 We have an amazing staff and held a raffle to show our appreciation!
Family Liaison Corner
by Susana Trupo
“Strong-willed children often grow into strong-willed adults who become world leaders, world shapers, and world changers.”
Dear Families,
As you know, not 2 children are alike, even within the same family. I am sharing with you some of the characteristics of a strong-willed child vs a compliant child. Identifying where your child stands will help you better understand and guide them.
Parents with compliant children usually do not understand what all the fuss is about, while parents with strong-willed or impulsive children usually end up questioning their ability to parent effectively. For parents of impulsive children, simple parental requests are often met with loud complaints o open refusals to cooperate. Sometimes, it is simply the personality of the child that makes parenting more difficult. In other cases, learning disabilities or other problematic conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) present additional unique challenges to parents. Whatever the reason, traditional parenting techniques are generally less effective with a strong-willed or impulsive child.
Many parents thought (before they had children) that all children were cuddly, responsive, cooperative, and compliant. The thought was that
good parenting would always result in a happy, well-adjusted child. When our child does not display these gentle characteristics, we often blame ourselves, and we feel guilty. The fact is that our child’s nature is probably an inherited trait and is not the result of parents. So, what did we do to have a strong-willed child? You had a baby or adopted a child. Most experts today agree that a child’s personality is most likely determined in the womb. Unfortunately, some parents become paralyzed from action because of self-blame, thinking their child's difficult nature is a result of their parenting. We suggest parents focus on what they can do to help their children, instead of blaming themselves.
Working by yourself or with your spouse, choose the five words/phrases below that best describe your child’s personality.
1.- Calm 6.- Emotional
2.- Easygoing 7.- Strong-willed
3.- Willing to listen 8.- Argumentative
4.- Understanding 9.- Stubborn
5.- Compliant 10.- Challenging
If three or more of your answers are in the column on the right, chances are you have a strong-willed or impulsive child.
Next week, we will talk about how to guide your strong-willed child.
Parenting Project Jr. – Dr. Roger H. Morgan
Student Transfer Renewal Application Opens February 15
A 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.
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.
Proposed Construction, Renovation, and Enhancements Support Students and Sustainability
Fairfax County Public Schools outlined plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations during the School Board meeting on January 11. Read about the presentation.
These projects — presented as part of FCPS’ proposed FY 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) — represent a commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality public school environments for all students. View the proposed CIP.
A public hearing will be held Thursday, January 18, at 6 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at the February 8 meeting.
Opioid Awareness: What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
FAFSA Is Open: College Access Fairfax Can Help
Over the next two months, College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of programs on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA), and finding and applying for scholarships. Visit the College Access Fairfax website for details.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff members are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org for an appointment.
The FAFSA is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and forms. Then, create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA.
The VASA application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
January 19 Orthodox Epiphany
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and commemorates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. It is believed that Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan began Christ's ministry on earth and revealed the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.
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January 25 Early Release at 2:05pm
Thursday is the last day of the quarter and will be an early release day for all students.
January 26 No School for Students
Friday is a Teacher Work Day, so schools are closed for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
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Important Dates
Jan 25 - End of Quarter 2, Early Release at 2:05pm
Jan 26 - No School, Teacher Work Day
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