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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

UPCOMING EVENTS

• February 8- PTA meeting, 7pm in the cafeteria
• February 12- FES Afterschool Enrichment Registration opens
• February 19- Holiday (George Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day)
• March 5- Student Holiday
• March 15- FES Career Day
• March 22- End of Third Quarter
• March 25-29- Holiday (Spring Break)

Yearbooks Sales Starting

Don’t miss out on the chance to get your child a yearbook. 2023-24 Yearbooks are $20.00 and the ordering window is February 1st through February 29th. No yearbook orders will be taken after that date. So make plans to order yours today!

Yearbooks are only sold/purchased online. Start your purchase by going  to: yearbookordercenter.com, typing in 21927 or searching for Franconia Elementary, Alexandria VA, will take you to our ordering site.

February Reading BINGO!

Keep an eye out for a February Reading BINGO board coming home with library books. This a chance for students to explore the celebrations of February through reading. The BINGO board includes books for Black History Month, Chinese New Year, President’s Day, and more! Students who complete a BINGO get a shout-out on the school news, and students who complete the whole board get lunch in the library. More information is on the BINGO papers that students will bring home this week. Students can turn their completed BINGO papers in at the library and get extra papers if they need. Click here for a sample board with links to book lists.

Edison Pyramid Concerts

Franconia Musicians Perform

On January 25th the inaugural Edison Pyramid Band concert was held, and it was AMAZING!  Over 130 students participated, including our own Franconia Penguins along with musicians from Edison, Twain, Springfield Estates, Clermont, Bush Hill, and Rose Hill!

Our Chorus Performed as well

Not to be outdone, our Franconia Penguin Chorus performed at their own Pyramid Concert.  They sang two songs solo and joined their peers from Edison HS, Twain MS, Springfield Estates, Clermont, Cameron, Bush Hill, Rose Hill and Mount Eagle to sing a third. By all accounts, they were wonderful! 

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Spring SEL Screener

Hello families,

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6 during the window of February 26^th- March 15th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: 

https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

Please note, families who have opted their child out of the screener will not participate.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Veronica Guillion, at 703-822-2200.

World Showcase Day

When: Wednesday, March 20th

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

We would love for our parents and community to be a part of this memorable event.  Families can choose to paticipate by:

• Presenting a display (poster board) about a country of your choice.
• Sharing food and/or artifacts from the country of your choice.
• Teaching students how to play a game played in a country of your choice.

If you are interested, please visit the link below:

https://forms.gle/KXY2QgHobd2nSPCB6

Calling all Pokémon Lovers..

Are you in to Pokemon?  Do you want to get together with other Franconia Penguins to play Pokemon games and/or trade Pokemon cards?  If you answered "YES" to these questions, then keep reading!  On the following Fridays, Feb. 2nd, Feb. 9th, Feb. 16th, Feb. 23, March 1st and March 8th, from 3:30-4:30, Franconia will host a Pokemon after school club. Students are invited to stay after school to enjoy all things Pokemon with their fellow students and some Franconia teachers.

Sign up below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA4A928A6FB6-45373173-pokmon

If you have any questions, please contact Renee Octaviano at rloctaviano@fcps.edu.

Franconia Elementary PTA

Franconia Spring After-School Enrichment offerings

Franconia ES After-School Enrichment Programs
Registration Opens February 12 (except GOTR opens on 2/5)

Program registration links coming soon.

* All programs start at 3:35 and end at 4:35 p.m., unless otherwise listed.

* 1 parent volunteer is needed to attend select clubs as listed below. Parent volunteers are asked to be present at every club meeting, to help take attendance, notify office of absences, and ensure children are picked up by the  appropriate individuals.

* Questions? Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

* More information is also available at:

https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/w/afterschool

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**NEW AFTER SCHOOL ADDITION**

Nailed It! by KidCreate

Grades 3-6

$184 (8 weeks)   

Tuesdays, March 12 - May 14                                                                                                                                                                                

Calling all creative kids! Just like on the popular TV show Nailed It!, we'll show you a final product and give you all the goods needed to recreate it. The rest is up to you! Your challenges will include creating a unicorn cake, painting a fox at sunset, a llama with a flower crown, and so much more. This is Nailed It!, KidCreate-style, so instead of baking, we'll be sculpting, painting, collaging, and more! Kids will make and take home a new project every week so make room! 

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Grades 3-6 (Girls)
$185 (late fee applies after February 28)
Tues/Thurs, March 4 - May 18
Creative curriculum that integrates running with empowering life lessons to inspire confident, healthy girls! Ends in a 5K the team will complete together. Financial Assistance Available! More info and registration at
www.gotrnova.org

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Magnus Chess Academy
Grades K-6
$223 (11 weeks)
Mondays, March 4 - June 3 (no club on March 25, April 1, May 27)
Each week students of all levels do a fun but challenging lesson with one of our great coaches from our world class curriculum followed by practice games against other students in the class.
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Crochet Club with Ms. Pater
Grades 4-6
$150 (10 weeks)
Wednesday, March 6 – May 22 (no club on March 27, April 10)
Learn to crochet and work on projects together, led by Ms. Pater. No experience necessary and all materials provided.

