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Hello Garfield Families, 

As we approach the final week of school before the winter break, we want to take a moment to thank you for your support and partnership during this first half of the school year. This is a time of celebration, reflection, and connection, and we’re so excited to finish the year on a cheerful note!

Next week is Winter Cheer Spirit Week (December 16th–20th)! Let’s make it a fun and festive week as students and staff dress up in creative and cozy themes each day. You can find the detailed flyer below for all the specifics—don’t forget to encourage your child to participate! It’s a great way to celebrate together and spread some winter cheer.

In addition to grade-level newsletters sent home earlier this week, we’re including our Specialist Newsletter in this edition. It highlights the incredible work happening in Gym, Art, Music, Library, Tech, and STEAM classes.

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this week memorable for our students and celebrate the close of a fantastic year!

Blessings and joy,

Kerry Peerman 
Principal 

Liz Manning 
Assistant Principal 

December 16 - 20 - Winter Cheer Spirit Week! 
December 16 - ParentVue Workshop, 10am
December 18 - Parent Coffee, 9:30 am
December 23 - Jan 2 - Winter Break (Student Holiday)

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Garfield Winter Cheer

Let’s spread some holiday cheer, Eagles!

Join us for 5 Days of Winter Cheer at Garfield from December 16th to December 20th! Each day has its own festive theme—check them out below and get ready to dress up. Participation is optional for all staff and students, but we can’t wait to see your cheerful outfits light up our school!

Monday – Favorite holiday accessories and swag (hat, socks, scarves etc)

Tuesday – Festive holiday Sweater

Wednesday –Dress like a candy cane – wear red and white

Thursday – Plaid or flannel

Friday – Comfy Pjs

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 Heather Jenkins, hkjenkins@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 Heather Jenkins, hkjenkins@fcps.edu. 

Full-Time Referral Form (PDF)

• Arabic
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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.

Garfield Parent Coffee
December 18th at 9:30am 

Brrr...It's Cold Outside

Preparing for Winter

The cold weather is here! The past week we enjoyed the crisp cold weather of winter and wanted to share some winter reminders. 

Recess and Outside Activities

During the winter months, students will continue to participate in outdoor recess and activities including PE, fire drills, etc. Please make sure to send your child to school prepared to play outdoors (jackets, gloves, hats, etc.).

At Garfield, we monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Please keep in mind, we go outside most days. 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 (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare. Additionally, you can call our Family Liaison, Melody Wheatley, or a member of our student services team at 703-923-2900.

Please Remember to dress your child in layers and send a coat, gloves, hat etc. so they are prepared for recess and outdoor activities. 

Food Pantry Resources

Please note food pantry locations families and caregivers to use during the winter break. Please see the attached flier in English and Spanish for more information.

Food Distribution Flyer - English

Food Distribution Flyer - Spanish

Form Families Forward Training

❄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Garfield principals will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and other weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Also, Please 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 getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with support, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.  Please feel free to also call Garfield and ask to speak with our counselor or school social worker.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL branch or their Winter Reading Adventure 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, the Holiday Lantern Tour at Colvin Run Mill, and many more fun events.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

You are an important part of your child's education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

(in-person course)

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. 

The course will teach you how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE):

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm. •    Listen nonjudgmentally. •    Give reassurance and information. •    Encourage appropriate professional help. •    Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

December 20, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 

Family Resource Center

2334 Gallows Road 

Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Register for Youth Mental Health First Aid (in-person course) 30 spaces available

Garfield PTA

Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

Please join the Garfield PTA by clicking here.

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/

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YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

We are in this together!!  We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with your family this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. Please contact us when there is a question or concern. Thank you for your support and being part of our team!

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal,  Klpeerman@fcps.edu
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, eamanning1@fcps.edu

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900 
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