Forestville Focus
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/30/2026 12:30 PM EDT
 💻Standards of Learning AssessmentsStudents in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. These assessments measure how students are learning the state standards. Below is the current schedule for the spring Standards of Learning tests at Forestville Elementary. Visit the FCPS webpage here for more information about these assessments.
 Support Your Children During Important Spring AssessmentsStudents will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately. Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season. It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible. Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
 We wear purple with pride💜Our students and staff showed their support for our military-connected community by participating in Purple Up! We are grateful for the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of our military families—today and every day.
#ForestvilleElementary #ForestvilleSOARS #ItsAGreatDayToBeACardinal
Stay Connected with Forestville!Want to see what learning, laughter, and life at Forestville really look like? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a front-row seat to the amazing moments happening in our classrooms and around our school. From special events and student highlights to spirit days and everyday fun—you won’t want to miss a thing! 📸 Facebook: ForestvilleFCPS
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FCPS Montessori Program Opening in Great Falls
FCPS is excited to share that the FCPS Montessori Program is coming to neighboring Great Falls Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. Families residing in the Forestville ES boundary are invited to consider applying for this opportunity for PreK or Kindergarten children.
Program Highlights & Eligibility:
- Ages: Children ages 3 through Kindergarten (age 5 by September 30, 2026).
- Classroom Model: Montessori Early Childhood incorporates both PreK and Kindergarten students in mixed-age classrooms, utilizing a unique hands-on approach to learning.
- Tuition: A sliding scale tuition model applies to PreK students in the program. Kindergarten is tuition-free.
- Transportation: Please note that transportation is not provided for students attending outside of the Great Falls boundary. Enrolled families will need to provide their own daily transportation to and from the Montessori program at Great Falls ES.
- Selection: Admission to the program is based on a randomized lottery selection process.
- Hours & Calendar: Same bell schedule as Great Falls ES and follows standard FCPS K-12 school calendar.
How to Apply: The Great Falls Montessori lottery application is currently open
- To apply, visit the FCPS Montessori website and click the "Apply to Great Falls Lottery" button. The application link includes full details on the sliding scale tuition model for preschool-age students.
- Notification of application status for the initial window begins May 1, 2026 and applications will remain open on a rolling basis until available seats are filled.
Learn More: If you would like to learn more about the Montessori program, please watch this introductory video.
Virtual Information Session Registration Join us via Zoom for a comprehensive overview of the Montessori approach and curriculum, as well as the lottery process and Q&A.
- Tuesday, May 5, 12:00 p.m.
- Sign up here for the virtual information session. A Zoom link will be provided to registrants in advance of the meetings.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach the FCPS Montessori program at Montessori@fcps.edu.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders
The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
Spring testing season is here!📅
Be sure to put testing dates on your family calendar so you don't forget. Check your email and school newsletters for dates and details. Here are some ways to prepare before a test:- Remind your child to get a good night's rest.- Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast.- Avoid scheduling appointments that would take your child out of school on a testing day.- Remind your child that electronic devices are not allowed in testing, unless required by 504 or IEP. Find out more about the tests at each grade level: https://bit.ly/FCPS-Grade-Tests
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.
📰FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Student Awards and Recognitions
- Military Child of the Year Finalist
- Required Immunizations Reminder
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Fun Friday Night!
Forestville would like to thank our outstanding PTA for organizing a wonderful Hollywood Night Dance! Students in Grades 4-6 came and listened to good music, spent time with friends and created an enormous Conga Line. We were thrilled to welcome so many students this year, there was a buzz in school on Friday about meeting there! We thank all of the attending parents for their support as well.
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1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 |