Welcome Back to School (August 2022)
Hello to all our families,
I hope that you have had the opportunity to enjoy these summer months. In this newsletter, we provide information for you to get the most out of the remaining weeks of summer, as well as resources for the 2022-2023 school year. In this issue, you will find activities, such as the 911 Heroes Run to Remember and other such events that are available across the county. You have until August 27 to enjoy an outdoor concert, movie or other fun event sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority's Summer Entertainment Series.
I've also included information about Back to School Programs, tips on preparing for and achieving academic success, access to needed resources, and ways to support others in our community. It's my hope that parents, guardians, and students will find these resources helpful.
While it's the start of a new school year, this is also a special time for our families and community. I'm grateful for the ways that we can support one another and for our students, family members and staff members who work together to make sure our students are supported to achieve their very best. As always, I consider it an honor to serve as an At-Large Board member. Please let me know your thoughts and I look forward to seeing you as we all prepare for an amazing school year.
Welcome Back!
 Inside this Issue
Enjoy the Last Days of Summer
- Summer Fun at the Fairfax County Libraries
- Summer Nights in Fairfax County: Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Entertainment Series
Gear Up for the New School Year
- My 2022-2023 Back-to-School Message
- Back-to-School Nights, Newsletter and More!
- Be Wise, Immunize! Required Immunizations for the 2022-23 School Year
- FCPS Monkeypox Guidance and Information
- Preparing Your Student Meals at School
- Calendar Reminders
Promoting Parent/Family Involvement
- Transition Support for Military Families
- Parent Advocacy Handbook
- Introduction to the Ombudsman Office
- Family Engagement with Language Supports
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
- Resources to Support Academic Success
Tech Updates to Get Ready for School
- Update Your Emergency Care Information through weCare@school
- Lookout for Your School’s Request for Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources
- 2022 Student Rights & Responsibilities Includes Cell Phone Usage Update
Resources for Academic Success
- Parent Resource Center Back to School Packs Available
- "I Can't Focus!" When ADHD Impacts Your Child's Math and Writing Performance: A Webinar for Families
Community Events and Activities
- Donate to the School Supply Drive
- Capital Food Bank Give-Away, August 20
- 9/11 Heroes Run & Walk, Oakton Elementary School
Enjoy the Last Days of Summer
Summer Fun at the Fairfax County Libraries
The library presents and hosts events on a range of topics of interest to the Fairfax County community. These events educate and entertain while connecting people with others who share common interests and goals. Our events include author talks, book clubs for all ages, English conversation groups, technology workshops, writers’ groups, preschool story times, STEM-related children’s activities and much more. Many of events occur outside library branches at venues such as schools, parks, theater spaces and senior centers. Library events are always free to the public and some require registration in advance.
Don’t miss these library events on Saturday, August 20:
-
Family Math Games. Play, learn and have fun while you build your child’s math and logic skills. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
-
Tales to Tails. School age children and adult English learners read, tell a story or describe a picture to a trained therapy dog. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
-
Free Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange. Bring a puzzle. Take a puzzle. John Marshall Library, All day event.
-
Stuffed Animal Storytime. For a warm weather family storytime, join us for stories, songs, and rhymes in the beautiful outdoors at Dolley Madison Library! Our toy animal friends will join in the fun as we read, sing, and dance! Bring a blanket to sit on and a stuffed animal to sit with you. Dolley Madison Library, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Visit the Library Events Page to find events and activities near you.
|
Summer Nights in Fairfax County: Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series
Don’t miss the last two weekends The County is sponsoring shows and activities at 18 locations, including a new global dance and music series Wednesday evenings in Falls Church, Starlight drive-in movies in Centreville Saturday evenings in August, plus live performances to choose from with outstanding local and national touring groups. Click here to download the upcoming show schedule to find activities that take place between now and August 27.
These free performances and movies are possible thanks to a strong partnership between Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, volunteers, business sponsors, individual donors and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Performances are held outdoors and are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. So, pack a picnic basket, umbrella, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy evenings of music in the parks as well as Saturday and Wednesday morning shows just for children!
Call the HOTLINE at 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the start of the show for rain cancellations. You can also sign up here for a weekly email with the next week’s best shows. See you there!
