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Important Calendar Reminder

February 16th
Presidents Day - Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

February 17th
Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown) - Student Holiday.

There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Spirit Week Continues! Show Some Love

Get ready to show some love during Spirit Week, February 9–13! We invite students and staff to join the fun each day by dressing up and celebrating together. Participation is always optional, and we encourage everyone to join in a way that feels comfortable and fun.

Here’s what each day will look like:

• Thursday – Show some love for rest and recovery! Comfy Clothing Day

• Friday – Show some love for Valentine’s Day! Wear pink, red, or white

Thank you for helping us make Spirit Week a joyful experience for our students!

Help Us Celebrate Our Amazing Key Center Staff!

Every day, Key Center staff work hard to support students, build inclusion, and create positive learning experiences for all. Now is your chance to help recognize someone who truly goes above and beyond. Fairfax County Public Schools is accepting nominations for the First-Class Awards. These awards honor individuals and teams who support, design, or lead inclusive practices that benefit students with disabilities and their peers.

We encourage families to nominate a Key Center staff member who:

• Shows excellence in their role

• Has a positive impact on both disabled and non-disabled students

• Helps create a welcoming, inclusive school community

There are many award categories, including teachers, administrators, instructional assistants, therapists, support staff, teams, and specialty program staff. This means many different Key Center staff members are eligible to be nominated.

If there is someone at Key Center who has made a difference for your child or family, please consider submitting a nomination. Your voice matters, and this is a meaningful way to say thank you.

Nominations are due by February 20, 2026.

Please use the nomination form to share how an administrator, staff member, or team has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in FCPS.

Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide Spirit Day

Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.

ABA Family Training

Communication: A Foundation for Independence

This workshop is intended for family members of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.

Topics covered will include:
▪ Communicating wants and needs
▪ Using social interactions and environments to support communication
▪ Breaking down how to teach communication

February 25th, 2026
Choose one virtual session:
10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join using this meeting link

All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. No registration is needed. To request an interpreter, contact Stephanie Watkins at (571) 423-4110 or by email at sawatkins@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email).  For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.

Inclement Weather Statement: If FCPS announces a two-hour delay, training will take place as scheduled. If there is an early closing and/or cancellation of afterschool activities, the evening session will be canceled. If there is a full day closing, both training sessions will be canceled.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

• Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
• Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.

Resources

Therapeutic Recreation Services: Fantastic Times Open House (Friday, Feb. 13, 7:00–8:30 p.m.)

Learn about TRS summer camp for youth and teens with disabilities. This virtual information session includes a presentation and Q&A opportunity with TRS staffSensory-friendly activities, meet TRS staff, learn about programs.  Registration is required- Email STRS@fairfaxcounty.gov or register for this event online.

Location: Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031

Contact: 703-324-5532 | TTY 711 | NCSTRS@fairfaxcounty.gov

IFSP Funding Updates

• If you were approved for IFSP-Funding for Fall 2025 (FY 2026), your Way2Go debit card was issued on December 5, 2025.
• If you do not receive your card AFTER January 5, 2026, please email IFSPSupport@dbhds.virginia.gov. Please include your Application ID number (This is the 9-digit character sequence beginning with “FY26,” e.g. “FY2600000”.)
• Find more information about the Way2Go debit card at My Life, My Community's IFSP-Funding page. 

Remain on the DD Waiver Waitlist

• Are you or a loved one on the DD Waiver Waitlist? Did you know that you need to update your choice form at least annually to remain active on the Waitlist? 
• Take Action Now and update your choice form to remain on the Waiver Waitlist today (if you haven’t updated your form in the past year).
• If you do not update your choice form at least annually, you may be at risk of being removed from the waiting list.

Additional Resources Available Through the IFSP Program

• The Center for Family Involvement which is part of the Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU has a network of staff and volunteer Family Navigators who have lived experience and provide one to one emotional, informational and systems navigational support for individuals with disabilities and their family members. For more information and assistance on a wide variety of resources.
• Call the Helpline (877) 567-1122 or email cfihelpline@vcu.edu families and professionals make a referral to CFI online

Supported Decision Making: What You Need to Know to Make Your Choice

February 26, 2026 - 12pm

Live Online

Learn about Supported Decision Making to help you or a loved one with a disability make informed choices while maintaining autonomy and civil rights.

Medicaid Waiver Basics

February 24, 2026 - 12pm

Live Online

Virginia's Medicaid Waivers fund services like respite, in-home care, and job support for people with developmental disabilities. This one-hour talk covers Waivers, services, applying, and tips for families on waitlists.

Estate Planning and Decision-Making for Families of Individuals with Disabilities

February 24, 2026 - 12pm

 Live Online 

Join our one-hour talk for parents and caregivers of disabled individuals. Learn about estate planning for special needs, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, medical directives, and decision-making options.

Wheelchair Tune-Up & Shine Event – Inova Mount Vernon

Inova Mount Vernon is hosting a ​​Wheelchair Tune Up & Shine event on March 1st, 2026 and invites community members with mobility devices to attend and receive maintenance advice, information on local resources and giveaways. Wheelchair Tune Up Event Flyer

Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.

Virginia Energy Assistance Program (DSS)

Eligible households may receive help with heating, cooling, or energy emergencies through Fuel, Crisis, and Cooling Assistance programs. Support can include help paying utility bills, heating fuel, deposits, or repairing/replacing heating or cooling equipment. Applications are accepted online via CommonHelp, by phone, or through local DSS offices during program-specific application periods. Benefits are based on availability of funds.

• EAP Fact Sheet-(English) (Spanish)

• EAP Information Sheet (English)(Spanish)

• EAP Flyer (English) (Spanish)

Dental Care - Local and Regional Resources 

The following is a list of dental care providers in Fairfax County and surrounding area that offer low cost or sliding-fee dental services to low-income families. Please call them for information about services offered, eligibility, and costs. 

• HealthWorks, 703-443-2000, press 2 for dental services
• Howard University School of Dentistry, 202-806-0007
• Neighborhood Health, 703-535-5568, press 9 for dental services  
• Northern Virginia Community College Restorative Clinic, 703-822-6607 
• Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, 703-820-7170 
• Washington Hospital Center, 202-877-6737 

More information is available on the Fairfax County Health Department website.

Food Assistance and Resource Guide 

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

Workshops and Webinars

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about 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

6404 Franconia Road Springfield, VA 22150  | Main Office: 703-313-4000
Attendance: 703-313-4000 | Web | Facebook