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Dear Dranesville Families,
Happy holiday season to you. I hope you and your family have a nice time together and get some much needed rest. Enjoy the beauty of the season.
I want to extend a special welcome to the Dranesville families receiving my newsletter for the first time. The Board worked with the Office of Communication and Community Relations (OCCR) to include all families with students within each Magisterial District in the distribution lists for each School Board Member.
As we alert the community of these updates, please be informed that you should also be receiving FCPS This Week, which has important information about Fairfax County Public Schools. Each of your schools also has a newsletter full of great school specific information. You can manage your subscription preferences in News You Choose.
In my newsletter, I share important updates about policies and other School Board actions that impact Fairfax County Public Schools - specifically the Dranesville District and Fairfax County events that families can benefit from. I hope you will find this information helpful, and I look forward to your feedback. However, if you wish to unsubscribe, you can click “unsubscribe” at the bottom of this email.
Our Dranesville schools have been busy the past weeks with special math events, holiday concerts, plays, coat drives, bowling nights, holiday market fundraisers, rival basketball games, etc. It has been my pleasure to see you at these events and to see our schools working so hard to build community.
After we return from our break, the next few months will be very busy with our budget and capital improvement planning, continued strategic planning, and finalizing our school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Please see below for opportunities to make your voice heard on all of these topics. Hopefully you filled out the surveys on many of these topics. All of that data will be analyzed over the next few weeks, and I will be looking at that closely as the board debates options.
Wishing you and your family the best.
Elaine
In this newsletter,
Happy Holidays
Chanukah (December 18-26)
Happy Chanukah to all in our community who celebrate! This Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple's menorah for 8 days.
Christmas (December 25)
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world.
FCPS Updates
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).
OCR Resolution Agreement
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has entered into a Resolution Agreement with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding compensatory education for students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. FCPS has created a plan to determine whether compensatory education is owed to students with disabilities due to the Pandemic Period, and will actively work with parents, guardians, and eligible adult students with disabilities to make the determinations discussed in the plan. You can learn more here.
Impacted families will be contacted directly with the next steps. Questions can be emailed to ocr2022resolution@fcps.edu.
Speed Cameras Target School Zone Safety
On December 6, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to launch a pilot program that will have 10 speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) installed throughout the county. These cameras will be in nine school zones and one construction zone.
Studies show that speed camera enforcement is effective in improving safety by reducing speeding, accidents, and injuries. Thanks to our county partners for helping to improve the safety of our students and staff. Read more about the school zone speed camera pilot program.
Chesterbrook ES is one of the pilot schools
This new speed camera technology will be piloted on Kirby Road in the Chesterbrook ES school zone. We do not yet have a date of installation, but it is expected soon. We appreciate your support of safety measures.
 Tutor.com- Free, On-Demand, Online Tutoring
Recently, PTA/PTSA/PTO leaders from the Dranesville district met with the FCPS manager for tutoring services about Tutor.com. We were impressed by everything that was included–it was more than we expected! For example, we learned that students are able to get personal help whenever they need it 24/7, even in Spanish from bilingual tutors for students still learning English. We also found out that students can work through Java/Python code together with a tutor, and get in-depth feedback on college and scholarship application essays. For those of you with soon-to-be college students, students also have access to all of the Princeton Review’s SAT/ACT coursework with unlimited tutoring at no additional cost! If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child. More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here.
COVID Diagnostic Testing in January
Mark your calendars! COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS teachers, staff, and students at five locations across the county January 3-5 from 5 to 8 p.m. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Pruebas Diagnósticas de COVID en Enero
¡Marque sus calendarios! Pruebas diagnósticas de COVID estarán disponibles para los maestros, personal y estudiantes de FCPS en cinco localidades a través del condado del 3 al 5 de Enero de 5- 8 p.m. Estas pruebas son para aquellos que están experimentando síntomas de COVID o han estado expuestos a alguien diagnosticado con COVID. Las citas no son necesarias, pero el registro debe ser completado antes de la prueba. Visite la página web COVID Testing para obtener más información.
Request Free At-Home COVID tests
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. You can order your tests here.
- Limit of one order per residential address
- Orders will ship free starting the week of December 19, 2022
2023 Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo for High School Students- Feb. 13-16
Seeking Industry Professionals for Instruction to Industry I2I - A Career Expo for High School Students
The Office of Counseling, College, and Career Readiness (CCCR) in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is teaming up with school divisions across the Northern Virginia region, to present a multi-day virtual career exploration fair for all interested high school students on February 13 – February 16, 2023. This annual event offers a virtual venue for students to connect with industry professionals from in-demand career fields across the region.
