Dear Dranesville Families--

It is an exciting time as we transition some of our students back into the classroom environment.  After March 16, we will have all of our grade levels in school. I am getting out to schools again and love seeing what our students and teachers are doing.  Keep in mind that at this time, approximately 50% of our families across Dranesville and FCPS have elected to keep their students learning virtually.  I will be listening closely to what is happening in both learning situations to give all of our students the best learning environment possible. Our next Return to School update will be March 16.

Currently, we are moving forward with students in school 2 days per week in order to accommodate 6’ of social distancing. The biggest constraint we have to getting all of our students into our buildings is the 6’ social distancing recommendation from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health.  Dr. Brabrand explains this very well in this short CNN spot  that aired 2/28/21.  We will monitor this closely to see how this is working and hopefully reduce this distance as we assess our other mitigation methods at work. The goal is to get more students into school and extend in-person opportunities.

What about next Fall??

Many are wondering what school will look like in the fall of 2021.  I am trying to figure out how we problem solve to get our students back to 5 days in the building, and have been asking many questions to get us there. We are budgeting and planning for five days a week in person for the fall.  Let me assure you, the safety of our students, families and staff is of utmost importance.  

As you may be aware, the 2021 General Assembly session just ended.  House Bill 1303 was passed by both the Senate and the House. It would require Virginia school districts to offer 5 days of in-person learning to families starting July 1, 2021. The Governor has the option to sign, amend or veto this bill until March 31.  Should he propose any amendments or veto the legislation, it would come back to the General Assembly for their final consideration at their Reconvened Session on April 7.

If you would like to share your opinion on this bill, please contact the Governor at: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/communicating-with-the-governors-office/ . If you would like to reach out to your Virginia State Representative and/or Senator, the best way to find their contact information is via https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/.

Thank you again for the work you have done to make this a meaningful school year for our students.  I look forward to our continued work and collaboration as we go through another transition period.  

Elaine

Calendar Reminder: Two-Hour Early Dismissal on March 5, Student Holiday on March 8

As a reminder, students will be dismissed two-hours early on Friday, March 5, and Monday, March 8, is a staff development day and student holiday. On both days, teachers will participate in a variety of professional development and planning activities and will not be available for office hours. Students are not expected to complete asynchronous assignments on the March 8 student holiday. See the complete 2020-21 school year calendar.

Hutchison ES Staff awaiting students

Return to School Family Guide and FAQ

You can find everything you need on the FCPS Return to School site as we continue our phased return to in-person instruction. The Family Return to School Guide includes information that will help families know what to expect as students return to school. Please note that families that choose for their students to remain in all-virtual learning can continue with that option. All FCPS students who have chosen the in-person instruction option are scheduled to return to school by March 16.

Return to School: Your Questions Answered

Do you have questions about bus transportation, school cleaning, health measures, lockers, meals, mental health, recess, special education, or technology? Get your answers here.

Is Your Child Ready to Return to School?

Here are tips on how parents can help reduce anxieties some students may feel returning to in-person learning for the first time in nearly a year.

Also, be sure to visit the return to school checklist online to make sure they have the items needed for in-person learning.

Health Screening Commitment Form Required Prior to Student Return to School Buildings

As students return to in-person instruction, parents and caregivers will be asked to acknowledge a Health Screening Commitment form before their student(s) re-enter school buildings. This document confirms that a parent, caregiver, or guardian will complete a daily health screening and will keep their students home when they are ill.

The Health Commitment form can be submitted electronically through ParentVUE (PVUE) or via hard copy. Please contact your child’s school to have a hard copy sent to you.

Pi (π) Day Day 2021

Sunday, March 14 • 4:15–5 p.m. ET

Every year on March 14—Albert Einstein’s birthday—number lovers can raise a piece of pie to Pi (π) Day, an international celebration of one of math’s most famous constants: the irrational, never-ending number π, pronounced pi (3.14159 . . .). Exploratorium physicist Larry Shaw invented the playful celebration in 1988, and Congress declared it an official U.S. national holiday in 2009. This year, join the Exploratorium  live online from wherever you are–tune in for your slice of pi trivia, pi art, pi music, and share your pi stories in the live chat. Free online, no registration required, all ages

En Pocas Palabras: A New FCPS Podcast!

