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Upcoming Events
Mrs. Jacobson’s students partition and combine numbers that equal 10..
Calendar Reminders: Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day and important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed for Rosh Hashanah.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
Welcome Assistant Principal Nyland!
Mrs. Brooke Nyland is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. With two decades of experience as a teacher, lead mentor, and school-based technology specialist Mrs. Nyland brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Franconia Elementary. She is a proud graduate of North Carolina State University and holds two Master's degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. She is committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff. She is excited to share her knowledge in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and positive behavior management with Franconia. Collaborating with students, staff, and families to support academic success and personal growth is a personal goal of Mrs. Nyland. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Nyland is a loving mother of two and the proud wife of a retired USMC F/A-18 Hornet pilot. She is also an avid NCSU Wolfpack fan and loves all things NC State!
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Principal Smith introduced Assistant Principal Nyland in her new role at today's all-school morning meeting.
Let's Celebrate!
National Hispanic/Latino
Heritage Month
Spirit Week October 7th- 11th
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in Fairfax County Public Schools from September 15 to October 15 each year. The month is a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of people whose ancestors originated from Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spain.
MONDAY-10/7
Flag (Dia da Bandeira) Day
Wear the colors of a flag you would like to represent, or the colors of a latin/hispanic country.
TUESDAY-10/8
Cowboy (Vaquero) Day
The vaquero, or Mexican cowboy, was a skilled horseman who herded cattle and wild horses in Texas and Mexico for hundreds of years.
WEDNESDAY-10/9
Fútbol Day/Como La Flor Day
Wear your flower crown like renowned artist Frida Kahlo and/or your favorite jersey
THURSDAY-10/10
Inspiration (inspiración) Day
Dress up as your favorite latino/hispanic role model, OR write or draw about someone who inspires YOU.
FRIDAY-10/11
Brillamos Juntos
TOGETHER we shine brighter! Wear your penguin spirit wear!
Happy National Custodians Day! 🎉 A huge shoutout to our amazing Building Supervisor, Amalia, (pictured with Mrs. Bell) and our incredible custodial team—Judit, Nana, and Mr. Hidalgo! Your hard work and dedication keep our space shining. Thank you!
Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:
- Tuesday, October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.
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 in order to provide consent.
Transportation services are also available. Please visit our Immunization Resources webpage for details.
Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations
One of Grazman's amazing students, working diligently to complete a Sponge Bob puzzle.
Music Corner
Calling ALL recorders for 3rd-6th graders!
It’s that time!! Ms. Lucius and Mr. Kelly are asking students to bring recorders to music class. Your child will bring home a permission form for families to sign and return. If you have a recorder already, please have your child bring it to school with them as soon as possible. We would like all recorders purchased / brought in by October 18th.
If you need to purchase a recorder, look for this recorder icon in myschoolbucks.com buy one for only $4.25!! What a deal!
Penguin Performers Auditions
NEWSIES JR INTEREST INFORMATION MEETING VIA ZOOM:
When? October 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Where? Schoology – All Students – Zoom button on the lower left side of the page
*If your child is interested in auditioning / performing in this year’s musical, it is highly encouraged that parents attend the information session. All questions will be answered!
*Anyone who would like information on auditions can join our Penguin Performers ALL ACCESS group. All audition information will be posted there! Click on Groups and enter code: QZGG-ZD6H-RFVXC
Audition Workshop
When? October 24 from 3:45 – 5:00 in the Music Room
Would your child like to learn HOW to audition for a musical? Attend this workshop as we learn what directors look for in a great audition! Come prepared to sing “Happy Birthday” and learn how to perform a few lines from the upcoming musical!
SIGN UP TO ATTEND USING THIS LINK BELOW:
https://signup.com/go/fQpsSTz
(Make sure you change the participant’s name to your child’s name… it will keep the adult’s name by default.)
THANK YOU!
Sign Up to Audition For Newsies!!
**The sign-ups are now posted on our Musical Corner Wall at the bottom of the music ramp! Every student who signs up will get an Audition Packet (located outside of Ms. Lucius’s classroom)
**Please sit with your child and read through the entire packet, look at the calendar for all rehearsal/performance dates, list conflicts, sign the interest form and the waiver and return to Ms. Lucius by November 1st.
**Auditions are held Tuesday November 12th from 3:45-5:00 and Thursday November 14th from 3:45-5:00. The sign up list will be posted nest week. More information to come.
**Call Backs (if needed) are held Tuesday November 19th from 3:45-5:00
**Casting emails to parents will go out Thursday November 21st.
Pyramid Night with Edison Football
Edison High School Football
PYRAMID NIGHT
VS Lewis High School
This Friday, October 4th 7:00 PM
$5 per adult
Elementary and Middle school Students can:
- Run the field to honor and memorialize Coach Deck (6:30 arrival)
- Go to the game for free (with a paying adult)
- Enjoy great Edison Football!
