|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Great Falls ES Families,
As we move further into our 3rd quarter of the school year, we remain focused, engaged, and committed to strong learning routines. As I walk around the school, I see that our classrooms are busy with rich instruction, meaningful collaboration, and steady academic growth across grade levels.
I am excited to announce that checking in to visit or volunteer at Great Falls ES will look different when you come to school next time. In coordination with the Office of Safety and Security, the Raptor Visitor Management System rollout for schools was on Tuesday, February 17th. Our school implemented Raptor Safe, a secure visitor management system that streamlines visitor check-in and enhances building safety.
As we've done in the past, parents/guardians must bring a valid government-issued photo ID in order to enter the building. IDs will be scanned through the Raptor system at check-in. If you do not have your ID, you will not be permitted to enter the building unless you have previously verified your identity in the app.
Additional Information:
- The Raptor Safe app is free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Parents/guardians can create a profile and set up a Raptor Passport to speed up check-in.
- Identity verification requires scanning a driver’s license and taking a live selfie (the selfie is not stored).
- Visitors can scan a QR code at the school entrance for fast, secure check-in.
- The app uses your mobile phone number for login and sends a one-time passcode via text.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure a safe, inclusive, and academically strong environment for every student.
Sincerely,
Sara Harper
📅Important Dates
February 23-27: Spring Book Fair
February 23: Green Team ERecycle Event begins
February 25th: Old Brogue Spirit Event (5:00 - 9:00 pm)
February 28th: Book Fair Family Browsing Day (10 am - 12 pm)
February 26: Spring individual and class pictures
February 28: Book Fair Family Browsing Day (10 am - 12 pm)
March 18: Early Release Wednesday (dismissal at 12:35 pm)
March 19: Last Day to Order Yearbook
March 19: 5th-grade Writing SOL
March 20: Student Holiday
March 27: End of third quarter
March 27- April 7: Spring Break
April 6: School Planning Day
April 10: Teacher Work Day
FCPS School Year Calendar for 2025-2026
Read the latest PTA newsletter
📸 Spring & Class Picture Day is Coming!
Spring and class pictures will be taken on February 26th. Orders can be placed online at https://www.strawbridge.net/ using code FM479446. Missed ordering fall pictures? No worries! Those are still available on the website, too!
|
📘 Don’t Forget to Purchase a Yearbook!
Yearbooks are available for preorder online at https://www.strawbridge.net/ using code YB33333. They’re just $20 when ordered by March 19th. Please note that we cannot guarantee yearbooks will be available for purchase after March 19th, so be sure to order by the deadline!
|
Green Team E-Recycle Event!
Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
⏰It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives.
Fairfax County Public Schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and complete registration forms as soon as possible.
FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, please visit the FCPS Registration webpage.
🌞Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
|
