TC Updates 9/30/22

Principal's Message clipart

Terra Centre Families, 

Next week we celebrate our custodians for all the amazing work they do in and outside the building each day!  At Terra Centre, our caring culture is a high priority and a sense of pride.  We look for ways to connect and celebrate acts of kindness and care with our students, our staff, and with you.  This work continues all year long!  If you’d like to recognize our custodians for their contributions to the TCES caring culture, please consider a handwritten note of appreciation or card made by you and your children.

Due to inclement weather, field day has been rescheduled to Wednesday, October 12th. 

Please read below for important updates, reminders, and upcoming events. 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal


Calendar Events

 

October 3-October 7: Custodian Appreciation Week

October 3: Picture Day

October 5: Student and Teacher Holiday - Yom Kippur

October 10: Student Holiday - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Professional Workday) 

October 12: Field Day (rescheduled from October 4th)

October 24: Student and Teacher Holiday - Diwali

October 28: End of First Quarter - 2-hour Early Release for students, 1:25 PM

October 31: Student Holiday (Professional Workday)

FCPS 2022-2023 Calendar

FCPS School Year 2022-2023


Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. To mark this day, which begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4, Tuesday is noted as a ½ religious/cultural observance date on the FCPS calendar. 

Wednesday, October 5 is a holiday for teachers and students (only 12 month employees report). 

Yom Kippur, el día más sagrado del judaísmo. Para conmemorar este día, que comienza al atardecer del martes 4 de octubre, el martes se anota como ½ fecha de observancia religiosa/cultural en el calendario de FCPS. El 5 de octubre es un día festivo para maestros y estudiantes (solo los empleados de 12 meses se reportan). .


Field Day Clip art

Due to the inclement weather scheduled for the next four days, Field Day has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 12th

If you need to change your signup, please click on the following link: Field Day signup


Congratulations to our 22-23 Student Leaders!

22-23 TCES SCA

Cultural Night Clip art

Terra Centre Cultural Night 

Terra Centre is excited to host a Cultural Night on Thursday, March 9th, which will culminate with the spring chorus concert and art show. Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating. Please note, this is just to gauge interest, it's not a 100% commitment. 

TC Cultural Night Interest form


Four kids in front of a mural of kids holding hearts. "FCPS Our Voices, Our Future. Strategic Planning"

 

Strategic Plan

Our Voices, Our Future: Fairfax County Public Schools is launching the engagement phase that will help us develop our brand new Strategic Plan

During her Community Conversations listening tour in each high school pyramid, Superintendent Michelle Reid has heard from many of you about your hopes and aspirations for our students. That feedback will become part of our proactive strategic plan that will serve as our North Star—or guide—for the future.

Starting in October, we will be inviting the entire FCPS community to engage in building our shared future. This includes hearing from our parents and caregivers, students, and broader community, as well as surveying students in grades three and above. You will have an opportunity to have your voice heard in one of many sessions (both in-person and virtual) during November and December. We encourage you to join us in this journey by actively participating in the conversation.

For a more detailed overview, visit FCPS’ Strategic Planning webpage.

Nuestras voces, Nuestro Futuro

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax están lanzando la fase de participación que nos ayudará a desarrollar nuestro nuevo Plan Estratégico

Durante el recorrido de conversaciones comunitarias por cada pirámide en escuelas secundarias, la Superintendente Michelle Reid ha escuchado a muchos de ustedes sobre sus esperanzas y aspiraciones para nuestros estudiantes. Esa retroalimentación se convertirá en parte de nuestro plan estratégico proactivo que servirá como nuestra Estrella del Norte-o guía-para el futuro.

Comenzando en octubre, invitaremos a toda la comunidad de FCPS a participar en la construcción de nuestro futuro compartido. Esto incluye escuchar a nuestros padres y cuidadores, a los estudiantes y a la comunidad en general, así como encuestar a los estudiantes de tercer grado y superiores. Usted tendrá la oportunidad expresar su voz en una de las muchas sesiones (tanto en persona como virtualmente) durante noviembre y diciembre. Los animamos a que se una a nosotros en este viaje participando activamente en la conversación.

Para un resumen más detallado, visite la página web de Planificación Estratégica de FCPS.


Model Policy Comment Period

A new proposed model policy (pdf) was recently proposed by the Virginia Department of Education regarding the “privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.” A 30-day public comment period on the model policy began September 26 and closes October 26. You may provide feedback to the Virginia Department of Education on the new drafted policy. If you missed Superintendent Reid’s message regarding the new proposed model policy, please view it on our website

El Departamento de Educación de Virginia propuso recientemente un nuevo modelo de política (en inglés) en relación con la "privacidad, la dignidad y el respeto de todos los estudiantes y padres en las escuelas públicas de Virginia". Un período de 30 días de comentarios públicos sobre la política modelo comenzó el 26 de septiembre y se cierra el 26 de octubre. Usted puede dar su opinión al Departamento de Educación de Virginia sobre el nuevo plan de política redactado. Si se perdió el mensaje del Superintendente Reid sobre la nueva política modelo propuesta, por favor, véalo en nuestro sitio web.


Social and Emotional Learning Activities and Screener 

Students in grades K-2 will no longer participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener. Instead, the Child Behavior Rating Scale administered in kindergarten, existing attendance, and behavior data will be used to determine necessary social emotional instruction and supports. School teams will use these measures alongside family input, as they develop their understanding of students’ needs and strategies to support them. Students in grades 3-12 will be able to participate in the SEL screener. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. This year, students will participate in the screener in the fall (October/November) and spring (March). Parents are able to opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Read more about SEL and signature practices online.

