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School Mascot Changes
from Mustangs to Penguins
Video of below: https://youtu.be/0G8vP9u30UA
Franconia Families,
Two and a half years ago, our Franconia community experienced a tragic event that shook us to our core and forever changed us. Wesley Charles Lipicky was kind, an excellent student, a true friend to so many, a teammate, companion, and an amazing son. Wesley was an avid animal lover - especially with penguins.
Wesley’s legacy has already made a profound impact on children here at Franconia and across the commonwealth of Virginia. Some of his friends describe him as grateful, kind, and brave. In May 2019, Governor Ralph Northam signed the legislation house bill 1793 to set safety standards for motorized partitions used in schools. Today, I would like to continue to highlight how Wesley’s legacy can positively impact our community for many years to come.
There are over twenty subspecies of penguins. In height, they range from ten inches to five feet. They also swim at a variety of speeds from four to twenty miles per hour. Some can spend over twenty minutes underwater while diving to sea depths of 1,800 feet.
Franconia is a community of wonderful differences, representing families from twenty eight different countries and thirty seven languages. The average Kindergarten student stands three and one half feet tall, while some sixth graders approach six feet. Our Virginia Wellness Standards activities show some students can execute one single push up while others can do thirty-six. Some have won awards for photography and artwork, while others are champion gymnasts and basketball players.
Penguins are adaptable. Some have increased or decreased their bone density over time to become more efficient swimmers. Penguins can thrive in virtually any climate, sustaining active populations from Peru and Antarctica to Australia and Chile – to name a few. Some penguins have adapted from just good swimmers to land rovers - walking up to sixty miles at a time to feed or find loved ones.
Franconia parallels this adaptability. From its beginning as a one-room-schoolhouse in 1872, to our new learning cottages installed this past summer, Franconia has gone through ten major renovations. It’s seen approximately thirty different principals, sixteen superintendents, two World Wars, and a recent world-wide pandemic.
My favorite fact – penguins love to be with other penguins! Most penguin subspecies prefer to pick one single other penguin with whom they spend their entire lives. Some larger groups of penguins can reach up to hundreds of thousands. When on land, and not protecting themselves from predators, penguins are friendly and approachable to most other animals.
When I first became Principal at Franconia, I interviewed seventy-two of our staff, students, parents, and community members, and asked them what one word comes to mind when thinking of Franconia. Sixty-eight out of seventy-two said “family.” Every single day, this community shows compassion, help, and love towards one another.
These facts about penguins draw parallels to our Franconia family which are undeniably remarkable. More so, we hope all our children exhibit the unforgettable qualities Wesley exhibited every day. Today, I’m privileged to introduce our new school mascot to honor the amazing community we have and one amazing boy whose legacy will continue to shine bright for all of us.
We are now the Franconia Penguins!
Please stay tuned for many opportunities to be involved with the launch of our new mascot!
Andrew Smith
Principal
Franconia Elementary
ALL Specials (minus strings and band) will be asynchronous on November 12 and 13 to prepare for the return to school.
Please check the Schoology page for each Specialist for your child's asynchronous work for each day.
Parental Guardian Health Screening Commitment Form
- Parents/guardians who chose an in-school instructional option for their child will be required to complete a Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form as students are phased back into in-person learning. The commitment form is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
- This document indicates the parental/guardian’s agreement and commitment to completing a daily health screening prior to sending the student to school and also to keep ill students at home.
- Parents/guardians who have indicated that their child will attend in-school instruction will receive the commitment form electronically, or via hard copy, in their preferred correspondence language.
- The form will be sent home to families prior to their student resuming in-school instruction.
- Parents/guardians may choose to provide their response electronically or parents/guardians may choose to return a hard copy form with their signature. Staff will be required to manually update the receipt of this information in SIS on the Return to School tab and to file the original commitment form in the student’s health portion of the cumulative file.
- Designated school staff will identify and run a daily report via SIS to identify and monitor those students whose parent/guardian have not submitted the commitment form.
- School staff will contact the parents/guardians of all students who have not returned the Parental/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form (either electronically or via hard copy) to communicate this requirement until all forms have been received.
- Students whose parent/guardian have not returned a signed the Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form will be required to complete a health screening and have their temperature taken daily by school staff until the form is received.
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Video from Bullying Prevention Week
https://youtu.be/Jl4WFkkROtE
GOING PAPERLESS
Parents of elementary school students can now opt to "Go Paperless" to receive progress reports online only. This feature also exists for middle and high school students.
