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 We had the best time kicking off the school year by visiting our Bears on Olde Creek's 3rd annual Welcome Walk!
Important Upcoming Dates
August 21: First Day of School
August 31: Summer Reading Bingo and Summer Innovation Challenge Due
September 1: No School
September 4: No School
September 6: PTA Meeting - 6:30PM
September 21: Back to School Night - 6:00PM
September 22: Woodson “Feeder Night” Football Game - 7:00PM
September 25: Yom Kippur - FCPS Schools and Office Closed
September 30: PTA Laps for Learning - 8:00 AM
Overview of this Issue
1. Message from Mrs. Miller
2. Welcome from our PTA President
3. Bell Schedule Information
4. Start Strong: First Day of School
5. Arrival and Dismissal
6. Bus Transportation
7. School Supply Lists
8. Medication Forms and Drop Off
9. Preparing for and Paying for Meals
10. Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications
11. Consent for Digital Resources
12. What is Schoology?
13. Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
14. ParentVUE Accounts
15. Immunization Reminder
16. Attendance Matters
17. Updated FCPS Phone Policy for Students
18. 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan
19. Olde Creek Opportunity
20. Contacts
21. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
Updates & Reminders
 Thanks to all of our families who came out this afternoon for Popsicles on the Playground!
1. Message from Mrs. Miller
Dear Olde Creek Families and Friends,
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! We are very excited to welcome all of our Bears back to school on Monday, August 21. Last week, we had a great time welcoming our youngest Bears to Olde Creek! We had fun at our kindergarten playdates and our kindergarten safari. Our new families joined us for an orientation and we had the best time meeting our new students and families.
Our annual Welcome Walk was an outstanding success yesterday! It was a fantastic morning filled with excitement, introductions, summer stories, and relationships starting to build throughout our OC family. We loved seeing the smiles on our Bears’ and staff members’ faces! Thank you to everyone who came to visit and prepare for the first day of school during our Open House and Popsicles on the Playground! We hope our families have enjoyed our back to school events and we look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year!
Our teachers and staff have been busy preparing for our Bears to return and they are excited to kick-off this school year! Our staff is focused on building strong relationships, providing meaningful and engaging learning experiences, and providing a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment for each of our students.
Wishing you all a wonderful last few days of summer break. We can’t wait to welcome our Bears back to school on Monday!
Our Best,
Melissa Miller, Principal
Alison Butler, Assistant Principal
Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal
2. Welcome from our PTA President
Welcome to Olde Creek and the 2023-24 school year! My name is Kelly Dillon and I have the privilege of serving as your Olde Creek Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President. If this is your first year at Olde Creek School, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to each of you. If you are a "seasoned" Olde Creek Bear, I know that you are as excited as we are to be starting the school year up again.
As a parent, one of the best ways to become involved at Olde Creek Elementary is through the PTA. Anyone can be a member – parents, grandparents, and community members. Membership is not tied to any volunteer commitments, but rather a way to show your support for the programs and events the PTA provides to your children. PTA Membership dollars help provide academic resources and enhancements in our classrooms, field trips and assembly opportunities, family events, and after school clubs to name a few.
For those of you who want to donate your time and talent there are many opportunities at Olde Creek. From room parents to committee volunteers to helping the day of events, Olde Creek has always been fortunate to enjoy a very active parent community. We look forward to another great year working together to enrich our children’s school experience.
To stay in the know – follow our web page at oldecreekpta.org. Membership, volunteer, and additional information about our PTA can be found on the website. The PTA wants to connect with you so please send your ideas and questions to board@oldecreekpta.com.
We can’t PTA without you. Welcome back and I look forward to a great year together!
Sincerely,
Kelly DillonOCES PTA President
president@oldecreekpta.com
2023-24 PTA Board:
President: Kelly Dillon
First Vice President: Jason Howell
Treasurer: Frank Yoon
Secretary and VP of Student Enrichment: Kelly Hughes
VP of Staff Support: Lisa Goodwin
VP of Membership: Monica Harley
VP of Web Services: Anne Nguyen
3. Bell Schedule Information - Correction
Olde Creek ES bell schedule for the 2023-24 school year is 8:30AM-3:15PM
Office Hours: 8:00AM-4:00PM
Kiss & Ride Drop Off: 8:15-8:30AM
Doors open at 8:15AM for students
4. Start Strong: First Day of School
 The first day of the 2023-24 school year is Monday, August 21! Parents, students, and staff members are invited to share their favorite pictures or videos from the first day of school on social media using the hashtag #FirstDayFairfax. We will share some of the photos on the FCPS Facebook and Instagram pages. View the school year calendar.
