|
A 5th grader celebrating International Night.
NO SCHOOL
April 6 - 10: Spring Break
April 13: 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
NEW DISMISSAL FORM - ONLINE
Need to communicate a special change in how your student will go home in the afternoon? There is a new online form for that! To communicate a temporary change in dismissal, please use the Change in Dismissal Form on our school website.
We ask that you report these changes to the school office before 3:00pm on the day of the change. If the change in transportation involves another student, families of both students must fill out forms.
If you prefer to not use this form, please call the school office at 703-822-2200.
Please note that any permanent changes must be reported to the school office by phone at 703-822-2200.
Thank you and give us a call with any questions you might have.
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.
HEALTH ROOM SURVEY
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians and school staff members who interact with the school health rooms. This may include principals, school counselors, and main office staff members. The survey has been approved for distribution by the FCPS’ Internal Survey Advisory Committee.
Electronic versions of the survey forms may be accessed at:
School Health Services Survey – Parents 2020: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9VWCJ6 approval # 20217
School Health Services Survey-Parents 2020 (Spanish): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K7KGXTS approval #20217
Spring PTA Book Fair
Friday, 3/6 and Monday, 3/9 - Friday, 3/13
Join the PTA for their Spring Book Fair in the school library! There will be lots of great offerings - books, games, puzzles, toys, and more!
The online fair will open on February 29 and end on March 13 - https://www.scholastic.com/bf/franconiaelementaryschool3.
BOOK FAIR INFORMATION:
- Classes will preview the fair on Friday, 3/6, and Monday, 3/9.
- Sales will begin on Friday, 3/6, and continue through the morning of Friday, 3/13.
-
PAYMENT - Cash, check, and charge are all accepted as payment for book fair items. Make checks out to Franconia PTA. There is no tax charged on book fair items.
FAMILY NIGHTS AT THE BOOK FAIR:
-
Friday, 3/6, 4:00-7:00pm (PJ Night) - come to shop and for storytime
-
Thursday, 3/12, 4:00-7:00pm - Explorer Night and the 6th grade will be selling pizza and baked goods in the cafeteria from 5:30-7:00pm. Pre-orders will be available.
SPIRIT DAYS FOR BOOK FAIR:
- 3/6 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight Friday: wear your pajamas to school & come to the Family PJ Party from 4:00-7:00pm.
- 3/9 – Macaw Monday: spread your wings and dress up in your brightest colors.
- 3/10 – Roaring Tuesday: elephants, tigers and books, OH MY! Dress in animal print (no masks).
- 3/11 – King/Queen of the Jungle Wednesday: attention Mustang Royalty: show your regal side and don a crown or tiara to school.
- 3/12 – Explorer Thursday: dust off your cargo vest, hat, and any other explorer gear to navigate the Scholastic Book Fair.
- 3/13 – Favorite Character Friday: celebrate the last day of the book fair by coming to school dressed as your favorite book character.
***Shopper's Tip - bring a re-usable tote bag to put your purchases in!
To print out the official flyer for this event, click here.
For any additional questions you may have, please contact the PTA Book Fair Chair, Sarah Ashworth, at sarahjashworth@gmail.com.
PTA Family Science Night
Thursday, March 12
6:30-8:00pm in the gym
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, discovery, and science learning!
Try different hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math!
Event will be held in the school gym.
For the official flyer, click here.
For questions, contact the PTA President, Heather Viehl-Yee, at hviehl@hotmail.com.
6th Grade Pizza Sale
Thursday, March 12
5:30-7:00pm in the cafeteria
Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and family to join us for a sixth-grade pizza night for the Spring Book Fair and Family Science Night, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
This fun-filled night will run from 5:30-7:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm). The money raised helps pay for a portion of the 6th grade field trip expenses throughout the year and also goes toward the 6th grade promotion ceremony.
To help alleviate a long wait for pizza, please consider pre-ordering using the advance registration form (click here). Please return this form to your child’s classroom teacher or the front office by Tuesday, March 10.
No late pre-orders will be accepted and will also NOT be accepted without payment. Be sure to include a check made out to Franconia ES or cash in the exact amount with your pre-order form. For these pre-orders we are unable to provide change.
***Also, please note there will be additional pizzas (whole or by the slice) for sale the night of the event.****
For any additional questions you may have, contact the 6th grade team lead, Kelly Morrison, at kvmorrison@fcps.edu.