After logging into your ParentVue account (use link below), go to My Account and check the "Go Paperless" option.
https://sisparent.fcps.edu/PVUE/PXP2_Login_Parent_OVR.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True
STEAM Virtual Career Week
November 16-20
You are invited to virtually join us during your students’ STEAM block to share your career! One of our goals in STEAM at Franconia is to introduce and educate our students about the many careers available to them to set them up for great career choices in the future.
Interested in presenting? Please create a 15-25 minute slideshow presentation to share with Mrs. Reyes and find a slot on our sign up. Mrs. Reyes will send you a link to join us in your student’s Blackboard Collaborate session during their STEAM block.
(Mrs. Reyes will present and moderate the controls for you, all you need to do is share!)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084daca92ca1fd0-steam1
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Reyes at lsnyder@fcps.edu.
5th Annual
Student Council Supply Drive
Items will be accepted November 4-20 AND November 30-December 11
Collection bins for donations will be placed outside Door 1, near the main office:
Tuesdays-Fridays (8:30am-12:30pm)
For the fifth year in a row, the Franconia SCA is teaming up with Paint the Globe Foundation to provide art supplies and personal care items for children and young adults in need across the globe.
This year we will be collecting supplies for the Hope, Understanding, and Grace (HUG) Project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The mission of the HUG Project is to provide art therapy for victims of human trafficking. HUG engages partners in Chiang Mai police, schools and the international community to prevent, protect and restore children from the crimes committed against them. Your help and generosity, especially during this already trying time, will be greatly appreciated!
Items to donated:
- Water Color Paints
- Paint Brushes
- Acrylic Paints
- Colored Pencils
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Markers
- Scissors
- Soap
- Feminine Products
- Toothbrush/paste
All donations will be delivered to Chiang Mai, Thailand and will be used to support the children healing from the trauma inflicted on them as victims of human trafficking.
Class Contest Information
Another way we are going to show our love and support to the people at HUG Thailand will be through the language of art. At the link below, you will find coloring sheets with affirmational messages that we will send to the children at HUG. Students are encouraged to write notes of encouragement. Each student who submits a completed color sheet will earn a point for that class. The class with the most points will win gift cards for a tasty treat. Gift cards will be delivered via USPS. Additional information can be found at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSGGEI0lFOKMMgw78B1OcfQOyDr4NmymP1ZFjGvumOifrgpyYtkQOpH-1NWh_n1swA9jFL9NqMddj2s/pub
Click here for the official flyer for both of these activities.
Important Updates on Grab and Go Meals
Fairfax County Public Schools is offering no-cost nutritious meals to ALL students through June 30, 2021. Meals are available at school sites and along bus routes.
Beginning Monday, November 9, grab and go bus delivery times and some bus stop locations will change. The updated bus schedule will be posted on November 6.
Breakfast and lunch meals are offered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time. Breakfast and lunch are also offered at no cost to any student who attends in-person instruction at a school Monday-Friday. Meals for Saturday and Sunday are offered at sites and on bus routes every Friday.
More information is available online, or by calling the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
Information about the Advanced Academics Program (AAP)
Our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART) is Jo-Anne Fouad. She will be conducting a virtual parent information session.
For information about the AAP, click here.
Q&A Session AAP Level 4 Referral File Prep
• Live via Collaborate Ultra on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 10:00am
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/68d962ac960641b889ca89e7352b6063
Open, office hours to discuss preparing materials for your AAP level 4 referral file. The session will be recorded and available on the Franconia Schoology site.
For any questions you might have, please contact Mrs. Fouad, at jpfouad@fcps.edu
Reminder - AAP level 4 Parent Referrals must be submitted no later than December 1, 2020
Email Mrs. Fouad jpfouad@fcps.edu with questions or to get forms.
Programa Académico Avanzado (AAP)
La sinopsis de los servicios del Programa Académico Avanzado
https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/AAP_Overview_SPANISH_101019/story_html5.html
Evaluación e identificación para los servicios AAP Nivel IV (a tiempo completo)
https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fcps/courses/AAP_Part2_SPANISH_110819/story_html5.html
Profesor especialista del Programa Académico Avanzado (AART) Jo-Anne Fouad jpfouad@fcps.edu
The Franconia library is coming to your neighborhood next week!
Get books at the locations and times below. Look for Mrs. Vandersande in the silver Honda Fit.
