- September 30 After-School Program Begins
- October 3 Rosh Hashanah - School Holiday
- October 4 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
- October 14 Staff Development - Student Holiday
- October 17/18 School Picture Days
- October 31 End of Quarter/Two Hour Early Release
- November 1 Diwali - School Holiday
- November 4 School Planning Day - Student Holiday
- November 5 Election Day/Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
- November 11 Veterans' Day - School Holiday
- November 27 - 29 Thanksgiving Holiday
Greetings Frost MS Families,
I hope this message finds you well! I want to take a moment to celebrate what a fantastic and rainy final week of September we’ve had here at Frost. On Tuesday night, we were honored to host a very well-attended National Junior Honor Society Induction ceremony. It was heartwarming to sign the certificates of so many of our students recognized for their dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, and character. A big congratulations to all of our new inductees—you make us proud!
In addition to the induction ceremony, we had an informative session for our 8th-grade students interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology It was wonderful to see so many students and families engaged and asking thoughtful questions about the opportunities that await them in the future.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that our full after-school program offerings will begin on Monday, September 30th. These programs provide wonderful opportunities for students to explore their interests and connect with peers. Please be sure to check your email from Ms. Metzker for details regarding program options, schedules, and sign-up information. We have also attached a copy of the club offerings in This Week at Frost as well.
Parents, please be sure to discuss your expectations for your child’s participation in the after school program. As you will see on the offering sheet, there are a lot of options and those options can change daily. It will be helpful to know what clubs your child is interested beforehand so you can game plan and be in the know if there are any questions, concerns or changes. Be mindful of the following:
- Late buses are provided M-Th – Be sure to know what your child’s late bus number and drop off location is beforehand… You may ask does your child know how to make it home from this location? Is it too far from your house? Etc…..
- Students are not allowed to leave school grounds in the afternoon and then return to campus and ride a late bus.
- Students should report directly to their assigned club/activity location after school.
- If your child will participate…make a calendar for easy reference at home in case there is a need to call Frost. It will be helpful to know which club your child was slated to attend.
As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We are excited about all the wonderful things happening at Frost and can’t wait to see what the rest of the school year brings!
All the Best!
Anthony Harris
Pictures from the National Junior Honor Society Induction ceremony, held last Tuesday. Over 190 Frost students were inducted!
Frost students are winning cross-country meets! Come cheer them on tomorrow at Stone MS, starting at 10:40am!
Free Immunization Clinics at Frost
There will be three chances for your child to receive no cost immunizations at Frost during the month of October.
On October 8 (3pm - 7pm) and October 12 (9am - 5pm), the school will be open to the community for all childhood immunizations. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
On October 23, Frost Middle School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at Frost Middle School may participate in the clinic.
The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Find additional information for each vaccine.
If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:
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Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage and at the links below:
- A copy of their immunization records (if available).
- A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required.
Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by Friday, October 11, 2024 in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Ms. LaToya Goodman at lgoodman@fcps.edu with any immunization questions.
If you have questions regarding the immunization clinic, please email Susan Morningstar at sjmorningsta@fcps.edu.
SibTeen Community Event
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services - Join us on October 4 from 1PM - 4Pm at the Jim Scott Community Center (formerly Providence).
SibTeen is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with disabilities. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. SibTeen is a place where participants will feel validated and understood and can build upon their community of support. And…. there will be food!
If you have any questions, please contact Becky Henry, School Social Worker, at 703-426-3864. You can register your child at this link: Register Online
SibTeen Flyer.docx.pdf
Important Tech Update
We want to emphasize the importance of students keeping their Chromebook cases on at all times. These cases are designed to protect the devices from accidental drops, scratches, and other damage.
If a Chromebook is damaged due to a lack of a case, students may be held responsible for the repair or replacement costs. We understand that accidents happen, but by ensuring students keep their cases on, we can help prevent unnecessary damage and the associated costs.
If your student lost their charger, you can purchase one in My School Bucks for $23.
Save the Date!
Woodson's Annual Homecoming Parade will be on October 18 at 4:30. Come cheer on the Cavaliers and Principal Harris! See the flyer for more information and the neighborhood parade route.
