SEL Screener Notification &

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING - Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

SEL Screener Participation Social and Emotional Learning Screening: FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. 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. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring.


The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.


Individual students’ Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. In partnership with families, staff review this data alongside other information to plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. School staff are available to discuss results with families.


You can opt out your child from participating in the SEL Screener by completing the form below. The opt out applies to the current school year and must be completed annually. For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its contents visit https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener.

SEL Screener Opt-Out Form

Complete and return this form only if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the SEL Screener. Please note that this opt-out relates only to participation in the screener.


I request that my child ________________________________________ NOT participate in the SEL Screener this academic year. I understand that I have the ability to change this opt-out status at any time, via SIS ParentVUE or by submitting a request to the school this academic year.


Signature of parent or guardian: _____________________________________ Date: ______________
Student’s name: ____________________________________ (please print)
Student ID number: ____________________________________
Student’s school: _____________________________________ (please print)

 

For a translation of this document, please visit the webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/registration/opt-out-forms or contact your student’s school.

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:

Ken Johnson Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Kwjohnson@fcps.edu