ATES Updates_03/08/2024

Upcoming Dates:

03/13           Gr. 3 Field Trip to Colvin Run Mill (3 classes)
03/14           Gr. 3 Field Trip to Colvin Run Mill (2 classes)
                    Student Parent Lunch (Lunch time, Cafeteria)
03/15           Parent Coffee (9:00 am, Cafeteria)
                    Topic: Science - Project GLAD and classroom visits 
                    ATES Dance Night (6:00 pm, Annandale High School Gym)
03/19           Gr. 4 Field Trip to Kennedy Center 
03/20           Gr. 2 Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Park (3 classes)
03/21           Gr. 2 Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Park (2 classes)
03/25-29      Spring Break


Amazing Things

Amazing Things Around the Terrace will return next week! Stay tuned.


MARCH STUDENT PARENT LUNCH

Student Parent Lunch

We had such a great turn out in January and February that we are inviting our parents once again to join their student(s) for lunch in March. If you are interested to attend Parent Student Lunch on Thursday, March 14. Please complete https://forms.gle/42tCYhSip7ZcKC8W8.  We need to make sure the extra meals are prepared ahead of time. Please note that the price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). 


Dance Night

FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form

On Monday, March 18, 2024, Annandale Terrace Elementary School parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

 

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!


🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring on April 2nd. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.


Yearbook

Purchase your 2023-2024 yearbook now at 

https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob

Early-bird sale! $16.00 until 03/29/2024.  School Code: 13655724


Reading Together, A Webinar for Families

The Virginia Department of Education is excited to celebrate Family Reading Month in March. Join the Virginia Department of Education & Virginia PTA for a Reading Together. A webinar designed for families to learn about best practices in reading instruction, the event also covers how families can support their students through all stages of learning to read and improving reading comprehension.   The webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 13th from 7-8pm. Registration is required to participate and is open to the public. 

Additional resources such as printable materials, infographics, videos and more can be found within the Virginia PTA Reading Toolkit.

Contact: Office of Parental Engagement (VDOE)


✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey!

survey

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage.


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources


Bipartisan Study Finds Virginia Public School Divisions Receive Less Funding per Student Than Other States

Budget

The School Board recently adopted FCPS’ FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Meeting budget needs becomes more of a challenge with underfunding by the state, using staffing formulas that continue to result in school districts not receiving the actual support needed for excellent public education. A staffing formula is the method for calculating the number of positions that need to be assigned to meet program needs. 

Did You Know?

In July 2023, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) released a study of Virginia’s K-12 funding formulas. The report found that Virginia school divisions receive less funding per student than the 50-state average, the regional average, and many of Virginia’s neighboring states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. Learn more about the JLARC study. View FCPS’ budget development timeline

Contact your state officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education. 


💭 Share Your Thoughts on Schoology

FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:

  • Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
  • Secondary students via email from Naviance.

Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups. 

Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions. 


Hidden Oaks

Elementary Institute for the Arts

Students in all FCPS schools can enroll in the Elementary Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a weekly Arts enrichment program for students in rising 3rd through 6th grades during the month of July. Students take classes in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance every day. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Elementary Institute for the Arts website for more information or email eifta@fcps.edu.


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.


🎤 Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Wednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14. 

All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grades 6-12. Together as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and too-often fatal substances.

Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.


Earth Day

🎤 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:

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.


Citizenship flyer

Register online at https://www.lordoflifeva.org/esl


SOLPass

SOLPass provides an opportunity for students to practice for the SOL science, social studies, and reading tests. All Annandale Terrace students have access to the site. You may access the site through www.solpass.org/login or by going to Student Resources from our school website.

When you are on the login page, enter our school name and password: annandale. Click Login

SOLPass


☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.


Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring

Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.

A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.

Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.

Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.


Free Resources for Families

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.


Girl Scout

Register via CBC Registration-Link to gscnc.org (jotform.com)


Fair housing

🥁 Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.


🩹 The Importance of Up-to-Date Immunizations

Immunizations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. While COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, many other immunizations are. Check with your students’ healthcare providers now to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated online in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form. To access that form, click Online Packets in the top right of the screen after logging in to SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account by contacting the main office 703-658-5600.


Summer Youth Sports Camps

Summer Camps are accepting pre-registrations.  Summer Youth Sports Camps are held at Annandale High School and run 8:30am-3pm.  Camp will be $120 again this year.  Sign up before March 1 and receive the $100 early bird rate.

  • Multi Sport Camp: June 17,18, 20,21. No camp on June 19th.
  • Olympics Camp: June 24-27th- No camp Friday.

Pre-Register Here: https://bit.ly/AHSCAMP24


🥁 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.


Camp

Camp2

CTE
CTE