PTA Bingo & Raffle Night
Friday, March 20
5:30-8:00pm in the gym
The PTA's Annual Basket Bingo and Community Raffle event is scheduled for Friday, March 20, from 5:30-8:00pm (doors open at 5:00), in the school gym. This is a fun event that the entire family will enjoy!
Food from the Red Hot and Blue food truck will be available for purchase.
Bingo prices:
- 1 card for $5
- 4 cards for $15
Raffle ticket prices:
- Teacher raffle tickets - $3 for 1, $5 for 3, and $10 for 7
- Community tickets - $6 for 1 and $10 for 2
Payment can be accepted in CASH only.
Lots of work goes into making this event a success, so we are looking for MANY volunteers. Sign-up here:
.
This is NOT a drop-off event - all children must be supervised by an adult.
For more information, click here.
For any questions you may have, please contact the Event Chair, Katie Huynh, katiel078@hotmail.com.
PTA Restaurant Night
Chick-fil-A
Tuesday, March 24
5:00-8:00pm
Join the Franconia PTA for their restaurant night at Chick-fil-A, from 5:00-8:00pm. A portion of the proceeds during that time will be donated to the PTA.
For any questions you may have, contact the PTA Restaurant Night Coordinator, Jennifer Deems, at jenniferdeems@gmail.com.
YEARBOOK SALE
ALL ORDERS ARE DUE BY 3/31
Order forms for this year's school yearbook were sent home in today's yellow Wednesday folders.
Cost - $17
If using the order form, you will need to use one envelope per child (if you have 2 children, you will need 2 envelopes).
Payment can be check (made out to Franconia ES) or EXACT cash (no change will be given back).
Online ordering - https://www.scherlingschoolpics.com (online code FM111688).
SPELLING BEE WINNERS
Congratulations to the following students who competed in this year's PTA Spelling Bee:
Lower Grade Bee Winners
1) Damian A.
2) Zahra A.
3) Brandon C.
Upper Grade Bee Winners
1) Gabe R.
2) Cameron K.
3) Cahill F.
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 – Andrew B.
- Math
- Hiking with my family
- STEAM lab
2nd grade – Abigail A.
- Science and writing
- Kempo
- Kind kids and teachers
3rd grade – Asimina Y.
- Reading
- Tennis
- Because there are so many different children that you get to meet and become friends with
4th grade – Cameron D.
- PE
- Basketball, martial arts, and drawing
- I love being a Mustang! Because the support and the positivity that the teachers show. It makes me a better person.
6th grade – Danny T.
- Math
- Read fantasy books
- Being a Franconia Mustang lets me connect with my friends and lets me grow my intelligence
*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 February, our school reflected on the character trait, "self control" - to control behavior and emotions. 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 - Lillian, Bety, Lily, Elise
First Grade - Michelle, Carlos, Hana, Autumn
Second Grade - Basma, Kayla, Shivakshi
Third Grade - Carmen, Shantany, Darcy
Fourth Grade - Ashlesha, Sarah, Quin
Fifth Grade - Ahmed, Leon, Isabella
Sixth Grade - Alex
The next character trait we will focus on will be, "patience" - power to wait without complaining.
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).
Thank you, Mrs. Guillion, and Mrs. Heath, for being great School Counselors.
Mrs. Guillion is pictured with her fans during National School Counselors Week.
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 8: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning 3/5/20
Register for the Mind in the Making Series
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 3/2
- 3/5: Set-up PTA Book Fair in library
- 3/6: Classes preview Book Fair in library
- 3/6: Book Fair sales begin
- 3/6: Family PJ Night at the Book Fair (4:00-7:00pm in library)
WEEK OF 3/9
- 3/9-3/13: PTA Book Fair in library (sales end at noon on 3/13)
- 3/9: Classes preview Book Fair in library
- 3/11: Interim grades sent home
- 3/12: 6th grade pizza sales (5:30-7:00pm in cafeteria)
- 3/12: PTA Family Explorer Night at the Book Fair (4:00-7:00pm in library)
- 3/12: PTA Family Science Night (6:30-8:00pm in gym)
WEEK OF 3/16
- 3/18: SCA meeting (8:45-9:15am in cafeteria)
- 3/20: PTA Bingo & Raffle Night (6:00-8:00pm in gym)
WEEK OF 3/23
- 3/24: Kindergarten field trip to Natural History Museum (9:15am-1:15pm)
- 3/24: PTA Restaurant Night (5:00-8:00pm at Chick-fil-A)
Mustang Mainstays
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
|
