Weekly Newsletter 12/4/2024

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Key Center Receives Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award!

Award

We are thrilled to announce that Key Center has been honored with the Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award for 2024-25 by the Virginia Board of Education. This prestigious recognition was awarded to only 49 schools statewide. Key Center demonstrated exceptional progress, with a significant increase in the combined rate for math, reading, and science over the past three years. Our school's commitment to continuous improvement has resulted in a total increase of ten points or more across this period.

This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our teachers, staff, and students. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable accomplishment. Look out for the digital banner on our school website and stay tuned for further recognition at an upcoming School Board meeting in the new year. Congratulations to the entire Key Center community on this achievement!


Celebrating Inclusive Schools Week

Celebrating Inclusive Schools Week


This week, we're excited to join schools and communities worldwide in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week. This special week is dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity in education. At Key Center School, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.

How We're Celebrating

To commemorate Inclusive Schools Week, we've planned a variety of activities and events designed to foster understanding, empathy, and acceptance:

  • Spirit Week: Continue to show your school spirit with our fun-filled Spirit Week! Each day will have a different theme, encouraging students to express themselves and celebrate their individuality.
  • Special Lessons on Inclusion:Teachers will be conducting special lessons focused on the importance of inclusion and diversity. Students will learn about different cultures, abilities, and perspectives.
  • Collaborative Communication Project: Students will work together on a collaborative project where they will describe their preferred mode(s) of communication. This project will help students understand and appreciate the diverse ways people communicate and connect.

By participating in these activities, our students will develop a deeper understanding of the value of inclusion and the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive community for all.


Marsha and the Positrons Assembly on December 6th

Marsha and the Positrons .png


Marsha and the Positrons are Coming to Key Center School! We’re preparing for a fun-filled, science-packed show with Marsha and the Positrons! This group will be performing live at Key Center School on Friday, December 6th.

Marsha and the Positrons bring science to life through their energetic music and captivating performances. Their songs explore topics like the solar system, chemistry, and the human body in a way that's both educational and entertaining. Thanks to TAFFY Presents for bringing this exciting event to our school!


Food Drive- An Opportunity to Help Our Community

Food Drive


Key Center is participating in a Food Drive to collect non-perishable items for the West Springfield High School Food Pantry.

Requested items include:

  • Deodorant
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Cereal
  • Shampoo
  • Peanut Butter
  • Conditioner
  • Jelly
  • Boxed, Non-Refrigerated Milk
  • Rice
  • Pasta

Please send donated items to Key Center by December 10th.  Thank you for your support!


Holiday Treat Bar for Staff - We need your support!

Treat Bar


Key Center is seeking donations of treats for a Holiday Treat Bar for staff on December 18th.  Donated sweet and/or savory treats will help make this event a success!

Please drop off treats to our office or send them in backpacks labeled with “Holiday Treat Bar” by December 18th. 

Your support is greatly appreciated!


December ABA Family Training- Strategies for Toilet Training

ABA


This workshop is intended for parents of students with the low incidence disabilities of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. Topics covered will include:

  • Toilet training readiness and prerequisite skills
  • Methods of toilet training
  • Troubleshooting night-time and diaper dependence concerns

Date:  December 11, 2024 

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm 

Join using this meeting link.


Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

Community Meetings


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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.


Prepare for Winter Weather

Prepare for Winter Weather


Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather 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 childcare if needed.


Public versus private health insurance for your child with significant health care needs

private health insurance


Understanding public and private health insurance options for your child with specific health care needs can be difficult. They may be eligible for both, or you may have to choose between them. This online workshop, sponsored by the Pacer Center, will explore the differences in these options, share eligibility requirements, and provide additional resources for those that are not eligible for medical assistance.

Date: December 11, 2024

TIme:  7 - 8 p.m.

 Register now on the Pacer Center website.


Join Us for the Polar Plunge!

Polar Plunge


The Key Center community is invited to join our team in GOING FOR THE COLD to benefit Virginia Special Olympics and Key Center School.  Our team will be participating in the Mosaic Polar Plunge on January 25th, 2025.  Key Center School receives 50% of the funds raised by the Key Center Team.  In the fundraising world, this is a very good percentage! We are inviting Key Center staff, families, and community partners to join the Key Center Rockets Polar Plunge Team!

Got cold feet?  If you don’t want to join in the fun with our team, please consider sponsoring one of our team members at the team link above- thanks!❄️🧊🚀


Family Resources

Family Resources


Happy Holidays! While we won't have our regular parent meeting this month, I want to assure you that I'm here for you.  Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance. I'm always happy to help! You can contact me via email at mcpeele@fcps.edu, or by phone/text at (571) 595-9661. If you'd prefer, we can also schedule a Zoom meeting at your convenience. I look forward to connecting with you soon!


Support Key Center!

Support Key Center


You can donate directly to Key Center using our donation link hosted by Educate Fairfax.  One-time donations can be made as well as recurring gifts to the school.  Your donations make a meaningful impact on the students, teachers and families of Key Center. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together we can continue to build a nurturing environment where all students thrive!

Another option for contributing to the Key Center is through support of our PTA.  

PTA Membership:

Key Center PTA Membership for Parents/Family

Key Center PTA Membership for Staff

PTA Donations:

Key Center PTA donations


Upcoming Dates:

Important Dates

December 23 - January 5  Winter Break

January 20        Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday - Student/Staff Holiday

January 28        End of 2nd Quarter 

January 29        Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

February 17       Presidents’ Day- Student/Staff Holiday