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Wow - these girls are all about dressing up as their favorite person during Read Across America week! Go Rosie, Rosa, and Frida!
Mark Your Calendar Now!
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 5.
Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
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
Twain MS Community Night
Thursday, March 14, 6:00-8:00pm
Come and meet Twain's students and faculty and learn what makes Mark Twain MS so special. Community Night is a fun night of food, learning, and games. All community members are welcome - former, current, and future students are invited!
Mark Twain Middle School - 4700 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
6:00-8:00pm
FREE admission
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Food - pizza, Chick-fil-A, popcorn, cake, and other sweets
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Activities - Beat Cafe, Paint a Paw, Petting Zoo, Putt Putt Golf, and more
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Raffle prizes - gift cards to restaurants, fitness clubs, pool memberships, sporting clubs, local theaters, and more
- Cash or credit is accepted for concessions, spirit wear, and raffle tickets.
***This is a family event - no students will be admitted without an adult.
(Sponsored by the MTMS staff and MTMS PTA)
Barn Hill Preserve is coming to Franconia!
Monday, March 18
Franconia Elementary welcomes Barn Hill Preserve to present an educational animal program!
There will be two school-wise assemblies for this event:
- 9:00-10:30 for grades K-2
- 12:30-2:00 for grades 3-6
In order to attend the assembly, each student must turn in a signed permission slip. For a copy of the permission slip, go here. On this form, there are also options to have a picture taken of your child with an animal - this is OPTIONAL. If you choose any of these options, please send in payment with the permission slip (cash or check payable to "Barn Hill Reserve").
Barn Hill Preserve's FREE mobile program consists of one, 45-minute oral presentation on our LIVE animal ambassadors. Their program offers students the unique experience to get up close and personal with animals they may have never seen before! Students participate by asking questions, getting involved in demonstrations, and responding to the speaker, making our program both educational and entertaining!
Their enthusiastic public speakers tailor the presentation to the age of their audience and regularly present to students pre-K - 12th grade.
For more information: https://www.barnhillpreserve.com/ or contact Claire Branson (Franconia Kindergarten teacher) at cebranson@fcps.edu.
PTA Restaurant Night
IHOP - Monday, March 25, 5-8pm
Join the Franconia PTA at IHOP at Manchester Lakes, from 4-8pm, to raise money for the school.
The school will receive a percentage of the proceeds of all sales between 4:00 and 8:00pm.
To print out the flyer for this event, click here.
For any questions you may have, contact the PTA Restaurant Night Coordinator, Jennifer Deems, at jenniferdeems@gmail.com.
YEARBOOK ORDERS
Due by FRIDAY, MARCH 29
Extra order envelopes are available in the school office.
The cost per yearbook is $17.00.
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!
Spring Picture Day
Tuesday, April 2
Scherling Photography will be here to take individual pictures of each student as well as class pictures.
INDIVIDUAL PICTURES:
- There will be no pre-orders of the individual pictures.
- A proof picture will be sent home along with an order form approximately 3 weeks AFTER picture day.
CLASS PICTURES:
- Class order forms will be sent home in Wednesday folders on 3/13/19.
- Those order forms (with payment enclosed) should be brought to school by picture day - 4/2.
- The cost for a class picture is $11 - cash or check (made out to Scherling Photography) is accepted payment.
Edison Pyramid Choir Concert
(re-scheduled from January)
Wednesday, April 3, 7:30pm
Join the Franconia Choir, along with choirs from the other elementary schools in the Edison Pyramid, the Twain Middle School Choirs, and the Edison Choirs for a night of singing in the Edison High School gym.
Franconia students are asked to wear their GREEN chorus shirts and black pants.
Seating for friends and families is very limited - Franconia will sit on one side of the gym or the other - look for a "Franconia" sign above the bleachers.
OPTION FOR PURCHASING PIZZA: If your child wishes to eat pizza, there is a $5 charge (also includes a soda and chips). Your child should bring $5 (cash) with them to Edison at 5:00pm.
SCHEDULE FOR CHOIR STUDENTS:
5:00 - arrive to Edison cafeteria for pizza
5:15 - arrive to Edison cafeteria and find the Franconia group
5:30-5:50 - Franconia will rehearse "Quiet Sea" and "Gallop"
5:50-6:20 - full rehearsal, including the National Anthem and "I Ask For One Day"
6:20 - gym opens to audience
6:30 - concert begins
For more information, go to the Franconia website here.
Edison High School
5801 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
For any questions you may have, contact the Franconia music teacher, Jen Lucius, at jdlucius@fcps.edu.
Kindergarten Open House
Friday, April 5, 2:00-3:00pm
If you have a child who will be in Kindergarten at Franconia ES in the Fall, please join us for our Kindergarten Open House in the school cafeteria.
There will be a presentation given by our Kindergarten teachers and meanwhile, the rising Kindergarteners will have an opportunity to experience a school bus ride to prepare for the fall.
After the presentation and bus ride, there will be open time to circulate through the Kindergarten classrooms.
No RSVP is required and it is not a requirement to have already registered your child. Please come and learn all about our Kindergarten program!
For more information, visit here.
Spring PTA Book Fair
Sales begin Tuesday, 4/9, at 4:00pm in library
- Set-up for the Spring Book Fair will begin on Friday, April 5, in the library.
