

School Health Services Survey – Parents 2019: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/85QGH7C

***RE-SCHEDULED PTA Movie Night

Friday, February 15, 6pm

Come join the Franconia PTA for a family night at the movies.  All members of the family are invited to attend!  Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or pillow to sit on the gym floor.

FREE admission.

***This is NOT a drop-off event - all children must be supervised by an adult.

This year's movie is "Incredibles 2," rated PG, with a running time of 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Doors open at 6pm; the movie will begin at 6:30pm.

Concessions (snacks and pizza slices) will be sold for $1 each (cash only), while supplies last.

For any questions you may have, contact the PTA President, Heather Viehl Yee, at hviehl@hotmail.com.

Franconia International Day

Thursday, February 21

1. Artifact display in the library: Do you have items from your native country or from another country that you can loan for International Day?  The items will be used in a display in the library to educate Franconia students about arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, etc., from different countries.  All classes will have a scheduled time to come to the library to look at all the display.  If you have an item to loan for the display, please follow these instructions:
   1. Print out the official flyer for the artifact display here, fill it out, and have your child turn it in by Thursday, February 14.
   2. Place a label on the item that includes your child's name, their teacher's name, and the country it represents.
   3. Include a brief write-up about the item - if you know where it's from or what it represents or what it's used for, etc.
   4. Send the item(s) into school with your child by Wednesday, February 20.
   5. All loaned items will be returned to students on Friday, February 22.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to label your items so they can be returned to you.
   6. DO NOT SEND IN VALUABLE ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE REPLACED.
   7. Volunteers are needed to help set-up the display in the library on Wednesday, February 20.  Many timeslots are available at:

      https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084fa5ad2da5fd0-international

   8. For any questions you may have, contact Jaya Gopalan (staff member in charge of the artifact display) at jrgopalan@fcps.edu.

2. Lunch for staff: A lunch for staff is planned for International Day.  To volunteer to bring an International food item, please go to this link: - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084DACA92CA1FD0-international1
3. Spirit Days:
   1. Wednesday, 2/20 - wear colors of a flag you want to represent
   2. Thursday, 2/21 - culture-based outfit OR red/white/blue
   3. Friday, 2/22 - Pajamas
4. Schedule for Thursday, 2/21:
   1. 9:00am-1:30pm - Classes visit artifact display in library.  PARENT VOLUNTEERS read culture-based stories.
   2. 9:00am-1:30pm - Classes will work on Chinese New Year lanterns.
   3. 10:30am-1:30pm - staff lunch
   4. 2:00-3:00pm - Fashion show and assembly in the gym

Edison High School

Athletic Boosters

Bingo Night

Saturday, February 23, 6-9pm, Edison Cafeteria

Join the Edison Athletic Boosters for FUN, FOOD, and PRIZES!  Each game winner picks from an awesome assortment of themed prize baskets donated by their athletic teams.  Raffle tickets available for purchase with great prizes to be won - so don't forget your CASH!

Advanced ticket prices (through 2/22) at http://www.edisonboosters.org/:

• $5/student (18 yrs or younger) & Edison staff
• $10/adult (age 18+)
• $30/family (2 adults & up to 3 kids)

At-the-door ticket prices:

• $7/student & Edison staff
• $12/adult
• $35/family

***Booster members - show your pass and get a FREE chance to win a prize!

PTA Restaurant Night: Tuesday, February 26, 5-8pm

Chick-fil-A on Backlick Road

Come join the PTA for dinner out.  The PTA will receive a percentage of all sales made during the above hours.

2nd graders working with Lego WeDo in the library.

Franconia PTA Bingo & Raffle Night

Friday, March 8, 5pm

The PTA's Annual Basket Bingo and Community Raffle event is scheduled for Friday, March 8, from 5:30-8:00pm (doors open at 5:00), in the school gym. This is a fun event that the entire family will enjoy!

Food from the Red Hot and Blue food truck will be available for purchase.

Lots of work goes into making this event a success, so we are looking for MANY volunteers.  Sign-up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084fa5ad2da5fd0-fesbingo.

***This is NOT a drop-off event - all children must be supervised by an adult.

For any questions you may have, please contact Heather Viehl-Yee, PTA President, at hviehl@hotmail.com.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

Due by FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Order envelopes for the 2018-2019 Franconia yearbook went home in today's yellow folders.

The cost per yearbook is $17.00.

To order online, go to http://www.virginia.preorderphotos.com, and use access code X34SM9.

If using the order envelope, USE ONE PER STUDENT.  Include payment of cash or check (made out to Scherling Photography).

Extra yearbooks will not be available for sale at a later time, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

Because school is a time to think, create, share, and grow. -American Libraries Association

Mustang Wall of Fame

February's Wall of Fame Students*

Each month, 1 student from each grade is RANDOMLY selected to be part of the Wall of Fame.  Next time you visit the office, take a look at the Wall of Fame pictures!

We ask each Wall of Fame student 3 questions:

• What is your favorite school subject?
• What is your favorite activity outside of school?
• Why do you love being a Franconia Mustang?

Here’s what they had to say:

Kindergarten – Jacob F.
  • Science
  • Playing outside with my friends
  • Because it's fun

First grade – Juliette H.
  • Math
  • Reading books
  • I love the playground and that all of my teachers are so nice

Second grade – Angel R.

