|
Dear Aldrin Families,
What a wonderful start we've had to the school year! Our students are already making new friends, working hard in their classrooms, and exploring new ideas. Our teachers and staff are also working hard to support students' academic and social-emotional growth.
This month, we were honored to have a special visitor, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid was impressed with our students, teachers, and staff. She commented on the respectful and welcoming atmosphere and the positive energy she felt throughout our school.
We're so proud of our entire school community for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for making our school a place where everyone can learn and grow. We couldn't do it without you!
Sincerely,
Shane and Barbara
******************************************************************************************
Aldrin Elementary School
Newsletter
September 10, 2025
Mark Your Calendars!
September 16: Fall Picture Day
September 19: Herndon Pyramid Night at Herndon High/Herndon United Methodist
September 23: Holiday| Rosh Hashanah (No School)
September 25: PTA Volunteer and Room Parent meeting via Zoom, 7:30 pm
September 26: PTA Sponsored Movie Night, 6:30 pm Aldrin Soccer Field
October 2: Holiday| Yom Kippur (No School)
October 3: PTA Sponsored Movie Night Rain Date
October 7: PTA General Meeting, 7:30 pm via Zoom
October 8: PTA Sponsored Bike To School Day
October 11: Herndon High School Homecoming Parade, 9:30 am
October 13: Student Holiday| Indigenous Peoples’ Day (No School)
October 16: PTA Dining For Dollars: Chick-Fil-A
October 20: Holiday| Diwali (No School)
October 27 Herndon Pyramid Chorus Concert
October 29: Early Release Wednesday, 1:05 pm Dismissal
October 31: End of First Quarter (2-Hour Early Release)
November 3: Student Holiday| School Planning Day (No School)
November 4: Student Holiday| Election Day| Teacher Workday (No School)
November 11: Holiday| Veterans Day (No School)
November 12: Early Release Wednesday, 1:05 pm Dismissal
Table of Contents
Safety Drills During the School Year (Grades 1-6)
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS (All Grades)
Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success (All Grades)
FCPS Family Vision Group (All Grades)
Everything You Need to Do Through SIS ParentVUE (All Grades)
Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources (All Grades)
SEL Screener Parent Notification and Updates (Grades 3 - 6)
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families (All Grades)
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations (All Grades)
Weather Happens, FCPS is Ready (All Grades)
New Math Screening and Growth Assessment for Elementary Students (Grades 1 - 6)
Transportation Patience and Safety (All Grades)
See Where Your Child Goes Online With Lightspeed (All Grades)
Cell Phones Off, Learning On (All Grades)
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12 (All Grades)
Help Keep Students Safe — Become a Crossing Guard (All Grades)
The PTA Buzz Newsletter
PTA Volunteer Leaders Needed! (All Grades)
PTA Movie Night (All Grades)
Important Resources
AES Student Links AES Homepage AES PTA AES Parent
Resources
Safety Drills During the School Year (All Grades)
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. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
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.
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS (All Grades)
At Aldrin Elementary, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS-Aldrin click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success (All Grades)
September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
FCPS Family Vision Group (All Grades)
Share Your Ideas with FCPS!
The Family Vision Group is a collaboration with district leadership to improve student success. Representatives from each FCPS school meet to discuss opportunities to foster empathy, collaboration and unity within FCPS.
As part of the Family Vision Group, we are collecting feedback from Aldrin families to share with Fairfax County Public Schools. This is a space for you to share questions, ideas, and suggestions for FCPS leadership.
Please note: this form is not for Aldrin-specific concerns, but for broader feedback to help FCPS improve for all students.
👉 https://forms.gle/uLTS6oTowHDshm3v8
Aldrin’s representatives are Gün Karagöz and Dana Wheeler. Please reach out to them with any questions you have regarding the Family Vision Group.
Everything You Need to Do Through SIS ParentVUE (All Grades)
Don’t forget your back-to-school forms and checklists! Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find important forms and updates.
If you do not have a ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
☑️ Update Contact Information
Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.
Parents/caregivers who do not have a ParentVUE account should contact their school for an activation code to create an account, or print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form and submit it to our front office.
☑️ Submit Absences
Parents/caregivers can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.” Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office.
☑️ Review and Submit Immunization Forms
Parents/caregivers can check their child’s immunization compliance and submit immunization records 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.
Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources (All Grades)
Families 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 a variety of online educational tools and choose how student information is managed. Parents/caregivers of elementary students should opt in/out of after-school care on early release Wednesdays.
Please visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage today to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool
SEL Screener Parent Notification and Updates (Grades 3 - 6)
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October.
Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit FCPS’ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families (All Grades)
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.
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations (All Grades)
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. Visit the How To Submit Immunization Documents webpage for step-by-step guidance on how to check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information
Please check with your health care provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2025-26 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Weather Happens, FCPS is Ready (All Grades)
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, there are many different types of weather events that can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. But FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Answers to those questions along with resources you can use to prepare for different weather events are now available on the new FCPS weather safety webpage.
New Math Screening and Growth Assessment for Elementary Students (Grades 1 - 6)
Starting in September, FCPS elementary schools will use the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math assessment to assess grade level mathematics skills in grades 1-6. The MAP Math test along with the iReady Reading test fulfill a state requirement to measure academic growth in grades 3-6 throughout the school year.
MAP Math tests are administered in the fall, winter, and spring. They help teachers identify students' strengths and areas where they may need more support.
Families can learn more about MAP Growth assessments by visiting the MAP Test Information webpage.
Transportation Patience and Safety (All Grades)
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If your student’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7100 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
See Where Your Child Goes Online With Lightspeed (All Grades)
Parents can access their child’s activity on FCPS devices through Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service. Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites their child visited.
The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Cell Phones Off, Learning On (All Grades)
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact our school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12 (All Grades)
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.
Help Keep Students Safe — Become a Crossing Guard (All Grades)
Dependable and caring adults are needed to serve as crossing guards, helping students safely bike and walk to and from our schools. This is a great opportunity for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking to make a difference in their community. Crossing guards will earn $16.50 per hour and receive bonus time: Work 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school for a total of one hour a day and earn $33.00.
The Fairfax County Police Department has engaged a company, ACMS, to recruit crossing guards. Please visit their website to learn more and apply.
The PTA Buzz Newsletter
Look for important information and updates about the Aldrin PTA events in The PTA Buzz Newsletter.
PTA Volunteer Leaders Needed! (All Grades)
The Aldrin PTA runs on volunteer leaders and we need YOU so that the PTA can continue to run all of the important programs that enhance your child(ren)'s educational experiences! We need representation from all members of our diverse Aldrin community to ensure that we are fully meeting the needs of the community with our programs.
All PTA programs are volunteer-led and run. Without leadership, these programs are at risk of going away.
If you have questions or if you are interested in discussing a volunteer or leadership position, please contact Jennifer Watson at jenniferwatson827@gmail.com
|
