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Public Schools Week
 Key Center is excited to celebrate Public School Week, February 24-28! This week is dedicated to recognizing the passion and dedication of our educators, the hard work and achievements of our students, and the essential support of our families. We believe public schools are vital to our community, and we're incredibly proud of the work our students and staff do every day. Join us as we celebrate all that makes Key Center, and public schools everywhere, so special!
Ramadan
 Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Middle School Transition Fair
 Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education
For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.
March 12, 2025 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road Falls Church, Virginia 22042
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!
This event focuses on planning for high school options for special education students, as well as supports available for these students after they exit the school system.
You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.
This event also includes two speakers who will discuss IEP transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A questions/answer session will follow.
Click here to register
2025 Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging!
 Join us March 15, 2025, at South Lakes High School to ensure the safety, support, and inclusion of every member of our FCPS school community. This event is free and open to all families, educators, and community members. Childcare provided. Please help us plan, register for the Family Summit today! For more information visit the Family Summit website.
The Basics of Medicaid Waiver
 Date: Monday, March 3, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Live, online virtual meeting
In this one hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, our Director of Advocacy, will review what Waivers are, services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.
Register for The Basics of Medicaid Waiver Meeting
Anxiety in the Context of Autism: What Parents Need to Know
 Date: March 7, 2025
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Join Dr. Jonathan Dalton, PhD, founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change as he presents on the critical differences in the treatment of anxiety in Neurotypical (allistic) and Autistic children. We will focus on the differences between fear and dread and why traditional anxiety treatment approaches are often insufficient when treating Autistic youth. We will build parenting skills that families can use to help relieve the anxious suffering of their autistic children.
Register for Anxiety in the Context of Autism Meeting
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.
Virtual Office Hours
Join Michelle Peele, the Family Liaison, for Virtual Office Hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 AM to discuss concerns, school-related matters, or any other topics. These sessions are held weekly unless otherwise noted. For private meetings or alternate times, please email mcpeele@fcps.edu to schedule. Click here to join.
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC)
POAC March Caregiver Support Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.at the Franconia Government Center Helen G. Willson’s Community Room. Visit their website for more information.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center Squared Away 2025 -Attention Military-Connected Families in Virginia!Are you seeking guidance on special education services for your child with a disability? Join our LIVE “Squared Away” virtual sessions hosted by PEATC in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Session Details: All sessions are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Register here to enhance your child’s special education journey!
April 15, 2025 - Building Your Child’s Team April 22, 2025 - How to Communicate with Your Child’s School April 29, 2025 - Navigating Special Education and Disability Services in Virginia May 6, 2025 - Exploring the Parts of an IEP: An Interactive Activity
IEP University Training AnnouncementNavigating the IEP process can be challenging and stressful for families and professionals. To help, PEATC and VDOE have created IEP University (IEPU), a self-paced online training program designed to provide clear guidance on the special education process and IEP development. This training focuses on practical strategies to enhance collaboration between schools and families, aiming to make future IEP meetings more positive and productive. Visit their PEATC’s website for more information.
Training Duration: 6 hours Access Period: March 10, 2025 - April 7, 2025 Completion Certificate: Awarded upon finishing the training.
Support Key Center!
 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:
 March 31 Eid-al-Fitr - Student/Staff Holiday
April 1 Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
April 14-18 Spring Break
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