Coates Family Newsletter for 4/14/2023

NYC

Salad Bar is Opening at Coates on 4/19!

salad bar

We are excited to inform you that Salad Bar will open at Coates on April 19th!  Salad bars offer a variety of nutritious choices every day and encourage children to consistently build meals based on a foundation of colorful fruits and vegetables. Here’s a short video for you to learn more about the salad bar and how it will be operated.

 

Please also review the five Salad Bar rules with your child at home. Click here to watch a short video introducing the salad bar rules with your child. 

  1. Fill at least 1 square with FRUITS or VEGGIES 
  2. Take what you can eat
  3. Respect your friends
  4. Respect the food
  5. Try something new

To successfully implement the salad bar at Coates, we need parent volunteers for at least the first three days of the salad bar!  If you would like to volunteer next week at the salad bar, please email Mrs. King at jaking@fcps.edu.


SOL Schedule

May 2023

sol calendar

Coates International Night-April 28th

IN

We are so excited to host our annual Coates International Night on Friday, April 28th 6-8pm.  Our theme is "Football (aka Soccer) Around the World".  We are looking for families who want to create a display celebrating their country and culture.  Please use this link to access the form to sign up.


RC

Autism Acceptance Month

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.

autism

National Arab American Heritage Month

arab

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.


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

purple up

Kindergarten Registration

kindergarten registration

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.


Webinars for Parents/Caregivers

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.

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.


Medicaid Enrollment Updates

OPTION 1

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.

 

OPTION 2

Take Action to Continue Medicaid Coverage!

If you have Medicaid/FAMIS/CHIP health insurance, as of March, Virginia began reviewing members’ eligibility for health coverage..  Coverage will not be terminated before April 30, 2023. Medicaid will not cancel or reduce coverage for members without asking for updated information. In fact, Medicaid may be able to renew your coverage without asking you for anything. If so, you will get a letter in the mail letting you know your health care coverage will continue. If Medicaid does not have all information to renew your benefits, you will get a form or a checklist in the mail to complete and return by a certain date. Please make sure Medicaid has your updated contact information so they can reach 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.Members who do not respond or do not complete the renewal form/checklist will not be eligible to keep their Medicaid health coverage.Members can respond in one of the following ways:  

  • Online at commonhelp.virginia.gov using the case number and client ID on the renewal form to associate the member's case to a CommonHelp account; 
  • Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590). (Have the requested information gathered and ready to give over the phone); 
  • By completing the form/documents and sending them in the prepaid return envelope by the due date; or 
  • By completing the form/documents and submitting them by fax or in person at the member's local Department of Social Services

For questions, additional help, or language assistance services or large-print, call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590) or email covervirginia@dmas.virginia.gov.   


ESSER III COVID Relief

ESSER Online Feedback Form 

FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.

ESSER III focus areas include:

  • ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
  • maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
  • addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.

FCPS would like your feedback on how well the school division is responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which will be open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.

The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Register to speak at the ESSER III public hearing. See how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.


Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

fcps cares

The FCPS CARES Program 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. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.


Mark Your Calendar

19th- Purple Up Day! (Military Child Appreciation)

19th- Level IV AAP Parent Orientation- 6-7 pm

21st- School Holiday- Eid al Fitr

22nd- Earth Day

23rd-29th- National Library Week

26th- Administrative Professionals Day

28th- International Festival- 6-8 pm

april
may

1st- SOL Window Opens

3rd- Bike to School Day

5th- Children's Day

8th-12th- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

10th- National School Nurse Day

29th- Memorial Day Holiday- No School

30th- Spring Concert @ Rachel Carson MS (Band, Strings, Chorus)- 6-8 pm

 

*The full FCPS 2022-2023 calendar can be accessed here.


Follow Coates on Social Media

stay in touch

TWITTER: @CoatesES

TWITTER (Principal Basdekis): @pdbasdekis

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/