|
Congratulations to our very own Mr. Smith for winning the award for Outstanding New Principal in Region 3!
Mr. Smith will now be considered for the Outstanding New Principal of the entire school district. Wish him luck!
(pictured: Ms. Evangeline Petrich [Region 3 Executive Principal for School Improvement], Mr. Smith, and Dr. Nardos King [Region 3 Assistant Superintendent])
NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 17, for Presidents' Day Holiday
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Please submit attendance information (absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups) via one of the following methods:
Online attendance portal
Call 703-822-2222 (school attendance number)
franconiaelem.attendance@fcps.edu
Every Day Counts!
Absences Add Up
FCPS is looking forward to a great school year! Regular attendance is essential for students to form positive peer and adult relationships and to learn. In fact, when students miss significant amounts of instructional time, they tend to lose momentum academically.
We do monitor each child’s attendance daily and will contact a parent if a child does not arrive at school or class as expected. Of course, there are times that students may have health or other concerns that may prevent them from being present. Please contact the school by using its attendance telephone line, email, or online form if your child will be absent.
More information about FCPS’ attendance expectations is available online here.
Telephone Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese can call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS and to receive support if they are having difficulty communicating with their children's schools due to a language barrier.
Inclement Weather and Emergency Closing Plans; Make Arrangements Now in Case of an Unforeseen Schedule Change
Cold and wintry weather will soon be here. Due to inclement weather or other emergency situations, it may be necessary to close schools for the entire day, to open schools late, or to close early.
Parents are urged to make arrangements now for the care of their children when schedule changes are made (and to provide for the rare situation when it is necessary to close an individual school because of a power failure or other circumstances). Children should know where to go if a parent will not be home.
FCPS has several schedules set up to deal with inclement weather; these are put into effect when conditions threaten the safety of students and staff members:
- Keep schools closed
- Open two hours late
- Close two hours early
When Fairfax County Public Schools has a schedule change (closing or delay) due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the information is communicated in several ways as soon as the decision is made.
Note: The official @FCPSnews Twitter account (with blue checkmark) is generally the first and fastest mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be updated as quickly as possible including email, text, website, other social media, and news stations.
Please be aware, due to the large volume of emails sent, there will likely be a lag between the time a FCPS Twitter alert is posted and receipt of an email in your inbox.
PTA Fundraiser Night at FLIGHT
Thursday, February 6
4:30 - 9:00pm
Bring the flyer (found here) and JUMP. The PTA will receive 40% of the sales during 4:30-9:00pm.
Don't forget to fill out your waiver ahead of time at https://www.flightfitnfun.com/locations/springfield/.
FLIGHT is located at:
7200 Fullerton Road
Springfield, VA 22150
springfield.events@flighttrampolinepark.com
For any questions, contact the PTA Spirit Night Coordinator, Jennifer Deems, at jenniferdeems@gmail.com.
PICTURE DAY: Clubs/Groups/Candids
Friday, February 7
The following groups will have a picture taken:
- Choir
- Strings
- Band
- News crew
- Safety patrols
- Student Council Association (SCA)
Please be sure to check with the teacher or staff advisor for any wardrobe requirements (i.e. green music shirt, safety patrol belt, etc.).
*These pictures will be added to the yearbook.
It's time for the Franconia PTA's annual Spelling Bees. There will be two separate Bees (both held in the school gym):
Junior Bee (grades K-2) - Tuesday, February 11, 9:00-11:00am
Upper Grade Bee (grades 3-6) - Thursday, February 13, 6:00-8:00pm
To register your student for one of the Bees: submit an online form here (note: if you have multiple children that attend Franconia, you will need to submit a separate form for EACH child).
We encourage any student who wants to participate to sign up NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 7. Those who register will receive an email with additional information and a link to the study guides.
For the official flyer, click here.
The annual Franconia Elementary School Spelling Bee is a PTA-sponsored event, run entirely on volunteer power. If you are able to volunteer as a judge or helper, please use this link: https://tools.ptoffice.com/Signups/Spelling_Bee_2020_Volunteers.
For questions, please contact the Spelling Bee Coordinator, Rebecca Haug, at rspham@gmail.com.
Attention All ‘DADS’ of
Franconia Elementary Students!
‘WATCH D.O.G.S.’® Are Here!
Fathers and Father-Figures,
The Franconia Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is proud to announce a new program at our school specifically for fathers and father-figures. WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps children be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their schools.
On Wednesday, February 12, from 6:30 – 7:45pm, we will be having our inaugural WatchD.O.G.S. Pizza Night. We will meet in the school’s cafeteria at 6:30pm for FREE pizza and drinks (soda, water, and juice boxes).
