Return to School Countdown - October 19, 2020

Gradual Return to In-Person Instruction Continues

This week, Preschool Autism Classrooms (PAC), Early Childhood Class-Based students (ECCB), and additional select specialized high school career preparatory programs return to in-person instruction.

Students who attend Key Center and Kilmer Center, secondary and elementary students who access the adapted curriculum, elementary Comprehensive Services Sites, SLIFE students (English learners with limited or interrupted formal education in grades 3-12), English learner newcomers who entered the U.S. after June 2019, elementary-age students attending Burke School, and high school students enrolled in select specialized high school career preparatory programs will return the week of October 26. 

Virtual Town Hall Tonight on Return to In-Person Instruction

Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand will host a virtual Town Hall tonight from 7-8 p.m. to update the community on his latest proposal for returning to in-person instruction. The event will be livestreamed on fcps.edu and available on Cable TV Channel 99. Please email questions to ReturntoSchool@fcps.edu before the Town Hall, or call 1-800-231-6359 during the event to ask a question on air. Recordings will be posted on our website.


Video: Superintendent Brabrand Shares Additional Return to School Plans

At a School Board work session on Thursday, October 15, Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand shared his plans for future groups of students to return to in-person instruction.

The complete work session video is available online


Student Information SystemSIS ParentVUE Account Overview

A SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE account is where you can access information about your child's attendance, course history, grade book (for middle and high school), progress reports, and report cards. Customized for elementary, middle, and high school students, your SIS ParentVUE Account login credentials can also be used to access FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View.

Get more information on SIS ParentVue accounts


Video: Creating a ParentVue Account

Do you need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks you through the steps on how to do so. Watch this video to learn how to set up your account


Teacher preparing classroom.


Photos of the Week

This week, see photos from the first Walking Wednesday, a teacher setting up her classroom, a kindergarten meet-up on the playground, and a new school sign welcoming visitors.
 


Important Information About Meals During the School Year

Fairfax County Public Schools is currently offering ALL students nutritious meals at no cost. Meals are offered at school sites and along bus routes Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) with both breakfast and lunch being served at the same time. Breakfast and lunch meals for Saturdays and Sundays are distributed at all locations every Friday. Grab and Go Meal Sites and Bus Routes 

Changes to bus routes are posted on the website by 5 p.m. each day. If there are bus delays while distributing meals, the information will be posted on the FCPS Bus Delay website.  


New: Dinner and Snacks, Fairfax Meal Kits Offered at Select Locations 

Dinner and snacks are now offered at select locations. Please refer to the website for locations and times. Additionally, Fairfax Meal Kits are also available at certain sites, offering seven days of breakfast and lunch for pick up in bulk. The goal is to provide every FCPS student daily access to nutritious meals.  

More information is available online, or call the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.  


FCPS Is Celebrating Digital Citizenship Week October 19-23

Being a digital citizen is all about taking ownership of our actions and using technology responsibly and respectfully. During Digital Citizenship Week, our goal is to teach kids how to learn, create, and participate responsibly in the digital world.

During the week your students will reflect on a daily question and participate in various activities in their classes. The Digital Citizenship topics for each day are: 

  • Monday: Media Balance and Well-Being. How can I create media balance in my life? 
  • Tuesday: Privacy and Security. How can I keep my private information safe? 
  • Wednesday: Digital Footprint and Identity. How can I build a digital footprint I am proud of?
  • Thursday: Relationships and Communication. How can I communicate kindly, build relationships, and stand up to hate? 
  • Friday: News and Media Literacy. How can I think critically about the things I see, create, and share?

As a family, are you engaging in safe and responsible tech use? Check out the student activities, interactives, and videos from Wide Open School to help empower your student to participate online with empathy, ethics and a sense of civic responsibility. You can also visit the FCPS Digital Citizenship website for additional resources to support your family.


FCPS Cares video


Video: FCPS CARES

The FCPS CARES Program 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 acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

Watch this video to learn more


Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout Is Saturday, October 24

Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at several drop-off sites. Drug take-back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.

Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug abuse and misuse, accidental poisoning, and protects the environment.

Get more information about Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout


This Week Is FCPS Virtual College Week

This week, FCPS is holding a Virtual College Week instead of the traditional College Fair and College Night activities. This event will feature two live virtual sessions each evening starting at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. During these sessions, FCPS students and families will be provided an opportunity to meet virtually with subject-matter experts and ask questions about college admissions, standardized testing, financial aid, and postsecondary planning.  

Advance registration is required. You will receive a unique access link 24 hours before the event(s) that you register to attend.

The 2021-22 FAFSA Form Is Now Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help

Parents of high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open? Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible and definitely before March 1, 2021, as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2021. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA.

Also, thanks to our partners at College Access Fairfax, there is an upcoming virtual workshop available—FAFSA Line-by-Line: October 24 at 10 a.m.—to help you plan and prepare.

Families may find more information and register for these presentations on the Calendar page of the College Access Fairfax website. Registration is required and closes 24 hours before the workshop. Space is limited. If you are unable to attend a workshop, you can visit the College Access Fairfax website to view the PowerPoint presentation for these and other programs on the Workshop Description page.

Recordings of each of the workshops will be available soon. College Access Fairfax is also available for virtual one-on-one help to complete the FAFSA. Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to make an appointment. It’s never too early to start learning about how to pay for college.

Get more information at the College Access Fairfax website


National Principals Month


Celebrating our Principals: October Is National Principals Month

National Principals Month is a way to honor principals' dedication to their staff, students, and school communities. This year, we are especially thankful for their steadfast leadership, support, and inspiration during the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. Please take a moment to show a principal(s) how much you appreciate them! Learn more about National Principals Month


Fall News from the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools

Project Cornucopia

The Foundation for FCPS is working to ensure that the neediest students in FCPS can enjoy a special meal for the holidays. Donations to Project Cornucopia will be used to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed for grocery items so that families can enjoy their favorite flavorful traditions–or create new ones. Donations can be made online


Healthy Minds Logo


Healthy Minds Podcast: Activating Empathy in Children

Listen to this week’s Healthy Minds podcast to learn ways to activate empathy in children. Empathy is an essential component for all of us to build strong relationships and communities. Join Bethany Koszelak, FCPS’ mental health and wellness specialist, to hear about action strategies on how to model empathy and open caring dialogues with children, or anyone, during these challenging times.


Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Website

The Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Website can be found at http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/. This website, which includes the Public Notification Database, provides access to publicly available information about persons convicted of specified violent and sexual offenses. Members of the public can use this website to educate themselves about the possible presence of such offenders in their local communities.


FCPS in the News


Quick Links: