Weekly Message

Inclusive Schools Week

Our students were shining bright during Inclusive Schools Spirit Week!  We recognize the value of each student's perspective and encourage kindness and understanding among peers. By dressing up in fun themes and participating in engaging activities, we foster a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all. Let's continue to build a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. 


Early Release Monday

Monday, December 9

(originally scheduled for Nov. 25)

Please notify Mr. Eck (kaeck@fcps.edu) if your child care need will be different from the previous early release Monday on October 28.

reminder

Kiss & Ride Concerns

Concerns have been raised regarding cars lining up on Miller Road and blocking traffic traveling East. Having cars stopped on Miller Road, waiting to join the Kiss & Ride line, is dangerous and illegal.  As we continue to work together to address these concerns, we are desperately asking for your assistance if you use Kiss & Ride:

  1.  As you wait to pick up your child(ren), please ensure that there is no gap between your car and the car in front of you.  This will allow for more cars to fit in the Kiss & Ride area and not on Miller Road.
  2. Do not make U-turns in the middle of Miller Road.
  3. Do not block Miller Rd. under any circumstances.  If the Kiss and Ride line is full, please find a safe area, off Miller Road, to wait and return to the Kiss & Ride area when there is room.
  4. We strongly encourage you to have your child ride the bus home. There are many advantages to the environment by having less cars on the road.

Thank you for helping us to remedy this dangerous situation as quickly as possible.  


️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather is here! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.


Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 


Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Full-Time Services Referral Deadline

The Spring Full-Time AAP Screening is available to families of students in Grades 2 through 6.  It is also available to families of students new to FCPS who are currently in Fall Screening since screening results will not be finalized until late December or early January.  The deadline for submitting Spring Screening Referral Forms is December 15, which is a Sunday.  It is helpful to submit them during the week of (or preferably before) December 9 - 13 to allow the advanced academic resource teachers time to confirm that all required parts have been submitted before winter break begins. 

You can find the Referral Form and the optional Parent/Guardian Questionnaire here: 

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap

You may email Full-Time referrals and optional materials (questionnaire and 2 one-page, front-side-only work samples from home in .pdf or image file format) directly to Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer at ejdonnelly@fcps.edu; cmplagataneu@fcps.edu in one email.

You will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days.


Boundary

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m. at Madison High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage


cookies

Sign Up!


variety show

The Sign-Up is NOW OPEN to join a Group Act in the upcoming Variety Show! Join a singing, dancing, xylophone playing, or bucket drumming group! 

Important information regarding dates and times can also be found on the Sign-Up at bit.ly/varietyshowgroupacts


spelling bee

There are two options to enroll your child in the bee:
1) Go to bit.ly/OESSPELLINGBEE to register online
or
2) Fill out the sent home in Tuesday Folders and submit it to your child’s teacher.

Note: No late submissions will be accepted.


Dining for dollars

skate night

Important upcoming dates for OES:

December 9 - Monday Early Release - 1:00PM

December 10 - Band/Chorus Winter Concert - 7:00PM

December 12 - PTA Dining for $ - 4:00-8:00PM, Panera

December 13 - Skate Night - 7:30-9:30PM, SkateQuest

December 15 - Full-time AAP Referral Deadline

December 23-January 3 - Winter Break - No School - Office Closed