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Kindergarten 2021-2022
Do you have a child will be 5 years of age by September 30, 2021, and do you plan on sending them to kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year?
We are in the process of preparing for our kindergarten registration and orientation. If your child is ready for kindergarten, call the school so we may add you to our list of rising kindergarten students.
Please fill out the form at this link so you are put on our list of incoming kindergarten families for 2021-2022:
Also, share this info with your neighbors who have a child that meets the above criteria.
All the forms needed for registration can be found here:
Franconia Elementary School office - 703-822-2200
Orientation for Rising Kindergarteners
Monday, April 12, 12:00pm
The Franconia kindergarten team is excited to welcome families with rising Kindergarten students to our 2021-22 Virtual Orientation. During this virtual presentation, the kindergarten teachers will provide information about the kindergarten program at Franconia Elementary. Please use this link to join the presentation:
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/c3f3d2deacbf4094894c149cd3b74c10
A recording will be available for families who cannot attend either session.
For questions, please contact Claire Branson (kindergarten team lead) at cebranson@fcps.edu.
Order Your Yearbook Now
Cost is $14.00
Deadline - April 15, 2021
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/FMYB111688
Online code is: FMYB111688
(All proceeds will go towards the funding of the annual "Summer Book Grab" program.)
Student Intention
School Year 2021-2022
Where will your child attend school next year?
Please complete the form at this link: https://forms.gle/GdNAPcVKS48fJ1mP7.
Student Council Association
Spirit Day
Thursday, 4/15
Show your Penguin Pride by attending class with your pet. If you’re at home, your pet can make an appearance during a morning or afternoon meeting. If you’re in the building, bring your favorite stuffed animal pet to show your friends.
The next SCA Spirit Day will be Thursday, 5/20, and the theme will be announced soon.
April is Month of the Military Child
If your child is a part of a military-connected family and would like to share your military-life experience with other Penguin friends, students can submit a recording or upload a photo about their experience on the flip grid link below.
https://flipgrid.com/8f5f3a32
Character Trait of the Month
March’s Character Trait is self-control - to control behavior and emotions.
Take a look at how students practiced self-control:
https://youtu.be/MoB1AzQdkco
April’s Character Trait is responsibility - to do what is expected in behavior and actions.
If you would like to share a video about responsibility, please add it to the flipgrid video at this link: https://flipgrid.com/f0d7930f
DEADLINE FOR VIDEOS: Friday, April 23
For any questions, please contact the School Counselors, Mrs. Guillion (vguillion@fcps.edu) or Mrs. Coleman (kdcoleman@fcps.edu).
April Guidance Lesson Topics:
Information to come...
Behind the Mask...
Fourth Grade Team
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Rachael Rim
This is my 4th year teaching at Franconia. I was grew up and went to school in Fairfax County, so it’s pretty cool to teach some concepts I remember learning when I was younger!
In my free time, I love to walk and play with my pups, read, and listen to music. I am so proud to be a Franconia Penguin!
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Katie Blum
I am proud to be a Franconia Penguin! This is my 8th year teaching at Franconia. I have taught first grade, third grade, and now fourth grade. My favorite subject is math but I am also very passionate about reading books.
I have two little boys at home, Charlie and Connor, and they keep me very busy! One of my most favorite things to do is bake. I love making cookies and cakes and then sharing my treats with friends.
I also like being outside and going on walks around my neighborhood. I run a photography business and take photos for lots of families in the area. I love getting to be creative!
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Courtney King
This is my 3rd year teaching at Franconia! I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Alexandria, Virginia three years ago.
In my free time, I like to sing, listen to music, spend time with family and friends, and read. I am so happy to be a Franconia Penguin!
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Trevia Younger
I have been a part of the Franconia family for many years and seem to get younger every year. (Ha!Ha!) I have loved every grade I’ve taught and the love of teaching still runs strong through my veins.
Many people may not know this, but I’m very playful, enjoy having a good time with family and friends, try to make people laugh, like to travel, and look forward to trying new things (roller skating, clarinet, twirling a baton) 😊.
My new favorite book is “The World Needs More Purple People.” I am happiest when I’m eating ice cream and sitting on a tropical beach. I’m most uncomfortable when it’s too hot. My most precious gift is my son Bryson.
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Enjoy a FREE Audio Performance
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass
Brought to you by the Edison (High School) Theatre Company
Join the Edison (High School) Theatre Company for their [FREE] audio adaptation of Lewis Carroll's beloved stories, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Alice dreams of the Looking-Glass Kingdom and discovers Wonderland - where animals talk, people are strange, and adventure awaits.
There are 4 chapters to listen to in all; no need for tickets or codes, simply click the link and listen. There are multiple options for listening: Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube. Depending upon your device, you may be prompted to install an app. Regardless of your preference and device, one of the choices should make for easy podcast listening. An official Playbill (program) can be found at this link to follow along as you listen.
Enjoy this radio adaptation and feel free to share with family and friends around the globe!
More information about our program and Boosters can be found here: https://www.edisontheatrecompany.org/
Thank you for supporting high school theater!
To start the podcast right away, click HERE.
Also available on YouTube:
Chapter 1 & 2: Alice's Looking-Glass Adventures - Edison HS Theatre
Chapter 3: Alice's Looking-Glass Adventures - Edison HS Theatre
Chapter 4: Alice's Looking-Glass Adventures - Edison HS Theatre
Advanced Academics Program
Update from Mrs. Fouad - Advanced Academics Resource Teacher
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r6D_okJ-XN_f70B3NQ0h9yjbV6anbYzGxAq4D8nGB9I/edit?usp=sharing
Information Sessions
PEATC (Parent Education Advocacy Training Center) has some exciting virtual training opportunities for our military families who have students with disabilities coming up over the next several weeks. Below is the information about each.
