Weekly Newsletter 2/5/2025

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Nominate a Deserving Staff Member for a FIrst Class Award

FCPS Awards


First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to our school. Our staff would be included in the Specialty Program Staff category. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.


Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Office of the Ombuds


Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.


Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair

Reading


30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!

Books are available on a first-come, first served basis, so arrive early!
Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child for home libraries, with a 30 books maximum limit per family.
Educators and school staff may choose up to 50 free books for their classrooms.
Fun family activities including DJ, food trucks, and free Valentine’s Day card making area.
Hundreds of LEGO brick boxes available while supplies last!

Saturday, Feb. 8
10 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lorton Community Center & Library
9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079

For more information, please contact David Walrod: dpwalrod@fcft.org, 703-451-6840 or go to www.firstbook.org/AFT.


Black History Month

Black History Month


Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.


PROJECT LIFESAVER – For students who wander away from their homes

Project Lifesaver


The Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program helps children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive conditions that may cause wandering. Participants wear a wrist or ankle band that emits a radio signal, enabling deputies to locate them quickly if they go missing.

 Deputies trained in search and rescue, use advanced equipment to bring missing individuals home safely. The program has a 100% success rate. Deputies also check in every 60 days to replace the device battery and update client information electronically.

Project Lifesaver is funded by donations, with an annual cost of $300 per client. A $25 monthly caregiver donation is suggested, but participation is not dependent on payment.

Click here for the Project Lifesaver Application


Community Services Board (CSB) new monthly Health & Wellness Newsletter

Community Board Services


Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is excited to announce the launch of our new monthly Health and Wellness Newsletter – your ultimate guide to everything CSB!  Each month, we’ll bring the latest updates, exciting resources, and helpful tips to support the Fairfax-Falls Church community in navigating the world of health and wellness. 

What can you expect? Here’s a sneak peek:

  • Featured Blog/NewsLink: Stay up to date with the latest news and stories from the CSB.
  • Wealth, Health Promotion and Prevention Trainings: Get the scoop on upcoming training opportunities.
  • Service Spotlight: Meet the amazing CSB staff through interviews and insights.
  • Wellness Tips: Practical advice to improve your well-being.
  • How to Access CSB Services: Easy-to-follow steps for getting the support you need. 

Anyone in the community can sign up to get these updates! You can find the sign-up link on our website, and we’re actively promoting it through our social media pages.

Register here to get the CSB’s Behavioral Health and Wellness monthly newsletter.


Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

Community Meetings


The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


Family Resources

Family Resources


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

SibShops

On February 22, 2025, FCPS will host SibShops for children in grades 2 - 6. Come and meet other siblings in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Let's celebrate the amazing contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Register here to attend. 

Partners in Policymaking

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is now recruiting for the 2025-2026 Partner in Policymaking (PIP) class. Individuals with developmental disabilities or family members learn advocacy and leadership skills. Visit their webpage for more information.

Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center  

PEATC is offering a free 5-session self-paced online course to provide information to make transition planning easier. Visit PEATC event page here for more information. 

Check the PEATC website calendar for more upcoming workshops.

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS)

The Training Futures team is recruiting trainees for an upcoming 12-week, hybrid training cycle. Participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to secure a fulfilling, living-wage job in a professional office setting. Training begins on February 19, 2025. Interested individuals can begin the intake process by filling out the online inquiry form at Training Futures - Northern Virginia Family Service

Fairfax County Park Authority 

Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 8, 2025  from 6-8 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Golf Course 6201 Union Mill Road • Clifton. There will be performances, demonstrations and local food trucks. Free registration required. Visit their website for more information. 


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

February 17        Presidents’ Day - Student/Staff Holiday
March 31            Eid-al-Fitr -  Student/Staff Holiday
April 1                 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
April 14-18          Spring Break