Mustang Message 5-1-19

trait

 

A couple of the winners of April's Character Trait of "responsibility."

 


Mark Your Calendar Now!

NO SCHOOL on Monday, May 27, due to the Memorial Day Holiday.  School re-opens on Tuesday, May 28.

 

The last day of school is Thursday, June 13.  It will be a TWO HOUR early dismissal (school will dismiss at 1:30pm).

 

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

 


IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

The email address fesattendance1@gmail.com is no longer in use.  To submit attendance information (absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups), please use one of the following methods:

Online attendance portal

Call 703-822-2222 (school attendance number)

franconiaelem.attendance@fcps.edu

 


IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S MEAL ACCOUNT

Please remember to add money to your child’s school nutrition account.  All accounts must be brought current before the end of the school year in June.

 


patrol

 

School Safety Patrols for 2019-2020

Schedule for rest of school year 2018-2019

Attention current 4th and 5th graders: You are invited to try-out and join the Franconia Elementary School Safety Patrols.  If you decide to try-out for the Franconia Safety Patrols, you will need to go over the try-out schedule listed below and discuss with your family.  The application form and patrol contract must be signed [by your teacher and parent/guardian] and returned to Mr. Aracich by the end of the day on Friday, April 26Applications turned in after that date will not be accepted.

In order to become a patrol for the rest of this school year and next year, each nominee must complete the try-out process satisfactorily, meet all deadlines, times, and dates successfully.

April 11 - Patrol applications for school year 2019-2020 available.

April 11 - April 26 - Students interested in becoming a patrol complete application (teacher recommendations and parent permission required) and return to Mr. Aracich by the end of the day Friday, April 26.

April 26 - May 3 - Sponsor (Mr. Aracich) reviews applicants.

May 6 - New patrols announced on patrol board (in gym) and meeting takes place in gym @ 8:45.

May 6 - May 10 - New patrols begin training from current patrols.  New patrols study written materials for written test on May 13.  ***Returning patrols do not need to take test again.

May 13 - New patrols take patrol test.

May 14 - New patrols take over for 2018-2019 patrols.

May 14 (8:45-9:00am in gym) - Induction ceremony, new patrols/officers introduced, and 6th grade patrols retire. ****Parents are welcome to attend****

To print a copy of this schedule and the application, click here.

For any questions you may have, contact Chris Aracich (Franconia PE teacher in charge of safety patrols), at cmaracich@fcps.edu.

 


girlscouts

 

Girl Scout Brownies Service Project

During the month of April, Franconia Brownie Troop 53002 will be collecting old mascara wands which they will clean and send to a wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit in Western North Carolina.  They use the old mascara wands to help remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of animals.  The wands work great because the bristles are so close together and gentle to use on the injured and orphaned wild animals receiving care.

Please send in old mascara tubes by Friday, May 3.  Your child can give the wands to his/her teacher or drop them in a box near the front office.  For more information on the program, please contact the troop leader, Shona Stanish (shona.stanish@gmail.com) or visit www.AppalachianWild.org.

 


staff

 

Dear Franconia Families,

The contributions of our teachers and staff are shaping the future of the Franconia community and the world.  Each staff member plays a vital role in helping students learn and grow.

To thank the Franconia Elementary staff for all their hard work and dedication to our students, we invite you to show your appreciation during Staff Appreciation Week.  We have provided some examples below on how students/families can show their appreciation – these are simply suggestions.  Feel free to participate when and as you are able.

✿ MONDAY (5/6): SNACK DAY
Kids bring their teacher a yummy snack or drink (refer to staff interest list here).  Also on Monday, PTA will serve a catered lunch for all staff.

TUESDAY (5/7): FLOWER DAY
Students can bring in, draw, or make their teacher a flower.

WEDNESDAY (5/8): SPECIALS DAY
Have your child write a note, draw a picture and/or bring a treat for one of our wonderful specialists — Art, PE, Music, Librarian, Reading Specialist, School Based Technology Specialist, Counselor, SOL, and Special Education Teachers (refer to staff interest list here).