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.Click to edit this placeholder text.

SY21-22 Calendar Discussion

The School Board held a Work Session on the calendar options on 3/2 and can be viewed here. During the Work Session, the School Board unanimously passed a motion to direct the superintendent to develop a new calendar option, to account for but not limited to:

• legal considerations
• instructional concerns and disruption
• student wellness, both socio-emotional and academic
• support staff pay
• absenteeism data
• operational disruption
• staff days off and planning time
• survey preferences
• transparency and community climate
• any and all equity considerations
• inclusiveness
• consider use of two floating holidays that could be used for religious observances or cultural celebrations​​​​​​

View the previous draft calendars.

Mental Health Resources

Save the date

A Brighter 2021: Ending the School Year Strong, featuring Ana Homayoun Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at noon  

The Safe Community Coalition (SCC) is excited to host noted author Ana Homayoun as she discusses how we set students up socially, emotionally and academically in the midst of remote and hybrid schooling. Ana will address ways to be organized during hybrid and remote learning, and discuss how to support healthy socialization and a sense of curiosity and discovery as we head into summer break. Many parents are feeling a sense of underlying anxiety about learning gaps and "feeling behind," and Ana will look at how to address and reframe some of these concerns. Above all, Ana will offer practical, implementable strategies to support student, parent and caregiver well-being. Ana is the founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting, LLC, an internationally recognized organization that works with schools, universities and corporations consulting with parents, students, educators and employers about promoting intrinsic motivation, authentic engagement, and overall wellness. This event is FREE, but registration is required. Registrants will be able to access the video for two weeks following the live event. Register today at www.mcleanscc.org.

Parent Resource Center Parenting Webinars

The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) is offering free parent webinars in March. 

• Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Effectively Communicating with Your Child: Thursday March 18, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School: Friday, March 19, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
• Challenges of parenting in the U.S and During the Pandemic: A Webinar for Arabic Speaking Families (presented in Arabic): Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.

More information on each session and how to register is available online. All previous webinars have been recorded and can be viewed on the PRC YouTube channel

March Is...

Women's History Month: Celebrating with NASA Scientist & FCPS Graduate Dr. Swati Mohan 

If you watched the February 18th, 2021 Mar's landing, then you heard the voice of Dr. Swati Mohan who led the development of the altitude control and landing system of the Mars Perseverance Rover. Her interest in space and science was sparked when she watched her first episode of "Star Trek" at the age of 9, and saw the beautiful depictions of the new regions of the universe that they were exploring. When she was 16, she took her first physics class. She said that she was lucky enough to have a great teacher, and everything was so understandable and easy. That was when she really considered engineering, as a way to pursue space. You can read all about her here. Watch an animation of the Mars Perseverance Rover landing. #Women'sHistoryMonth #WomeninSTEM Here is an article about Alexander Mather from Lake Braddock SS who named the Rover Perseverance. Equity Month; FCPS Team Works to Eliminate Gaps in Opportunity and Achievement for All Students The Fairfax County School Board—in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association—observes March as Equity Month, a division-wide opportunity to ensure that all students have the same opportunities and abilities to achieve. Since joining the One Fairfax initiative in 2017, the Board has prioritized equity and established an Equity and Cultural Responsiveness team to ensure implementation of culturally responsive practices for all stakeholders. Get more information about Equity Month.Get more information about Equity Month.

Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair

As in 2020, the Regional Science and Engineering Fair participation and judging will be held virtually the week of March 13-20, 2021. I am happy to participate again this year as an Organizational judge with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.  I have participated in science fair judging in a variety of capacities for years and am always so impressed by the ingenuity, creative problem solving and diligence exhibited by the participants.  I am excited to see what new research is unveiled this year.  To learn more about the science fair please go here. 

The livestream award ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 21st from 3:00 – 4:00pm on Channel 99 (https://www.fcps.edu/tv/ch99) and will appear in the programming guide under that date (https://www.fcps.edu/node/31126).

