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Dear Lee District Families,
I hope this finds you and your family healthy and safe. FCPS and our School Board’s commitment to the health, well-being and education of our students continues to be our highest priority. I want to again say thank you to all the families who are working from home and helping to balance their children’s on-line learning; thank you to the teachers, principals, counselors who continue to bring messages of positivity and encouragement through your lesson plans and correspondence; and thank you to all those working behind the scenes to make our virtual learning possible.
It has been another busy week on our Board. On Monday, we heard the analysis from a team of consultants, headed by Dr. Jonathan Plucker, on both the progress and challenges of achieving equity with our Advanced Academic Programs (AAP); on Wednesday I worked with colleagues on the Public Engagement Committee; and just yesterday, we passed our revised FY 2021 Budget (see below).
Today begins the start of our Memorial Day weekend. I hope you take a moment to remember those brave men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Military and that you will have opportunities to enjoy the long weekend while practicing safe social distancing with family and friends.
Wishing you continued strength, hope and good health!
Tammy
Fairfax County School Board Approves Revised FY 2021 Budget
The Fairfax County School Board has approved the revised Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21) budget. The budget, revised due to the COVIS-19 pandemic, reduced the previously recommended transfer increase from Fairfax County from $85.5 million to $7.3 million and a reduction of $4.8 million from the state. Along with other budget cuts, the total amount of the FY 21 budget was reduced by $67.0 million. For the full press release, click here.
Summer 2020 Distance Learning and Preliminary Information for 2020-2021 School Year
As the 2019-20 school year draws to a close, FCPS will continue distance learning for some students during the summer along with targeted intervention services. Although school buildings are expected to remain closed in June and July, there are several free virtual and online options to consider. Also, discussions began this week with the School Board about Return to School plans for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. More information is available online.
Registration Now Open for ACE Online Summer Classes
Many Fairfax County residents are at home and struggling how to keep their minds engaged (and oftentimes off of more COVID-19 related news). As you search for affordable and engaging virtual learning options, FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) is hard at work bringing e-learning to you. Check out the listings for summer programs–ranging from workplace development training to foreign language to cooking demonstrations. Register now for an upcoming online class
Re-Opening of Tracks and Tennis Courts
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is following the Fairfax County Park Authority’s phased re-opening process and will be allowing individuals to exercise on high school tracks and tennis courts beginning Friday, May 22.
All visitors are urged to practice health department safety guidelines, including social distancing, and to keep groups to ten people or less.
No scheduled or organized team activities are permitted at this time. Playgrounds, basketball courts, and athletic fields are to remain closed in alignment with the Park Authority until further notice.
More information on re-openings in Fairfax County is available online
Hayfield Secondary School Awarded RAMP Designation
Four FCPS school counseling programs have been recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as model programs and were awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for 2020 for successfully demonstrating how their comprehensive school counseling programs benefit all students. Hayfield Secondary School is one of the four schools. Hayfield Secondary was also among six schools nationwide that received the RAMP School of Distinction award, an honor reserved for schools with exceptionally high-caliber school counseling programs based on rankings determined by a panel of RAMP reviewers.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
All of us need a little help sometimes to improve our mental health, especially during challenging times. This month offers an opportunity to remind your child that it’s ok not to be ok 100 percent of the time. Sometimes taking small steps to address issues can make a big difference.
If you have concerns about your child’s anxiety, peer relationship problems, depression, or other emotional issues your child may be experiencing, contact your school psychologist, social worker, or counselor. They are just a phone call or an email away. FCPS parents may request a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist/school social worker: Mental wellness consultations
Visit the Mental Health and Resiliency and Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies web pages to learn about mental health resources and fostering resiliency in your child.
FCPS Shares Important Updates for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Students
The College Board and International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) continue to provide 2020 AP/IB program guidance and testing updates directly to students and parents. Based on this information, FCPS is providing additional information to ensure students and parents understand how schools are supporting students with these changes. The most recent updates by program are published on the FCPS public web at Coronavirus Update – Frequently Asked Questions.
The College Board has released the 2020 AP Exam Day Checklist and an Exam Day Experience. Please note, it is important that AP students review the checklist and immediately complete the AP Exam demo to confirm that their testing device and browser will be able to access the AP exam on test day. If a student cannot complete the AP Exam demo, contact the school AP Testing Coordinator for assistance. The following resources from the College Board are now available: 2020 AP Testing Guide, Explainer Videos and new Course Specific Exam Information.