Also on Wednesday, PTA will serve an afternoon "pick me up" coffee/tea dessert bar in the afternoon.  Please use the Sign-Up Genius link to contribute to this event.

THURSDAY (5/9): SCHOOL SUPPLY DAY
Bring in a needed school supply for the classroom or consider giving a gift card to Target, Walmart, etc so the teachers can buy needed supplies (refer to staff interest list here).

✿ FRIDAY (5/10): THANK YOU DAY
Have your child make a thank you card, write a poem, or draw a picture for his or her teacher.

Also on Friday, PTA will serve breakfast for all staff.  Please sign-up to contribute to this event on Sign-Up Genius link.

** Each morning, a gift card raffle will be done on the morning news and 3 staff members each day will win a gift card to various places.  Gift cards will be provided by the PTA.**

 


testing

 

Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing

Grades 3 - 6

May 6 - June 7

To obtain the re-take permission form, click here.

THIRD GRADE

  • Tuesday, 5/14 - Reading, part 1
  • Wednesday, 5/15 - Reading, part 2
  • Tuesday, 5/28 - Math, part 1
  • Wednesday, 5/29 - Math, part 2
  • Tuesday, 6/4 - Expedited re-takes in reading
  • Thursday, 6/6 - Expedited re-takes in math

FOURTH GRADE

  • Monday, 5/6 - Reading, part 1
  • Tuesday, 5/7 - Reading, part 2
  • Friday, 5/17 - VA Studies
  • Thursday, 5/23 - Math, part 1
  • Friday, 5/24 - Math, part 2
  • Monday, 6/3 - Expedited re-takes in reading
  • Wednesday, 6/5 - Expedited re-takes in VA Studies
  • Thursday, 6/6 - Expedited re-takes in math

FIFTH GRADE

  • Wednesday, 5/8 - Reading, part 1
  • Thursday, 5/9 - Reading, part 2
  • Thursday, 5/16 - Science
  • Tuesday, 5/21 - Math, part 1
  • Wednesday, 5/22 - Math, part 2
  • Monday, 6/3 - Expedited re-takes in reading
  • Wednesday, 6/5 - Expedited re-takes in science
  • Friday, 6/7 - Expedited re-takes in math

SIXTH GRADE

  • Friday, 5/10 - Reading
  • Thursday, 5/30 - Math (6th grade math for 6th graders and advanced  math 5th graders) and (7th grade math for advanced math 6th graders)
  • Tuesday, 6/4 - Expedited re-takes in reading
  • Thursday, 6/6 - Expedited re-takes in 7th grade math (advanced math 6th graders)
  • Friday, 6/7 - Expedited re-takes in 6th grade math (6th graders and advanced math 5th graders)

MAKE-UPS

  • Monday, 5/13
  • Monday, 5/20
  • Tuesday, 5/28
  • Wednesday, 5/29
  • Friday, 5/31

 


con

 

Library Comic Con

Saturday, May 11
10 am - 3 pm
Providence Community Center
3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA

“Geek out” at our third annual celebration of comic books, science fiction, fantasy, TV, movies, and more.  Workshops, artists, vendors, swag, gaming, food trucks, and cosplay.

Family-friendly costumes encouraged.

Co-sponsored by Neighborhood and Community Services, the Friends of
the Chantilly Regional Library and the Friends of the Oakton Library.

No registration necessary.  For more information, call 703-324-8428.

Note: Parking is limited. Vienna Metro Station/parking is a short walk away. Shuttle bus service provided.

 


library

Because school is a time to think, create, share, and grow.

-American Libraries Association


tech

 

A member of the WFES News Crew on the technical side of things.

 


counselor

Notes from the School Counselor

Hello Parents,

In the month of March, our school reflected on the character trait, "responsibility" - doing what's expected and owning your actions and behaviors.  Students had the opportunity to vote for students in their class that demonstrated responsibility.  The names of those students who were nominated are:

Kindergarten - Jenna, Aubrey, Juliette, Zachary

First Grade - Sam, Ava

Second Grade - Jonathan, Asimina, Carmen

Third Grade - Maizie, Quin, Joelle, Hope

Fourth Grade - Ahnaf, Devon

Fifth Grade - Alex, Leilah, Isaac

Sixth Grade - Ian, Alex, Ryan

The next character trait we will focus on will be, "resilience" - .

