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“All we have is time. Let’s use it for positive change.”
Jessica Sanders
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Terra Centre Families,
It’s hard to believe tomorrow is September 1st! We’ve had a very successful school opening. Our theme this year is “Be the Difference.” Our staff members reflected on how we can create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality, and environmental awareness. Scroll all the way down and check out the pictures of our staff kick-off!
Our students and staff have done an amazing job these first two weeks of school! We are learning about each other, building relationships, keeping kids safe, learning routines and expectations, and having fun! Scroll down to check out some of the pictures below!
Please be sure to read through all of the items below. There's a lot of important information including upcoming dates and holidays, health and safety protocols, student attendance, and more!
Finally, we are anticipating some robust weather the next couple of days! Please anticipate delays and be patient if you choose to use Kiss & Ride. Changes to dismissal should be entered in the Pick-Up Patrol (PUP) App by 2:00 p.m. Stay safe!
Rebecca Gidoni Bunny Lancaster Teresa Lewis
Principal Interim Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Labor Day Holiday, Rosh Hashanah
Please make a note of these upcoming important calendar dates. Friday, September 3, and Monday, September 6, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
Tuesday, September 7, is a religious and cultural observance day for Rosh Hashanah, the start of the two-day celebration of the Jewish New Year. L'shanah Tovah, Happy New Year, to all who celebrate!
The FCPS 2021-22 School Year Calendar ensures students do not have to make choices between honoring their cultural or religious beliefs and missing tests or school activities. Tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days.
Upcoming Dates
Friday, 9/3 Labor Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Monday, 9/6 Labor Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, 9/7 Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday, 9/14 Virtual PTA Meeting
Thursday, 9/23 Picture Day (Be looking for an email from Jostens)
Tuesday, 9/28 PTA Spirit Night – Villa Bella
Wednesday, 10/6 Walk to School Day
Monday, 10/11 Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Student Holiday
Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Friday, 10/29 End of First Quarter – 2-hour Early Release (1:25 dismissal)
COVID-19 Community Notifications
Health and Safety Guidance Webpage
Our Health and Safety Guidance Webpage has the most current information about our layered prevention strategies, what happens if your child becomes ill at school, and the process when there is a pause in instruction or activities after a positive COVID case.
Identified Close Contacts
FCPS has posted a flowchart outlining process for students identified as a close contact.
COVID Dashboard
FCPS Covid-19 Dashboard - All FCPS COVID-19 cases are reported via a dashboard posted to the FCPS website and updated daily.
FCPS Return to School Links
Please visit the following links for additional information on health and safety. Documents and information are continually updated.
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Daily Health Screening Questionnaire: FCPS asks that all parents/guardians review the Daily Health Screening Questionnaire before sending their child to school. This is on the honor system.
Attendance Procedures
Submit a student absence using our online attendance form!
Reporting Absences
Absences or tardiness should be reported by 8:45 a.m. and can be reported using our online attendance form, our attendance phone number 703-249-1414, or our attendance email TerraCentreESAttendance@fcps.edu.
Be specific about the reason why your child will not be attending school. If you your child is ill, please keep him/her home and indicate whether your child has any of the following symptoms:
- Feeling feverish or chills
- Fever greater than or equal to 100.4F
- Headache (not due to another health condition, hunger, menstrual cramps, stress, or injury)
- A new cough (not due to another health condition)
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties (not due to diagnosed respiratory condition or if different than normal pattern of chronic condition)
- A new sore throat (not due to another health condition)
- Congestion or runny nose (not related to allergies or another health condition)
- Fatigue (more tired than normal or sudden onset)
- New muscle pain (no due to another health condition or that may have been caused by a specific activity such as physical exercise)
- New loss of taste, smell, or appetite
- Abdominal pain (not due to hunger, constipation, injury, or stress)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Early Dismissals
Parents are asked to notify the school of early releases or dismissal changes through the Pick-Up Patrol (PUP) App.
Safety Drills
Safety is our number one priority at school. At the beginning of the year, we spend extra time learning safety drills and practicing procedures. A fire evacuation plan and tornado map are posted in each room.
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Bus drills are conducted twice a year in the first 30 instructional days of each semester to teach safety rules to bus riders.
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Fire drills are conducted twice during the first 20 days of school and monthly thereafter.
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Lockdown drills are conducted twice a year, once during the first 20 days of school and once after the first 60 days of school, to practice what would happen if a threat entered the school building.
- A tornado drill is conducted once a year in March. Teachers review safety procedures to follow in the event of a tornado.
FCPS Emergency Planning and Crisis Response Terms
Fairfax County Public Schools' main goal is to keep students and staff safe at school. For more information on safety planning and crisis response terms, please visit: FCPS Emergency Planning and Crisis Response.
Click here for an article about Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers. As always, our counseling and clinical staff are here to provide additional support for children and families as needed.
A Message from our School Counselors:
Jackye Toth Ashley Mangan
Hello from Shannon Nieves, GMU School Counseling Intern!
I am Shannon Nieves, graduate student, and School Counseling Intern at Terra Centre Elementary school. I will be working with Mrs. Jacquelyn Toth this fall and hopefully getting to know some of your children. I work full time at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, Virginia. I will be at TC one day a week for the next semester. In that time, I am hoping to learn all I can about how to help young children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I’ve worked at NOVA for the past 14 years and while I have enjoyed most every minute of my work as a College Readiness Counselor, I am ready to make the transition from higher education to K-12.
I have three young children of my own. Maison (8), Paige (5) and Harrison (3) so there is never a dull moment. My favorite way to de-stress from school, work and kids is to practice Baptiste Power Yoga! You can usually find me on my mat most days and when I am not there, I am chauffeuring children around, working at my day job or cooking (which is one of my passions, but only because I love to eat) or cleaning, which I could live without, but such is life.
Thanks for letting me share and I look forward to meeting some of you,
Shannon Nieves, MEd
Does Your Family Need Backpacks and School Supplies?
ECHO provides backpacks filled with school supplies to students in our area. Many families have not stopped by to pick up the backpacks for their children. If you need backpacks/school supplies for your children (grades K-College), please call ECHO at 703-569-9160 to make an appointment to receive your backpacks.
ECHO's service area includes zip codes 22151, 22152, 22153 and 22019 (Burke). They also serve parts of the following zip codes: 22150 (West of I 95) and a small part of 22312 (Southwest of Indian Run Stream/Spring Valley Dr.)
Resources for Military Families
Please click here for: FCPS Resources for Military Families
NVFS Supports the Health and Well-being of All Individuals and Families in Northern Virginia: We are moved by what is happening in Afghanistan and, in response, are actively working with our partners in the region. We are here for our Afghan staff, clients, and neighbors—those who have been a part of our community for many years and those who we have the opportunity to welcome into our community as a result of this crisis.
We also recognize that Veterans and their families, from all eras, are a vital part of our community. During this particular challenging time, we want you to know that you are seen, valued, and supported. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis visit the Veterans Crisis Line for assistance. For national and local resources tailored to your experience as a veteran, check out VA: Resources Available Right Now and Virginia Veteran and Family Support.
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Schoology
(pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/)
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We are excited for Schoology, FCPS' new learning management system. Schoology is a learning space that enhances communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for students, teachers, and families.
Here’s what you need to know:
Our Staff Kick-Off |
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Our 1st Week
of School
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Thank you to the Robinson music departments for inspiring our rising musicians! |
Check out the TC Tiger doing relays with the Robinson Pyramid mascots! |
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