 "Would you rather?" is a favorite sharing topic among many Forestdale classes, including these first grade classrooms. This week, students in Ms. Huemmer's class answered a poll question (Would you rather build a snowman or a sand castle?), and Ms. Thompson's first graders shared their opinions during morning meeting (Would you rather fly in a plane or ride on a boat?). Spoiler alert: Snowmen and airplanes were the favorites. Sharing and listening to diverse perspectives helps our minds and hearts grow!
Virtual Veterans Day Assembly & Harvest Celebrations
Each year, the Forestdale community comes together for a special family engagement day in which we celebrate Veterans Day, open our classrooms to families, and share a Thanksgiving luncheon together. This year, we are excited to continue our traditions in a new and virtual way!
Forestdale families are invited to join us on Wednesday, November 11 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for our virtual Veterans Day assembly followed by a classroom virtual open house and harvest celebration. More details will be shared by the classroom teacher.
8:50- 9:10 a.m. Morning Meeting in classroom links, as usual
9:30- 10:30 a.m. Virtual Veterans Day assembly on grade level BBCU links (see below)
Following the assembly: Classroom open house/ fall harvest family activities (classroom teacher will share details)
1:35 p.m. Two-hour early dismissal
Following the usual morning meeting, students will transition from their classroom Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) links to the “[#] Grade ALL Students” link previously sent to the students’ FCPS gmail accounts for our virtual Veterans Day assembly. After the assembly, we invite families to return to their child’s classroom for some family open house/ fall harvest activities. More details will be provided by your classroom teacher.
Please note that there is NO in-person instruction (PAC, ECCB, Enhanced Autism) on November 11 due to the early dismissal.
Calling all Veterans!
Are you a veteran? Are you an active member of the military? We would welcome an opportunity to honor you at our assembly and listen to your story about what Veterans Day means to you. Please fill out this form by Monday, November 9 to let us know if you would like to be introduced to your Falcon’s grade level(s) and if you would like to share a few words with them.
No Curbside Library Checkout This Week
Due to the Veterans Day early release, there will be no curbside library checkout on Wednesday, November 11. If students put books on hold this week, families should contact Ms. Dickison at gdickison@fcps.edu to schedule a time to pick up books during the day this coming week.
Nominate a Forestdale Staff Member for an Outstanding Employee Award
Have you experienced outstanding service by one of our Forestdale teachers or staff members? If so, you have an opportunity to let FCPS know by nominating that person for an Outstanding Employee Award.
To submit a nomination for a Forestdale ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google Form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Principal
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons
The deadline to submit a nomination is close of business on Friday, November 20, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Edwards at jledwards@fcps.edu
Employment Opportunities in FCPS
Classroom Monitors
FCPS schools and centers will be hiring classroom monitors to provide in-person classroom assistance for students when a staff member remains virtual. If you would like more information about the position, please review the job description and qualifications online and apply if interested. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
Substitute Teachers
FPCS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers! Are you or somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? Apply here or attend one of the Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute information page here. Say Yes 2 FCPS!
Time to Check your Smoke Detectors
We care about you and your family’s safety! Don’t forget to check your smoke detectors. If you hear a beeping sound coming from your detector, it may be time to change its batteries. It’s also recommended that you test ALL your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. There should be a “test” button on your detector, which, when held for a few seconds, should produce a loud, ear- piercing siren. If you don’t hear anything, it’s quiet, or intermittent, it may be time to change the batteries and re-test or replace your smoke detector.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue encourages families to call the non-emergency phone number (703-691-2131) with questions/concerns/needs for assistance regarding smoke detectors. In need of a new smoke detector? Click here or call (703) 246-3801 to request a free battery powered smoke detector.
Falcons "take care of this place," at school and at home!
Important Dates
November 11
Virtual Veterans Day assemblies, 9:30 a.m., Grade level BBCU link; Open House & Harvest Celebration
NO Library Curbside Checkout
Quarter 1 Grades available in SIS ParentVue
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