HES School House News
June 8, 2023
June 12- Sixth Grade End of Year Party (Rain date is June 13)
June 15- Sixth Grade Bridging Ceremony 9 a.m.
June 16-Last Day of School-Two Hour Early Release-Dismissal at 1:20 p.m.
Office Closes at 2 p.m.
Principal’s Message
With only six school days remaining, we want to highlight what an amazing year it has been. We experienced a super successful fall field day, planned a variety of field trips, and enjoyed several whole school celebrations. We also continued to see great gains in student progress (academically and socially/emotionally). We are already planning for the 2023-2024 school year and are looking forward to many exciting events. As always, we want to share a big THANK YOU to our PTA who has supported our students and community this school year. They consistently donate funds that directly benefit your students and plan fun events that bring us together as a community. Thank you to all of the parent(s)/guardian(s) and family members who have worked with us to support your student. Finally, we want to recognize our outstanding staff who work so hard every day to meet every student’s needs. They are truly a phenomenal group of people! Have a great summer and we will see you in August!
Jessica Lewis & Seamus O’Connor
End of Year Medication Pickup
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. However, with parent or guardian permission, a high school student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the school health room. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school. Please be sure medication orders are clear. All information on the form must be completed. Part I must be signed and dated by the parent or guardian. Part II must be signed and dated by your healthcare provider. Approved over-the-counter medications given for headaches, muscle aches, orthodontic pain, or menstrual cramps do not need a health care provider’s signature. Antibiotic or antiviral medications for 10 consecutive school days or less do not require a health care provider’s signature either. For all asthma medications, a Virginia Asthma Action Plan must be provided. More detailed information is available on the back of the medication authorization form(s).
Over-the-counter medication must be in the unopened original container and clearly labeled by the parent or guardian. No more than 100 pills/tablets of OTC medication should be brought to school at a time. All prescription medication, including samples, must be labeled by the pharmacist or health care provider. Please make sure that the label clearly states your student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, and the time to be given.
Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely give your student his or her medication. If you have any questions, please contact your school health room aide, at 703-924-4510, or your school public health nurse at 703-704-6128. Thank you for your cooperation and have a good summer.
Summer Office Hours
Summer office hours begin June 20, 2023- August 11, 2023
The office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Office closed for July 3 & 4 Holiday.
Sixth Grade Bridging Ceremony
The sixth-grade bridging ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 15 at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium. Attendees may gain access to the school gymnasium starting at 8:30 am. Everyone attending must sign in and show a photo ID in the front lobby. At the conclusion of the ceremony, sixth grade students will process out of the gymnasium, and report directly to their respective homeroom classrooms. Parents/Guardians may take their son/daughter home immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony. Parents/Guardians must sign-out all sixth grade students with their homeroom teachers, not the front office.
Students should "dress their best" in appropriate attire for this special day.
Library Books Were Due Friday, June 2
All library books were due on Friday, June 2. If you can’t find a book, you may either replace it or pay for it by using MySchoolBucks or by writing a check made payable to Hayfield Elementary. If you think the book has been returned, but you got a notice stating otherwise, please check with Ms. Ergler in the library to make sure that it is there.
Updates on Online Student Registration
FCPS plans to have online registration in place at all schools across the district starting June 30, ensuring a simple and efficient new student registration application process for the upcoming school year. Learn more about registration.
End of the Year Laptop Return
FCPS has mandated that all FCPS student laptops and chargers be returned so that they can be serviced and updated for redistribution for the 2023-2024 school year. On Friday, June 16, the last day of school, each classroom will return all technology equipment. Students who do not turn in their equipment will be charged $472 for a laptop/iPad and $23 for a charger. Please check to make sure that chargers being returned are FCPS issued as we have received various chargers from other manufacturers in the past.
The only exceptions are for students enrolled in a summer school program/ESY who need their laptop to participate. If your child is identified for this, his/her laptop and charger will be sent home on the last day of school. Please direct any questions you have about the laptop return process to your child’s classroom teacher, including inquiries about financial replacement for missing laptops or chargers.
If for any reason you need to return your child’s equipment prior to the last day of school, please let your child’s teacher know.
VDOE Grants
Virginia Department of Education is offering $1500 grants to be applied to tutoring services and special supports for ANY school age (K-12) student residing in VA. $3000 grants are available for families that meet income eligibility requirements.
