SCHOOLHOUSE NEWS - November 14


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Table of Contents

  • Calendar
  • School Counseling Newsletter - October
  • International Night Cultural Celebration
  • SCA Winter Giving Box
  • Full-Time Advanced Academics Referrals (Grades 2-6)

  • National Family Engagement Month
  • Veteran's Wall of Heroes
  • Volunteer FCPS Updates
  • Federal Impact Aid Survey
  • Resources for Families
  • Community Events - Winter and Spring Break camps
  • Useful Links


mark your calendar

 

  • November 19 - Early Release Wednesday | 12:20 p.m.
  • November 20 - International Night Celebration | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • November 26 - 28 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  • December 5 - PTA Winter Market
  • December 17 - Early Release Wednesday | 12:20 p.m.

Native American Heritage Month


Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced
both historically and in the present, and the ways in which
tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. See the complete school year calendar



Counselor Corner

(Click on the banner to view the October School Counseling Newsletter.)


Throughout October, our school counselors have been teaching bullying
prevention lessons in all grades.  Students learned about the difference
between conflict and bullying, how to stand up for themselves and others, and
ways to create a safe and inclusive school environment.  As part of our celebration of Unity Day, students also signed our Unity Pledge, committing to show kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.  The signed pledge is proudly displayed in our cafeteria as a daily reminder of our shared commitment to stand together against bullying.

We understand that many families may be facing challenging times. Please know that our School Counseling team is here to support you. If your child or family is in need of assistance, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to help connect you with resources and provide support whenever it’s needed.

📩 Contact:

Najwa Welch : Ntwelch@fcps.edu; 703-924-4530
Erin Smith : Eesmith@fcps.edu; 703-924-4528



International Night Celebration

International Night

International Night Cultural Celebration

Thursday, November 20, 2025

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.


To celebrate the diverse countries and cultures represented at HES, we will host an International Night cultural celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. We are so fortunate to have so many countries/cultures represented in our building. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate each other and embrace diversity.  We hope to see you there!



SCA Winter Giving Box

Cozy up the community with our winter giving box! Hayfield ES Student Council Association (SCA) is hoping to spread an abundance of warmth and joy to our community this winter season! If you would like to help, please donate NEW hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and NEW unwrapped gifts. These will go directly to Koinonia. Collections begin on November 17th and will end on December 15th.

SCA Winter Giving Box


Full-Time Advanced Academics Referrals (Grades 2-6)

For parents of students in grades 2–6 interested in referring their child for full-time AAP services, an informational video is available here on our Hayfield website. If you have questions after watching the video and would like to meet with our AART, please complete the Google Form linked here.

To initiate the screening process, please submit the following documents to AART Avery Rothman (agrothman@fcps.edu) on or before December 15, 2025. Late submissions cannot be accepted.

  • Full Time Referral FormRequired (translated versions available)
  • Parent Questionnaire – Optional but recommended (translated versions available)
  • Up to two pages of work samples (digital scans or hard copies) – Optional

Submitting a full-time AAP referral form starts a process that begins at the local school and is completed at the central office level. Our school will compile a portfolio with multiple data points, which are reviewed holistically. At the central office, a committee of trained professionals evaluates the portfolio to determine eligibility for full-time placement. Eligibility decisions are shared in April. Parents may request a copy of the submitted portfolio by emailing Avery Rothman once materials have been sent for central selection.

For step-by-step guidance, you may use the Full-Time Services Checklist for Families. This form does not need to be submitted.

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.



National Family Engagement Month

November Is National Family Engagement Month

Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. 

The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.

FCPS Family Café Series: Support Your Child’s Growth and LearningThe FCPS Family Academy announces the launch of a monthly series called the FCPS Family Café. These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child’s education. At Family Café, parents are key partners in helping children succeed. Click on a topic below to register to attend. 

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships, reminds us to empower families through trusting partnerships that sustain a safe, inclusive culture for learning.



Veteran's Wall of Heroes

Hayfield Elementary School is honoring those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces. If you would like to recognize someone in your family, please fill out the My Hero form about the family member or friend you would like to honor.

My Hero forms may be returned to classroom teachers throughout the month of November. These posters will be displayed in the hallway to remind our students and visitors of the meaning and importance of recognizing our Veterans. The form was sent home in Thursday folders and are available to print from the Hayfield Elementary website.  If you would like to honor more than one Veteran, please feel free to make copies of this form.



Volunteer FCPS Updates

Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. 

If you are scheduled for an upcoming fingerprinting appointment, please cancel your appointment unless you are a mentor, host parent, or non-parent volunteer having frequent, direct, and unsupervised contact with students, which will still require fingerprinting. FCPS will be charged if individuals miss a fingerprinting appointment without canceling in advance.

Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities. ​​​​​​​

Field trip chaperone opportunities will now be classified as Level 2 (not requiring a background check). 

To ensure continuous safety, all new volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Certification Statement. This statement is a legal attestation confirming you have no history of violent felonies, physical/sexual crimes against children, or crimes of moral turpitude.

Want to volunteer?  Sign up to volunteer at Hayfield Elementary School on Volunteer FCPS.  Contact Volunteers@fcps.edu with any questions. 



✅ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

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.

For more information, visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.  



Resources for Families

Apply Anytime for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. 

If your income changes — for example, due to a furlough, layoff, or job loss — you may become newly eligible. Once approved, your benefits stay active for the rest of the school year and for the first 30 days of the next school year.

Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school receive free breakfast and lunch every school day. It’s a great way to make your food budget go further and save time from packing meals. Learn more about FCPS Food and Nutrition

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. 

Find more community resources available to families.



Community Events

Camp Fairfax Winter Spring


Winter Break camps and activities are now open for registration. If you have an eligibility letters from Food and Nutrition Services, make sure to keep those to apply for scholarships and discounts.

● Fairfax County Park Authority Fall and Winter Camp Catalog
● Registration for Winter Classes began October 28, 2025.
● Camp Fairfax Winter and Spring Break Camp - Registration has started for Kindergarten to sixth grade children residing in Fairfax County or City of Fairfax. Program hours are 7 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Sliding fee scale available for income-eligible families. Breakfast, Lunch, and afternoon snack included.

Camp Fairfax Winter Program

Session 1:  Dec. 22-26* (Three day program closed Dec 24 & 25)
Session 2 Dec 29-Jan 2* (Four Day Program closed Jan 1)

Camp Fairfax Spring Program

March 30-April 3* (Five Day program)

*Program dates subject to change


Kingstowne Library Events

Chess Club - Would you like to learn how to play chess? Or do you know how to play and looking for practice opportunities? Join Kingstowne Chess Club! Free instruction provided by coaches from Muneer Chess and...

Date:  Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time:  4:30pm - 5:30pm



helpful links