To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Outstanding Employee Winners
 Key Center is pleased to announce the following winners:
Lauren Swale - Outstanding Teacher
Mallory Strawther- Outstanding New Teacher
Beth Curtis- Outstanding Professional Employee
Anastasia Kosmakos - Outstanding Operational Employee
Food Drive- An Opportunity to Help Our Community
 Key Center is participating in a Food Drive to collect non-perishable goods for the West Springfield High School Food Pantry.
Requested items include:
- Deodorant
- Pasta Sauce
- Cereal
- Shampoo
- Peanut Butter
- Conditioner
- Jelly
- Boxed, Non-Refrigerated Milk
- Rice
- Pasta
Please send donated items to Key Center by December 12th. Thank you for your support!
Staff Snack Bar- December 13th-- We need your help!!!
 We will be setting up a treats/snack bar for our staff to celebrate all of their hard work. Please send in some sweet or savory items for our staff!
Items can be sent in with students or dropped off at the front office during school hours on 12/11 and 12/12 and no later than 10am on 12/13.
National Special Education Day
 National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2nd. This is a commemoration of President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Social Security Benefits for People With Disabilities – Everything You Wanted To Know
 Friday, December 1, 2023 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am via Zoom
A FREE Workshop from Social Security
Information about Disability Benefits and the application process
What are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and how do you qualify?
What other Social Security programs are available and who qualifies?
Families with individuals with disabilities often depend on supplemental resources in order to survive and receive the support they need. Government programs are an important part of planning for the financial security and success of adults with disabilities. The challenge comes in knowing which benefits to apply for, when to apply and how to apply. Join our online event to get information for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance, Retirement, Survivorship and Disabled Adult Child (SSDI).
Register for the Webinar
ABLE Accounts and the ABLEnow Program
 Tuesday, December 5, 2023
More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join this information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour, we’ll cover the answers to these questions, and more:
• What are ABLE accounts? • Who is eligible? • How can I use the money in an ABLE account? • What are the features and benefits of ABLEnow? • How can I learn more and open an account?
For more information on ABLEnow, please visit ablenow.com.
Register for the Webinar
ABA Family Training for December 2023
 This workshop is intended for parents of students with the low incidence disabilities of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
Topics covered will include:
● Toilet tr aining readiness and prerequisite skills ● Methods of toilet training ● Troubleshooting night-time and diaper dependence issues
December 13, 2023
Choose one virtual session: 10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join using this meeting link.
Key Center PTA
 Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join!
Key Center PTA Membership Key Center PTA Donations Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Any questions regarding involvement, please contact PTA President, Cecilia Allen, at KeyCtrPTA@gmail.com or (301) 646-7447.
Upcoming Dates
 December 18-29 Winter Break
January 1 New Year’s Day - Student/Staff Holiday
January 15 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday - Student/Staff Holiday
January 25 End of 2nd Quarter - 2 hour Early Release - 11:50am
January 26 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
2023-24 FCPS School Calendar
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