Where passions come to life!

What is Genius Hour? It is inquiry-based, student-directed learning that will focus on Portrait of a Graduate skills.

Third through sixth grade will be working on Genius Hour projects in STEAM for the remainder of the school year. Please look for an information sheet coming home next week (information will also be posted in Schoology).

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Over the next few months, there will be multiple opportunities for staff, families, and students to learn more about our incoming superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.  

Dr. Reid, is visiting FCPS next week to learn more about our schools and community. During her visit, there will be a special, in-person event for staff, families, and students on Tuesday, May 3, starting at 7 p.m. More details, including how to register and submit questions, has been shared with you through email via e-Notify. 

On Tuesday, May 17, Dr. Reid will join staff, families, and students for a multilingual virtual town hall, starting at 7 p.m. We will share details about this event in newsletters and directly via email.

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Since the start of the pandemic, Fairfax County Public Schools has regularly reviewed and adjusted our health and safety guidance in alignment with recommendations from local, state and national health experts.

As a result, FCPS will be changing current isolation procedures for students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Beginning May 1, 2022, your child may return to in-person instruction and activities, including athletics, when your child has met the following criteria:

• Student has completed at least five days of isolation; AND 
• Student is fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication; AND
• Student’s symptoms have improved or resolved
• Student wears a well-fitting mask for 5 additional days (day six through day 10) after the end of the 5-day isolation period, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance

If students are unable to wear a mask when around others, they are to continue to isolate for a full 10 days at home.

Children who are in isolation will continue to have access to our StreamIn/CheckIn during this time. 

The new procedure aligns with the timeline recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). It also follows improving vaccination rates in the Fairfax Health District, as well as a continued community level of low in Fairfax County.

We continue to balance the need for students to have a high-quality in-person learning experience with student and staff safety. By adhering to our layered prevention strategies and increasing vaccination rates, we are all doing our part to keep schools safe.

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Teacher Appreciation Week

The PTA has planned a number of events this week to show our teachers, staff and bus drivers how much we appreciate them, and we need parent help!

• Tuesday, May 3 - PTA catered lunch
• Wednesday, May 4 - We're stocking the staff lounge with snacks/drink contributions from families
• Thursday, May 5 - PTA catered lunch
• Friday, May 6 - Donated potluck breakfast, contribute a breakfast item to be enjoyed by our teachers and staff, items can be dropped off at the front office prior to May 6 if labeled for the staff breakfast, and hot/warm items need to be delivered between 6:30-7:30 a.m. on May 6 ready to eat/serve

It would be wonderful if all of our students could make a nice card/letter/piece of artwork for their classroom teacher(s) and any specials/staff that they interact with. These can be brought in on any day the week of May 2nd.

PTA General Meeting (Virtual)

Wednesday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.

Please join us for our 5th general PTA meeting this Wednesday. This virtual meeting will provide an update on our accomplishments so far and spring plans.

Supplies Needed for Spring "Green" Art Project

Ms. Adams has requested a few items to help complete the bottle cap art project. Please contact Adrienne Dreyfuss if you can donate one of these items:

• Wood screws (1 inch - zinc plated if possible) - need lots of them
• An electric screwdriver/drill to borrow

Colored and black plastic caps (no white or clear) can continue to be dropped off in the lobby or to Ms. Adams.

Fall Volunteers for Girls on the Run Needed

We'd really love to offer Girls on the Run at FSES as an after-school activity this fall but need one liaison and two coaches to do so (the liaison can also be a coach). Girls on the Run is a 10-week program for 3rd-6th grade girls. Lessons emphasize the important connection between physical and emotional health. The girls meet twice a week for 60-90 minutes, and the program culminates with the completion of a service project and a celebratory 5K. Coaches will undergo a background check and need to attend a new coach training and lesson demo. The liaison provides logistical support for the program. Please contact Adrienne Dreyfuss for more information.

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Virtual Book Fair

The Virtual Book Fair will remain open till the end of the school year.  Purchases benefit our FSES library.  Be sure to check out our teacher wish lists. What better way to thank your child's classroom teacher than with a book or two from her/his wishlist. You may also purchase books or make a money donation to Homestretch, serving parents and children experiencing homelessness at this time in our community. 

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