š Halfway Through Seeing Different Perspectives in Language Arts š
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 4 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have learned how perspective shapes storytelling and understanding. Connect with your childās learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could be one of the characters from one of this unitās readings, who would you choose and why?
- Activity: Have your child write or dictate a diary entry from the perspective of a book character.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what theyāre learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your childās reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
š Halfway Through Seeing Different Perspectives in Language Arts š
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 4 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have learned how perspective shapes storytelling and understanding. Connect with your childās learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could be one of the characters from one of this unitās readings, who would you choose and why?
- Activity: Have your child write or dictate a diary entry from the perspective of a book character.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what theyāre learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your childās reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.Ā
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.Ā
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.Ā
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPSās Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each childās needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
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Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?Ā
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPSā cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.Ā
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.Ā
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.Ā
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.Ā
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
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English Classes
In-person and online English classes are available through the English Empowerment Center starting February 9! All classes cost $85. They are available at a variety of locations and accommodate different levels of learning. Registration is now open online!
January 19 Orthodox Epiphany
A joyous Orthodox Epiphany to those in our community who celebrate! In the Orthodox church, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Three Kings.
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No School January 19 Martin Luther King Day
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. We honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to equality and serving others. See the complete school year calendar.
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Important Dates
January 19:Ā No School, Martin Luther King Day
January 20:Ā 2nd, 4th Grade MAP Test
January 21:Ā 3rd Grade MAP Test; 1st, 2nd Grade WIDA
January 22:Ā 5th Grade MAP Test; 1st, 2nd Grade WIDA
January 23:Ā 6th Grade MAP Test; 1st, 2nd Grade WIDA
January 26-27:Ā 3rd, 4th Grade WIDA
January 28:Ā End of Quarter 2, Early Release at 2:05pmĀ
January 29:Ā No School for students, Staff Development Day
January 30:Ā No School for students, Teacher Work Day
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