Federal Impact Aid
Impact Aid forms were sent home with your child/children TODAY.
- Each student has a form with their name on it, so if you have more than one child at Franconia, there will be a form for each of them.
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Every student receives this form, regardless of military status.
- For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school. If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, only check the boxes in Section 3.
All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 5.
All results are confidential.
Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
More information is available online
BOOK FAIR AT FRANCONIA!
October 18 - 22
School Library
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming!
The Book Fair is coming next week! Students will browse and make wish-lists during the school day, and shopping for families is open on Wednesday, October 20, and Thursday, October 21, until 7PM!
You can create an eWallet for cashless shopping for your student . Visit boofairs.scholastic.com/bf/Franconia to set-up your student’s eWallet.
We still need volunteers to help students with Book Fair shopping and wish-lists during the school day and after school.
Sign-up here to help out: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-book
Elementary Parent Information Meeting
Wednesday, 10/27, 12:00pm
The virtual parent information meeting will be held on ZOOM. You will need to register first, then a link to the ZOOM meeting will be emailed to you.
Register here: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMod-6orDotGNdAps4YE4DNvonK0quhi_30
Mrs. Fouad, Franconia’s AART (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher), will provide information about:
- levels of AAP service and examples at Franconia ES
- answer questions about part-time school-based AAP services and
- explain the screening processes, and full-time Level IV services.
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (AAP) ELEMENTARY CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services rather than labeling students. Students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of service at the elementary level:
Tier 1 Access to AAP Curriculum and Strategies, Grades K-6 (Level I)
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
- All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons
- Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Level I services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process for it.
Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic Strength, Grades K-6 (Level II)
Some students are strong in one or more subject areas. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:
- Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects
- Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness
- Classroom teachers provide additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.
Level II Services for students are re-evaluated each year.
Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6 (Level III)
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas, so they need part-time AAP services.
- Students work with students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
- Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in language arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.
Level III services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)
Some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Students eligible for full-time AAP services are cluster grouped on a full-time basis and receive:
- Full-time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in language arts, science, and social studies curriculum, and
- Mathematics curriculum with depth and complexity that is at least one year above grade level.
Level IV services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Screening for Levels II-IV
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.
Eligibility decisions for Level II and Level III services are made by a committee at the local school.
Screening for Level II and Level III services is ongoing throughout the school year. To refer for Level II or III services, submit the AAP School-Based Referral Form to the AART and the local school.
Eligibility decisions for full-time Level IV services are made by the county-wide central selection committee.
Screening for Level IV services occurs during specific screening cycles:
- Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student
- The referral window is from the first day of school until December 15.
Referral forms for Levels II-IV are found at https://www.fcps.edu/node/38893.
For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Ability Testing
FCPS uses ability testing as one part of the holistic screening process for Levels II-IV services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process.
- All students in Grade 1 take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).
- All students in Grade 2 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).
- NNAT and/or CogAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score during the regularly scheduled testing windows.
Parents or guardians may request a one-time re-test in grades 3-6 during the fall testing windows. Please contact the school testing coordinator, Ms. Pinski, lnpinski@fcps.edu, for scheduling.
Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral for your student in Grades 2-7 as there will be no referrals for Level IV screening accepted past the deadline.
Young Scholars
FCPS developed the Young Scholars Model to help identify students from historically under-represented populations for AAP services. The model provides additional opportunity to nurture talent and build confidence so that students can meet their potential.
Twice-Exceptional (2e)
Some gifted students also have learning disabilities. These twice-exceptional, or “2e,” students need strengths-based instruction. Their learning challenges also must be supported. FCPS has created a 2e handbook to help schools and families understand how to identify and serve 2e students. You can find these resources by going to https://www.fcps.edu and searching “2e.”
Middle and High School AAP
Additional information about middle and high school services may be found on the Advanced Academic Programs web page.
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs
YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST
All Franconia students are invited to participate in our yearbook cover competition. Please use a white 8 x 11 sheet of paper and colored pencils. On the back of the paper, write your first and last name, teacher's name, and grade level. This year's yearbook theme is:
Penguins Returning Strong!
Your cover designs should be related to the theme. Please include Franconia Elementary 2021-2022 on the cover and remember to check your spelling!
Designs are due to your homeroom teacher by:
Friday, October 29
Things to consider when designing your cover:
- Draw your picture with a pencil first.
- When coloring, use colored pencils only.
- Your design should be "portrait" view (not landscape).
- Remember to use COLOR to really make your picture pop! (don’t have a lot of white space)
Good luck!
SCA ELECTIONS
Results are in!
Please join us in congratulating the following students:
President - Cohen Roach |
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Vice President - Hailey Kuss |
News Correspondents:
At this time, we are still not allowing outside food to be brought in for birthday celebrations. Please know that classroom teachers are working on celebrating student birthdays in other ways such as extra recess for the class, special activities, certificates, etc.
Mindfulness Info
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
Benefits:
- Reduces stress
- Enhances performance
- Increase attention to others’ well-being
- Gain insight and awareness
- Unleash natural curiosity
- Experience warmth and kindness to ourselves and others
What are some examples of mindfulness exercises?
There are many simple ways to practice mindfulness. Some examples include:
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Pay attention. It's hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste and truly enjoy it.
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Live in the moment. Try to intentionally bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures.
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Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
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Focus on your breathing. When you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.
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Body scan meditation. Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe. Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body.
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Sitting meditation. Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor and hands in your lap. Breathing through your nose, focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breath.
