Hello Dranesville Families,
Here are some updates, news, and events happening across FCPS and Dranesville.
Have a great weekend,
Elaine
In this newsletter,
My visits to SEPTA's IEP Palooza and Forestville Elementary School
Save the Date: Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs
In the new year, every FCPS HS pyramid will hold an adults-only, in-person panel discussion about alcohol and drugs presented by the FCPS Student Safety and Wellness Office. These presentations are for elementary (especially 5th and 6th grade families), middle school, and high school families. The presentation will include basic information around drugs, alcohol, and nicotine; help you learn what you can do as a caretaker; and share community resources. More details coming soon.
Please join me at these Dranesville pyramid presentations:
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January 17, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- Herndon HS
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January 18, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- Langley HS
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January 30, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- McLean HS
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February 2, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- Marshall HS
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February 6, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- Westfield HS
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March 3, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.- Annandale HS for the Annandale and TJHSST pyramid
FCPS Updates
Seeking FCPS Safe Routes to School Specialist
Open through December 20
FCPS has posted the job listing for the Safe Routes to School Specialist position. FCPS Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs help students get physically active while taking cars off the road and develop safe walking and bicycling routes to and from schools among other duties. I hear frequently from parents and community members sharing dangerous conditions for our students walking and biking around school arrival and dismissal. Please share this opportunity with anyone who would be a good candidate or apply yourself here.
ESSER III Community Conversation- Dec. 13
An ESSER Community Conversation will be hosted on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. ESSER provides federal funds to FCPS, and schools across the country, to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. The event will be hybrid, offered both on Zoom and in-person at the Gatehouse Administration Center in the café on the first floor. All are welcome. Please register to attend.
Learn more about the ESSER III grant.
Strategic Plan
Beginning in late January 2023, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our strategic planning process. View the schedule on our Strategic Planning website. We will add more details as they become available.
The success of our strategic planning process depends on our entire community being engaged. Watch as some of our amazing elementary students share their hopes and ideas for the future of schools.
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An Elementary Perspective on Strategic Planning
December 1 Regular Meeting Highlight
Academic Matters
During the Academic Matters segment of last week’s School Board meeting, Dr. Rich Pollio, Director of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Services, shared data around our English Learner students versus students who speak English and another language.
Forty-nine percent of our students speak English and at least one other language. Twenty percent of our students are receiving English language development services. Pollio talked about the value of community in supporting our English Learners in their journey.
Text and Translation Platform- TalkingPoints
FCPS has recently adopted TalkingPoints, a two-way messaging app that allows parents and caregivers to communicate with teachers and schools. Look for messages from your child’s school on how they are implementing the app. For more information, visit the FCPS TalkingPoints webpage.
The app translates messages, so teachers can input messages in English and parents can respond in their preferred language. TalkingPoints supports 125 languages, making it easier and faster for our FCPS families to connect with their schools.
Multicultural and Language Resources for Families
FCPS’ Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the many resources available:
-Bilingual community liaisons support student registrars by providing families with information about school and community services offered in Fairfax County. Liaisons are available to help families speaking Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. Once registered at a school, families can contact their family liaison for assistance.
-Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.
-Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English.
-A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
-ESOL services are available in Fairfax County not only for students, but also for adults and families. Information on Spring classes will be posted in March 2023.
Visit the Family Engagement webpage for more resources.
Winter Weather Procedures
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
Inclement Weather Days
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Your school’s principal will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.
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Upcoming School Board Meetings
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Tuesday, December 13 at 11a.m. - Work Session
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Thursday, December 15 at 5p.m. - Recognitions: VHSL Athletic and Activity/Academic recognitions
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Thursday, December 15 at 5:30p.m - Collective Bargaining Public Hearing
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Thursday, December 15 at 7:30p.m. - Regular Meeting
Please note, times and topics are subject to change.
Interested in School Board action items? Sign up to get an update on any School Board votes the morning after the School Board meeting.
How to watch meetings and sign up to speak
Reuniones de la Junta Escolar de FCPS en Español
Para ver las reuniones del Junta Escolar grabadas o para ver en vivo durante las Reuniones Ordinarias en YouTube, por favor vaya al canal de YouTube de FCPS en Español o escanee el código QR.