Webinars:
- Introduction to Autism and ABA – 21 April 2021, 2:00 p.m., Registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nWStwoddQiqhowglObx-YQ
Training Events:
In collaboration with VDOE, PEATC is offering training events for both professionals and parents again this year. As much as we would like to see everyone, VDOE is requiring that these events be virtual. It will be recorded presentations that are self-paced, but we are offering one live session for each event. Please see the attached flyers for details, or you can register using the links below:
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On the Front Lines ( for professionals including EFM and SLOs, Purple Star School POCs, MFLCs and ombudsmen, formerly EFM/SLO training) – two opportunities to participate:
- April 15-22, 2021; Live event on April 20th at 12:00 p.m. Registration: https://efmpsloapril2021.eventbrite.com
- July 8-15, 2021; Live event on July 13th at 12:00 p.m. Registration: https://efmpslojuly2021.eventbrite.com
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In the Trenches (for service members, parents, families, and caregivers only, formerly Squared Away) – two opportunities to participate:
- April 17-25, 2021; Live event on April 22nd at 7:00 p.m., Registration: https://inthetrenchesapril2021.eventbrite.com
- July 17-25, 2021; Live event on July 22nd at 7:00 p.m., Registration: https://inthetrenchesjuly2021.eventbrite.com
Sometimes military networks don’t like our registration links or will block Eventbrite links, so you may need to try registering from a home network and/or computer. If you have any trouble accessing these links or registering, please call our office at (703) 923-0010 and speak with our administrative assistant, Andersen Guske. He will be able to take all the necessary information to complete the registration for you.
Contact Info:
Amanda Raymond
Military Outreach and Family Support Specialist
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
(800) 869-6782
www.PEATC.org
Rising 7th Grade
Tdap Immunization Requirement
Virginia Law requires that all students entering seventh grade receive a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine prior to the beginning of school. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is usually given around the age of eleven.
For your child to begin 7th grade you will need to submit one of the following documents before the first day of school. It is recommended that all paperwork be submitted to the school office by July 31, 2021.
Acceptable documentation can be one of the following:
- A copy of your child’s immunization record showing the Tdap vaccine.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Tdap vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online at:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf
The Tdap booster is available from your child’s healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department Clinic locations and hours are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics or by calling 703-246-2411. Please note that students receiving immunizations at the Health Department must be accompanied by an adult and should bring their immunization records with them.
For questions regarding immunization documentation, please contact the school student information assistant (SIA) or registrar.
Seventh grade students will not be allowed to begin school in August 2021 without submitting proper documentation.
Community Resources
“Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic” These modules by the IRIS Center offers tips for family members to support children learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and answers questions such as: “what is my role, how can I support my child socially and emotionally, and how can I found out what my child should be learning?”
FCPS Parent Resource Center
FREE Webinar Classes
Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach Webinar for Families
Join us for the important session to learn some key strategies from the Collaborative Problem Solving® approach to manage challenging behavior.
The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach:
- Promotes the understanding that challenging kids lack the skill (problem-solving, flexibility, and frustration tolerance) - not the will - to behave
- Focuses on collaborating with the child/youth/young adult to solve the problems leading to challenging behavior and building the skills they need to succeed.
Avoid the use of power, control, and use motivational procedures instead.
Presented by staff from United Methodist Family Services: Carmen Dailey, Organizational Learning Manager, and CPS Certified Trainer.
Friday April 9, 2021 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Register for Skill, Not Will: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach Webinar for Families
COVID-19 Vaccines and the Vaccination Process in Fairfax County: A Webinar for Families
Join the Fairfax County Health Department and the Fairfax County Public Schools or FCPS Parent Resource Center for important updates about COVID-19 and the vaccines that have been developed to help prevent disease.
Topics will include:
- COVID-19 impacts (health, economic, education)
- The vaccine
- Community immunity: What is it and How do we get there?
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines— how they work and their effectiveness
- Safety of vaccines
- Vaccination process: Eligibility and How to register
- Tuesday April 13: Session in Spanish – Register here
- Tuesday April 20: Session in English – Register here
- Tuesday May 4: Session in Vietnamese – Register here
- Tuesday May 11: Session in Korean – Register here
- Tuesday May 18: Session in Arabic – Register here
- Sessions are subject to change or cancellation based on the number of registrations
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
FCPS Special Education Conference 2021
The 16th Annual Special Education Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, April 17, 2021. The conference will include a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions supporting our conference's theme: The time for inclusion is now.
Parents and community members will be able to register online. In addition, FCPS educators, administrators, and preservice teachers will be able to register online and earn recertification points for attending the conference.
Conference Highlights:
- Guest speakers and FCPS staff presentations
- A Student Strands for youth ages 14-22
- Sibshops for students in grades 7-12
- An Exhibit Hall with FCPS and community resources
- Inclusive Schools Presentations
Each year our conference draws an audience of parents, educators, administrators, preservice teachers, and community members eager to hear the latest research, strategies, and trends in the education of students with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Saturday, April 17, 2021 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Register for The Special Education Conference 2021 (Starting in mid-March)
Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home Series: Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
- Parents/guardians will be provided an overview of prompting and self-monitoring
- Parents/guardians will review general strategies to increase student independence with specific tasks such as completing homework, doing chores, etc.
Thursday April 22, 2021, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Register for Minimizing Prompts and Maximizing Your Child’s Independence
Penguin Points
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
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