Kilmer Center School Tiger Tales

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Kilmer Center School Tiger Tales 

high school student and her brother

Kilmer Spotlight 

Reema Patel is a dedicated high school junior who has spent the past five years organizing events that support individuals with special needs and their siblings through her nonprofit. As the elder sister of a special needs brother, she wants to support and give back to the special needs community. She hopes to gain more awareness and support so that in future events she can fulfill her mission to support Kilmer Center School.  Please check out her website to learn more about the amazing work they are doing to spread awareness about children with disabilities.  https://www.siblingsoftheexceptional.com/


Cara Fratta dn VASP President

 

Kilmer Center School In the News 

Kilmer Center School was recently featured in the Fairfax County Times. In the article, "Breaking communication Barriers in School Psychology", School Psychologist Cara Fratta shared insights as to how we can suppport student mental health.  Check out the article here. 


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. They will:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

November 5, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon 

Pulley Center
6500 Quander Rd,
Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online


SIBTEEN: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

Attention FCPS parents!!! From the same people who brought you Sibshops, we are excited to introduce SibTeen for grades 7-9!

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! 

November 5, 2024, 1-4 p.m.

Pulley Center
6500 Quander Rd,
Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online


Airplane with IAD wigs for all written on it

 

Wings for All

Wings for All is a free program that gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. The Arc of Loudoun and The Arc of Northern Virginia partner with United Airlines and MWAA to design and carry out this program. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) people with disabilities and their families can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.

During this free, half-day event, people with disabilities and their families are able to familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures. They experience:

  • Entering the airport
  • The check-in process and checking bags
  • Security screening
  • Boarding the plane
  • Preparing for take-off
  • Exiting the plane

Wings for All @ Dulles International Airport
Saturday, November 9th from 8 AM - 12 PM

Due to limited space on the airplane, a maximum of four (4) individuals are allowed per family group onto the aircraft, including the individual(s) with disabilities and family members/support staff accompanying them to the event. If a family group has multiple individuals with disabilities, then 1 designated adult is allowed per individual with disability. Additional family members attending the event but not boarding the plane will be able to wait at the gate to welcome them upon their return.

All participants 18 years old and over are required to bring a valid form of government-issued ID to be allowed through security. 

 

Interest Form for IAD Wings for All


The Arc of Northern Virginia Transition Parents Support Group

The Arc of Northern Virginia will be hosting a Transition Parents support group on 11/16/2024 from 10:00-12:00 at their Fairfax Location. These meetings provide a forum to share resources, ask questions, and be surrounded and supported by families who understand the thrills and challenges of navigating life after leaving school.  Please click here to register for this event.  

The Arc of Northern Virginia
3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22031
Room Number: Cherry Blossom Room

 

IFSP

 

Opportunity for Funding for Students on Waiver Waiting List

 


Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15th, individuals on Virginia's Developmental Disability Waivers Waiting List (the Waitlist) will be able to access the IFSP-Funding Portal in WaMS to create and submit an application.

  • First day to access, create, and submit the application:  October 15th
    at 9:00 a.m. 
  • Last day to submit an application: November 13th at 11:59 p.m.

️ IMPORTANT 

The application portal will be open for one month. Determinations no longer follow the previously established first-come, first-served approval process  so please take your time to apply! For more details on the Funding process and criteria, please review our Program Guidelines at https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/ifsp-funding.

Before you begin, here are a few reminders:  

  • To be eligible to apply, all applicants must be on the Developmental Disability Waiver Waiting List and be living in their own home, or in their family's home.
  • ALL applicants in priorities 1, 2, and 3 will be able to apply at the same time. You will NOT need to know your priority status in order to apply.
  • Please refer to the Program Guidelines for more information on how funding determinations are made.
  • Applicants with a priority 1 waitlist status may apply for up to $1,000. Applicants with a priority 2 or priority 3 waitlist status may apply for up to $500. 

To access the application, please:  https://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/ifsponline


Moving onto Life in the Community Resource Fair!

This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS.

When: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Fairfax High School Cafeteria
3501 Lion Run
Fairfax, VA 22030
(Enter through Door 1)
What: Exhibitor Fair


Learn about: supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more!
Interpretation: will be provided using Microsoft Translator on supported devices (a staffed help table will be available for participants) https://bit.ly/3HgOqet
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for the annual Moving on to Life in the
Register online:
https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec
This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS


🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

  • Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid


✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.


 

Calendar graphic

 

October

 

October 31: 2 Hour Early Release for Students 

 

November 

November 1: Diwali - No School 

November 4-5: No School for Students 

November 11: Veterans Day - No School 

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break - No School 

2024-2025 School Year Calendar


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Kilmer Center Learning Space Donations

We have a vision to create a  vibrant outdoor learning space for all students to access at Kilmer Center School.  This learning space will be constructed directly beside our school building with a designated walkway directly leading to the learning space.  The learning space will be a large area consisting of beautiful pavers and brick. Scan the included QR code or click here to make your contribution today. 

FCPS Cares  

FCPS Cares

Do you know a Kilmer Center School employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

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Amazon Wishlist  
 

Kilmer Center School Amazon Wishlist  

Click here for our Amazon Wishlist.  This list was created to provide needed supplies to support our students at Kilmer Center School.  Please feel free to share this list with family and friends.