Qualified expenses include:
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Tutoring services - may be provided in-person, virtually, or hybrid, and in one-on-one, small group, or large-group settings.
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Specialized educational therapy services and supports - Speech and language therapy. Specialized reading instruction, or other specific services provided by a licensed practitioner recognized by any state board or agency.
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Assistive Technology - assistive technology devices and services and augmentative communication devices to be used primarily in the home and community settings. Note: the amount of an awarded grant that may be used for qualifying assistive technology costs is limited to $750.
Families can apply to get a grant for each school age children to use for tutors or approved educational materials over the summer. For more information and an application, go to
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/k-12-learning-acceleration-grants
School Supplies for 2023-24
Online Orders Through June 25
Hayfield Elementary is offering the opportunity for parents to order their child’s school supplies directly online now through June 25. Here is the information you will need to order:
Orders will be charged sales tax at checkout and all orders will be delivered to Hayfield Elementary saving you shipping fees if ordered by June 25. Supply kits will be delivered to your student’s classroom before school starts. If anyone has questions, please contact the office at HayfieldESOffice@fcps.edu or at 703-924-4500.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!
It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important for families to remember to check their students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families who earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2023-24 school year will be available near the end of August.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2022-23 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price lunch.
If you are interested in helping to relieve lunch debt for families currently going through the FRM application process, please donate to Educate Fairfax.
State Student Assessment Summary Reports
At the May 25 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid presented information on a new Virginia Department of Education report called Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary.
Virginia school divisions will be distributing a report to parents showing their student’s past Standards of Learning (SOL) testing data. Reports will be provided, through SIS ParentVUE or by mail, for any student who has an SOL testing history in the state of Virginia as of Spring 2022.
In addition to showing a student’s performance on SOL tests over time, it also shows how that performance compares to other Virginia students who took the same test. This report, along with a companion letter, will be available mid-June.
FCPS uses various data sources to determine student growth and success. The Student Assessment Summary Report is just one piece of information in the larger picture of student assessment in FCPS. Learn more about what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Remember to Check Lost and Found
Our lost and found is overflowing with items. If you think your child may be missing an item, please come to school between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and look through the lost and found located in our front lobby. Any items not picked up on the last day of school, June 16, will be donated to local charity organizations.
News From Our Family Liaison
Feedback wanted! We continue to listen to your interests and needs within the Hayfield school community. This short survey will be available throughout the school year to provide input for FUTURE Family Engagement Programs at HES.
Do you know a rising Kindergarten Family? Share this link with them for information about the day in the life of a Kindergartener, school supplies, and much more. https://hayfieldes.fcps.edu/rising-kindergarten-toolkit
Give Youth (https://www.giveyouth.org/) is partnering with area libraries to offer FREE in-person tutoring for students K-7th
- Richard Byrd Library (Saturday 11-1 PM, 7250 Commerce St, Springfield, VA 22150)
- Sherwood Regional Library (Sunday 1-3 PM, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306)
Museums for All
Those receiving SNAP benefits can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States by presenting their SNAP EBT card. Find a participating museum near you or browse our full list of participating museums.
https://museums4all.org/about/
Blue Star Museum program is a great nationwide resource for those families connected to the military.
https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums
Inova Cares Clinics will be hosting pediatric health fairs throughout June, July, and August to provide school physicals and immunizations. Contact Marily Grotz mgrotz@fcps.edu for more information. Flyer is posted on a bulletin board across from the front office.
New Multilingual Podcast Episodes
FCPS Family Resource Center: Resources and Supports
Hear how the Family Resource Center (FRC) provides resources and support for all families and school staff in FCPS. The Family Resource Center provides free library resources, confidential consultations, and informational webinars. Contact the Family Resource Center at 703-204-3941, by emailing at frc@fcps.edu or through their website at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/family-resource-center
Listen and subscribe.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Opening for part-time Family Liaisons in Region 3; Franconia Elementary, Sandburg Middle, Twain Middle, and Woodlawn Elementary Schools. Email mgrotz@fcps.edu with questions.