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Team in the office of CCCR is actively seeking volunteers from our business community who are willing to participate in this event. Employers and industry experts from all career clusters are needed to provide various sessions to support students.If you are interested in participating in this event, complete the google form before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. For additional information, please see the I2I event site or email workbasedlearning@fcps.edu
Opportunities to Share Your Thoughts
Here are several opportunities to share your thoughts with FCPS. I will share more details on each in my next newsletter.
- Capital Improvement Program Public Hearing- Jan. 12, 6 p.m.
- Budget Public Hearing- Jan. 23, 6 p.m.
Strategic Community Forums
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.
Planificación Estratégica Participación Comunitaria
Comenzando a finales de Enero 2023, FCPS organizará una serie de foros comunitarios como parte de nuestro proceso de planificación estratégica. Vea el horario en nuestro sitio web de Planificación Estratégica. Agregaremos más detalles en cuanto se hagan disponibles.
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Outdoor Learning Spaces Coming Soon!
FCPS received $6.05 million from a Virginia state construction grant, which is earmarked for outdoor learning spaces. Outdoor classrooms will be built at all middle and high schools not currently slated for renovation. Schools going through renovations will have an outdoor learning space added through that process. A limited number of elementary schools across the division will also receive outdoor learning spaces. FCPS’ Get2Green team will provide professional development and connect with community partners to support schools in designing, planting, and using these spaces. Construction will begin in summer 2023 and be completed within two years. Learn more here.
High School Academy Open Houses
 FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January. A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We recognize that holidays are an important time to reconnect with family and expose children to their heritage and culture, whether they grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. If your family’s holiday plans include extended travel, please remember the impact to your children’s education if they miss too much school. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Tips to Minimize Holiday Stress
Caroline Miller from Child Mind Institute writes, “Why are holidays so fraught? Because expectations are heightened, and holidays can feel like a test of how happy and successful your family is.” Here are some tips to minimize holiday stress.
Positions Available
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.
Upcoming School Bus Driver Job Fairs
Join one of our school bus driver job fairs and learn about how to become part of the FCPS team! The job fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on:
In addition to a $3,000 signing bonus for all new drivers, FCPS also offers competitive pay, excellent retirement plans, health and dental plans, paid training, and other benefits. Learn more about upcoming school bus driver job fairs. If you have questions, please call 571-423-3000 or email driveforfcps@fcps.edu.
Hiring Now! Food and Nutrition Services
From Food Services van drivers to managers-in-training, FCPS has many job opportunities related to food and nutrition. Benefits include paid training and school holidays off, and some positions offer full-time benefits for part-time work. See Food and Nutrition Services job opportunities online to apply. Call 703-813-4800 with any questions.
Hiring Now! Substitutes
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring individuals to serve as substitute teachers when teachers are unable to be in the classroom. Retiree Bunni Cooper, after a 23-year career at the World Bank, she chose to support Bull Run Elementary as a substitute teacher. Read Bunni’s story. Substitute Teacher and Substitute Instructional Assistant information sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Candidates will receive a link to the virtual information session via email the Monday before the session. Sign up for an information session.
By the way, FCPS is offering bonuses for substitutes who are available to teach on high volume days. Visit our Substitute Teaching Employment Opportunities page for more information.
Community Updates
Suoervisor Foust's open house: with FC Parks Mr. Hackman and HMS Principal Vereb and Supervisor Foust
Supervisor Foust's Newsletter
Please go here to sign up for Supervisor Foust's informative newsletter for Dranesville and Fairfax County news and events.
Hypothermia Prevention Program
Through March 31 — 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.
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Traffic Updates
Please be aware of the major roadway construction projects in Dranesville. Travelers should expect potential delays when traveling in the area, and are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org for current information on travel conditions and work zones in Virginia.
Construction George Washington Memorial Parkway
Drivers can view construction updates on the project webpage or opt-in to receive email updates (about traffic impacts, meeting notices and project milestones) by emailing gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov
Route 7 Update
Construction activities continue along Route 7, and additional traffic shifts will occur in December and January. Please see the project website for information on upcoming lane shifts and other roadway impacts.
495 NEXT Project
Motorists coming from George Washington Memorial Parkway heading for southbound I-495 will be directed to access the Beltway by staying right and taking the ramp up to Georgetown Pike, proceeding straight through the traffic light, and taking the ramp back down where traffic will then be able to merge onto the Beltway. Learn more about this detour and the joint repair work here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the 495 NEXT website, or send an email to495NorthernExtension@VDOT.Virginia.gov; or call the Project Inquiry Line: 703-592-6430.
