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

UPCOMING EVENTS

• March 5- Student Holiday
• March 15- FES Career Day
• March 20- World Showcase Day Fashion Show, 2:00 pm
• March 20- World Showcase Day, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• March 22- End of Third Quarter
• March 25-29- Holiday (Spring Break)

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Just Two More Days to Celebrate  Black History Month Spirit Week!

Black History Month was created to honor the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Join us in celebrating Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people brought over from Africa in the 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

THURSDAY  2/29                              

Revolutionary Roots in Rap

Dress in your best 90’s Hip Hop fashion! Or, come prepared to share your favorite artist/song.   

FRIDAY 3/1

I Have a Dream 

Inspired by MLK’s famous speech, end the week in your favorite pajamas!  

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 Trends in the Drug Culture

Parent only Presentation, February 29, 2024 

Many challenges and responsibilities come with being a parent, and having to address a difficult topic with your child, such as drug culture, trends and identifying signs of substance use, can be stressful. Drugs and drug paraphernalia is now being disguised as common everyday items out in plain sight, to go unrecognized by parents or other adults.  Substance Abuse Prevention Program want to provide you with information so you will be able to recognize drugs and drug paraphernalia and also the signs of drug use to equip you to have real and meaningful dialog with your child concerning these issues. 

Join us on February 29^th, 2024 @ 6:00pm at Edison High School where we will be hosting a parent presentation to provide information on the trends in drug culture. After the presentation there will be time to ask questions or to receive more information. The trends in drug culture have created innovative ways to hook your child and we are here to arm you by providing information concerning these topics that will assist in effective communication with your child.  Also, a Narcan Training with be provided by a member of the Community Services Board.

Questions? contact Shawn Elliott, BS, QMHP-C Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at Sbelliott@fcps.edu

Franconia ES Afterschool Enrichment Programs

Registration NOW OPEN and filling up fast, for Franconia ES After-School Enrichment Programs

Programs begin the week of March 1; All clubs run 3:35-4:35p unless otherwise listed. 

1 parent volunteer is still needed for Tech Club (Grade 4-6). 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 appropriate individuals.

Questions?  Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

Info also available at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/w/afterschool

Girls on the Run  (GOTR)

Grades 3-6 (Girls)

$185 (late fee applies after February 28)

Tues/Thurs,  March 4-May 18

Register: https://www.gotrnova.org/3rd-5th-grade-program-details

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

Magnus Chess Academy  

Grades K-6 

$223 (11 weeks)

Mondays, March 4- June 3 (no club March 25, April 1, May 27)

Register: www.chessacademy.com

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.

Crochet Club with Ms Pater

Grades 4-6

$150 (10 weeks)

Wednesday, March 6 – May 22 (no club March 27, April 10)

Register: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/983102

Learn to crochet and work on projects together, led by Ms Pater. No experience necessary and all materials provided.

Ultimate PE Games by Gamepoint Athletics

Grades K-3

$130 (8 weeks)

Monday, March 4 – May 6 (no club March 25 or April 1)

Register: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiaupegamesspring24/

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! 

Soccer Stars by Gamepoint Athletics

Grades 3-6     

$130 (8 weeks)

Friday, March 8 – May 10 (no club Mar 29 or May 3)

Register: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiasoccerspring24/

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. 

Financial Planning Club with Ms Octaviano

Grades 3-6     

$120 (8 weeks)

Mondays, March 4 – May 5 (No club March 25, April 1)

Register: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/983104

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.

Learning Pokemon the Game with Mr Harris

Grades K-6     

$120 (8 weeks)

Tuesdays, March 12 – May 14 (No club March 26, April 2)

Register:  https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/983114

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!!! 

Kickball! with Mr Harris

Grades 3-6     

$120 (8 weeks)

Wednesdays, March 6 – May 8 (No club March 27, April 10)

Register:  https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/983110

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.

Action Art by KidCreate

Grades K-2     

$184 for 8 weeks

Tuesdays, March 12-May 14 (skip March 26, April 2)

Register: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/kidcreate-studio-alexandria/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=xB1XrVl

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.

Nailed It! by KidCreate

Grades 3-6

Tuesday, March 12 – May 14 (skip March 26, April 2)

$184 for 8 weeks

Register at:

https://app.amilia.com/store/en/kidcreate-studio-alexandria/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=xq5dQr4

Calling all creative kids! Just like on the 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!

Science Seed     

Grades K-2    

$146 (8 weeks)

Thursday, March 7 – May 2 (no club March 28)

Register: https://forms.gle/YcdjujFW2TRBuKTE9

A science enrichment program designed to develop a love of science that will last a lifetime. The Science Seed teachers geology, chemistry, biology/nature, physics and nutrition in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.

