Sunrise Valley News

Deadline Thursday- Advanced Academics Program (AAP)- Referrals for Level IV Services for 22-23 School Year

If you would like your child in grades 2-6 screened for full-time, AAP Level IV services to begin at the start of the 23-24 school year, this year’s parent referral deadline is December 15th.

The following information should be submitted by this deadline:

  • Level IV Referral Form (mandatory)
  • Parent/Guardian Questionnaire (optional but highly recommended). Please make sure to include specific examples to support each rating on the questionnaire.
  • 2 single-sided pages of work samples that demonstrate critical, creative, and/or advanced reasoning and problem-solving (optional). Samples should include a few sentences explaining how the work demonstrates advanced thinking.
  • Private ability testing done through George Mason University or a licensed psychologist (optional). More information on outside testing can be found here: https://www.fcps.edu/node/37056

All items should be submitted together through one of the following methods:

  • Digitally- Please email all items you would like included in the application to Sara Balcanoff at sebalcanoff@fcps.edu. All documents should be PDF or JPEG files and labeled with the student’s name.
  • Hard copy- If you would prefer to submit the application in hard copy, all items should be submitted together in an envelope or folder and clearly labeled with the student’s name and classroom teacher. Hard copy applications must be turned into the front office by December 15th at 4:10 pm.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our AART, Sara Balcanoff, at sebalcanoff@fcps.edu.


Spirit Day- Friday, December 16

Friday will be pajamas day!  Please make sure  the pajamas are appropriate for school, outdoor recess  and any classes for the the day such as PE.


Winter Break

As a reminder, winter break (student holidays) will be held December 19 to January 2.

We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.


SVES Family Science Night

Tuesday, January 24, 6-7:30pm

Calling all science enthusiasts! The Children's Science Center Lab is coming to SVES. Students will participate in hands-on experiments, specially designed to ignite interest and encourage engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Activities include -- Stacking Currency: Financial Literacy, Magnets at Work: Everyday Uses, It’s All Relative: Exploring Gravity in Space, among others.

Volunteers needed -- Looking for up to 30 volunteers from 5:15-7:45pm to set up in the school's gymnasium, assist students with activities, and clean up. No experience is required and detailed instructions will be provided. Sign up to volunteer by January 6. Questions? Contact Rachael Stott.

Mark your calendars for this free SVES PTA-funded event!


SVES Spelling Bee

Friday, February 10, 6-8pm

The Bee is back! We're registered to hold a Spelling Bee competition on Friday, February 10 at SVES.

By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement, and enriches communities.

Volunteers needed -- Looking for 1-2 parents to lead (co-lead) this event (with guidance and support from last year’s coordinator), as well as judges, pronouncers, and set up volunteers. Sign up to help today! Student registration will open once we secure at least one parent coordinator for the event. Questions? Contact Jennifer Glynn.

Mark your calendars for this free SVES PTA-funded event!


Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made

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).

FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

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.