Woodlawn News 1.6.24

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 01/06/2024 02:00 PM EST

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Dear Woodlawn families,

As you are aware, there is a shortage of qualified educators which is impacting school districts around the country. This USA Today article notes that 86% of public schools are having difficulty hiring educators. A state report on Virginia’s K-12 teacher pipeline found that teacher shortages increased from 3.9% to 4.8% in the current school year. Here at Woodlawn ES, we are very lucky that we have certified teachers in each of our classrooms.

Below are some steps FCPS is taking to fill vacant teaching positions:

Addressing the Teacher Pipeline: FCPS has developed outreach programs and partnerships with local universities to encourage more individuals to consider a career in education. This is critical, given the decline in individuals pursuing careers in education.
Welcoming Teacher Trainees: Our teacher trainees undergo rigorous training and supervision by experienced teachers. This enables them to provide a supportive and enriching learning environment for students.
Hiring Substitute Teachers: Many of our long-term substitutes have teaching experience and have successfully served in various roles within our schools. They are well prepared to deliver quality instruction that aligns with our curriculum. We understand the need for consistency with staffing and are working to minimize any disruptions to your child’s learning.
Recruiting and Retaining Educators: FCPS is exploring ways to deliver more competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment to attract and retain experienced teachers.

The state report also highlights the importance of open communication and collaboration between schools and families in order to successfully navigate the teacher shortage. We are all in this together, and we all want the very best for our students. If you know of anyone who might be interested in becoming a teacher, please email Ms. Elliott at lcelliott@fcps.edu, and she can help them connect with the FCPS Human Resources office.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Laura Elliott, Principal

Three Kings Day

Happy Three Kings Day to those in our community who celebrate! This year's Three Kings Day artwork was created by Oakton High School student Roan V. Also known as the Epiphany, Three Kings Day commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the newborn Jesus. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j

Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs

Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations.

The evening’s program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and students in grades 6-12. All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.

FCPS’ website also has resources to help you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.

Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Residential households are eligible to receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.

Food Insecurity Resources for Families

Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.

Math Week: Help FCPS Reach 1 Million Minutes of Math

FCPS Family Math Week starts on Monday, January 8! Participate in games and stories online. FCPS is working toward a total of 1 million minutes logged by families. The event is free, with activities from ST Math geared toward students in grades K-6 and their families.

Math Week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a fun and positive way. All content will be available for families in English and Spanish beginning Monday, January 8. Visit the Math Week website.

Snow Days This Winter

For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.

During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):

Elementary school instruction: Red Apple 21.
Middle school instruction: Channel 25.
High school instruction: Channel 99.

Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.

FCPS Needs School Bus Drivers

School Bus Drivers earn $24.55/hour plus excellent benefits.

$2,000 signing bonus!

For more information call 571-423-3023

Mark Your Calendar!

Monday, January 15 - MLK Day/Student and Staff Holiday

Monday, January 15 - Saturday, January 21 - Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week

Thursday, January 25- Quarter End, Early Release for students (dismissal will be at 2:05pm)

Friday, January 26- Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

Monday, February 19- Presidents' Day - Student and Staff Holiday

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