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They grow up so fast! Students get into the spirit on the 100th Day of School!
NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, March 3
Staff Work Day/Student Holiday
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Please submit attendance information (absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups) via one of the following methods by 8:30am:
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.
FOOD DELIVERIES
The school office is a busy place around lunchtime. Staff members are taking their own lunch breaks and, as such, the office less-than-fully-staffed.
Because of this, the school office will not accept food deliveries for students from delivery services (Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats, etc.) or from restaurants (Panera, pizza places, etc.). Any such deliveries will be sent back to the delivery service.
Thank you for your cooperation.
LOST AND FOUND
The two carts containing lost and found items are overflowing! All of these items will be boxed up and donated to a local charity after FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28.
If you are coming up to school for International Night on Thursday, please take a minute to look through the carts to see if any of your child's/children's items are in there. The carts are located up by the cafeteria.
Again, the final date the items will be in the carts is:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
Thursday, February 20
6:00-8:00pm
Students can start the school day by wearing outfits from their culture or an outfit with red, white, and blue.
During the school day, classes will visit the library to view the artifact display.
The main events will take place in the evening:
6:00-7:00pm
- International foods sampling
- Visit artifact display in the library
- Student art walk in library and gym hallway
7:00-8:00pm
- Fashion Show
- Student performances
Friday, February 21 - students may wear pj's to school!
For the official flyer for this event, click here.
Spring PTA Book Fair
Friday, 3/6 and Monday, 3/9 - Friday, 3/13
Members of the Franconia SCA were busy prepping flowers from their fundraiser to be delivered on Valentine's Day.
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.
Mustang Wall of Fame
This Month'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 – Lily W.
- Math
- Camping
- I love everything we do, every day
1st grade – Olly M.
- Art
- Pokémon cards
- Recess - you get to hang out with some older kids
2nd grade – Carlos C.
- Math
- Soccer
- A lot of good people
3rd grade – Jacob N.
- Art
- Karate
- Franconia is fun
6th grade – Matthew S.
- Math
- Mess around with my friend; kickball
- It's fun
*Students are randomly selected to have their picture displayed in the office for a month.
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).
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We also wanted to share our guidance lessons with you for the month of February:
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Kindergarten-First Grade - learning how to be a good friend and how to resolve conflict using Kelso Choices (part 1). Read aloud: Making Friends is an Art by Julia Cook.
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Second Grade - what are different ways I can have self-control? Read aloud: Hunter and his Amazing Remote Control by Lori Ann Copeland.
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Third Grade - tips for being a good friend and different ways to solve peer conflict (part 1). Read aloud: The Invisible Boy by Patrice Barton.
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Fourth Grade-Sixth Grade - acceptance and awareness of self and others.
SUMMER CAMPS
Tech Adventure Camp and CTE Summer Academy are enrichment programs that offer students an opportunity to stay engaged throughout the summer in a fun and challenging environment. Both camps will be held at Fairfax High School, from 8:30am-2:00pm.
Tech Adventure Camp
- For students currently in grades 2-7
- One week sessions (July 6-10, July 13-17, and July 20-24)
- Designed to give students the opportunity to explore career and technical education content and related careers
CTE Summer Academy
- For students currently in grades 8-11
- One week sessions (July 20-24 and July 27-31)
- Students will learn more about career fields by choosing a field to focus on (arts, communication & information systems; agriculture, food & natural resources, and health sciences; business, management & administration; engineering, manufacturing, & technology; and human services)
More information about both programs can be found here.
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 and March
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 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
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
Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School
- What is Special Education?
- How do children qualify for services?
- What is Least Restrictive Environment?
- What is the difference between accommodations and modifications?
- What is an IEP?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members?
- How can I work with the school team to develop an IEP?
- How do I advocate for my child at school and in the IEP process?
Presented by Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of the FCPS Parent Resource Center and Susan Kannengiesser, FCPS Procedural Support Liaison.
Friday, March 6, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. Will be recorded for our YouTube Chanel.
Register for Special education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School
Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know
Talking with your teen or young adult can be challenging. Having meaningful, ongoing conversations about drugs and alcohol, however, is key to helping keep your son or daughter healthy and safe.
Presentation Highlights:
- Current trends in substance use and abuse
- Image of substances on physical and emotional development
- Paraphernalia display and discussion
- Tools for parents
Presented by Brian Maslowski, FCPS Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education teacher.
Friday, March 20, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know
Sibshops
An exciting workshop for brothers and sisters of children with special needs!
*Registration must be completed separately for each session.
Register for Sibshops
Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
A recent survey of young adults in the US reported that nearly 45% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 now live with their parents - even though they are employed.
This session will provide:
- 10 Tips to help launch your young adult successfully into adulthood
- Strategies to teach your child “soft” employment, money management and communication/self-advocacy skills.
Presented by Dr. Amy Fortney Parks, LPC, ACS, Owner of The Wise Family Counseling & Assessment Services in Alexandria and Arlington.
Friday, March 27, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. Will be recorded for our YouTube Chanel.
Register for Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving
Learn fun activities for the whole family to get your child moving while reinforcing a wide range of skills needed to participate in physical education.
You will learn how to:
- Motivate your child to be physically active
- Use provided games to enhance movement while reinforcing the adaptive skills students need to be successful in PE:
- Taking turns and following rules
- Participating in group games and interacting with peers
Presented by Phyllis Orner, FCPS Adapted PE Specialist, Manda Tirado and Christy Stone, FCPS Adapted PE Teachers
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving
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 2/17
- 2/20: International Night (6:00-8:00pm)
WEEK OF 2/24
WEEK OF 3/2
- 3/2-3/6: National Social Worker’s Week
- 3/3: STAFF WORK DAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- 3/4: SCA meeting (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
- 3/5: Set up PTA Book Fair in library
- 3/6: PTA Book Fair in library
WEEK OF 3/9
- 3/9-3/13: PTA Book Fair in library
- 3/11: Interim grades sent home
Mustang Mainstays
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
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