 Shoutout to these 6th graders who completed at least 40 units in Lexia Power Up in a week! They celebrated with Ms.Gillies.
 Students in Mr. Johnson's art class have been working on scratch board cheetahs.
 Winter clubs started last week! On the right, Ms. Trupo teaches choreography during Tik-Tok club. On the left, Ms. Tobin and Ms. Kovalcik stretch with Strength & Yoga club.
Lost and Found
Is your child missing a lunch box, water bottle, their favorite coat or sweater? If so, stop by the school and visit our lost and found. The Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria.
Attendance Matters
Data shows that: Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Attendance is critical for academic success. Visit our website for more attendance resources
Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days 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 virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
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.”
Visit the FCPS website for more information.
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. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
📝 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 connect to a live tutor for help through voice or chat options. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com webpage.
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.
Adult ESOL Class Locations and Registration Information
📚 In-Person Classes: Alexandria, Annandale, Culmore, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, Mount Vernon, and Reston
Sign up for in-person English classes by attending any in-person registration event starting January 8 (see flyer for registration dates). To receive schedule updates and registration reminders about the spring session, please fill out our Interest Form.
💻 Online Classes
Begin the sign-up process for online classes by completing this form: https://bit.ly/OnlineInterestForm. Staff will follow up to complete the enrollment process. (See page 2 of the attached flyer for more information about classes and schedules). Registration ends January 26. Space is limited.
Spring 2024 Class Offerings
Beginning English Classes
Beginning English classes teach the foundational skills adult English learners need to speak, understand, read, and write English. Classes are held at least twice a week for two-hour class sessions at three academic levels. Curricula focuses on basic English skills within the context of day-to-day interactions and life skills, U.S. culture, community, and family life.
English Classes for Parents and Caregivers
These classes provide English language instruction for parents and caregivers, empowering them to be their child’s first teacher and engage in their children’s education. While parents are in class, children participate in reading and writing activities and receive help with their homework. Twice a month, children join their parents for whole-family literacy activities.
Skills-based Classes
Designed for those who would like to focus on a particular language skill, we will offer two skills-based classes in the spring: Intro to Writing (eligibility by oral proficiency assessed at intake) and a FREE Conversation Class.
English-for-Work
This popular online course is for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to improve their employability and learn the language skills they’ll need in the workplace. Students learn best practices as they study the job search process from producing strong resumes and cover letters to preparing for interviews and understanding American workplace culture.
All classes are $85 unless otherwise indicated. As always, the English Empowerment Center will never turn away a learner due to financial challenges. We will work with their means. Thanks in advance for sharing this information with the English learners in your networks.
Please see the Spring 2024 class schedules via here: Spring 2024 Class Schedule.pdf
🩹 The Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations
Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form. To access that form, click Online Packets in the top right of the screen after logging in to SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account by contacting the main office 703-658-5600.
Registration for summer programs begins February 1!
Tech Adventure Camp
CTE Summer Academy
Important Dates
Feb 10 - Lunar New Year
Feb 13 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
Feb 14 - Ash Wednesday
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