Garfield ES - Talon Tales

As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. 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.

FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be sent to parents Monday, January 23, through Monday, February 6, during second quarter grading and report card generation.

Additionally, the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed Wednesday, January 25, at 4 p.m. until Monday, February 6, at 6 a.m.

Dear Garfield,

I can’t quite put into words how grateful I am for being chosen as the Outstanding Principal of the Year for Region 3! I consider it a gift to come here each and every day to work with the most amazing students and staff! Thank you for all of your kind words and recognition. I will share that not many people can surprise me, but the school team pulled it off and even had my family as part of the celebration! Thank you again for the cards and sweet notes from students and parents. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected.

Warm regards,

April L. Cage, NBCT, M.Ed.
Principal

Rachel Water
Assistant Principal

Coffee & Conversation 

Thursday, February 9, 2023
10:00-11:00 AM

GARFIELD CAFETERIA 

Click on the flyer for more information!

The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family. Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.

We are excited to announce that our Salad Bar will be returning on January 23rd as another lunch option for students. Watch the video below for more information.

Student Salad Bar Introduction Video

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.

Title I is the nation’s largest assistance program for schools. It provides funding to supplement
educational opportunities for children who are most at risk and increasing student achievement
in schools selected on the basis of the economic level of families. The primary focus is to
ensure student access to provide all children significant opportunities to receive a fair,
equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.

To learn more about the Title I program at Garfield ES, click here

As a continued commitment to foster a caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families in Fairfax County Public Schools, School Board recently approved a Trust Policy. It aligns with Fairfax County Government’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy to ensure that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Additional information is available in multiple languages on FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage. If you have questions about the policy, please contact FCPS’ Office of Professional Learning and Equity at OPLFE@fcps.edu. FCPS has established an email address for staff, students, and families to report possible Trust Policy violations. If you feel someone has violated the Trust Policy, please email Trustviolations@fcps.edu.

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month. 

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor. 

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life. 

FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.