Weekly Newsletter 6/12/2024

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

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


Principal’s Message 

Dear Parents and Guardians-

It’s the last full day of school as I write this final note of the school year. As I reflect on the buzz of our activities this week, I just want to share that joy is in the air! While everyone is ready for a break from the usual school routine, both our students and staff are bustling with activity as we close out another school year. The joy of engaging in new activities, experiencing new things, and the thrill of trying something different are felt throughout the school. This is yet another testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, who are truly remarkable-right until the last day. 

I hope you and your family have a fantastic summer break away from the school year's routine. Some students will return shortly to participate in ESY, while others will take the time to rest and recharge. Our school will reopen in August, ready to deliver another quality program for your children.  Our staff will return, as they always do, brimming with joy and energy to share with students and with each other! 

Please remember that school offices will operate on a modified schedule over the summer.  Our office and administrative staff however remain available and will promptly respond to any messages to address any concerns or needs you or your family may have over the next few weeks. 

Enjoy your summer break!

Ann 


Summer Office Hours

Summer Office Hour


Office hours will be from 8am – Noon.  Messages will be checked multiple times per day. Our social worker and administrative team will be in and out of office over the summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance. Administrative staff will be around and are happy to help with anything you may need from us. 


Extended School Year - ESY

ESY


We are excited to kick off another Key Center ESY program this summer! Emily Kaltenmark will be our ESY Principal again this summer. Your assigned teacher will be reaching out to you on June 27/28th. ESY dates and times are below.  Transportation will notify you of your pick up/drop off times prior to ESY.  Please note that breakfast will be provided but not lunch.   

Dates: July 1 - July 26 

Time:7:45 – 10:45


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  •       Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  •       Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers &sisters of children with special needs.
  •       Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  •       Play games and have fun!

June 28, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon 

Leis Center (map) 7423 Camp Alger Ave Falls Church, VA 22042

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register for this event


Free fresh produce

Where:   

Corner of Maple Street and Cupp DriveFairfax, Virginia 22030

When:

Sundays at 3pm until supplies run outJune 2 through October 20, 2024

Who:

This produce is available to anyone in need.  It is donated by the farmers at the Fairfax City Sunday market and distributed by the volunteers at A Place to Stand, Inc.


The Spectrum of Decision-Making Options in Virginia: Supported Decision-Making to Guardianship and Everything in Between

Depart of Behavioral
  • Date/Time: June 18, 2024 | 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Virtual

Join the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS) webinar to learn more about the decision-making options available to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Virginia. Learn the difference between capacity, competency, and consent and how people can get help making decisions from the least restrictive options (i.e. supported decision-making) to the most restrictive options (i.e. legal guardianship). 

REGISTER HERE


INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs

Inova

Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children ages 5+ with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs for children on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Saturday, June 29, at ICC for Children - Manassas
  • Saturday, July 20, at ICC for Children - Herndon
  • Saturday, August 17, at ICC for Children - Falls Church

Appointments are required. No walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.


Summer Fun for All! Summer Camps and Adapted Recreation

summer camp


The Family Resource Center (FRC) has a list of dozens of summer camps including general camps, camps for students with a variety of needs, and camps for children of military personnel. 

They’ve also prepared a list of adapted resources, sorted by activity, that are inclusive for children and adults of various physical abilities. 

Learn more by calling 703-204-3941, emailing FRC@fcps.edu, or visiting the FRC webpage.


Reminder - End of Year Medication Pick-Up

medication pickup


The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school, Wednesday June 12th or for students attending ESY at Key Center School, no later than student dismissal time on the last day of ESY, July 26. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools at another center, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.


Sensory Friendly Time at Our Special Harbor

Sensory Friendly Time at Our Special Harborpng.png


The sensory friendly time at Our Special Harbor welcomes individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input.

Our Special Harbor is a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed spray ground with fun features including a spraying osprey nest, Chessie the sea serpent, misting sunflowers and a lighthouse. Designed for children of all abilities, the spray ground includes wheelchair-accessible features such as water tables and gentle bubblers. Water wheelchairs are available. 

The designated sensory friendly time allows attendees to experience limited capacity and reduced sounds. Staff trained to respond to children with special needs will be on hand.

Admission is free for families. Sensory friendly times are scheduled 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through the end of August.

 Learn more


Key Center PTA Elects Officers for the 2024-2025 School Year

PTA


Currently, the PTA President position is VACANT and we are finalizing the slate with interested candidates.  If you would like more information or have a nominee, please contact Cecilia Allen at cecilia.allen@att.com or 301-646-7447.

President- Vacant

Vice President- Emily Bell

Treasurer- Cecilia Allen

Secretary- Lalin Courtney

Your participation and support help make our PTA thrive, and we look forward to another fantastic year!


Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE

SIS


Caregivers can view important information in ParentVUE such as attendance, grades, progress reports, assessment scores and your student’s IEP.

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for your FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. An app is also available for Apple and Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video explains the steps. Find out more.

If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up-to-date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section. View more information on ParentVUE.


          

Family Resource Center

Family Resource


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


July 1-26                     ESY Dates (No School July 4& 5)

2023-24 FCPS School Calendar