Terra Centre Newsletter 9/23/24

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Show Your Stripes Spirit Day

There are approximately 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. One-third of our military families transition into or out of our district each year. Blue Star Welcome Week allows schools to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities.

Terra Centre Families,

Our first 3 hour early release day for students was a success and we want to thank everyone for their patience and support to ensure that all students arrived home safely. Our next 3 hour early release will be held on Monday, October 28th, and we will send a new form for families to select their student's option for early release. 

There has been an uptick in our kiss and ride line and as a friendly reminder to all families and day care programs, when entering Kiss & Ride, please follow Marshall Pond Road to Pond Spice Lane to Burke Centre Parkway and follow the entire loop to exit on to Burke Centre Parkway. Please avoid U-turns at the intersection of Pond Spice Lane and Burke Centre Parkway. 

Please scroll down to review important information and reminders. 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal


Important Reminders

Field Day

Terra Centre's Field Day is coming up!  Mark your calendars to come and volunteer on Wednesday, October 9th! Field Day is a day filled with collaborative activities that promote building a strong, positive school community.  Students will participate with their homeroom class. Please consider volunteering by signing up using the link below. Reach out to our PE teachers Mr. Totten and Mrs. Patrick, for any additional questions. 

Field Day Volunteer Sign Up

Picture Day

Picture day is on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Photos can be ordered online at www.barksdalephoto.com - click Order Now and enter Access Code: 0038625IN. Barksdale order forms will be sent in Take-Home Folders on Friday, September 20. You can also scroll down to view the flier.

Picture Day 1
Picture Day 2

Mark Your Calendar

September: Attendance Awareness Month

September 15 - October 15:  National Hispanic Heritage Month

Monday, September 23rd: FLE Family Preview Night (Virtual)

  • 5:30 p.m. Link is in All Parents/Guardians Terra Centre course

Friday, September 27th: "Show Your Stripes" Spirit Day 

Tuesday, October 1st: Fall Picture Day

Thursday, October 3rd: Rosh Hashanah Holiday - No School

Friday, October 4th:  Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Wednesday, October 9th: Field Day

Monday, October 14th:  Student Holiday/Staff Development Day


PTA News

Please consider joining the PTA. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. PTA Membership

Please consider volunteering for upcoming events at Terra Centre! 

Saturday, September 28th: Discovery Garden Cleanup-9:00 AM

Tuesday, October 8th: Chalk the Walk for Walk & Roll to School Day-3:30 PM

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Monday, November 4th: Annual Pumpkin Drop & Outdoor Movie-4:30 PM


Important Information from FCPS

Free Webinars and Events Through the FCPS Family Resources Center

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact a member of our clinical team to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

David Lammon-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.


Quick Links


Resources

Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information. 

David Lammon-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

Our family liaison, Michelle Sehwoerer Rodriguez, is also available to support families, answer questions, and connect families with FCPS information and resources to support their child academically and socially at school.

️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.