Terra Centre Newsletter 3/23/26

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family engagement graphic

Today is the last day to submit the Family Engagement Survey!

Terra Centre Families,

The FCPS Family Engagement Survey Closes TODAY, March 23! Your feedback is critical in helping us better recognize, understand, and address family strengths and needs. If you haven’t yet, please check your email for the link sent by FCPS on March 9. The survey is also available on the FCPS website. 

A Busy Week at TCES! We have a lot happening as we head toward the break:

  • March 23–27: Spring Book Fair 
  • Wednesday, March 25: 3-Hour Early Release
    • K-6 Only - 12:25 p.m. Dismissal
    • Preschool – follow regular Wednesday schedules
    • Note: We will use the dismissal plans provided in September. To request a change, please submit the TCES Dismissal Change Form by Tuesday, March 24. Any changes after Tuesday, please call the front office at 703-249-1400.
  • Thursday, March 26:  5:30–7:30 p.m. – Family Book Fair Night
    • 5:30 p.m. – Kindergarten Family Dance Night (Gym)

    • 6:15 p.m. – 1st Grade Family Dance Night (Gym)

  • Friday, March 27: 2-Hour Early Release - Last Day of 3rd Quarter
    • K-6, PreK Inclusion, and PAC - 1:25 p.m. Dismissal
    • ECCB AM - 11:00 am Dismissal
    • ECCB PM - Canceled

Spring Break & Beyond

  • March 30 – April 3: Spring Break 🌷 (Schools and offices closed)

  • Monday, April 6: Teacher Workday - No school for students

  • Friday, April 10: School Planning Day - No school for students
    • 9:00-10:30 Kindergarten Orientation
  • Saturday, April 11: PTA Fun Fair - See below for ticket, volunteer, and donation information!

Scroll down for more details on events. You can also find all school and community flyers via the "All Parents" course on Schoology.

We wish our students, families, and staff a happy and restful Spring Break! 

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Tim Signorelli, Assistant Principal


TC News & Important Reminders

TC Book Fair

Terra Centre's Spring Book Fair is coming soon!

TC Book Fair Important Dates:

March 23- Book Fair Open- Sales 9am-3pm

March 24- Book Fair Open- Sales 9am-3pm

March 25- Book Fair Open- Sales 9am-12pm; 3 Hour Early Release Day

March 26- Book Fair Open- Sales 9am-3pm; Family Night- 5:30-7:30pm

March 27- Book Fair Open- Sales 9am-12pm; 2 Hour Early Release Day

Family Night - Shop the Fair together on the evening of Thursday, March 26 from 5:30-7:30pm. Ms. Harmon is also hosting the Kindergarten & 1st grade Family Dance Night!

Book Fair Website - For more information including parent volunteer opportunities as well as how to set up an eWallet visit: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/terracentreelementaryschool

Book Fair Flier - Visit the All Parents Course in Schoology

 

Kinder Orientation

Kindergarten Orientation

When:  Friday, April 10th from 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Where:  Terra Centre Elementary

Who:  Rising Kindergarteners and Parents/Guardians

Register for the 2026-2027 School Year: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/registration

 

Purple Up Day

Save the Date!

Purple Up Day - April 15, 2026

April is the Month of the Military Child, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the service of Virginia's youngest heroes, over 80,000 military connected children. 

Show support the annual Purple Up Day for Military Kids celebration by wearing purple on Wednesday, April 15, 2026!

Order Your 25-26 Terra Centre Yearbook!

 

Visit the Barksdale website and use Access Code: 0038625YB.

 

Yearbook Order Deadline: 

Wednesday, April 15

Yearbook
Watershed Festival and Art Show

Watershed Festival & Art Show

April 23, 2026

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

* Hands-on Activities

* Environmental Experts

* Watershed-inspired Artwork - All Grades Preschool - 6th Grade

* Glow Room

* 2nd Grade Performance

* 4th Grade Family Dance Night

 

Body Safety Program

The Body Safety Program is scheduled to take place at Terra Centre the week of April 27 – May 1 for PreK and Grades K-6. If you would like to opt your child out of this program, please make sure to send in a signed opt-out form no later than April 13, 2026.  Please note that Rylynn, a Department of Family Services Facility Dog, will be on-site Friday, May 1. 