- Classes will preview the fair on Monday and Tuesday morning.
- Sales will begin on Tuesday, 4/9, at 4:00pm.
- Sales hours are as follows:
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Tuesday, 4/9, 4:00-6:00pm
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Wednesday, 4/10, 9:00am-12:00pm
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Wednesday, 4/10, 4:00-7:30pm (FAMILY NIGHT)
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Thursday, 4/11, 9:00am-12:00pm
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Thursday, 4/11, 4:00-6:00pm
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Friday, 4/12, 9:00am-12:00pm
- Accepted payment is cash, check, and charge.
For any additional questions you may have, please contact the PTA Book Fair Chair, Teresa Lantin, at corvaraprncs@yahoo.com.
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Because school is a time to think, create, share, and grow.
-American Libraries Association
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Notes from the School Counselor
Grade level guidance topics for this month:
Kindergarten - What is whole body listening and what does it look like?
First Grade - What is whole body listening and what does it look like?
Second Grade - Forgiveness
Third Grade - Learning the importance of having a flexible mindset
Fourth Grade - Using I-Messages to resolve peer conflict
Fifth Grade - The benefits and risks of digital friendships
Sixth Grade - Sexual harassment (Part 1) [Parent opt-out letters required if not attending this session]
For further questions and concerns or for individual student referrals, please contact Veronica Guillion, School Counselor, 703-822-2256.
Mustang Wall of Fame
March'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 – Callan A.
• Science
• Play on my 3DS
• Because I can learn lots of stuff
First grade – Luciana M-M.
• Art and reading
• Play with my friends on family road trips
• All the teachers are very nice and because I have a lot of friends
Second grade – Maya A.
• Specials
• I like to go to the pool
• Because I like school and Mustangs are one of my favorite animals
Third grade – Ariana G.
• Reading
• Playing outside
• Because of my friends and teacher
Fourth grade – Dylan S.
• Math
• Play Fortnite
• The teachers make learning fun
Fifth grade – Elena B.
• Writing
• Draw
• I love being with my friends
Sixth grade – Julia J.
• Reading/writing
• Tumbling and cheer
• All of the teachers are friendly and helpful
*Students are randomly selected to have their picture displayed in the office for a month.
Kindergarteners are exploring Ozobots.
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.
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.
March'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.
Workshop Days
Friday, April 5, 2019, 9 a.m.-noon
This workshop will be held at Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Register for Sibshops
Technology Tools to Support Executive Functioning
Join Assistive Technology Services to learn about technology tools to support executive functioning skills and how they may impact your child’s learning. Many students struggle with planning, organizing, and managing tasks, which impacts their academic achievement. This workshop will focus on strategies and technology tools that can help support students with executive functioning challenges and improve their independence. Learn how to use and implement technology tools such as low-tech strategies, apps and computer-based tools to facilitate the following executive functioning skills: self-management, information management, time management and materials management.
Friday, March 15, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon
Register for Technology Tools to Support Executive Functioning
Collaborative IEP Meetings: Parents as Partners
Join us for this important workshop for parents of children receiving special education services. Parents are essential partners in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. Strategies to support your role in your child's IEP meetings will be shared and highlights include: the IEP process and its components, your role in the IEP meeting, responsibilities of the IEP team members and planning for your child's IEP meeting.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Register for Collaborative IEP Meetings: Parents as Partners
Assistive Technology to Support Communication
This workshop, presented by FCPS Assistive Technology Services will feature a basic overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) best practices. Starting with a presentation of core vocabulary and communication partner modeling, this session will finish with ideas for implementing AAC across the day, including strategies to be used at home. Highlights will include AAC common tools, visual strategies and ideas for modeling language, which can be useful to support students of all ages at home and school who struggle with communication.
Friday, March 22, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon
Register for Assistive Technology to Support Communication
Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know
What is Teen Depression? This workshop presented by Dr. Kathryn DeLonga, PsyD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Mood Brain and Development Unit Psychological Treatment Program at the National Institute for Mental Health, will highlight the prevalence of major depressive disorder and how to identify depression in teenagers. A brain-based understanding of depression will be presented along with elements of recovery and strategies for treatment. Parents will be provided with strategies to use to help their teenagers.
Friday, March 29, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon
Register for Teen Depression: What Parents Need to Know
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.
WEEK OF 3/18
- 3/18: School-wide assembly in gym (Barnhill Preserve)
- 3/20: Mr. Nawrot’s Art Club (3:40-4:40pm in room 105)
WEEK OF 3/25
- 3/25: PTA Restaurant Night at IHOP (4:00-8:00pm)
- 3/27: SCA meeting (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
WEEK OF 4/1
- 4/2: 5th grade field trip to Newseum
- 4/2: Picture Day – individual/class/6th pano/staff group (in gym)
- 4/3: Mr. Nawrot’s Art Club (3:40-4:40pm in room 105)
- 4/3: ***RE-SCHEDULED Edison Pyramid Choir concert (7:30pm in EHS gym)
- 4/4: 3rd quarter grading period ends
- 4/5: Set-up for Book Fair in library
- 4/5: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 4/5: Kindergarten Open House (2:00-3:00pm in cafeteria)
Mustang Mainstays
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
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