Important Special Education Parent Survey 

On March 1, parents of FCPS students with disabilities received an invitation via email from the FCPS Office of Auditor General to complete an independent, third-party survey on FCPS’s special education services provided through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. All responses are confidential and will be used to generate recommendations for the Fairfax County School Board. 

Your voice counts, so please share your thoughts once you receive the survey.

Save the Date: FCPS Virtual Special Education Conference Set for April 17

FCPS will hold its 16th annual Special Education Conference virtually on Saturday, April 17. Registration will begin in March. A student strand will be held for youth ages 14-22. FCPS educators, administrators, and pre-service teachers can earn recertification points for attending the conference. Exhibit Hall and Inclusive Schools resources will be shared. Visit the Special Education Conference webpage for more information.

FY22 Advertised Budget Adopted by School Board

The Fairfax County School Board has unanimously adopted its FY 2022 (2021-22 school year) Budget on Feb 16th. Highlights:

• This is a student-centered budget that focuses on ensuring students are cared for and able to thrive. 
• We recognize that the past year has been difficult. This budget invests in ALL FCPS students and brings hope to them and their families by providing the resources each of them needs to help recognize and support all their extraordinary contributions during this pandemic.
• This is a fiscally-responsible budget that takes into account the tough economic climate brought on by the pandemic, while also recognizing that a high-quality school system serves as the economic underpinning of a thriving community. It is a budget that will continue to build on FCPS’ tradition of excellence.
• The $3.2 billion budget also recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers and staff with a proposed 3 percent compensation rate for all employees.

The School Board is scheduled to present its Advertised Budget to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 13. Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Budget information is available here. Additional budget work sessions and public hearings will occur through  May. Information about speaking at a budget public hearing and a list of relevant budget dates, along with updates and budget news, is available online. 

Learn more about the FY 22 Advertised Budget. Learn more about the FY 22 Advertised Budget. 

Brood X 17 year cicadas are coming

Spring of 2021 is the year of the Brood X 17 year cicadas? Trillions are expected to hit the east coast. Typically beginning in mid-May and ending in late June. These cicadas will begin to emerge approximately when the soil 8″ beneath the ground reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit. For the majority of our students this will be their first experience. Here is more information on cicadas.

EduTutorVA’s Quick Ascent Lifts Students

EduTutorVA, created in May 2020, has progressed quickly as a resource for students who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. I have been happy to be engaged with this organization from the beginning.  Many of the founding members live in Dranesville.  This homegrown not-for-profit’s twofold mission of providing tutors for K-12 students and encouraging careers in education is made up of trained college undergrad and graduate students and alumni. Read here to learn more about EduTutorVA.

Dranesville School and Community News

Cooper Renovation

The Cooper Middle School project was funded in the 2015 and 2019 bonds.  FCPS procured professional services for design and construction of the facility improvements.  The project includes the complete renovation of the existing one and two story school building, demolition of portions of the existing building, construction of additions, and site work.  The renovation comprises replacement of windows, doors, finishes, equipment, and major building systems.  The east two-story addition includes science and general classroom spaces. The addition also includes program spaces for food/nutrition, fashion, art classrooms, and library / media space.  The main gym will be expanded.  The north addition provides more space for administrative personnel.  The exterior site improvements will include additional parking, improved circulation, lighting, landscaping, and storm water management facilities.  The existing building space is more than 113,000 square feet and the expanded building will measure nearly 180,000 square feet upon completion.

First Baptist Church of Vienna's Justice & Legislative Week

On February 11, I participated in a conversation with Dr. Walton, as a part of the First Baptist Church of Vienna's Justice & Legislative Week. I was joined on the panel by Melanie Meren, Hunter Mill District, and Karen Keys-Gamara, At Large. We  discussed the decisions to return to school in-person; summer learning; School Resource Officers; and increasing the diversity of FCPS teachers.

Virtual Stuff the Bus Food Drive

Help keep the shelves at food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens stocked to feed the hungry in our community! Now in its tenth year, Stuff the Bus is working to meet the increased demand for food due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help restock the shelves of local food pantries in an effort to meet the needs of our community. To participate in the virtual Food Drive, donations can be made directly to the nonprofit organizations listed on this page. Simply click on this volunteer Fairfax link and follow the easy directions.

