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Upcoming Events
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Friday, October 18-FES PTA Fall Festival and Haunted House
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Monday, October 21- 3 hour Early Release, 12:30 Dismissal
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Thursday, October 31- Quarter End, Early Release
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Friday, November 1- No School, Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day Holidays
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Monday, November 4- Schools are closed for students, School Planning Day
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Tuesday, November 5 - Schools are closed for students, Teacher Workday
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Wednesday, November 20- FES PTA Restaurant Night @ Hangry Burger
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Thursday, November 21- FES PTA Restaurant Night @ Hangry Burger
.Yeehaw! Celebrating National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month with some Vaquero flair during Spirit Week. 🤠🌟 Honoring tradition, pride, and culture!
Just two more days to Celebrate!
National Hispanic/Latino
Heritage Month Spirit Week
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.
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!
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!
Franconia Fancy Fall Dance
Where: Franconia Elementary Gym
When: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30pm (doors will close at 6:30 for entering the dance)
Cost: $20 (includes pizza, drink, and treats)
Dress in your fanciest attire
This event is STRICTLY for 5th and 6th grade Franconia students. Students can be dropped off at the kiss and ride line between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm and MUST be picked up NO LATER than 8:30 pm at the Gym door near Kiss & Ride.
A completed permission slip must be on file for a student to receive a ticket. Forms and payment must be complete by Friday, 10/11/24 for Ms. Ibrahim to hand out tickets. Payment will be collected by Allie Adams and will be monitored by the 6th Grade Party Planning Committee.
Payment Options:
Cash in a sealed envelope with your child’s name (no checks)
Venmo* @Allison-Adams-86 (phone 8706)
Zelle* to Allie.C.Adams@gmail.com or (703) 975-8706
Paypal* Allie.C.Adams@gmail.com
*You MUST put your child’s name and their teacher’s name in the comments section
Counselor Corner
Fairfax County Youth Survey
Attention Sixth Grade Parents,
The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people
Franconia Elementary will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on November 19th.
While we hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to participate in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor, Mrs. Guillion no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.
Character Trait of the Month
The Character trait for October is Kindness- Being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others!
October is also Bully Prevention Awareness Month. Guidance lessons will center around Kindness and Bully Prevention.
Our spirit week will be October 25th -October 31st. Get your costumes ready for our Mardi Gras Style Kindness Parade! The parade will be October 31st, with more details to come. We are looking forward to spreading kindness, smiles and joy to our students and staff!
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Music Notes
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!
Exploring the rich history and culture of Nicaragua in celebration of National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. 📚🌍
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.
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
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.
UPDATE THIS 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!
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). An immunization clinic are being held at Frost Middle School on:
- 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
Riding into National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Spirit Week with some vaquero spirit! 🤠🌵 Celebrating culture and tradition one outfit at a time.
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!
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 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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