Terra Centre Families,
It’s hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of January and the end of the 2nd quarter. While it is evident that student learning, engagement, and safety continue to be our main priorities, we make sure to have fun along the way!
We want to send a huge shout out to our fourth grade families for stocking our staff lounge with goodies and drinks. We appreciate your kindness and continued support for our staff!
As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students, with dismissal at 1:25 PM. Also, schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day and Friday, Jan. 27, for a teacher workday. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Please see below for reminders, updates, and special events.
Rebecca Gidoni, Principal
Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal
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January 22: Lunar New Year
January 25: 2nd quarter ends
January 25: 2 hour early release, 1:25 PM dismissal
January 26: Student holiday (Staff Development Day)
January 27: Student holiday (Teacher Work Day)
January 31: SCA Spirit Day-Lumberjack Day-see below
February: Black History Month
February 6-10: National School Counseling Week
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 20: Presidents Day (Holiday)
February 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
February 27-March 3: Public Schools Week
FCPS 2022-2023 Calendar
FCPS School Year 2022-2023
Does Your Child Refuse to Go to School?
Each year, nearly 5% of youth experience school refusal. This refers to a child refusing to go to school on a regular basis or remain in school throughout the day due to significant emotional distress. School refusal includes kindergarten students with relatively mild separation anxiety and more severe cases where a student misses weeks or months of school because of debilitating anxiety or depression. Read how to get your child back to school in the Healthy Minds Blog or learn more about attendance policies.
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School Board Reviews Draft School Year Calendar Options
At their January 17 work session, the School Board discussed draft calendars that were created for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Draft calendars were developed using the following criteria as a framework:
- Federal, state, and Virginia Department of Education guidance.
- Superintendent’s priorities.
- School Board input.
- Student absentee data.
- Staff absentee data.
- Surrounding jurisdictions’ calendars.
- Survey results.
- Calendar Feedback Committee input.
You may view the draft calendars and other related documents in Boarddocs. The calendars will be presented as new business during the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 26. The Board is scheduled to vote on the calendars during their meeting on Thursday, February 9.
Watch a recording of today’s Work Session. Get information on FCPS' calendar development process.
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FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget Highlights
At the January 12 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for FY 2024 that focuses on attracting and retaining teachers and staff, initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap for all students, and gives our youngest learners a strong start, including investments for special education students impacted during the pandemic.
The FY 2024 Proposed Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is targeted at instruction. The Proposed Budget focuses on several key areas:
- Innovative investments that close the achievement gap for all students:
- Equitable access to literacy.
- Increased access to PreK programming.
- Supports for students with special education needs.
- Funding for students in Advanced Academic Programs.
- Changing student enrollment needs.
- Increase in student and family supports, including access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.
- Continuation of green investments.
- Increased security measures.
- Proposed increases in employee compensation.
Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation to the board. Access the presentation slides on Boarddocs.
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COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:
Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.
Substance Use Presentations
FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. There will be an adults only presentation on Thursday, February 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Robinson SS in the Recital Hall. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23. Current pre-k 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 and 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.
https://www.fcps.edu/registration/elementary-magnet-school-lottery.
Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count!
Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.
FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:
- February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
- March 16, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.
If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact strategicplan@fcps.edu.
Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!
Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.
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Welcome Mrs. Hoffman!
Hi Terra Centre families! My name is Kelly Hoffman and I will be serving you as a school counselor in training under the fabulous Mrs. Toth this January-April. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have three daughters whom are in 5th, 7th, and 10th grades. Fun fact- Mrs. Toth was my eldest daughter’s kindergarten teacher during the 2012-2013 school year, so grateful for this full circle moment under Mrs. Toth’s expertise. I am currently finishing up a 60-credit Counseling & Human Development with a concentration in School Counseling Master’s Degree program at George Mason University. Previously, I spent 20 years in Finance, Risk, and Data Science recruiting. I am educating myself to spend the next 20 years supporting children in building positive self-identities to empower them in “reaching for the stars” academically and tie learning to post-secondary ventures. I look forward to working with your children!
SCA Spirit Day-January 31st
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
- Food and Nutrition Services recruitment flier
- Alcohol Safety Tips flier
- Summer Enrichment Programs & Opportunities
- PTA fliers
- Winter After School Club fliers
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FY 2024 Budget Highlights
- Draft School Year Calendar Options
- FAFSA Help
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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FCPS in the News.
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