Los estudiantes de los grados K-2 ya no participarán en la evaluación del aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL). En su lugar, se utilizará la Escala de Calificación del Comportamiento Infantil administrada en el jardín de infancia, la asistencia existente y los datos de comportamiento para determinar la instrucción y los apoyos sociales emocionales necesarios. Los equipos escolares utilizarán estas medidas junto con las aportaciones de las familias, a medida que desarrollan su comprensión de las necesidades de los estudiantes y las estrategias para apoyarlos.

Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 12 podrán participar en la evaluación SEL. Los equipos escolares y las familias utilizan esta información para desarrollar culturas escolares positivas y apoyar a los estudiantes académica y personalmente. Este año, los estudiantes participarán en el examen en otoño (octubre/noviembre) y en primavera (marzo).

Los padres pueden optar por que sus hijos no tomen el examen SEL. Lea más sobre SEL y las prácticas de firma en línea.



Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health 

Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others. 

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker.

School Counselor: Jackye Toth

School Counselor: Leyla Mastroianni

School Social Worker: Laurel Hanlon

School Psychologist: Meghan Bogue

Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:

  • Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the CrisisLink hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.
  • Chat online with a specialist.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
  • Call 911.

Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new FCC program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.

Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals website for more information on the criteria to be eligible and how to apply. 

El Programa de Conectividad Asequible (ACP) es un nuevo programa de FCC para reducir los costes de Internet para las familias con niños que han sido elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido en los últimos 12 meses. Las familias que reúnan los requisitos recibirán 30 dólares al mes para los servicios de Internet y un descuento único de hasta 100 dólares para un ordenador portátil, un ordenador de sobremesa o una tableta. Las familias pueden comprobar su elegibilidad y registrarse en AffordableConnectivity.gov o llamando al 877-384-2575.

Visite nuestro sitio web de comidas gratuitas y a precio rebajado para obtener más información sobre los criterios para ser elegible y cómo solicitarlo. 


ESSER III Public Input

Share Feedback on In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding helps FCPS maintain safe school environments and address the impact of COVID-19 on students. We want to hear from you about our work to provide in-person instruction and continuity of services to all FCPS students and families. Visit our website to learn more about FCPS’ plan to use ESSER III funding to support students and share feedback via an online form. The online form will be available through October 10. 

Compartir Comentarios sobre la Instrucción en Persona y la Continuidad de los Servicios

El financiamiento de Ayuda de Emergencia para Escuelas Primarias y Secundarias (ESSER III) ayuda a FCPS a mantener entornos escolares seguros y abordar el impacto de COVID-19 en los estudiantes. Queremos saber de usted sobre nuestro trabajo para proporcionar instrucción en persona y continuidad de servicios a todos los estudiantes y familias de FCPS.Visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información sobre el plan de FCPS de utilizar los fondos de ESSER III para apoyar a los estudiantes y compartir comentarios a través de un formulario en línea. El formulario en línea estará disponible hasta el 10 de octubre.


Social and Emotional Learning Activities and Screener 

Students in grades K-2 will no longer participate in the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) screener. Instead, the Child Behavior Rating Scale administered in kindergarten, existing attendance, and behavior data will be used to determine necessary social emotional instruction and supports. School teams will use these measures alongside family input, as they develop their understanding of students’ needs and strategies to support them. Students in grades 3-12 will be able to participate in the SEL screener. School teams and families use this information to develop positive school cultures and support students academically and personally. This year, students will participate in the screener in the fall (October/November) and spring (March). Parents are able to opt their child out of taking the SEL screener. Read more about SEL and signature practices online.

Los estudiantes de los grados K-2 ya no participarán en la evaluación del aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL). En su lugar, se utilizará la Escala de Calificación del Comportamiento Infantil administrada en el jardín de infancia, la asistencia existente y los datos de comportamiento para determinar la instrucción y los apoyos sociales emocionales necesarios. Los equipos escolares utilizarán estas medidas junto con las aportaciones de las familias, a medida que desarrollan su comprensión de las necesidades de los estudiantes y las estrategias para apoyarlos.

Los estudiantes de los grados 3 a 12 podrán participar en la evaluación SEL. Los equipos escolares y las familias utilizan esta información para desarrollar culturas escolares positivas y apoyar a los estudiantes académica y personalmente. Este año, los estudiantes participarán en el examen en otoño (octubre/noviembre) y en primavera (marzo).

Los padres pueden optar por que sus hijos no tomen el examen SEL. Lea más sobre SEL y las prácticas de firma en línea.


Tiger Mascot image

Monthly Folder Content

Terra Centre uses Schoology for all monthly folder content. All flyers are posted to Schoology Course: Terra Centre All Parents

September Updates

  • Field Day flyer
  • AAP Newsletter
  • Testing Notifications
  • Kindergarten Color Days flyer
  • Community flyers
  • PTA flyers

FCPS in the News

Virginia Teens Seek Patent for One-Of-a-Kind Walker Inspired by Grandparents (Chantilly HS, NBC4, September 24)

Puerto Rico Recruitment Brings Mother-Daughter Teaching Pair to FCPS Immersion Program (Laurel Ridge ES and Bailey’s Upper, FCPS, September 19)

How a mother, daughter from Puerto Rico ended up teaching in Fairfax Co. Spanish immersion program (WTOP, September 26)

Teacher Shortage: How Fairfax Co. is extending its recruitment efforts to Puerto Rico, (ABC7, September 27) 

Learning outdoors: Fairfax Co. school counselor, art teacher create sensory path (Beech Tree ES, ABC7, September 27)


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