  Forestdale Families,
We hope this finds you well and that you had a wonderful spring break as a family. We had a great short week back as we wrapped up the third quarter. It is hard to believe that we are headed into the last quarter of the year! The end of the year always rolls in quickly and is busy with learning, assessment, and lots of fun activities. However, when we take a moment to turn around and look back at the year so far, we can see how much we have accomplished as a school community and how much growth our students have made. They should be so proud, as should our staff and families! We are looking forward to a strong last nine weeks of school!
This week, we celebrated student artists throughout our area at the Lewis Pyramid Art Show. Lewis Pyramid continued the art show tradition the past few years in a virtual format, and it was wonderful to be back in person to celebrate our students and schools. While schools had a limited number of pieces of artwork that could be on display, we are proud of our all of our Falcon artists! We have an incredible art program here at Forestdale, and watching them work each day under the guidance of dedicated art teacher, Ms. Barrett, is a joy. The art show will remain on display in the lobby of Key Middle School for two weeks.
We will enjoy and celebrate more fine arts accomplishments this coming week at Forestdale's Band, Strings, and Chorus concert! All Falcon families are invited to this special concert, our first since pre-pandemic, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19 in the gym.
Lastly, we loved welcoming our future kindergarten Falcons and their families this week for our kindergarten orientation! We are already bubbling with excitement for our newest students to join us in the fall. If you or a neighbor has a rising kindergartener, don't forget to contact the school office to register now!
We wish you a long weekend and appreciate your partnership always.
Fondly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
 Forestdale Celebrates the Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.
Forestdale is joining schools throughout the county in a spirit week in honor of the Month of the Military Child. We encourage all our Falcons to participate! See details below.
 Join Us for the Forestdale Band, Strings, and Chorus Concert
All Forestdale families are invited to join us for our Band, Strings, and Chorus concert on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the school gym. We are looking forward to enjoying the hard work and beautiful music from our students for the first time in concert since pre-pandemic! See you then!
Family Input Wanted for Class Groupings
Creating class assignments for next year requires careful consideration and the involvement of many staff members. We know that a good teacher-student match and a productive mix of children are ingredients for success. Please use this form/ usa este formulario to share information about your child that the school staff should know, particularly regarding friendships or neighborhood factors, by Monday, May 15, 2023. Our teachers and staff use this information to create preliminary class groupings in the end of May.
We also ask that you do not request specific teachers. This does not take into account the many variables to be considered such as grade-level changes or reductions in staff. It is far more valuable to share particular academic or behavioral needs or concerns. Be assured that with or without a parent letter, your child’s strengths and needs are considered in this lengthy and complex process.
Thank you for sharing this important information with us so we can best meet your child's needs next year!
 Join us for Forestdale Family STEAM Night!
Calling all Falcons, friends, and family! Get ready for a night of STEAM-themed activities, competitions, prizes, raffles and more!
Join us on April 28 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. to….
- Build a hovercraft!
- Build a robot!
- Create an elephant toothpaste explosion!
- Plant and seed and watch it grow!
- Make a bubble snake!
- Create a piece of art using shaving cream and food coloring!
- Take part in a space-themed competition!
- Build and test different paper airplane designs!
Help Needed:
Families we need your help! In preparation for STEAM Night, we are asking for plastic water bottle (16.9 fl oz. or 33 fl oz.) and paper bag donations. Look out for the bottle/bag drop-off area in the lobby. Thanks in advance for your donations; every little bit helps!
 Forum on Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
Join us for our final virtual community forum on Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and see how your feedback has helped shape the latest draft of the new FCPS Strategic Plan. The community forum is open to staff, students, parents/caregivers, and community members. (Please register by clicking on the date above.)
We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.
Upcoming Webinars and Events for Caregivers
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. Upcoming PRC webinars include:
Presented by School Social Work Services, students in grades 2-6 will be able to share sibling experiences, receive peer support, play games, and more. This event takes place at Providence Community Center.
Presented by Career and Transition Services, students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families are invited to this event that provides an introduction to options available after high school. This event takes place at Woodson High School.
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Neurodiversity at High School, Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m.Kristen Haynor, a neurodiversity specialist, will share strategies on setting your child up for success (no matter how their brain functions), advocating for your child, and collaborating with your child’s school. This event is virtual.
Click on the titles above to register.
 School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten
FCPS recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
There’s an easy to follow five step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Register your child today.
Proposed Updates to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Document
FCPS is in the process of updating the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document for the 2023-24 School Year. The SR&R provides clear expectations for student behavior, responses to that behavior, and support that may be needed. Parents/caregivers, please check your email for a link from FCPS regarding a brief survey on proposed changes to the SR&R. The survey will close at 8 p.m., on Friday, April 21.
 Medicaid Enrollment Updates Post Pandemic
Medicaid Enrollment Underway
If you have Medicaid/FAMIS/CHIP health insurance, the Medicaid Enrollment Processes began in March.
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) (Virginia Medicaid) has started to review Medicaid members’ health coverage to determine whether members are eligible for coverage. DMAS will not cancel or reduce coverage for members without asking for updated information, but they need your help to make this a smooth process.
Make sure your current mailing address, email, and phone numbers are up-to-date so that important information about your coverage gets to you. Update your contact information today online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or by calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 or your local Department of Social Services.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, contact Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 or your local Department of Social Services.
 Important Dates
April 17-20
Month of the Military Child Spirit Week
April 19
Band, Strings, & Chorus Concert, 7:00 p.m.
April 21
Eid al-Fitr Holiday, No School; Office Closed
April 27
Progress Reports go Home in Thursday Folders
April 28
STEAM Night, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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