Reflections on Change
This week, third graders dug into the big idea (an over-arching theme that transcends grade levels or content areas) of change during an Advanced Academics lesson. Students engaged in thoughtful discourse with one another, reflecting on situations in which change is good or bad…. and the realization that at times, it can be both.
Right now, we continue to be in the midst of so much change in both our school and personal lives. As in the story the third graders read, change can be unwanted and difficult. It can also bring unexpected joy and new opportunities. As we wind down 2020 and reflect on the unprecedented past three months, we celebrate the new opportunities and joy that we have seen in classrooms each day…teachers, students, and families engaging in learning in incredible new ways; friendships formed and deepened virtually; families, students and staff taking care of one another.
We are thankful that our Forestdale culture remains as positive and supportive as ever. These changes would be much more difficult without the partnership, understanding, and care we have for each other as parents and staff. Thank you!
Free COVID-19 Testing
When: Monday December 7
Time: 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Where: South County Middle School- 8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA
Please click here for more information.
See this flyer that has information about FIXED testing sites—where you can get tested if you cannot attend the December 7 testing event.
December Materials Distribution: Monday, December 7
This Monday, we will hold our next monthly drive-through materials distribution. Classes in preschool and grades K-2 have materials to distribute. Drive through between 2:00- 4:00 p.m. and staff will hand the materials right to you. Questions? Contact your child's teacher.
Can't make it? Come by during a Wednesday library curbside checkout (note new time: 4:00- 5:00 p.m.) or make an appointment with the office (see below).
School Materials Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Periodically, families will need to stop by the school to pick up materials or drop off items. We are working hard to make sure students and families have the resources they need while keeping students, staff, and families safe. Therefore, please see the following guidance regarding school materials/item pickup:
- The office is still only available by appointment. Please call the front office at (703) 313-4300 if you need to stop by for technology support, to pick up, or drop off items.
- Each month, certain grade levels will distribute instructional materials. If you missed a monthly materials distribution and need to pick up instructional materials or supplies, please call the front office at 703-313-4300 to schedule a time to come by during school hours. Please let the office staff know your student’s name, teacher’s name, and grade so they can gather the correct supplies.
- At your scheduled appointment time, call the school office when you pull up to the front door, and a staff member will bring your items out to your car.
Thank you for your partnership as we work to do what Falcons do: Take care of ourselves, each other, and this place.
FCPS Parent Resource Center Webinar Classes
Check out the upcoming free webinars from the FCPS Parent Resource Center.
Postsecondary Education Considerations for Students with Disabilities
Join FCPS Career and Transition Services to learn about postsecondary concerns for students transitioning to college.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 10:00 a.m - noon.
Register for Postsecondary Education Considerations for Students with Disabilities
Coping Strategies for Anxious Kids
“Dry mouth, sweaty palms, a pounding heart. Everyone feels anxious once in a while. But for approximately one in eight teenagers, anxiety is more than just a temporary worry or fear — it can stress them out too much to even come to school. And that can leave parents desperate.” Kavitha Cardoza
Friday, December 11, 2020, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Register for Coping Strategies for Anxious Kids
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series
- 12/17/20: All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
- Overview on the reasons why behaviors may occur
- Overview about reinforcing positive behavior
- General tips for encouraging replacement behaviors
- 01/21/21: Strategies for Increasing Replacement Behaviors
- 02/18/21:Teaching your Children to Follow Directions
- 03/18/21: Effectively Communicating with Your Child
- 04/22/21: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Thursday December 17, 2020, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register for All Behavior Happens for a Reason: Behavior as Communication
PTA Corner
Thank you for Supporting Restaurant Night!
Thank you to all families and staff who participated in our restaurant night fundraiser on Tuesday. In honor of the National Day of Giving, Noodles and Company donated 50% of the proceeds from meals purchased by our community to Forestdale. If you bought dinner from Noodles and Company, you raised funds for our school! Thank you!
Next PTA Meeting is Tuesday
Join us for our third PTA meeting this Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m. on the “Forestdale School Wide Events” Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) link. We hope to see you there!
Save the Date: 2nd Annual (Virtual) Family Science Night
Join us on January 14, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for our 2nd annual Family Science Night, hosted in partnership with the Children’s Science Center. This free family event will be held virtually this year, and we know it will be engaging, informative, and fun just like last year!
Important Dates
December 7
Drive-Through Materials Distribution (Preschool, K, 1, 2, and Enhanced Autism) & Library Curbside Checkout, 2:00- 4:00 p.m.
December 8
PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
December 9
Library Curbside Checkout, 4:00- 5:00 p.m. (Note: The new ending time is 5:00 p.m.)
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