Marily Grotz
Family Liaison
Hayfield Elementary School
Phone: 703-924-4553 Cell: 571-296-6011
Email: mgrotz@fcps.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm
Military Matters - For Our Military Families
Get Ready for the Summer with Military Kids Summer Camps
The National Military Family Association is hosting their first ever Virtual Operation Purple Summer Challenge - a free, self-paced activity experience to stay entertained and connected with other military kids and families for eight weeks this summer! Every military-connected kid who completes a registration is guaranteed a spot! From June to July, we’ll meet virtually every Wednesday in a “Global Gathering” to share the past week’s adventures with one another.
Register and learn more about Operation Purple Summer Challenge.
More Summer Camps for Military Kids
Keep your children and teens busy, engaged, and having fun when school gets out. A variety of camps are available to provide new experiences for children and teens to help them connect with other military youth. See options below: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/military-youth-teen-programs/
Military Teen Adventure Camps 4-H Military Partnership camps DOD STARBASE DOD STEM
Operation Purple® Camp Armed Services YMCA Operation Camp
If your family’s schedule is too busy to accommodate a full camp this summer, you can still find plenty of activities for children and teens available through your installation youth center.
Free Summer Activities for Military Families
Free Museums for Your Family
The Blue Star Museums program gives service members and their families free access to museums over the summer. See the list of participating museums and explore fine art, history, science, children's museums, historical parks, nature centers and more.
Military Families Can Enjoy National Parks for Free
Get Going
Blog Brigade – Five Reasons to PCS Camp
PCS & Military Moves
When it comes to PCSing, we get it and are here to help. From shipping your stuff to finding housing, schools, child care and a new social circle, here's your hub for relocation tools and intel. Let's get moving.
For additional support and resources for military-connected students and families,
Please contact:
Shelly Oberst, LCSW
Military & Family Life Counselor
Hayfield Elementary School
Cell: 571-386-7884
obersts@magellanfederal.com
Hayfield PTA
Thank you for an amazing school year! We hope you have a safe and fun summer. If you have interest in heading up an existing or new committee to support Hayfield Elementary students please reach out to President@hespta.com with questions. If you have questions about membership, contact VP@hespta.com. Open chair roles for the 2023-24 school year are: Monster’s Ball, Hawk Walk, Get2Green, Holiday Market, Rewards, and 6th Grade Parent Liaison. A transition meeting is planned for Tuesday, June 13th in the cafeteria at 7pm. With a very active and involved PTA, you will not be alone in planning or implementing your events.
2023-24 Executive Board Members
President - Lisa Odom President@hespta.com
Vice President – Crystal Lander VP@hespta.com
Corresponding Secretary – Priya Obloy communications@hespta.com
Treasurer – Katie Spillane treasurer@hespta.com
Recording Secretary – Rachel Margolis secretary@hespta.com
Letter from the PTA President
Hawk Families, Can you believe another year in the books! The past two years have been an amazing experience. We started 2021 coming back into school and slowly bringing all of our traditional events back, with the addition of a few new ones. Monster’s Ball was the first, followed by Holiday Market, Read-a-fun, Book Fair, Bingo, Field Day, 6th grade party, Someone Special Dance, Blacktop Bash, Spelling Bee, Library and Cafeteria helpers, and Afterschool Enrichment classes. All of these amazing activities could not be possible without the time and effort put in by our awesome parent and teacher volunteers!
This year we gave almost $5,000 in Teacher mini-grants, $3,000 towards field trips, purchased student agendas, bought recess equipment, new handcarts, classroom tables, two new paper cutters for teacher workrooms and a new SMARTBoard and Projector. We worked with the school counselors to start the Hawk Pantry. Unfortunately, due to a fire of unknown origin, we lost the 6 benches the PTA bought last year, but they were insured and replaced with picnic benches in the quad.
Volunteering for the PTA is a fulfilling experience for us parents and our kids love seeing us step up as a part of their school community. Getting to know the kids has been my favorite part. It has been my privilege, these past two years, to represent you as Hayfield ES PTA President. Thank you for the honor. I will cherish the memories and friendships made. Thank you to all who stepped up and made this all possible for our kids. Have a happy and safe summer. May your Hawks continue to Soar!
Annemarie O’Donnell (aka Jack’s mom)
Annemarie O'Donnell
Hayfield Elementary School PTA
President
School Resources
Stay in Touch
Please stay in touch with us throughout the year by:
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