Third grade – Alexander B.
  • Math
  • Basketball
  • Because we love each other and we are kind

Fourth grade – Sawera K.
  • Math
  • Gymnastics
  • It's a friendly environment and it makes learning fun

Fifth grade – Anton K.
  • Math
  • Talk with my friends
  • It's fun learning

Sixth grade – Janiyah C.
  • Math
  • Gymnastics
  • It's a friendly environment and it makes learning fun

*Students are randomly selected to have their picture displayed in the office for a month.

Notes from the School Counselor

Hello Parents,

In the month of January, our school reflected on the character trait, "acceptance" - including and respecting EVERYONE, regardless of race, gender, disability, or religion.  Students had the opportunity to vote for students in their class that demonstrated acceptance.  The names of those students who were nominated are:

Kindergarten - Taj, Jonathan, Madeline, Faria

First Grade -Basma, Arjun, Asif

Second Grade - Pax, Isabella, Rahaf, Amina

Third Grade - Samuel, Molly, Alaya

Fourth Grade - Yara, Becca

Fifth Grade - Lennon, Jessica, Eric

Sixth Grade - Isabelle, Angel

The next character trait we will focus on will be, "self-control" - the ability to control behavior and emotions.

For further questions and concerns or for individual student referrals, please contact Veronica Guillion, School Counselor, 703-822-2256.

Job Openings for School Bus Drivers

FCPS is in critical need of more drivers for its large fleet of school buses.

Pay starts at $19.01/hour.

• Excellent benefits
• Excellent perks
• Driver requirements
• Advancement opportunities

For more information, go to this link: https://www.fcps.edu/busdrivers.

FCPS Parent Resource Center

Learn More About This FREE Resource for Parents

The Resource Center provides resources, information, and consultations to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

Free Workshops and Consultations

Attend our research-based, professional workshops to learn the latest information to help your child succeed.  We offer supportive and confidential consultations to answer questions, find resources and discuss concerns you may have about your child.  Register for workshops at https:/www.fcps.edu/node/28279.

February's workshops:

Sibshops

An exciting workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special needs! Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services, Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-5 who have siblings with special needs enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. The workshop is a way for children to meet other siblings in a fun, recreational setting, celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences and receive peer support. Participants may register for one, two or all workshops. Registration is free, however donations will be accepted to support the cost of materials and food. Registration is required and limited, please register early.

Two Workshop Days:

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 9:00am-12:00pm

Friday, April 5, 2019, 9:00am-12:00pm

This workshop will be held at Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031

Register for Sibshops

Mind in the Making: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky, encompasses an evidence-based list of life skills that are essential for children to succeed socially, emotionally and intellectually in the short and long term. Self-Directed, engaged learning is one of the seven essential life skills. In this workshop participants will learn strategies for improving this skill, it's importance in children's lives and activities to promote Self-Directed, engaged learning. This is part seven of seven in the Mind in the Making series. Participants may register for one or all of the workshops and do not need to attend the previous class. Registration is limited, please register early. This workshop is for adults only.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm

Register for Mind in the Making: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

Selective Mutism

Learn about the diagnosis of Selective Mutism and how symptoms are maintained and persist. Find out ways you can successfully support your child in being brave to overcome their fear of speaking, both at school and out in the world. Dr. Kristin Swanson is a clinical psychologist, specializing in work with young children (ages 2 to 12) and their families. She works with children with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs, with a particular interest in anxiety disorders. Over the past couple of years, Dr. Swanson has developed an expertise in Selective Mutism, and works to support families in helping their children overcome their fear of speaking.

Friday, February 22, 2019, 10:00am-12:00pm

Register for Selective Mutism

Super Transition Saturday

Planning for Elementary, Middle and High School Students: Start Smart and Finish Strong. This workshop is for parents and educators of students receiving special education services. Learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities. Breakout sessions will cover postsecondary education support services, employment and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success and in-school CTS supports that are available to all Fairfax County Public School students as they progress through the secondary years toward graduation and beyond. This event also includes a student/parent panel where members describe their personal experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process.

FCPS educators register on MyPLT to receive 4.5 re-certification points.

Saturday, February 23, 2019, 8:30am-12:15pm

Snow Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019

This event will be held at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042

Lending Library

Thousands of books, DVDs and CDs on a wide variety of topics.  Check out up to 6 items and keep them for 3 weeks.  Call us and we can have library materials ready for you to pick up!  Search for a book, DVD, or CD on the FCPS website.  Search ~ Parent Resource Center library.

Tutor Lists, Resource Guides and Special Needs Summer Camps

Call our office to get the most up to date information to support students and their families.

News You Choose

Sign up for News You Choose to receive monthly emails about upcoming events.  Visit the FCPS website, search Parent Resource Center and scroll to the bottom to sign up.

Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services
2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 105
Dunn Loring, VA  22027
Email: prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941
Monday - Friday, 8am-4pm
www.fcps.edu - search Parent Resource Center

The FCPS Cares Program

Nominate a FCPS employee for recognition

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.  We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

Please visit the FCPS Cares web page.

Mustang Events:

Mustang Mainstays

Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue/Blackboard 24/7, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Blackboard 24/7 and SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• 2017-2018 School Calendar
• FCPS Main Website

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter