 Brrr… It’s Cold Outside!
Forestdale Family,
Well, winter is here! With the ever-changing and unpredictable weather, it is not hard to believe that our Falcons are having difficulty with their clothing and outerwear choices. Surprisingly, with temperatures warm and then below freezing, students are coming to school in shorts, t-shirts, no socks and sweatshirts in lieu of winter weather gear. We know it is hard to predict what kind of weather we will have, and we need your help in talking with your child about what to wear to school. Simply, it is a good idea to layer up. It is a lot easier to remove an article of clothing when warm than to not have the necessary clothing item when it gets cold. If your family is in need of assistance with clothing or outerwear for the cold weather, contact our clinical team at ForestdaleClinicalTeam@fcps.edu.
Students participate in all classroom activities, including recess. Classes still go outside for recess, even during cold spells; therefore, it is important that students are dressed appropriately (jackets, gloves, hats). We do not have additional personnel available to monitor students during recess, so all students go outside. However, during a National Weather Service (NWS) issued Wind Chill Advisory, outdoor activity will be limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes. During a NWS Wind Chill Warning, students will not participate in outdoor activities including general and physical education classes, recess, and scheduled non-emergency fire drills. This does not include students walking to and from school or students waiting at bus stops.
As we progress into the new year, we are anticipating the possible impact of inclement weather may have on our school schedule. As a reminder, FCPS has several schedules established when inclement weather strikes. These schedules are: 1) keep schools closed all day; 2) open schools two hours late; and 3) close schools two hours early. More information regarding FCPS weather cancellation policies can be found here. For information on how FCPS makes closing decisions, watch the FCPS Decisions Decisions video.
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If schools open two hours late, Forestdale's hours are: 10:50 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
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If schools close two hours early, Forestdale's hours are: 8:50 a.m.-1:35 p.m.
Please note that the school office staff and teachers follow the same schedule as students. When schools are closed, they do not report. When there is a delay, their arrival is delayed as well.
Parents can stay informed by checking Twitter (@FCPSNEWS), the FCPS Facebook site, local radio or television stations, FCPS emails, or going to https://www.fcps.edu/.
Stay safe and warm this winter season!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Calendar Reminders
Please note the upcoming calendar reminders:
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Monday, January 16 is a holiday (no school) for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The school and office will be closed.
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Wednesday, January 25 is the end of the second quarter and a 2 hr. early release (1:35 p.m.).
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Thursday, January 26 & Friday, January 27 are student holidays (no school) for staff development/teacher workday.
Please make sure you have made arrangements for the early release on Friday, especially for kindergartners and PreK students who must be met at the bus stop in the afternoon.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
 Preparing for Winter Weather
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, FCPS 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). Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
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.
Families without access to internet in their home can request a MiFi mobile wireless device from FCPS by filling out this form.
 The Salad Bar Returns!
Forestdale was preparing to welcome a salad bar in the cafeteria right before schools closed due to the pandemic. We are excited to announce that the salad bar will be returning on January 30.
Watch this video with your child and read this flyer to learn more about the salad bar options and rules.
Family Volunteers Needed
We are in need of family volunteers to assist our Falcons with learning how to navigate the salad bar on the first few days. If you can give an hour of time to help in the cafeteria on January 30, 31, or February 1, please sign up here or contact our family liaison, Claudia Flores, at clflores@fcps.edu. You can also call the school office at (703)313-4300. Thank you in advance for your support!
 Culture Night Feedback Wanted
Forestdale's Culture Night 2023 is rapidly approaching! If you and your family attended last year's Culture Night, please fill out this survey to give us feedback so we can make this year's event even better! Thank you in advance!
 Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Visit the SEPTA website to become a member or learn more.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators. Sign up for the PRC's newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
 Spotlight on an FCPS Hero
Forestdale's very own Mrs. Melissa Richardson, instructional assistant, was recently highlighted by FCPS as part of their "Our Heroes" series. Her selfless devotion to Forestdale students during the last 14 years has left a lasting impact on their hearts. You can make a difference too. Become an instructional assistant with FCPS!
Check out the video here!
 Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23. Current PreK students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2023-24 school year.
Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Visit the DLI registration page for more information on where the programs are offered.
Parents who are interested in the DLI programs in FCPS are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at their school site. Meetings will begin on January 11. Details regarding access to virtual meetings will be available on the Dual Language Immersion registration page by the meeting date.
Get more information on DLI programs and registration.
 Magnet School Application & Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Wednesday March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, 2023. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Informational Nights:
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In-person
- Snow date: February 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
- Bailey’s Upper, February 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - Virtual only
- Bailey’s Primary, February 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In person
- Snow date: February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Click here for more information.
 Strategic Planning Community Forums Scheduled
Beginning January 30, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our Strategic Plan development process. The schedule and locations for the sessions are posted on FCPS' Strategic Planning webpage. Planning teams, which include a diverse range of voices from the FCPS community, are continuing to review student achievement, access, and survey data;and crafting a collective vision for the school division. Key communicators will soon receive strategic planning materials to share with their groups and networks. Preparations for divisionwide student focus groups are underway, and there will be opportunities for employees to engage in a survey and “reality check” sessions in the upcoming months. For the latest information, please visit the Strategic Planning web page and check it often.
 Vaccines for Children From 6 Months to 5 Years
The Fairfax County Health Department has updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines available now for children as young as 6 months. This follows recommendations from the CDC and authorization from the FDA. Fairfax County District Offices will be open for vaccine appointments for children aged 6 months to 5 years by calling the Health Department's Call Center at 703-324-7404.
Find more information on vaccines for children on their website.
 FCPS Employment Opportunities
Upcoming School Bus Driver Job Fair
Attend a school bus driver job fair and become part of the FCPS team! The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18 at the Stonecroft Transportation Center.
In addition to a $3,000 signing bonus for all new drivers, FCPS 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.
View all current job openings.
From FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist: New Year’s Resolutions
In December, many people will head to their local Target or Michaels to find a new planner. The crisp, fresh feeling of new paper to write new and improved goals gets some of us excited. When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress. What goals would you like to share with your child, to show them examples of healthy adult introspection? Introspection, looking within, is necessary to learn how to manage stress in a healthy manner. What regular coping skills can be implemented into your daily/ weekly routine? Some goals may be physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional. Would it be easier to have serious conversations over a family dinner? Or maybe regular family dinners, spark joy and connection that’s often missing.
Research has shown that family therapy is the best treatment option for young people who misuse drugs and alcohol (SAMHSA). Many people use drugs to manage life’s hardships when they feel disconnected from themselves or others. The opposite of addiction is connection, and young people benefit from connection with their families. Families who have a common mission based on autonomy and openness instead of secrecy and silence thrive. Families teach young people how to manage stress when they communicate honestly and openly with one another. Learning how to manage stress early in life could be a major factor in whether or not a young person decides to use drugs.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Sources & Resources:
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference
SMART Goals Quick Overview
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
For further Information & support, please contact Kori Joseph, MA, CSAC, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, at ktjoseph@fcps.edu.
 January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, No School
January 25
Two Hour Early Release (1:35 p.m.); End of Second Quarter
January 26 - 27
No School for Students, Staff Development Day & Teacher Workday
February 1
Virtual PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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