In This Message:
Principals' Message
Dear Floris Community,
It’s been a fun-filled week here at Floris as we head into the final days of the school year! The building has been full of excitement with class parties, Spirit Week celebrations, and special end-of-year activities.
A highlight of the week was the incredible performances of The Wizard of Oz by our talented group of 6th graders. They put on fantastic shows for our students during the day and wowed our families with evening performances. We’re so proud of their hard work, creativity, and teamwork, it was truly a magical experience!
Next week, we look forward to another special moment as we honor our 6th grade students at their promotion ceremony. It will be a wonderful celebration of their growth, accomplishments, and the exciting journey ahead.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping make these special moments possible. We look forward to finishing the year strong together!
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter, Principal
Robert Gibbs, Assistant Principal
PTA News and Announcements
Upcoming Student Dates:
As we prepare for next year, we invite all members to help lead PTA programs for the '25-'26 School Year. Feel free to grab a friend and co-lead a program together — it’s a great way to get involved and have fun while making a difference!
Please sign up here:
Floris PTA Sign-up Genius: PTA Leads for '25-'26 School Year
Next year is shaping up to be exciting, inspiring, and full of great energy—we can’t wait for what’s ahead!
A Fond Farewell to Some Floris Staff Members
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate several members of our Floris family who will be moving on to new adventures. While we are sad to see them go, we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and contributions to our students, staff, and community.
Ms. Heather Cameron
After much reflection, Ms. Cameron has made the difficult decision not to return to Floris next school year, as she will be transitioning to a school closer to home. She shares:
“I’m truly grateful for the trust, support, and partnership we’ve shared. It has been an honor to work with your children, and I will always cherish the connections we’ve built together. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their journey.”
Ms. Hilda Manuella
With mixed emotions of sadness and excitement, Ms. Manuella has announced her retirement at the end of this school year. She reflects:
“I have had the privilege of working at Floris for the past eight years, and it has truly been an honor to get to know this wonderful community—from the supportive parents to the many smiling faces that greet me each day. I will always cherish the generosity and love I have received from the Floris community. As I move into the next chapter of my life, I will carry the memories of my Floris family with me—and who knows, you may still see me at your amazing events or visiting classrooms from time to time.”
Ms. Joan Marshall
Ms. Marshall will be transferring to Greenbrier West Elementary School, where she will have the special opportunity to teach at the school her own children attended. We know this next step will bring both joy and fulfillment as she continues to grow professionally and personally.
Ms. Jennie Tieff
After three wonderful years at Floris, Ms. Tieff will be moving on to teach at a different elementary school next year. She shares:
“I have loved my time here at Floris and have grown to love this community as well. It has been an honor to teach your children, and I leave Floris with nothing but gratitude, appreciation, and cherished memories.”
To each of these dedicated educators, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your impact on this community is lasting, and you will always be a part of the Floris family. We wish you all the very best in your new chapters, whether it's a new school, retirement, or being closer to home.
While we will sincerely miss our former staff members and appreciate the lasting impact they had on our school, we are excited to welcome the new educators and team members who have joined us and look forward to the energy and fresh ideas they will bring to our community. Stay tuned!
✅ End-of-Year Reminders
The last day of school is Wednesday, June 11! Please see some important reminders below:
- Remind your child to return all school library books and FCPS laptops.
- Check your child’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any balances.
- Pick up any medications your child has been taking at school. A parent/guardian must pick them up in person.
Bookmark the 2025-26 school year calendar to be ready for next year.
Limited Early Release Days Continue Next Year
During a report to the School Board this month, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced plans to continue limited early release days in elementary schools and shift them to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. This plan is based on recommendations from the Early Release Steering Committee. The committee includes parents, caregivers, school-based staff, and central office personnel. Read more about the reasons for early release and the proposed early release dates.
🥗 Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!
As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to remember to check your students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Families that earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2025-26 school year will be available this summer.
If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2024-25 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price meals.
School Board Unanimously Adopts the FCPS 2025-26 Budget
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the FCPS Fiscal Year 2025-26 Approved Budget. Facing years of chronic underfunding, the final budget required $121 million in reductions to the needs-based budget that was carefully developed with the FCPS community’s high expectations in mind. While these cuts and reductions will impact our classes, the school division will continue to do what is necessary to provide a world-class education for every student. Read more about the budget in this news release.
🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other options.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School
On the last day of school, Wednesday, June 11, school will be dismissed at 2:00pm.
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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- School Board Adopts Next Year’s Budget
- Mental Health and Wellness Supports
- Bookmark FCPS’ 2025-26 School Year Calendar
Dates for the 2024-2025 School Year
June 10: 6th Grade Promotion
June 11: Last Day of School for Students- 2 Hour Early Release
Find the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar: https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
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