New Newsletter Format - Five Things to Know
During this unprecedented time, we’ve changed up our standard FCPS This Week e-newsletter. For the next few months, Five Things to Know will greet you each Monday morning, pointing parents to important information to help navigate the school week ahead.
Distance Learning Starts April 14
FCPS' Distance Learning program starts tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14. The FCPS Distance Learning Plan provides detailed information about what to expect.
Distance Learning Packets are being mailed to students in grades PreK-8. Don’t need to receive packets in the mail? Please consider opting out to go paperless. We acknowledge that distance learning cannot reasonably replace daily in-person instructional programs, and we will not be trying to replicate the regular school day.
At all grade levels, teachers will provide specific information about the learning calendar for each class, and they are available if your child needs help. Whenever possible, families and caregivers are encouraged to support your child with the transition to distance learning and guide them to any support they may need.
If your student needs a laptop to complete distance learning assignments, please contact your principal.
We are excited to have you onboard with us as we embark on our Distance Learning journey. Information on technical support is available online.
Begin Strong on Day 1 of Distance Learning
Returning to school, even school at home, after an extended break can be difficult. Here’s some advice for getting your student back into study mode:
- Most important: Help your child set short-term goals for learning each day. Use a prompt such as: “My goals for today are_______.”
- Set a timer for focused work time.
- Break long tasks into smaller parts. Complete one part at a time.
- Schedule brain breaks and physical exercise into the day.
For more ideas, check out the new Learning at Home: Support for Families web page.
School Counselors Available
Need to speak with a counselor? Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker, for either themselves or their middle or high school student.
Consultations provide an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s emotional well-being during their time away from school. Student consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions during this unprecedented and challenging time.
Note: Parent consultations are available for all grade levels. Student consultations are only available for middle and high school students.
Schedule a phone consultation online.
Coronavirus Updates Web Page
Fairfax County Public Schools has created a coronavirus updates web page in order to provide a clearinghouse of information. Topics on the page include the following:
- Superintendent's Messages to the Community.
- Food Resources: For Those in Need, and How to Contribute.
- Frequently Asked Questions.
- Daily Updates.
Visit the coronavirus updates web page.
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A Look Back as We Move Forward
Despite the difficulties of the last few weeks, our FCPS community found ways to come together:
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Virtual Spirit Week
Many schools hosted Virtual Spirit Weeks. On Pajama Day, everyone from students to principals showed off their sleepwear. We learned that we love our pets, crazy hats, sports teams, and more. See an example from Centreville Elementary.
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Twitter Videos
So many great posts on Twitter! Like the Lake Braddock Soccer Challenge (Spoiler Alert: that’s not a soccer ball that they’re kicking.)
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Quote to Note
“We need to take a moment … and really be thankful for what we have. I know that right now it feels like so much has been taken, but there is so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful to be part of Fairfax County Public Schools, and I’m thankful that you are part of the Fairfax County Public Schools family. These bonds are strong, and we are not going to let the COVID-19 crisis break those bonds.”
Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand during April 3 Facebook Live Q&A
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