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In This Message:
- Principals' Message
- PTA News
- Movie Night Tomorrow Night
- Student Display at DC Museum
- Student Success at State Chess Championship
- Book Fair Continues Through Friday
- Yearbooks
- Curiosity Corner
- AAP Information
- Floris SOL Schedule
- Westfield HS International Night
- Family Engagement Survey
- Measles
- Sleep Awareness Week
- Community Conversations
- Special Education Family Conference
- Black History Month Event
- Countdown to Kindergarten
- Summer Learning
- Upcoming Dates
Floris Family Message
Hello Floris Families,
If you’re feeling a bit of weather whiplash today, you aren’t alone. It’s hard to believe that just yesterday we were enjoying a beautiful 80-degree spring afternoon, only to have snow on the ground less than 24 hours later. It’s a classic reminder of how unpredictable this season can be. Make sure those winter coats aren't tucked too far back in the closet just yet!
Family engagement is an essential part of building a trusting and caring culture that fosters success for each and every student. Your voice is a critical part of that effort, and we truly value your thoughts and feedback. Our Family Engagement Survey is administered every other year, and it is a great opportunity for you to let us know how our schools can best serve your family.
Parents and caregivers should have received an email invitation with a unique survey link from FCPS on March 9 with the subject line “FCPS Family Engagement Survey.” The survey will take about 10–15 minutes to complete and can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you need to step away before completing the survey, your response will automatically be saved.
Please be sure to complete the survey by Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Stay warm out there!
Principal DeSmyter
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter, Principal
Robert Gibbs, Assistant Principal
PTA News and Announcements
🍎Food Share Program:
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Sign up to deliver donated food on Fridays. It is a quick errand!
🔬Science Fair - only 18 spots left!
- Our Science Fair is filling up fast - we have about 18 spots remaining! If your student is interested in participating, now is the time to sign up. Registration closes on March 19. Register here!
🌎International Night:
- Held on Thursday, April 30 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Floris Elementary School Cafeteria and Gym. International Night is a celebration of the diversity of our students and families from different parts of the world. To make this event successful, we need volunteers. Check out our sign up and host a country table, perform, or just help.
♟️Chess Club:
- Silver Knights Chess Academy is back this spring with chess club on Tuesday mornings! Sign up today to continue the progression. Clubs are a mixture of lessons, activities, and games. We welcome all skill levels. Sign up today using the link here: https://chessacademy.com/products/floris-elementary-chess-club
🗣️Floris Arabic Student Club:
- Registration for the Floris Arabic Student Club (FASC) is OPEN for any Floris 3rd-6th graders. FASC meets on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:00pm. This club is for all levels of learners - from those just starting to learn Arabic to fluent speakers.
2026-2027 PTA Leadership Opportunities:
- Got ideas? Got energy? Floris PTA needs YOU!
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Volunteer to be a PTA officer to help continue programming and provide enrichment opportunities for Floris students.
- Roles vary in commitment, and we are happy to provide training/support. If you’d like to learn more, please contact florispta.pres@gmail.com.
Want to learn more about the PTA? Visit our website.
Zootopia 2 Movie Night – Supporting Our Local Fire Department
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Join us for a fun-filled community Movie Night featuring Zootopia 2, hosted by our student-run group, the Money Jar Club! This family-friendly event promises plenty of laughs while bringing neighbors together for a great cause. All proceeds from the evening will go toward providing a catered meal for our next-door Fire Department as a thank-you for their service and dedication to our community.
Bring your friends and family, enjoy a great movie, and help us show appreciation to our local heroes. We hope to see you there!
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Inspiring Young Voices Through Suffrage History ✨
Isabel Theodore's Girl Scout Bronze Award project connects history with today’s young voices. She is partnering with Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument to create an interactive experience for museum visitors.
As part of her Bronze Award project, she built a special DIY interactive cork board that will be displayed at the museum. The project started with collecting wine corks from neighbors in our community, carefully gluing them together, spray painting them, and finishing the frame in gold. She also used wine corks to create large letters spelling “VOTE,” highlighting the central message of the suffrage movement and the importance of civic participation.
She folded hundreds of origami cats 🐈⬛ in the colors of the suffragists — gold (yellow), purple, and white. The cat symbolized the “New Woman” during the suffrage movement — independent, bold, and comfortable in public spaces, just like the women who fought for the right to vote.
Visitors to the museum will be invited to share their thoughts on the question: “Why does my vote matter?”
Over the next 8 weeks, Isabel will visit the museum regularly to collect responses and reflections. In about three months, she will present what she learned from visitors and their powerful perspectives.
If you’re in the DC area, stop by the museum during Women’s History Month in March and check out the exhibit — and help support her project by sharing your thoughts on the board! 💜💛🤍
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Congratulations to Pranav!
