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September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 24th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills.

Unlocking Possibilities: Key Center 2025 Homecoming Week is Just Around the Corner!

Get ready to unlock a week of fun, spirit, and community! Key Center is excited to announce its 2025 Homecoming Week, taking place from September 15th to September 19th. This year's theme, "Unlocking Possibilities," is an exciting invitation to our students, staff, and families to celebrate our potential and the limitless opportunities that lie ahead.

Throughout the week, we'll dive into activities that not only showcase our school pride but also encourage us to look forward to the future with a sense of adventure and optimism. Our optional spirit days are a great way to participate, so get your creative gears turning and start planning your outfits!

Lifetouch Picture Day is Coming Soon - September 26th

Picture Day is on Friday, September 26th!  Check your student’s backpack for a flier coming home today!

Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The Back-to-School issue of the Special Education and 504 Newsletter is now available. 

Topics in this issue include:

• Building a Culture of Belonging - Inclusive Education at FCPS
• Updated and Translated: Special Education and Section 504 Resources
• ESY Updates
• Be a Special Education Teacher
• Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities
• Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies
• Secondary Advisory Period to Support Executive Functions
• Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
• Adapted PE: Inclusive Health and Wellness Education
• Adapted Curriculum: Partnering for Progress
• Career and Transition Services: Back-to-School Update
• Assistive Technology Services
• Behavior Intervention Services: Welcome Back!
• SEL Team

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.

The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.

See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.

Special Education Handbook

Updated Special Education and 504 Handbooks

The Department of Special Services has updated and translated key resources to help our families of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or Section 504 Plan.

• Section 504 Procedures Manual
• Special Education Handbook for Parents
• Special Education Glossary

These resources help family and staff understand procedures, rights, and processes. Find additional information on Special Education Instruction and the Family Academy: Resources to Support Special Education and 504 Plans pages.

Resources

Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. 

The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:

• Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish) 
• Loving Solutions
• Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
• Parent Project
• Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.

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

6404 Franconia Road Springfield, VA 22150  | Main Office: 703-313-4000
Attendance: 703-313-4000 | Web | Facebook