Dranesville Student Achievements

Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County

Students from 24 Fairfax County public schools have been named recipients of the 2021 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Recipients will be recognized at a virtual reception in March.

Dranesville winners are:

• Aamirah “Molly” Malik, Herndon High School as part of a group of students, she gave gifts through Heifer International of a cow and chickens to a family in Africa in honor of their geography teacher. She is also a member of When We All Vote, registering people to vote and taking an organizational role. 
• Shreya Papneja, Langley High School established the nonprofit CHAPS - Children’s Health Awareness Program in Schools to help enable school children to make health-conscious decisions. During the pandemic, the program raised over $5,000 for the charity Real Food for Kids. 
• Brittany Peng, McLean High School, she is the CEO of  LeadPeace, a Fairfax County student organization that empowers young people to become community leaders and peacebuilders. She manages two new initiatives: Lead Talks and ArtPEACE.

Applications Wanted for Student Representative to the School Board for 2021-22 School Year, Deadline Is April 7

Each year, FCPS students can apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). Applications are due by April 7. 

The application and more information are available online. 

High School Students Invited to Fairfax County 2021 Virtual Teen Job Fairs

Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways are invited to attend one of six upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops in Fairfax County. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.

Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. Free booth spaces are provided to local businesses. The first two job fairs will be held on Saturday, March 13, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Students can register for the March 13 Job Fair and the March 20 Job Fair.

FERIA DE TRABAJO PARA ADOLESCENTES DEL CONDADO DE FAIRFAX

Need Tech Help?

For any questions regarding technology, contact the Parent Technology Help Desk at 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered by staff members 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If the help desk is unable to solve the issue on the phone with the parent or guardian, a staff member will enter a ticket on the parent’s behalf and the request for help will be transferred to the appropriate FCPS team. Parents or guardians who need help in a language other than English should let help desk staff know, and an interpreter will join them on the line. In addition, FCPS has set up an online portal to allow older students and parents and guardians to request technology help directly.  FCPS also has parent information phone lines, available in eight different languages, that can assist with general questions about FCPS. If you have any questions about your student's return to in-person learning, please contact their school or visit the school's website.

Mclean High School Boundary Adjustment

Registration Contacts

If my family lives in the boundary adjustment, who do I contact for registration at my student’s new school?   

• Langley HS: Langley’s registrar, Mary Gratz. She can be reached at  703-287-2722 or mjgratz@fcps.edu
• Cooper MS: Cooper’s SIA, Annie Eisman. She can be reached at 703- 442-5812 or adeisman@fcps.edu.

If my family lives in the boundary adjustment and has a rising 9th grader, who do I contact for registration?   Note:  This must be done by March 19, 2021.

• If your rising 9th grade student attends Longfellow MS and wishes to attend Langley HS: Langley’s registrar, Mary Gratz. She can be reached at  703-287-2722 or mjgratz@fcps.edu
• If your rising 9th grade student attends Longfellow MS and wishes to attend McLean HS: McLean's registrar, Mary Bartenfeld. She can be reached at 703-714-5722 or mbartenfeld@fcps.edu

FCPS Return to School Newsletter Poll

On March 17, the newsletter, Return to School News, will be changing its distribution day from Mondays to Wednesdays. In anticipation of the move, please help us better meet your needs by answering four short questions.

Take the FCPS Newsletter poll.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

• March 16, 2021 at 11 am, Work Session: FY 21Third Quarter Budget Review Presentation & Return to School Update
• March 18, 2021 at 7 pm, Hybrid Regular Meeting: FY 21 Third Quarter Budget vote and  School Year 2021-2022 Calendar Vote

How to Watch Meetings

• Livestream: Meetings can be live streamed  here.
• Recordings of Meetings: Meetings are recorded and available here.
• Latest schedule of School Board Meetings:
• https://www.fcps.edu/school-board/school-board-meetings

The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.

© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia

E-mail: Elaine Tholen  |  Phone: 571-423-1087

Wendy Biliter, Staff Aide, 571-423-1068, wmbiliter@fcps.edu