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Walking meditation. Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet in length, and begin to walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing and the subtle movements that keep your balance. When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
Mrs. Anderson's husband ran through the Baltimore Zoo during the Baltimore Marathon and visited some penguin friends!
Franconia PTA Information
The Franconia PTA is up and running this year!
The PTA is the best way to get connected, ask questions, and help serve the school. Thank you for your support and GO PENGUINS!
Visit their NEW website at
https://fes-pta.memberhub.com
Become a member today by joining at
https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store
Questions?
Cassidy Roach, PTA President
cassidyroach@gmail.com
Notes from Music Class
Hello Franconia Family! Music class has taken MANY virtual field trips to various Hispanic countries as we celebrated the music, influence, and rhythmic style that the Hispanic culture has given us
Please ask your child to teach you what they have learned!! Here are some of the many things they have learned these past few weeks:
- Cuba
- Flag design
- Location
- Juan de Marcos Gonzalez (the voice of Andres in “Vivo”)
- Tres Guitar
- Played the bongos, conga drums, claves (ask them where the claves came from!)
- Celia Cruz “The Queen of Salsa” (ask about her life and why she couldn’t return to Cuba!)
- Puerto Rico
- Flag design (ask them how it’s similar / different from Cuba’s flag)
- Location and size comparison to Connecticut!
- Tito Puente “The King of Mambo”
- Timbale Drums
- Played the Agogo Bells
- Mexico
- Flag design (same design on our maracas)
- Location – Central America / North America
- Mariachi Bands (dress, history, instruments)
- Focus on the Guitarron, Vihuela and Accordion
- Played the maracas
- Tied to the movie “Coco”
- Brazil
- Flag design
- Location (South America) – focus on Rio
- Instrument focus: Shekere (“shay-kah-ray”), Hang Drum, Agogo Bells
- Birthplace of Samba music and Bossa Nova
- Carnaval – music and celebration
- Tied to the movie “Rio”
Interested in a family movie night? “Vivo” on Netflix is amazing and takes place in Cuba! “Coco” is a wonderful Disney movie set in Mexico. “Rio” and “Rio 2” are colorfully musical movies that are from Brazil!
OPT OUT
Paperless Progress Reports
Did you know you can opt out of receiving paper copies of progress reports?
DIRECTIONS:
- Log into your SIS ParentVue account
- Click on the "My Account" tab in the upper right hand corner of the screen
- Click the "Go Paperless" box
There are lots of ways to recognize and celebrate all our wonderful staff and the amazing job they do throughout the year.
October 2 - National Custodians Appreciation Day
October 16 - National Boss’s Day
November 8-12 - National School Psychologists Week
February 7-12 - National School Counseling Week
March 6-12 - National Social Workers Week
April 4 - National School Librarian Day
April 4-8 - National Assistant School Principals Week
April 25-29 - National Administrative Professionals Day
April 26 - National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
May 1 - National School Principals Day
May 6 - National School Lunch Hero Day (cafeteria)
May 2-6 - National Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurses Week
FCPS CARES
Recognize FCPS Employees
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.
The start of the school year is a great time to acknowledge someone who has helped to make your child's return to school amazing.
Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee for their great work.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
FREE Webinar Classes
Virtual College Bootcamp for Students with Disabilities
Join Career and Transition Services online for a virtual College Bootcamp! This virtual College Boot Camp is for students with an IEP that are graduating in 2021 and plan to attend college. Career and Transition Services staff will work with students on starting the application process.
- Do you have an IEP?
- Are you graduating in 2021?
- Do you want to go to college?
- Do you need help getting started?
THEN THIS BOOT CAMP IS FOR YOU!!!!!
Participants will:
- Complete a college search in Naviance
- Identify and explore your top three colleges
- Get familiar with the Common App ®
- Determine your next steps
*Please note parents are welcome to sit in on the workshop with their students, however, this event is for students.
*If parents are interested in learning more about postsecondary options, we encourage parents to attend FCPS Virtual College Fair on October 19, 2021, or Postsecondary Education Options in November 2021.
Monday, October 11, 2021, 12:30-3 p.m. *School Planning Day– students are not attending school
Register for College Bootcamp for Students with Disabilities
Rewriting Your Parenting Story: A Webinar for Families
No one's parenting journey goes the way they expect. But do you feel like your story has gotten away from you? Take back the narrative of your parenting.
After this webinar, you will have the script for a new, hope-filled story.
Webinar Highlights:
- The importance of curiosity and ‘hearing’ our children.
- The strength of the repair.
- The ‘Reset’. When we find ourselves in a rut, this is a great place to start.
Presented by Mary Smith, a local Parenting Coach.
Friday October 15, 2021, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Rewriting Your Parenting Story: A Webinar for Families
Moving onto Life in the Community Virtual Resource Fair
This resource fair assists parents, guardians, and caretakers with future planning for students with intellectual disabilities who may require ongoing supports after graduating from high school. Participants include representatives from vocational, residential, leisure, recreational, independent living, and advocacy programs.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Register for Moving onto Life in the Community Virtual Resource Fair
Considerations for Students with Disabilities in the College Search and Beyond
Career and Transition Services is offering a workshop highlighting issues to consider in the college search, application, and preparation process for students with disabilities on October 19, 2021, from 7-8 p.m. (Part of the FCPS Virtual College Week)
Registration coming soon: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/college-and-career-planning
Penguin Points
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
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