The Summer Entertainment Series includes 11 local series at 18 venues across Fairfax County
|
My 2022-2023 Back-to-School Message
 Watch my 2022-2023 Back to School Message.
Back-to-School Nights, Newsletters, and More!
Our schools and staff are preparing for the return of our students and to welcome any new students to our school communities. If you have not already, be sure to sign up for your school’s newsletter and social media channels.
Find the sign up links and information on back-to-school events on each school’s website. The schedule for back-to-school nights are also available online by region: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5. Don’t know your school’s region? Do a search for your school in the Schools and Centers Directory, then click on the school name.
Calendar Reminders
First Day of School
As a reminder, the first day of the 2022-23 school year is Monday, August 22. FCPS parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on the FCPS Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Labor Day Holiday
Friday, Sept, 2, and Monday, Sept. 5, 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.
2023 Eid al Fitr Date Determination
When religious observances, such as Eid, begin at sunset, FCPS designates that evening and the following day as religious and cultural observance time.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the start of each month coincides with the birth of a new moon. These dates are regionally decided, which can lead to unexpected date changes. Eid al Fitr is currently slated to begin at sunset on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Friday, April 21, 2023 will be a student holiday.
If the day for Eid changes after the school year begins, Eid will be designed as a Religious and Cultural Observance Day (“O” day) for students and all staff.
2022-2023 Calendar
View a printable version of the 2022-2023 calendar or find a list view of the calendar on the FCPS Calendar webpage. The 2022-2023 FCPS calendar includes important information about student holidays, early release days, and religious and cultural observance days.
Be Wise, Immunize! Required Immunizations for 2022-23 School Year
Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood vaccinations over recent years because of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and ready for school.
While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ health care providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.
Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of clinics or schedule with your family’s health care provider. Appointments are required for most clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. More information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.
FCPS Monkeypox Guidance and Information
With the emerging concerns regarding the monkeypox virus, we want to provide you with information about the precautions that FCPS is taking in partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). This is a serious health concern that may touch our entire community.
What is Monkeypox?
According to the CDC and FCHD, monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Disease can spread through close contact including:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with monkeypox rash or scabs.
- Body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Sexual contact including kissing.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Exposure to respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox in Fairfax County
Since May 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox has occurred. As of Tuesday, August 16, there have been 56 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Fairfax County. To date, monkeypox has been rare in children nationwide; in Virginia, monkeypox cases have ranged in age from 18-70.
FCPS Response Protocol
FCPS has worked with the communicable disease experts at the health department to develop a response protocol for FCPS. FCPS will provide a notification letter from the health department to the entire school community if a positive case is identified at a school site and it is deemed that exposures may have occurred in the school setting. FCHD Public Health experts will identify people who may have been exposed and contact parents and guardians if it is determined that a child needs to be tested or monitored. Vaccination also can prevent infection in those who have recently been exposed to monkeypox.
FCPS will continue the disinfection and sanitization processes that were begun in response to COVID-19, which are also effective against monkeypox. At least once a day, high touch surfaces, including counters, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, stair rails, elevator buttons, desks, keyboards, phones, toilets, faucets, and sinks, are cleaned. Cafeteria tables and chairs will continue to be cleaned and disinfected using Virex II 256. Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) remains available for use.
VIsit our website to review the complete FCPS Monkeypox Guidance and Information. To review in other languages, please view machine translations on our website.
Preparing Your Student for Meals at School
As of July 1, the US Department of Agriculture pandemic program to provide no-cost meals to all public school students has ended. This school year, parents will either need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits.
Paying for Meals. Prices for meals are the same as they were before the pandemic in 2020. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. The best way to purchase meals (and additional food items) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account online.
If you have questions about MySchoolBucks, your school’s front office staff can help. Purchases made with MySchoolBucks keep cafeteria lines moving more quickly. Be ready on day one by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account, looking over menus, and helping them learn their pin. You will receive an email from Food and Nutrition Services that includes your child’s pin.
Promoting Parent/Family Involvement
 Transition Support for Military Families
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to partner with our military families to support their children’s transition back to school, whether new or returning. We encourage you to engage with your children’s teachers and counselors and share insights that may support a successful start to the school year!
