|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Great Falls Elementary Community,
As the leaves begin to don their vibrant hues of red and gold, and the crisp autumn air fills us with a sense of renewed energy, I am happy to see that our students continue to grow and learn each day. Fall has descended upon us and we continue to remain excited about the possibilities each day brings for our students. October is a month of transition and transformation, mirroring the changes we see in our own lives and within our school community. As the assistant principal, it is my privilege to share in your child’s growth and learning. Thank you for your unwavering support and involvement in our school. I look forward to the adventures and accomplishments that this October will bring to our remarkable community.
All my best,
Christopher Litz Ed.S, PhD
Assistant Principal
Upcoming Dates
October 9th - Student Holiday
October 10th - PTA After-school programs begin
October 10th - Spirit Night - Dinner - Smoking Kow Food Truck
October 18th - Unity Day - Wear Orange
October 21st - PTA's Fall Festival (rain date Oct 22)
October 25th - First General PTA Meeting (new date, previously stated Oct 11)
October 27th - Reflections Program Contest deadline
October 31st - SCA Storybook Character Day
November 3- End of First Quarter (2 Hour early release)
November 6 & 7 - Teacher Workdays (No School for students)
Click here to view last week’s PTA Updates and learn more about the PTA events listed!Click here to view the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
 |
|
Meet our New Office Assistant
My name is Merna Shenouda. I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. I moved to the U.S with my family when I was 12 years old. I speak fluent Arabic and English. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in human development and Family Science at George Mason University. I am also certified in child psychology, early childhood development, and teaching English as a foreign language. Before coming to Great Falls Elementary School, I was the SACC site supervisor at Wolftrap and Vienna Elementary School for over six years. I am very passionate about helping children and families, and I am excited to be part of the GFES family.
|
Unity Day--October 18
October is bullying prevention month, and at Great Falls we are committed to creating an inclusive, caring and safe school community. This year, we will be recognizing Unity Day on October 18th. Why Unity? For years, bullying was justified with expressions such as, “Bullying is a natural part of childhood,” “Bullying makes kids tougher,” or “Bullying is a rite of passage.” The goal of Unity Day is to bring together youth, parents, educators, businesses, and community members across the nation to emphasize the message that bullying is not acceptable and that all students deserve to be safe in school, online, and in the community. Please join us in wearing and sharing orange on October 18th.
Family Resources:
Teasing and Bullying are Different
If your child reports being bullied
National Bullying Prevention MonthWhat to do if you are cyberbullied What to do when you see bullying happen
 |
|
Langley High School’s Saxon Stage presents Alice in Wonderland
The show runs from Thursday, October 12, to Sunday, October 15. Show times are Thursday, 10/12, at 7 p.m., Friday, 10/13, at 7 p.m., Saturday, 10/14, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10/15 at 2:30 p.m.
This will be a wonderful show for both grown-ups and kids, young and old! Don’t miss our GFES alumni in action (both in the cast and crew)!
Plus, before the Friday and Saturday night performances, they are hosting a "Tea Party" fundraiser starting at 5:30 where kids of all ages will get to hang out with Alice and other cast members, have treats and play games.
Tickets to all show performances and the Tea Party are available at www.saxonstage.complaceholder text.
|
🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When scheduling trips or family events, try to use weekends and school holidays, and refer to the FCPS Calendar when planning. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to their school. Most schools have links to their attendance email or notification systems on their homepages. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call your school’s front office.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Solar Eclipse Oct 14
The annual eclipse this year is October 14! Check out the FCPS Eclipse webpage for articles, videos, and activities you can enjoy as a family!
|
|
 |
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Kick Off
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!
💭Supporting Your Child’s 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.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students into this service.
🏗️ Projects Funded by Recent School Bonds
Thanks to the support of Fairfax County citizens who approved the 2019 and 2021 bond referendums, projects have been funded at Armstrong, Bonnie Brae, Braddock, Bren Mar Park, Brookfield, Crossfield, Dranesville, Fox Mill, Herndon, Hybla Valley, Lees Corner, Louise Archer, Mosaic, Oak Hill, Wakefield Forest, Washington Mill, and Willow Springs, elementary schools; Cooper and Frost middle schools; and Centreville, Falls Church, Justice, Madison, and West Potomac high schools.
Not only do our facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, from both a technological and instructional standpoint. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students across the division have high quality, effective learning environments.
Watch some of the ribbon-cutting celebrations. Follow the status of FCPS capital projects for updates on renovation projects.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn about registering to vote.
Students Reading by the Third Grade
During the Academic Matters and strategic plan update segments of Thursday’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented on the division wide target to have students reading by third grade.
FCPS has continued to improve its approach to reading over the last several years through our Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) plan. Reading by third grade is also one of the measures of Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence in our 2023-30 strategic plan.
By focusing on foundational skills for our young readers and literacy intervention for upper grades, FCPS has made significant progress towards narrowing the achievement gaps in this critical skill. Visit the Strategic Plan webpage for more information.
Our Schools, Our Future: 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!
|
