Hello Hunt Valley Community,
We had a wonderful and busy week! Students in grades 3-6 finished the VGAs and our beginning of the year assessments. There is tons of learning and community building happening every day.
This week we celebrated Blue Star Week and welcomed several parents into the building for our first Coffee and Convos with our administration.
This afternoon, we inducted our new SCA officers for the 2023-2034 school year. We are so proud of them and all our grade level SCA representatives and we look forward to working with our young leaders.
This evening, we had our annual Fall Festival where many of our families and community members enjoyed games, food and fun with friends and family. We were so excited to see so many smiling faces. Thank you to our wonderful PTA and volunteers for organizing this event. We look forward to seeing everyone at future PTA sponsored events.
We hope that everyone has a relaxing weekend!
Take care,
Keieownna Hightower, Principal
Chrissy Gibbs, Assistant Principal
September 15, 2023, through October 15, 2023, is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans year-round, and the celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories.
FCPS Social Studies has published resources in a new Hispanic & Latin American Heritage 180 Doc, to support K-12 social studies teachers seeking guidance and meaningful learning experiences for students this month. This document will support teachers and students in learning Hispanic & Latin American perspectives, contributions, and cultures.
Further resources for National Hispanic Heritage Month are available for teachers across content areas as part of the FCPS Multiple Perspectives Hub. Teachers and school leaders will find resources for classroom learning experiences across content areas and grade levels.
SEL Screener
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener.
The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions.
The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. Key updates to the screener this year include:
- Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12.
- Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning.
- Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.
SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE.
For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact your child’s school.
Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey.
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Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
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Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker.
Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
Free COVID-19 Tests
Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, and for information on when students should stay home from school.
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October 9--Student Holiday
October 11--PTA meeting
October 13--Movie Night (PTA sponsered)
October 27--Trunk or Treat (PTA sponsered)
November 11--Pyramid Challenge Run and Irving Middle School
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