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Good Morning Great Falls ES Families,
The school year is flying by rapidly, the weather is getting warmer, spring sports have officially started, and the pools will soon be open. At Great Falls ES, we are still going. As we enter into the last quarter, excitement builds alongside that familiar end-of-the-year energy. Like a long car ride, even the most enthusiastic students can get a little restless as the destination comes into view.
This is where we still need your help. There is much more academic ground to cover in these last eight weeks. We have tests to complete, projects to finish, and final concepts to solidify. We will work toward our Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning and celebrate our successes and accomplishments from this year.
Your support at home is not just helpful; it's crucial. Please consider:
- Taking a few moments to review end-of-year schedules and routines with your child.
- Ensuring these schedules and routines remain school-focused and learning-centered.
- Remembering and reminding students that school attendance remains essential as we work toward wrapping up the school year will help them stay organized and concentrate on their remaining schoolwork.
We appreciate your support as we strive for a smooth and successful learning experience during this last quarter.
Japanese Immersion Students perform at the Cherry Blossom festival
Calendar Updates
April 22 - Earth Day Presentation (kindergarten and 1st graders)
April 23 - Sister School Book Drive Extended
April 30 - 6th Grade Reading SOL
May 2 - 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Reading SOL
May 3 - Orthodox Good Friday (Student Holiday)
May 6 - 10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7 - 5th grade Math SOL
May 8 - 6th grade Panoramic Photo
May 14 - 6th grade Math SOL
May 16 - 3rd, 4th Math SOL and 5th grade Science SOL
May 27 - No School: Memorial Day
Click here to read last week's GFES PTA newsletter updates.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
Click here to view the 2024-2025 school year calendar
Class Placement Survey
Believe it or not, there are only eight weeks left until school is out for the summer, and we are beginning to think about and plan for next school year.
As in the past, we welcome your participation as we plan for class assignments. In making placements into the next grade’s homerooms, we seek to build positive communities rather than assigning students to a particular teacher, which would limit our ability to build effective classroom dynamics. We strive to create balanced classrooms and we take into account the many new students who will join us next school year. While we do believe that it is important for children to have friends in their class, we also want them to be open to forming new friendships while at school.
Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning abilities. You have the opportunity to complete an optional “Class Assignment Parent Survey” for the upcoming year. Please take a few moments to give us your insights on this survey.
Please submit the electronic form no later than May 10, 2024. Late submissions or separate emails will not be considered. Thanks for continuing to have trust in our school and working together to create the most successful environment for your child(ren) at Great Falls ES each year!
STEAM Lab Updates
Thank you so much for your continued support and donations. I am trying to keep my STEAM Wish List updated with grade-level needs and classroom “wants.”
In kindergarten, we have been learning about Paleontologists and Quality Engineers over the past couple of weeks. Next week, students will create some “real-life” robots and examine repeating patterns.
First Graders learned how to make penny rubbings and constructed a building out of Q-tips. Next week, they will analyze the design of an object and explore how to assemble a robot out of paper cups. They will then learn about the real-world career of a robotic engineer.
Second graders finished their Peeps Parachute challenge. Students had to design a parachute that would slow down the rate at which a cup falls after being dropped. Next week, they will use the engineering design process to create a boot for an astronaut landing on the Moon.
Third grade finished up their Wind-Powered Maze Challenge. They explored wind power and balanced/unbalanced forces by constructing a marble maze with obstacles. Next week, we will start our Space Capsule challenge. Students will learn about Astronaut Katherine Johnson and design, build, and test their space capsule.
Fourth grade is continuing to work on their NEXT National Park Challenge. All classes have selected one National Park and have started their research project. After their research, they will create a presentation about their National Park.
Fifth grade learned some basic knot-tying skills. This week, they started a new musical instruments challenge. Students will learn about what makes sound and how instruments can change notes. They will then use the engineering design process to design and build a musical instrument. This ties right into their Sound Energy Unit from the science curriculum. Students can bring some recyclable material from home to assist with their builds.
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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL 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 counselor. Sara White sdwhite1@fcps.edu for grades K (Couch and Smock), 1, 3, and 5. Courtney Barber cjbarber@fcps.edu for K (Gould), 2, 4, and 6.
Sister School Book Drive Extended
The annual Sister School Book Drive has been extended until Tuesday, April 23. Don't miss out on the chance to donate books and make a difference! We are collecting new and gently used books to donate to students at our sister school – Glen Forest Elementary. Donations will be collected until NOON on Tuesday, April 23. The collection boxes are located outside the main entrance to the school and in the main lobby.
We are looking for book donations for preschool – 6th grade readers. Books open minds and opportunities. Share the gift of reading with a student from Glen Forest Elementary. Every donation makes a difference! Thank you for your generous support.
Allergy Season
Allergy season is upon us! Tree pollen has been moderated to high, and we are seeing a lot of uncomfortable students in the clinic. Signs and symptoms of allergies include congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes nose and throat, runny nose, fatigue, cough. If your student has known seasonal allergies, it is time to start them back on their allergy medication as directed by your physician.
Give Your Feedback on the Budget
We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:
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Tuesday, April 16, through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.
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Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS.
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Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
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Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.
✅ 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.
Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion
The FCPS Family Summit 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 raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
👨👩👧👦 Immigrant Family Reunification Class
A class will be held online in Spanish for immigrant families looking to reunite during challenging transitions. Saturday classes will be available April 13, 20, or 27, from 9-11:30 a.m. Register online. For more information, please contact Sue Kim at sykim1@fcps.edu or Sussy Tomer at setomer@fcps.edu.
Summer Arts Camp
Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! At Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA), students take art, music, theater, and dance classes daily. E-IFTA is for current second through fifth grade students. Learn more on the E-IFTA webpage. Email EIFTA@fcps.edu with any questions.
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