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For a translated version of this newsletter, please click HERE. Next click on the language con in the upper left corner to choose your preferred language.
Para obtener una versión traducida de este mensaje, haga clic AQUÍ. Luego, haga clic en el icono IDIOMA en la esquina superior izquierda para elegir su idioma preferido.
Principal's Message
DRES Families,
As we conclude the first semester I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of our students and staff as well as the support our families provide to our students and staff. I am excited to see what great things we will accomplish together as a school community in the second semester!
FCPS is seeking community feedback on the draft calendar options for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Please share your thoughts by filling out this form. The form will be open through Tuesday, January 31, 1 p.m.
We have a PTA meeting Thursday (2/2) and I hope you can join us.
If you have any questions or concerns you can contact our main office at 703-279-8400 or contact me directly at cmsmith@fcps.edu
Enjoy your weekend,
Chris Smith
DRES Principal
Electronic Device Policy (Phones and Smart Watches)
Students in grades K-6: 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. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites
FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.
The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available for English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.
FCPS Equitable Access to Literacy Plan
We wanted to share an overview of the vision of the FCPS Equitable Access to Literacy Plan with you since you might have heard the term Science of Reading.
- FCPS is unified in our commitment to a division-wide, comprehensive, and culturally responsive PreK - 12 literacy program that uses evidence-based practices, is grounded in science-based reading research, and intentionally expands learning opportunities in accordance with students’ needs.
- FCPS ensures students receive explicit instruction in reading and writing to achieve proficiency in literacy and eliminate disproportionate outcomes based on race, gender, zip code, ability, socioeconomic status, or languages spoken at home.
At FCPS' approach to literacy acquisition is grounded in science-based reading research, implemented through a structured literacy model, and guided by three anchors; The Simple View of Reading (Gough, P. B., & Tunmer, W. E. 1986), The Four-Part Processing Model (Seidenberg & McCLelland 1989), and The Reading Rope (Scarborough, 2001). For more information please click HERE.
Our Literacy team will present at the next PTA meeting (2/2) and provide information about literacy instruction at DRES.
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.
Visit the website to learn more.
PTA Information
Save the Date - PTA Meeting - February 2nd
Our next PTA meeting will be Thursday, February 2nd at 7 pm at Daniels Run. Save the date and plan to join us!
Send In Your Yearbook Pictures!
We need your pictures for our yearbook. If you have any pictures from Welcome Walk, field day, Dragon Day, Back to School Night or another fun filled DRES event, please forward.
We cannot guarantee all pictures will be included, however we will include as many as we can.
Please email your pictures to DRESYearBook@fcps.edu
Thank you!
Strategic Planning Updates
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.
Notes from the Music Department
🎵 Would you like to perform for International Day & Night? Teachers, students and parents are invited to sing, dance or play an instrument that honors any country or people group. Contact Michelle McCarten by Feb 3 to schedule an audition: mmmccarten@fcps.edu or (703) 279-8457
🎵 What college/university did you attend? Please complete this very short form. Michelle McCarten is planning a special music unit that will also support the school's participation in AVID. The mission of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is to prepare all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. Thanks for your help! – Michelle M.
🎵 The February Musician of the Month is legendary jazz vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald!
🎵 Congratulations to Ms. Venne & Mr. Fyhr and their 4th grade string students for their outstanding performance on Wednesday, January 18!
🎵 Congratulations to the FIVE 6th graders who will represent DRES in the 6th Grade All County Choral Festival at Lake Braddock Secondary School on March 24-25: Reese, Charlotte, Eric, Reagan, & Lauren
🎵 Congratulations to the NINE chorus students who will represent DRES in the Organization of Kodály Educators National Conference Choirs in Jacksonville, FL on March 15-18: 5th Graders: Grace & Ranya; 6th Graders: Nelson, Annika, Katie, Chris, Eric, Mikayla & Lana
Positivity Project (P2)
Dear Families,
Next week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Forgiveness. Forgiveness means you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes.
Forgiveness is the ability to move past being injured, and allow yourself to reconcile with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness can often be seen as a selfless act, but it also carries many benefits for those who practice it. Those who demonstrate forgiveness have the ability to move forward after someone has hurt them. Forgiveness is often rooted in the idea that all people are valuable and worthy of a second chance. Many who forgive have the ability to consider things from another’s perspective.
The ability to reconcile differences and move forward positively is a trait of any effective group. When people work together, conflict is inevitable. However, when people value each other’s contribution and believe in the group’s goal, they become more capable of moving past conflict toward genuinely positive behavior. A group member’s willingness to forgive imperfections of both other members and the group as a whole contribute to overall success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of forgiveness with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
From our PTA
Get Ready to Spread the LOVE on Valentine’s Day
We have a few fun ways to send some extra love to your Dragons this Valentine’s Day, with a bonus of helping to raise funds for the 6th Grade Promotion! So students, start doing your extra chores and collecting your spare change -- we’ll kick off the fundraiser starting Thursday, February 2! Available options:
Pass a Note:
- Have a note delivered to your friends in their classrooms with a valentine lollipop $1
Send a Valentine Telegram:
- Special heart-shaped note with a treat or toy delivered to your students, teachers, or special staff members with a custom message from you (great option to send from parents and grandparents) $5
Classroom visit from “Pickle” the Dragon:
- Treat your teachers and classmates to a surprise visit from our favorite dancing dragon! $25
Note: We'll have online options for purchasing, as well as a booth set up for students to stop by and purchase before/after school. Links and booth dates coming next week!
All proceeds go to the 6th Grade Promotion Committee
Summer Learning Programs Registration
Opening Soon! FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps will open for registration on Wednesday, February 1.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage for more information.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA website for more information and registration.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration.
Important Dates
February 2 - PTA Meeting, 7:00pm
February 9 - Spring Picture Day
February 20 - President's Day Holiday
March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release- 1:45 Dismissal
March 3 - Student Holiday
March 9 - (K-3) Family Academic Night
March 27- PTA Meeting, 7:00pm
March 30 - International Night
April 3-7 - Spring Break
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