 Fifth graders enjoy the beautiful fall weather while practicing the sword dance in music class.
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Custodian Appreciation Week
Keene Mill appreciates the hard work and effort of our amazing custodial team, Mr. Ruben Carrasco, Mrs. Rosalina Salmeron, Ms. Claudia Acosta, and Mr. Vum Son. Keene Mill sparkles and shines because of their tireless work. You might have your students write them a note of thanks during this appreciation week.
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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. 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.
- Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
- Call 911.
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.
FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program 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. We invite you to submit your story below, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES
- All submissions are posted to the public FCPS CARES webpage and could be shared via other FCPS news outlets.
- Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited.
- A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient and copied to his or her supervisor(s).
The link to FCPS Cares Program is below.
https://www.fcps.edu/careers/employee-recognition-programs/fcps-cares-program
Advanced Academics (AAP) Elementary Parent Information Meeting
Please join Ms. Luster, AART, as we explore the levels of Advanced Academic services offered at Keene Mill on Monday, October 3. The virtual meeting will be held at 6:30pm. Together we will be doing an overview of our Advanced Academic Program, discussing district deadlines for this school year, and sharing helpful information if your family is intending to complete an application. New families to FCPS and current second grade families are encouraged to attend. However, everyone is welcome! Questions can be directed to laluster@fcps.edu.
The meeting can be attended by using this secure link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98326569686
THE PYRAMID CHALLENGE IS BACK!
The Pyramid Challenge is a free fun run with the goal of making fitness fun while also fostering school spirit amongst the 7 elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. The event will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 10am-12:30pm at Irving Middle School. Registration will open next week!
Mark Your Calendar
October 3: AAP Virtual Parent Information Meeting, 6:30 pm
October 5: No School - Yom Kippur
October 10: No School/Prof. Workday - Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 11: School Picture Day
October 24: No School - Diwali
October 28: 2-Hour Early Release (Dismissal at 2:00 pm)
October 31: No School/Prof. Workday
November 8: No School - Election Day
November 11: No School - Veterans Day
November 23-25: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 19 - January 2: No School - Winter Break
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