Weekly Newsletter 12/18/2024

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Principal’s Message

Principal


Dear Families,

As we approach winter break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you all. I hope this season brings rest, relaxation, and cherished moments with your loved ones—whether you’re sharing meals, playing games, or simply enjoying time together. Whatever holidays you celebrate, may they be filled with joy and happiness.

I understand life doesn’t always slow down during a break like this. If your family needs assistance or you need to update us for any reason about your child, please reach out at our school’s main number or KeyCtr.Admin@fcps.edu. While our offices will be closed at times, we’ll be checking messages and attending to any facility needs as needed. Please reach out if you have a need, we’re happy to try to assist you.

Our staff and I will use this break to pause and recharge after their hard work over the past few months. We’ll all be excited to welcome students back in January, refreshed and ready to continue our educational journey together.

On behalf of all our staff, I wish you a wonderful winter break filled with warmth and laughter!

Kind regards,

Ann Smith


Winter Break - December 23rd - January 3rd

Winter Break


As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23rd through Friday, January 3rd. . We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, January 6, 2024.

Our main office will be closed during winter break, yet we will monitor our voicemail on our main number of 703-313-4000 for any pertinent messages. Please feel free to reach out should you or your family have any needs. 


Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

Special Ed


The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

  • Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
  • Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
  • SEL Screener Results
  • New Accessibility Resources
  • Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
  • Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
  • VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
  • Executive Functioning Webinars
  • Early Literacy Resources
  • ESY and Assessment Webinar
  • COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.


DMV is coming to The Arc of Northern Virginia

DMV Connect.


When: January 13, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Location: The Arc of Northern Virginia
                3060 Williams Drive 
                Fairfax, VA 22031
DMV Connect will take place in Main Floor Lobby Meeting Room

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is coming to The Arc of Northern Virginia! The DMV Connect brings the convenience of DMV services directly to you, making it easier for families, individuals, caregivers and staff to access a wide range of services without having to visit a DMV office. 

The DMV Connect offers, REAL ID, driver’s license, identification cards (Adult and Child), disabled parking placards, vehicle titles( will be mailed to customers), vehicle registrations, Virginia vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates will be mailed to customers), hunting & fishing licenses, address changes, E-ZPass responders, transcripts and compliance summaries. 

Registration: To schedule your appointment, email front.desk@thearcofnova.org
Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted pending availability.


Winter Resources from Fairfax County Government Agencies

Resooureces


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.


Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

Community Meetings


Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


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 Resource


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

Community News

The English Empowerment Center Spring 2025 online, in-person and intensive English Classes schedule and registration information can be found here. Classes begin February 2025. 

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

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!

PTA


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.png


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