Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 2.25.26

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New Visitor Management System

New Visitor Management System

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!


Celebrating National School Social Work Week

Celebrating National School Social Work Week- Caroline Phan Picture

National School Social Work Week is March 2–8. Next week we celebrate the important work school social workers do every day in FCPS and across our school community.  School social workers help remove barriers that may affect a student’s ability to learn and grow. They support students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs so they can do their best in school. Their goal is to make sure every student has the support they need to reach their full potential.

We are especially grateful for our own Caroline Phan. Caroline works closely with students, staff, and families to build strong supports and positive relationships. Her skill, teamwork, and caring approach make a lasting difference in our school. We are thankful for the many ways she helps our students thrive.

Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.


Read Across America Day - March 2nd

Read Across America Day - March 2nd

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video. 


Stuff the Bus Community Event

Stuff the Bus Community Donation Event

Neighborhood and Community Services is hosting Stuff the Bus on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents may donate non-perishable food items at participating grocery locations to support local food pantries across the county. This one-day food drive helps restock shelves and support families experiencing food insecurity in our community.

Participating Locations and Benefiting Partners:
• Lidl - 9001 White Spruce Way, benefiting Lorton Community Action Center
• Giant - 2425 Centreville Rd, benefiting Cornerstones
• Giant - 5740 Union Mill Rd, benefiting Britepaths
• Giant - 1450 North Point Village Center, benefiting LINK Against Hunger
• Giant - 1454 Chain Bridge Rd, benefiting Share of McLean
• Giant - 7137 Columbia Pike, benefiting Annandale Christian Community for Action
• Giant - 7501 Huntsman Blvd, benefiting ECHO
• Walmart - 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, benefiting Western Fairfax Christian Ministries


FCPS Purple Up! T-Shirt & Spirit Wear Orders Open Through March 11

FCPS Purple Up! T-Shirt & Spirit Wear Orders Open Through March 11

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day! 

This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.


ABA Family Training

Communication: A Foundation for Independence

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
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.


Resources

Resources

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.

Social Security Success

Applying for Social Security benefits can feel confusing and overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Experienced attorneys Claire Kelly and Elizabeth Gray will offer free, personalized guidance in small-group sessions to help you complete your Social Security application with confidence. Each session is designed to provide individualized support and last up to 50 minutes. Space is limited, and registration is required. Forms will be provided to registered attendees in advance; please bring the completed forms with you to review during your session. The sessions will be held at the Arc of Northern Virginia Offices. Location information and other details about the event are provided on the registration form.  Register now for this event.

If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact Jamie Colgin, DD Community Resource Navigator, at jamie.colgin@thearcofnova.org or at 703-208-1119 x126 ext126.

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.

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

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

Upcoming Dates - Important Dates to Remember.png

March 20

Eid-Al-Fitr - Holiday

March 27

End of 3rd Quarter - 2 Hour Early Release -11:40am

March 30-April 3   

Spring Break - Student/Staff Holiday

April 6

Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

April 10

School Planning Day - Student Holiday