Homecoming Parade Flyer.pdf
Frost Middle School Yearbook!
Parents now is the time to purchase the Frost yearbook for the 24-25 school year. Go to Jostens Yearbooks to order. The cost is $42.00
Preparing for and Paying 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.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-2025 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 for the 2024-25 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Paying With MySchoolBucks
The best way to purchase meals (and keep food lines moving!) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically, as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.
School Year Calendar
- Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Year Calendars to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
- Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
- Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
Frost MS Meditation and Silent Reflection Space
In alignment with FCPS regulations and expectations, Frost MS ensures that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school building. The following are our guidelines as of 9/13/23. Students whose religious beliefs require them to pray at a specific time that coincides with instructional time can be accommodated with parental written permission submitted to the school principal.
Parent Permission for Use of Meditation and Silent Reflection Space
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.
Attendance: School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:15 PM. Improving attendance is a major goal of Frost MS! Attendance and punctuality are critical to student success in the classroom, and absences add up over the course of the year. Being present in school for all classes is of utmost importance, unless the student is sick or out for another excused reason. Missed days, including excused absences, and late arrival can lead to stress on students who must make up the coursework on their own. Please seek to avoid vacations during school days when possible. Time is set aside during the school year for travel including winter break, spring break, and several student holidays scattered throughout the year.
If your student is going to be absent, please notify us by 8:00am at one of these:
Calendar: The Frost MS bell schedule and A/B day calendar can be found at this link on the school website.
Transportation: If your child will be using school transportation, please ensure that you have reviewed the bus route and schedule. We strongly encourage students to ride the bus as it significantly eliminates traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon. Tardiness because of traffic will not be excused. Bus schedules available through your SIS ParentVue account where you can see your transportation assignments. Please contact Area 2 Transportation with transportation questions at ots_team26@fcps.edu or 703-764-2050.
Communication: We believe in open and effective communication between school and families. Our school website and communication platforms will provide you with regular updates, important announcements, and opportunities to engage with your child's education.
Fair CIty Mall: We strongly recommend that students do not go over to Fair City Mall after school. Students rarely make the best choices and oftentimes find themselves in situations that they’d rather not be in. Parents, please talk to your child about this at home and reiterate that often. We encourage you to have your child ride the bus home or you pick them up in the PM Kiss and Ride line.
After School Program
Start dates for the after school program are:
- September 9 - Cross Country and Track on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with late buses on Monday and Wednesday.
- September 30 - the full program begins, with late buses Monday through Thursday.
More information concerning the afterschool program will be available within the next two weeks. Please be on the lookout for an additional announcement.
Get to Know FCPS and Resources Available to 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:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) — This Fairfax County Government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families — FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
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Family Engagement Resources — FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities.
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Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Helpful Resources
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https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/26/covid-19-updates-new-vaccine-option-baby-vaccine-data-1-million-vaccines/Free hotspot and internet for families with students who receive free and/or reduced-price meals or Fairfax County services.
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988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click here to learn more about 988.
- Locations to receive recommended child and adolescent immunizations are available throughout the Fairfax Health District, including at many pharmacies and groceries that have pharmacies. Please click here to find a location near you.
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Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends and Supports Webinar (recording). Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports.
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Healthy Minds Fairfax has a 1-pager on how to know when your child may have a mental health concern and where to get help.
Contacts/School Information
Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702
Attendance Email: frostmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu
Attendance Online Submission: https://frostms.fcps.edu/about-us/attendance-form
Heath Room: 703-426-5710
Parent Information Phone Lines/Support for parents who do not speak English as their first language: Parent Information Phone Lines
Parent and Student Technology Support: IT Support Portal
Principal: Anthony Harris apharris@fcps.edu
Assistant Principals:
Director of Student Services: Danielle Hornbecker dshornbecker@fcps.edu
Counselors:
Frost MS Website
Frost MS PTA Homepage
FCPS School Year Calendars
Blue/Gray Calendar and Bell Schedule
Schoology
SIS ParentVUE Account Access
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
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