Family Newsletter February 2, 2024

historical fiction celebration

Students in Ms. Campbell's 4th grade class presented their historical fiction writing projects at a share fair in their classroom today! They had an audience of staff and community to celebrate their accomplishments.

art students

2nd graders in Mr. Johnson's art design multi-media heart creations!

lexia achievement

These 6th graders all completed more than 40 Lexia units in one week! They demonstrate Cheetah P.R.I.D.E. through their determination to achieve this impressive goal. 

sculptures

Student-created 3-D art projects on display in the library.


cameron fun run

Save the date for the Cameron Cheetah Fun Run! On February 29, students will have the chance to run and participate in this fundraiser that will support our outdoor classroom.


Virginia Growth Assessment Scores

Students in grades 3-8 take an assessment, the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA), at the beginning of the year and at the end of quarter 2 to measure growth in math and reading. Reports will be posted via SIS ParentVUE or centrally mailed via U.S. Mail by early March. 


Superintendent to Present FY 2025 Proposed Budget

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the board. 

View the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, or the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, please visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.


🚍 Here Comes the Bus

Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.

To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.

Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to HCTB@fcps.edu.  

Note: eNotify text messaging will continue to be used for reporting bus delays and bus incidents.


Behavior Solution Series for Elementary and Secondary Families

Join staff from the FCPS Behavior Intervention Services Department to help families encourage positive communication and behavior at home.

Elementary Webinars

2/16 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication Add to Your Calendar.

  • Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.

3/15 Taming Tantrums and More Add to Your Calendar.

  • Parents, ever had a moment when things feel like a big puzzle and you just need the right pieces? We will share strategies to help when your child’s behavior feels like a rollercoaster. Learn how to turn meltdowns into moments that make you go 'ta-da!'

Secondary Webinars

4/19 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication  Add to Your calendar.

  • We will equip you with strategies for navigating the teen years. Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

5/31 Taming the Teenaged Brain Add to Your Calendar.

  • Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.

Register for all or part of the Behavior Solution Series for Families


FBA/BIP Essentials for Families

Does your child have concerning behaviors at school? Did you know that there is a process to identify and support your child at school?

Join us to learn about the FBA and BIP process and how it is used in FCPS to support any student who experiences behavioral challenges.

  • Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process to determine the underlying cause or functions of a student’s behavior that impedes social, emotional, and academic learning.
  • Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that utilizes positive behavioral interventions and supports to address behaviors that interfere with learning.

Staff from the Office of Special Education Instruction, Office of Intervention and Prevention Services, and Office of Special Education Procedural Support will be presenting and sharing information.

February 29, 2024, 6:30-8 p.m. Add to Your Calendar

Register for FBA/BIP Essentials for Families


Black History Month

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.


cte

February Is Career and Technical Education Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the CTE website

CTE also offers summer programs for students to explore their programs. Enroll now!


VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year: hiring and evaluating the superintendent; reviewing and approving the FCPS budget, calendar, policies, and more! Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.


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.


calendar reminder graphic

Important Dates

Feb 8 - 100th day of School

Feb 10 - Lunar New Year