Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 3.25.26

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Calendar Reminder -

Friday, March 27 -  2 Hour Early Release - 11:40am

No School for the following dates: 

March 30 through April 3, April 6 &10

Calendar Reminder

Friday, March 27, is the last day of the third quarter and an early release for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Schools and school offices will be closed March 30 to April 3 for SPRING BREAK. 

Monday, April 6, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break!  Additionally, April 10 is a student holiday (School Planning Day for staff). See the complete school year calendar.


2026 Special Education Family Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference banner

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.


2026 Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters

SEPTA Excellence Awards

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 are open through 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.


Ordering is Open for the 25-26 Key Center Yearbook!

Key Center Yearbook

This school year has been full of special moments, big smiles, and wonderful memories. Make sure you capture them all!

Yearbooks are available now for the low price of just $10.

Order deadline: April 26, 2026

Order online: Key Center PTA Givebacks Store

Order your copy today. We can’t wait for you to enjoy looking back on this great year!


April 21 Statewide Election: No School for Students

Teacher Work Day- Voting at schools.png

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.


Remote Area Medical (RAM) & Humanity First – Free Medical Clinic

Free Medical Clinic

(Upcoming: April 18–19, 2026)  Free medical clinic in Chantilly, VA offering dental, vision, and medical services at no cost. Services are first-come, first-served, and no ID is required.

Location: Mubarak Mosque, 4555 Ahmadiyya Dr, Chantilly, VA

For More Information- access the flyer: (flyer available in English and Spanish)


First Responder Interaction Day

First Responders

Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Fairfax Fire Training Academy on West Ox Rd.

This free event is designed to help individuals with disabilities, their families, and community members learn how to safely and confidently interact with first responders in emergency situations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local first responders, learn about emergency and crisis resources, and practice real-life scenarios in a supportive environment.

At the event, you can:
• Meet and interact with police, fire, and emergency personnel
• Practice navigating emergency scenarios through role-play
• Learn about helpful safety tools like disability ID cards and Emergency Health Profiles
• Explore community resources that support safety and independence

These interactive experiences help build understanding and confidence for both community members and first responders, strengthening safety and communication for everyone involved.

Event details and registration: https://thearcofnova.org/event/first-responder-interaction-day/


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 with any follow up questions about either program.


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

VDOE Survey

The Virginia Department of Education offers a survey for Virginians to submit feedback on public schools. Please encourage families to let our governor know what a successful school looks like to them, and what challenges or barriers are currently preventing students from thriving. The survey will close on Friday, April 10. 

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 27

End of 3rd Quarter - 2 Hour Early Release -11:40am

March 30-April 3   

Spring Break - Student/Staff Holiday

Monday, April 6

Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

Friday, April 10

School Planning Day - Student Holiday

Tuesday, April 21

April Statewide Election - Student Holiday

May 25    

Memorial Day - Holiday

May 26 

Teacher Workday - Student Holiday 

May 27

Eid al-Adha - Holiday

June 17

Last Day of School - Early Release