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Family Liaison Newsletter
Issue 6, February 2026
Hello Families,
This February, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and the people we care about, it’s the perfect time to show some extra love for the unique qualities that make our children shine. At Churchill Road Elementary, we view every student as a growing tree, full of potential and strength. We encourage your family to connect this holiday week by spending 10 minutes on the Student Strength & Growth Tree activity. By reflecting together on the interests your child loves and the new skills they are excited to grow, you aren't just completing an activity—you are nurturing the roots of their confidence.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns at nbhatia1@fcps.edu or 571-460-4334.
Nisha Bhatia, Churchill Road Family Liaison
FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth. The Family Resource Center offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, tutoring services, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.The new FCPS Family Academy is a targeted outreach effort to empower and build capacity, connections, cognition, confidence, and awareness through interactive learning experiences, tools, and resources for families in FCPS through a one-stop approach.
FCPS Programs & Workshops
Early Childhood Identification Services: Supporting Young Children and Families
Friday, February 6 from 10 - 11:30 AM
Learn about the special education eligibility process and services for preschool-aged children in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). This webinar will explain the steps from eligibility determination through the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children ages 2–5. Families will gain clear, practical information to build and deepen their understanding of special education and available support and services.
Register here
Part 2 - Safe and Supporting Learning Environments
Wednesday, February 11 from 10 - 11:30 AM
This presentation will explore:
- How trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) support student well-being and academic success.
- The impact of stress and trauma on children.
- The importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments.
- Helpful practices at school that teach and reinforce essential skills.
- Practical strategies families can use to strengthen these skills and nurture resilience in their children.
Register here
How to Develop Flexibility with Your Child
Friday, February 13 from 10 - 11:30 AM
Join us and discover what truly drives children. You’ll learn the critical difference between rewards and motivation and discover strategies to shift the focus" helping your child build a passion for growth.
Register here
The Social Lives of Twice-exceptional (2E) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity
Friday, February 20 from 10 - 11:30 AM
Families will understand how to support 2e students establishing authentic connections and how they navigate peer relationships. Register here
The School Just Called...Now What Do I Ask
Wednesday, February 25 from 10 - 11:30 AM
2334 Gallows Road, Room 100
Dunn Loring, VA 22027
This in-person workshop will give you the tools to feel prepared and confident when communicating about your child. Using the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) from the Right Question Institute, you’ll learn how to:
- Turn worry into clarity by asking better questions.
- Navigate conversations with teachers, administrators, and special education staff.
- Advocate for your child’s needs with confidence and purpose.
Register here
Community Events and Activities
McLean Community Center Summer Camps and Trips
Whether it’s for the summer months or for school breaks, McLean Community Center offers a wide variety of camps with your child’s interests and enrichment clearly in mind. MCC offers full-day and half-day, onsite programs along with exciting day trips to interesting destinations.
Be sure to check out all the possibilities at:
https://mcleancenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Camps26-Linked-Guide.pdf
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Snack & Paint Night
Friday, Feb. 6, 7 - 9 PM
Duval Studio, McLean Community Center
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, love snacks or want to get your hands dirty with some paint, come on down to MCC for our Snack & Paint Night. Led by a professional art teacher, you will be able to create your own masterpiece with your family while having tons of fun doing so. All materials and snacks are included in the fee.
$10 per person. Preregistration recommended.
Register Here.
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“Astronaut vs. Aquanaut”
Saturday, February 7
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Alden Theater, McLean Community Center
Two scientists go head-to-head and spacesuit-to-wetsuit to decide once and for all who is the ultimate explorer! Acclaimed scientists Janet Ivey (“Janet’s Planet”) and Jennifer Swanson (Science Rocks) will have you soaring into space and diving deep into the ocean. Learn the ways they explore inner- and outer-space using the latest images from the James Webb Space Telescope and more. These scientists work in incredible and extreme environments that are worlds apart and yet can be surprisingly similar.
Purchase tickets here.
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Sweetheart Parent Child Dance
Friday, Feb. 13, 7- 9 PM
Children are invited to come to MCC for a fancy “date” with their parent or guardian. Featured activities include a photo booth, a DJ playing your favorite tunes, craft projects and light refreshments.
Create lasting memories by joining us. Parent/guardian must attend with their child/children and register individually. For all ages.
Activity Number: 4503.326
Admission: $20 per person McLean Community Center
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“Year of the Red Fire Horse Lunar New Year Celebration”
Wednesday, February 18
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Alden Theater
McLean Community Center
Welcome to the Year of the Red Fire Horse—a symbol of speed, strength, beauty and freedom in Chinese culture. The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns with their Lunar New Year production that intertwines traditional and contemporary dance. They are a leading force in innovative cultural performances that capture the hope and resilience of the immigrant journey. The performance will include a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance as well as one created for this year’s Red Fire Horse!
Running time: 90 minutes. All ages.
Purchase tickets here.
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Open Game Nights at OFC
Wednesday, February 18
Wednesday, February 25
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
The Old Firehouse
Enjoy table tennis, bridge, mah-jongg, arcade games, a sensory lab and more at the Old Firehouse. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Comic Bookaneers Book Club
Monday, February 23
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Dolly Madison Library
Ages 9-17
Are you ready to delve into the world of comics? Join the Comic Bookaneers!
Our book for February is One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. Read it ahead of time, then join us on day of for a discussion!
Books Available at the Checkout Desk.
Washington Capitals Game
Friday, Feb. 27
4 - 10:30 PM
The Old Firehouse
Join us as we cheer on the Washington Capitals for a ‘W’! And if the game wasn’t exciting enough, each participant will get a free Caps hat! Admission and dinner are included. Participants may bring additional money for souvenirs and snacks.
Register
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Chinese Culture Club
Saturday, February 28
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Dolly Madison Library
Welcome to the Chinese Culture Club! Join us on the last Saturday of the month to explore Chinese history, art, music, and culture through a variety of activities. All activities will be facilitated in both English and Chinese Mandarin. All Chinese language levels are welcome!
Registration Required. Please register the children attending the program. Adults do not need to register. Registrations open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026
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