Weekly Newsletter 3/19/2025

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Spirit Week- March 17th to 21st

Spirit Week

The remaining Spirit Days are:

Thursday (3/20/25) REVERSE ROLES Day:Students dress as teachers and teachers dress as students

Friday (3/21/25) WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY & COMFY COZY Day:Wear your most comfortable blue and yellow clothes

        **Participation in spirit week is optional!!**


School Main Entrance -  Door 9

door 9


We are excited to announce that new signage will soon be gracing the Key Center, right at the main entrance of our school!

This vibrant addition will boost our visibility and offer a warm welcome to students, families, and visitors.  

We appreciate your understanding and ask that you exercise caution while approaching the building during this process. We can't wait to unveil this exciting new addition!


Order Your Key Center Yearbook!

Year Book

Capture the Memories! Order Your 2024-2025 Key Center Yearbook!

Get ready to relive all the amazing moments of the school year! The 2024-2025 Key Center Yearbook is now available for pre-order!

Early Bird Special! Snag your copy for just $12 if you order by April 11th. After that, the price will be $15.

Easy Ordering!  Follow this link to order directly through the PTA website

Yearbooks will be delivered in June, just in time for summer memories!


World Down Syndrome Day

Down Syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day is on 21 March every year. It is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The goal is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better.  The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

The 2025 theme for World Down Syndrome Day is "Improve Our Support Systems," emphasizing the need for tailored support that grants individuals with Down syndrome choice, control, and dignity, while also highlighting the importance of supporting their families. Find out more about this special observance on the World Down Syndrome Day website.


March ABA Family Training

ABA


The ABA Family Workshops are intended for parents of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.  All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. To request an interpreter, contact Tina Wilkerson at twilkerson@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email) in case we need to contact you.  

Topics covered in March include: 

  • How to teach: social activities and self-help skills 
  • How to use different strategies to facilitate independence 

Date:  March 19, 2025 

Time:  7:00pm - 8:30pm  

Join using this meeting link.


Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Bus Stop Sign


Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.


Boundary Review

School Boundary Review


The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.


Community Conversations

Community Conv.

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS at one of the following conversations from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

  • Thursday, March 20, Cunningham Park Elementary School
  • Monday, March 24, Kings Park Elementary School
  • Tuesday, April 1, Lorton Station Elementary School
  • Monday, April 7, Greenbriar West Elementary School
  • Monday, April 21, Mount Eagle Elementary School
  • Wednesday, April 23, Freedom Hill Elementary School

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


Summertime Calls for Friends, Fun and Summer Camp!

Summer Camp


Join for art activities, sensory play, games, sports, outdoor play, music and more.

All camp sites are open to residents of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the City of Fairfax with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders.

Camp serves ages 5 to 12 (5-year-olds must have completed kindergarten), and individuals ages 13 to 22 (22-year-olds who have not yet graduated).

Registration opens April 2, 2025! 

Click here to register online or visit the website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/therapeutic-recreation

Call: 703-324-5532 for a paper registration, assistance completing registration, or any questions. 

For more information, email NCS-TRACERS@fairfaxcounty.gov.


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

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.

Join Key Center and The Arc of Northern Virginia for a Caregiver Options Presentation

We invite you to join Key Center and The Arc of Northern Virginia on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for an informative presentation on Caregiver Options. This is a great opportunity to learn about available resources and support. Please RSVP Michelle Peele to confirm your attendance. 

FCPS Sibshops for Children Grades 2 - 6

Join us on April 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for Sibshops, a special event for Fairfax County Public Schools students with siblings who have special needs. This fun and supportive event allows children to meet others in similar situations, share experiences, and celebrate the important roles they play as siblings. Enjoy games, activities, and peer support in a relaxed environment. Location: 3001 Vaden Dr., Fairfax. Register here

FCPS SibTeen

SibTeen will take place on April 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for middle school students who have siblings with disabilities. The event offers a mix of fun recreational and art-based activities, along with discussion sessions to help teens share their experiences and support one another. It’s a great opportunity to connect with peers who understand their unique life situations. Location: 12111 Braddock Rd, Fairfax. This session will be hosted at 12111 Braddock Rd, Fairfax. Register here

Join Key Center and The Arc of Northern Virginia for a Caregiver Options Presentation

We invite you to join Key Center and The Arc of Northern Virginia on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for an informative presentation on Caregiver Options. This is a great opportunity to learn about available resources and support. Please RSVP Michelle Peele to confirm your attendance. 

Fairfax Community Announcements 

Resources for Federal Workers, Job Seekers, and Career Transitions: Your Path Forward

NOVA has launched NOVAnext, a $1M initiative offering free courses in IT, program management, HR, and more for recently laid-off federal workers. Participants also get access to resume-writing and job search workshops.

George Washington University is offering a 20% tuition discount for displaced workers enrolling in select programs for Summer or Fall 2025. Applications are due by April 1.

FFXNOVA  connects job seekers in Northern Virginia with career opportunities in tech, cybersecurity, AI, and more. It offers resources for skill development, job openings, and support for veterans and military families.

Virginia Has Jobs,  launched by Governor Glenn Younkin aimed at connecting job seekers with opportunities across Virginia. 

Empower & Elevate Employment Resource Fair will be held on March 23, 2025, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church (6600 Old Centerville Rd., Centerville, VA 20121). This event will offer valuable networking opportunities and resources to help you take the next step in your career.

Reading Opens The World Book Drive - Apr 26, 2025

30,000 Free Books for Families and Educators!

Join us for a fun-filled day at the Lorton Community Center! Families can choose from a wide selection of free books, with up to 10 books per child (30 books max per family). Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! Lego Brick Boxes available (while supplies last), a DJ, and food trucks.

Event Details:

  • Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Lorton Community Center & Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079.

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


March 31                Eid-al-Fitr -  Student/Staff Holiday

April 1                     Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

April 14-18              Spring Break

May 26                    Memorial Day

May 29                    Graduation - There will be no school on this day