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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.
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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
UPCOMING EVENTS
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April 26- Kindergarten Orientation, 5:30pm-6:30pm
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April 26- FES PTA Movie Night in gym, 6:00-8:00pm
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April 26 - Donuts with Dandelions for military families, 8:30am in the cafeteria
The Franconia Penguin Talent Show
Franconia Elementary is proud to present the 2024 Penguin Talent Show. If you are interested in auditioning for a spot in the show, you and a parent will need to read and agree to the guidelines on the audition form.
Audition Form
Fill out the form and return to Mrs. Yortzidis by April 26.
Filling out the form does not mean that your child will be in the talent show. All students will audition and those that are selected will be notified.
School Auditions will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, during the school day. Your child will audition during their specials time on that day.
We are looking for the BEST talent. ARE YOU THE NEXT TOP TALENT?
Field Day Spirit Wear is Here
Get ready for a Field Day full of Penguin Pride with Field Day Spirit Wear!
CLICK HERE to purchase!
DEADLINE for ordering is APRIL 26
Please note there are separate listings for child and adult sizes.
Orders are online-only and will be delivered to the school for distribution in early May.
PURPLE UP FRANCONIA!
Don't forget that this week is our spirit week for the Month of the Military Child.
Additionally, be on the lookout for information inviting military-connected parents to help us recognize their students on April 26th, at 8:30am in the cafeteria.
We will provide light refreshments and donuts for our "Donuts with Dandelions" celebration to wrap up the Month of the Military Child. You should find an invitation to this in your child's Wednesday folder.
Show your Spirit Penguins!
A Note from PE
We are continuing with our dribbling with feet unit. For your students safety, please send them to school wearing sneakers or another type of athletic shoe. Please refrain from wearing crocs, slides, boots, and other footwear that would be unsafe. Thank you.
From your Franconia PE Team
Pokémon Club starting soon!
Are you into Pokémon? Do you want to get together with other Franconia Penguins to play Pokémon games and/or trade Pokémon cards?
If you answered "YES" to these questions, then keep reading! Franconia will host a Pokémon after-school club on the following dates (all Fridays) from 3:30-4:30:
- April 19
- April 26
- May 10
- May 17
Students are invited to stay after school to enjoy all things Pokémon with their fellow students and some Franconia teachers.
Sign up for all sessions HERE
Monday Munch 'Ems!
Welcome to Monday Munch ‘Ems! We are Sophia Lyon and Mira Stanish and we are 8th grade students at Mark Twain Middle School and Franconia Elementary Alumni.
During the month of April, on the Monday morning news, we will be sharing healthy, nutritious and super affordable snacks. We are Girl Scout Juliettes and this is part of our Silver Award Take Action project.
Look for more details coming home soon in Wednesday folders. Here is a link to the recipe we shared this week:
http://www.readingconfetti.com/2014/01/sledding-penguins-frozen-banana-snack.html
Autism Awareness Month
It’s Autism Awareness Month and our very own Ms. Lucius created a website where everyone can learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The website features those who may have had Autism in the past based on what we know about them and also showcases musicians and performers who have been diagnosed with Autism. You can access this amazing site HERE.
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 2024-2025 school year?
We are in the process of preparing our kindergarten registration and orientation. If your child is ready for kindergarten, call the school to set up a registration appointment.
Please consider joining us at school with your future kindergartener for our Kindergarten Orientation on Friday, April 26 from 5:30-6:30pm.
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
Attention ALL MUSICAL FANS!!
The Penguin Performers are excited to present their third musical, Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
Tickets will go on sale next week! $5 per ticket paid through MySchoolBucks.
All proceeds go toward future musical purchases, props and more!
When: May 1 and May 2 at 6:30pm
Where: Franconia Gym
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ALSO, our kindergarten and 1st grade musicals are coming up later in May. The students are very excited to perform Go Fish! for their families.
Kindergarten performance
May 22
11:10–12:10
Franconia Gym
First grade performance
May 23
9:10 – 10:10
Franconia Gym
Stay tuned for volunteer information coming soon!
Counselor Corner
Character Trait of the Month
The character trait for April is Responsibility - to do what’s expected in behavior and actions.
In March, we highlighted the character trait of Patience- to wait calmly without complaining.
Here’s the student video for student’s who showed Patience last month:
https://youtu.be/70mhCOjdy40
We are so proud of our Patience award recipients!
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SEL Screener Results
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) Screener during the month of March, providing updated information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions.
The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)
Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.
Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.
Screening Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.
Appeals Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services
If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher or Assistant Principal.
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services in Elementary School
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students. Students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:
Access to Rigor, Grades K-6 (Level I)
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
- All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons
- Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.
Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6 (Level II)
Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:
- Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
- Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
- Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.
Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.
Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6 (Level III)
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.
- Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
- Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.
Part-time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Screening for Full-Time (Level IV) Services
Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services
Screening for full-time (level IV) AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for full-time (level IV) services occurs during two specific screening cycles:
- Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January. ο Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
- Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student. ο The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.
For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)
Some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Students eligible for full-time AAP services are cluster grouped on a full-time basis and receive:
- Full-time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
- Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.
Full-time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Kindergarten Registration Is Now Open For SY 24-25
We look forward to welcoming our newest Penguins to Franconia Elementary for the 2024-25 School Year. Registration packets are available in the Franconia ES Main Office, or you may download the forms using the links below.
The registration requirements are as follows:
For incoming Kindergarten students – please visit https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration
It is important that you have filled out all the paperwork, and bring with you the following:
- Photo ID
- Original Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residency (Deed or Lease to your home)
- Virginia Physical and Immunization Record (due prior to school starting in August)
When you are ready, and have gathered most of your documentation, please contact me to set up your registration appointment. All registrations are done by appointment only.
I look forward to meeting with you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Patrick Pacak, Registrar/SIA
Franconia Elementary School
PHONE 703-822-2200 FAX 703-822-2297 EMAIL pmpacak@fcps.edu
Tullar Tennis Academy
Tennis classes and private lessons
6 week weekend classes starting
April 27th and 28th
at John R Lewis High School
Classes available for adults and children
Beginner to advanced skill levels
Register online today to confirm your spot!
https://www.tullartennisacademy.com/
Deadline to register is April 24th
Email questions to tullartennisacademy@gmail.com
TJ TWIST PRESENTS
TECHSTRAVAGANZA 2024
Annual STEM activity fair for students of ALL AGES
Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 20th annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
6560 Braddock Rd,
Alexandria, VA 22312
FREE ENTRY
Event website: TJTechstrav.org
Sign up: HERE
Calendar Reminders
April -
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Month of the Military Child - 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.
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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.
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Muslim American Heritage Month - Muslim American Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the history, contributions, culture, and an enhanced understanding of the diverse population of Muslim Americans. View the Fairfax County School Board resolution honoring Muslim American Heritage Month.
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Autism Acceptance Month - April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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April 22, 23 - Passover and Half-O Days - Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids.
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Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated half-O days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days.
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April 24 - Theravada New Year (O Day) - In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration.
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Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an O day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.
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):
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
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