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

 


bus

 

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.

 

May's workshops:

High School Prep: A Strategic Transition from Middle School to High School

If you’ve got a tween, you know that middle school is no cake walk. Multiple teachers, personal schedule responsibility, and long-term assignments all require more independent thought and focus. In ninth grade, that reality gets kicked up a notch. Join the PRC for this workshop to learn:

  • How to finish middle school strong while building positive habits for the future.
  • How to make the shift from guided to independent learning so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed or lost.
  • The secret to effective time management as a high-school student balancing academics with sports, activities, friends, and work.
  • How your teen can manage his or her all-important social life so it doesn’t interfere with school.

This workshop is presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., educational consultant and award-winning author. Ann is the President and Director of Educational Connections, Inc.

Thursday, May 2, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon

Register for High School Prep: A Strategic Transition from Middle School to High School

Digital Citizenship:Tips for Parents

As parents in the digital age, being aware, alert and involved in your children’s use of the internet is crucial. What else can you do to keep your child safe on the internet? Digital Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior, its positive and negative impact on self and others, with regard to technology use. It is important for parents to help their child become safe, ethical, responsible and respectful digital citizens. Join the PRC for this workshop to learn necessary supports so all students have a safe online space in which to learn healthy, and respectful technology use at home and school. Richard Stegman, Andrea Jones and Erika Deem, members of the FCPS Digital Citizenship team will present this workshop for all parents.

Friday, May 10, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon

Register for Digital Citizenship: Tips for Parents

Emergency Preparedness for Parents of Students with Disabilities

For the millions of Americans with disabilities, natural and human-made disasters present a substantial challenge. Fairfax County’s Office of Emergency Management is committed to the inclusion of all by spreading the message of preparedness to its residents with disabilities and access and functional needs. Join the Office of Emergency Management for a discussion on emergency preparedness for your family, plans that exist in Fairfax County for evacuation and sheltering, and accommodations that might be needed during an emergency for your child.

Friday, May 17, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon

Register for Emergency Preparedness for Parents of Students with Disabilities

 

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:

WEEK OF 4/29

  • 5/2: Talent show auditions all day on stage
  • 5/2: Kindergarten field trip to the Franconia Fire House
  • 5/3: News Crew slots announced/posted
  • 5/3: 5th grade GATP presentations [L. Snyder/Hicks] (10:30am-12:15pm in rooms 157 & 160)
  • 5/3: 5th grade GATP celebration [L. Snyder/Hicks] (12:15-1:00pm in library)

 

WEEK OF 5/6

  • 5/6 - 5/10: National Nurses Week
  • 5/6 – 5/10: Staff Appreciation Week
  • 5/6: 3rd grade field trip to Frying Pan Park (9:30am-2:00pm)
  • 5/6: SOL – 4th grade reading, part 1
  • 5/7: SOL – 4th grade reading, part 2
  • 5/8: SOL – 5th grade reading, part 1
  • 5/9: SOL – 5th grade reading, part 2
  • 5/10: SOL – 6th grade reading
  • 5/10: Box Tops for PTA due

 

WEEK OF 5/13

  • 5/13: SOL – Makeups
  • 5/14: SOL – 3rd grade reading, part 1
  • 5/14: Environmental Club (3:30-4:30pm in room 158)
  • 5/14: PTA meeting (7:00pm in room 105) [note: location change]
  • 5/15: SCA meeting (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
  • 5/15: SOL – 3rd grade reading, part 2
  • 5/15: 4th quarter interims go home
  • 5/15: Mr. Nawrot’s Art club (3:40-4:40pm in room 105)
  • 5/16: SOL – 5th grade science
  • 5/17: SOL – 4th grade VA Studies

 

WEEK OF 5/20

  • 5/20: SOL – makeups
  • 5/21: SOL – 5th grade math, part 1
  • 5/22: SOL – 5th grade math, part 2
  • 5/23: SOL – 4th grade math, part 1
  • 5/24: SOL – 4th grade math, part 2

 


Mustang Mainstays

Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website