June Falcon Press

A Message from the Principal

Forestdale Families,

I would be doing a disservice to our students, staff, and families if I did not address the current racial crisis happening in our country.  In our school community, we acknowledge that there are feelings of fear, outrage, confusion, uncertainty, and hopelessness.  Forestdale staff are firmly committed to FCPS values: racism and hatred have no place in our community.  And, we realize that despite our good intentions, our own school has seen incidents of bias.

While it may be uncomfortable, our students can have developmentally appropriate conversations about race.  If we were in school, we’d address these issues appropriately (and without personal politics) through our daily class meeting times, through the literature we use in lessons, and other interactions with students.  Our counselors and staff would be ready to help our students process complex, unfair, real world issues and would aim to serve as models of how to support each other and how to grow your own perspective.

Unfortunately, our current situation finds us apart.  I hope that you and your children are OK.  If you’re looking for ways to help your child considering current events, we offer you these online resources:

If there’s anything our school staff, including our clinical team comprised of school counselors, school social worker, and school psychologist, can do to support you or your child, please let me know.  If there’s any insight that you wish to share with me so that Forestdale can continue to be an accepting, empowering, and fair place for you and your child, I hope that you let me know.

We stand together to take care of ourselves, each other, and this place.
 

Sincerely,

Jenny Cunneen
Proud Principal
jmcunneen@fcps.edu


Welcome to Forestdale's new Assistant Principal, Ms. Rashida Green!

Ms. Rashida Green

I am pleased to announce that Ms. Rashida Green will be joining the Forestdale family as our new assistant principal starting July 1, 2020.  Ms. Green, currently an assistant principal at Willow Springs Elementary School in Fairfax, has been transferred to Forestdale by region leadership due to her extensive experience and success as an instructional leader.

Ms. Green has been serving the Willow Springs community as an assistant principal since 2017, where she is known for building positive relationships with staff, students, and the community. During her tenure at Willow Springs, she was integral in developing teacher teams, designing professional development for staff, communicating with families, and closing achievement gaps for students.   During the transition to distance learning, Ms. Green worked to with her school team to develop county-wide resources to ensure equitable access for all.  In all aspects of her role, Ms. Green works to empower educators and students to be their best selves and pursue their dreams.

Prior to serving as assistant principal, Ms. Green served as a school-based and division-level instructional coach, supporting and developing teacher teams, leaders, and administrators at both the elementary and secondary levels.  She began her career as a sixth grade teacher in Alexandria City Public Schools and then became an English teacher and Department chair at her alma mater, Mt. Vernon High School. 

Ms. Green received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Education from the University of Virginia and as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education from George Mason University. 

Ms. Green’s positive attitude, infectious energy, instructional knowledge, and focus on students aligns with Forestdale’s collaborative culture and will be beneficial as we work together to continue to grow and achieve as a school community. 

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Green as the new assistant principal of Forestdale Elementary School.


Make-Up Day for Student Materials Pick-Up

We had two successful days of student materials pick-up last Thursday and Friday!  Staff were able to facilitate a contactless drive-through return of student supplies while getting a chance to wave from afar to those Falcons we miss so much. 

For those who were unable to come by last week, we will be holding one more materials pick-up day this Friday, June 5, from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.  Come drive through the bus loop and stop at the front door, and a staff member will run your child’s materials out to your car. 

If you would prefer to have your student’s items discarded and/or donated to the school, please contact your child’s teacher.  Should you have any additional questions or needs regarding pick-up, please contact Cindy Morris, administrative assistant, at eemorris@fcps.edu.


Elementary Continuity of Learning Resources

FCPS will offer summer continuity of learning for all students via language arts and mathematics review workbooks, which will be mailed to homes, as well as self-directed digital materials available online. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in virtual weekly office with a grade-level teacher for continuous math and language arts support and connection. This program is free to all students; more information about continuity of learning resources will be provided before the end of the school year. 


Summer Office Hours

Due to COVID-19, the Forestdale school office remains closed and will continue to be closed into the summer.  Registration for students K-6 continues online here.  Should you have other questions or needs, feel free to reach out to Cindy Morris, administrative assistant, at eemorris@fcps.edu.


Looking Ahead to 2019-2020

Don’t forget to mark your calendars.  School begins on Monday, August 25, 2020.  FCPS is still exploring what learning model will be adopted for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.  More information will be forthcoming.


Important Dates:

June 11 — Last day of Virtual, Synchronous Instruction
                  Promotion Ceremonies
                  Virtual Talent Show

June 12 — Last Day of School

June 16 — Progress Reports posted to SIS Parent VUE, hard copies mailed home in coming weeks