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Federal Impact Aid Survey - check your student’s backpack
 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. For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, paper forms are coming home today Wednesday, November 12. Please complete and return the form by Wednesday, Nov 18.
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.
Veterans Day Observance at Key Center
 Key Center School had a wonderful time celebrating Veterans Day!
Our celebration started with a very special visitor: Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Stewart! LTC Stewart is a serviceman who came to talk to our students about life in the military. He told us all about his time serving our country. The students had so many great questions for him! They were very excited and used their voice output devices to ask questions. LTC Stewart was happy to answer their questions, and after the visit, our students wrote special thank you letters to veterans to let them know that they appreciate their service and sacrifices.
  The excitement continued with an amazing assembly led by music therapist, Johanna Horn. Families were invited to join us, either in person or virtually. Students learned about each branch of the military and participated in fun, interactive activities to go along with each service:
- Rhythm sticks for the Army
- Parachute play for the Marine Corps
- Ocean drums for the Navy
- Kazoos for the Air Force
- Water and sand tubs for the Coast Guard
- The Key Center Rocket cheer for Space Force
   Key Center School offers a huge, heartfelt thank you to all the Veterans in our community and across the country. Your service and dedication keep our country safe and strong. We are grateful for you every day!
Family Fun Night- Wednesday November 19th!
 Get ready for a super fun event coming up soon! We're having a Family Social Event right here at school on Wednesday, November 19th. Mark your calendars! We're going to play some classic Bingo and enjoy a light meal provided by the PTA! This is a wonderful chance to:
- Catch up with other families.
- Meet and chat with our awesome school staff.
- Enjoy a light meal, provided by the PTA
- Most importantly, have a ton of fun!
🗓️ Details You Need
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What: Family Bingo Social
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When: Wednesday, November 19th, 5:30
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Where: Key Center School Cafeteria
RSVP by November 17th at this link.
We can't wait to see you there for a night of calling out "Bingo!" and making some great memories!
Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider
 Monday, November 17, 2025 Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This workshop will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.
This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.
Click here to learn more and register.
Presented by PEATC in partnership with Fleet and Family Support Exceptional Family Member Program Oceana
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.
Family Engagement in the Special Education Process
November 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
This webinar will support participants to better understand:
- Parent/Guardian’s role in the special education process, ensuring their right to participate.
- Parent/Guardian’s rights, as outlined in federal and state regulations regarding parental participation in these processes.
Where and how parent/guardian’s input is recorded during local screening, eligibility, reevaluation, and individualized education program (IEP) meetings. Register here
Fairfax Recycles Day
 Celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day on Saturday, November 15 at the Backlick VRE on Hechinger Drive in Springfield! The Department of Public Works will be hosting a FREE Touch-A-Truck and Drop-off event from 11 AM-3 PM. Check out different wastewater and trash & recycling collection vehicles! Bring your small e-waste, household batteries, glass bottles/jars, and books to be recycled. You are also invited to bring new or gently used winter jackets for ECHO and old glasses for the Lions Club. Find full details about Fairfax Recycles Day.
Resources
 Resources for Families Impacted by the Government Shutdown
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.
Family Academy Offers Opportunities to Support Parents and Guardians 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:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
- Supporting Your Military-Connected Student in Secondary School
- 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.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about these and other resources.
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
Key Center PTA donations
Upcoming Dates
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November 26-28
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Thanksgiving Break
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December 22-
January 2
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Winter Break
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January 19
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Orthodox Epiphany- Holiday
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January 28
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End of 2nd Quarter - 2 hour Early Release - 11:40am
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January 29
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Staff Development Day- Student Holiday
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January 30
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Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
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February 16
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Presidents’ Day - Holiday
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February 17
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Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
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