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Hello Garfield Families!
Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed time with your family and loved ones during the holiday break. The recent snowfall has given us the gift of an unexpected extended break and we hope you and your children enjoyed the weather and cozied up in the warmth of your home.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible custodial staff for their tireless efforts in clearing the snow from our sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots. Their hard work ensures the safety and comfort of everyone, and we truly appreciate all they do for our Garfield family.
As we get ready to finish Quarter 2 strong, we would like to remind our families of the importance of regular attendance. Consistent attendance is a key factor in academic success, and we encourage all students to make a commitment to attend school every day. Your support in ensuring your child’s punctuality and attendance greatly contributes to their overall academic experience. If you have any concerns or questions regarding attendance, please feel free to reach out to our school office at 703-923-2900.
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and enriching environment for our students. We hope you’re having an amazing weekend! Bundle up, it's a cold one!
Blessings and joy,
Mrs. Peerman, Principal
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal
Mark Your Calendars
- January is National Mentoring Month
- January 20 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
- January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter
- January 29 - Lunar New Year (Teacher Workday)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
ST Math Family Math Week
FCPS and MIND Research are hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world.
All activities are available in English and Spanish.
To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video.
Winter Assessments
FCPS uses a variety of academic screening, growth, and diagnostic tests to identify students' academic strengths and needs and to monitor growth in their learning across the school year. These assessments fulfill state requirements for screening and growth measures in addition to providing data to develop student reading plans or student intervention plans, as needed. Additional diagnostic tests are available as a resource for teachers when more information is needed to determine specific areas for support.
- These assessments help teachers know each students' areas of strength and need within the content.
- They also provide data on how each student is growing throughout the year.
Students will participate in a variety of assessments this month. More information about the growth assessments can be found on the FCPS website.
Diagnostic Assessments by Grade Level
- Pre-K-2nd (select G3) - VALLS
- Gr 3-6 - iReady Reading
- Scheduled to be completed by mid January, as results determine if additional diagnostic testing is required.
- Gr 1-6 - iReady Math
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Everyday Counts: The Impact of Absenteeism in Elementary Schools
Chronic absenteeism—missing 10% or more of school, or 8 days by this point in the year—serves as an early warning sign that students are at risk of not reading proficiently by the end of third grade, struggling academically in middle school, and potentially dropping out of high school.
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.
As we enter 2025, we urge you to make a resolution to support full-time attendance. Consistency is key to your child’s academic success!
Together, let’s make everyday count!
Gradebook Available Until
End-of-Quarter
Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVue
Learn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy
Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call 703-923-2900.
🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families
In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:
Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.
Upcoming Family Academy Events
You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS 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.
Quick Links
Quick Links
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
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