 
Happy Snow Day & Fond Farewell
Falcon Family,
And with that, the school week has come to a close! A holiday, two snow days, and a two-hour delay sure made this week a short one. At Forestdale, however, even the shortest weeks are still filled with joy and learning! We hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the winter weather this week as a family while staying warm and safe.
Next week is also a planned shorter week. There is an early release on January 25 for the end of the quarter and no school on Friday, January 26.
As a reminder during these cold days, we are still seeing students coming to school in shorts, sweatshirts instead of jackets, and no winter gear (hats, gloves). Please ensure your students are dressed for time outdoors. If your family is in need of assistance with clothing or outerwear for the cold weather, contact our clinical team at ForestdaleClinicalTeam@fcps.edu.
As shared in my previous message, next week will be my last week as principal of Forestdale, and Tuesday, January 23 will be my last day in the building with our family. What a bittersweet few weeks it has been savoring these last special moments with the most amazing students and staff. I have been touched by the messages and responses I have received over the last two weeks, and I am appreciating every last hug and comment from our students all day long. I am looking forward to enjoying our last two days together as a family and cannot begin to tell you all how much this community and the privilege of serving it has meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your partnership, support, and love. Serving as principal of Forestdale has been the most important educator identity I have held, and I will hold each of you in my heart and in my mind as I serve leaders across the county as they "take care of themselves, take care of each other, and take care of this place."
With much love and immense gratitude,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Calendar Reminders
Please note the upcoming calendar reminders:
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Thursday, January 25 is the end of the second quarter and a 2 hr. early release (1:35 p.m.). (Ms. Annie's AM ECCB preschool class dismisses at 11:10 a.m. Ms. Sanela's PM ECCB class does not come to school.)
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Friday, January 26 is a student holiday (no school) and a teacher workday.
Please make sure you have made arrangements for the early release on Thursday, especially for kindergartners and PreK students who must be met at the bus stop in the afternoon.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Forestdale 2 Hour Delay Schedule
The best way to know about any school closings or delays is to stay close to your phone or computer. FCPS sends out updates through eNotify emails and texts. You can also find alerts posted on the front page of www.fcps.edu.
In the event of a two-hour delay, arrival is pushed back by two hours at all FCPS schools. Each day at Forestdale, doors open at 8:40 a.m. and school must be in their seats by 10:50 a.m. Therefore, on a two-hour delay, doors open at 10:40 a.m. and students must be in their seats at 10:50 a.m.
Busses will come 2 hours later than the normal stop time.
Do NOT send students to school before 10:40, as staff are not at school yet to supervise them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The instructional schedule is compressed; lunch and specials schedules are as follows.
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Grade
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Specials Time
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Lunch Time
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Kindergarten
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3:00-3:30 p.m.
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11:15-11:45 a.m.
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Grade 1
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3:00-3:30 p.m.
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10:50-11:20 a.m.
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Grade 2
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1:55 -2:25 p.m.
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11:20-11:50 a.m.
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Grade 3
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10:55- 11:25 a.m.
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12:05- 12:35 p.m.
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Grade 4
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10:55- 11:25 a.m.
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12:50-1:20 p.m.
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Grade 5
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11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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12:00-12:30 p.m.
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Grade 6
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11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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12:30-1:00 p.m.
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Enhanced Autism classes and preschool classes will communicate changes in lunch or specials times as necessary.
Morning ECCB class (Ms. Annie's class) does not report on a two-hour delay. If a two-hour delay occurs on a Monday or Wednesday, PAC classes stay for the whole day; they do not have an early release per usual.
Dismissal is at regular time of 3:35 p.m.
Calendar Update for March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested schools to close on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
As a result, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, and responsive instruction. Central offices and school offices will remain open.
 Bus Delay Resources
When an FCPS school bus is delayed for between 10 and 30 minutes, a notification is posted online. For delays longer than 30 minutes, an e-Notify message is sent out by the Office of Transportation to families. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to use the Here Comes the Bus app to track their student's bus.
From A to Z, Attendance is Key!
Let's empower our young learners with the gift of consistent school attendance. Together, we can unlock their full potential! See how you can encourage good attendance in elementary school. #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow #AttendanceMattersVA
 Elementary Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12, 2024. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:
- Bailey’s Upper, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual only)
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
- Bailey’s Primary, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
 Become a Teacher! Job Fair Saturday, February 3
FCPS wants you to be a part of our team! We are seeking educators with strong student engagement skills and a passion for having a positive influence on our schools.
Attend our job fair on Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lewis High School. There will be networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various Fairfax County public schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair.
Learn more about the event and register to attend.
Important Dates
January 25
End of the Second Quarter; 2 hr. Early Release (1:35 p.m.).
(Ms. Annie's AM ECCB preschool class dismisses at 11:10 a.m. Ms. Sanela's PM ECCB class does not come to school.)
January 26
Student holiday (no school) and Teacher Workday.
February 8
Report Cards go Home in Thursday Folders
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
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