Weekly Newsletter 6/4/2025

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Eid al-Adha - Friday, June 6th

Calendar Reminder


Until a few days ago, the holiday was anticipated to begin at sundown on Friday, June 6. Due to this week’s updated lunar sightings, the holiday now begins at sundown on Thursday, June 5, and continues through Friday, June 6, one day earlier than originally anticipated and planned.

FCPS is working to support the students and staff who observe Eid al-Adha.  The following changes are planned: 

  • The evening of Thursday, June 5, will now be designated as a modified observance evening (i.e., O day).
  • Friday, June 6, will now be a modified observance day (i.e., O day), allowing students to be excused from school without academic penalty for the duration of the observance.

Due to the likely number of transportation staff celebrating this holiday, there may be some bus delays on Friday, June 6. Families can use the Bus Delay Notification System or use the FCPS Mobile App to receive the bus delay information should it become necessary. 


Wednesday, June 11th-  Last Day of School Early Dismissal at 11:40am

Calendar Reminder


The last day of the 2024-2025 school year is Wednesday, June 11, and students will be dismissed early. Key Center dismissal will be at 11:40am.  Remember some students do not attend school on the last day, so your child’s bus may not take as long to get your student home as usual, please plan ahead. Additionally, kindly share with your child’s teacher if your student will be absent on the last day of school so personal items can be sent home on his/her last day.


Congratulations Class of 2025!

graduates


We're proud to announce the graduation of our Class of  2025!

At Key Center, these graduates consistently showed strength and resilience, conquering every obstacle with determination.

We're so proud of these students and can't wait to see what they achieve next.  Congratulations, graduates!  You can see pictures from graduation day on the FCPS Facebook page.


Extended School Year (ESY) Information

Calendar Reminder


We are excited to kick off another Key Center ESY program this summer! Emily Kaltenmark will be our ESY Principal again this summer. Your assigned teacher will be reaching out to you on June 26/27th. ESY dates and times are below.  Transportation will notify you of your pick up/drop off times prior to ESY.  Please note that breakfast will be provided but not lunch.   

Dates: Monday, June 30th- Friday, July 25th

Time: 7:40 am – 10:40 am

There will be no school on Thursday, July 3rd, or Friday, July 4th, in observance of the holidays.


End of Year Medication Pick-Up

med pickup


The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time (11:40) on the last day of school, Wednesday June 11 or for students attending ESY at Key Center School, no later than student dismissal time (10:40) on the last day of ESY, July 25. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools at another center, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).

Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.


Introducing Your 2025-2026 PTA Executive Board!

PTA

We are happy to announce the results of our recent PTA elections and warmly introduce the dedicated volunteers who will be serving on your Executive Board for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year!

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming your new PTA Executive Board:

  • President: Chris Finerty
  • Vice President: Emily Bell
  • Treasurer: Cecilia Allen
  • Secretary: Cera Davis
  • Special Projects Chair: Sophia Harris
  • Faculty Liaison: Beth Curtis

Stay tuned for information about upcoming PTA meetings and opportunities to get involved. We look forward to a fantastic 2025-2026 school year!  The PTA is a volunteer-led organization, and your involvement is crucial to our success. Together, we can continue to create a positive and enriching environment for all students at Key Center School!


Parent Information Line Available in Eight Languages

parent information line

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.


FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

Ombuds helpful

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.


Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

mental wellness


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.


School Board Unanimously Adopts the FCPS 2025-26 Budget

board 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.


Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings

Community Meetings


Families, staff, and community members will soon be able to explore and visualize potential boundary scenarios using a customized Boundary Explorer Tool. The tool will be accessible from the FCPS website. You are also invited to participate in another series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break. 

Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Registration links will be shared soon. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.


Family Resources

Family Resources


Family Liaison News

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

Reach out to the office via: Phone: 571-423-4014 Text: 571-496-8284 Email: ombuds@fcps.edu

Parent Advocacy Handbook: A Resource for Supporting Your Child’s Growth

The Parent Advocacy Handbook offers valuable information and resources to help parents and guardians advocate for their children’s academic, social, and emotional development from preschool through high school and beyond. Visit our website to review the handbook. Also available in other languages. 

Virginia Department of Education - Virtual Training

Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities, designed to help you navigate key educational decisions. You'll learn what contributes to your child's success, when important decisions must be made, and how to make informed choices.

Part One will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Part Two will follow on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Attendance at both sessions is required. Space is limited to 100 participants, with priority given to first-time attendees. There is no cost to attend. Details will be shared upon registration. Register here. 

PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)
PEATC offers free and confidential support to families with questions about special education services. Assistance is available in over 300+ languages. PEATC has added more community office hours locations across Virginia to connect with support in person. 

Call PEATC at   (703)-923-0010

Check the calendar: PEATC Events Calendar

See all Locations here: Community Office hours

Fairfax County Health Department
The Fairfax County Health Department will hold Back-to-School Immunization Clinics for the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit their website for dates and times and to schedule an appointment. 

Mount Vernon District Summer Palooza
Join Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck for our First Annual Summer Palooza—a FREE, family-friendly celebration packed with fun for all ages!

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306

FCPS Events and Webinars

SibShops – A Fun Workshop for Siblings!
June 18, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Dunn Loring Administrative Building, 2334 Gallows Rd., Dunn Loring

SibShops is a special event for FCPS students in grades 2–6 who have siblings with support needs. Kids can connect with peers, share experiences, celebrate their unique role, and just have fun through games and activities in a relaxed setting. Register here to attend. 

SibTeens – Connect, Share, and Have Fun!
June 18, 1:00–4:00 PM

Dunn Loring Administrative Building, 2334 Gallows Rd., Dunn Loring

SibTeens is a supportive, fun event for middle schoolers who have siblings with support needs. Join us for recreational and art-based activities, meaningful conversations, and the chance to connect with others who understand your experiences. Register here to attend. 


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


June 11                   Last Day of School/Early Release-11:40am

June 30 - July 25    ESY Dates (No School on July 3 & 4)