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Good afternoon, Fox Mill Families,
We were so happy to see our students back after a restful Spring Break. Many of them have been sharing stories of visits to families and historic landmarks within the country, as well as visits to soak up the sun in much warmer climates, while learning about new cultures. We hope you had fun making those lasting memories with your children over Spring Break.
Meet our Parent Liaison
Hello, my name is Wendy Salazar and as Fox Mill Elementary’s Family Liaison, my goal is to make new families feel welcome, to facilitate distribution of information and resources, to support low-income families, and to advocate for children with specific needs. I can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:15 to 3:15 by phone at 703-262-2709 or by email at wsalazar1@fcps.edu.
As we approach the end of the school year, I wanted to share a list of 2023 Summer Camps that are available to students:
Rec-PAC
Rec-PAC is a 6-week summer recreation program for elementary school students in grades 1-6. This summer camp is sponsored by Fairfax County Park Authority and Fox Mill Elementary will be one of the locations that will be hosting this camp. Registration begins April 18th and ends June 9th. Please see the attached brochure for further information or call 703-222-4664.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/camps/rec-pac/recpac-brochure.pdf
Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services
This program offers affordable summer camp experiences for individuals (ages 5-22) with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or attention deficit disorders. The summer camp will be packed full of special events, art activities, sensory play, games, sports, outdoor play, music activities and more. Register online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/therapeutic-recreation or call 703-324-5532 email: NCS-TRACERS@fairfaxcounty.gov
Sully Summer Sports and More
Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is partnering with the Fairfax County Park Authority to ensure that all families have access to summer camp opportunities at the Sully Community Center in Herndon. Camps are open to children ages 5-12 of all ability levels. This camp is great for kids wanting to try a new sport, develop motor skills, play cooperative and competitive games, and improve or refine techniques. For details go to: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/news/2023/0330a email: Kimmie.Alcorn@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-322-4475. Scholarships available, transportation available.
Reston Community Center
The Reston Community Center offers full and half-day summer camps for kids ages 5-17 years old. Includes Aquatics for ages 11-14 years, Arts Education for ages 7-13 years, and Young Actors Theatre for ages 7-17 years. For details visit: www.restoncommunitycenter.com. Call: 703-476-4500, press “8” or email: RCCContact@fairfaxcounty.gov
Elementary Institute for the Arts
A summer exploration of the arts that includes art, music, theater, and dance for grades 2-5, July 5th-July 28th. Free Tuition for eligible students. For details visit:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning-programs/camps-and-institutes-elementary-institute-arts-e-ifta#
Camp Fairfax
Camp Fairfax provides opportunities for rising 1st - 7th grade children to participate in a variety of fun experiences that appeal to the artist, performer, and athlete in every child. SACC's experienced and dynamic teachers are dedicated to guiding children through activities designed to nurture their creativity and develop their talents and skills.
June 26- August 4, Monday-Friday 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM (Free for children already involved with SACC) Breakfast and lunch provided. For details go to: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/office-for-children/camp-fairfax
Tech Adventure Camp
This weekly summer program provides students with the opportunity to explore the exciting pathways in Career and Technical Education including STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and computer science. Current Kindergarten to 6th graders, Week 1: July10th-July 14th, week 2: July 17th-July21st, week 3:July 24-July 28th. Transportation provided. For details visit: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning-programs/camps-and-institutes-tech-adventure-camp For questions email: fcpscte@fcps.edu
A Few Updates
APRIL IS THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD – LET’S PURPLE UP! FOR OUR MILITARY KIDS!
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.
To show our support, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 19 for military children.
Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
We are also celebrating this this week by wearing military-connected colors on other days this week:
MON APR 17 WEAR YELLOW ~ Yellow signifies our support of our TROOPS
TUES APR 18 WEAR THE COLOR of your FAVORITE SERVICE BRANCH:
CAMO or GREEN=Army
BLUE= Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard
RED= Marines
WED APR 19 “PURPLE UP DAY!” WEAR PURPLE ~ To honor military kids and all branches working TOGETHER
THUR APR 20 WEAR RED ~ To Remember Everyone Deployed
We extend our appreciation for the service of all children from military families and celebrate them by wearing purple in an effort to say “Thank You!” Whether or not you know any military-connected youth, please take a moment to recognize and honor them by wearing Purple next week! Let’s Purple Up! for military kids!
