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Congratulations to Ms. Grove, the Green Team, and the Eco Club! FCPS visited Terra Centre to hear all about the environmental stewardship happening in and around our school!
Terra Centre Families,
The safety of our students, staff, and community is always our top priority. When visiting Terra Centre, please keep the following reminders in mind:
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All visitors must enter through Door 1 and ring the bell for entry. Please do not “piggyback” behind another person entering the building.
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Visitors must check in at the front office with a valid photo ID and wear a visitor badge while in the building.
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For accountability and safety, check out at the main office and return your visitor badge before leaving.
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Dogs are not permitted on school property.
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Families crossing Burke Centre Parkway are encouraged to use the crosswalk at Pond Spice Lane for everyone’s safety.
As a friendly reminder, there is no school on Monday, October 20, in recognition of the Diwali holiday. We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating!
We have several fun fall activities and events coming soon! Please scroll down to review important information and reminders.
Rebecca Gidoni, Principal
Tim Signorelli, Assistant Principal
Important Reminders
AAP Parent Information Session - Full-Time Advanced Academics Services Referral Process
Hannah Roukas, Terra Centre's Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, will be hosting an information session related to Understanding the Screening Process and Timeline for Full-Time Advanced Academic services. This session will address the screening process and what to expect if you decide to refer your student for Full-Time services. We encourage you to join us and bring your questions, even if you are unsure about referring your child. We will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5pm. Join us in person in the cafeteria or online via Zoom (link sent in classroom newsletters).
*Please note:
- The deadline for Full-Time AAP referrals is Monday, December 15, 2025. Late referrals cannot be accepted.
- Only students in grades 2 - 7 may be referred for Full-Time services.
- If you are new to Fairfax County as of January 1st, 2025, you may submit a Fall referral by Wednesday, October 15th, 2025.
Storybook Pumpkin Showcase
Decorate a real or artificial foam pumpkin to look like your favorite children's book character. Bring the book to display beside it if you own it! Students can bring their pumpkin to the library anytime between October 14-30 to be showcased. Pumpkins should be uncarved and small enough to be carried without assistance. Be sure the student's name is on the display book and on the bottom of the pumpkin along with the teacher's name. Pumpkins and books will be sent home on Friday, October 31. Email aepetruzzell@fcps.edu with questions. The complete flier is available on Schoology in the All Parents Folder.
SCA Storybook Character Day - Friday, October 31
Celebrate the love of reading by dressing up as your favorite book character! No face masks or items that can be perceived as a weapon.
FCPS Outstanding Employee Award Nominations
It’s that time of year when we look to recognize our awesome teachers and staff. We are asking for your help in nominating those that you think are doing a fantastic job!
Nominations are open on October 20th!
To submit a nomination for a Terra Centre Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through the Google form linked below. This form includes all the information for the role you can nominate an employee for. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is to fill out a google form with some questions. This year we have simplified the process and everything is on one form: https://forms.gle/jCY7umTYeFBtkdoS9.
Deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 12th, 2025.
Visit the All Parents Course in Schoology for the complete flier: https://lms.fcps.edu/course/7929256601/materials/gp/8087051695.
If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Roldan at pmroldan@fcps.edu
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, October 20: Holiday - Diwali (school closed)
Wednesday, October 22: AAP Parent Information Session
- 5:00 p.m.- Cafeteria or Zoom (link sent in classroom newsletters)
- Topic: Full-Time Advanced Academics Services Referral Process
Friday, October 31: End of 1st Quarter - 2-Hour Early Release
- SCA Storybook Character Day
- 1:25 PM dismissal time for K-6, PreK, and PAC
- ECCB AM 8:40-11:00 and ECCB PM Canceled
Monday, November 3: School Planning Day (no school for students)
Tuesday, November 4: Teacher Workday (no school for students)
Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day Holiday (school closed)
Friday, November 14: Fall Picture Retakes
Wednesday, November 19: Mark Your Calendar
- TC Veterans Celebration (parade & class visits - more info to follow)
- Thanksgiving Luncheon (more info to follow)
- 3-Hour Early Release for K-6th grade students (12:25 PM dismissal)
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
PTA News
PTA Website
https://terracentrepta.givebacks.com/
PTA Pumpkin Drop and Movie Night
Please save the date and join us on Monday, November 3, for Terra Centre's 5th Annual Pumpkin Drop and Movie Night!
Not sure what to do with your pumpkins at the end of October? Signup to have them thrown from the roof of TC. All pumpkin scraps are donated to a local farm.
4:30-6:30 p.m. Pumpkin Drop and Pizza
- Register your pumpkin and order pizza here: https://bit.ly/4h0VVHT
- All proceeds from pumpkins and concessions go to 6th grade class promotion activities.
6:30-8:00 p.m. PTA Outdoor Movie
- Stay following the Pumpkin Drop for a free screening of Bad Guys 2, sponsored by the PTA. Remember to bring chairs and blankets!
Reach out to tcespta6thgc@gmail.com with any questions.
PTA Reflections 2025-2026 - Theme: “I Belong”
Do you enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections!
Please see links and visit pta.org/Reflections or vapta.org for rules and guidelines for each category and the official entry form: fillable-student-entry-form_reflections.pdf and https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry#guidelines. For inspiration, visit the pta.org/programs/reflections and the Reflections virtual art gallery.
Entries are due to PTA not later than November 24, 2025. Please submit your completed student entry form and works of art to Mrs. Bauersfeld and digital artwork with entry form (pdf form) to tcesptareflections@gmail.com
Complete flier available in Schoology on the All Parents Folder.
FCPS News
Elementary Language Arts Grades
Progress report grades in English language arts (ELA) have changed to reflect the 2024-25 curriculum, assessments, and Standards of Learning.
FCPS is raising the bar and setting high goals! We are teaching and grading students on the skills they need by the end of the school year. Think of it as a growth chart and each quarter students are measured in progress toward end of year expectations. In light of this, first quarter grades are often lower than the other quarters as students work to reach grade-level mastery.
This is an expected part of the learning journey. We are here to support every student as they progress in learning. We are celebrating the effort and growth toward these new, higher standards! Learn more about this change in ELA grading and reporting.
National School Lunch Week
Last week was National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long.
Quick Links
Resources
Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information.
David Lammon-school counselor
Ivy Jun-school counselor
Laurel Hanlon-school social worker
Emily Oliver-school psychologist
☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines 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.
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