Principals' Note
Welcome Back Cameron Families!
As we prepare to embark on the 2024-2025 school year, we extend a warm welcome back to each of you. We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready for an incredible year ahead.
At Cameron, we are excited about the wonderful opportunities that await our students, teachers, staff, and families. This year, we are proud to introduce new preschool autism classes and expanded special education programs. These additions reflect our unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive, supportive, and enriching learning environment for all our students.
Our theme for this year, “Champions are made at Cameron,” encapsulates our belief in the potential of every student. We know that through collaboration between our students, teachers, staff, and families, we create a community where champions are nurtured and developed. At Cameron, we continue to prioritize our students and families, ensuring that we remain “One Cameron.” Our focus on student success drives all our efforts, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging educational experience.
Families, your partnership is essential in aligning our efforts to meet the needs of our students. Together, we can achieve great things and ensure that each student has the opportunity to thrive. We have so much to celebrate this year, and we are looking forward to an amazing school year filled with growth, learning, and success.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our Cameron community. Let’s make this year our best yet!
Warmest regards,
Mr. Eric T. Johnson, Principal etjohnson@fcps.edu
Ms. Amanda Snyder, Assistant Principal ajsnyder@fcps.edu
Ms. Louise Robertson, Assistant Principal larobertson2@fcps.edu
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📋Survey for Early Release Mondays
❗️To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form. ❗️
Complete the form for each of your children who are enrolled at Cameron (if you have multiple children, you will need to fill out the form multiple times). The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
As a reminder, the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:
- September 16
- October 21
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
We recommend saving this version of the FCPS Calendar that includes our early release days!
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🚌Community Visits! Meet the Staff
On Monday, August 12 between 2:15 and 3:20pm, Cameron staff will be visiting Cityside Apartments, Riverside Apartments, and the Huntington Community Center for a meet and greet with families. Come to say hello and get a popsicle!
Huntington Community Center 2:15-2:30pm
Riverside Apartments 2:40-2:55pm
Cityside Apartments 3:05-3:20pm
🏫Open House Aug 16
Join us on August 16 from 3-4pm for Cameron's Open House! Students and families will have a chance to meet their teacher, see their classroom, and connect with classmates. We hope you join us!
Back to School Picnic Aug 16
Stick around after Open House for the PTA-hosted Back to School Picnic! The picnic will take place from 4-6pm. More details to come!
🍎First Day of School August 19th
The first day of the 2024 - 2025 school year is Monday August 19, 2024. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. On the first day of school, only Kindergarten parents are permitted to walk their child to the classroom door. Kindergarten parents will enter through Door 1 in front of the school. You will be required to stop by the table by the gym to sign in and receive your visitors sticker. After walking your child to class you will join administration for a brief meeting in the cafeteria for donuts and juice at 9:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing new and returning families!
FCPS Calendar
✅Back to School To-Dos for Family
As summer winds down, our school and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Before the first day of school, make sure you have completed the following:
1. Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar [add contact info] if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS 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 SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
2. Update Your Contact Information
To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
3. Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.
Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
4. Prepare for Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.
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Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced MealsThe application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
5. Save the Date: Back-to-School Night
Back to School Night will be Wednesday, August 28 from 6 to 8pm. The night will be split into two one-hour sessions.
6. 🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar (or our Cameron-specific calendar with 3-Hour Early Release Mondays marked) to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al-Fitr, may shift and the calendar may be adjusted.
7. Stay Connected!
We will send a Family Newsletter every Friday. You can also connect with us on Facebookand Instagram (we're new to Instagram, so maybe you can be our first follower!)
🆕Student Consent Forms
Starting August 1st, Student consent forms currently available on ParentVue will be moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.
Click here to fill out the forms.
Forms available include:
- School Counseling Opt-out
- Digital Resources Consent
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Family Life Education Opt-out
- SOL Retest Permission
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
✉️Teacher Assignments
Important information coming soon! Be on the lookout for a letter in the mail the week of August 12 announcing your child's teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
📖New Reading Curriculum
As part of our Equitable Access to Literacy plan, FCPS is changing the way we teach reading to our K-6 students! Starting this school year, we will have a new curriculum for Language Arts which will help our students become better readers. Because of this new curriculum, all of our FCPS teachers who help our students learn how to read will have the same high-quality materials and lesson plans. When a student can read well, they do better in all of their classes and are more likely to graduate high school.
🥪Free Breakfast and Lunch for Cameron Students During 2024-2025 School Year
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is participating in the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal program again in the school year 2024-2025. Cameron ES has been selected to be a part of this program. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas. CEP allows schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students without collecting household applications for free and reduced-price meals.
Medication Drop Off
Pelase bring your child's medicaton to drop off at the school health room during Open House on August 16.
📱Cell Phone Policy and Implementation
- At the May 9 School Board meeting, the School Board adopted the SY 2024-25 SR&R (Regulation 2601.38). They also passed a follow-on motion directing the superintendent to develop and implement a strategic communications plan to inform stakeholders of the expectations contained in the SR&R with respect to cell phone usage.
- Grade K-6
- Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
- Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
- With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.
💉Make Sure Your Students Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
In preparation for the new school year, please make sure your student has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your family's healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs a vaccine to complete their records, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. Be wise and immunize!
Free Workshops for Families
Parents and 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 the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Important Dates
Aug 12: Community Visits, 2:15-2:30pm
Aug 16: Open House, 3-4pm
Back to School Picnic, 4-6pm
Aug 19: First Day of School!
Aug 28: Back to School Night, 6-8pm
Aug 30: No School, Labor Day
Sept 2: No School, Labor Day
Sept 16: 3 hr Early Release, 1:05pm
See the full 2024-2025 calendar.
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