The presentation from the virtual Parent Information Session is accessible on the All Parents Course on Schoology.


Mark Your Calendar

March 23 - 27:  Spring Book Fair

Wednesday, March 25:  3-Hour Early Release for K-6 (12:25 Dismissal)

Thursday, March 26: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Family Book Fair Night

                                    5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Family Dance Night (Gym)

                                    6:15 p.m. 1st Grade Family Dance Night (Gym)

Friday, March 27:  2-Hour Early Release - All Students (1:25 Dismissal)

                               End of Quarter 3

March 30 - April 3:  Spring Break - No School

Monday, April 6:  Teacher Workday - No School for Students

Thursday, April 9:  6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robinson Pyramid Art Show

Friday, April 10:  School Planning Day - No School for Students

                             9:00 a.m. Kindergarten Orientation

Saturday, April 11:  12:00 - 3:00 p.m. PTA Fun Fair

Wednesday, April 15:  Purple Up Day

                                      Yearbook Order Deadline

Tuesday, April 21:  Virginia Statewide Election - No School for Students

Thursday, April 23:  6:00 - 7:30 p.m. TC Watershed Festival & Art Show

                                  6:30 p.m. 2nd Grade Performance - Gym

                                  7:00 p.m. 4th Grade Family Dance - Gym

Saturday, April 25:  PTA Community Clean-Up Day

April 27 - May 1:  Body Safety Program - Fairfax County Department of Family Services Children, Youth and Families Division

Tuesday, April 28:  Reading SOL - Grades 3 & 4

Wednesday, April 29:  3-Hour Early Release for K-6 (12:25 Dismissal)

Thursday, April 30:  Reading SOL - Grades 5 & 6

Wednesday, May 6:  Math SOL - Grades 3 & 4

Thursday, May 7:  Math SOL - Grades 5 & 6

Thursday, May 14:  Science SOL - Grade 5

                                 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Musical - Gym

Wednesday, May 20:  3-Hour Early Release for K-6 (12:25 Dismissal)

Thursday, May 21:  PTA Variety Show

Monday, May 25:  Memorial Day Holiday - No School

Tuesday, May 26:  Teacher Workday - No School for Students

Wednesday, May 27:  Eid al-Adha Holiday - No School

May 28 - June 4:  SOL Retakes for students who scored 375-399

Monday, June 1: Spring Band & Strings Concert - Robinson SS

Thursday, June 4:  Spring Chorus Concert - Robinson SS

Friday, June 12:  1:00 p.m. 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Robinson SS

Tuesday, June 16:  Last Day for Preschool (PreK/ECIP, ECCB, PAC)

Wednesday, June 17:  Last Day of School - 1:25 Dismissal

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

SOL Dates

PTA News

PTA Website

Fun Fair

 

Terra Centre PTA Fun Fair

Saturday, April 11

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times!

 

Tickets

Pre-sale tickets will be available on the PTA website from Monday, March 23 - Tuesday, April 7:  https://terracentrepta.givebacks.com

Game Tickets:

Pre-Sale: 4 Tickets - $1

At the Door: 2 Tickets - $1

 

Basket Raffle Tickets:

1 Ticket - $1

12 Tickets - $10

Cake Walk = 2 Tickets

Bubbles = 2 Tickets

Carnival Games = 3 Tickets

Obstacle Course = 4 Tickets

Balloon Artist = 4 Tickets

Petting Farm = 4 Tickets

Moon Bounce = 4 Tickets

Slide = 4 Tickets

 

*** Earn FREE Tickets ***

Bring a small cake or cupcake for our Cake Walk and get 6 Free Game Tickets

Volunteers earn 5 Free Basket Raffle Tickets

 

Volunteers Needed

We couldn't make this event happen without you, so thank you in advance!

