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In This Issue
Students at MWEE Field Trip
| Last week, our 7th graders and all Focus Science students participated in the MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience) field trip! They applied their science skills to assess the health of the local ecosystem near Lake Fairfax by collecting data, sharing ideas, and analyzing their findings. A big thank you to all the parent volunteers who joined us for this enriching experience! |
We All Belong at School
When a Student Should Stay Home From School
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.
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:
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Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
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Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
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Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
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Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.
Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan
Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities
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.
The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Wellness Screening
Herndon Middle School is conducting the Signs of Suicide (SOS) wellness screening on Tuesday, October 8th and Thursday, 10th with all 7th grade students during Homeroom. This free, voluntary, and confidential screening is offered to help students assess whether or not they have symptoms consistent with depression, and to identify students at-risk of suicide. Students may be opted out of this screening at a parent/guardian’s request. The opt-out information was sent via the parent digital consent system. If you would like to opt your 7th grader out of this screening, please email your students counselor by Wednesday, October 2nd if you have not done so already. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor if you have any questions or concerns at this time.
Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages
This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school.
The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits.
Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam.
Find more information, including the list of eligible languages.
October
Disability History and Awareness Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
2 | Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown
3 | Holiday - No School
4 | Teacher Workday - No School
5 | Cross Country Meet at Kilmer at 10:30AM
9 | International Walk and Roll to School Day
11 | Yom Kippur - No Night Hawk
14 | Indigenous Peoples' Day - No School
19 | Cross Country Meet at Franklin at 10:30AM
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Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
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FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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