Falcon Press 2.18.21

Title I Supplies

February Materials Distribution: Monday, February 22

On Monday, February 22, we will hold our next monthly drive-through materials distribution.  Students in all grades will receive a second set of supplies courtesy of the FCPS Title I Office (see image above).  Drive past the front door between 2:00- 4:00 p.m., and staff will hand the materials right to you. We will also host library curbside checkout on Monday.  

Staff in PreK, first grade, third grade, and the Enhanced Autism program have additional materials to hand out to students as well.  

Note: Students returning to in-person instruction who only need to pick up school supplies can receive theirs when they return to school.  No need to drive through!

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 to stop by.

Questions?  Contact your child's teacher.


Health Screening Form for In-Person Students

FCPS is asking that each family help stop the spread by signing and submitting to the school office the Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment Form.  This form asks that if your child is sick or feeling unwell with the symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that you keep him/her home.  Please see the form for more details.  


Falcon Family Fun Night

 

Second Falcon Family Fun Night: Thursday, February 25

Come to our Falcon Family Fun Night on February 25 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.! 

We were so happy to see over 100 students, family members, and staff at the Falcon Family Fun Night last month! We know many of you were hoping for games to be included, and your wish has been granted! This month’s Fun Night, on Thursday, February 25 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., will feature a large variety of activities, including many different games, art, read alouds, and excitement for all. You can find the BBCU link to “Forestdale School Wide Events” in your email (parent or student). Search “invitee” to find the link. Let’s make it the best night ever!

"Forestdale School Wide Events" BBCU link

En Pocas Palabras FCPS Podcast for Spanish Speaking Families

The Office for ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement are pleased to offer En Pocas Palabras FCPS Podcast.

Welcome to En Pocas Palabras FCPS Podcast from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).  Listen to En Pocas Palabras FCPS in Spanish and English to hear timely, important information related to school news.  FCPS cares about all families. The podcast is produced in conjunction with the Office for ESOL Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.  The goal of every podcast is to help families access key resources and understand how to best support their children’s education.   En Pocas Palabras FCPS will bring you something new to discover.  We are a community.  Together, we are stronger!

Bienvenidos a En Pocas Palabras FCPS, un Podcast en español e inglés, donde podrá  encontrar las últimas noticias de las escuelas públicas del condado de Fairfax.  En FCPS todas las familias son importantes. Producido por la Oficina de Servicios de Inglés como Segundo Idioma (ESOL) y la Oficina de Aprendizaje Profesional y Participación Familiar, este Podcast tiene como meta  ayudar a las familias a tener acceso a recursos claves y apoyarlas en la educación de sus hijos. Somos una comunidad y juntos somos más fuertes.  

Listen on:  Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/en-pocas-palabras-fcps/id1551859253 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4XRcEd6hwZbYk29Wng0I4X Anchor https://anchor.fm/enpocaspalabrasfcps 

Contact:

Micheline Lavalle - mblavalle@fcps.edu, 571-423-4654

Linda Ferguson - laferguson1@fcps.edu, 703-380-8696


Transition Information for 6th Grade Families

Do you have a 6th grade student who will be attending Key MS next year? Your child’s 6th grade class was recently visited by Key Middle School counselors where they learned all about how to choose their classes for next year. You can view the pre-recorded presentations in English and Spanish below. Please view this presentation so you can help your child choose their classes for middle school.

Mark your Calendars: Family Q & A Sessions 

Parents/guardians, do you still have questions? Key Middle School is hosting 3 parent Q&A sessions to help guide families through the academic advising process for 6th grade.

Rising 7th & 8th Grade Q&A Sessions for families:

Parents, please review the links below, as they will help guide your family through the middle school transition:


Black History Month Celebration Opportunities

The Fairfax County Government will be hosting a virtual Black History Month Program on Friday, February 19 at 7 p.m. on Fairfax County Government Channel 16.  In addition to the keynote speaker Dr. Mark Hopson, Director of African and African American Studies at George Mason University there will also be remarks from the Board of Supervisors Chairman, Jeff McKay, County Executive, Bryan Hill, and musical selections from a variety of artists.  

The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers extensive exhibits, collections, Curator Chat Series, and outreach events. Explore the virtual exhibits and online collections.

The long history of Black History Month has roots in the work of the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This year the ASALH theme is, The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. Throughout February, ASALH offers a virtual festival with free community events, including musical events, book talks and virtual conversations.

Virginia Tourism Black History Events and Tours: Celebrate Black History in Virginia with special events, guided tours, live musical and dramatic performances, lectures and films. Discover more about Black history attractions, African-American history in Virginia, famous Virginians, and the Civil Rights History of Virginia.


Spotlight on Diverse Books: Black History Month

Each week in the Falcon Press we will highlight a few titles that you might enjoy together as a family. Click the links below for the read alouds. Enjoy!

During the month of February, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month by affirming African American accomplishments, milestones, and contributions to our nation’s history. In our regular Spotlight on Diverse Books, we will highlight books, both fiction and nonfiction, celebrating Black culture, achievements, resistance, and joy. 

Diverse Books

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee


PTA Corner

Join the PTA

We have had a great start to our PTA membership drive this year and great attendance at our meetings! We welcome families to join us at any point in the school year. We’d love to have you become a member of our PTA and partner with us as we take care of Forestdale and our students and staff.

This year’s membership form is online, and you can join by clicking this link. You can also make donations to the PTA at this link. Membership is $10 per family.

If you would like to become a member and need financial assistance, please email our PTA Treasurer at forestdaleptatreasurer@gmail.com.

February 23rd Chipotle Restaurant Night

Help us raise money for Forestdale! On Tuesday, February 23rd, it’s Forestdale night at the Springfield Chipotle (7108 Old Keene Mill Rd.) from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Bring in our Forestdale flyer (below), show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Forestdale Elementary School. If you order online, use code NHQNZCF before checkout in ‘promo’ field. Orders placed on Chipotle.com or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted towards the fundraiser.

 

Chipotle Flyer English
Chipotle Night Spanish

Important Dates

February 22

Student Materials Distribution (all students, PreK-6) & Library Curbside Checkout, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

February 23

Group 5 (PreK, Kindergarten, Intensive Needs Special Education) In-Person Students Return to School 

PTA Chipotle Restaurant Night, 4:00-8:00 p.m. 

February 24

Library Curbside Checkout, 4:00- 5:00 p.m.

February 25

Falcon Family Fun Night, 6:00- 7:00 p.m.

March 5 

Two-Hour Early Release (1:30 p.m.)

March 8

Staff Development Day/ Student Holiday

March 9

Group 6 (Grades 1 & 2) In-Person Students Return to School 

March 16

Group 7 (Grades 3-6) In-Person Students Return to School