UPCOMING EVENTS
-
Monday, 2/20 - President's Day Holiday- No School
-
Friday, 2/24 - FES PTA Book Blast 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Gym
-
Thursday, 3/2 - Early Release from School
-
Friday, 3/3 - School Planning Day-No School for Students
-
Friday, 3/3 - FES Read- A-Thon Ends
"Mid Year Mix-Up" SPIRIT WEEK!!
"Mid Year Mix-Up" week is almost over - just two days left to show some spirit!
-
Thursday, Feb 16: Twin Day- Wear the same outfit as a
friend!
-
Friday, Feb 17: Cozy Comfort Day- Wear your favorite cozy outfit!
Lion King Musical Shirts Available
Lion King musical t-shirts are ON SALE NOW!!! Proceeds from our sales will go toward the Penguin Performer funds for props, future musical purchases and more so spread the word!! Click the link below to order your shirts today. Orders close on Friday, February 24th. These shirts take about 2 weeks to fulfil and will be delivered to the students by Ms. Lucius. Mark your calendars for our performances on April 27th and 28th at 6:30 p.m.!
https://www.customink.com/g/rej0-00cq-81dm
Read-A-Thon Updates
February 1 - March 2, 2023
Click here to register your Penguin with a Read-a-Thon account, access their reading dashboard and share their fundraising page.
We are SO PROUD of our Penguin Readers!
- - 118,647 Minutes Read
- - $11,085 Donated- that means Ms. Pinski and Mr. Smith will have their TRICYCLE RACE soon! Keep raising funds to see the principals get SLIMED!
- - Mrs. Blum's 4th Grade is LEADING in MINUTES read (13,988 minutes), with Mr. Bensinger's class on their heels!
- - Mr. Bensinger's class is LEADING in DONATIONS ($1,085), with Mrs. Pina's class close behind.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We Need Your Help
We are so excited about our increasing reading that it's easy to forget Read-A-Thon is also the PTA's main fundraiser for the year! Your donations help us keep our events free and fun, and help fund the school's library and Mindfulness Lab.
Choose just one action item to help.
If every student raises just $30 we will reach our goal!
- Share your child's fundraising page on social media (there's an easy link on the student dashboard).
- Email or Text your child's fundraising link to grandparents, aunts and uncles (the dashboard makes this easy as well!).
- Share THIS LINK with local business who may be interested in donating to the Read-A-Thon and receive advertising options to the whole school.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The PTA would like to thank the following business donors:
.
Franconia Elementary BOOK BLAST
Friday, February 24 6:00-8:00pm in the Gym
Join your fellow Penguins for a FREE night of literacy based GAMES and ACTIVITIES to win CANDY and PRIZES! Earn reading minutes for our Read-A-Thon and explore how fun reading can be.
Meet local children's authors and purchase a signed book!
Concessions will be sold by Edison class of 2024
This is not a drop-off event, all children must be supervised. Book Blast is open to Franconia Elementary students and their families only.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We need VOLUNTEERS to have a successful event!
CLICK HERE to sign up for a one-hour volunteer spot at Book Blast and help our Penguins learn to love literacy!
(The event will take place completely in the gym with children going from station to station to complete activities. Children are welcome to help their parent volunteer, or may attend stations on their own while the parent is volunteering.)
 |
Are you in to Pokémon? Do you want to get together with other Franconia Penguins to play Pokémon games and/or trade Pokémon cards? If you answered "YES" to these questions, then keep reading! On Friday, February 24th, from 3:30-4:15, Franconia will host a Pokémon after school club meeting. Students are invited to stay after school to enjoy all things Pokémon with their fellow students and some Franconia teachers. Students who sign up will be given a permission slip that must be completed by a guardian and turned in by Friday, Feb 24. SIGNING UP HERE DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU CAN STAY FOR THE CLUB. SIGNING UP HERE HOLDS YOUR SPOT. ONLY AFTER THE PERMISSION SLIP IS COMPLETED AND RETURNED WILL YOU BE CONFIRMED TO STAY AND ENJOY THE POKEMON FUN! If you have any questions, please comtact Renee Octaviano at rloctaviano@fcps.edu.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA4A928A6FB6-pokmon1
Chess Club
Franconia ES (sponsored by the PTA)
Magnus Chess Academy will be offering another 12-week series of instruction on Mondays, 3:30-4:30, beginning Feb 27.
