FCHS News & Announcements - 2/13/23

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black history

Important Dates

  • 2/16 - PTSA Meeting (7:00 pm, Library)
  • 2/17 - Heritage Night
  • 2/20 - Holiday

FCPS Cares

Congratulations...

To Debbie McManis and Kirsten Wiley for being recognized as employees who shows that FCPS Cares!

Debbie creates ongoing opportunities for colleagues to connect and develop professional relationships. Her door is always open for questions and assistance before, during, and after school. She invites our department's and several other department's teachers and staff to enjoy lunch together in her room. There are many other things she does such as gathering signatures on cards that acknowledge life events, creating a Winter Break cookies exchange, and various potluck lunches that include several departments. She makes an incredibly positive impact in our school's environment.

Ms. Kirsten Wiley always goes above and beyond to help my son. She often replies to emails off-hours and always provides exceptional advice. She contributes to his success in a major way every year and we are forever grateful for her service and kindness. Thank you!!


College Board National Recognition Program Scholarships

The College Board’s National Recognition Programs’ scholarship applications for students open on Wednesday, February 15. You can find information about these opportunities in the student flier. College Board has identified students who are eligible to apply, and students identified by College Board will receive an email invitation from the College Board. Students are also able to nominate themselves by visiting bigfuture.org/NRP.


Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board

Each year, in accordance with FCPS Policy 1802, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board.  The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).

Click HERE for more information about the application process. 


Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity

Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives. 

Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.


From our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS)

Healthy Relationships With People and Substances

Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult but vital for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive. 

There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships decrease people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse and abuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for. 

Common values to develop in healthy relationships include: 

  • honesty
  • reciprocity 
  • effort
  • respect
  • safety & security
  • laughter
  • acceptance
  • healthy boundaries
  • unconditional love
  • friendship
  • non-judgmental

As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe. 

Resources:

Healthy Relationships

Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

For further Information & support:

Anna Teeter

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

amteeter@fcps.edu


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.


Reminder from the Clinic

If your child is not feeling well and would like to go home, they need to report to the clinic for screening and dismissal. Students are welcome to let their parent/guardian know they aren’t feeling well, but the clinic will contact the parent or guardian to provide guidance on the dismissal process and any documentation that might be needed to return to school.

Once clinic staff have contacted a parent or guardian, the parent/guardian does not need to come into the building to sign the student out, they can call or text their student to let them know when they arrive, and the student will meet them in front of door 1.

Students must wait in the clinic until their parent or guardian arrives. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact clinic staff at 703-207-4010.


Student Bus Passes

Did you know: All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE bus for free. Fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year, with the pass. Learn more about Student Pass online. Complete the application and return it to your school office. 

Additionally, Connector and Metrobus are issuing SmarTrip cards to students at Justice, Annandale, Falls Church, and Marshall High Schools, and the Davis Center for use on specific routes in Northern Virginia. Visit the website to learn more and view the routes. Complete the application and return it to your school office.

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Useful Links/Information

FCHS Bell Schedule

Schoology

SIS ParentVUE

FCPS 22-23 School Year Calendar


FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Falls Church HS or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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