Coates Family Newsletter for 12/19/25

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Congrats to our Shining Star Shoutout students for this past week.  The students recognized for demonstrating what it means to be a Shining Star this week are:

Kindergarten:

Azelea Tuazon (Ready to Shine)

1st Grade:

Joud Alamri (Responsible)

Hazem Yassin (Respectful)

2nd Grade:

Nuhamin Takele (Responsible)

4th Grade:

Amani Bushrod (Ready to Shine)

Joseph Miguel (Ready to Shine)

Norah Alhassan (Ready to Shine)

Kayna Heebner (Ready to Shine)

Brayden Hoover (Responsible)

Elhadi Abdelhalim (Responsible)

Ranjot Virk (Responsible)

6th Grade:

Seema Yousafzai (Ready to Shine)

Diego Abrego Otero (Responsible)

Suliman Gardizi (Responsible)

Kimberly Rivas Ramos (Responsible)

Naga Vinnakota (Responsible)

Anish Adhira (Ready to Shine)

Bailey Lee (Ready to Shine)

Emerson Flores Moreira (Responsible)


Weekly Attendance Incentive Winners

The classrooms with the highest attendance from the past two weeks are:

  • Ms. Abdullah
  • Ms. Luecke
  • Mr. Heaps
  • Ms. Aboubakr
  • Mr. Casas
  • Mrs. O'Hara

Congratulations! 🎉

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Coates Winter Break Challenges

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Challenge 1: Winter Break Reading Challenge (Grades K–6)

All students are invited to participate in our reading raffle!

  • How to Play: Sign into your FCPS MyON account and read any book you like.
  • The Prize: For every 100 minutes you read, you earn one entry into a raffle for multiple prizes!
  • No Internet? No Problem: Simply keep a reading log of your minutes, have a parent or guardian sign it, and turn it in to your teacher by January 9, 2026.
  • Reading Log Link: You can access and print the Winter Reading Log here. (Note: Please track total minutes).

Challenge 2: Summit K12 Challenge (Grades 1–6)

This challenge is specifically for our students who receive ESOL services to support reading and language development.

  • How to Play: Students can log in to Summit K12 via Clever.
  • Access Instructions: We understand this is a new resource! We have linked a Quick Access Guide to help you log in from home.
  • The Goal: We recommend that students use Summit K12 for at least 20 minutes per day, three days per week during the break.
  • The Prize: For every 120 total minutes of use over the break, you earn one entry into a raffle for multiple prizes!
  • Parent Support: Being that this is a new resource to students, we will be hosting a Summit K12 parent support session during our Math/Science Night on January 22nd. More information regarding this session will be shared soon.

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning and helping them start the new year strong. We wish you a wonderful and restful winter break!


Winter Break (Student Holiday)

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As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.


A Heartfelt Thank You to Pieces of Illumination!

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We want to extend a huge thank you to Pieces of Illumination for their recent, generous donation of games to our students!

This incredible organization is dedicated to spreading joy and connection through their puzzle drives for schools, visits to autism centers and senior homes, and the creation of customized gifts for children and seniors. Their contribution will provide our students with wonderful new ways to learn, play, and engage with one another.

We are so grateful for their support and for the work they do throughout our community.

Want to learn more? You can discover more about their mission and how they give back at www.poi4community.org.


Christmas

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

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Wishing You a Restful Winter Break

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As we head into the holiday season, we want to wish our entire community a peaceful and rejuvenating winter break. We hope you take this time to relax and enjoy quality moments with family and friends.

Please note that the Coates office will be closed throughout the duration of the break. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the new year when we return on January 5th, 2026!


🧪 Join Us for Family Math & Science Night!

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Get ready for an evening of discovery and fun! We are thrilled to invite all our families to Coates Elementary for our annual Family Math & Science Night. Come explore hands-on activities, solve puzzles, and dive into the wonders of science together.

  • When: Thursday, January 22nd

  • Where: Coates Elementary

  • Dinner: Starts at 5:30 PM

  • Activities: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This is a fantastic way to engage with what our students are learning in a fun, interactive environment. We can't wait to see our young mathematicians and scientists in action!


Join the Coates Volunteer Team!

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Looking for a meaningful way to support our students and staff? We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make Coates Elementary the best it can be! Whether you have an hour to spare or can help on a regular basis, your time and talents make a world of difference.

From helping out in the library to supporting school-wide events and special projects, there is a role for everyone. Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with the community and play an active part in our school's vibrant environment.