CLASS DATES:
- 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, (no club 4/3), 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22
The club will take place at school, is open to all students K-6, at a total cost of $216/student.
REGISTER HERE:
http://www.chessacademy.com
Get FREE registration by volunteering on-site during each of the 12 sessions to assist with check-in and check-out!
Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org to find out more details about volunteering!
Fun is the name of the game...
...but Magnus Chess Academy also sneaks in a bit of critical thinking, sportsmanship, and patience into chess club!
Each week students of all levels do a fun but challenging lesson with one of our great coaches from our world class curriculum followed by practice games against other students in the class.
Join the 100,000 (and counting!) kids who've learned chess with the official academy of world champion Magnus Carlsen. This in-person club includes online
Register Today for Girls on the Run
at Franconia ES (sponsored by the PTA)
Registration is now open for the Girls on the Run (GOTR), coached by Ms Borsos and Ms Dickerson. By using a curriculum that creatively integrates running with life lessons, Girls on the Run empowers girls to develop the confidence and character they need to become strong and healthy young adults. GOTR is open to girls in grades 3-6.
GOTR will meet Tues and Thurs from 3:45-4:45p between March 7 and May 19, with a 5K event on either May 20 or May 21. The standard program fee is $185, but GOTR offers military and sibling discounts, as well as financial assistance available for all families. For more information, go to the Girls on the Run of NOVA website (www.gotrnova.org)
REGISTER HERE:
Girls on the Run 2023 Registration
.
Yearbooks are Now on Sale
Don’t miss out on the chance to get your child a yearbook. 2022-23 Yearbooks are $18.00 and the deadline to order is March 24th. No yearbook orders will be taken after that date. So, make plans to order yours today!
Yearbooks are only sold/purchased online. Start your purchase by going to: yearbookordercenter.com, typing in 21927 or searching for Franconia Elementary, Alexandria VA, will take you to our ordering site.
International Day Fashion Show
Walk the Red Carpet in Fashion!
Franconia Elementary will be holding an International Day Program on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 2pm. We are looking for students who are willing to walk the red carpet and model their culture-based outfits at the International Day Assembly. Interested students must have a signed permission form and a completed description on the origin of the outfit and any additional information about the outfit. Filling out this form confirms that you will be in the Fashion Show. Please return this form to Mrs. Yortzidis by February 28th.
Franconia’s International Festival
The 2023 International Day Festival will be on Thursday, March 16
and families are invited to join us at school from 6 to 8 PM.
You are also welcome to take a “Walk Around the World”
throughout the school building by touring our
creatively decorated classroom doors!
The school will be divided into north, south, east, west regions
with matching continents -
you can visualize our school map like the world map.
All classroom doors will be dedicated to celebrating a specific country
within their assigned continent!
This has been part of a fun, interactive school-wide
multicultural learning project.
Try asking your child today:
“What country is your classroom door decorated for?”
Then, come see it in person on March 16th!
Counselor's Corner
February Guidance Lessons with Mrs. Guillion (K-3 & 6th) & Mrs. Fry (4th, 5th & 6th)
This month, Kindergarten and 1st grade students will learn how to solve conflicts with others by using a method called Kelso Choices.
Our 2nd and 3rd grade students will write action plans for personal goals.
With Mrs. Fry, our 4th , 5th and 6th’ grades will have a lesson on empathy for self and others, along with why the words we use matter in regard to how we speak about, and to, ourselves and others.
We are excited to see all our students continue to grow in character and kindness!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Message to 6th Grade Parents/Guardians:
In the month of March, sixth-grade students will receive two lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. These lessons seek to provide students with the necessary information, resources, and strategies to help prevent occurrences of sexual harassment as well as outline the steps to take if they feel they or their peers are targets of these behaviors. In addition, the lessons share how schools support targeted students so that they can continue to focus on learning in an environment that feels comfortable and secure. Parents/guardians may request to view these two lessons prior to deciding whether to opt their child(ren) out of the lessons. Please reach out to the school counselor for instructions on where to preview the lessons.
Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Letters and opt-out forms will be given to your child in the upcoming week. It will provide more information on how to opt your sixth-grade child out of the lessons about sexual harassment. If you do not receive the letter or opt-out form or have any additional questions, please contact Veronica Guillion, School Counselor at 703-822-2200.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Character Trait for the Month
February's Character Trait:
Empathy- A feeling or understanding of what someone else is feeling.
