Garfield ES - Talon Tales: School News & Announcements 4/14/2024

talon Tales

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

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


2nd Graders At National Zoo

Second Graders enjoyed their field trip to the National Zool.


Upcoming Events

  • April 15 - 17: Scholastic Book Fair (Student previews start April 15)
  • April 17: Parent Coffee featuring Fairfax County Connector Bus Service, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
  • April 18: Lewis Pyramid Art Show at Key Middle School, 6:00PM-7:30PM
  • April 19:  Pre-K Field Trip to Clemyjontri Park
  • April 26: Lewis Pyramid Soccer Night, 7:15PM Lewis HS Football Stadium
  • April 29 - May 3: Garfield Staff Appreciation Week
  • April 30: 6th Grade Reading SOL Administered (Standards of Learning Assessment)
  • May 1: 5th Grade Reading SOL Administered (Standards of Learning Assessment)
  • May 2: 1st Grade Field Trip - National History Museum
  • May 2: Garfield Summer Program Registration Night, 5:00-7:00PM
  • May 3: No School for Students/ Teacher Workday

Thank our Librarian! It's School Library Month!


Garfield's Awesome Librarian

April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. We are fortunate and thankful to Ms. Megan McKeon, Garfield's Librarian. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs.

Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference  Share your appreciation of your school librarian! 


Garfield's Book Fair -- April 16-18, 2024!

Students will preview the Book Fair with their classes on Monday and Tuesday to create wish lists of books they find interesting. The library will be open for shopping:

  • Tuesday, April 16 - 4:15 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday, April 17 - 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, April 18 - 9:45 AM - 3:30 PM

If you can’t make any of these times, you can also shop the Book Fair online April 15th-19th at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/garfieldes then click on SHOP NOW.  Orders will be shipped to the school and delivered to your child’s classroom after the Fair has ended. If you have any questions, please contact Megan McKeon, Librarian and Book Fair Chairperson at 703-923-2900 or MTMcKeon@fcps.edu.


April is Month of the Military Child

Celebrating GES Military Children

Garfield recognizes its military children with a certificate of appreciation and a treat. 


Month of the Military Child graphic

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families


6th Graders Hard at Work & Photo Opt

Sixth Graders, who are hard at work, take a break to light up our day with heartwarming smiles.


✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.


Connector Flyer

Lewis Pyramid Show

Lewis Soccer Night

Garfield Summer Program Registration Night

Nominations Open for the

Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Lawrence Bussey

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage. Click to edit this placeholder text.


Arab American Heritage Month graphic

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.


🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Dr. Reid listens to the community

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.


Pre-Order Yearbook Today!! 

Lifetouch Yearbooks

Garfield ES Yearbook Preorder Online

Visit https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ and type in Yearbook ID Code: 14463724

Cost $20.00

We will have a limited amount of Yearbooks for sale at the end of the school year. Order ahead now to ensure your student receives their Yearbook for 2023-24! 


Garfield Family Liaison Corner 

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.

Contact Mrs. Melody Wheatley, our Family Liaison, should you need assistance. She can be reached via email at mdwheatley@fcps.edu


School Hours and General Information

Our school hours are from 9:20 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. Monday through Friday. School doors open at 9:05 a.m. each day to begin receiving students. 

Please call the attendance line at 703-923-2929 to report a tardy or absence.


Garfield PTA

Help us build a stronger future together! 

The PTA is an integral part of our school. Your involvement in our PTA is not just a commitment to your child's education, but an investment in the future success of our school as a whole. 

The PTA is a vital link between parents and the school. By joining, you'll have the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making processes, share valuable insight, and contribute to the overall improvement of the school experience for our students. 

Joining the board, and attending meetings allows you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Your perspective is vital in shaping the direction of our school. 

We are small but mighty and need your support to continue enhancing extracurricular activities, school-wide events like Movie Nights or the Fall Festival, field trip opportunities, improving facilities, and updating technology.

If you would like to become a member and help by volunteering at events, please join/renew by clicking here. 


2023-24 School Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

  • Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays. 
  • Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). 
  • Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
Calendar

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

• 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
• Visit the Garfield ES Website
Report your Child's Absence
• Monitor your student's academics with a SIS Parent Account
• Join the Garfield PTA
• Recognize a FCPS Employee at FCPS CARES . The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Garfield Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!