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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Key Center School in the News
 Key Center’s Animal Assisted Instruction (AAI) program was recently featured by several local news outlets. Multiple news crews were at school on Friday, February 3rd to film AAI activities provided by Kris Campesi and therapy dog Micah (Summit Dog Inc).
The wonderful stories created by each news outlet featuring our AAI program are linked below:
WTOP: How dog program helps Northern Va. students meet their educational goal — one paw at a time
NBC: How a therapy dog helps Fairfax County students learn math
WUSA9: Special needs students in Fairfax Co. learn math with help of therapy dog
Kindness Spirit Week - Feb 13 - 17th
Key Center will celebrate Kindness Spirit week February 13th-17th. To focus on various aspects of kindness, Key Center students and staff are invited to dress in the featured color for each day:
Monday, February 13th- Wear GREEN for Gratitude
Tuesday, February 14th- Wear RED for Community
Wednesday, February 15th- Wear YELLOW for Positivity
Thursday, February 16th- Wear BLUE for Inclusiveness
Friday, February 17th- Wear ORANGE for Helpfulness
IFSP Funding Opportunity- REMINDER
 The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) is accepting applications for funding requests. IFSP-Funding provides direct assistance to families and individuals who are on Virginia’s DD waiver waitlist. Individuals with a developmental disability who are on the DD waitlist or their family members are eligible to apply. Many Key Center families do qualify for this assistance!
The following dates have been provided to access the portal to create and submit applications:
To access the application click here https://dbhds.virginia.gov/waitlistforms.
The best way to stay updated regarding this funding opportunity, make sure to join the IFSP email list. The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP): First Steps Guide can be found on our school website.
Please contact our social worker, Caroline Phan by email,or by phone at 703-313-4032 if you have questions or need assistance with the IFSP Funding process.
Request for Donated Picture Books
 Key Center is seeking donations of gently used picture books. These books will be used during the upcoming Read Across America week. If you have books that you would like to donate, please send them to school in your student’s backpack marked with Key Center Donation. There is also a collection box located in our front lobby if you would like to drop them off.
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.
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.
ABA Parent Training
 Communication: A Foundation for Independence
This workshop is intended for parents of students with Autism served in preschool autism
classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.
Topics covered will include:
▪ Communication wants and needs
▪ Using social interactions and environments to facilitate communication
▪ Breaking down how to teach communication
Date: February 15, 2023
Choose one virtual session:
10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join using this meeting link:
https://meet.google.com/hbr-rdpx-pfx
All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Parent Training. To register or to request an interpreter, contact Liane Sprunk at (571) 423-4110 or by email at lsprunk@fcps.edu at least two weeks in advance and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email) in case we need to contact you. For questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.
Inclement Weather Statement: If FCPS announces a two-hour delay, training will take place as scheduled. If there is an early closing
and/or cancellation of afterschool activities the evening session will be canceled. If there is a full day closing both training sessions
will be canceled.
February Webinars and Events from the Parent Resource Center (PRC)
 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:
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!
Staff feature- Courtney Edwards
 This week’s Key Center Staff Spotlight is on Courtney Edwards. Courtney has worked as a physical therapist at Key Center school for seven years. Visit the Staff Spotlight on our school website to learn more about Courtney Edwards.
Key Center PTA - Needs Your Help
 Key Center PTA Donations
Key Center PTA Membership
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
For questions, please contact PTA President, Cecilia Allen, at KeyCtrPTA@gmail.com or (301) 646-7447.
 Upcoming Dates:
February 20 Presidents’ Day - Holiday
March 2 2 Hour Early Release - 11:50am Dismissal
March 3 Student Holiday/School Planning Day
April 3-7 Spring Break
2022-23 FCPS School Calendar
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