6th Grade Basketball Game
The most exciting and anticipated event of the year is fast approaching! The 6th Grade Basketball Challenge, vs Sunrise Valley ES, is scheduled for Friday, 4/28 at South Lakes High School. Pre-sale tickets are available until 4/21 AND, pre-sale concessions have been extended until 4/19 -- visit P4SS to purchase both in advance to save money and time. Order your Fox Mill Spirit Packs as well! Looking forward to a super fun and exciting event!
Rachel Carson Middle School Spring Musical
Don’t miss the Rachel Carson Middle School’s spring musical, Disney’s Freaky Friday! The classic story is of a daughter and mother who grow to understand each other when they literally spend a day in the other person’s shoes (and bodies)! Don’t miss this relatable, amusing, and ultimately moving tale about one extraordinary and magical day!
The show is May 4, 5, & 6 at 7 PM in the Rachel Carson Middle School Lecture Hall. Tickets are $8, and they are on sale starting April 17 through eTix: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15644/. Buy yours before they sell out!
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. In Fairfax County, our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm students with autism. At Fox Mill, our instructional staff and more importantly our special education staff continue to reinforce our commitment to supporting innovative, collaborative efforts with parents to address the needs of our students with autism.
Lost and Found
As the weather warms, students who go out to recess in jackets come in without them. The Lost and Found is overflowing! Please encourage your student to find their hoodies and jackets, and feel free to stop in anytime school is open to look for your items in the Lost and Found, located in the back corner of the cafeteria. We will make many efforts to reunite students with their belongings, but when school ends in June all items remaining will be donated.
Fox Mill Kids Helping Kids Backpack Meals
Donations Needed 4/24-4/27
As part of our commitment to service, Fox Mill has implemented a program called Kids Helping Kids, in which donations are collected for backpack meals to help alleviate food instability for local children over the weekend.
This program has never been more important, as the ripple effects of the pandemic have only heightened hunger and food instability within our region. However, by harnessing the power of our group, and joining forces with “Food for Others” (a local area food bank), we at Fox Mill can make a difference!
If you’d like to help by donating, please sign up for needed items at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F084FA8AD22A6FB6-kids6
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Donation Dropoff -
- Plastic tubs with “Kids Helping Kids” signs will be at the front entrance to the school Monday, 4/24- Thursday, 4/27.
- Donation items will be collected periodically.
** If you have any questions, please contact Kandace Gammon, Kids Helping Kids parent coordinator, at 512-905-2179 or Kandace.gammon@gmail.com. Financial contributions are also greatly appreciated, and will be used to purchase food supplies for the packs - Venmo to @Kandace-G or Pay Pal to PayPal.Me/kangammon.
Matsuri Festival is May 12!
Please come join us on May 12th for Matsuri at Rachel Carson Middle School from 6-9PM! The entire Fox Mill community is invited to enjoy this fun festival to celebrate Japanese Children's Day! We will have performances, art projects, Japanese food and treats, and more in this cultural experience; admission is free. Snacks will be available for sale at the event; meal presales include bento boxes and sushi, and are open on Pay For School Stuff through May 2. T-shirt sales are open now, and will be open through Wednesday, April 18.
SOL Parent/Guardian Permission to Retest Form
The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail their spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first SOL attempt with a score of 375-399. (A score of 400 is considered passing for SOL tests.) Note that retests are not offered for fall or winter Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) tests.
Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, please complete this permission form. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.
SOL Runners
Ms. Denton and Mrs. Alger are seeking volunteers to serve as runners during SOL testing to ensure a secure testing environment. Duties would include supervising children as they travel to and from the restrooms or water fountains, as needed. If you would like to support us during testing, please complete and submit this Google form. The testing team will email you with more details if you are able to volunteer.
SOL Dates
Wednesday May 3rd – Grade 3 Reading
Thursday, May 4th – Grade 5 Reading
Tuesday, May 9th – Grade 6 Reading
Wednesday, May 10th – Grade 5 Science
Friday, May 12th- Grade 4 Reading
Wednesday, May 17th- Grade 6 Math
Thursday, May 18th- Grade 5 Math
Friday, May 19th- Grade 4 Math
Dates For Your Diary
Friday, April 21st- Teacher Workday
Friday, April 28th- 6th Grade Basketball Game – South Lakes HS
Have a wonderful weekend
Brian Moose Anice S. Denton
Principal Assistant Principal
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