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KEY CENTER NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Please Nominate a Key Center Employee for an Outstanding Employee Award!
Nominations are now open! We need family support to recognize the amazing work of Key Center staff.
To submit a nomination for a Key Center School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories, please complete the nomination through Google link for each category found below. You may nominate one or more employees at Key Center (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below. **The deadline to submit a nomination is October 31, 2024**
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category. Outstanding Teacher nomination form.
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category. Outstanding New Teacher nomination form
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district). Outstanding Principal nomination form
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services. Outstanding Leader nomination form
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school. Outstanding Professional Employee nomination form
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons. Outstanding Operational Employee nomination form
If you have any questions about the process or what category your exceptional employee is in, we are happy to help you. Contact Ann, Emily or Helly Ahmadyar at hahmadyar@fcps.edu .
IMPORTANT -
Health Information Form- check your student’s backpack
For those students still missing the form, we have sent home the form in your student’s red folders. Please complete and return the form to school by Friday, October 25th.
The Health Information Form (HIF) provides valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.
These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet.
Spirit Week - “SPOOKY” October 28th - 31st
Monday - Wear Your Best Flannel
Tuesday - Wear Blue & Yellow or Crazy Socks for National Down
Syndrome Awareness Month
Wednesday - Wear Orange & Black and Be Ready to Dance!!
Thursday - Fall Parade! Dress in Your Festive Halloween Wear
Friday - Enjoy the Day Off!
Student and staff participation is optional.
Federal Impact Aid Survey
Attention FCPS Families!
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online.
The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:
- Military families.
- Federally connected families.
- Families living on a military base.
Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form.
For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.
Step 1: CLICK HERE to be taken to SIS ParentVUE. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter.
Step 2: After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.
Step 3: Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Impact Aid Survey for you to complete.
If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.
World Occupational Therapy Day - October 27
World Occupational Therapy Appreciation Day is a special occasion to honor the work of Occupational Therapists (OTs). These dedicated professionals play a vital role in helping individuals of all ages live their lives to the fullest.
We're especially grateful for our OTs, Kristen Miller and Vivian Swingle, who go above and beyond to support our Key Center students. Their compassion, empathy, and expertise make a profound difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Thank you, Kristen and Vivian, for your invaluable contributions to our school. Your dedication and hard work truly make a difference.
National School Bus Safety Week
Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It’s important for all drivers, as well as parents and students, to understand school bus safety. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for ensuring the safety of students and bus staff:
- Be alert and slow down when driving in neighborhoods with school zones.
- Watch for children walking, playing or assembling near bus stops. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- Obey the school bus laws in your State, as well as the flashing light signal systems used on school buses.
- Flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Flashing red lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
ABA Family Training
This workshop is intended for parents of students with the low incidence disabilities of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
Topics covered will include:
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
How are behaviors learned?What is reinforcement?
October 23rd, 2024
Virtual session: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join using this meeting link: https://meet.google.com/vio-pmnq-dzo
All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. To register or to request an interpreter, contact Liane Sprunk at (571) 423-4110 or by email at lsprunk@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email) in case they need to contact you. For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.
IFSP Funding - Application Portal is Now Open!
The IFSP-Funding Application Portal in WaMS (the Virginia Waiver Management System) is now open! Below are a few important points:
To be eligible to apply, all applicants must be on the DD Waivers Waiting List and be living in their own home, or in their family’s home.
Applicants with a priority 1 Waitlist status may apply for up to $1,000. Applicants with a priority 2 or 3 Waitlist status may apply for up to $500.
ALL applicants in priorities 1, 2, and 3 will be able to apply at the same time. Applicants do NOT need to know their Waitlist priority status in order to apply.
To access the application, please visit: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/IFSPOnline
Family Resources -November Webinars and Events
 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.- noonPulley Center6500 Quander Rd,Alexandria, VA 22307
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Click here to 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!
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 Center6500 Quander Rd,Alexandria, VA 22307
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Click here to Register Online
5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle: A Webinar for Families
Plans go away, your child gets disappointed or doesn’t get their way. They begin getting upset. Rational talk doesn’t work. Nothing does. Now your child is in full meltdown mode and doesn’t hold back. What do you do?
Calm Parenting Podcast founder, Kirk Martin will show you:
- How to calm kids with big emotions.• Exactly what to say in the moment and how.• Why intensity is critical and why to avoid eye contact.• How to stop the cycle of shame and embarrassment.
November 11, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
Click here to Register Online
Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Accessing an Adapted Curriculum
Join us for an information session on the K-6 language arts and literacy curriculum for students with significant cognitive disabilities who access an adapted curriculum. This will include an overview of programming available to ensure evidence-based literacy instruction for all K-6 students.
Webinar Highlights:
- Virginia Literacy Act updates• Components of evidence-based literacy instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities• Language arts and literacy programming for students who are accessing an adapted curriculum
Join the FCPS Office of Special Education Instruction, Adapted Curriculum Team for this important webinar.
November 12, 2024 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Click here to Register Online
Work and Life after High School for Students with Disabilities: Plan the Transition after High School
FCPS Family Resource Center will host a webinar on October 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On work and life after high school for students with disabilities. The Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) collaborates with high school students with disabilities, their families and community for pre-employment transition services and Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services. Click here to register here.
Patient First Halloween Safety
Patient First neighborhood medical centers will give away free safety blinkers this Halloween and will provide free X-rays of Halloween Candy from October 27 to November 1, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. No registration or medical care is required.
Fairfax County Government Programs
The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 began October 8th and will end on November 8th. Visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/ for more information.
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)
IEP PALOOZA and Community Resource Fair hosted by Fairfax County SEPTA on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register today to attend this free event. Interpreters will be available.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
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:
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.
Key Center PTA
If you haven’t already, please join and support the PTA. Our focus for this year centers on supporting the needs of our students and staff and also on bringing families in our community together more often. The Key Center PTA provides: Mini grants to teachers who need supplies or other items to help support our students; Funds for special needs equipment or other items that our students use at Key Center that are not funded by FCPS; resources to THANK Key Center staff/enhance morale with lunches, snacks, coffee, events; and a Staff Appreciation Week.
PTA Membership:
Key Center PTA Membership for Parents/Family
Key Center PTA Membership for Staff
PTA Donations:
Key Center PTA donations
Upcoming Dates:
 October 31 End of 1st Quarter - 2 hour Early Release - 11:40am
November 1 Diwali - Student / Staff Holiday
November 4 School Planning Day- Student Holiday
November 5 Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
November 11 Veterans Day - Student / Staff Holiday
November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break
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