FCPS Family and School Partnerships offers a variety of opportunities, resources and outreach to help families navigate FCPS, support learning at home and at school, and make important community connections. We encourage our military families to check out the Military Families Padlet, sponsored by our Parent Resource Center, and connect with our Family Partnerships Specialist, Meredith Ayala, at any time.
Parent Advocacy Handbook Available Online
Be an advocate for your child. Know what is happening at school. Ask questions. Express your ideas, comments, and concerns. Check to see that promises made are kept. The Parent Advocacy Handbook is for parents and guardians -- a child’s first teacher and advocate. It is believed that parents and guardians should advocate and support their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth from preschool through high school, and beyond.
The handbook contains answers to the many questions parents may have about the school system and how they can best advocate for their student at the various stages of their school experience. Information and resources within the handbook are designed to help parents and guardians:
- Learn about their rights and responsibilities as an FCPS parent or guardian.
- Learn more about what is going on in the student's school.
- Gain skills to advocate for your student at school.
- Learn more how to monitor and help your student at home.
- Find extra help and resources.
The Parent Advocacy Handbook was created by the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) - a Fairfax County School Board advisory committee - and produced with the generous support of the Board. It is not intended to be, nor is it, a complete guide to all programs and practices within FCPS. In addition, information may change as policies and regulations are revised or updated. For additional, up-to-date information on FCPS programs and practices, always consult the FCPS website or speak with school or system administrators or staff. The handbook is available online and can be accessed in several languages.
Introduction to the Ombudsman Office
The FCPS Office of the Ombudsman provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, community members, and employees who are seeking informal help to answer questions, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Examples of services the Office of the Ombudsman provides include sharing strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home; helping to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace; and providing ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings. However, the Office of the Ombudsman does not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Contact the Office of the Ombudsman by using the "Submit a Question" button at the top of the Office of the Ombudsman webpage, by calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombudsman@fcps.edu.
Family Engagement with Language Supports
Please use this contact list if you speak another language or need support through our Parent Resource Center. Phone lines are available in eight languages including Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Parents and families, do not miss your chance to interact directly with our new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Michelle Reid will host Superintendent Community Conversations across the division this fall to get to know our communities. Events will be scheduled at high schools in each pyramid through October. Schools will share registration information with families and employees in advance of each event. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon!
All events are held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Interpretation services, childcare, and light refreshments will be provided.
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, August 23
- Woodson High School, August 24
- Special Education Centers (event will be held at the Key Center), August 25
- Lake Braddock Secondary School, August 29
- Chantilly High School, August 31
- Madison High School, September 6
- South Lakes High School, September 7
- McLean High School, September 8
- Hayfield Secondary School, September 12
- Falls Church Pyramid (event will be held at Jackson Middle School), September 13
- Edison High School, September 14
- Herndon High School, September 19
- Westfield High School, September 20
- South County High School, September 21
- Robinson Secondary School, September 29
- Mount Vernon High School, October 3
- Oakton High School, October 11
- Centreville High School, October 18
- West Springfield High School, October 25
- Langley High School, October 26
- West Potomac High School, October 27
Visit the FCPS website for updates as additional events are scheduled. Coming soon: Annandale, Fairfax, Justice, Lewis, Marshal, and Nontraditional School Programs.
|
Tech Updates to Get Ready for School
Update Your Emergency Care Information Through weCare@school
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that the climate in all FCPS facilities is safe and secure. In support of this goal, FCPS provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system, available to FCPS parents and guardians who have registered for their own Parent account.
weCare helps manage emergency medical information by enabling parents to go online to enter and update their children’s medical data at their convenience. Contact information provided automatically enrolls parents to receive eNotify communications from the district and their child’s school. eNotify is the communications tool for FCPS emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closings and delays, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent via email and text messages. Occasional phone messages are sent as well
Get more information about updating your emergency care information.
|
Lookout for Your School’s Request for Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools provides access to digital resources to maximize learning opportunities and protect student privacy. Each FCPS digital resource has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.
