This Week at Frost - December 20, 2024


English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Important Dates in December and January - Mark Your Calendars!

  • December 21 - January 5          Winter Holiday 
  • January 6                                   Back to School!
  • January 20                                 School Holiday - Martin Luther                                                                King, Jr. Birthday and Inauguration                                                        Day                                                    
  • January 28                                 End of 2nd Quarter
  • January 29                                 Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
  • January 30                                 Beginning of 3rd Quarter

Notes from Principal Harris

Winter Break

 

Good afternoon Frost MS Community,

As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making Frost MS a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow. This time of year is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate our shared experiences, and look forward to the exciting possibilities the new year will bring.

Our students’ enthusiasm and perseverance, the unwavering dedication of our staff, and the ongoing support of our families make this school an extraordinary community. Together, we continue to strive for excellence, and I am proud the work we’ve accomplished already and excited to see what is to come!

The winter holiday break is a time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones. Whether you’re traveling, celebrating traditions, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, I hope this season brings you joy, peace, and a sense of renewal.

Please remember that school will be closed from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Classes will resume on January 6, 2025 and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next chapter of our journey together.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, happiness, and cherished memories.

Warm regards,

Anthony Harris

 

This Week at Frost....

Frost Middle School 2024 - 2025 Award Winners 

We are proud to announce this year’s FCPS Employee Award winners for Frost Middle School:

  • Outstanding New Teacher – Meredith Marquis/Health and PE Teacher
    • Special congratulations to Ms. Marquis who was awarded Outstanding New Teacher for the Woodson Pyramid! She will go on to compete at Region 5 and, hopefully, beyond.
  • Outstanding Teacher – Amanda Morgan/Art Teacher
  • Outstanding Leader – Ellen Reed/Assistant Principal
  • Outstanding Professional – Daniel Joo/Counselor
  • Outstanding Operational Employee – Nathaniel Stamp/Instructional Assistant

 

The Running of the Inflatables!!

Frost MS wound up an exciting and fun-filled spirit week with the Running of the Inflatables.  Four relay teams of four staff members each raced through the halls to take the prize. Red Team had a narrow win, but competition was tough!  Thanks to our intrepid runners:  Ms. Lee; Mr. Busch; Ms. Przydzial; Ms. Mattey; Ms. Marquis; Ms. Sharma; Mr. Winslow; Ms. Sohn; Mr. Verbicar; Ms. Ong; Ms. Marge; Mx. Brewster.  And our Red Team winners: Ms. Morgan; Ms. Montgomery; Ms. Warnick; and Mr. Lockrem!

Inflatables
Laptop

❄️ Winter Break Device Reminder ❄️

Happy Holiday from the Frost Tech Team! Wishing everyone a wonderful Winter Break filled with relaxation and fun! To help ensure devices return safely after the break, please leave them at home if you're traveling. It's a great time for everyone to unplug and recharge!

 

 

Frost Offices Closed During Winter Break

Our offices will be closed for Winter Break from December 23 through January 3, 2024.  If you have an immediate concern, please email Susan Morningstar at sjmorningsta@fcps.edu

We wish you and your family a safe, restful, and happy holiday season! We look forward to seeing your students in the New Year when school starts on Monday, January 6, 2024.

 

CARES Corner

Student and Family Resources for Winter Break

Please visit this link to find resources for academic or mental health support over the break (December 23-January 3). In addition, you will find county resources for those in need of food, housing, clothing, or other basic needs.

https://www.fcps.edu/student-and-family-resources-winter-break

 

The GMU Center for Community Mental Health provides psychotherapy services and comprehensive psychological assessments on a sliding scale for adults, teens and children. Families can access free, anonymous and confidential support from the comfort of home. Trained providers are available 7 days/week to offer help, teach evidence-based skills and to listen. Low-cost therapy sessions are also available upon request. Please see this flyer for more details.

 

Free COVID-19 Tests 

This season, every household is eligible for four free COVID-19 tests.  Follow this link to order yours today!

COVID-19 Tests

 

Community Resource Available:

The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 begins today and will end on November 8th. This year, the State pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a client was pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application.

