ATES Updates_09/20/2024

Upcoming Dates:

09/27          Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                   Topic: AAP Parent Info
                   PTA Sponsored ATES Restaurant Night (Inca Social, 4:00-8:00pm)
                   Address: 2670 Avenir Place, Vienna, VA 22180
09/28          Baseball Game at (4:05pm, Nationals Park)
                   address: 1500 South Capitol ST SE. Washington, DC 20003
10/03          Student Holiday-Rosh Hashanah Holiday
10/04          Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
10/14          Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
10/17          Gr.1 Field trip to Cox Farm
10/18          Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
10/21          3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time12:20pm
10/28          Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
10/31          End of 1st Quarter
                   2-Hour Early Student Release - Dismissal time 1:20 pm


Together!!

Last week we celebrated Attendance Awareness Spirit Week! It was so much fun to see both students and staff join in on the fun!

Attendance week

Daughters of American Revolution

The Daughters of the American Revolution have created this wonderful display to celebrate and bring awareness to Constitution Day which was on September 17, 2024.


We did some binder checks this week! Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are keeping binders this year to keep everything organized in one place.

Binder Check

Reading

Love seeing these 4th graders from Ms. Scilovati’s class focused during their independent reading time. Way to go!


5th grade teachers began teaching Unit 1 of the new literacy curriculum on Friday. Here we have Ms. Rigby using the new magazines to launch the lesson.

5th grade

Our Pep Rally was last Friday, and this is one of the favorite events our students enjoy the most. The Annandale High School band and the Color Guard joined us to bring the energy this event deserves. And as for the spirit stick….drum roll please…it went to the Green House!

Pep Rally

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.

FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have:

  • Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
  • A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.

Please read the details of the programs via visiting: ATES AAP FallNewsletterES.pdf

Fall AAP Newsletter ES (PDF) are also available at the following languages:


Back to School / Title 1 Info Night

Thank you for attending Wednesday night's amazing Back to School /Title 1 Info Night. Here is a link to the presentations for families who were unable to attend.


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.


✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

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 Friday, September 30.


Parent Access to Immunization Records in VIIS

Parents can access their child's immunization records for free from the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) for any immunization obtained in the state of Virginia by completing this brief Immunization Record Request Form. The prompts on the form are provided in English and Spanish. Once the form is processed (3-5 business days and sometimes less), the immunization record is emailed directly to the parent at the email address provided.


🩹 Immunization Requirements

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices beginning in October. All school required immunizations will be offered free of charge. 

To find the early release Mondays for your child’s school, please locate their school pyramid, then view the dates toward the bottom of the limited early release Mondays webpage.  

Please schedule your child’s immunization appointment by calling 703-246-7100.


Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Yearbook

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 


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. They will:

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

October 4, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon 

Jim Scott Community Center 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax, VA 22031

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online


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 Jennifer Boyle, school counselor at jsboyle@fcps.edu, Emma Day, School Psychologist at eday1@fcps.edu, or Celia Fruchterman, school social worker at cffruchterma@fcps.edu  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.


We All Belong at School

We belong here.

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!


FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages. 


🍽️ Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias  starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings. 

View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.


FFVP

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

Strategic Plan

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.


Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.


🎤 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.


📸 Clarification: Student Photo/Video Opt Outs

We have received questions about student photo/video opt-out choices and guidance. Here are clarifications and reminders:

  • The ‘Comprehensive’ and ‘Limited C’ opt out selections are the ones that mean that a student is opted out from photos, video, and audio being published by FCPS.
  • The ‘Commercial Use’ field in SIS refers to release of information to outside businesses and organizations. It does NOT refer to publishing photos/video/audio of a student.
  • For special education and students with disabilities: Get parent/caregiver permission before publishing photo/video/audio of students receiving these services.

For full descriptions of each opt-out choice, see the Opt Out booklet forms page 13.


Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time. 

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.


🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.


Family Liaison- Vacant Position at ATES

Please see the job description /qualification for this full time position and apply via this link if you are interested. For any questions regarding this position, please email Ingrid.Badia@fcps.edu


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.


Resources for Newly Registered Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

Do You Know About Family Liaisons? Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact Sherry Hamzehloo, our family liaison, at shamzehloo@fcps.edu


📑 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.