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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day February 22nd
February 22nd is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Fairfax County Public Schools employs more than 1,800 drivers who transport an estimated 131,000 students safely to and from school each day. Our drivers and attendants take pride in being the first FCPS face students see in the morning and the last one they see before heading home for the evening. Key Center appreciates our outstanding bus staff and their partnership in serving our students.
Therapeutic Recreation Services- Summer Camp Open House
We welcome you and your family to join our open house to learn more about TRS summer camp programs for individuals with disabilities (ages: 5-22). Come take part in a variety of family friendly activities, talk to camp staff, and experience a taste of the fun we have during summertime!
- Photo Booth - Sensory Room - Arts & Crafts-
- Sensory Activities- Light Refreshments & Snacks -
- Summer Camp Info Session - And More!
Click on this link to RSVP or call at 703-324-5532
Springfield Challenger Baseball
Springfield Challenger Baseball, Little League Baseball for kids, teens and adults with special needs, will open its 31st season starting April 7th. They are looking for and have plenty of opportunities for new players.
2024 Spring Season
April 7- June 16
Game Times: 1:00 - 3:00
Beginning in 1993 with only nine players, they have grown to become one of the largest Challenger programs in the world, fielding over one hundred players annually in three age appropriate divisions. The program is geared to all ages, Little Challengers (ages 4-12), Majors (ages 13-19), and a young adult league.
All games are on Sunday afternoons at West Springfield Little League Byron Avenue fields, games are non-competitive and adapt to each player’s individual needs.
For more information, contact either Eddie Garretson ( EGarret166@aol.com, 703-304-2330) or Logan Bruno ( logan.garretson@gmail.com, 571-331-1167).
Spirit Week Recap
We had a wonderful Spirit Week last week! It was lots of fun dressing according to each day’s spirit theme. We also enjoyed a dance, a holiday sing along, and a variety of Valentine's Day crafts/activities. In addition to Spirit Week, we also observed Kindness Week. There were so many acts of kindness from students, staff and administration! We were treated to a student-supported coffee and sweets bar, as well as special treats delivered to classrooms throughout the week.
Transition Planning, The Younger Years: Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school! It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult.
Ensuring the postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
This event also includes a student/parent panel where members describe their firsthand experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and planned for their child’s future. A question/answer session will follow.
February 21, 2024
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Luther Jackson Middle School
3020 Gallows Road
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
Click on the link to Register for Transition Planning, The Younger Years: Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
March 2, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
View the individual event page if you would like to Add to Your Calendar.
Register for: SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
Help Students Achieve Their Dreams. Teach for FCPS!
Key Center is always looking for fantastic staff to join our team. If you, or someone you know might be interested in learning more, have them contact us or 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.
FY 2025 Proposed 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.
Jill’s House
Jill’s House Virtual Parent Support Group
Are you ever excited, delighted, or amazed by what your child with disabilities has done and you don't have someone to share it with who "gets it"? Do you wish you could get some validation or appropriate response from people after sharing how incredible you have found a certain situation involving your child with special needs? Please join the Jill’s House VIrtual Parent Support Group on February 26th, 7-8PM, to share those experiences with others and we promise to engage at all the right places and cheer you on!
To receive the meeting link, please contact Deonne.snare@jillshouse.org. You should receive the link around 6:45 pm on Monday.
Jill’s House Moms-Mix and Mingle
Whether you’ve just joined Jill’s House or you’ve been in the family for years, join to meet, reconnect, and share with other Jill’s House moms.
What: Light dinner and time to chat
When: Thursday evening February 29th
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Solace Outpost Brewery
444 W Broad St., Falls Church
RSVP: deonne.snare@jillshouse.org
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.
Family Resource Center
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.
Key Center PTA
Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join!
Key Center PTA Membership
Key Center PTA Donations
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Any questions regarding involvement, please contact PTA President, Cecilia Allen, at KeyCtrPTA@gmail.com or (301) 646-7447.
Key Center Graduation - May 30 at 12:30
Key Center School graduation is scheduled for May 30, 2024 at 12:30. All students not graduating will be dismissed at 10:30am. Breakfast will be provided but there will be no lunch served on this day.
Upcoming Dates
March 5 School Planning Day- Student Holiday
March 25-29 Spring Break
April 1 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
April 2 Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
April 10 Eid al Fitr - Holiday
2023-24 FCPS School Calendar
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