Find more information in your student’s Schoology classroom or the library Schoology page. You can request books in advance at this link or simply show up and pick books.
You may also return books at this time.
Bookmobile Schedule - November 17-20
Tuesday, November 17
Lunch Hour
- Ericka Ave & Mary Caroline Circle, 11:35-11:40
- Manchester Park Circle 3-way Intersection, 11:45-11:50
- Jebbidiah Dr. & Essex House Square, 11:55-12:05
- Old Brentford Rd. & Bristol Way, 12:10-12:15
- Charles Arrington Dr. & Victoria Dr., 12:20-12:25
After School
- Gildar Street Playground, 3:00-3:15
- Autumn Chase: Cilantro Dr. & Applemint Ln. Playground, 3:20-3:30
Wednesday, November 4
Lunch Hour
- Franconia Commons Dr. & Franconia Commons Ct., 11:35-11:40
- Potters Ln. & Clara Edwards Terrace, 11:45-11:55
- Royal Crest Ln. & Summit Point Ct., 12:00-12:05
- Walhaven Dr. & Joyce Rd., 12:10-12:15
- Kathmoor & Higham, 12:20-12:25
After School
- China Grove Ct. Tennis Courts at Greyledge Ct., 3:00-3:15
- Manchester Lakes Recreation Center, 3:20-3:30
Thursday, November 5
Lunch Hour
- Oakbrook Knolls sign by 5817 Valley View Dr., 11:35-11:40
- Valley View Dr. & Cobbs Rd., 11:45-11:50
- Valley View Dr. & McClendon Ct., 11:55-12:00
- Marilyn Dr. & Larkspur Dr., 12:05-12:15
- Valley View Dr. & New Valley View Way, 12:20-12:25
After School
- Hampton Knoll between Masondale Ln. & Manorview, 3:00-3:05
- Chancery: Grange Lane Playground, 3:10-3:15
- Lake Village Drive & Haltwhistle, 3:15-3:30
Friday, November 6
Lunch Hour
- Signature Circle & Manchester Lakes Drive, 11:35-11:40
- Old Brentford Road & Old Brentford Court, 11:45-11:50
- Redins Drive & Essex House Square,11:55-12:00
- Joseph Edward Ct. & William Edgar Dr., 12:05-12:15
- Schurtz St. & Lemon Thyme Dr., 12:20-12:25
After School
- Franconia Forest: Cockspur Dr. & Bitternut Dr., 3:00-3:15
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
November 14 & 21, 10:00am-4:00pm
St. John's Lutheran Church - 5952 Franconia Rd
PLEASE DONATE
Times are challenging for so many families these days, including our own community. Will you please help our young Scouts as they support our neighbors?
As part of the Annual Scouting for Food campaign, scouts from Troop 1107 and Cub Scout Pack 867 are collecting food for the less fortunate. Help us stock the shelves for those in need by donating canned protein, soups and stews, 100% fruit juices, grains, cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruits, condiments, and hygiene products.
Drop off your donations on Saturday, November 14, and Saturday, November 21, between 10:00am - 4:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310.
Thank you for your generous support!
Walk to School Day (i.e. take a walk around your neighborhood)
Wednesday, November 18
Walking Wednesdays will celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day to honor the courage of Ruby Bridges’ historic walk as she was escorted by Federal Marshals to school each day starting on November 14, 1960. That makes this year the 60th anniversary of her integrating New Orleans Public Schools. This is a perfect opportunity for students to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and make connections to today’s collective efforts for change by encouraging them to take part in this Walking Wednesday!
If your child/children takes a walk and would like an official Ruby Bridges button and notecard, there will be a table set-up by Door 1 at school from 11/16-11/17 with them.
Student Council Association
Spirit Day
Thursday, 11/19
Show your school spirit by attending class as a superhero!!
Who is your favorite Superhero? Show Us!
Let’s see you, School Spirit Penguins!
Next SCA Spirit Day will be Thursday, 12/17!
The theme will be announced soon.
Franconia Elementary School Outstanding Employee Nominations 2020
Nominations are now open and will be open until FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
We have begun accepting nominations for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards!
To submit a nomination for a Franconia Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: Outstanding Employee Awards.
You may nominate an employee in one or more categories. For each nomination, please write a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The Google form 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: Within their first three years of being a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
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, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)
Note: The deadline to submit a nomination is November 20, 2020
If you have any questions, please contact me at maanderson1@fcps.edu.
Thank you - Melissa Anderson, Franconia Awards Liaison
Click on this link to make your nominations.