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Ultimate PE Games by Gamepoint Athletics
Grades K-3
$130 (8 weeks)
Monday, March 4 – May 6 (no club on March 25 or April 1)
A sampling of games to be played are Nerf Dodge Ball, Dome Ball, Capture the Flag, parachute activities, Omni–kin ball, and numerous tag games that require strategy and a willingness to have intense joy! The action-packed session ensures kid movement does not stop until it is time to go home! 
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Soccer Stars by Gamepoint Athletics
Grades 3-6
$130 (8 weeks)
Friday, March 8 – May 10 (no club on Mar 29 or May 3

Train like the superstars of the world in this action packed session! Participants will experience all kinds of exciting soccer activities, including a World Cup style tournament! All participants, regardless of skill level, will learn and practice basic dribbling, ball control, passing, trapping, defense, and proper offensive movement without the ball. 
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Financial Planning Club with Ms. Octaviano
Grades 3-6
$120 (8 weeks)
Mondays, March 4 – May 5 (No club on March 25, April 1)
Students will learn about topics like bills and budgeting during this engaging project-based class. Topics include applying for jobs, paying taxes, picking health insurance, and household budgeting when considering the cost of food, housing and the unexpected costs life brings us.

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Learning Pokemon the Game with Mr. Harris
Grades K-6
$120 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays, March 12 – May 14 (No club on March 26, April 2)
Do you want to be the very best? Like no one ever was? Come learn how to play the Pokemon card game. We will go over what each card means, how trainer cards work and what energy cards are actually used for. When
all is said and done you will go from a Pokemon beginner to a Pokemon gym leader!!! 

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Kickball! with Mr. Harris
Grades 3-6
$120 (8 weeks)
Wednesdays, March 6 – May 8 (No club on March 27, April 10)
Do you love watching the staff vs student kickball game? Do you want to make sure you are prepared to play when it’s your turn? Come learn how to play kickball and become a superstar and beat the teachers!!! We will learn how to play and have fun playing a bunch of mini games against one another.

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Action Art by KidCreate
Grades K-2     

$84 (8 weeks)                                                                                             

Tuesdays, March 12 - May 14
Are you excited to see your child get their artistic groove on? Our Action Art class is the perfect place for their creative spirit to shine while they move and groove to their heart's content. Your little one will have a blast creating vivid and energetic artwork, with endless chances to smear, splatter, and swipe their way to unique and charming masterpieces.
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Science Seed
Grades K-2
$146 (8 weeks)
Thursday, March 7 – May 2 (no club on March 28)
A science enrichment program designed to develop a love of science that will last a lifetime. The Science Seed teaches geology, chemistry, biology/nature, physics and nutrition in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

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Tech Club by iCode
Grades 1-3 and 4-6
$155 (6 weeks)

Friday, March 1- April 12
Through Tech Club, iCode will offer a STEAM program to help students become comfortable with technology in a fun approach that enhances learning in math, science, engineering, and the arts. Each class involves an exciting hands-on activity designed to teach a new skill!
Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

Registration is now open for LVMSC Soccer and Flag Football

LVMSC spring sports programs promise to be filled with thrilling moments, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. Now is the perfect time to secure your spot and take advantage of the current registration rates.

Important Dates:

• Regular Registration: December 1st, 2023, to January 31st, 2024 
• Late Registration: February 1st to February 15th, 2024 Late Registration Fees Apply
• Registration Closes: February 15th, 2024 

For more information and to register for specific sports please click below:

INFORMATION ON SPRING SOCCER

INFORMATION ON SPRING FLAG FOOTBALL

REGISTER HERE 

Need help with registration? Reach out to Carolina Guido-Parada at registrationadmin@lmvsc.org for assistance.

Counselor Corner 

Character Trait of the Month

The character trait for February is Empathy- A feeling or understanding of what someone else is feeling.

In January, we highlighted the character trait of Acceptance- Including and respecting everyone regardless of beliefs, race, gender, religion, etc...

Here’s the student video for student’s who showed Acceptance this month:https://youtu.be/GFH0BI9zPOc

We are so proud of our Acceptance award winners!

Volunteer for Career Day

Franconia Elementary School will be hosting a Career Day entitled “Oh the Places You’ll Go” inspired by Dr. Seuss.  The event will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 9:10-10:40 ( inclement weather: Friday, March 22, 2024- same time).

On Career Day,  you are invited to come and share with our students about your career and the importance of staying in school.  If you are a person who has a career that will interest K-6 students and enjoys enthusiastically speaking in front of children, then we need you! If interested, please complete the Google Form HERE. The last day to submit your interest is by February 16, 2024. For further questions, please contact school counselor, Veronica Guillion at 703-822-2200.

Calendar Reminders

February - Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

February 5-9 - National School Counseling Week

February 5-9 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

February 10 - Lunar New Year (Falls on a weekend this year)

The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.

February 14 - Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services, at which churchgoers receive ash on their foreheads. Ash Wednesday derives its name from this practice. Read more about Ash Wednesday in Britannica.com. 

February 19 - Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 20.

February 22 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

See the complete school year calendar.

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• FranconiaESAttendance@fcps.edu
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Penguin Points

Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter