|
To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
Get2Green Earth Week - April 22-26
Students and staff are invited to wear the color matching each day’s theme to show your Earth Week spirit!
Monday, April 22 - wear green for Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23 - wear blue for Watershed Day
Wednesday, April 24 - wear white for Zero Waste Day
Thursday, April 25 - wear red for Climate Change Day
Friday, April 26 - wear a nature print for Wildlife Day
Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.
Get2Green Club Activities
Great things are happening in our garden area at Key Center. Thanks to a generous grant from FCPS Get2Green, we have begun the process of expanding and upgrading our garden area. We have added some new raised garden beds and are now preparing them for planting. We are using a gardening method called hügelkultur. Never heard of it? We’re basically filling the bottom of the beds with various organic materials that will break down over time and create rich, new soil. The bottom layer is created using cut wood. The students have been enjoying moving wood from the wood pile to the garden beds! If anyone in our community has wood, branches or grass clippings to donate to our hügelkultur project, please contact Beth Curtis at becurtis@fcps.edu to coordinate getting materials to Key Center- thank you!
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
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.
Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Internal Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians of FCPS students. Parents/guardians will be asked for feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community. The survey will be distributed electronically via FCPS This Week. The survey window is April 15 - April 26, 2024.Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholders.
Storytelling as an Advocacy Tool
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is co-sponsoring a discussion panel with other community organizations bringing Tiffany Hammond, New York Times Best Selling Author of "A Day with No Words" to Fairfax County later this month. If you're not yet familiar with the book, "A Day with No Words" shares the "bond between mother and child and follows them on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others."
This event will not be a typical book signing event. Rather, this event will be a discussion about the important role individual stories play in advocating for improved supports and services for people who need and use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The event is geared toward individuals who want to find out how to participate in efforts to improve services and supports for people who use and need AAC
Here are the event details and registration link. Please RSVP ASAP, as space is limited.
Storytelling as an Advocacy Tool: An AAC Community Discussion with Tiffany Hammond
Sunday, April 21st, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Ravensworth Baptist Church
Register at: https://bit.ly/AAC-VA
Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, April 27th.
Click on the link below for more information and for locations for drop off unused or expired medications.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/news/2024/april-27-take-back-day
First Responder & Safety Event Fair
When: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Kenmore Middle School
200 S Carlin Springs Rd
Arlington, VA 22204
Admission: Free but pre-registration is required
A resource fair and practice event with Arlington first responders and community partners to learn about emergency and crisis resources, and practice navigating emergencies. You’ll be able work on creation of the DD identification cards to hand to first responders to identify a disability in the event of an emergency. You can also work with first responders to role play a variety of situations and ask questions about how you can navigate emergencies safely.
For the first time, staff from the Marcus Alert team will join the event. They can help you set up an emergency health profile. The Emergency Health Profile allows individuals to voluntarily create a free emergency health profile to provide first responders with their vital health and medical information (behavioral health related information included) when calling 9-1-1 during an emergency or crisis. Individuals over the age of 16 may sign-up for an Emergency Health Profile through the Emergency Health Profile Association. Legal guardians may sign up individuals under the age of 16. This team will also discuss 988 and options to call during a behavioral/mental health emergency, and what you can expect.
The Arc of Northern Virginia’s award winning Tech for Independent Living team will also be present to talk about Arc2Independence, our free customizable app to help people with disabilities learn important life skills, gain more independence, and enhance their personal safety.
Click here to register.
Save the Date! Pucker Palooza Fundraiser for Key Center School
Mark your calendars now for a fun afternoon of raising funds for Key Center PTA. Join us on Saturday, May 11th from Noon until 5PM for:
- Live auction of fantastic items such as National tickets
- Live music
- Cornhole tournament
- 50/50 raffle
- Delicious food
- Featuring a variety of sour beers
Settle Down Easy Brewing Company
2822 Fallfax Dr.
Falls Church, VA
Look for more information coming soon!
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 28, 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.
DSANV Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Fun Fun
Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes and help us celebrate the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) with our third annual Spring Sprint 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run.
When: April 21, 2024
Time: 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:00am
Fun Run starts at 9:15am
Where: Occoquan Regional Park
9751 Ox Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Proceeds will go towards supporting DSANV’s mission to ensure all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in the Northern Virginia area, receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to and achieve fulfillment of the life in their communities.
Fairfax County Public Schools Students and Staff will receive Registration discount! Please use coupon code: WDSDAY24
Register: https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/2024-dsanv-spring-sprint-5k-run-walk-fun-run
For questions and event details, please email springsprint@dsanv.org
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.
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.
Upcoming Dates
May 3 Teacher Workday, no school for students
May 6- 10 Annual Staff Appreciation Week
May 26 Memorial Day Holiday, No School
May 30 Graduation - All students not graduating will dismiss at 10:30am
2023-24 FCPS School Calendar
|