Click here to sign-up: https://forms.gle/n2Y7shjnjqDSbNXe6

 

Donations Needed by April 8

PTA Fun Fair Raffle Basket List 

Kindergarten

Whisk Me Away!

Piping bags, cookie sheets, muffin tins, cookie cutters, apron & chef's hat (kids & adults), spatula, rubber scraper, whisks, measuring spoons & cups, butter dish, etc.

Picnic Party!

Picnic basket, outdoor blankets, reusable tableware set, essential oil bug spray, plastic cups & wine glasses, bottle opener, cooler bag, lemonade mix, wet wipes, etc.

1st Grade

Reel Fun Night In!

Popcorn, popcorn bowl, seasonings, cozy blankets, candy, movie theater gift card, etc.

Lucky YOU!

Lottery tickets in any amount!

2nd Grade

Sun's Out, Fun's Out!

Pool noodles, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys, pool bag, snack container, cooler bag, spill proof water bottles, sunglasses, towels, etc.

License to Grill!

BBQ tools, sauces, dry rubs, grill mat, grill basket, skewers, cleaning tools (no wire brushes, please), grill mitts, apron, chef's hat, basting brush, meat thermometer, etc.

3rd Grade

Let's Get Crafty!

Construction paper, scissors, glue (liquid & stick), markers, crayons, stickers, clay, pipe cleaners, pom poms, glitter, beads, tape, stapler, Sharpies, etc.

It's a Brew-tiful Morning!

Coffee (ground and / or whole bean), grinder, French press, coffee scoop, spoon rest, coffee mugs, flavored syrups, cookies, etc.

4th Grade

Polish & Pamper!

Face masks, foot soaks, nail files, nail polish, lotions, sugar scrubs, massager, hair towels, cotton balls, tweezers, make-up mirror, etc.

Teacher Survival Kit!

Coffee shop gift cards, travel mug, chocolates & candy, sticky notes, Flair pens, hand lotion, lip balm, desk plant, insulated water bottle, dry erase markers, Amazon gift card, tea, etc.

5th Grade

Full House of Fun!

Family appropriate board games, card games, dice, dominoes, poker chips, etc.

Ice Cream Party!

Ice cream bowls, ice cream scoops, sprinkles, syrups, jar of cherries, ice cream cones, ice cream roller ball, popsicle molds, etc.

6th Grade

Bloom & Grow!

Seed packets, yard tools, pots, padded kneeler, watering can, mister, potting mix, gardening hat, gardening gloves, essential oil bug spray, etc.

Gift Cards!

Coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, big box stores, gift shops, etc.

(please keep amounts between $10.00 - $25.00)

 

PTA Variety Show - Thursday, May 21

We are looking for volunteers to help plan & run this year's Variety Show, which is on May 21st. Please reach out to tcesptapresident@gmail.com and/or tcesptavp1@gmail.com if you would like to help out with the Variety Show.


FCPS News

April Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.

2026 Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters

Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services. The annual program celebrates individuals across Fairfax County Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.

Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations have been extended to Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.

Award recipients will be recognized at the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate those helping build more inclusive and supportive school communities. Registration details for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

In Case You Missed It

In FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Winter Sports Champions
  • Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
  • 2026 Special Education Family Conference

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today


Community News

RSS & LBSS Community Resource Fair

 

Join us for the Robinson and Lake Braddock Community Resource Fair. Families are invited to connect with local organizations and explore resources in health, wellness, education, recreation, and family support.

  • April 15, 2026
  • 6:00–8:00 PM
  • Robinson Secondary School (Gold Cafeteria)

Questions? Contact:


Quick Links


Resources

Families needing support (food assistance, school supplies, fee sponsored activities, mental health support, etc.) can reach out to a member of our clinical team. All requests are confidential. Our clinical team members are always available to support TC families with Fairfax County resource information. 

David Lammon-school counselor

Ivy Jun-school counselor

Laurel Hanlon-school social worker

Emily Oliver-school psychologist

☎️ Parent Information Phone Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.