Dear Wolftrap Families,
We have a lot going on at and around Wolftrap! Our playground has started construction. Students are having recess on the lower field for the duration of construction, and our wonderful PTA has helped us organize play materials for that area! We look forward to the playground completion at the end of March!
Please help us keep students safe by observing the NO PARKING sign on Talisman. See picture above, where several cars have parked in that zone. Additionally, please DO NOT STAND across from Talisman and let your students exit your car. This is a huge safety issue. Our staff continues to see this happen, and we need your help in keeping all students safe. Finally, please remember that cars must enter the parking lot from Beulah Road at all times (before, during and after school). Cars should never enter from Talisman. Thank you!
Our best to you,
Dr. Maggie Grove, Principal
Ms. Lisa O’Donovan, Assistant Principal
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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.
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VIRTUAL GATHERING FOR MILITARY CONNECTED FAMILIES: Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) values the unique experiences and perspectives of our military-connected families and students.
Family and School Partnerships invites military-connected parents and guardians to attend a special virtual gathering to connect directly with FCPS staff and community members, learn about valuable resources, and share their experiences within FCPS.
This interactive session will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 7-8 p.m. Please register for this event to receive the Zoom link and meeting invitation.
For more information about the gathering and/or military-connected resources, please email Meredith Ayala, Family Partnerships Specialist, Military-Connected Youth & Families, at mlayala1@fcps.edu or militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
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TESTING SCHEDULE: As you know from the parent notification that went out on 2/29, testing season will be starting soon. Please see our website for the most up to date schedule. Thank you! |
Bipartisan Study Finds Virginia Public School Divisions Receive Less Funding per Student Than Other States: 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.
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.
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PRINCIPAL EVALUATION: On Monday, March 18, Wolftrap 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. I wanted to make you aware so that you did not suspect SPAM on that occasion.
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HELP FOR A FELLOW FCPS SCHOOL: We have been supporting an FCPS school throughout this year. We have recently heard from the principal that homelessness is up 40% since last year. The school collects grocery gift cards to support families, and they need $25 Safeway gift cards. Safeway is within walking distance to the school community, so those cards are best. There is a Safeway in Fairfax and one in McLean, for purchasing cards. If you can help, please bring gift cards to the Wolftrap office. We will continue this effort over the next couple of weeks. THANK YOU!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Have you met Ms. Cara Rubin? She teaches 3rd grade here at Wolftrap! When she came to Wolftrap, she was originally on the 2nd grade team, and she has been honored for her work as a teacher, both by the division and by the Special Education PTA (SEPTA), with her team member, Ms. Kate Piester! Ms. Rubin loves how committed Wolftrap families and staff are for student success! When she is not teaching, you might find Ms. Rubin visiting museums and restaurants in DC.
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FCPS NEWS: District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces
- Solar Eclipse Resources
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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