Weekly Newsletter 5/8/2024

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

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


Staff Appreciation Week

Staff Appreciation


Thank you to our PTA for the wonderful start to our Staff Appreciation Week!  We have already been treated to a delicious pancake breakfast and an energy-boosting coffee bar.  We are looking forward to more events as the week continues!  Please feel free to send in cards, notes or treats that you think the staff would appreciate.


National School Nurse Day

Nurse Appreciation day


National School Nurse Day is today, Wednesday, May 8.
It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  We are fortunate to have two phenomenal nurses supporting our Key Center students!  Please join us in thanking our nurses Jeannette Mitchell and Maureen Holt for their hard work and dedication to our students. 


Fundraising Auction and the Pucker Palooza Event

Auction Bid


Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Pucker Palooza Fundraising event, scheduled for Noon-5:00PM at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company, on May 11th, has been canceled.  The many terrific auction items that were generously donated will still benefit our PTA.  They will be auctioned through our PTAs online site.  Bidding on these great items opens today, May 8th and will continue through Wednesday May 15th at 4:30PM.  Auction items include Washington area sports team tickets and memorabilia, tickets to a variety of great local experiences, gift certificates to some great restaurants, and so much more!  Please support the Key Center PTA by visiting the auction site and generously supporting the online auction.


National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Speech and Hearing Month


May is here, and with it comes an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our speech therapists, Karie Huynh and Aimee Rand. As we observe National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we want to extend our gratitude to Aimee and Katie for their dedication in providing exceptional speech services to our students.  Aimee and Katie play a pivotal role in helping our students develop essential communication skills, empowering them to express themselves and better navigate the world around them.

Speech and Hearing


During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we also want to express our appreciation to two valuable members of our school team: Teacher of the Hearing Impaired, Rachel Lee and Audiologist, Sheila Moore-Neff.  Rachel and Sheila work with our students with hearing impairments and their classroom teams to ensure that they are supported in accessing their environment and educational services.

Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and thank you for all that you do!


Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Month


People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Order your Key Center Yearbook Today!

Yearbook


Our yearbook team has been hard at work, diligently compiling the highlights, achievements, and special moments from throughout the year. From the first day of school to community trips, assemblies,and everything in between, our yearbook captures the spirit of our school community.  You can order your yearbook today for just $12!  Don't miss out on the chance to relive all the wonderful memories from this school year!  The deadline to order this year’s yearbook is May 17, 2024.


Get your child’s immunizations up-to-date

Immunization info.


Immunization services are available to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, new to the country, or those that just need a follow up to be up to date.

By Appointment Only.  Call 703-246-7100

May 9, 4-8pm – Annandale7611 Little River Tnpk. #400EAnnandale, VA

May 16, 4-8pm - Mt. Vernon8350 Richmond Hwy. #233Alexandria, VA

Appointments are also available during regular clinic hours (all day Monday–Thursday and Friday mornings). Please call or connect with them online to make an appointment.


Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver

DD Waiver


Virginia is in the process of expanding funding to provide services for those individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver (often referred to as DD Waivers) Priority One Wait List. The goal is to provide significantly more waiver slots for Virginians with developmental disability so that they can receive services and supports to improve their and their families’ lives and wellbeing.

Attend a community orientation for individuals and their families to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the DD Waiver process.

Attend an information session:

What to Expect While Waiting for a Developmental Disabilities Waiver May 20, 2024 at 11:00 am

What to Expect When Allocated a Developmental Disabilities Waiver May 30, 2024 at 11:00 am


Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Extravaganza Summer


Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.


FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

Office of Ombuds


The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


ABA Family Training- Maintaining Routines Outside of School

ABA


This workshop is intended for parents of students with the low incidence disabilities of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.

Topics covered will include:

  • The benefits of keeping a home routine
  • Way to maintain structure outside of school

May 15, 2024Choose one virtual session:10:00am - 11:30am  OR  7:00pm - 8:30pmJoin using this meeting link:  https://meet.google.com/cgn-udci-kbh

All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. To register or to request an interpreter, contact Liane Sprunk at (571) 423-4110 or by email at lsprunk@fcps.edu at least two weeks in advance and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email) in case we need to contact you. For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.


Morning at the Museum at the National Museum of Natural History

Morning at the Museum


The Smithsonian’s Morning at the Museum event at the National Museum of Natural History is on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.Pre-registered families will be able to explore the first floor of the museum before it opens to the public.Pre-visit materials will be sent to registered families prior to the program. Due to high demand,  you are asked to only reserve passes for your immediate family (maximum of 8 passes). 

Please use the Etix link below to sign up for this program.

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/39694734/morning-at-the-museum-at-the-national-museum-of-natural-history-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history 

The next two Morning at the Museum programs will be:

National Zoo, Bird House on Saturday, June 15 from 9:00-10:30am

Smithsonian Folklife Festival on Sunday, June 30 from 9:30-11:00am


Transition Support Group

The Arc

 

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cherry Blossom Conference Room at
Venture 3060 Williams Dr. Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22031

A group to share thoughts, ideas, concerns, or just a safe place to be heard!  We are focused on individuals who are about to transition out of a school system, or who have already transitioned out of a school system.  This group is guided by Nicole Zupan, DD Waiver Support Coordinator with the Arc of Northern Virginia.

Registration available here.


Family Resource Center

Family Resourece


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

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

Dates to remember


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
June 12         Last Day of School - 2 hour Early Release - 11:50am

2023-24 FCPS School Calendar