Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 3.11.26

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Art in Our Schools Month

Caitlin Myers’ elementary class put on a fantastic art show on Thursday, March 5th! 

Throughout the school year, the students learned about different artists and created their own artwork in those styles. At the Art Show, their hard work was on display in the cafeteria for families, students, and staff to enjoy.

In addition to traditional art pieces, students shared sensory projects and even beautiful quilted pillows—“quillows!”  A special thank you to Speech Language Pathologist Aimee Rand for supporting the quilting project.

This art show was a great way for our students to share their creativity and talent with our school community.  What a special event!

student and parent at the art showStudent and parent looking at her artStudents' ArtworkStudent looking at his art

Kicks for a Cause

kicks for a cause

Your gently used athletic shoes can help a Special Olympics Track and Field athlete shine!

Do you have youth or adult athletic shoes that no longer fit but are still in great shape? We are collecting lightly used athletic shoes for Special Olympics Virginia (Area 26) Track and Field.

We are looking for:

  • Youth sizes 1Y–6Y
  • Adult sizes

Please be sure the shoes are clean and have plenty of tread left so they are safe and ready for practice and competition. Your donation can help an athlete train, compete, and feel confident on the track. Thank you for supporting this service learning project!


Developmental Disabilities and the Sibling Journey: Info Session

Developmental Disabilities and the Sibling Journey Info Session

Siblings are often the longest-lasting relationships in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, evolving from childhood playmates into lifelong advocates and, sometimes, future caregivers. 

The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) Regional Councils, in partnership with the Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), are hosting a session on "Developmental Disabilities and the Sibling Journey: Growing Together Through Life’s Transitions" on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. ET

This free virtual session features presentations by Brianna TenBrink from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and Kaitlin McNamara from The Sibling Leadership Network. After these presentations, a panel of siblings will also share their perspectives so everyone can understand what sibling support can look and feel like at different stages of life. Learn more about the event and register here.


Military Family Field Day

Military Family Field Day

Saturday, April 18, 2026 Noon to 2 p.m.

FCPS is excited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a good, old-fashioned field day! We invite all military-connected families with FCPS students to a special field day to honor our military-connected children.

Join us for an afternoon of fun and community at Annandale High School (4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy field day games and crafts at the football and track stadium. Food and beverages will be available for purchase to support various FCPS school clubs and organizations. This is a great opportunity to connect with other military families across the division!

To RSVP, please complete this Google form by Friday, March 27, 2026.


ABA Family Training: Strategies for Toilet Training

ABA Family Training: Strategies for Toilet Training

This session is intended for parents who are interested in beginning or continuing

their child’s toilet training journey.  Topics covered will include:

  • Toilet training readiness and prerequisite skills
  • Methods of toilet training
  • Troubleshooting night-time and diaper dependence concerns

March 25th, 2026
Choose one virtual session:
10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Use 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.


April Sibshops and SibTeens

Sibshops


Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Location: Gum Springs Community Center
                 
                 8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA

The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. Play games and have fun. 

Register here 

SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences.

Register here

Please contact FCPSSibshops@FCPS.edu for follow up questions about either program.


The Arc - Parent Planning Forward

The Arc of Northern VA-Parent Planning Forward

When: March 25
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: The Arc of Northern Virginia's Fairfax Office
                  3060 Williams Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031

Are you the parent of an adult child and either preparing for retirement or already enjoying this next stage of life? You are not alone — and we would love for you to join us at our new parent support group – Parents Planning Forward. Beginning in March, our in-person support group will meet quarterly to connect, share, and support one another as we navigate caring for our adult children while planning for our own futures.
Together, we will:

  • Discuss common challenges and shared experiences
  • Explore resources and practical planning tools
  • Talk openly about long-term care considerations
  • Plan for both the here and now — and for who will care for our loved ones when we are no longer able to

This group offers a safe, understanding space with other parents who truly understand the journey.

Join us on March 25, 2026 at 9:30am until 11am as we support one another and plan with confidence and care. Please email DD Community Resource Navigator, Jamie Colgin, at Jamie.colgin@thearcofnova.org if you are interested in coming to this group or for more information.

We will meet in the Third Floor Magnolia Conference Room – When walking into the building from the front doors, take the elevators up to the third floor and the conference room will be next to the elevators behind a small seating area. If you have any concerns locating this room, please see the front desk staff with VentureX which is also next to the elevators.

Register Here to Attend the Event


Transition Parents Support Group: The Family Village

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.


Resources

Resources

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.

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

Important Dates to Remember

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