This is NOT a drop off event
All Elementary and Middle School students must be accompanied by an adult.
5th grade is learning a lot about corn! To celebrate our hard work, Mrs. Wise’s class had a corntastic snack- popcorn! during our read aloud last Friday.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Please join the Franconia Elementary Student Council Association to participate in the Marine Marathon Mile Clean-up!!
Who?
All Franconia Penguins and an adult to accompany them at the event.
What?
Clean up after the Marine Marathon for the designated mile assigned to our school.
When?
Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 12:00pm until about 1 p.m.
Where?
See the map on the other side of this paper for exact locations. Use of Metro is highly recommended due to parking scarcity and road closures due to the marathon route.
Why?
Franconia Penguins will earn up to $450 from this event!!! This money will be used to purchase much needed school equipment, books and other supplies that will be used by all Franconia Penguins!
How?
Meet us at your assigned mile marker and use the provided gloves and bags to pick up waste left from the marathon participants and spectators. The clean-up should only take about an hour. It is imperative that an adult accompany a child.
This IS NOT a drop off your child event.
Questions? Email Renee Octaviano at rloctaviano@fcps.edu
Franconia PTA News
Updates on Afterschool Programs
For those still looking to join, a few spots remain in the following programs:
- iCode (Grades 4-6)
- Crochet Club
- Yoga (Grades 2-4)
If your child is interested in any of these, be sure to register soon, as spaces are filling up fast!
Finally, we have plenty of room in Chess Club! This is a great opportunity for students to learn strategy, improve critical thinking skills, and have fun with friends. However, we need more students to keep this program going. If your child loves a challenge or is interested in learning something new, we’d love to see them join Chess Club.
Thank you for supporting our after-school programs!
Fall Festival and Haunted House
Join us on October 18th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM for a night of fun at the Franconia Fall Festival! Enjoy games, food, and entertainment on the playground, and don’t miss the spooky Haunted House in the gym. We’re looking for volunteers to help make this event a success—your support makes all the difference!
Sign up today and help us create a memorable night for our Franconia families!
Penguin Power Membership Drive Update
Our Penguin Power Membership Drive is in full swing, and we need your help to reach our goal! Currently, we have 89 members, but we’re aiming for 175 members by October 21. Becoming a member of the PTA is one of the easiest ways to get involved and make a difference in our school community. Whether you have a lot of time to volunteer or just want to support in a smaller way, every membership counts!
For just $10, you can join and contribute to programs that benefit our students, teachers, and staff. Plus, by joining, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of two $25 gift cards—one for all members and one specifically for those who purchase spirit wear! It’s a small investment with a big impact.
Remember, when you join the PTA, you're not just signing up for meetings and events—you’re helping to strengthen our community. Your membership directly supports initiatives like the Fall Festival, teacher appreciation events, and classroom supplies. Together, we can ensure Franconia continues to be a great place for our kids to learn and grow.
Let’s hit that 175-member goal! Join today and help us get there!
Great times at the all-school morning meeting! We celebrated Popi's return and learned a fun new greeting from our amazing sixth graders.
Library Spotlight
The Book Fair is coming!
The Scholastic Book fair will be here from October 18th to 25th.
Students will shop during the school day.
Families may join us for evening hours:
Friday, October 18 during the Fall Festival and Tuesday, October 22 3:30 to 6:15PM.
Sign up here to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-51910123-book#/
The October Book Bingo is live! Click here to view the new board.
Book Bingo
The October Book Bingo is live! Click here to view the new board.
Pop tops for RMHC
Franconia Elementary School is proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities!
We are asking our school community to help by collecting soda pop tabs (the tabs from aluminum cans). Please save these tabs and bring them to school. There will be a collection bin set up in the gym where you can deposit your tabs.
Once the bin is full, Franconia Elementary will deliver the tabs to the local Ronald McDonald House Charities. This small act of recycling can make a big difference for families in need.
For more details, please refer to this flyer.
Thank you for your support and participation!
Franconia Volunteer Fire Department Open House
October 12, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
6300 Beulah Street
Franconia, VA 22310
Join our Neighbors at the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department st their Open House: Learn key safety tips, attend demos, and help protect your home and family. Stay prepared and keep our community safe!
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Calendar Reminders
October
- National School Principals Month
- 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.
- 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.
- October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only O day, and important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
- October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day
- October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
- October 11 - Yom Kippur (½ O Day)
Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.
Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
- October 14-18 - National School Lunch Week
President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom.
- October 14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day)
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day. See the complete school year calendar.
- October 14-18 - Digital Citizenship Week
- October 21-25 - National School Bus Safety Week
National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
- October 31 - *Quarter End, Early Dismissal and Student holiday
Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.
November
- November 1 - *Diwali / Día de los Muertos and All Saints Day (Holiday)
Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.
- November 4-5 - School Planning and Teacher Workday
Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
Stay Informed, Be Involved
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