Tech Club by iCode      

Grades 1-3 and 4-6

$155 (6 weeks)

Friday, March 1- April 12

Register:

(G 1-3) https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/Base/EmbededUrl/3F0181C44C

(G4-6) https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/Base/EmbededUrl/BBF323099A

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 for the Grade 4-65 club in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at vp@franconiaespta.org

Franconia Elementary PTA

 Thank You for Supporting Fund-a-Rug!

Thanks to your generous support of our Fund-a-Rug campaign, Penguin Families raised $7,218! This amount will allow us to buy 17 new classroom rugs for our teachers. 

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Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. 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.

Many schools are currently planning kindergarten orientations, so make sure you don't miss out!

Read more about the registration process.

💻 Register Your Child Online

Looking for Online Registration for the 2024-25 School Year? (Kindergarten through 12th Grade)

Online Registration for the 2024-25 School Year will open Tuesday, April 2.

Yearbooks Now on Sale 

Don’t miss out on the chance to get your child a yearbook. 2023-24 Yearbooks are $20.00 and can be ordered now 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.

Hayfield Craft Fair & Silent Auction

Hayfield Secondary School

Class of 2024

Indoor Craft Fair & Silent Auction

Saturday, March 16th - 9:00AM-3:00PM

• Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA
• FREE ADMISSION!!!
• OVER 125 vendors
• A HUGE silent auction display filled with our vendor’s craft items, gift certificates, sporting event tickets, experiences and much more!
• Lots of tables filled with edible goodies!
• We will ALSO have KidCreate Studio and face painting for our younger visitors!!!!!
• NEW this year…a room full of young entrepreneurs offering their creative items!
• COME HUNGRY!!! A wide variety of lunch choices for YOU!

All proceeds raised will go towards Hayfield’s Class of 2024 All Night Grad Party (ANGP) celebration on Friday, June 7th at The St. James. The event is sponsored through the Hayfield SS PTSA and provides our 2024 graduates with a FUN and SAFE alcohol/drug/smoke-free celebration.

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

World Showcase Day Fashion Show

Walk the Red Carpet in Fashion!

Franconia Elementary will be holding a World Showcase Day Program on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 2pm.  We are looking for students who are willing to walk the red carpet and model their culture-based outfits at the World Showcase Assembly.  Interested students must have a signed form and a completed description on the origin of the outfit and any additional information about the outfit.  Filling out this form confirms that you will be in the Fashion Show.  Please return this form to Mrs. Yortzidis by March 4th.

Kindergarten Orientation

Do you have a child who will be 5 years of age by September 30, 2024, and do you plan on sending them to kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year?

We are in the process of preparing for our kindergarten registration and orientation.  If your child is ready for kindergarten, call the school so we may add you to our list of rising kindergarten students.

Please consider joining us at school with your future kindergartener for our Kindergarten Orientation - date TBD.  During this presentation, we will provide information about the Kindergarten program at Franconia Elementary; while the future kindergarteners get to explore the classroom and participate in fun kindergarten activities. 

❤ Kindergarten Team

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.

Counselor Corner 

February Guidance Topics

This month,  all grade levels except for 5^th grade will be learning about how to calm strong/big emotions. Fifth grade will begin their lessons on strong emotions soon, but for now we will conclude our lessons on conflict by discussing I-messages.

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 last month:https://youtu.be/GFH0BI9zPOc

We are so proud of our Acceptance award winners!

Play Tee-Ball or Coach Pitch with Central Springfield Little League

Mid March-Mid June 2024

No experience needed.

Everyone plays, everyone learns!

• Approx. 60 -90 minutes, twice a week (one weekday + Saturday)
• Generally no Fridays or Sundays
• Most practices and all games at Trailside Park
• Co-ed

GEAR

• Gear provided:  jersey, hat socks, pants, and belt
• Gear needed: glove
• Optional Gear:
• Bat & Batting helmet (the team will have some for use), rubber cleats

SIGN-UP FEES

• $255 ($100 is refundable volunteer fee with 12 volunteer hours)

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT CSLL.ORG

Calendar Reminders

• February 22 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• Feb. 27-March 3 - Public Schools Week - Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.

March

• National Women’s History Month - Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids. 

• Equity in Education Month - FCPS — in conjunction with the Virginia School Boards Association — observes March as Equity in Education Month, a division-wide opportunity to deepen our commitment to creating a climate and curriculum where all students receive the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.  

• March 2 - Read Across America Day (Observed Friday, March 1) -  Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video. 

• March 3-9 - National School Social Work Week - March 3-9 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

• March 4-8 - National School Breakfast Week - National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. 

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