Family Newsletter - September 20

Connect2Compete Program

FCPS is working to ensure that all FCPS students have internet access at home.  In partnership with Cox Communications, FCPS will pay for Internet service for the school year for qualifying families.  Cox’s Connect2Compete program provides low-cost internet to families that meet these qualifications:  

• have at least one child that attends an FCPS school; 
• participate in, or qualify for, one of these government subsidy programs: The National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF or Public Housing.
• have not had Cox standard internet services in the home within the last 90 days. 

If your family is in need of Internet service at home so that your student can participate in virtual learning, please contact us to begin the application process.  If you qualify for the program, we will contact you to let you know how to complete the steps to receive your Internet service.  

If you have any questions about this program, please reach out to Caroline Lee, School Social Worker clee9@fcps.edu.

Food Distribution

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, Grab & Go service hours will be 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with both breakfast and lunch available at the same time.  Buses will also be distributing meals in several neighborhoods beginning at 6:30 a.m. Get more information about food distribution here.

For a Map of Food Resources in Fairfax County, click here.

Immunizations

We recognize that it may be difficult at this time for families to obtain access to timely healthcare for physicals and required immunizations. We encourage all families to contact their primary care physician or the Fairfax County Health Department to schedule an appointment to meet the state requirements for immunizations and physicals.  Even though we are starting our year virtually, the state has not waived these requirements.  Additional information is available here.

After-School Program

Coders Club (Wednesdays 3:30pm-5:00pm)

September 23-December 9

Students may sign up for this 10-week program to get hands-on experience learning software development and problem solving.  They will even get to develop their own apps! Please sign up using the link below. Please contact Phil Harsh pgharsh@fcps.edu for more information. 

Please sign up using this link

*DEADLINE: (9/21 by 3:00 PM)

Be on the lookout for more information about the After-School Program coming in the upcoming weeks!

FCPS Mental Health and

Wellness Conference

Goes Virtual

FCPS will host its 7th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference over a three-week period beginning Monday, September 14 through Saturday, October 3. The virtual event will focus on resiliency. Our Minds Matter will also host a student strand. INOVA will be sponsoring the conference for the second year in a row.

Registration information and the complete schedule and list of speakers are now available online.

Parenting and Navigating the Teen and Tween Years

Virtual Meetings - Tuesdays (5:00pm - 7:00pm)

October 13-December 1

Discuss topics such as: 

• Setting routines
• Family Conflict
• Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol

Call Ms. Ramirez at 703-813-3801 to register by September 17th

For more information, click here

Strengthening Families

Virtual Meetings - Mondays & Wednesdays (5:00pm - 7:00pm)

October 7 - December 7

Discuss topics such as: 

• Family stress
• Tobacco use/vaping
• Peer pressure
• Family communication and problem solving

Call Ms. Ramirez at 703-813-3801 to register by September 17th

For more information, click here

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Information

TJHSST is a FCPS regional governor’s high school (grades 9-12) for students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Please visit the TJ website at www.tjadmissions.org to stay up to date on the admission process and the Superintendent’s recommendation:  Superintendent Presents Recommendations to Improve Diversity at TJHSST by Establishing Merit Lottery Admissions Process

If you are interested in hearing the voice of TJ Alumni and TJ students, please view this short  TJ Intro Video Here and attend the TJ Applicant Student Engagement Meeting for underrepresented students. 

George Mason University

Book Festival 

The annual Fall for the Book Festival hosted by George Mason University is going virtual this year.

All Poe students, staff and families are welcomed to attend. Students can connect with some of their favorite authors such as Nancy Kennedy, Tim Grove, and L.M. Elliot. The festival will take place from September to November with events and panels held each week. The full schedule of events can be found at https://fallforthebook.org/2020-festival-events/. All can register for the events by going to the Crowdcast page: https://www.crowdcast.io/fallforthebook. Hope to see you there!

Instruments & Materials Pick Up

Monday, September 21 (2:00-6:00) and Wednesday, September 23 (4:00-6:00)

Enter the Kiss& Ride parking lot on the side of the building, near Door #2.  Walkers may approach on the sidewalk near Door #2 (maintain 6-foot distancing).

Please keep the following in mind:

--DO NOT exit your vehicle

--Bring a pen and Student ID number

--Your child is not required to be present

--If applicable, bring $20 payment for instruments. 

--Payments may be made on MySchoolBucks PRIOR to coming to school.

If you are unable to pick-up during these times, please contact your child’s teacher via email.

Save the Date

September

21    Monday (Advisory & Office Hours) 

21    Instruments Pick-Up (6th Grade) 2:00-6:00pm

21    Elective Classes - Supplies Pick-Up 2:00-6:00pm

23   Instruments Pick-Up (7th/8th Grade) 4:00-6:00pm

23    Elective Classes - Supplies Pick-Up 4:00-6:00pm

22    (Periods 1,2,5,7)

23    (Periods 2,4,6,8)

24    (Periods 1,3,5,7)

25    (Periods 2,4,6,8)

29    Virtual Back to School Night