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Holiday Treat Bar for Staff - We need your support!
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 Wednesday the 18th.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Key Center Receives $2000 Grant from Educate Fairfax
 We have great news to share-- Key Center has been awarded a $2000 grant from Educate Fairfax! This generous funding will allow us to purchase additional items for our Sensory Room. We are grateful to Educate Fairfax for their support in enriching our students' educational experience. Kudos to our Fundraising Committee (Elizabeth, Michelle, Christina, Mallory, & Sean) for their hard work on this grant submission. Stay tuned for updates on the new additions to our Sensory Room. We're excited to see the positive impact this grant will have on our school community!
Disability Benefits: Social Security and VA’s Medicaid Waivers
Families of children with disabilities need to have an understanding of government benefits available to them as part of planning a future for their loved one. These benefits can help supplement a person’s income, qualify a person for extra help, and help them receive healthcare and community support. Navigating the world of disability benefits can be tricky, time consuming and overwhelming. This workshop will help make that process easier. Join us as we discuss in clear understandable language: what are Social Security benefits and what are Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, who is eligible, and how do I apply?
Presented by PEATC in partnership with Prince William County Public Schools
Date: December 12 Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Click here to register
Jill’s House Dads Bowling Event
Jill’s House invites you to join other Jill's House Dads for bowling, food, drinks, & good conversation!
What: Bowling at Bowl America
When: Friday, December 20th, 6-8 pm
Where: 140 S Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Additional Details: Lane rentals, shoes, food, and first drink are on Jill's House! (Also, unlimited soft drinks!)
RSVP to russell.vick@jillshouse.org by December 16th if you can join!
Helpful information for individuals and families with someone on the Virginia Developmental Disabilities Waitlist
The Individual Family Support Program (IFSP) run through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. IFSP provides funding for those on the DD Waitlist and hosts the website My Life, My Community. My Life, My Community is an online tool that helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families answer basic questions about services and support.
Sign up to get news and updates from the IFSP email list
IFSP First Steps
My Life My Community
The Center for Family Involvement, which is part of the Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU, has a network of staff and volunteer Family Navigators who have experience and provide one to one emotional, informational and systems navigational support for individuals with disabilities and their family members. For more information and assistance on a wide variety of resources.
Call the Helpline (877) 567-1122 or email cfihelpline@vcu.edu families and professionals make a referral to CFI online.
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) programs
 Virginia has two Medicaid-related premium assistance programs that help pay for employer-sponsored health insurance: HIPP and HIPP for Kids. You or a member of your family must first be enrolled in a Medicaid program to be eligible to apply for the HIPP programs. These are cost savings programs administered by Virginia Medicaid.
HIPP (19 and over)
For the HIPP program, eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following:
- A family member must be enrolled in full coverage Medicaid. The health plan must meet cost-effectiveness evaluation.
- Must be enrolled in a health plan that meets the definition of a “qualified employer sponsored plan” that qualifies as creditable coverage under the section 2701(c) (1) of the Public Health Service Act and must be offered to all people in a manner that would be considered nondiscriminatory eligibility.
- Must not be a plan with deductibles that are equal to or exceed IRS High Deductible Health Plan limits.
HIPP for Kids (18 and younger)
For the HIPP for Kids program, eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following:
- A family member must be enrolled in full coverage Medicaid and be less than 19 years of age.
- The employer must pay at least 40% of the cost of the health insurance premium.
- Must be enrolled in a health plan that meets the definition of a “qualified employer sponsored plan” that qualifies as creditable coverage under the section 2701(c) (1) of the Public Health Service Act and must be offered to all people in a manner that would be considered nondiscriminatory eligibility.
- Must not be a plan with deductibles that are equal to or exceed IRS High Deductible Health Plan limits.
For Additional Information:
Phone: (800) 432-5924
Email: HIPPcustomerservice@dmas.virginia.gov
Winter Resources from Fairfax County Government Agencies
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.
Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Programs
Adapted physical education services provide students with disabilities with specially designed instruction to access and progress toward their grade-level general physical education curriculum. The goal is to help students develop skills that they can use to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle that includes healthy habits, social engagement, and active participation in the community as meaningful contributors. Fairfax County Park Authority offers adapted recreation opportunities and adapted recreation programs. Every child is different and they all deserve a chance to play, learn, and have fun!
To learn more, click on the links below.
adapted recreation opportunities
adapted recreation programs
Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month
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.
Join Us for the 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 Liaison News
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!
We encourage you to visit the Family Academy website for valuable resources and support to enhance your child's learning journey. Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit our webinar webpage.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Presents:
Self-Care – Refilling My Bucket
Join us for a special 15-minute session focused on the importance of self-care. Take this opportunity to give yourself a “gift” by taking a moment to refill your own bucket. To view session dates and register, please visit the PEATC website.
Fairfax County Winter Break Camps and Activities
Holiday Happenings at Fairfax Park Authority.
Fairfax County Park Authority Fall and Winter Camp Catalog
Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online. Register for this joint webinar with Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County Police Department, Department of Justice, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on December 13, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Read more about this informative webinar here. Register online here.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.
The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at frc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
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:
December 23 - January 5 Winter Break
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday - Student/Staff Holiday
January 29 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
February 17 Presidents’ Day- Student/Staff Holiday
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