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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى
Dear Great Falls ES Families,
Every day, our students are learning and growing in numerous measurable ways. We’ve recently completed our winter round assessments and would like to celebrate some of the measurable academic accomplishments with you.
Our students are high achievers. More than 60% of our students are already demonstrating they understand grade level math concepts the state of Virginia expects them to learn by the end of this school year, and more than 75% of them are reading and comprehending at a level we expect to see by the end of the year. Additionally, our teachers continue to meet students where they are and encourage even more growth. The iReady assessment sets a realistic goal for how much each student should grow in a year and 40% of our students have already met that yearly growth goal in reading, with 33% meeting it in math. Some have already doubled their expected growth!
We have so much to celebrate and are so proud of our students, staff, and families for all of their hard work. We will continue to work to grow our students’ academic achievement as well as social-emotional well-being.
Thank you for your partnership,
Sara Harper
Calendar Updates
February 19 - Presidents' Day - No School
February 19-23 - Bus Driver Appreciation Week
March 5 - Presidential Primary - No School for Students
March 11-22 - Celebrate Great Falls Annual Auction
March 21 - Save the Date - Diversity Showcase (World Fair and Art Show)
March 25 - April 2 - Spring Break
Click here to view the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
Click here to read last week's PTA newsletter updates.
Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, we have celebrated the 100th day of school, Kindness Week, and Valentine’s Day. Along with these wonderful celebrations, we continue to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans within our curriculum and recognize their central role in U.S. history.
Our FCPS elementary curriculum provides teachers with instructional resources to deliver meaningful opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Black and African American people year-round and specifically during Black History Month. Some of this learning is embedded in the social studies curriculum, and additional resources and activities are provided to teachers in February.
Beginning next week, we have a special Black History segment planned on the morning news each day. These segments will highlight notable examples of Black culture and excellence in history and today.
On the final day of February, we will host a Ruby Bridges Walk at School Day, where we will encourage students to walk the track during recess in honor of Ruby Bridges, the first student to desegregate a public school in Louisiana.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History Month.
SR&R Review Information
Over the past few weeks, all GFES students received a midyear Student Rights and Responsibilities (“SR&R”) review lesson. I am sending this communication so that you are aware that an updated discussion took place. During this lesson, we discussed FCPS expectations for students, their rights, and the proactive steps we take at Great Falls ES to keep our community and learning environments safe.
The following topics were included in the SR&R review lessons:
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M.A.R.K. (Mindful, Accountable, Responsible, Kind) expectations: Together, we reviewed what students who demonstrate these traits look like and sound like in 4 key locations in our school: hallways, cafeteria, recess, and bathrooms.
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Technology Use (Grades 3-6): We discussed the importance of having cell phones off and in backpacks during the school day. Students are always welcome to visit the main office to contact parents if necessary. Students who use their cell phones during the school day are subject to disciplinary action according to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities. As a reminder, smartwatches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. The only time they may be out for use is if a teacher has approved them for instructional purposes. Additionally, a student should not be using a personal phone or smartwatch to record another student or a staff member.
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Digital Citizenship (Grades 3-6): Students were reminded to use their school computers and accounts only for school-related activities and projects. The acceptable use policy that is defined in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities states, “Students are expected to use the technology ethically, respect the privacy and work of others, leave the workstation(computer) in good condition for the next user, and generally follow established rules for safety and security. The same expectations apply to the use of student-owned devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.”
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Transportation Before and After School: Students were reminded that all school rules still apply on the school bus or if they are waiting for their parent/guardian at the kiss and ride loop. When on the bus, students should stay in their seats, keep their hands and feet to themselves, keep cell phones and laptops away unless updating parents on their location, and listen to the bus driver.
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Cafeteria expectations (Grades K-2): We read the book “How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners.” Dr. Litz had all students in grades K-2 gather in the courtyard as he conducted the read-aloud. We discussed school-based manners and always say “please” and “thank you.”
For more information on the SR&R, please click here. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or our school counselors, Mrs. White and Mrs. Barber. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to the Student Rights and Responsibilities, please contact Assistant Principal Christopher Litz.
Thanks for your collaboration and support.
Chris Litz
🥁 Sign Up for FCPS Summer Camps
Registration is now open for several summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools.
Tech Adventure Camp is available for current grade K-5 students to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for elementary students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Visit the E-IFTA webpage to register.
🔬Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School.
Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.
Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.
📚 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools to use as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support, and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend an information night on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., at Thoreau Middle School. Parents/caregivers will learn more about Lexia, and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom and supporting student growth in reading. Attendees will also get tips for supporting their students at home.
Register to attend or submit a question in advance. Unable to attend in person? Join on Zoom.
Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
Eating Disorder Notification
In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023),
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources about eating disorders. To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website.
In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.
🍜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.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
💻 Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.
When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in.
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