To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Key Center T-Shirt Design Contest
 Show off your creativity- enter the Key Center Spiritwear Design contest!
To participate, simply create a design that showcases Key Center spirit. From the submitted designs, a winner will be chosen and the design will be printed on spirit gear. Look for information about ordering spirit wear during the month of February.
The deadline for submission of your design is February 1st, 2024. Please submit your design to Beth Curtis at becurtis@fcps.edu.
Extended School Year (ESY) Dates Announced
 The dates for the 2024 sessions of Extended School Year services have been confirmed. Students will attend July 1 – July 26 (July 4-5 are holidays). Student hours are 8:00–11:00.
Transition Parent Support Group Meeting- The Arc of Northern Virginia
 Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024 Time: 10:00 - 12:00 noon Location: IN-PERSON The Arc of Northern Virginia 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22031
The purpose of this support group is to share resources and experiences primarily among families who have young adults who have aged out of a school system or who are in their last year of school and will age out of a school system next June.
At this meeting, the speaker will be Cathy Gagnon. Cathy is married and has 3 daughters. Her middle daughter, Megan, is 45 years old and was diagnosed with autism at about age 5. Cathy found that placement in programs was always difficult because 40+ years ago levels of autism were not yet recognized. As a result, Cathy learned early on that she would have to be Megan’s advocate. Cathy will share with the group the organizational binder she’s created that provides all the primary info on her daughter should someone else need to step in. Cathy will also share her experiences over the years since her daughter left school – the challenges and successes!
There is no cost to attend the group meeting, but pre-registration is required. Attendance for this meeting will be limited to 25 attendees.
Register for the Meeting
Developmental Disabilities Rally 2024- The Arc of Northern Virginia
 Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Capitol Bell Tower 1000 Bank Street, Richmond, VA
Hundreds of Virginians with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers and allies will gather to join voices in advocating for our shared legislative priorities and the vital importance of ensuring "A Life Like Yours" for every citizen in our Commonwealth.
Historic turnover in Virginia’s General Assembly means WE MUST SHOW UP! With this significant turnover, there's now a wave of new legislators who need to understand the pressing needs of the DD community -- your involvement is crucial. Without the full network actively participating, securing funding and passing legislation becomes more challenging because these newcomers won't recognize the strength and impact of our collective advocacy. This Rally is about a show of force. But we still encourage you to meet with your members of the General Assembly before or after the rally if possible. We will have Legislative Agenda materials for you to share with your legislators.
Register now both for this rally and our bus trip to Richmond on February 6, 2024.
ABA Family Training, January 2024
 When: January 17, 2024 10:00 am-11:30 am
Topic: Communication: A Foundation for Independence
Information covered will include:
▪ Communication wants and needs
▪ Using social interactions and environments to facilitate communication
▪ Breaking down how to teach communication
Join the training using this link.
Morning at the Museum- Smithsonian
 Morning at the Museum (MATM) is a free, sensory-friendly program for children, teenagers, and young adults who are neurodivergent and their families in which they can visit a Smithsonian museum prior to opening on designated Saturday or Sunday mornings. Monthly programs rotate between Smithsonian museums. Registration is required. Pre-registered families visit one Smithsonian museum before it opens to the public, where they can participate in activities or explore the exhibitions independently at their own pace. Prior to each program, pre-registered families receive “pre-visit” materials to help them prepare for their visit including social narratives, sensory maps, visual schedules, and tip sheets. Similar pre-visit materials are available to help families plan for visits that take place outside of MATM program hours. These materials can be found in the “Resources” section of the Access Smithsonian website here.
To learn more about Morning at the Museum or to sign up for the mailing list, please email us at access@si.edu.
The next event is on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (8:00 a.m.). Registration is required- you can register here.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, March 9, 2024 National Museum of American History
Saturday, April 27, 2024 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
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.
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
 January 15 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday - Student/Staff Holiday
January 22-25 Spirit week- GAME ON
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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