GFES Updates--Sept 5
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/06/2024 07:36 PM EDT
🍎 Make Every Day Count!The Importance of AttendanceAs you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school. Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade. Learn how families can help form good attendance habits. 🦺Safety Drills During the School YearKeeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills. 📙2024 Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesFCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R. ⚠️ Know Our Security TermsFCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations. Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Student Ambassador ProgramWe are so excited to announce our new Student Ambassador Program here at GFES! GFES Student Ambassadors is a school-based, student-led leadership program that brings together military and civilian peers to support all student’s transition and connection to the school. It also helps to create a welcoming environment and accepting school culture for our newest Roadrunners. Do you believe your child would be a good fit to be a student ambassador? Please contact our Family Liaison Sue Kim for information about the Student Ambassador Program. 
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