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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
이 소식지를 다른 언어로 읽으려면, 우리 웹사이트를 방문하시기 바랍니다.
.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Great Falls ES Families,
We are excited to return to school today and looking forward to a few full days of learning to end quarter 2.
January’s school schedule is choppy with the holidays, snow days, weather delays, and the end of the quarter. With everything going on, keeping up with the schedule can be challenging. I hope you and your family enjoyed the time together and the beautiful snow we received; likewise, I hope you’re excited about the warmer weather we should get this week. As a reminder, there is a two-hour early release this Thursday, January 25 at 1:35 p.m. and this Friday, January 26. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these changes and adjustments in our schedule.
We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to our Rise Against Hunger service learning initiative so far. Many of our students report taking the time they spent at home last week to do chores around the house, shovel driveways, and walk pets to earn money to donate toward feeding underprivileged families. Students have until Monday, Jan. 30 to contribute. Here are links for additional ways to support:
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Rise Against Hunger is a Tax-deductible organization, and any funding families/businesses donate online towards our goal is tax-deductible. You may make your tax-deductible donation today at Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2024.
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If your company makes matching contributions, please consider having them join you in making a tax-deductible donation today at Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2024 and help us Rise Against Hunger.
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We are excited to announce that all our volunteer spots are full; however, we have a waitlist. To add your name, please click here.
As always, thank you for your continued support of Great Falls ES, and I wish you a wonderful and warmer week ahead!
Sara
Calendar Updates:
January 25 - End of second quarter - EARLY RELEASE at 1:35
January 26 - Student Holiday - Teacher Work Day
January 28 - 12th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival
January 30 - Japanese Immersion Information Night (for kinder families only)
February 3 - Rise Against Hunger Event @ Colvin Run ES
February 10 - Save the Date - PTA Skate Night @ Reston Skatequest
February 14 - NEXT General PTA Meeting with Guest Speaker, Dr. Litz
February 19 - Presidents' Day - No School
Click here to view the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
Click here to read last week's GFES newsletter updates.
Student Attendance Summary- Coming Soon!
As you know, regular attendance is a priority at Great Falls ES and is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time.
At the end of the second semester, we will send out a personalized Attendance Summary to each student and family. We recognize that there are a variety of reasons that students are absent; this summary will be for informational purposes only.
We appreciate your partnership in prioritizing regular school attendance. Please reach out to our student counselors, Mrs. Barber or Mrs. White) or visit this FCPS resource on Encouraging School Attendance if you need additional support.
 Portrait of a Graduate (POG) Information for Home
This year, we’re working on developing our Portrait of a Graduate skill of being a good Communicator. We’ll be sharing ideas of ways you can connect PoG skills at home throughout the year.
One tip: better questions get better answers! When you are talking to your kids at home, consider these ideas so that students will talk, share, and discuss important skills.
How I'm using skills:
- “Who in your class did you work with today? What did you work on?”
- “What new ideas did you create today?”
- “How or what did you share today? With your teacher? With friends?”
- “What are you doing in school that you are excited about? What do you like about it?”
- “What is the hardest thing you did today? What made it hard? What are you doing to make it seem easier?”
- “What are you proud of that you are doing? Why?”
- “Who is someone that you enjoy working with? (Teacher or student) What makes them enjoyable?”
How I'm growing:
- “What are you getting better at? How do you know?”
- “What do you do best? Why is it important?”
Why the skills are important:
Have a Conversation! Consider sharing stories about how YOU work with others, share ideas, and solve problems at work, home, and in the community. This will help students see how these skills are important in your life, too, and help them see connections between school skills and adult skills! “Today I . . . “ or “At my job, I . . .”
📝 Tutor.com Can Help With More Than Homework
Tutor.com offers more than help with homework! This on-demand tutoring service also provides a comprehensive range of resources including exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests at no cost to families.
Students can take practice quizzes at any time. If they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately contact a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
👩👩👦Family Resource Center: Free Resources for Families
Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities?
Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).
Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.
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🗺️ 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.
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Chocolate Festival Information
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