In This Message:
- Principals' Message
- PTA News and Announcements
- Optional Parent Input for SY25-26
- K-2 Field Day Reminder
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Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Parent Reports
- Measles
- School Health Survey
-
Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
- Summer Extravaganza
-
Bussey Memorial Equity Award
- Spring SOL Schedule
- District News/ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
- Upcoming Dates
Principals' Message
Dear Floris Community,
What a fantastic week it’s been here at Floris Elementary! One of the true highlights was our incredible International Night, a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing PTA for spearheading this event in collaboration with our dedicated FLES teachers, Mr. Berrick and Mrs. Mejia. Your leadership, time, and passion helped bring this evening to life in such a meaningful way.
We were thrilled to see our students shine with their performances, sharing music, dance, and traditions from around the world. Families also enjoyed a variety of delicious foods and interactive displays that helped educate and inspire curiosity about the many cultures represented in our community.
Events like International Night truly reflect the spirit of Floris, where learning goes beyond the classroom and we come together to celebrate what makes each of us unique.
Thank you to all the staff and families who participated, volunteered, or attended. Your presence made this event a joyful and enriching experience for everyone.
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter, Principal
Robert Gibbs, Assistant Principal
PTA News and Announcements
Upcoming Student Dates:
Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates:
- Principal Appreciation Day, May 1
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Lunch Hero Appreciation Day, May 2
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Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9
- School Nurse Appreciation Day, May 7
Optional Parent Input Form For Next School Year
We are into the last quarter of the school year and are beginning our planning for summer programming and next year. We have a process that ensures we are making the most balanced, positive classroom environments, taking multiple stakeholders' input into account.
If you would like to share information that you believe would help us as we are making these placement decisions, please click on this link. Completion of this form is optional.
**Current 6th grade families, please do not complete this form. This is information for Floris planning. It is not information for Rachel Carson MS.**
Please note that the deadline for submitting this information is Friday, May 16, 2024.
K-2 Field Day Is Tomorrow!
Our Kindergarten-2nd graders are getting excited for tomorrow's Field Day! Some reminders to help the day go smoothly:
- Please be aware of your child's color group (red, blue, yellow, green)
- Be sure to bring a water bottle
- Please apply any sunscreen and/or bug spray prior to arrival at Floris
We will send further messaging out next week, but we just wanted to keep this fun event on your radar!
Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Parent Reports
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
Protect Your Child from Measles: What You Need to Know
Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:
- High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.
The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.
✅ Share Feedback With County Health Department on School Health Services
The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.
School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff provide care for students who become sick or injured during the school day, who require medications during the school day, and/or who have a chronic health condition that requires management during the school day.
Additionally, the school health room staff:
- Provide health education, communicable disease prevention, and health screenings.
- Work with schools to help address the root causes of population health disparities so that all students have equitable access to educational and health opportunities.
- Ensure that students have care for minor injuries and illnesses, and chronic health conditions, thus helping to minimize health barriers to learning.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of school health room services as well as inform future planning for schools.
Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.
With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for.
Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity.
Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage.
☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs.
Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage to access the nomination information form.
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
FCPS News: In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
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- Protect Your Child From Measles
- Celebrating FCPS Staff and Students
- Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Dates for the 2024-2025 School Year
May 1: Spring Strings Concert: 6:15-6:45; 7:30-8:15
May 2: K-2 Field Day
May 6: Spring Band Concert: 6:30-7:30
May 8: 5th Grade Science SOL
May 9: PTA Bingo Night
May 12: 5th and 6th Grade Reading SOL
May 13: 3rd and 4th Grade Reading SOL
May 15: 5th and 6th Grade Math SOL
May 16: 3rd and 4th Grade Math SOL
May 21: Spring Carnival, 6:30-7:30
May 26: Holiday, Memorial Day
June 4-5: 6th Grade Musical
June 10: 6th Grade Promotion
June 11: Last Day of School for Students
Find the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar: https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
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