At 7:00pm, we will have a presentation/discussion about the benefits of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program and how you can be involved. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day per school year at the school and be a positive male role model in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playground, and at various school activities. We’ll discuss how you can do that.
In order to participate in our Pizza Night, please register at www.signupgenius.com (search for the email address listed below), no-later-than February 5th so we’ll have an accurate head count for the pizza order. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Brian Haug - Franconia Elementary Watch D.O.G.S. Coordinator
Email: franconia.watchdogs@gmail.com.
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
Thursday, February 20
6:00-8:00pm
Start the night out with viewing items from around the world in the library and tasting samples in the cafeteria.
The fashion show will begin at 6:45 in the gym followed by performances by a variety of groups.
Hi,
My name is Jessica Lee, your 2019-2020 Student Council reporter. We are having a Winter Fundraiser for Emergency Food relief in Syria, and our main goal is to raise $2,250 which will provide 1,500 hot meals to war refugees. We will be raising money in 2 ways.
The first way is a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser where students can buy flowers to give to their friends, teachers, and staff the money given will go to the Fundraiser.
The second way is a Penny War. Classes will be putting pennies in their grade levels jars. Pennies are positive points and silver change or dollars are negative points. First and second place grade level will win a prize. A graph in front of the gym has a poster on how we’re doing as we move closer to our goal.
Thanks to the entire Franconia Community who supports Student Council fundraising efforts!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Interested in helping in the library?
There are many things to sign up to do. If you have 30 or 60 minutes a week to contribute, please contact the librarian.
Debby Vandersande, dmvandersand@fcps.edu.
Notes from the School Counselors
Hello Parents,
In the month of January, our school reflected on the character trait, "acceptance" - including and respecting everyone regardless of beliefs, race, gender, religion, etc.. Students had the opportunity to vote for students in their class that demonstrated school spirit. The names of those students who were nominated are:
Kindergarten - Matthias, Sophia, Diego, Francisco
First Grade - Maddie, Asha Rose, Luciana
Second Grade - Riley, Christian, Brandon
Third Grade - Logan, Claire, Evan
Fourth Grade - Cameron, Kyree, Valeria, Laith
Fifth Grade - Janice, Anh, Teddy
Sixth Grade - Keegan, Nathan
The next character trait we will focus on will be, "self control" - to control behavior and emotions.
For further questions and concerns or for individual student referrals, please contact the School Counselors, Veronica Guillion (703-822-2256) or Lisa Heath (703-822-2294).
GOT RECYCLABLES?
The STEAM lab is always looking for unconventional building materials that you might have in your household or classroom!
If you happen to come across these items at home or in your classrooms and were about to throw them into recycling, consider saving them and donating them to the STEAM lab for repurposing.
Items can be dropped off at the office.
Materials include:
- (Small) Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Tissue boxes
- Paper towel rolls
- Shoe boxes
- Empty tape rolls
- Water and soda bottles
- Empty sanitizing wipes bottles
- String, rubber bands
- Bread twist ties
- Aluminum foil and bottle caps
Thanks for your support!
Lindsay Snyder, M.A.T.
STEAM Resource and Robotics Teacher
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.
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.
FREE WORKSHOPS - February
Register for Parenting Children with Challenging Behaviors
Mind in the Making Series
At this workshop you will learn the research behind the Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. Learn strategies for improving these skills, the importance of them in children’s lives, and activities to promote these evidence-based executive functioning skills.
*Registration includes attendance at all sessions 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Session 1: Introduction 1/16/20
- Session 2: Focus and Self-Control 1/23/20
- Session 3: Perspective Taking 1/30/20
- Session 4: Communicating 2/6/20
- Session 5: Making Connections 2/13/20
- Session 6: Critical Thinking 2/20/20
- Session 7: Taking on Challenges 2/27/20
- Session 8: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning 3/5/20
Register for the Mind in the Making Series
Sibshops
An exciting workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special needs!
*Registration must be completed separately for each session.
Register for Sibshops
Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities
The transition to kindergarten is a big one for kids and can be even more so for children with disabilities. Please join us to discuss how parents can collaborate with FCPS to ensure their students have a smooth transition to Kindergarten.
Presentation Highlights:
- How are special education services provided in Kindergarten?
- What does the continuum of services look like?
- Overview of the reevaluation process
- What happens at the transition IEP?
- Transportation for school age children
Presented by Kurt Soderstrom and Laurie Andrews, FCPS Special Education Preschool teachers.
