From Your Family Liaison: Kathryn Dunbar
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FCPS will administer our third Family Engagement Survey from Monday, March 9 to Monday, March 23. The survey is designed to gather data to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools and community.
Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success.
All responses will be confidential. No personally identifiable information will be shared with school or district staff.
Parents/caregivers should have received an email invitation with a unique survey link from FCPS on March 9. The subject line was: FCPS Family Engagement Survey. If you did not receive an email, a general link families can use is also available on FCPS’ website at Family Survey Here.
The survey is available online in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Paper copies of the survey are also available in Haycock's front office in different languages for your convenience.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY.
IT'S IMPORTANT!
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Another Summer Camp Option
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in grades K–5. (Students currently in grade 6 are eligible for our secondary program, Institute for the Arts (IFTA)).
These programs offer students daily experiences in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance in a fun, supportive environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence. There are 4 weekly sessions scheduled for July 2026 all to be held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, from 8.30 - 2pm.To ensure access for all families, Tuition assistance, Transportation (from select FCPS schools), and After care options are available.
To register or find out more, please visit:
E-IFTA Information.
Questions? Email Program Director Ms. Maeve Nash: mnash@fcps.edu
SAVE THE DATE!
Principal Coffee with Dr. Beaty on Friday, March 13, 9:30–10:30 AM in the Haycock Library.
Dr. Beaty will discuss the impact of smart devices on students and the school, as well as the benefits of limiting screen time. This is a great chance to connect, hear updates, and share feedback with your student's Principal!
What is "Wait until 8th"?
A parent just shared with me that their 2nd-grader is strongly advocating for a smartphone because the student [wrongly] believes all other 7-year-olds have one already!
"Wait Until 8th" is a community initiative to educate parents about the benefits of delaying providing children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade.
Haycock's PTA has joined the movement to encourage parents to take the pledge. As a parent who "waited until 8th" for all 4 of my students, I am more than willing to answer any questions. More information may be found at Wait Until 8th Info & Pledge!
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DID YOU KNOW...
According to the Mayo Clinic, children under 12 need 9-12 hours of sleep to support brain development, immunity, and behavior (3-5 year-olds need 10-13 hours, 6-12 year-olds need 9-12 hours). However, nearly 40% of children (4 months to 14 years) do not get enough sleep, with screen time a major factor.
Lack of sleep results in clumsiness, grouchiness, and hyperactivity or behavioral problems (which can mimic ADHD), as well as difficulty concentrating, poor school performance, and memory issues. If your child exhibits these symptoms, make sure they are actually sleeping when expected and not reading or gaming under the covers.
Key strategies include consistent bedtime routines, maintaining the same wake/sleep times on weekends and weekday, a dark/quiet environment, and going screen free 30-60 minutes before bed.
More information on this from the Mayo Clinic may be found HERE.
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Alert, Alert: FREE Spring Break Activity
April is "Donate Life" Month. To that end, Dolley Madison Library is hosting an educational BINGO for Elementary School Students to learn about organ & tissue donation. No registration required!
BINGO
Thursday, April 2, 3-4pm
1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean
There will be prizes!
FREE BOOKS FOR ALL
Saturday, March 14
10 - 2pm
Lorton Community Center
9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton 22079
Parents may select up to 10 FREE BOOKS per child, 30 max per household at the "Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair"! Fun family activities including a DJ and arts & crafts!
Questions? Contact Jack Delaney at jdelaney@fcft.org
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I am YOUR Family Liaison! Please reach out to me if I may be of any assistance to your family at: kdunbar@fcps.edu |
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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