Turf Proposal- Linway Terrace Park
The Park Authority has received a proposal from McLean Little League to fund the conversion of the grass baseball diamond at Linway Terrace Park to synthetic turf. In collaboration with the Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office, the Park Authority will hold a virtual information meeting to provide the community with a brief presentation on the scope of the proposal, followed by a facilitated question and answer period. The meeting is for informational purposes only. Read more here.
The virtual meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at 7 p.m. Members of the public may join the meeting through the designated link on the Linway Terrace Park Synthetic Turf Field Conversion Project webpage.
Running Bamboo Ordinance
Starting January 1, 2023
Running bamboo, like many invasive plants, can be destructive to the natural environment and suppress native plant species. Avoid The Fine, Don't Let Running Bamboo Grow Beyond Your Property Line. Learn more about the ordinance and running bamboo here.
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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.
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VHSL Championship Recognitions
Last night, December 15, the School Board celebrated Langley High School Coed Golf Team as the golf VHSL Fall Team State winner which is the team's 7th consecutive win and Cooper Band for being one of seven FCPS Virginia State Music Educators Conference performers. You can read more about the Fall 2022 VHSL Athletic champions here.
These are additional state championship feats of our Dranesville students:
- Individual student state champions
- Langley HS’s Alina Ho, varsity golf
- Herndon HS’s, Gillian Bushee- Girls Cross Country
- State championship runners up
- Team: Langley HS’s boys cross country
- Individual runners up: McLean HS’s Thais Rolly- girls cross country
Langley and McLean HS Varsity Basketball Doubleheader
The boys and girls Langley HS and McLean HS Varsity Basketball Teams will be playing in a doubleheader game @ Langley tonight, December 16. Game times are girls at 5:45 and boys at 7:30. Tickets will go on sale at 5pm at door #14. Please arrive early, as the game is expected to sell out. Once the game is sold-out, no spectators will be allowed to enter. There are no pre-sale tickets. Also, signs/posters, backpacks, large purses, outside food and drink are not permitted.
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Herndon High School
Herndon HS events: theater performance at Wintermarkt, 1st annual Winterfest, HHS and SLHS Dance teams
Langley High School
Save the date for the basketball youth nights:
- Girls- Tuesday, January 3, 2023
- Boys- Tuesday, January 17, 2023
McLean High School
Roofing Work During Winter Vacation 12/19 - 1/3
McLean High School is getting some much needed roofing work done over the winter break! Please note that Door 1 and the Main Entrance parking lot will not be accessible during this time. School offices will be closed over the break.
McLean HS's Holiday Bazaar and Colvin Run ES's family bowling night
Herndon Middle School
Herndon MS: Cocoa and Coats and visits with Ms. Salazar-Laske and Mr. Hollingsworth
Great Falls Elementary School
Our Japanese Immersion Teachers, Kennington-sensei and Rinehart--sensei, were featured in the Washington Post Magazine this month in the article, The Magic of Bilingual Education: Washington Post Magazine. We continue to be thankful for our educators, their love and passion for their craft and students, and their love of professional learning.
Student Opportunities
Virtual Math Week- Jan. 9
Can we hit 1,000,000 minutes of math in 5 days?
Come together as a community for students in K-8 for 5 nights the week of January 9, 2023, with delightful math games and stories - all on your own time and from the comfort of your own home. All content will be available for free directly to all families in English and Spanish on the website starting January 9, 2023. To access the games, families will be able to simply click on the day of the week and find their child's grade and language. View the website at anytime for explanations and videos.
Any and ALL math experiences outside of a normal week count. Our goal is for FCPS to experience 1,000,000 minutes of math outside of the school day. Join us!
One Water Art Contest
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is joining regional water utilities to host its second annual art contest with the theme of protecting our source water. Local student artists in grades 9-12 can submit their art which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources. The submission deadline is Sunday, January 22, 2023. Learn more about the One Water Art Contest for high school students and submit your entry.
U.S. Global Change Research Program Enlists Student Artists
Students can help others understand climate change and inspire people to take action through art. The U.S. Global Change Research Program is looking for youth ages 13-17 to submit artwork related to the topic of climate, people, and nature. Student art will help readers of the Fifth National Climate Assessment see how the climate is changing and what that means for the people, places, and activities that students love. Submissions are due Jan. 27.
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge- opening soon
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge will open for entries on Jan. 6, 2023 and close on April 28. The judges will choose winners in two categories: grades five through eight and grades nine through 12. Entries must be submitted by an educator or a student leader who's 18 years old or older. And don't forget all the tips, advice and lesson plans we've compiled over the years and read more here.
