Terra Centre Newsletter 10/7/24

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Eagle Scout Project

Eagle Scout Steven Richards identified a need at TC that supports accessible outdoor learning opportunities. Steven spearheaded a project to build and install accessible table beds in our Discovery Garden. TC is so grateful for this new addition!


Terra Centre Families,

We want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of effective communication between our school and our families. Open and clear communication is vital to fostering a positive learning environment for our students and listed below are some of the ways Terra Centre reaches out to families:

  1. TC Family Newsletters: We will continue to send out school-wide weekly newsletters highlighting important dates, events, and achievements. This is a great way to stay informed about what's happening at school.

  2. TC All Parents Course-Schoology: Our All Parents course in Schoology provides announcements, PTA updates, and monthly fliers from Terra Centre and the community. 
  3. TalkingPoints: TalkingPoints is an easy and safe way families can communicate in their home languages with their child’s teachers for free. We will be using this platform to communicate with you about your child’s education and progress. 
  4. Classroom Communication: Each teacher will share weekly updates about grade level content and upcoming events so you can stay engaged with your child's learning journey.

  5. Parent-Teacher Conferences: We encourage you to attend these conferences. They are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's progress and share insights. First quarter conferences will be offered for all K-6 families. 

  6. Emergency Alerts: In case of any urgent situations, we will use our automated messaging system, E-Notify, to keep you informed. 
  7. Feedback Opportunities: Your feedback is essential. FCPS will be conducting surveys throughout the year to gather your thoughts and suggestions.

We value your partnership in your child's education and believe that strong communication can enhance their success. If you are not receiving our newsletters, please let us know so we can provide you with registration directions. 

As a reminder, there is no school for PREK-6th grade students Monday, October 14th. We look forward to students returning on Tuesday, October 15th

Please scroll down to review important reminders and information. 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal


Important Reminders

Field Day

Terra Centre's Field Day is here!  We are excited for students to spend time outdoors by participating in cooperative games that have been learned in PE.  Reach out to our PE teachers Mr. Totten and Mrs. Patrick, for any additional questions. 

Save the Date - Curriculum Night

Curriculum Night

 

SCA Spirit Day

Storybook Character Day

Mark Your Calendar

September 15 - October 15:  National Hispanic Heritage Month

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Wednesday, October 9th: Field Day

Monday, October 14th:  Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

Tuesday, October 22nd: Curriculum Night-6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 28th: 3-Hour Early Release for K-6 (12:25 dismissal)

Thursday, October 31st: Storybook Character Spirit Day

Thursday, October 31st: 2-Hour Early Release for PreK-6  (1:25 dismissal)

Friday, November 1st:-November 5th: Student Holiday, No School

Monday, November 4th: PTA Pumpkin Drop/Outdoor Movie Night-4:30 p.m.


Important Dates for Three-Hour Early Release:

October 28th

December 9th (Please note the change from November 25th)

February 24th

March 17th

April 28th

May 19th


PTA News

Join your Terra Centre classmates and walk or bike to school on Wednesday, October 9th!

Upon arriving at school, participants will receive a prize. Make sure to stop by and say hi to the TC Tiger on your way in. Thanks for participating in a fun and active event!

Fairfax County Police will be crossing Students from Schoolhouse Woods Road to Marshall Pond Road to enter the walking trail to school. The police will be there from 8 am until 8:40 am.

Click on the following link for more information: TC Walk to School Day details

Volunteer Opportunities

Tuesday, October 8th: Chalk the Walk for Walk & Roll to School Day-3:30 PM

Wednesday, October 9th: National Walk & Roll to School Day

Monday, November 4th: Annual Pumpkin Drop & Outdoor Movie-4:30 PM

Terra Centre Fundraiser

Stay tuned for our fall fundraiser information...we're trying something new and easy. The PTA's goal is to raise enough money to to cover field trip buses, teacher reimbursements, and experiential learning equipment. 

Please consider joining the PTA. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. PTA Membership


Important Information from FCPS

📑 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.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

🎤 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 take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

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 final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.


Quick Links


Resources

Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information. 

David Lammon-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

Our family liaison, Michelle Sehwoerer Rodriguez, is also available to support families, answer questions, and connect families with FCPS information and resources to support their child academically and socially at school.

️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.