Friday, February 7, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for Students with Disabilities
Fostering Protective Factors in Children and Adolescents to Promote Social-Emotional Wellness
Every adult can foster protective factors and build resiliency in children and adolescents.
Presented by Ryan Dickerson, FCPS School Psychologist and Jenn Spears, FCPS Mental Wellness Specialist
Topics include:
- What does the Fairfax County Youth Survey data show us?
- Identifying Protective Factors and Assets (Three to Succeed)
- Strategies for building protective factors and assets
- Understanding resilience and how to increase your child’s ability to respond to challenges
Thursday, February 13, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon
Register for Fostering Protective Factors in Children and Adolescents to Promote Social-Emotional Wellness
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Join Dr. Lisa M. Cullins, attending physician in the Emotion and Development Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health for this highly informative workshop. She will provide current research on:
- Diagnostic Criteria
- Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as manifested in children and adolescents
- Treatment Options, Resources and Collaborations
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon
Register for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Parenting Your Teen While Keeping Your Sanity
Learn important strategies to help form a positive relationship with your teen.
Topics include:
- Understanding the development of the teen brain
- Recognizing ways to create a positive climate in the home
- Identifying constructive discipline approaches
- Increasing more productive and effective communication strategies
Presented by Michele Tureaud, FCPS Behavior Intervention Teacher.
Friday, February 21, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Parenting Your Teen While Keeping Your Sanity
Career and Transition Services Super Transition Saturday
It is never too early or too late to start planning for a successful transition from school life to life as a young adult. Join us to learn about Career and Transition Services (CTS) programming and course options for students with disabilities.
Breakout sessions will cover:
- In-school as well as postsecondary support services.
- Employment and postsecondary education considerations.
- Student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.
This event will also include a student/parent panel where members describe their personal experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and the transition process. New this year will be the opportunity to sit with professionals well versed in transition planning to answer your questions during the “Ask an Expert” Q & A.
Saturday, February 22, 2020, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School
Register for Career and Transition Services Super Transition Saturday
Adversity and Trauma in Childhood: Building Resilient Communities
In the past couple of decades, there has been an explosion of new understanding about how and why adversity and trauma can reliably predict risks for mental, physical, behavioral health and productivity in the population.
This is great news! What’s predictable is preventable! We can understand how protection, prevention and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health, safety and productivity, as well as reduce public and private costs now and for generations to come.
The presentation includes in-depth information about:
- The neurobiological effects of adversity on development.
- The impacts of childhood adversity and trauma on population health.
- Resilience – what we can all do to improve health and well-being across the lifespan.
Presented by Karen Brown, FCPS Psychologist, Sarah Ince, FCPS School Social Worker and Jenna White from the Fairfax County Council of PTA's.
Friday, February 28, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Adversity and Trauma in Childhood: Building Resilient Communities
Mind in the Making Series - Currently Full but Waitlist is available
At this workshop you will learn the research behind the Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. Learn strategies for improving these skills, the importance of them in children’s lives, and activities to promote these evidence-based executive functioning skills.
*Registration includes attendance at all sessions 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Session 1: Introduction 1/16/20
- Session 2: Focus and Self-Control 1/23/20
- Session 3: Perspective Taking 1/30/20
- Session 4: Communicating 2/6/20
- Session 5: Making Connections 2/13/20
- Session 6: Critical Thinking 2/20/20
- Session 7: Taking on Challenges 2/27/20
- Session 8: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning (3/5/20)
Register for the Mind in the Making Series
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 Services2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 105Dunn Loring, VA 22027Email: prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941Monday - Friday, 8am-4pmwww.fcps.edu - search Parent Resource Center.
WEEK OF 2/3
- 2/3-2/7: National School Counseling Week
- 2/5: Progress reports sent home
- 2/5: SCA mtg (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
- 2/7: Picture Day – Clubs/Groups/Candids
WEEK OF 2/10
- 2/11: PTA Jr Spelling Bee [gr K-2] (9:00-11:00am in gym)
- 2/11: PTA meeting [SPED presenting] (7:00pm in library)
- 2/12: Watch D.O.G.S. Kick-off event (6:00-8:00pm in cafeteria)
- 2/13: PTA Spelling Bee [gr 3-6] (6:00-8:00pm in gym)
- 2/14: SCA distributes flowers from fundraiser
WEEK OF 2/17
- 2/17: PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL
- 2/19: SCA meeting (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
- 2/19: Planning meeting for STEAM Night (3:45-4:30pm in library)
- 2/20: International Night (6:00-8:00pm)
Mustang Mainstays
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
|