School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
- Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
- Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the start of each month coincides with the birth of a new moon. The date of Eid a-Fitr is regionally decided, which can lead to unexpected date changes. Eid al-Fitr is currently slated to begin at sunset on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and last through sundown Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Tuesday is designated a half-O day, and Wednesday is a holiday, with all schools and offices being closed. If the day for Eid changes after the school year begins, the calendar may be adjusted.
5. Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival
Students may begin arriving at 8:15 a.m. If you arrive after 8:30 a.m., please park your car and walk your student(s) to the front office through door #1.
Walkers: Staff will greet walkers at the crosswalk corner and escort them across. Students are directed to the cafeteria or main entrance. This will begin on the first day due to health & safety precautions.
Bus Riders: Students are dismissed from their buses at 8:20 a.m.
Kiss and Ride: A staff member will signal for students to exit cars.
Dismissal
Walkers: Will be dismissed from their classrooms. If you are meeting your student(s), please meet them at the Parent Waiting Area (labeled below).
Kiss and Ride: Each family will receive a number that should be displayed on your dashboard or passenger window. Students will wait in the cafeteria until their number is called.
Bus Riders: Will be dismissed from their classrooms. If you are meeting your student(s), please plan on being at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early. Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop.
6. Bus Transportation
Families in the bus riding area should have received routes. Please make sure your child arrives at the bus stop 5 minutes early and that you allow extra time for the bus to return to the stop in the afternoon. Often the first week of transportation includes adjustments; thank you in advance for your patience!
Bus information is also available on ParentVue. To view your child’s bus route information, simply log into the ParentVUE. Once you have logged in, the bus route information is located within the “Student Info” tab under the heading “Transportation Information”.
- Click on the Student Info Icon
- Scroll to the Transportation Information Section
Please remember that Kindergarten students who ride the bus in the afternoon must be met at the bus door and asked for by name by a parent, parent designee, guardian, or a responsible sibling who is a 7th grader or older. Kindergarten students not met will be returned to school.
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
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7. School Supply Lists
If you pre-ordered your child’s school supplies from EPI in the spring, the supply packs will be in your child’s classroom.
Here are the 23-24 school supply lists: https://oldecreekes.fcps.edu/SchoolSupplyList
8. Medication Forms and Drop Off
The Health Room continues to be open for drop-off of emergency and daily prescription medications. Medications may be dropped off after the start of school M-F 8am – 3pm. All visitors are required to check in at the Main Office. All medications are required to have a completed medication authorization.
All prescription medications must be transported to school by a parent or designated adult. Students are not allowed to bring in prescription medications. Prescription labels must include a description of the medication.
Please contact Renee Basile, Public Health Nurse, at rbasile@fcps.edu or Jocelyn Crawford, School Health Aide, at jcrawford@fcps.edu with any questions.
9. Preparing for and Paying for Meals
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.Free and Reduced-Price Meals
The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Paying With MySchoolBucks
The best way to purchase meals (and keep food lines moving!) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. Our front office staff can help with any questions.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically, as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.
10. Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application for School Year 23-24
Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Interested families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application at this link prior to the start of school on August 21st.
La Solicitud de Comidas Gratuitas y a Precio Rebajado Aplique en Linea
Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, FCPS class fees, and Parktakes classes. Schools also benefit from funding opportunities based on Free and Reduced-Price Meal application numbers.
Learn more about the Free & Reduced Price Meal program online.
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11. Families! We Need Your Consent for Digital Resources
Teachers will use a variety of digital resources to help students learn during the 2023-24 school year. These digital resources have been checked and approved by Fairfax County Public Schools. Please provide your consent for your student to use these resources through the Parent Digital Consent System. Visit: www.fcps.edu/node/42022 to sign your consent. You will be asked to log in with your ParentVUE username and password.
12. What is Schoology?
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
Parent accounts will be available after August 21. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
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13. Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights
Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.
In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.
Get more information and view the 2023-24 Opt-Out Booklets.
14. ParentVUE Accounts
Do you have your ParentVUE account? ParentVUE is a secure solution to access your child's attendance, SOL scores, test results, class performance and demographic data.
