Wednesday, Terragram January 17, 2024

Principal Message

Dear Terraset Families:

We have had another outstanding week of learning and our Kindergarten classes even have had the opportunity to take a field trip to the Nature Center! Thank you to all who have supported this important experiential learning for our Kinder Tigers.

We have seen our first snowfall of 2024 (yay!) and even colder temperatures and the possibility of more winter weather are coming this week. Please be sure your student(s) are dressed for the weather, as we will have outdoor recess unless temperatures are below freezing. If you are in need of a winter coat for your child, please reach out to our wonderful family liaison, Diana Golac, at DAGolac@fcps.edu or as always, you can reach out to your child’s teacher. 

Additionally, please be sure to keep a close eye on the news and www.fcps.edu when snow is in the forecast for any school closures or delays.

Take care and stay warm,

Katie Aldridge

Principal 


🗓️ Important Calendar Reminders: Quarter End, Early Release and Student Holiday Next Week

Thursday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher work day. See the complete school year calendar.


🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Program Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for updated information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16

One virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.


Student Transfer Renewal Application Opens February 15

student transfer is valid for one year only. A parent or guardian must submit a renewal application each year for student transfer consideration. A renewal application may be submitted for students who continue to meet the same student transfer criteria as indicated on the original student transfer request. For students no longer meeting the same student transfer criteria, a new transfer request must be submitted.

All students will be considered eligible for student transfer renewal unless the principal indicates a student is not eligible for renewal in the Online Student Transfer Application Admin View or the transfer type does not allow for renewal e.g. graduating, moving from one level to another, or family relocation. 

Letters from the principal will be automatically generated from the online student transfer application in February for students eligible and not eligible for renewal and sent to the enrolling parents primary email address. 

For detailed information regarding the renewal process, please visit the Online Student Transfer Application: Renewal Process webpage.


🌏 SLHS International Night 

On Thursday, Feb. 29th, we will be hosting International Night at South Lakes High School from 6-8:30 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


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.

⛄ 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.


📰 PTO News

Subscribe to PTO news for more info about everything coming up, including:

  • Jan. 20: Winter Tiger Clubs Registration Closes
  • Jan. 27: Skate Night - Tickets are $10 per skater and available now on the PTO website: https://terrasetpto.square.site/skate-night 
  • Jan. 29: Winter Clubs Begin
  • Jan. 30: Tigers on the Town at Pupatella - Order all day and mention Terraset and the PTO will receive 20% of the proceeds from the orders that day!  
  • Feb. 7: PTO Meeting - join us from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria     

🍲 Healthy Food at No Cost

Nutrititious Groceries - Every Third Thursday of the Month

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston

January 18th, 12 noon – 1 pm

Read about how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view the county's Human Services Resource Guide to find organizations that offer help.


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. We created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips. Visit our website for more information.


Crisis Resources

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please call 911 or access one of the mental health resources below:

  • 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

Community Information

Workshop for students who have silblings with special needs.

SNAP and Employment and Training

TANF

Life with Cancer

Cornerstones Resources - Winter 2024


🗓️ TES Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, January 25 - End of the 2nd Quarter, Early Release Day 2:05 p.m.
  • Friday, January 26 - Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday (No School)
  • Saturday, January 27 - PTO Skate Night @ SkateQuest 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, January 30 - Tigers on the Town (Pupatella, Reston)
  • Wednesday, February 7 - PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Cafeteria)
  • Monday, February 19 - Presidents' Day (No School)
  • Thursday, February 29 - International Night 6:00-8:30 p.m. @ SLHS
  • Tuesday, March 5 - School Planning Day/Student Holiday (No School)
  • Thursday, March 21 - PTO Basketball Challenge @ SLHS Gym. Doors open 5:30 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m.
  • Monday-Friday, March 25-29 - Spring Break (No School)

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!