TC Updates 1/13/23

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan, beginning of Christ's ministry on earth and revealing the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

• This is the time of year when winter weather and children’s illnesses can take a toll on school attendance. But it’s important to get your children to school every day possible.
• If you are unsure whether to send your children to school, consult your doctor or this website for guidance. Our school nurse is also a terrific resource for chronic health conditions.
• Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Dress them warmly for the cold weather and make sure they’ve got hats and gloves. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly and send them to school with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
• Help your child learn to persevere. Today, he learns to overcome a snowdrift. In the future, he will have the grit to triumph over even greater obstacles to his dreams.

Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan? 

The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But, why do we need a new strategic plan? 

Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era. 

Register Now for Community Forums!

Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for the schedule of Community Forums. Register for the one that is most convenient for you and get more information on our exciting Strategic Planning process!

Technology Reminders

• Per FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities, “Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities when appropriate. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only” (FCPS, 2022).

Please know that during state testing (SOLs), Smart watches should be stored in student backpacks to avoid testing irregularities. 

• After a few weeks off of our network, it's likely that student laptops will need some updates. Restart to start the day-- this does not mean shut down and turn back on! Make sure that it's connected to the Fairfax network. Wait a few minutes, and restart again. As you're able without disrupting your instruction, restart a few more times during the day. You may get updates, you might not. You will want to try and do this for the next few days to make sure the computer is up to date.

• Technology, as a tool, is an important part of our students’ futures. We are also aware that tools can create unintended challenges if not used properly. Students will be reminded of safe use for their computers, including resources like Google Education Fundamentals (Google tools like Drive, Docs, Forms, etc.), and how to avoid compromising scenarios. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to review at home:

DO

• Respect yourself and be yourself.
• Use privacy settings, strong passwords, and turn off location services unless needed.
• Pay attention to red flag feelings. If something makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, stop and consult with a trusted adult.
• Block unfriendly connections and treat people the way you would want to be treated and consider different perspectives.
• Slow down and reflect before posting. Posts are permanent and shareable.
• Consider the consequences. Imagine what could happen before you decide to post.
• Immediately tell your parents, teacher, or principal if you see cyberbullying, know of a student in crisis, or if someone threatens to harm themselves or others.

DON'T

• Don’t post obscene, harassing, discriminatory, violent, vulgar, or hateful content. 
• Don’t add people you don’t know to your social media accounts.
• Don’t overshare (including your password- Keep It SECURE!!!).
• Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person.
• Don’t engage in shared documents that talk poorly of others.

Here are some additional Digital Citizenship resources, compiled by FCPS: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/technology-literacy/digital-citizenship

As always, feel free to reach out to us at Terra Centre for any additional support!

Monthly Folder Content

Terra Centre uses Schoology for all monthly folder content. All fliers are posted to Schoology Course: Terra Centre All Parents

January Updates

• Robinson Pyramid Parent Presentation on Bullying flier
• Substance Use Education: New Year's Resolutions flier
• Summer Enrichment Programs & Opportunities
• PTA fliers
  • Winter After School Club fliers