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School and Student News
VHSL Athletic and Activity/Academic recognitions
Please join me at Luther Jackson Middle School's auditorium on December 15, 5 p.m. to celebrate Langley High School Coed Golf Team as the golf VHSL Fall Team State winner and Cooper Band for being one of seven FCPS Virginia State Music Educators Conference Performers.
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McLean HS
Congratulations to Saehee Perez who was selected as one of only two students to represent Virginia as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) to be held in-person Spring 2023. The USSYP was founded in 1962 through Senate Resolution. Each year two of the highest-achieving students from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education system overseas are selected through an extremely competitive merit-based selection process held at the state departments of education nationwide. Congratulations to Saehee and to all of you at your high school!
McLean HS 20th Annual Holiday Bazaar
McLean High School's Highlander Holiday Bazaar will be held tomorrow (Dec. 10th) from 10am-3pm. Come one, come all for a day of indulgence. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment from the MHS Orchestra group and shopping! We will have many returning and new vendors selling everything from original wood carved tables, scented soap, jewelry, candles, beauty products/accessories, scarves, ornaments, home décor and lots lots more. The Bazaar will take place in the main gym and cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful community event!
Cooper MS Canned Food Drive
Thank you to our generous Cooper Community from both SHARE of McLean and our ASA Specialist, Mr. Taylor! According to Mr. Taylor, who helped to organize our successful November food drive, Cooper MS donated over 400 donated food items to our local food bank, SHARE of McLean. Keep your eyes peeled for a second food drive in March, to help SHARE restock their shelves after the holiday season.
Clearview ES
Clearview Pantry- The SCA would like to thank all the students and families for their generous donations to our Food and Supply Drive. Together, we collected over 1,000 items for our community pantry! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Student Opportunities
Youth-Led, Anti-Stigma Mini-Grants Project Extends Deadline
Know a youth wanting to make a difference? The deadline has been extended for our annual mini-grant project for youth-led initiatives to reduce stigma of mental illness among their peers. This important program gets support from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), which is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. These mini-grants fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City. For more information and to review previous projects, go here. Proposals are due December 12.
Community News
SHARE of McLean
Share provides assistance to neighbors within the zip codes of 22101, 22102, 22066, and the Pimmit Hills section of 22043. If you need assistance with food, clothing, linens, furniture or emergency funding, you may contact SHARE directly at (703) 229-1414 or visit the SHARE of McLean website. Outside our zip codes? Contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services at (703) 222-0880
FC Hypothermia Prevention Program- Now Open
The Hypothermia Prevention Program provides warm shelter, food, and other supportive services to connect guests to a variety of basic needs to include clothing, employment, housing and more. If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think is at risk of hypothermia, call 703-691-2131. Learn more here.
Community Events
Herndon Events
Wintermarkt- December 10, 12-7pm
Bringing the Old World charm of Christmas in Europe to Herndon. Free, family-focused events, entertainment, and items for all members of the household. Downtown Herndon (777 Lynn Street, Herndon) To learn more call 571-323-5300 or visit the Town of Herndon website.
Christmas Calamity Improv- December 10, 7-9:30pm
Come ring the bells! Improv with a seasonal twist at Arts Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon) Learn more at artsherndon.org or call 703-956-6590.
McLean Events
25th Annual Reindog Parade- Dec. 10, 8 a.m.
The Langley Shopping Center (1378 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean) Admission: Two cans of dog food, which will be donated to a local animal shelter. Dress up your pooch and parade for prizes! Learn more here at the McLean Community Center website.
McLean HS 20th Annual Holiday Bazaar- Dec. 10, 10- 3p.m.
McLean High School's Highlander Holiday Bazaar will be held tomorrow (Dec. 10th) from 10am-3pm. Come one, come all for a day of indulgence. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment from the MHS Orchestra group and shopping! We will have many returning and new vendors selling everything from original wood carved tables, scented soap, jewelry, candles, beauty products/accessories, scarves, ornaments, home décor and lots lots more.The Bazaar will take place in the main gym and cafeteria. We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful community event!
Library of Congress Events- Every Thursday
 The Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all of the Library's exhibitions will be open for extended hours on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. The series will regularly feature special conversations, music, performances, films and workshops that showcase the broad range of holdings at the national library.
FCPS Cares
Want to recognize an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond? See this information about the FCPS Cares program.
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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.
© 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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