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We are so proud of Juliet Alcock, who represented Pine Spring Elementary on Dr. Reid’s State of Schools student panel! Juliet shared her perspective on the discussion around teaching Algebra in 6th grade and did an incredible job representing our Bobcat community with confidence and insight.
Dear Bobcat Families,
As we move into November, our Pine Spring community continues to show what it means to care, connect, and support one another. Whether you’re joining us for our AAP Information Session, helping with the Beyond the Bell Food Drive, or contributing to our PTA “Duct Tape a Principal” fundraiser, your involvement strengthens our school in every way.
We also recognize that the ongoing government shutdown has created uncertainty for some of our families. Please know that we are here to help connect you with county and community resources that provide food, financial, and emotional support during this time. You’ll find links and information below in this issue of The Paw Print.
As always, thank you for your partnership in helping every Bobcat learn, grow, and thrive.
Nikki Yacubovich
Principal, Pine Spring Elementary
Join us on Thursday, November 6 for a parent meeting focused on the FCPS Full-Time (Level IV) Advanced Academic Program (AAP) screening process. We’ll walk through timelines, required materials, what committees look for, and how families can support students. A short Q&A will follow.
Who should attend: Families interested in Full-Time AAP (especially grades 2–6)
How to join:
đź”— Zoom link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/93217300642?from=addon
Questions or need interpretation/accommodations? Please contact the school office and we’ll be happy to help. We hope to see you there!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”Â
With the app you can:
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Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from our school and FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.Â
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, at 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, at 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in November:
- ABA Family Training: Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
- Supporting Your Military-Connected Student in Secondary SchoolÂ
- Moving on to Life in the Community
Other Family Resource Center webinars will cover topics such as communication with twice exceptional children, family engagement in the special education process, restorative justice practices in schools and at home, and improving routines.Â
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about these and other resources.Â
 As the holiday season approaches, Pine Spring Elementary is coming together to support our neighbors through challenging times. With the ongoing government shutdown impacting many families in our community, we are partnering with the Pine Spring SACC to launching our Beyond the Bell Food Drive to help ensure no one goes without this season.
From November 3 through December 15, 2025, we’re collecting nonperishable food items to support the Falls Church High School Food Pantry and families right here in the Falls Church area.
Items Needed:
Cereal • Pasta • Maseca • Peanut Butter • Rice • Dried/Canned Beans • Juice Boxes • Pancake Mix
Drop-Off Location:
Pine Spring Elementary – Room 401
Now more than ever, our community’s strength shines through our compassion. Every donation, big or small, helps a family put food on the table and reminds our neighbors that they are not alone. Together, we can make this season one of hope, care, and generosity.Â
Impact of Federal Shutdown on Local Community
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and thousands of federal contractors. Its Federal Workforce Resource Hub is intended to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes, or disruptions to federal services or employment.
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Community Resources for Families in Need
Through partnerships with community-based organizations and other Fairfax County agencies, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) provides information, referrals, and advocacy to help individuals connect with services, including: basic needs (food, shelter, clothing), financial assistance, health care services, and referrals to services and resources.
Visit the CSP website or call 703-222-0880 for assistance.Â
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How to Access or Donate Food to Those in Need
View the Emergency Food Access Providers webpage to see where to access food or donate to your local food bank.
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. We will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, November 12.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. This year, FCPS expects to receive approximately $4 million in Impact Aid funding. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
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For more information, visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page. Â
 Get ready, Bobcats our Pine Spring Elementary PTA is bringing back one of the most exciting (and sticky!) fundraisers of the year!
On November 24th during lunch, students will have the chance to duct tape one of our principals to the wall all for a great cause! Funds raised will go directly toward field trips and student activities that make learning come alive for our kids.
🧡 Our Goal: $5,000
đź’š How to Donate:
✨ The grade with the highest participation will win a special surprise!
Donations are due by November 21st,  let’s make this a record-breaking year and have some fun in the process!
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.Â
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register for the October 3 meeting, please click that date below. Registration links for the other dates will be available soon:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Please check our website for updates.
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:Â Â
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19Â Â
- 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.
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November 6: Understanding the Fulltime AAP Screening Process
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November 6: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
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November 10-14: Purple Star WeekÂ
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November 11: No School (Veterans Day)Â
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November 12: 3-hour early releaseÂ
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November 14: PTAÂ Bingo Night
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November 24: FLE Preview NightÂ
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December 10: 3-hour early release
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December 11: Literacy NightÂ
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December 16: Mentor Works Field TripÂ
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December 18: 6th grade to Luther JacksonÂ
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December 19: Music ConcertÂ
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