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Dear Freedom Hill Community,
As we begin a week of gratitude, we want to express our continued thanks and appreciation for all who make our school community a warm, respectful, engaging, and supportive place for our students. It takes contributions from many individuals and groups to provide for 500+ learners, and we are deeply thankful for our staff, students, families, PTA, and the many individuals who enhance our school. We wish everyone a restful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
But before that begins, we invite everyone to join us for two Spirit Days this week:
- Monday World Cup Spirit Day - the world's tournament begins! Wear red/white/blue to support the USA in their first game tomorrow, or wear the colors of another nation that you support!
- Tuesday FH Diabetes Awareness Day - wear blue in support of our awareness campaign for our students with diabetes.
Lastly, please see the Outstanding Employee Awards section below and consider working with your student(s) to nominate staff members who have made a meaningful impact on them. We are excited to share these with staff before they depart for the winter holidays in December.
In continued partnership,
Nicholas Zapadka, Principal
Eric Kopacz, Assistant Principal
2022-23 FCPS School Calendar
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November 21 - World Cup Day (Wear Red/White/Blue or the colors of a nation you support!)
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November 22 - FH Diabetes Awareness Day (Wear Blue!)
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November 23 - 25 - Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
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November 28 - School Resumes
Hello parents! It is time for the annual Outstanding Employee Awards! We will be collecting kind comments for our teachers at the links shared below. If you have a teacher that you would like to share some great comments about, please click on the link below and find that teachers name. There is a very quick google form with descriptions of each category and directions to fill out to share your comments. This year, we will be using these comments for a special surprise for the teachers in the school. Please share your thoughts about your incredible teachers! The forms will officially close on December 12th. If you have any questions please reach out to Eric Kopacz, epkopacz@fcps.edu.
Outstanding Teacher- https://forms.gle/jnSNUeR73KpKASM29
Outstanding New Teacher- https://forms.gle/zgFsycM9XdwUmMss8
Outstanding Professional Employee- https://forms.gle/36zMSRsxGnGWyq1R6
Outstanding Operations Employee- https://forms.gle/FHL65Tpjq5UxSrqFA
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We invite you to join our school community in supporting our families during this holiday season through the following:
- Donate a reusable shopping bag(s) to the front office to help us send home food and materials to families
- Drop off a gift card to a local grocery store (Trader Joe's preferred) at our front office. We will include these with gifts for families in need
- Contribute to the Girl Scout Cold Weather Drive. A box for collecting adult and children’s items will be placed at the school from 12/1-12/16. Any new and gentle used coats, hats, gloves and scarves are appreciated.
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During the month of November, people all over the country team up to spread awareness about diabetes for National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM). Bringing attention to diabetes throughout the month not only helps to bring more understanding to this disease but it can also help to help in support with research and support for important legislation. On Tuesday, 11/22, students at Freedom Hill will be wearing blue to show their support for students at Freedom Hill who have diabetes. Thank you to Mrs. Hussin for her support in bringing this to our school.
In an annual planning process, FCPS uses input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year. The Calendar Survey was sent to parents/caregivers, FCPS employees, and students in grades 7-12 this week.
Our framework for creating the calendar is available online to ensure transparency, as we work to build a calendar that is inclusive and equitable.
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed November 23-25. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 28.
We have one current job vacancy at FH:
- Student/Classroom Monitor - hourly position (7 hours, 5 days per week) supporting students and teachers in a variety of capacities.
Please email Dr. Zapadka with your interest and resume.
The FLE Parent Resources are now available on Schoology for parents to preview. The contents include the Human Growth and Development lessons that will be taking place in December, including specific lesson plans and media that will be used with students. In order to access the material, please log into Schoology using your SIS username and password. From there, navigate to the FLE parent preview through the All Parent Page. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Eric Kopacz, epkopacz@fcps.edu, or Ian Dowling, itdowling@fcps.edu.
  
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It was great seeing people at the Book Fair and the Thanksgiving luncheon. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday break!
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LEDO PIZZA FDO 12/5 and 12/6
We're excited to partner with Ledo Pizza in Falls Church for a Family Dinner Out. 20% of all in person and take out sales those nights will go toward Freedom Hill so please join us there! The location is 7510 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 (by Trader Joe's). Catering orders that week count too. Just mention Freedom Hill when you purchase! Flier is here.
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IEP PALOOZA 12/3 FROM 9AM -12PM
Join the SEPTA (Special Education PTA) for an interactive resource fair about IEPs and community resources. This event will take place in person anytime between 9am - 12 noon on Saturday, Dec. 3rd at Annandale High School located at 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA. Details here! You can: * Watch a simulated IEP meeting * Attend break out sessions explaining the various parts of the IEP This event is geared towards parents, school staff and students aged 14+. CE Credits available. Registration is free at www.fairfaxcountysepta.org.
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ON-SITE COORDINATOR NEEDED
We're looking for a new on-site coordinator for our after-school activities starting 1/9/2023-3/17/2023. This is a paid position for 1.5 hours a day Mon-Thur. after school. The primary responsibility is to take attendance and to remain with the students until a parent picks them up after class. So if you, a neighbor, or a high school/college student are interested in helping out our school please reach out to Ross Camara here. PLUS - If you are a parent or relative of a current student we include one free registration to an enrichment class.
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ON THE HORIZON
Some key dates to mark on your calendar are:
Nov. 23-25 - Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec. 3 - IEP Palooza
Dec. 5-6 - FDO Ledo's Pizza in Falls Church
Dec. 8 - Bodhi Day (for those who celebrate)
Dec. 15 - AAP Level IV Referral Deadline
Dec. 19-Jan. 2 - Winter Break
You can always get the latest PTA calendar right here
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