Join us in congratulating Pranav Palaniappan, a 5th grader in Dr. Hollen's class! He won 3rd place in the K–5 Under 1000 category at the Virginia State Chess Championship held this past weekend at Thomas Jefferson High School.
He delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 4.5 out of 5, and placed 3rd among 112 players in his category. Way to go-- we are proud to have Pranav representing Floris!
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📚 The Scholastic Book Fair Continues Through Friday! 🎉
The Scholastic Book Fair will run through tomorrow, Friday, March 13th!
Want to make shopping easy and cash-free? Set up an eWallet for your child — it’s the simplest way to let them choose their favorite books. 📖✨
Did your child miss a hoped-for-book at the book fair? Visit the Floris Elementary School Book Fair website to shop online through March 19!
Any questions? Please contact Ms. Papas at mopapas@fcps.edu.
Yearbooks Are Now On Sale
- Cost: $18
- Order Deadline: April 17, 2026
- In order to ensure everything is tracked appropriately and efficiently, we will only be conducting online orders.
👉👉You can order the Floris Yearbook from 🔗this direct link 🔗👈👈
- You will need to enter your student's first name, last name, grade level, and provide online payment.
- If you are ordering more than one yearbook, you'll need to complete the above process for each student (separate transactions).
We can expect our yearbooks to arrive from Walsworth at the end of May and they will be distributed to students in June! Thank you!
🧠Curiosity Corner🧠
March’s Maker Mission: Birdhouse Builders
Spring is here! Design and build a birdhouse using recyclable materials found at home. The goal is to create a safe, creative shelter a bird could use this spring!
The goal is to promote creative and critical thinking and engage in the engineering and design process. Submissions are due in the Curiosity Lab at the end of the month and will be highlighted within the school building and on the student news show. Let's get curious!
AAP Information
AAP Screening – School-Based Services (Subject-Specific Differentiation and Part-Time Services):
Screening for subject-specific differentiation (grades K-5) and part time services (grades 2-5) will be happening in May for the 26-27 school year. This is a screening process that is completely separate from full-time services. For families interested in referring their child for subject-specific differentiation and/or part-time services you have the option to submit a referral form to Amy Albanese by April 30, 2026. Please note the forms are not required - All students will be automatically screened for possible services, but the form allows the parent to submit their own insights as to why their child needs services. Forms can be submitted digitally to abalbanese@fcps.edu by April 30, 2026.
If you are interested in learning more about the 4 levels of AAP services, please click on this link: Elementary School AAP Levels of Service.
If you should have any questions regarding AAP services, please reach out to Amy Albanese our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher here at Floris ES, or learn more about AAP on our Floris webpage!
 Grades 3 and 4
Tuesday, May 12 - Language Arts SOL
Thursday, May 14 - Math SOL
Grade 5
Friday, May 8 - Science SOL
Grades 5 and 6
Wednesday, May 13 - Language Arts SOL
Friday, May 15 - Math SOL
Grades 3-6
May 18-May 22 - SOL makeup testing
May 28-June 2 - Expedited SOL retakes (Scores of 375-399 on initial assessment)
Westfield High School International Night on March 26th
This special evening celebrates cultures from around the world through food, fashion, and live performances. Bring your family and friends for a fun and meaningful community event!
Event Schedule:
• Potluck – 5:00–6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
• Fashion Show – 6:00–7:00 PM (Gym)
• Cultural Performances – 7:00–9:00 PM (Gym)
• International Food Trucks – 5:00–9:00 PM (Outside at the Westfield Kiss and Ride)
Featured Food Trucks:
• Halal Grill – Middle Eastern chicken and gyro
• Pako’s Tacos – Mexican tacos and quesadillas
• Disctrict Small Bites – Classic American
• Brewster’s – American ice cream
• DC Slices – Italian pizza
Admission:
• FCPS Students – Free
• Adults and Other Guests – $5
We look forward to celebrating the diversity and vibrant cultures within our community. We hope to see you there!
Family Engagement Survey Open
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers received a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.
Sleep Awareness Week
The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration
The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.
Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. A spirited keynote speech was delivered by Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute.
Read more about the Black history event.
Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Read more about the registration process.
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.
Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
March 13: Zootopia 2 Movie Night, 6:30 in Cafeteria
March 17: Spring Chorus Concert, 7pm in Cafeteria
March 20: Holiday- Eid al-Fitr
March 25: 3-Hour Early Release
March 26: Science Fair
March 26: Westfield HS International Night
March 30-April 3: Spring Break
April 6: Teacher Workday
April 8: Spring Picture Day
April 10: School Planning Day
April 10: Kindergarten Orientation, 10:00 in Cafeteria
Find the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar: https://www.fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar
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