|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Message from the Principal
 Dear Key Center Families,
A new school year is here, and with it comes endless opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Our motto this year is Unlocking Possibilities—a reminder that every day holds the potential for discovery, creativity, and success for your child.
Our staff have prepared not only classrooms and materials but also engaging lessons and experiences that will help students thrive academically and socially. Each member of our team is dedicated to creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
We're excited to announce some new additions and roles on our team:
-
Elizabeth Ganley has moved into the Lead Teacher role.
-
Jonah Lao-Soriano joins us as a Classroom Teacher.
-
Wafika Albani is our new Family Liaison.
- Our related services team welcomes Jill Stratton (PT), Rachael Ackerman (SLP), and Tara Skahill (Hearing).
We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships with you, our families. When schools and families work together, doors open wide for students. Whether through joining the PTA, attending our various PTA events, or simply staying in contact with your child’s teacher about your child’s school day, you play a key role in unlocking those possibilities.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child and for being part of this journey. We look forward to a fantastic year filled with curiosity, learning, and growth!
Warmly,
Ann Smith
Principal
Key Center School
Our Back to School Day Event was a Success!
 Our halls were filled with excitement on Thursday, August 14th, as we officially kicked off the 2025-2026 school year with our annual Back to School Day! It was a fantastic day, bringing together students, families and school staff to prepare for the year ahead.
Our staff was thrilled to welcome everyone back. There was a lot of activity, including collecting important paperwork and helping families find their way around the building. It was great to see students and their families connect with their new classroom staff.
We were also honored to have a very special guest join us for the event, FCPS School Superintendent Michelle Reid. Her presence made the day even more exciting, and we were happy to share our special community with her.
The day gave everyone a great overview of what to expect in the coming school year. It was the perfect way to begin a new chapter of learning, growth, and, as our theme says, "Unlocking Possibilities." Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day such a success!
Labor Day Holidays - August 29 and September 1
 Friday, August 29, and Monday, September 1, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
2025-2026 School Theme
 The Key Center School theme for this school year is Unlocking Possibilities!
This theme is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a pledge to our students, a commitment from our staff, and a belief that every child holds the key to their own unique potential. Throughout the year, we will focus on empowering our students to discover new skills, embrace their strengths, and overcome challenges with confidence.
Unlocking Possibilities means providing a learning environment where curiosity is celebrated and every small victory is a reason to cheer. We will be integrating this theme into our classrooms, activities, and events, encouraging students to explore new subjects, develop new interests, and see the world in new ways.
We believe that by working together—students, staff, and families—we can unlock a world of opportunities for our students. We look forward to a year of growth, discovery, and celebrating the incredible possibilities within each and every one of them.
Required: Important Back to School Forms
 The most efficient way to update your child’s information is by completing the required forms online through SIS ParentVUE as part of the Online Verification/Update (OVU) Packet.
If you're unable to complete the forms online, a physical packet was mailed to your home in late July. Please fill out the forms and return them to our main office as soon as possible.
If you need additional copies or assistance completing the forms, feel free to visit our main office. We're happy to help!
Keeping us informed about your child’s health allows us to consistently provide the best possible care and support for your child throughout the year.
Opt In/Out
Complete Permission Forms TodayFamilies can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Opt your child in or out of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed. Visit FCPS’ Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Update Your Child’s Immunization and Records
 Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Please be sure to submit your child’s immunization documentation. If your child has an appointment to receive their required immunizations after August 18, please submit an Immunization Action Plan to confirm the appointment.
You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to our front office. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form. Please visit the FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to submit each of these items.
If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your health care provider or visit the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department website for local immunization clinics and additional resources.
New Staff Feature- Jonah Lao-Soriano
 This week’s Key Center Staff Spotlight is on Jonah Lao-Soriano . Ms Lao-Soriano joins our staff this year as a Classroom Teacher. Learn more about Ms. Lao-Soriano on our school’s website.
Family Information Phone Lines
 Family Information Line Available in Nine LanguagesParents/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.
Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider
 September 10 @ 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This workshop will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.
Click here for more information.
Resources
 The Individual Family Support Program (IFSP)
This program is run through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. IFSP provides funding for those on the DD Waitlist and hosts the website My Life, My Community https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/. My Life, My Community is an online tool that helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families answer basic questions about services and supports.
Sign up to get news and updates from the IFSP email list
IFSP First Steps
My Life My Community
The Center for Family Involvement which is part of the Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU has a network of staff and volunteer Family Navigators who have lived experience and provide one to one emotional, informational and systems navigational support for individuals with disabilities and their family members. For more information and assistance on a wide variety of resources. Call the Helpline (877) 567-1122, email cfihelpline@vcu.edu or fill out this online form
New Initiative with VDOE: Transition Talks to Answer Your Questions
We’re excited to launch Transition Talks, a new virtual conversation series developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Our very own Dr.Staci Carr will host this live Q&A series on Zoom, and it’s designed to support educators, case managers, and families at every stage of a student’s transition journey by answering questions and opening up a space for conversation. These 1-hour Q&A sessions are designed to share practical tools and strategies, highlight key transition milestones across school levels, and promote collaboration among families, schools, and communities.
Click here to Sign up for the 3:30-4:30 PM sessions
September 23 – Families & Caregivers
NOTE: Add your questions about transition to the Zoom Registration page!
America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a disability, you can enjoy free access to national parks and federal lands with the America the Beautiful Access Pass. It’s your ticket to amazing outdoor adventures without any cost!
Applying is simple—you can visit a park in person or order your pass online. Start exploring the beauty of nature today!
Click Here to Learn More
Key Center PTA
 Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join! You can also support Key Center by volunteering with our PTA or making a donation through our Educate Fairfax site.
Key Center PTA Membership
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Educate Fairfax link to donate to Key Center
Upcoming Dates
 August 29 -Sept 1 Labor Day Holidays - Student/Staff Holiday
September 9 Special Election - Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
September 23 Rosh Hashanah - Student/Staff Holiday
October 2 Yom Kippur - Student/Staff Holiday
October 13 Indigenous Peoples' Day - Student Holiday
October 20 Diwali - Student/Staff Holiday
October 31 End of Q1 / 2 Hour Student Early Release
November 3 School Planning Day / Student Holiday
November 4 Teacher Workday / Student Holiday
November 11 Veterans Day - Student/Staff Holiday
November 26-28 Thanksgiving Break
December 22- Jan 2 Winter Break
|
