Terra Centre Newsletter 12/9/24

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TC Night

Terra Centre Families,

We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make our recent events such a success. Our Book Fair Family Night, Art Night, and the PTA Reflections Showcase were truly special, and we could not have done it without the incredible efforts of our students, families, and volunteers.

To our students: thank you for sharing your creativity, talents, and enthusiasm. Whether you were showcasing your artistic masterpieces, participating in the Reflections program, or diving into new stories at the Book Fair, your energy and passion were inspiring to all of us.

To our families and volunteers: your support and dedication to these events did not go unnoticed. From organizing, decorating, and assisting during the events to cheering on our students, you were instrumental in creating such a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone.

As a reminder, there is a 3 hour early release for all K-6 students tomorrow, Monday, December 9. 

Please scroll down to review important reminders and information. 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Teresa Lewis, Assistant Principal


Important Reminders

Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to  Hannah Roukas, AART at hbroukas@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2024

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Hannah Roukas at hbroukas@fcps.edu

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website

SCA Spirit Day-Pajama Day

pajama day

Threads of Hope Clothing Drive - December 2-13

Fairfax Threads of Hope, founded by three Robinson students, is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting those in need in our local community. Volunteers regularly collect gently used clothing from the neighborhoods of Fairfax, Kings Park West, and Burke, giving these items a second life by donating them to local charitable organizations. Partnering with groups like the Salvation Army, FACETS, Northern Virginia Family Service, and Second Story, we ensure that donated clothing reaches those who need it most. Through our efforts, we aim to create a charitable, more sustainable community—one donation at a time. Join us in making a difference! Contact us for more information or to schedule a donation pickup (from wherever you desire) at fairfaxthreadsofhope@gmail.com

Threads of Hope is hosting a clothing drive at Terra Centre from December 2-13. A collection bin will be in the front lobby. 

Threads of Hope

Mark Your Calendar

December 2 - December 13: Threads of Hope Clothing Drive

Monday, December 9: 3 hour early release, K-6 students only (12:25 p.m.)

Tuesday, December 10: Band concert, gym-6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10: Strings concert, gym-6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 15: Full Time AAP referral forms due

Friday, December 20: SCA Spirit Day-Pajama Day

Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: Winter Break, No School


Important Dates for Three-Hour Early Release:

Monday, December 9

Monday, February 24

Monday, March 17

Monday, April 28

Monday, May 19


FCPS Updates

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.


PTA News

PTA reflections

 

Terra Centre Elementary PTA Membership

Please consider joining the PTA. The number one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. PTA Membership


Quick Links


Resources

Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information. 

David Lammon-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

Our family liaison, Michelle Sehwoerer Rodriguez, is also available to support families, answer questions, and connect families with FCPS information and resources to support their child academically and socially at school.

️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.