Applications for Energy Assistance are accepted in the following ways:

  1. Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
  2. By phone: Enterprise Customer Service Center (833) 522-5582
  3. Paper applications are attached to this email or a copy can be requested by calling 703-324-7500.
  • By mail: Completed applications can be mailed to: DFS Energy Assistance, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 232, Fairfax, VA 22035
  • By Dropbox: Completed application can be placed in a dropbox at one of the DFS human service building locations
  • By fax: Completed applications can be faxed to (703) 653-1355

By email: Completed applications can be sent to DFSMycase@fairfaxcounty.gov

 

In Case You Missed It....

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 p.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

 

Yearbooks on Sale Now!

Frost yearbooks are on sale from now until January 31 for $47.  On February 1st, they will cost $50.  Contact Jostens Yearbooks.

 

Frozen Jr. Tickets on Sale Now!

Frost Drama will be presenting Frozen Jr. on February 7 and 8, 2025 and tickets are on sale now.  Go to this link:  https://etix.com/ticket/v/15646.

More details about performances will be coming in the new year!  Questions?  Please email Jack Lockrem at jplockrem@fcps.edu.

 

Frost MS Meditation and Silent Reflection Space

In alignment with FCPS regulations and expectations, Frost MS ensures that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school building. The following are our guidelines as of 9/13/23. Students whose religious beliefs require them to pray at a specific time that coincides with instructional time can be accommodated with parental written permission submitted to the school principal. 

Parent Permission for Use of Meditation and Silent Reflection Space

 

Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

 

Attendance: School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:15 PM. Improving attendance is a major goal of Frost MS!  Attendance and punctuality are critical to student success in the classroom, and absences add up over the course of the year.  Being present in school for all classes is of utmost importance, unless the student is sick or out for another excused reason.  Missed days, including excused absences, and late arrival can lead to stress on students who must make up the coursework on their own. Please seek to avoid vacations during school days when possible. Time is set aside during the school year for travel including winter break, spring break, and several student holidays scattered throughout the year. 

If your student is going to be absent, please notify us by 8:00am at one of these: 

 

Calendar: The Frost MS bell schedule and A/B day calendar can be found at this link on the school website.

 

Transportation: If your child will be using school transportation, please ensure that you have reviewed the bus route and schedule. We strongly encourage students to ride the bus as it significantly eliminates traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon. Tardiness because of traffic will not be excused. Bus schedules available through your SIS ParentVue account where you can see your transportation assignments.  Please contact Area 2 Transportation with transportation questions at ots_team26@fcps.edu or 703-764-2050.

 

Communication: We believe in open and effective communication between school and families. Our school website and communication platforms will provide you with regular updates, important announcements, and opportunities to engage with your child's education.

 

Fair CIty Mall:  We strongly recommend that students do not go over to Fair City Mall after school. Students rarely make the best choices and oftentimes find themselves in situations that they’d rather not be in.  Parents, please talk to your child about this at home and reiterate that often. We encourage you to have your child ride the bus home or you pick them up in the PM Kiss and Ride line.

 

Family Resources

Get to Know FCPS and Resources Available to Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) — This Fairfax County Government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families — FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Engagement Resources — FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
  • Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

 

Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.

FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).) 

The PRC 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. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.

Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu

 

Helpful Resources

  1. https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/26/covid-19-updates-new-vaccine-option-baby-vaccine-data-1-million-vaccines/Free hotspot and internet for families with students who receive free and/or reduced-price meals or Fairfax County services.
  2. 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click here to learn more about 988.
  3. Locations to receive recommended child and adolescent immunizations are available throughout the Fairfax Health District, including at many pharmacies and groceries that have pharmacies. Please click here to find a location near you.
  1. Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends and Supports Webinar (recording). Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports.
  1. Healthy Minds Fairfax has a 1-pager on how to know when your child may have a mental health concern and where to get help.

Contacts/School Information

Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702

Attendance Email: frostmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu

Attendance Online Submission: https://frostms.fcps.edu/about-us/attendance-form

Heath Room: 703-426-5710

Parent Information Phone Lines/Support for parents who do not speak English as their first language: Parent Information Phone Lines

Parent and Student Technology Support: IT Support Portal

Principal: Anthony Harris apharris@fcps.edu

Assistant Principals:

Director of Student Services: Danielle Hornbecker dshornbecker@fcps.edu

Counselors:

 

Frost MS Website  

Frost MS PTA Homepage

FCPS School Year Calendars

Blue/Gray Calendar and Bell Schedule

Schoology

SIS ParentVUE Account Access

Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information