FH Weekly Update - 9/29/24


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Principals' Update

Dear Freedom Hill Community,

Thank you for another week of support as our students continue to Shine Bright this year. The first week of autumn was cloudy and cool, but there was much going on in our classrooms! We were so appreciative of our families' flexibility during our Early Release Monday. The extra time allowed our teachers to begin their 27-hour course focused on the Virginia Literacy Act and supporting our students' early literacy. Without this protected time, our teachers would not be able to engage with this material. Thank you!

We were also excited to celebrate our first Golden Plate award winners! Our students worked incredibly hard to demonstrate their learning of our cafeteria rules and to earn raffle opportunities for this award. Mrs. Weise's class was selected as our winners this month and enjoyed a very fancy lunch experience!

Lastly, we wanted to draw your attention to the new FCPS Strategic Plan, which was finalized last year. The culmination of the strategic planning work resulted in the development of five student-centered goals. Beginning next weekend and running through October, we will be showcasing how these goals are brought to life each day at Freedom Hill. Stay tuned! 

Have a great week! Don't forget that there is no school for students on Thursday and Friday. 

 

Nicholas Zapadka, Principal

Tim Scesney, Assistant Principal

Holly Sims, Assistant Principal


Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

FCPS Lunch Menu

Freedom Hill Family Resources

  • October 1 – Green Team First Day Meeting, 4:15
  • October 3School Closed, Rosh Hashanah
  • October 4 Student Holiday; Teacher Workday
  • October 14 - Student Holiday; Staff Development Day
  • October 18 - Fall Picture Day
  • October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7:30PM
  • October 22 - PTA Family Dinner Out, Chipotle Vienna
  • October 25 - Hallowingo, 6-8PM
  • October 29 - Full-Time AAP Information Night, 6:30PM
  • October 31 - Last Day of Spiritwear Sale

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This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Open-Mindedness.  Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.

Open-mindedness is the willingness to actively search for evidence that goes against one’s favored opinions, plans, or goals. Open-minded individuals are able to weigh all evidence fairly, when it is available. They see the other side and fight the tendency to have a bias for their own views. And, rather than favoring the socially dominant views, they give attention to those that are less dominant. 

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Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2nd. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.

Thursday, October 3rd, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4th, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 


Save the Date for Our Thanksgiving Luncheon!

We are looking forward to hosting our families for our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 21! Please save the date and stay tuned for additional details.


Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Households across the country can once again order four free COVID-19 tests that detect current COVID-19 variants, with no shipping costs delivered straight to you. Tests will begin shipping the week of September 30th


Providence Day and Back to School Celebration - Saturday, October 5th

Join us for a day of fun, connection, and community spirit! The inaugural Providence Day and Back to School Celebration is on Saturday, October 5th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Marshall High School. We will celebrate the vibrant and diverse community we're proud to call home and highlight local organizations and businesses while fostering stronger connections among residents and community leaders. This free, family-friendly event is open to all Fairfax County residents and will feature interactive booths, live performances, food trucks, activities for kids, giveaways and prizes, community spotlights, and more!

RSVP TODAY: https://www.facebook.com/share/b12h6pJutavJcxX3/

Accessibility and Transportation: George Marshall High School is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Shuttle services will run from the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) and the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road).

Questions: Email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-560-6946.


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Community Conversations with Dr. Reid

🎤 Join Dr. Reid for a series of Community Conversations and share your feedback about our schools.

  • September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
  • October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School
  • October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School
  • October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School

Register to attend: https://bit.ly/472s5Oa


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From September 15th to October 15th, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month


Hill Happenings

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PTA Updates

PURCHASE FHES SPIRITWEAR

Didn’t find what you were looking for at Open House?  Looking for something new?  Our spiritwear store is up and running - check it out here!  The store will be available through the end of October and all items will ship to the school approximately 3 weeks after the store closes.  From there, we’ll deliver your purchases to your student’s homeroom class.  Spiritwear makes great winter holiday gifts for students, grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

 

WANTED: HALLOWEEN BINGO PRIZE DONATIONS

A Freedom Hill tradition is returning this school year as HALLOWINGO on Friday, October 25th from 6-8PM! Additional details are forthcoming but you may be able to guess that this will involve Bingo and Fall fun. We are in need of prizes for bingo winners. Use this as an opportunity to clear your home to make space for any new toys, games, and crafts that may arrive during the holidays. Donated prizes can be small or large, new or gently used, leftover gifts, etc. Drop off in the PTA collection box in the main office.

 

SAVE THESE UPCOMING DATES

  • The next PTA meeting will be Monday, October 21st at 7:30PM and it will be virtual only. A zoom link will also be provided closer to the meeting.
  • The next Family Dinner Out (FDO) will be Tuesday, October 22nd at Chipotle on Maple Avenue in Vienna. Stop by anytime between 5PM and 10PM and mention Freedom Hill when you order and the PTA will receive a portion of the sales.
  • Hallowingo will be Friday, October 25th from 6-8PM. Start planning your festive fall attire and/or costume.

Marshall Pyramid