Weekly Newsletter 4/12/2023

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.


IMPORTANT REMINDER: Upcoming Dates

Reminder

Reminder, the third quarter ends Thursday, April 13, and students will be released two hours early. Friday, April 14 is a teacher work day, no school for students.  

See the complete School Year Calendar.


Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services - Summer Camps

Summer Camp

Registration will begin on Wednesday, April 19th.

Register Online  or call 703-324-5532.

Please check your child’s backpack for the flier.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Medicaid Enrollment Will RETURN to Normal Enrollment Soon 

Medicaid


If you have Medicaid/FAMIS/CHIP health insurance, the normal Medicaid Enrollment Processes began March 2023! Key Ctr sent home a flyer on this topic too, for your reference. 

Effective March 31, 2023, the continuous coverage requirement will end.  This means on April 1, 2023, all states may return to normal enrollment processes, including redeterminations and processing reductions/closures of coverage. 

While Virginia is initiating its first month of redeterminations in March of 2023, reductions/closures of coverage will not begin until April 30, 2023.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) (Virginia Medicaid) has started to review Medicaid members’ health coverage to determine whether members are still 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. Be sure to respond to any correspondence sent to you from this group.

You can take steps now to make sure you receive information you will need to renew your coverage. 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 by calling 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.


Spring 2023 Data Collection for FCPS ESSER/RTS

ESSER Funds


FCPS’ Office of Research and Strategic Improvement (ORSI) will gather information about FCPS’ teaching and learning efforts this school year from school-based administrators, teachers, students, and families this spring. These data collection efforts are part of FCPS’ ongoing study of what is working and what needs improvement following the pandemic. This includes FCPS’ use of $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.

Surveys will be administered to students in grades 4 -12, all teachers, and all families from April 17 to May 1. The student survey has been translated into Spanish. There is an adapted survey available for students with disabilities. 

Survey links for families will be shared via email to the enrolling parent.  

Thank you in advance for supporting data collection to inform FCPS about its teaching and learning efforts this year and help us best meet the needs of our students and staff.


Webinar Series: Let's Talk About It: Sexual Health! Parent and Professional Training (PEATC)

Web


Description:

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often not included in discussions around sexual health and wellness. In fact, many people don't view individuals with IDD as sexual beings, but we are all sexual beings.

It is critical for youth with disabilities to develop self-care skills, cultivate social skills, gain an understanding of appropriate behaviors, increase personal safety, and work toward becoming a more independent adult. This training will provide information for parents/guardians of students with IDD and the professionals that work with them to offer practical tools and strategies along the journey.

THIS TRAINING HAS 2 SESSIONS. REGISTRANTS SHOULD PLAN TO ATTEND BOTH THE APRIL 24th AND APRIL 25TH VIRTUAL SESSIONS.

This virtual training will be hosted via Zoom and will NOT be recorded. Register for the training at this link.

Date(s):

4/24/2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
4/25/2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

You can find more information on the Virginia Family Special Education Connection website.


Our Stomping Ground- Inclusive Communities

stomping ground


The mission of Our Stomping Ground is to build inclusive communities and strengthen neighborhoods through diverse programming, sustainable, affordable housing and social spaces for people of all abilities.  In addition to their residential programming, this organization offers a variety of programs including book clubs, games nights, art and fitness classes, and more. Their activities are open to families in our community.  Please check their events calendar for upcoming activities that may be of interest to your family. Let us know if you take advantage of these experiences, we can share suitability for other students as well.


April is the Month of the Military Child

Military

 

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 part of our student body.  We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community.

To recognize and celebrate the resilience and service of our military-connected children during April, the Month of the Military Child , we encourage all to wear purple on Purple Up! Day, on April 19.


Autism Acceptance Month

Autism


April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.


Arab American Heritage Month

Arab and American month


FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Key Center March Madness Free Throw Contest

March Madness


On the final day before Spring Break, Key Center hosted the finals of our March Madness Free Throw Contest.  Finalists Sean (Superman) and Bailey (Sub Extraordinaire) faced off, with the whole school assembled to cheer them on!  We were joined for this fun event by FCPS School Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.  Congratulations to Mr. Sean on his win!


Staff Spotlight

Shannon H

This week’s Key Center Staff Spotlight is on Shannon Hacker.  Shannon is a teacher in our elementary program.  This is her ninth year at Key Center, but her second year in the classroom teacher role.  You can learn more about Shannon on our school's website.


Key Center PTA - Needs Your  Help

PTA


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.


calendar

 

Upcoming Dates:

April 13                                   2 Hour Early Release - 11:50am Dismissal

April 14                                   Teacher Workday- Student Holiday

April 21                                   Eid al Fitr - Holiday

May 29                                   Memorial Day - Holiday


2022-23 FCPS School Calendar