 We are John Lewis
Forestdale Families,
We are proud to be one of nine awesome schools in the John Lewis Pyramid: Crestwood Elementary, Forestdale Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Lynbrook Elementary, Saratoga Elementary, Springfield Estates Elementary, Key Middle School, Key Center, and John R. Lewis High School.
The administrators and school staff of our pyramid family have made a commitment to our interdependence as a pyramid community. We know that as we embrace the values of the late John R. Lewis, we will continue to grow stronger together.
Part of that commitment includes intentional programming with and among our pyramid schools with opportunities for students and staff to learn with and from each other. Some of the highlights this year included students from Lewis High School teaching Forestdale kindergarteners yoga during their morning meetings; Key MS and Lewis HS staff supporting the leadership of our student patrols; and "Fun Friday" when Lewis PE Department hosted an after-school sports and fun event at Forestdale.
The most recent fun occurred this past Tuesday, when our Forestdale students performed a dance routine at halftime during the Lewis boys basketball game! We loved the opportunity to connect as a pyramid community and celebrate our students. Thank you to all the families who came out!
We also share our congratulations to our colleague, Lewis HS Varsity Head Coach Larry Choates, who was nominated by the Washington Commanders for the Coach of the Year Award. The celebrations of any school in our pyramid is a celebration for our whole community.
We look forward to continued opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate as a Lewis Pyramid Family. Together, we are all John Lewis!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Save the Date: Forestdale Literacy & Math Family Night
All Forestdale families are invited to join us on Wednesday, March 1 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for Forestdale's Literacy & Math Family Night! This open house-style event will feature literacy and math stations running simultaneously throughout the night. Families can come and go as they please, and stay for as short or as long a time as they’d like. All students will receive a free book (English or Spanish). We hope you will join us for this fun evening!
 Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars
Thank you to the approximately 23,000 families, staff, students, and community members who completed FCPS' Calendar Feedback Form!
The School Board discussed the feedback during their January 31 work session. If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts about the draft school year calendar options, please participate today. The form will close on Monday, February 6, at noon. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9.
Learn more about FCPS' calendar development process.
 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.
 Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
 Bus Delay Resources
When an FCPS school bus is delayed for between 10 and 30 minutes, a notification is posted online. For delays longer than 30 minutes, an e-Notify message is sent out by the Office of Transportation to families. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to use the Here Comes the Bus app to track their student's bus.
Tutor.com - Extra Help for Students at No Cost to Families
With Tutor.com through Schoology, FCPS students are able to get learning help at any time, even from bilingual tutors! Students in FCPS meet with tutors thousands of times each week to practice reading, prepare for an upcoming math test, write computer programs, study for the SAT, or to get feedback on scholarship essays–all at no cost to their families! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child. More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here.
 Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
Interested in ways to support your child's self-esteem and strengthen relationships? Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children!
 Share Your Thoughts with FCPS!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.
Have a Say on Our Future! Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
Thursday, February 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Mason Crest Elementary School.
Saturday, February 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School.
Monday, February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Edison High School.
Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at South County High School.
Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.
Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
 Forestdale Celebrates Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
 February Webinars and Events for Parents
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars in February:
Click on the title for more information and to register.
Find Free COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
 Thank You to our School Counselors!
Next week is National School Counseling Week. We are so thankful to our two amazing school counselors, Ms. Sofia Echaide and Ms. Stephanie Felix, who are constantly supporting the social emotional needs of our students, staff, and families. Let's hear it for all school counselors!
 Summer Learning Programs Registration: Opening Soon!
FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps opened 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.
 Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or community members. Staff in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!
PTA Corner
Rescheduled Virtual PTA Meeting: February 22
Due to technical difficulties, Wednesday's PTA meeting needed to be rescheduled. Please join us on Wednesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. on this Zoom link for our rescheduled meeting. Topics include the PTA Family cookbook, Read-a-Thon Activities, and voting on a school assembly, which is one of the Read-a-Thon prizes. See you there!
Glow Party Volunteers Needed
We are kicking off our Read-a-Thon with a Glow Party throughout the day on Thursday, February 9. Family volunteers are needed to blow up balloons and help supervise students in the gym. Sign up to help out here. Volunteers can join us for a pizza lunch. Thank you in advance!
Read-A-Thon Starts February 12
Your PTA is hosting its annual read-a-thon, starting February 12. Flyers are coming home in Thursday folders. Parents and families will register your students, log their reading minutes and solicit donations from friends and family. The money is going toward school field trips and our cookbook. We’re offering a ton of prizes, too!
Submit a Recipe for our Forestdale Cookbook
We are starting to collect recipes for our first PTA cookbook — AROUND the WORLD with FORESTDALE FAMILIES!
Submit your soups, main dishes, desserts and more using this Google form.The deadline is February 24.
We also need experienced and novice cooks to help review and edit recipes. Please join our committee here. The deadline is February 18.
Our cookbook is international, and we are looking for recipes from all over the world. We’re so excited to learn more about your families and your cultures. Also, we want photos of you cooking or enjoying a meal with your family. Please send large photos to forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please email PTA President Kelly Deichert at forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com.
Important Dates
February 6
Progress Reports go live in SIS ParentVue
February 9
Progress Reports go home in Thursday Folders
February 13
The 100th Day of School!
February 22
Virtual PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Link to Join
February 20
Presidents' Day, Schools Closed
March 1
Literacy and Math Family Night, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
March 2
Early Release Day; Students Dismissed at 1:35 p.m.
March 3
Student Holiday, No School for Students
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