  Thank You, Teachers & Staff!
Forestdale Families,
Wow! It was an incredibly fun and delicious week we had celebrating our teachers and staff for Staff Appreciation Week! Dr. Tate and I put on our pilots' hats as Captain and Co-Captain and invited our staff on a trip around the world! Thanks to the generous partnership with the PTA and our families who donated food and treats, Falcon Air Flight 3560 was able to stop at a different destination each day... from the Great American BBQ to eating our way through Europe.
A special shout out to our families who cooked and donated food for Friday's taco bar, and those who donated gift cards that were won through a fun "Radio Caller" game. Our staff commented over and over how much they felt the love and appreciation, and we are so grateful for our community and PTA's support in showing them the love. We know they show love to our students and families each day, so thank you for helping us honor the greatest staff in the world.
Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing begins this week for our students in grades 3-6. More information can be found below. We know our students are going to do their best on these state assessments, and they and their teachers should be proud of how hard they have been working all year. Please support your student(s) by helping them get a good night's sleep every night and a good breakfast in the morning (as we have had all year, we will have free breakfast for them at school). Thank you in advance!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Standards of Learning Tests Begin May 9
Students in grades 3-6 will take Standards of Learning (SOL) tests starting on May 9. For more information on the Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized test in reading, mathematics, and science, please visit the SOL assessments webpage.
The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail the Standards of Learning (SOL) test by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first attempt with a score of 375-399 (where 400 is passing).
Parent permission is required for any retests in grades 3-8. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the SOL test, please complete the Retest Permission Form sent home with your child. This form must be completed whether you would like your child to retake the test or not. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.
Information went home to all families last week. Please contact your child's teacher or Dr. LaDonna Tate, School Testing Coordinator, at lmtate@fcps.edu with any questions.
 Forestdale Family Field Trip: Saturday, May 13
Join us for a family field trip to the Udvar Hazy National Air and Space Museum on Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All families are welcome to join! While all seats on the busses have been filled, all families are welcome to provide their own transportation and meet us at the museum. See more information in the flier below.
We look forward to spending the day together as a school family next Saturday!
 
Your 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!
Community Conversation: School Safety and Security
FCPS will host a community conversation to discuss our approach to safety and security, and the work we do every day to keep our schools safe. Join us Monday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South Lakes High School. Register for the Community Conversation.
FCPS staff and experts will review our risk assessment processes, the physical measures we already have in place to protect our students and staff, pilot programs to detect vaping, and how we communicate and collaborate with our partners when there is an incident at our schools.
 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
A study on elementary and middle schools found that attendance rates in April are 5.8% higher than June. Let's work together to end the school year successfully! Visit our website for attendance resources.
 Social Emotional Learning Screener Reports
Twice a year, students in grades 3-12 share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed through the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success.
Spring 2023 SEL Screener results will be mailed to families in mid-May. The Social Emotional Learning Screener Parent/Guardian Report and Guide has been updated to better reflect how SEL Screener results are used to support school and districtwide planning, in addition to supports for individual students. Visit the FCPS SEL Screener webpage for information in multiple languages, including tips for talking with your student about the report and strategies for strengthening SEL at home.
Thank Your School Health Team!
National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 10. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students, and we appreciate our amazing health team.... our PHN, Ms. Susan Staub, and our Clinic Aide, Ms. Salisa Sathityudhakarn!
Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.
Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students.
 Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child ASAP!
 Forestdale Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. We honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander members of our Forestdale community!
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? If so, reach out to the Office of the Ombuds, an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and the community. Ombuds staff members are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, at ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button on their webpage. The team looks forward to serving you!
Final Feedback Opportunity on Draft Strategic Plan
If you haven’t already, please participate in the final opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan goals, measures, and pillars. Take the survey today! Feedback will be reviewed by the School Board at their May 9 retreat. It will also be discussed at the May 25 Board meeting. The survey will close Wednesday, May 17. Visit FCPS’ website to learn about the strategic planning process.
 An Update on ESSER Funding, and the Proposal for 2023-24
In the fall of 2021, FCPS received $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.
Last week, Sloan Presidio, FCPS’ chief academic officer, presented the proposed ESSER expenditures for the 2023-24 school year, the last year of ESSER funding. This funding is in addition to the FCPS operating budget and is specifically targeting the impacts of COVID-19.
The proposed plan presented at the recent School Board Meeting is intended to maximize the dollars remaining in our funding. At least 20% of the funding must be spent toward unfinished learning. The proposed plan has nearly 80% of ESSER funds allocated to support student learning needs. Read more about the plan.
 Forestdale Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. We honor our Jewish American members of our Forestdale community!
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
 Important Dates
May 9-12
SOL Testing for Grades 3-6
May 13
Family Field Trip
May 15-19
Make-up SOL Testing: Grades 3-6
May 26
Field Day (Details Coming Soon!)
June 2
Cultural Night, 6:00 p.m.
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