January’s Character Trait was acceptance: including and respecting others regardless of race, gender, religion or beliefs. Check out this video with our student highlights for acceptance: https://youtu.be/OOzAG4AwJ2Q
Register Now for Kindergarten
We look forward to welcoming our newest Penguins to Franconia ES for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration packets are available in the Franconia ES Main Office or you may download the forms using the link below.
The registration requirements are as follows:
For incoming Kindergarten students – please visit https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration
It is important that you have filled out all of the paperwork, and bring with you the following:
- Photo ID
- Original Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residency (Deed or Lease to your home)
- Virginia Physical and Immunization Record (due prior to school starting in August)
When you are ready, and have gathered most of your documentation, please call to make a registration appointment. All registrations are done by appointment only.
For further information, the Fairfax County Public Schools website is www.fcps.edu and the Franconia Elementary website is https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/
To keep in touch with Franconia ES Community, please consider signing up for News You Choose – our e-newsletter Subscribe to Franconia's Wednesday Word here
Please contact Patrick Pacak, our Registrar, at pmpacak@fcps.edu or 703-822-2203 with any questions.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A Note From Our K Team
Do you have a child who will be 5 years of age by September 30, 2023, and do you plan on sending them to kindergarten at Franconia for the 2023-2024 school year?
We are in the process of preparing for our kindergarten registration and orientation. If your child is ready for kindergarten, call the school at 703-822-2200 so we may add you to our list of rising kindergarten students.
Please consider joining us at the school with your future kindergartener for our Kindergarten Orientation on Wednesday, April 19, from 5:30-6:30pm. During this presentation, we will provide information about the kindergarten program at Franconia Elementary, while the future kindergarteners get to explore the classroom, participate in fun kindergarten activities, and take a ride on a school bus around the neighborhood.
❤ Kindergarten Team
|
 |
The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
All students entering 7th grade will be required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
● To meet the Meningococcal (MenACWY) requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
● As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
ACTION REQUESTED: Please provide one of the following immunization documents to the Student Information Assistant (SIA) or Registrar at your child’s school as soon as possible:
- An immunization record showing that the child has received at least one dose of each of the required immunizations listed above.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the vaccine(s) was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form, which is available online at: https://bit.ly/VDOEReligiousExemptionForm
Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources.
Questions? Please contact our Registrar, Patrick Pacak, at pmpacak@fcps.edu or 703-822-2203
Job Opportunities at Franconia
FAMILY LIAISON
Description – serves as a liaison among families, community, and school staff; facilitates communications and provides FCPS information and resources to families; encourages family engagement in children’s education and connects families to what their children are learning; builds relationships with and among families, staff members, and community members; promotes understanding of families’ cultural diversity; provides information about and connects families to human services; and ensures families feel welcome, trusted, and valued by the school.
Qualifications – Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or possession of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certificate. One (1) year of paid or volunteer experience working with families within a school, community program, or outreach program. Two (2) years of experience in family engagement, community engagement, or outreach programs. Knowledge of school and community programs, organizations, services, and resources. Familiarity with the special needs of children and diverse issues of parenting. Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to navigate technology tools to support family and student learning. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with families, school staff members, and community members from diverse socioeconomic groups. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work flexible and evening hours. Fluency in a second language may be required for some positions based on school needs.
Contract Length – 191-Day Contract
Pay Grade – Unified Scale – Schedule H
Interested candidates can apply for this position HERE
Once you have applied, please let us know so we can be on the lookout for your application in our HR system. Email our Administrative Assistant, Melissa Anderson, at maanderson1@fcps.edu with this information.
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT for Specialized Programs
Description – Performs a variety of paraprofessional curricular, instructional, clerical, and support tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in a general or special education classroom or learning environment; assists with the daily management of the students and classroom.
Qualifications – HS diploma/GED/HS equivalency and One (1) year of paid or volunteer experience working with children or documentation of participation in any teacher education introductory course, including high school courses and completion of an associate's degree OR two years of college (48 credit hours) OR demonstration through a state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist with, reading, writing, and mathematics (or reading, writing, and mathematics readiness) instruction required in schoolwide Title 1 schools, preferred in all others. Knowledge and understanding of child growth and development and instructional procedures and practices. Skill in oral and written communications. Ability to implement teachers' instructional plans. Ability to work effectively with students and professional staff. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Contract Length – 191-Day Contract
Pay Grade – Classroom Instructional Support Scale
Interested candidates must first apply HERE and then also send their resume to Administrative Assistant, Melissa Anderson, at maanderson1@fcps.edu.
