WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE FOREST- 2/16/2024

Brown Calendar Reminder

February:

Monday, Feb. 19- George Washington's Birthday, No School

Tuesday, Feb. 27- Spring Photos

 

March:

Tuesday, March 5-  Primary Election Day– No School

Wednesday, March 6-  Painting with Mr. Drake Fundraiser

Tuesday, March 12- Evening Kindergarten Registration Night, 4:30-7:30PM

Wednesday, March 13- 3rd Grade Recorder Concert, 7PM, Cafeteria

Monday, March 19- PTA Meeting, 7PM, Cafeteria

March 25-29–  Spring Break, No School

 


Presidents Day

Newington Forest Elementary will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday. We will reopen at 8am on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. 


SOuperbowl

Thank you to everyone who donated to the SCA Souper Bowl canned food drive. After our SCA officers tallied up the donations, the winner for this year's Souper Bowl was the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Flight Fundraiser

Thank you to all of our families and staff who showed up for our Flight Adventure Park fundraiser. Ms. Thompson even joined in the fun!

Mad Science

Our 3rd-6th graders had a great time exploring all things science during the PTA Mad Science assembly yesterday. 

3rd grade SOL night

We had a great turn out for our 3rd grade SOL night. Parents were able to leave with resources to help their child prepare for this upcoming exam. 


Ramadan graphic

As we approach Ramadan, observed from March 11 - April 10, 2024, we want to ensure that we accommodate students participating in prayer and fasting during the school day. If you wish to request that your child spend lunch outside the cafeteria and/or have a designated prayer time during Ramadan, kindly complete the form using the link below. Your cooperation is essential in providing a supportive environment for all our students.

https://forms.gle/mpzsz5GSFo2ebETj7

 


Kindergarten Orientation

If you have a child that will turn 5 by September 30, 2024, we are ready to register them for kindergarten! Please click here to start the registration process with Mrs. Helms, Student Information Assistant.

Mark your calendar! Kindergarten Orientation will be on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Parents are encouraged to bring our future Knights to this in-person orientation


Upcoming Fundraisers and Restaurant Nights

PTA SquisitoPainting with Mr. Drake

Student Transfer Renewal Applications

Opened on February 15

FCPS accepts online student transfer applications for the upcoming school year from February 15 through June 1. 

https://www.fcps.edu/registration/student-transfer-information

A student transfer is valid for one year only.  FCPS notifies the enrolling parent by email in February if the student is eligible for student transfer renewal.  

After notification is received, if the student continues to meet the same student transfer criteria as indicated on the original student transfer application, the enrolling parent may submit an online student transfer renewal application, required documentation, and non-refundable application processing fee.

For students no longer meeting the same student transfer criteria, a new transfer request may be submitted beginning March 1.


Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House

Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.


 Help Students Achieve Their Dreams. Teach for FCPS!

Save the date! Attend FCPS’ instructional job fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register today


Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focused on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation

FY2025 Budget

 

At the last School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all. 

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce. 

 

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

 

  • Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students. 
  • Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
  • Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
  • Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

 

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024. 

 

The School Board is scheduled to adopt the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process


Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge 

The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 10:45 a.m., at Hayfield Secondary School. The event features a public tasting of student dishes and demonstrations from two local celebrated chefs. 

The student challenge at the heart of this event is to create healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse school menu items that meet USDA guidelines. Entries will be judged by a panel including celebrity chefs, school food professionals, and local food producers. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dish. 

Chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Chris Morgan of Joon will offer a demonstration at 11:15 a.m. Public tasting of student dishes will get underway at noon. 

Student-created dishes from this annual event have been featured on school menus throughout the Greater Washington Region. It is free to attend, but registration is required.


FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Newington Forest staff members.

FCPSCares2

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FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget
  • Register for Superintendent Community Conversations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.