Some FCPS-approved resources require parental consent. Parents will receive more information from their child’s school before the first day of school. This will include the list of educational technology tools used and explain the process for providing permission. It is critical that parents respond to the request for parental permission so teachers can plan to use the best technology tools with students this school year.
Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.
|
Paperless Opt-Outs Available
As a part of our ongoing efforts to streamline paper processes, parents can now select a number of opt-out’s electronically via ParentVUE. Once you have signed into your ParentVUE account, simply select the “Student Info” tab and click on “Edit Information.” You will find opt-out’s listed there. Parents that do not yet have a ParentVUE account will still be able to use paper forms for notification. If you need to set up your ParentVUE account, you can create one online via the FCPS ParentVUE Registration page. If you require assistance with this process, please reach out to your child’s school.
2022 Student Rights & Responsibilities Includes Cell Phone Usage Update
The Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read the Letter from the Superintendent on the 2022-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide for Families.Key changes to the document for the 2022-23 school year include:
- Adding rights to protect citizenship and immigration status from unauthorized sharing.
- Changes to FCPS’ Acceptable Use Policy Regulation for Technology.
- A new section on cell phones.
The new section on cell phones prohibits cell phone use in classrooms. We recognize that this new policy will be a shift for many students and families this year, but research shows that managing phone use during class time will support students’ attention and ability to fully engage in their learning. Schools are partnering with parents to have students understand the importance of putting their phones away to minimize distractions during class.
- Students in K-8 must keep phones silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool. Cell phones may only be used on campus before and after school. (Except in secondary schools where students in grades 7 and 8 may use phones during passing periods.)
- Students in grades 9-12 must keep phones silenced and put away during all instructional periods unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool. Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
If a parent or guardian believes their child requires access to a personally owned device(s) as an accommodation, they should contact child’s school team—i.e., 504 Committee, Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team—to schedule a meeting to have their request considered.
Parents should talk to their child(ren) before the start of the school year about these expectations for this upcoming school year. Families may also review the parental controls available for all iPhone and Android users. More information about the SR&R is available online.
|
Resources to Support Academic Success
Parent Resource Center Back to School Packs
School starts in FCPS on August 22. Do you feel ready? Do your kids? The Parent Resource Center created Back to School Packs to help you feel more equipped and emotionally prepared to start the school year off right. E-mail prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-3941 to reserve your pack today.
"I Can't Focus!" When ADHD Impacts Your Child's Math and Writing Performance: A Webinar for Families
Math and writing are often difficult subjects for students with ADHD because both require extensive working memory. But with the right study hacks and strategies, almost anyone can master writing and math! Unfortunately, most students don't learn these important skills at school.
This academic year is just getting started, and effective strategies can make a difference between success and frustration. In this webinar, educator, author, and Educational Connections Founder Ann Dolin, M.Ed., will share with parents:
- Research-based math study skills and strategies to use at home and in class
- How to help your child get organized and get their thoughts down on paper
- Tech tools to help students get started on assignments (and finish them!)
- How virtual classes during the pandemic deepened math and writing learning gaps for many students with ADHD and what you can do to help your child get back on track this year
Choose from 2 sessions:
September 8, 2022, 6:30 - 8 p.m. and September 9, 2022, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for "I Can't Focus!" When ADHD Impacts Your Child's Math and Writing Performance: A Webinar for Families
Community Events and Activities
Donate to the School Supply Drive
To ensure that every child in the school district is prepared for school, Fairfax County Public Schools and Educate Fairfax are once again leading the Collect for Kids effort, a consortium of not-for-profit, for-profit, and government entities providing school supplies to benefit FCPS students who otherwise might go without them. More than 56,000 (31%) FCPS students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and struggle to afford basic necessities. Your donation will help provide the school supplies these students need to be successful at school. Contributions can be made online through Educate Fairfax. Donations will be used to purchase bulk school supply kits at highly discounted pricing. For more information, visit the Educate Fairfax website.
|
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who've served our nations since. We activate & unite communities and empower local veterans, active duty, first responders, and families of the fallen. The Northern Virginia Run takes place on September 11, 8:00 a.m. at Oakton Elementary School. Learn more online.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
|
