 Our Second Grade Students are Coding!
Over the last three weeks second grade students have been collaborating as teams to learn how to code a KIBO robot! Students learned how to create a sequence to model the life cycle of a butterfly using the KIBO as a part of FCPS’s new computer science curriculum for second grade.
Forestdale Honored for Equity Achievement
Last month Forestdale Elementary School was one of the first schools in Fairfax County to receive a new award given by the FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Brabrand. Our school team received the Excellence in Equity Award for Closing the Gap and Raising the Bar for Students in Mathematics. That means that Forestdale was recognized for achieving one of the top ten highest average increases across all reporting groups in mathematics on the 2018-2019 Standards of Learning Mathematics test. Way to go, Forestdale!
Join us on Veterans Day!
Come join us at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 11 to celebrate and honor our veterans. The Veterans Day Assembly will start at 9:15 a.m. in the gym. This morning of celebration will include learning about the reason Veterans Day is celebrated and the annual tradition of placing flags in our front lawn!
Are you a veteran? Are you an active member of the military? We would welcome an opportunity to honor you and listen to your story about what Veterans Day means to you. Please contact us at 703-313-4300 or by using this Google Form to let us know if you would like to be introduced to our Forestdale Falcons and if you would like to share a few words with them.
And…Stay for our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon and Open House!
Our Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon will also be held on November 11, 2019. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, fresh fruit, and the company of your child. Sounds irresistible!
To save time and help our lines move quickly, all lunch tickets must be purchased prior to entering the cafeteria. Please put money on your student’s lunch account or send in cash for their meal. Student lunches are $3.25. All visitors will be asked to pay for their lunch in the school lobby for $4.50 per person. This includes all adults and siblings who do not attend Forestdale. Please come prepared to pay with cash or check for your meal. We cannot process any electronic payments.
The lunch/open house schedule can be found here. (English, Spanish)
Level IV Advanced Academic Information Night
Ms. Spengler, the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, is hosting a Level IV Full-Time Advanced Academic Program Information Night on Wednesday, December 4 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in school the library. All interested parents of students in grades 2-6 are welcome to attend. Ms. Spengler will cover the referral process including deadlines, work samples, and the role parents play in the process. As a reminder, the deadline for referring students for Level IV Services is January 9, 2020. More information regarding the process can be found at here.
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Dr. Brabrand Visits Forestdale to Learn about our Caring Culture
Check out Dr. Brabrand's video of his visit to Forestdale on September 19, 2019! We really enjoyed visiting with the Superintendent of Schools! Click on the photo to watch the video.
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NNAT3 Testing on November 12 – 15 for Grade 1
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test Third Edition (NNAT3) will be administered to first grade students and select students in grades 2 -6 from November 12 - 15, 2019. It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this time period. It is also important that your child has had a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing.
The NNAT3 is a nonverbal measure of general intellectual ability. The test evaluates a student’s reasoning and problem-solving skills through the identification of patterns involving geometric shapes and pictorial designs. The test is designed to assess ability without requiring the student to read, write, or speak. Students are not expected to know the answers to all questions and will be given opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test. The NNAT3 is an abilities test, so children are not expected to study or prepare for the test the way they would for an achievement test.
Score reports will be provided to parents once scores become available. Typically, these reports are available several months after the test is taken. If you have any questions about this test, please contact the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Katelyn Spengler, or the Assistant Principal, Jenny Cunneen, at 703-313-4300.
Nominate a Staff Member for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Forestdale Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination by clicking on the category and completing the Google form. You may nominate an employee in one or more categories. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Within their first three years of being a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years’ experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal): Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership. Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee. Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons
Note: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 22, 2019.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Edwards at jledwards@fcps.edu.
Upcoming Dates:
November 11 – Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Luncheon and Open House; more information above
November 12-15 – NNAT2 testing for grade 1 and select 2-6 students; more information above
November 14-15 – Dental Screenings for PK – Grade 3; information in today's take Home Thursday Envelope
November 18 – Picture retakes; November PTA Meeting, 6 p.m. in the school library
November 18-22 – Fall Book Fair
November 21 – Book Fair is open from 4-6 p.m.
November 25 – Book Fair ends at noon
November 27-29 – Thanksgiving Holiday, no school
December 3 – PTA Dinner Night at Noodles & Company from 4-8 p.m.; more information to come
December 4 – AAP Level IV Information Night from 6-7 p.m.; more information above
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