Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 3.4.26

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Celebrating National School Social Work Week

Celebrating National School Social Work Week- Caroline Phan Picture

National School Social Work Week is March 2–8.  This 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.


Key Center  Celebrated Read Across America Day

Key Center  Celebrated Read Across America Day - Ann Smith reading to studentKey Center  Celebrated Read Across America Day - Emily reading to studentKey Center  Celebrated Read Across America Day  - Ann Smith showing the pictures in the book to studentKey Center  Celebrated Read Across America Day - Emily K holding a book and reading to a student

On Monday, March 2, Key Center celebrated Read Across America Day with a special schoolwide reading event. It was a joyful day filled with stories, smiles, and time together.

Our principal, assistant principal, and other staff members visited classrooms as guest readers. Students were excited to welcome these familiar faces into their rooms. Each guest brought a selection of fun and interesting picture books to share. Read Across America Day is a wonderful reminder of how important reading is for all learners. Listening to stories helps build language, imagination, and a love of books. For our students, shared reading experiences also support communication, attention, and social connection.

We are thankful to our guest readers for taking the time to make this day special. Events like this help build a strong school community and show our students that reading is for everyone.

Read Across America

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.


Celebrating Black History with Bingo Fun!

Celebrating Black History with Bingo Fun!- a teacher holding a device for student to communicateCelebrating Black History with Bingo Fun!- student holding a bingo sheetCelebrating Black History with Bingo Fun!- student and staff playing bingo

On Thursday February 26th, the school came together for a special BINGO event in honor of Black History Month.  As students played, they learned about important Black leaders and changemakers from history. Each name called gave us a chance to talk about their contributions and why they matter.

Students also used technology supports throughout the game. They helped run the digital BINGO spinner and used their communication devices to share when they had a win. It was wonderful to see students actively participating, using their tools, and celebrating their success.

We are proud of our students for learning, engaging, and having fun together as a school community.


Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)- clock showing time moving forward

Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

As a result of the time change, many students will be picked up at home with siblings walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.


Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair

Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair-picture showing 3 young students looking a book

30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!

• Books are available on a first-come, first served basis, so arrive early!
• Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child for home libraries, with a 30 books maximum limit per family.
• Educators and school staff may choose up to 50 free books for their
classrooms.
• Fun family activities including DJ and free arts and crafts.
• Hundreds of LEGO brick boxes available while supplies last!

Saturday, March 14
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lorton Community Center
9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079

For more information, please contact Jack Delaney at jdelaney@fcft.org.

School and community program staff must be registered with First Book to receive free books.  Registration is free and on-site registration will be available.  To register in advance, please go to www.firstbook.org/AFT.


National Women’s History Month

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.


Transition Parents Support Group: The Family Village

The Arc-Transition Parents Support Group-The Family Village

When: March 21th 

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: The Arc of Northern Virginia's Fairfax Office

                 3060 Williams Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition Support group meets every other month in-person. Meetings provide a forum to share resources, ask questions, and be surrounded and supported by families who understand the thrills and challenges of navigating life with a disability.

Originally conceived as a support group for parents whose kids were facing the challenges of life after leaving school, the group has expanded to embrace any  parent or family member who needs advice, education or simply a place to share with others who are in the same boat.

There are occasional guest speakers who provide information about topics of interest. The group is led by Rob Hudson, Digital Communications Manager and Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellow. If you have questions, contact him at rob.hudson@thearcofnova.org.

Register Here to Attend the Event


Community Conversations

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: 

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.


Stuff the Bus Community Event

Stuff the Bus

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          


Resources

Resources sign

PEATC SPECIAL EDUCATION

PEATC Digital Portfolio: Was one of your goals for 2026 was to stay organized? PEATC's digital portfolio can help you organize health and educational documents, saving you time when you need to find information quickly! Visit PEATC's Special Education page and look for the Digital Portfolio. You will need to download the PDF file before adding your information to the documents. If you have questions or problems using the PDF, please email PEATC at partners@peatc.org.

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.  Schedule a session on the Arc of Northern website.

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.

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.

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

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