Principal Message
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Families:
Happy New Year! I am absolutely thrilled to come back home to the Terraset Elementary School community as your new principal. I began my school career here as a kindergartner in 1983, and it is truly an honor to be here 40 years later in my role. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger! I look forward to continuing to implement our values, vision and mission alongside each of you; and continuing to ensure a safe, caring, and dynamic environment where every Tiger feels welcomed, valued, and supported while our children engage in meaningful, responsive, and rigorous instruction and achieve excellence.
I am in my 19th year in education and have served in the roles of Program Manager of Extended School Year/Assessment in the Office of Special Education Instruction, Special Projects Administrator in The Office of Talent Acquisition, Administrator of the one-year-only FCPS Virtual Program- Elementary during the 21-22 school year and as Assistant Principal over the previous 6 years at Hutchison Elementary and Dogwood Elementary, respectively. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Mary Washington College, my Master’s Degree in Special Education from George Mason University, and Educational Leadership Certification from the University of Virginia Accelerated Certification Cohort.
I recognize that I have a lot to learn since I’ve been away from Terraset for a little while and I need your support. As we begin our journey in the days ahead please know that I desire and value your feedback and input as we continue to be a school of excellence. Together we will make sure school is a place where every one of our Tigers Thrive!
To do this, we will remain committed to being a caring and united school community, dedicated to rigorous and responsive instruction, with every child being well-prepared for middle school and beyond. Our school staff will ensure that all we do for our children is centered on our mission and vision which are important to all of us as a school community:
Our Mission
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to achieve academic excellence for all students.
- Foster a school community that respects diversity and provides a safe learning environment.
- Unite staff, students and parents through collaboration and cooperation.
- Assess, differentiate, and monitor to ensure student achievement.
- Teach students to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible citizens.
Our Vision
- At Terraset Elementary School we collaborate; we build a warm caring community; we have high academic expectations; and we develop compassionate, accepting students.
Yours in Partnership,
Katie Aldridge
Principal
Family Math Week
MIND Research is hosting family math week January 8 - January 12. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.
Family Math Week Flier.
🌏SLHS International Night
On Thursday, Feb. 29th, we will be hosting International Night at South Lakes High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Our International Night will include performances, interactive booths, food, a fashion show, and more! We want to celebrate all of the wonderful and unique culture we have in the greater Reston community. We would like to invite your school’s community to participate in our International Night this year. Below is a Google Form that parents/teachers/club sponsors can fill out to indicate if they would like to participate in International Night this year (the Google Form is also linked on a QR code on the attached flyer). Community members are welcome to participate in International Night individually or as a member of a larger school/community organization. You can sign-up to host a culture/food booth, perform, or even participate in our fashion show!
International Night Interest Form
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you for your help!
Dr. Catherine McDermott
Social Studies/Leadership Teacher
South Lakes High School
⛄ No Virtual Learning on Snow Days This Winter
FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days for the 2023-24 school year. There will be no virtual learning 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 online and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into FCPS’ existing calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will enable us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
Please see the Terraset ES website here: https://terrasetes.fcps.edu/about/bell-schedule for additional information, including delayed opening or early closing procedures and times.
Parents/Guardians of Rising 7th Graders
Community Information
Workshop for students who have silblings with special needs.
SNAP and Employment and Training
TANF
Life with Cancer
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please call 911 or access one of the mental health resources below:
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Reach out to a trusted adult (parent, counselor, teacher, coach, etc.)
- Try these tips for supporting a friend or family member
- Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the Crisis Link Hotline at or call them at 703-527-4077
- Chat online with a specialist at CrisisChat.org or ImAlive.org
- Call an emergency mental health center at 703 573-5679 (Merrifield Center), 703-536-2000 (Dominion Hospital), or 703-289-7560 (INOVA emergency services)
- CR2 – 844-627-4747
- Go to the nearest emergency room at your local hospital
- Call 911
📰 PTO News
Subscribe to PTO news for more info about everything coming up:
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Jan 5: Winter Tiger Clubs Scholarship Deadline - Contact Diana Golac at dagolac@fcps.edu if you are in need of a Winter Tiger Club Scholarship.
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Jan. 9: Basketball Challenge Virtual Planning Meeting - Volunteers are needed to help organize this year’s Basketball Challenge at South Lakes HS on March 21, 2024. An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9th at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You do not need to attend the meeting to sign up to help - just email basketball@terrasetpto.org for additional information!
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Jan. 10: Winter Clubs Registration Begins at Noon - Visit after school enrichment programs made easy (homeroom.com) now to check out the schedule and be ready to register on the 10th. Clubs registration is first come, first served and clubs will fill up!
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Jan. 27: Skate Night - Tickets are $10 per skater and available now on the PTO website: Skate Night | Terraset PTO (square.site).
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Feb. 7: PTO Meeting - join us from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Refreshments and childcare provided.
🗓️ TES Looking Ahead:
P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff)
Have you seen a staff member go above and beyond for your family or student? Take a moment to fill out this quick form to let us know and say thank you!
Click here to tell us about a PAWSitively amazing staff member!
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