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Dear Freedom Hill Families,
We hope the summer is well for you and your family! It is hard to believe that we are only 13 days away from a new school year. Whether you are a returning family or joining our community for the first time, we are delighted to have you with us. This year we continue our mission of supporting our students' success through a cultural of belonging and of educational excellence. Our staff will be returning in a few days to begin preparations for what promises to be a great year - and Freedom Hill's 75th!
At the center of all successful schools is an engaged, informed community. To this end we will be continuing to provide families with important updates each weekend through this newsletter. At the end of each newsletter we also include updates from our wonderful PTA, who are frequently supplementing our learning during the school day with a variety of fantastic events and activities. Don't forget to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We love sharing our students' learning!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are looking forward to seeing you next Friday at Open House!
In partnership,
Nicholas Zapadka, Principal
Tim Scesney, Assistant Principal
Holly Sims, Assistant Principal
2024-25 FCPS School Calendar
Freedom Hill Family Resources
Breakfast/Lunch Menus (Coming Soon!)
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August 16 - Open House
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August 17 - Rising Kindergarten Playdate, 10AM (Playground)
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August 19 - First Day of School - Students Arrive at 9:05
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August 19 - PTA "Tears & Cheers" for Kindergarten Families, 9:15
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August 27 - Back to School Night for Parents, 6PM
 Each year we welcome families into the building the day before school for you to have an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, to drop off school supplies, and to see their classroom. To alleviate parking and interior crowding, we will offer several sessions on Friday:
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9:00 - 9:45 - Adapted Programs: PAC, EAC, ID, IDS, and Preschool Class-based
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10:00 - 10:30 - Student Last Names A-L
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10:45 - 11:15 - Student Last Names M-Z
Some other details:
- You will meet your child's teacher and visit the classroom to explore the safe and welcoming environment that our teachers have created.
- It's a great time to drop off any medications in the school clinic, and pick up a Kiss 'N Ride number in the office if you will be picking up your student at the end of the school day.
- The PTA will be selling FH spirit wear!
- If you cannot attend the Open House, staff members will be available on the first day of school to assist students in locating their classrooms.
Class/teacher placements have been finalized and will be communicated through SIS ParentVUE by August 14th. If you do not have a SIS ParentVue account, we recommend signing up for one now. The instructions can be found HERE and if you need your activation code, please reach out to Ms. Sujo in the front office.
Additionally, transportation information will be provided by the FCPS Office of Transportation prior to the start of the school year. If you have questions about your child's transportation, please reach out to the FCPS Office of Transportation, Team 41, at 703-249-7100.
 We are eager to interview individuals who are interested in joining our team! Please email Dr. Z. with your interest in our open positions:
- Special Education Teacher, Autism
- Special Education Teacher, Intellectual Disabilities
We wanted to provide a reminder and follow up to the FCPS communication that was sent in June regarding seven three-hour early release Mondays for elementary students in the 24-25 year. Freedom Hill will be dismissing at 1:05 on the following dates:
- September 23
- October 28
- November 25
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
These times are incorporated into the schedule this year to support staff with the significant professional development requirements that are part of the Virginia Literacy Act. Additional information can be found on the FCPS Early Release Mondays webpage.
Want to cross something off of your August to-do list right now? Check out our 2024-2025 School Supply Lists and have one thing less to worry about at back to school time! |
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Look for the application in August, view criteria, and up-to-date information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families can call the front office with questions.
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an 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. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Missed our 2023-2024 Year-End Report? It is available for you to download in English and Spanish. Many thanks to our families, students, and staff who contributed to share some great news from our school year!
We hope you enjoy the last few weeks of the summer and we look forward to seeing you soon! As a reminder, your PTA Board for the 2024-2025 school year is:
- President: Kerrey Olden
- Secretary: Hyun Yoo
- Treasurer: Emily Jacobs
- VP: Amber Halaka
- VP of Communications/Technology: Kiara Osorio
- VP of Membership: Aleksia Forster
- VP of New Business Development: Camille Paredes
VISIT THE PTA AT OPEN HOUSE
We are excited to see all the returning families and meet the new families at Open House on Friday, August 16th.
Plan to stop by and visit us during Open House to:
- Learn about the PTA and what we do
- Join the PTA
- Purchase spiritwear
- Learn how you can earn money for the PTA using the Box Tops app and referral code F3FQ0H6U
- Learn how you can also earn money by linking your Harris Teeter bonus card to Freedom Hill
DON’T FORGET THESE UPCOMING DATES
Our last playdate for rising kindergarteners is Saturday, August 17th at 10AM on the playground and blacktop. Thank you Alex Bryden for coordinating all the playdates this summer.
Our kindergarten TEARS or CHEERS event is Monday, August 19th (first day of school) in the cafeteria from student drop-off until approximately 9:45AM. Come meet other kindergarten parents/families; light breakfast goodies will be provided. Complete this google form to let us know you’re coming.
GET SOCIAL WITH US
- Bookmark the PTA website as a favorite in your internet browser
- Sign up for the separate PTA Newsletter HERE
- Follow us on X: @freedomhillpta.org
- Follow us on Facebook: Freedom Hill ES Community
- General PTA inquiries: info@freedomhillpta.org
   
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