Falcon Press 6.11.23

Access the Falcon Presssoil erosion project

STEAM Engineers Take Care of this Place

Forestdale Families,

Our hearts are so full this week as we head into the last week of the school year and witness the wonderful achievements of each Forestdale Falcon!

This past month, our third grade soil scientists have been working to solve Forestdale’s soil erosion problem.  After an important lunch meeting with the principal to share their concerns about the erosion being caused by students walking cutting the corner and not staying on the sidewalk, the students set off to create a solution.

Teams designed and constructed a path of water absorbent soil, mulch, stepping stones, with a brick border to put an end to footpath erosion.  Other teams created a plans to end soil erosion caused by water runoff by adding water absorbent soil, new native plants, mulch, and a brick retaining wall to improve the affected area.  Lastly, third grade scientists made weather-tolerant educational signs to teach their fellow Falcons about the harmful effects of soil erosion on our environment.  

On Friday, John R. Lewis High School Class of 2023 came back to their elementary home to visit their Falcon Family.  Current Falcons cheered as these former Falcons paraded through hallways they once called home.  Seniors who have since moved to different high schools enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with previous classmates.  It was a joyful afternoon!  We will be thinking of the Class of 2023 tomorrow as the Lewis students graduate, and we wish them the best in their next chapter of life!

It's hard to believe this week is the last week of school!  We are looking forward to many special events including our sixth grade promotion ceremony, annual talent show, and classroom end of year parties.  Most importantly, we are looking forward to enjoying our last days together as classroom communities and as a Falcon Family.  

Have a wonderful weekend and an amazing summer!

Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal

Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal


Calendar reminder graphic
Last Day of School

Reminder: Last day of School - June 16 

The last day of the 2022-23 school year is Friday, June 16, and students will be dismissed early at 1:35 p.m. 

Please make sure you have made arrangements for the early release on Friday, especially for kindergartners who must be met at the bus stop in the afternoon.

See the complete 2022-23 and 2023-24 school year calendars.


Lewis HS Grads

Welcoming our Falcons Home

On Friday, our former Falcons, now part of the John R. Lewis High School Class of 2023, came to visit their elementary home of Forestdale.  What a joy it was for our staff and all current students to honor our former Falcons and celebrate their incredible accomplishments.  We wish these amazing young men and women the best as they soar on!


lost and found

Have Your Student Check the Lost & Found

Our lost and found is growing! With the warmer weather in the afternoon, jackets and other garments are often left behind. We'd like to make sure they get returned to your student. Please have your student check the lost and found or come by after school! 

All items left in the lost and found after June 16 will be donated. 


computer

Laptop & Charger Collection This Week

All student devices (iPads for PreK and kindergarten; laptops for grades 1-6) will be collected this week so that they may be reimaged and prepared for fall.  All students will receive an FCPS-issued device again next year. Laptops will be collected during class. 

If you have not done so already, please make sure your child's charger has been returned to school with their laptop.  Families will be charged for lost chargers. Letters and Talking Points messages have been sent to families of students who have lost their charger. The replacement cost is $23 per charger. Payment of cash or check can be brought to the Main Office. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a lost device or charger, please contact Sue Ann Ross at 703-313-4315. 


Student reading in library

Library Reminders

Overdue notices will go home with your child this week - please encourage them to look for their books and return them as soon as possible. Thank you for your hard work finding and returning your books!

Ms. Wixtrom is seeing feedback to help make the library at Forestdale better for all students. Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey. 


nurse- medication pick up

Medication Pick-Up from Health Room

Pickup Deadline: Friday, June 16, 1:35 p.m.

All medications stored in the health room need to be picked up by a parent or guardian by 1:35 p.m. on Friday, June 16.  Any medication remaining in the health room after that time will be destroyed.  Medication cannot be sent home with your student.


summer websites

Access to Online Applications

(ST Math, Wixie, MyOn) during the Summer

Students will continue to have access to instructional software (ST Math and Wixie) while at home and over the summer.  Students will be able to access these applications through Schoology (lms.fcps.edu) and then using the Clever access from the waffle. 

MyOn, our online reading library, does not use Schoology/Clever access.  To access you will need to use https://www.myon.com/ and students will login using their fcpsschools.net google account.

Access to Lexia will be paused over the summer and resume in the fall.


summer office hours

Summer Office Hours

The school office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 22, 2023.  We will be accepting student registrations all summer.


kindergarten

Register for Kindergarten 

Do you or a neighbor have a child will be 5 years of age by September 30, 2023, and do you plan on sending them to kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year?  If your child is ready for kindergarten, call the school so we may add you to our list of rising kindergarten students.

Please fill out the form on our website here so you are put on our list of incoming kindergarten families for 2023-2024.  Please share this information with any neighbors who have a child that meets the above criteria.

All the forms needed for registration can be found on the FCPS web here


summer camp

Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation 

The Family Resource Center has recently published a list with dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel. They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities. 

The Family Resource Center (FRC) provides resources and support for all families and school staff. They offer a free library, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. For more information, call 703-204-3941, email frc@fcps.edu or visit their website.


tutor.com summer flyer

Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services Summer 2023 Access

FCPS students will continue to have free unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com during summer 2023.  Students are able to use Tutor.com during the summer to review and/or practice in subject areas of interest or need. Students may also choose to access other tools and services such as practice quizzes in a variety of subject areas as well as self-paced study courses for SAT/ACT preparation.

Details about how students can access Tutor.com via archived courses in Schoology are provided here

tutor.com

Mental Health

Mental Wellness Summer Supports

The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from June 26 to August 4. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:

  • Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
  • Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.

All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Consultations can be requested online or by calling 703-503-2520 and leaving a message.


Strategic Planning banner

Strategic Plan to Be Voted on at Next School Board Meeting

Superintendent Reid recently presented FCPS’ new Strategic Plan to the School Board. The School Board will vote on the plan at their meeting on Thursday, June 15. Find out how to view the Board meeting.


Juneteenth

Juneteenth Holiday for all FCPS Employees- Schools and Offices will be Closed

Monday, June 19, is a holiday for FCPS employees. Schools and offices will be closed. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 that word of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, effectively marking the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth.

Resources: Resources curated for the social studies curriculum are available on our new Juneteenth 180 document. 


Important Dates

Important Dates

June 15

Last day for PAC Preschool (Ms. Stricklin & Ms. Whispell)

Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

June 16

Last Day of School, 2 hr. Early Release (1:35 p.m.)

Talent Show, 9:30- 10:30 a.m., gym (Families Welcome)

June 19

Juneteenth Holiday, Schools & Offices Closed