Save the Date– 2023 Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at West Springfield High School from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. Student registration is now open here.
Family/Parent Opportunities
Take a Hike! First Hike Photo Contest Returns
Ring in the new year with a hike on Fairfax County trails! Even better, take a great photo and win a prize. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Fairfax County Park Foundation are teaming up once again to present the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest this New Year’s weekend, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. Only one photo entry per person will be accepted (multiple family members may submit photos individually). Photos must be taken on a FCPA trail.
Not sure what trail is right? Go to the Trail Buddy webpage to find a FCPA trail near you. You can also find a selection of fun hikes at the First Hike Fairfax website. Visit the First Hike website for full contest rules and more details.
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Parent Resource Center January Webinars
Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are All Neurodiverse?
All human beings are neurodiverse. There is infinite variation of thinking and experiencing the world due to our identities, experiences, and brain wiring that is a valuable form of human diversity (Büdy, 2021; Singer, 2019). This webinar examines the brilliance and advantages of neurodiversity and the different ways brains may function as it relates to neurodivergence or neurotypicality. Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist.
January 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m or January 13, 2023 at 10 a.m:
Register here for either time of Neurodiversity: What Do You Mean We are All Neurodiverse?
Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
The first five years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a child’s development. Social and emotional development includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of their emotions, and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. Join us for this important webinar to learn about the social-emotional developmental milestones in early childhood.
January 20, 2023 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Social-Emotional Milestones in Early Childhood
GrandInvolve Seeking Volunteers
Would you like a unique and interesting volunteer experience while making a difference in a school, classroom, family, or in one child’s life? GrandInvolve is recruiting adult volunteers who are interested to provide classroom assistance with math, reading, and other simple educational tasks that the teacher requests. For more information, including the Volunteer Interest Form, visit www.grandinvolve.org/volunteer-with-us
Here are a few Dranesville and area events.
OFC Winter Break Trips
The Old Firehouse Club will have a variety of trips during the winter break for ages 10- 16 including Summit Ropes & Movie, Gaylord National Winter Event, Ultimate Archery & Movie and more. Please go to the OFC website to learn more and register.
The Washington Chorus' Candlelight Christmas
A Candlelight Christmas- popular carols and holiday favorites performed by the full chorus. Performances are at both the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and Music Center at Strathmore- December 16 – 18 and 23. Learn more about the concerts here.
Rudolph's Rockin' Reindeer Games- Dec. 17
The Boro is throwing a family-friendly holiday party. The Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games will include a live DJ, arts and crafts, a cocoa bar, photos with Santa, and interactive games with prizes. The Boro Tysons (8350 Broad Street, Tysons) December 17, 11- 2p.m. Please register here for free tickets.
Virginia Chamber Orchestra Concert- Dec. 18
Please join the Virginia Chamber Orchestra for their concert "Leaning Into the Holidays" Alden Theatre(1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean)
The Barter Players "Frosty"- Dec. 19
Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover that the real magic of the season is love. Alden Theatre(1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean)
National Menorah Lighting- Dec. 18
On December 18- 3:15- 4:45 p.m., the first night of Hanukkah, the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah will take place on the ellipse across from the White House. Get free tickets here.
CommUNITY Menorah Lighting- Dec. 20
On Tuesday, December 20th from 5:30pm-6:30pm you can join the Pozez Jewish Community Center at the Mosaic District for the Light Up the Night: CommUNITY Menorah Lighting for a candle lighting and to sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel, and more!
Holiday Concert – IONA
December 30 (1-1:45 p.m. or 2:15-3 p.m.)
Travel back in time to the home of Northern Virginia’s first representative to Congress and celebrate the holidays at Sully Historic Site (3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly). IONA’s music is a rich, unique, blend of the traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man, Spain and America for ages 5 and above. Refreshments will be served in the 18th century kitchen. Seating is limited. Register for the concert
New Year's Eve Around the World Celebration
Ring in the New Year with STEM! at the Children’s Science Center. Celebrate with the whole family without a late bedtime! We are offering three sessions to ring in the New Year for even the littlest visitors! Register and buy tickets here
December 31- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm or 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Old Firehouse Center Winter Block Party
Saturday, Jan. 7, 1-4 p.m. Free admission
Come to MCC (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) for our 2nd Annual Winter Block Party. There will be entertainment, a wide variety of amusements, games, craft projects, food and more for all ages. Check the MCC website for details.
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, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees across the district.
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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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