 Celebrating The Gift of One Another
Falcon Family,
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, the upcoming winter break offers us the opportunity to slow down with our loved ones and enjoy the best gift of all, time with one another. It's been a wonderful start to the year together as a school community; we are lucky to have each other as our time together is a gift!
During this winter break, we encourage you to engage your Falcon in different kinds of learning opportunities to broaden their experiences and create special memories. What might it look like? Perhaps it’s sharing a family recipe with your child and inviting them to bake a special treat with you to share with others. Try spending some quality time curled up and cozy, reading a good book together--or each reading your own. Talk about what you’re reading and what’s sparking your interest. Lively conversations about books are great at any time. Dust off the board games and play as a family. Games are a great way to explore cooperation and strategy! You can also explore volunteer activities and teach your loved ones how to take care of others, and in the process, how good it feels to do so.
Whatever winter break brings for you, we hope it is full of big and small moments together in which you can cherish the gift of family and friends. The Forestdale Elementary Family wishes you a very special holiday season and a wonderful winter break. We look forward to an amazing new year when our Falcons return.
See you in 2024!
Warmly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Student Holidays in December
Mark your calendars! The Forestdale school office will be closed from December 18 – January 1. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Thank You for Taking Care of Us!
On behalf of the Forestdale staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our PTA board, members, and families who contributed treats and appreciation to our staff this week. You made our hearts and bellies happy! We are so lucky to have such a caring community. We appreciate you!
Winter Resources
Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit our winter resources webpage for links to academic support; mental health support; and food, clothing, housing, and other county resources.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
Promoting Mental Wellness During Winter Break
Although mental health indicators have improved over the past year, Fairfax County Youth Survey (FCYS) data suggest that more than 25% of students in 8th to 12th grade feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more in a row. The holidays can be a time to reduce stress, but they can also contribute to it. Here are some tips for making winter break a positive time for the young people in your life.
Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
 New Stop Sign at Driveway Exit onto Elder Ave.
Please note that a new stop sign has been installed at the driveway exit onto Elder Ave at the crosswalk. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring student, staff, and community safety!
SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE Down Time
ParentVUE and StudentVUE will experience downtime from Friday, December 15, at 5 p.m. through Wednesday, December 20, at 6 a.m.
Grade Book progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break. Emails will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
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.
 Give Your Student the Gift of Education
We recognize that holidays are an important time to reconnect with family and expose children to their heritage and culture, whether they grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. If your family’s holiday plans include extended travel, please remember the impact to your children’s education if they miss too much school. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Save the Date: Virtual Math Week
Get ready for Virtual Math Week from Monday, January 8, through Friday, January 12. Save the date for a week filled with stories, games, and math activities, in English and Spanish, for families with students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
This is a free experience designed to make math fun for the whole family. Learn more about FCPS Math Week.
PTA Corner
Thank You!
Thank you to all the families who contributed to the treats and hot chocolate bar for staff this week. It was a wonderful treat from the PTA that was so appreciated!
Order Your Spirit Wear
New Forestdale Falcon Sprit Wear is available to order now! Click here to order online.
Next PTA Meeting: January 10
Our next PTA meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on January 10, 2024. We will meet in person in the cafeteria. Those unable to join in person can join using this Zoom link.
Important Dates
December 18- January 1
Winter Break
January 10
PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., cafeteria or Zoom
January 15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, School Closed
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
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