Videos from the Character Trait of the Month
November’s Character Trait is Gratitude - being thankful and showing consideration towards others.
Do you want to be a part of our "gratitude" video? Here are some ways your child can participate:
1) Tell us about what you're grateful for and why. Send me and Ms. Coleman the information to vguillion@fcps.edu or through your Schoology to Mrs. Guillion or Mrs. Coleman
2) Then choose one from the list below:
Record a video in Schoology about your teacher:
I am grateful for Ms. or Mr. ________because______________.
OR
Record a video in Schoology about another topic:
I am grateful for __________________because____________.
3) Send me and Ms. Coleman a picture of what you're grateful for to vguillion@fcps.edu or through your Schoology to Mrs. Guillion or Mrs. Coleman.
Videos and Pictures are due by
Friday, November 20
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Guidance lessons for November:
K-2- How to be a good friend, social distancing style!
3-4- Coping strategies for building resilience
Welcome New Families to Franconia!
Our names our Veronica Guillion and Kori Coleman and we are your school counselors at Franconia! Our role is to help students to be successful socially, emotionally, and academically.
We would like to invite your child to our Penguins in Charge Workshop for New Students in Grades 1-6! In our group, your child will have the opportunity to connect and talk to other new students, play games, and take a virtual tour of our school!
Our new student meeting will be held on Monday, November 22, 11:30-12:00. Please click here for form and we will send your child a link to join through Schoology. This workshop is only for new students who have never attended our workshop and for new students enrolled after October 5 to present.
We look forward to seeing all our new Penguins!
Community Resources:
Videos are continuously be created and updated online for families on our Technology Supports for Families website and YouTube channel.
English: https://youtu.be/vLwkkemipws
Spanish: https://youtu.be/irouwk_a4TU
Arabic: https://youtu.be/mezWusgBLo8
Vietnamese: https://youtu.be/OBfHR0eHFQ8
Korean: https://youtu.be/gjmmNWeHf2k
Farsi: https://youtu.be/UM4yUMhS5Dw
Urdu: https://youtu.be/ce7VeMjPsIE
Chinese: https://youtu.be/lrxmACZCWV4
One-on-One, Confidential Consulting
Financial Coaching: Speak confidentially with a volunteer financial coach over the phone or Internet. Call 703.704.6101, email info@FECSoCo.org, or Click Here to register. Click Here for Information.
Workforce/Job Readiness Consulting: Free, confidential consulting to help you refresh your resume, polish your interviewing skills and more via phone or internet. If you live in Alexandria, Burke, Lorton or Springfield, contact Sally Meyer at slmeyer@britepaths.org; for all other areas of Fairfax County contact Jill Beres at jberes@britepaths.org. Click Here for Information.
Small Business Consulting: Schedule a confidential appointment to speak with a professional who will provide guidance with emergency loans, help create a business plan and develop effective strategies. Call 703.704.6101, email info@FECSoCo.org, or Click Here to register.
Tax Preparation Consulting: Available by appointment on Tuesdays. Preparation of prior year tax returns, amendments, counseling on tax issues. For tax filing assistance, must have access to a computer to complete TurboTax filing. Call 703.704.6101, email info@FECSoCo.org, or Click Here to register.
Avenues to Career Training 8-Week Healthcare Readiness Training
Avenues to Career Training (ACT) is an eight-week training session that includes job-readiness skills with the enrichment of math, reading and writing that are contextualized for healthcare for Fairfax County residents. Our Fall 2020 cohort is underway. Contact Sally Meyer at slmeyer@britepaths.org to be notified about 2021 sessions. Click Here for Information on ACT.
More Resources:
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Lost Your Job? Listen to the Way Forward Podcast: Financial Empowerment Center at South County Director Maria Jose Cantoni is featured in the United Way of the National Capital Area's podcast The Way Forward. She discusses: "What Can You Do if You're Laid Off From Your Job in the DMV?" Click Here to listen.
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Need to Know How to Get Your Economic Impact Payment? Click Here to learn more about the Federal Economic Impact Payments under the CARES Act. Click Here to view free Video
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Information on Preventing Eviction: Click Here for Fairfax County resources and information. Click Here for guidance about the CDC's National Eviction Moratorium.
The Weekly Specialists Corner
Every week, there will be new information for students to know from all of our Specialist Teachers:
Use the Google Chrome browser for best results: Specials Corner for Wednesday Word
Penguin Points
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
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