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In this Friday Message you will find:
Floris Families,
As we move into mid-October, we continue to build and adjust routines while learning and having fun. There are several exciting upcoming events at Floris including Digital Citizenship/Well-Being Week, Think Pink Day, Fall Book Fair and the Harvest Parade. It is so wonderful to be able to continue the joy of learning while maintaining safety protocols.
We know there is a large amount of information in this Friday Message. We appreciate you taking the time to read it and learn about all of the fabulous fall activities.
Please be sure to check out the PTA Spirit Wear store, which closes on October 25th. There are a variety of choices and ways for students, staff and parents to display their Floris School Spirit.
Holly Walker, Principal, hjwalker@fcps.edu
Amanda Dorr, Assistant Principal, acdorr@fcps.edu
#FlorisStrongerTogether
“Earth: Amazing Wonders”
Second Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Sponsored by Floris Green Team
To celebrate the fall harvest, our Green Team invites all students to participate in a pumpkin decorating contest focused on the theme, “Earth: Amazing Wonders." Show us your creative talents while thinking about the world around us. Pumpkin artists are encouraged to incorporate natural materials (acorns, leaves, flowers, sticks, etc.) and/or non-toxic Earth-friendly paints. Photos of your creation may be submitted to Sarah de Kramer at shdekramer@fcps.edu by Wednesday, Nov. 3rd. Awards will be given under two categories: Most Creative Use of Natural Materials, and Best Representation of the Theme, “Earth: Amazing Wonders.”
Positivity Project
Trait for October 18-22
Open-Mindedness
What does Open-Mindedness mean? You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions. Open-mindedness is the willingness to actively search for evidence that goes against one’s favored beliefs, plans, or goals.
Why does it matter? Individuals with the character strength of open-mindedness are more likely to make accurate decisions and decisions that they won’t regret. Open-minded individuals are often good listeners and called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Both listening and the ability to deliver reasonable and practical advice are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
Open-Mindedness Quote of the Week: “If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” Angelina Jolie
You can also find more information at:
https://posproject.org/p2-for-families/
Digital Citizenship and Well Being Week
Check out our upcoming spirit week to highlight well-being, with particular emphasis on how technology plays a part in our emotional and social well being.
 
Structuring your Home for School Success
By Sarah de Kramer, School Counselor
As we near the end of quarter 1, it may be helpful to review the routines and structures we have in place at home to help our students be their most successful. Although homework in elementary school is minimal (about 10 minutes/grade level), all students need to begin developing life-long study skills and habits. Here are some ways you can help foster these independent skills:
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The Habit of Studying – Whether your student has an upcoming test, math practice problem, or no homework at all, all students should designate a time each night to study. Reading (even listening to a book) is a daily expectation. So, for nights when your student says, “I don’t have any homework,” there is always reading! Talk with your student about their after-school commitments, energy level, mealtimes, and find a block of time that works for them. Note that this time might be different than your ideal work time. Do they need to run and play, have a snack or do they prefer to begin homework right away?
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Study Space and Supplies at the Ready – While discussing night-time routines, establish a specific place for your student to study. This space should be relatively free from distractions, comfortable, and have access to everything they will need. Consider a second pencil pouch or box with school supplies so students do not have to hunt for items.
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“What’s in Your Backpack?” – Set aside time to go through your student’s folders and backpack. Help them to develop an organization system, such as Current, Archive, Recycle.
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Express Interest in their Studies – Have your student share what they have worked on or what they are learning. Let them be the teacher and teach you. Students love being the teacher and it is a great way to reinforce the concepts and knowledge they are acquiring.
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Communicate and Partner – Notice if your student seems to be struggling or spending longer than expected on assignments or a particular skill. Reach out to their teacher for assistance. We want students to be life-long learners and enjoy the process.
Resources: Visit https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for webinars, consultations, classes and lending library including ebooks to borrow.
Fall Book Fair Coming
Floris Book Fair
Our Book Fair is coming in just one more week! With safety being our number one priority, we are not having a family night. Please click on the link above to visit our Book Fair website.
Remember books make wonderful gifts for family members, teachers and birthday parties. Stock up now!
The link above is also where you can create your child’s eWallet account and see a preview of what will be for sale. You can also share a link with your child’s eWallet account to grandparents or other family and friends, and they can add money to your child’s account. Click here to see how eWallet works.
Our Virtual Book Fair starts on Friday, October 22. The in-person Fair will be open for children to shop Oct. 25-29. Students will come with their class during their scheduled library time. In next week's newsletter, we will share that schedule, so parents know which days their children will be visiting the Book Fair. No parent volunteers are needed this year.
Harvest Parade
When: October 29, 9:30am-10:30am
Where: Floris Field
How: Students and parents will be outside, and students will parade by grade level. Please see map below. The blue smiley faces are the students, and the yellow are the parents. The arrows show the parade direction. Kindergarten will start the parade.
Parking: Please be respectful of our community members and their private property when parking. Frying Pan Park has shared that you can park in the main area of the parking lot and walk over to Floris that morning. Please do NOT park by or block the carousel.
Each year, FCPS is eligible to apply for federal Impact Aid grant funds and anticipates receiving about $3,000,000 annually in funds. FCPS uses the Student-Parent Survey to identify federally connected students and to support our request for Impact Aid resources. The pre-filled Student-Parent Survey came home with students.
Please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's homeroom teacher by Friday, November 5.
If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just sign, date, and return the form by the due date.
FCPS Solicits Public Comment on K - 8 Science Basal Instructional Resources Under Consideration for Adoption
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is soliciting public review and comment on basal instructional resources under consideration for K - 8 Science. A basal resource review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers will meet in November and December of 2021 to review and recommend new K - 8 Science instructional resources to the School Board. Citizens are encouraged to review materials under consideration and complete the online public comment form, so that valuable community feedback may be shared with the School Board and committee as part of the review process.
K-8 Science basal instructional materials may be accessed online October 14th through November 14th. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/node/39027 beginning October 14.
October 18-22: Digital Citizenship and Well-Being Week- watch for details
October 20: PTA Meeting, 6:00pm, Zoom link
October 25: PTA Spirit wear store closes today
October 22: Think Pink Day
October 25-29: Fall Book Fair
October 29:
- Harvest Parade, 9:30-10:30am, outside
- Student Two Hour Early Release, 2:00pm dismissal
- End of the 1st quarter
November 1: No School: Teacher Workday
November 2: No School: Teacher Workday and Election Day
November 3: Harvest Parade Rain Date (if needed), 9:30-10:30am, outside
Find the approved 2021-2022 School Year Calendar Here
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