How to Get Started

Ready to jump in? Simply reach out to our Family Liaison to find an opportunity that fits your interests and schedule:

Contact: Solangie McPherson  Email: svmcpherson@fcps.edu


Community Resources Available over Winter Break

Mental Health Services:

  • CSB Mental Health Emergency Services and Mobile Crisis Unit:
    •  Call 703-573-5679, or come directly to the Merrifield Center (8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax) fairfaxcounty.gov/community-servicesboard/services/emergencies 
  • Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2): 
    •  24-hour rapid response for youth (17 and younger) facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis, 1-844-627-4747, cr2crisis.com.
  • Community Services Board (703-383-8500)
    • For mental health and counseling or therapy support.

Food/clothing/basic needs assistance: 

Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880)

  • Emergency assistance for food, clothing, financial assistance, and housing assistance. 

Cornerstones:

  •  Help with food, shelter, affordable housing, and child care, 571-323-9555, cornerstonesva.org

Floris Methodist: https://www.florisumc.org/

  • Food Distribution Events: 8:00 am - 9 am First come, first served:

Herndon Resource Center: 

  • Phone: 703-435-6830
  • Address: 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 
    • Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - Noon

Department of Family Services

  • 12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Fairfax, VA 22035. Call 703-324-7500
  • Provide resources and consultations for families in need. 

Northern Virginia Family Services (571-748-2500)/nvfs.org: 

  • They distribute food, clothing, and other resources to qualified low-income families, with a focus on children. They also offer multicultural services, counseling, immigration/legal support, financial education, employment and housing assistance.

Herndon-Reston FISH: (571) 267-2977)

  • The main address is 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA 20170. Food support, clothing, and other items

Transportation:

 

Medical Support: 

  • Inova Cares for Families (ICF) 703-464-6094
    • provides comprehensive primary care services to patients who reflect the culturally diverse community we serve. The clinics serve as medical homes for patients of all ages, regardless of immigration status, who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, or are uninsured.

 

Northern Virginia HealthWorks: (703) 443-2000, hwnova.org

  • Primary health services in Herndon for those who have limited or no health insurance.
  •  Located at 1141 Elden Street, Third Floor Herndon, VA 20170 or 13800 Wall Road, Suite 055 Herndon, VA 20171. 

 

Family Support:

  • Domestic & Sexual Violence Services (703-360-7273):
    • Crisis support, options counseling, safety planning, and referrals. 
  • The Women’s Center:
    •  Mental health counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, victim advocacy, 703-281-2657, thewomenscenter.org 

Winter Break Literacy Adventures

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Engaging in literacy activities during winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure students return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. 


⚽ Register Now for Spring Recreation Soccer!

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Get ready to hit the pitch! Registration is now open for the Herndon Youth Soccer Spring Recreation season. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to stay active, learn teamwork, and have fun on the field.

Season Dates: The season kicks off on April 5th and runs through the beginning of June.

Registration Fees & Deadlines:

Sign up early to take advantage of the best rates!

Registration Period Cost
Early Bird (Now – Feb 10) $150
Regular (Feb 11 – March 1) $175
Late (After March 1) $195

Don't wait until the last minute—secure your spot today! For more details and to register, please visit the official website:

👉 www.herndonyouthsoccer.org


🍎 Cornerstones Food Distribution Event

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Cornerstones is hosting a community food distribution event this weekend to provide essential items to local families. Resources are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

  • When: Saturday, December 20th

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Where: 11484 Washington Plaza W, Reston, VA 20190 (Parking Lot)

Items Available:

  • Non-perishable food & fresh produce

  • Toiletries

  • Winter hats

  • Gift cards


🏠 You’re Invited: Herndon Community Center Open House!

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Looking for some weekend fun? Join the Herndon Community Center for an exciting Open House! This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the facility, meet the staff, and enjoy a free afternoon filled with activities for all ages.

  • When: Saturday, January 24th

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • Where: 814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, VA

  • Cost: FREE!

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, come see everything the Community Center has to offer. We look forward to seeing you there!


Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.


Mark Your Calendar

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22nd-Jan. 2nd- Winter Break- No School

25th- Christmas

january

1st- New Year's Day- No School

2nd- Winter Holiday Break- No School

12th-16th- Grade 1st-6th Classroom Spelling Bees

14th- Club & Candid Pictures (9 am-4 pm)

14th- New Family Orientation & PTA Meeting- 6-7:30 pm

19th- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday- No School

22nd- Family Dinner and Math/Science Night- 6-8 pm

28th- End of 2nd Quarter- 2 hr. early dismissal at 2 pm

29th- Student Holiday (Staff Development)

30th- Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

*The full FCPS 2024-2025 calendar can be accessed here.