Certain opt-out options and paper forms are transitioning to electronic forms which can be accessed in parentvue. Learn more about Parent SIS accounts here!
If you don't have a ParentVue account, create one today by submitting a parent support request here.
Update Contact Information to Receive Messages From FCPS
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from FCPS and our school by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. Make sure you complete the Emergency Care Form for your child every year and update when necessary.
To update your contact information in ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then select the “Online Verification/Update” form in the drop down menu. Click “Begin Packet.”
Parents who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account may still communicate updates via the normal paper process. They may also print and complete a blank Emergency Care Information Form with updates and submit it to the front office.
15. Immunization Reminder
Are Your Child’s Immunizations and Records Up to Date?
Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood vaccinations during recent years because of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up to keep children healthy and ready for school.
While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.
Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of clinics or contact your family’s healthcare provider. Appointments are required for most clinics.
Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. Get more information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation to share with your child’s school.
16. Absences Add Up - Plan Ahead
 DID YOU KNOW?
- Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
- Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10 percent (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day every few weeks.
- Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
- Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with peer conflicts or facing some other potentially serious difficulty, and help is available.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
- Introduce your child to her teachers and classmates before school starts to help her transition.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
17. Updated FCPS Device Policy for Students
Students in grades K-6 must keep phones silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activties where they are the most appropriate tool.
Watches that serve a dual purpose (e.g., smart watch) may be worn; however, phone features (e.g., texting, Internet, calls, etc.) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
Parents should talk to their child(ren) before the start of the school year about these expectations for this upcoming school year. Families may also review the parental controls available for all iPhone and Android users. More information about the SR&R is available online.
18. 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan
The division’s new strategic plan is built on a foundation of four pillars — what FCPS must do well to reach its goals for all students. The pillars include:
- We design innovative learning experiences that meet the needs of each and every learner, and implement professional practices that engage, empower, include, and challenge the whole learner through varied opportunities.
- We share responsibility to build trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning and work, and we collaborate proactively with respect, honesty, and transparency.
- We recruit and retain staff who reflect the diversity of students and families; provide meaningful continuous learning, exceptional compensation, and balanced workload; and create a safe and culturally responsive environment that values staff voice.
- We nurture processes and structures that are grounded in intentional partnerships, shared responsibility for equitable resource allocation, and data-driven continuous improvement and innovation.
Stay tuned to learn more about our five goals of the new strategic plan, or visit our Strategic Plan webpage.
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19. Olde Creek Opportunity
Olde Creek is looking for energetic family members, friends, grandparents, or adult siblings, who may be looking for an opportunity to join our Olde Creek Elementary staff. Olde Creek is a positive work environment, and we are ready to fill the following opportunities with members of our community. Applicants must be 18 or older.
Site-Based Substitutes
Hourly 8:00AM - 3:30PM, Monday-Friday, $24.86 per Hour
Are you or somebody you know interested in working as a substitute with FCPS? FCPS is seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, public health training assistants, and public health attendants! We are looking for a site-based substitute to work at Olde Creek five days a week. You will find information about the application process here. Interested applicants should contact Mrs. Miller, mhmiller@fcps.edu or at 703-426-3100. Please also send your resume directly to Mrs. Miller, principal, mhmiller@fcps.edu. To sign up for an information session, please visit our substitute information page here. Please feel free to share information about this opportunity with anyone else you think may be interested.
20. Contacts
Olde Creek Main Office: 703-426-3100
Olde Creek Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-3192
Olde Creek Attendance mailbox: OldeCreekElem.Attendance@fcps.edu
Technology Support for Families/Parent Help Desk: 1-833-921-3277
Parent Information Phone Lines/Support for parents who do not speak English as their first language: Parent Information Phone Lines
Parent and Student technology support: IT Support Portal
Melissa Miller, Principal, mhmiller@fcps.edu
Alison Butler, Assistant Principal, ajbutler@fcps.edu
Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal, sjkaminsky@fcps.edu
Sylvia Alverson, Administrative Assistant, sjalverson@fcps.edu
Christie Armstrong, Administrative Assistant, cparmstrong1@fcps.edu
Lizardo Santos, Student Information Assistant, LISantos@fcps.edu
Sandy McCulloch, Office Assistant, slmcculloch@fcps.edu
21. Be Informed, Stay Involved!
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