Help Needed in the Library
Do you have a spare moment in the day to lend Mrs. Vandersande a hand?
The library needs volunteers to help scan in returns and shelve books any time during the school day.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e4caead2faaf49-library1#/
Art Room Help Wanted
Ms. Menotti is looking for parent volunteers in the art room to help with material preparation. Prep would include things like making copies, cutting paper and sketchbook organization. This would be a reoccurring volunteer opportunity twice a week, preferably on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The time of volunteering can be flexible, but please make sure you can available for at least 1-2 hours. Please reach out to Ms.Menotti at vmenotti@fcps.edu if you are interested in receiving more details.
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 can help families find no-cost COVID-19 testing sites. Testing is available at pharmacies and other locations and is provided at no cost to individuals with or without health insurance. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
February Calendar Reminders
February 20 - Presidents Day (Holiday)
- As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21.
March 2- Early Release
March 3- School Planning Day (Student Holiday)
- Reminder, students have an early release on Thursday, March 2. There is no school for students on Friday, March 3, for a school planning day.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
FCPS Inclement Weather Policy
When bad weather or other emergency situations occur, it may be necessary for FCPS to cancel, delay, or close schools early.
The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority any time a decision must be made regarding school closures and delays during a weather situation. We review information from emergency management and state highway administrators about road conditions, and school personnel also go out and inspect the conditions of roads, sidewalks, and FCPS parking lots and bus lanes.
FCPS tries to make decisions in the evening, taking into account that parents need time to make proper arrangements. But when there is a lot of uncertainty, we wait to get the latest morning forecast. In that case, the superintendent makes the decision of whether to delay or close schools by approximately 4:30 a.m.
FCPS provides information about closings and delays in many ways including:
- Posted to www.fcps.edu.
- Posted to the FCPS Twitter and Facebook pages.
- Email and text messages sent to parents (using the parent contact information listed in weCare@school).
- Email sent to employees (using the employee's FCPS email address).
- Email sent to News You Choose subscribers of Delayed Openings and School Closings.
- Posted on FCPS cable Channel 21 (Cox Communications, Reston Comcast, and Verizon (channel 11) cable customers only).
- Area radio and television stations.
Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.
Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.
- Absence
- Late arrival
- Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
- If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
- This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
- For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
- Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)
Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):
Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher. There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.
To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
FCPS CARES
Recognize FCPS Employees
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.
The start of the school year is a great time to acknowledge someone who has helped to make your child's return to school amazing.
Learn how you can acknowledge an FCPS employee for their great work.
FCPS Parent Resource Center
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services
2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1, Room 105
Dunn Loring, VA
The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members.
PARENT RESOURCE CENTER CONTACT INFO:
Email: prc@fcps.edu
Phone: 703-204-3941
Web: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center
Twitter: @prc_fcps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fcpsprc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCPSParentResourceCenter
FREE CONSULTATIONS:
- The PRC offers free, confidential in-person, videoconference, and phone consultations for families and FCPS staff.
- Appointments are highly encouraged.
- They can brainstorm strategies and possible solutions to help you address your concerns by drawing upon resources and support from FCPS, as well as community, state, and national centers.
TUTOR LIST:
- The PRC maintains a list of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in VA and want to tutor after their contracted school day.
- Contact the PRC at 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu for more information.
FREE LENDING LIBRARY:
- Come explore the library for families and staff, 8:00am-4:00pm
- The library contains over 10,000 books, eBooks, DVDs, and CDs on topics related to parenting and educating all children, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
- Check out up to 6 items and keep them for 3 weeks. Renewals are easy - just call or email us.
- Find library resources to support your child with help from the Parent Resource Center staff.
- Call us and we can have library materials ready for you to pick up.
- Return library materials to us 24/7 in our book return or use the FCPS inter-office mail. Contact us for details.
FREE WEBINARS:
- Register here - https://bit.ly/3hSRIZW
- Watch recorded webinars - https://bit.ly3rpPl3Q
- To turn videos into preferred languages, open a video - choose any video on YouTube and follow these directions to have closed-captioning in your preferred language:
- Click the CC button - make sure it is underlined in red.
- Click the settings button - it looks like a gear.
- Click subtitles.
- Click auto-translate.
- Choose a language.
Penguin Points
Click on a link for information
Franconia Elementary School website
|
