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Photos of the Week
Check out this week’s photos to see students giving back to their community, solving equations, visiting a local college, hearing from student authors, and participating in a run-a-thon.
Calendar Reminder: Schools Closed November 27-29 for Thanksgiving Break
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed November 27-29 for Thanksgiving break. Please note that like last year, Wednesday, November 27, is a holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. See the complete 2019-20 school year calendar.
FCPS Wins First Place in 2019 Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools has been awarded first place in the academic category of the 2019 Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards, sponsored by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council. The awards showcase how organizations across Virginia save money on energy bills while reducing energy consumption and stimulating job growth and the economy.
Learn more about the Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards.
In Case You Missed It: 2020-21 School Year Calendar Announced
In case you missed it over the summer, the 2020-21 school year calendar has been announced. For planning purposes, notable dates include: first day of school - Tuesday, August 26, 2020; Thanksgiving break - November 26-28, 2020; Winter Break - December 21, 2020-January 1, 2021; Spring Break - March 29, 2021- April 2, 2021 (Note: Monday, April 5, 2021, is a teacher workday and a holiday for students); Last day of school for students - Friday, June 11, 2021. See the complete 2020-21 school year calendar.
FCPS Cares of the Month for October
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. All FCPS Cares submissions were reviewed and six winners were selected for the month of October—one for each region and the central office—to receive extra recognition for their work. They are:
- Central Office: Jennifer Craft, Department of Special Services, Montrose Alternative Learning Center.
- Region 1: Luis Villalta, Clearview Elementary School.
- Region 2: Brian Stagliano, McLean High School.
- Region 3: Andrea Cabrera, Lynbrook Elementary School.
- Region 4: Mindy Flory, Rolling Valley Elementary School.
- Region 5: Amy Hansen, Frost Middle School.
Get more information about the winners and how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond.
Absences Add Up! Schedule Family Travel During School Breaks
Fairfax County Public Schools is required to keep track of student participation in school, through attendance reporting to the state of Virginia. You may have received one or more calls or electronic messages when your student did not arrive in class on time, or when the school was not notified that the student would be absent.
It is vital that parents access the school attendance phone line or attendance e-mail when they know that their students will miss school. Knowing the reason why students are absent helps school personnel understand if a specific reason (such as illness or family hardship) is keeping them out of school.
When parents know that their students must be out for a specific period (more than a day), they can access and submit a prearranged absence form. This must be done at least three to five days in advance of the absence. This gives administrators and teachers time to consider the work, tests, and projects the student may need to turn in on the student’s return to school. Parents should avoid end-of-semester or end-of-course exam periods; state testing periods; etc., when making plans. Please make every effort to arrange travel during school breaks.
Absences add up, and research indicates that missing 10 percent of the school year, for any reason, can have a negative impact on student success. Learn more about FCPS’ attendance expectations.
Video: Dance for Kindness at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School
Bailey's Upper Elementary School students and teachers kicked off the worldwide Dance for Kindness event. Worldwide choreographer for the event and Bailey's Upper Elementary School Dance and Movement teacher Becky Epstein led the dancers through expressions of kindness which helped students embody the message. Watch the video.
FCPS YouTube Channel
Want to see other great videos featuring FCPS students and staff members? Check out the FCPS Channel on YouTube.
Two FCPS Teachers Earn Virginia Art Education Association Teacher of the Year Awards
Two Fairfax County Public Schools art educators have been recognized by the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) with Teacher of the Year awards for their dedication and outstanding commitment to students. The VAEA awards, determined through a peer review of nominations, recognize the exemplary contributions, service, and achievements of outstanding VAEA members annually. These awards exemplify the highly qualified art educators active in education today: leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give their best to their students and the profession.
See who received the VAEA Teacher of the Year awards.
FCPS Participating in Equity Town Hall Event on December 3
FCPS will be participating in a town hall meeting to discuss the division’s new equity initiatives at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church.
Superintendent Scott Brabrand and Chief Equity Officer Francisco Duran are scheduled to appear. The event is open to all FCPS parents and guardians, staff members, and high school students.
RSVPs are requested and can be completed online.
From the Healthy Minds Blog: Reducing Holiday Stress
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving, the start of the holiday season, is right around the corner. This season can provide opportunities for families to spend time together and be grateful for their loved ones. However, the long to-do lists, packed schedules, and high costs are natural triggers for elevated stress levels in families.
Even if no one wants to admit it, most families experience different effects of stress during the holiday season. Couples arguing over finances, children having temper tantrums in the mall, having a lack of appetite, and losing sleep are all effects of stress. This year, try some new strategies from the experts with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Parenting Education Programs to reduce stress and find joy during the holidays.
Note: The Healthy Minds blog is for parents, educators, and community-based providers who are interested in supporting student mental health and wellness. It represents a collaboration between FCPS’ Office of Intervention and Prevention Services and the Fairfax County Government.
Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available for Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools Annual Luncheon on December 4 at Fairview Park Marriott
On Wednesday, December 4, the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools will host its annual luncheon, Leaders and Learners: Investing in the Workforce of Tomorrow. The theme of the event reflects the convergence of business and community with public education in Fairfax. Attendees will hear a message from the Superintendent and from the Foundation’s teacher grant recipients.
The keynote address will be delivered by Colonel Michael Greenberg, Garrison Commander at United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, who offers unique insight into the relationship between the schools and the military community. The Foundation will recognize a business champion and celebrate a homegrown success story with the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award, presented to Reggie Aggarwal, CEO of Cvent.
Proceeds from the event support the Foundation's programs, including the Innovation Grant program which funds work-based learning opportunities in the classroom for students. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairview Park Marriott. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through the Foundation’s website.
 Follow Fairfax County Public Schools on Instagram
Fairfax County Public Schools is now on Instagram! Be sure to follow us at @fairfaxcountypublicschools. Check out #TeacherTuesday each week to see an amazing teacher describe why they love to teach. Our fun #TGIFcps posts on Fridays feature students or staff around the district sending out good vibes to usher in the weekend!
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