 Each morning, our WFES News Crew helps us start our day as a family through our school news program. Students serve as anchors as well as behind the scenes to produce the program.
Access to Rigor for All
Forestdale Families,
A core value at Forestdale is meeting students where they are and believing in where they can go. That is, we regularly use data to drive instructional practices that are differentiated for all students while maintaining high academic expectations and ensuring all students have access to rigorous and engaging instructional practices.
Did you know that ALL Falcons K-6 receive services through the FCPS Advanced Academics Program (AAP)? FCPS offers a continuum of services approach that recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.
We are in our second year as a Local Level IV school, which means we are able to provide all four levels of service at Forestdale as well as services and supports for our Young Scholars and Twice Exceptional (2e) students.
This Wednesday, September 20, Ms. Katelyn Spengler, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, is hosting a family information night about AAP at Forestdale. This session will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria is open to all families. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services offered for all students in Grades K-12 in FCPS, the screening process, and how we provide services for all students at Forestdale.
Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur.
We hope that each of you enjoy the weekend and have an opportunity to spend time with those you love. We look forward to seeing you on Monday!
Mrs. Jennifer Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
 Tips to Stay Healthy
Flu season is quickly approaching and communicable diseases continue to be present in our schools. Families and staff are encouraged to follow the health practices below to prevent the spread of illnesses and help keep our schools safe:
- Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine (with rare exceptions). Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ and pediatricians’ offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. As of Tuesday, September 12, updated COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use among those aged 6 months or older for the 2023-24 season. Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in your community by visiting Vaccinate Virginia, or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA or 877-829-4682. Note: Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be provided in the same appointment.
- Check with your student’s healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on their required school entrance immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form.
- Check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. If a child is sick, please keep them home and get them tested for COVID-19 to stop further spread from occurring. Additional guidance on when to keep your child home due to symptoms and illness is available on the FCPS Attendance webpage. FCPS employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.
- Don’t forget to wash hands regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and limit the time children spend in large group settings with contagious individuals whenever possible.
The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 school health practices is available on the Health and Safety Guidance webpage.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy.
 We All Belong
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
Attend today, achieve tomorrow... We all belong! The video is also available in the following languages: Spanish and Korean.
Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance.
Advanced Academics Program (AAP)
Advanced Academics Level IV Referrals
Any parent with students in grades 3-6 and who registered at Forestdale after January 1st, 2023 can refer students for full-time services for fall screening. The window for referring for fall screening closes October 15, 2023.
Any parent with students in grades 2-6 who want to refer their child for full-time services for the 2024-2025 school year can refer students now until December 15, 2023. Please see the website for Level IV referrals. AAP Website with forms
You can email Katelyn Spengler at kcspengler@fcps.edu with any questions.
Advanced Academics Nights
The AAP Office and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Katelyn Spengler, will be hosting parent nights about the Advanced Academics Program and Level IV Screening. There will be a Spanish interpreter present. You can email Katelyn Spengler at kcspengler@fcps.edu
Advanced Academic Overview Night: Wednesday, September 20th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Forestdale
Level IV Screening Process for Families: Thursday, October 12th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Forestdale
FCPS AAP Fall Newsletter
The FCPS Fall Newsletters were shared in last week's Falcon Press, which can be found on our website.
Information Session for Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants
Learn more about becoming a substitute teacher or instructional assistant in FCPS at a virtual information session on Wednesday, September 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for this session.
If you are interested in being a full-time substitute at Forestdale, contact Jenny Cunneen, principal, at jmcunneen@fcps.edu.
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) Introduction
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Like school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors, we do not provide treatment services, but we support students while they are in the buildings. Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, staff, and the Fairfax County Community
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or suspected substance use involvement
- Assessing a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, making referrals to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate
- Group and individual interventions for students and in addition prevention services for students, staff, parents, and the Fairfax County community
- Most importantly, building positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses (English & Spanish)
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support, contact Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Kori Joseph, MA, CSAC, at KJoseph@fcps.edu.
 School Bonds Benefit Students
A bond referendum to benefit Fairfax County Public Schools will be on the ballot this election season. The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds.
Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment. The county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
Hear from teachers how FCPS prioritizes safety with bond funding.
Read more about the FCPS 2023 Bond Referendum. Learn about registering to vote. Vote on Tuesday, November 7.
2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth & Excellence
FCPS’ 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in our schools. These five goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. Our equity commitment and a set of measures in each goal will measure our success.
Under Goal 3, every student will learn to use critical and creative thinking. They will meet or exceed academic goals. Students will reach their full potential.
Visit the Strategic Plan webpage for more information. Watch this video to learn more about the many voices that came together to create the plan.
Important Dates
September 19
VGA Testing: Grades 3 & 4 Reading
September 20
VGA Testing: Grades 5 & 6 Reading
AAP Parent Night, 6:00-7:00 p.m., cafeteria
September 21
VGA Testing: Grades 3 & 4 Math
September 22
VGA Testing: Grades 5 & 6 Math
September 25
Yom Kippur Holiday, No School
September 29
Signed SR&R Form due for all students, K-12
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
|