Distance Learning in Lee District
At Hybla Valley ES, preK students followed their teacher's lead by practicing yoga and mindfulness.
Supporting Your Child with Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior (and its positive and negative impact on self and others) with regard to technology use. All FCPS students are learning to become safe, ethical, and responsible digital citizens. FCPS recognizes that schools and families both play a role in helping children develop the skills and behaviors needed to make positive contributions to the online community.
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Digital Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior (and its positive and negative impact on self and others) with regard to technology use. All FCPS students are learning to become safe, ethical, and responsible digital citizens. FCPS recognizes that schools and families both play a role in helping children develop the skills and behaviors needed to make positive contributions to the online community.
As we move to distance learning, families and caregivers will play a critical role in modeling expected behaviors, and mentoring their children as they use technology to learn with others online. Children may test limits in new online learning spaces. Some children may have difficulty with self-regulation and this is a normal part of child development. Children may need support from their family caregivers and their teachers.
To help, FCPS has many resources to support family learning and conversations, which can be found on the Digital Citizenship for Families web page.
Career and Transition Services
Postsecondary Education and Employment Options for Students with IEPs and their Parents
WEBINAR FORMAT!
May 27 and 28, 2020
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Link will be forwarded to registrants from Blackboard on May 26, 2020.
Flash Forward will provide students with IEPs and their parents an introduction to options after high school.
May 27, 2020: Register for Supported and Competitive Employment Options: For students planning to work after graduation.
May 28, 2020: Register for Postsecondary Education Options: For students planning to continue their education at a 2- or 4- year college or specialized training program.
Deadline to register for webinars: May 25, 2020.
Presented by FCPS Career and Transition Services
Register here: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/register-free-workshops-parent-resource-center
Cox Names Heroes of Distance Learning
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Cox Local VA is recognizing Virginia teachers as Heroes of Distance Learning. Out of the 156 teachers nominated, Cox named 11 of them as Heroes of Distance Learning. Six of the top prize winners are from FCPS. They were awarded $1,000 for a virtual classroom makeover. Six additional teachers, including one from FCPS, were awarded $200. Distance Learning Heroes.
Congratulations to our Lee District teachers:
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Emily Eichel, Island Creek Elementary School
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Cat Collett, Lynbrook Elementary School
NOVA Summer Scholarships
The summer scholarship cycle for the 2020-2021 award year is open. Please encourage students to visit NOVA’s Scholarship Site (click here) to review the opportunities and submit their applications. The deadline for filing is June 1, 2020.
Virtual FCPS Job Fairs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be hosting a series of virtual job fairs for individuals seeking instructional (teaching) positions and for current FCPS teachers seeking transfer opportunities. The events will take place as follows:
Elementary Schools (FCPS Regions 1, 4 and 5)
Tuesday, May 26: 10am-2pm
Elementary Schools (FCPS Regions 2 and 3)
Wednesday, May 27: 10am-2pm
Middle, High, Secondary, Alternative High Schools,
and Centers (All FCPS Regions)
Thursday, May 28: 10am-2pm
Each fair will provide an opportunity for candidates to visit virtual school booths to review school profiles and chat with school representatives about current vacancies.
Individuals interested in attending the virtual job fair should submit their interest by following the step-by-step directions on the FCPS Virtual Job Fair webpage.
Virginia's Department of Social Services: Temporary Food Assistance Program
FCPS Families with Children Eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Can Receive Temporary Food Assistance from the Va. Department of Social Services. To learn more, click here.
Family Resources Update
Food Services
Since March 14, Fairfax County Public Schools continues to help distribute meals throughout the county. As of May 21, 1,025,329 meals have been served.
Visit: https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources for more information. Or, you can use the Fairfax County interactive map to find community meal distribution sites, food pantries, and other related services.
*** Emergency meal distribution will continue at all sites and bus routes on Memorial Day.
Technology
As of May 19, FCPS has distributed 18,744 laptops and over 1,500 MiFi devices to ensure students have access to technology and reliable internet. If your student is in need of a laptop, please check with your student's school.
Discounted Internet Services
Many companies are offering discounted internet service and devices during this crisis. To learn more, visit the following links:
Cox - https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/covid-19-response.html
Xfinity - https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/comcast-broadband-opportunity-program
Verizon - https://www.verizon.com/support/consumer/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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