Terra Centre Newsletter 5/4/26

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Staff Appreciation Week

Celebrating Our Amazing Staff!

Terra Centre Families,

This week, we are celebrating the incredible team that makes our school a such a welcoming place to grow. From our teachers and support staff to our custodians, office team, and food service heroes—it truly takes a village!

To show our gratitude, the PTA has put together a week of fun daily themes. Please feel free to participate in as many (or as few) as you’d like!

The Week at a Glance:

  • Mon: 🍿 Snack Day – Bring a favorite snack for a staff member.

  • Tue: 🌷 Flower Day – Bring, draw, or craft a single flower.

  • Wed: ☀️ Yellow Day – Wear yellow to help our staff "shine."

  • Thu: 📝 Card Day – Send in a handmade card or note.

  • Fri: 🥗 Staff Lunch – Provided by our Kindergarten families!

Participation is Optional: These ideas are just for fun! Whether you follow the themes or send a simple "thank you" in your own way, our staff will appreciate the love.

Let's make it a great week!

Rebecca Gidoni, Principal

Meghan Ehrman, Assistant Principal


TC News & Important Reminders

SOL Assessments Continue This Week!

We are excited for our students to show what they know, and we recommend a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast! 

For SOL grade 3-8 tests, beginning May 6th, scores will be visible in SIS ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and TeacherVUE every Wednesday and Friday.

2026 SOL Calendar
Global Awareness Showcase

 

FCPS Global Action Showcase

Terra Centre participated in the FCPS Global Action Showcase on April 28 at Lake Braddock Secondary to highlight its partnership with the Osnovna škola Džafer Nikočević primary school in Gusinje, Montenegro through the Global Classroom Project (GCP). The GCP connects FCPS students with international peers to collaborate on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

 

Ms. Bauersfeld worked with a 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class to connect the two schools through Padlet shares about favorite activities the students enjoy in their respective watersheds, soil quality testing and improvement through composting and a friendly challenge to spend 5 minutes outdoors to observe the signs of spring. 

 

SEPTA Nominees

SEPTA Awards Ceremony

Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) hosted the SEPTA Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 2. Congratulations to all of our Terra Centre nominees!

Outstanding General Education Teacher – Elementary

  • Caroline Wolford

Outstanding Special Education Teacher – Elementary

  • Maggie Lowe
  • Meredith Simpson
  • Tara Worth

Outstanding Special Education Teacher- Preschool

  • Laure Grove

 

2026-2027 Terra Centre Optional Parent Input Form

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, our staff collaborates regarding student placements. A variety of factors such as student personalities, friendships, and academic abilities are considered as we create our new classes. Other factors impacting the decision-making process of student class assignments are new student enrollments and teachers moving to a new assignment.     

Terra Centre families may assist in this process by sharing insights. Please note the following when providing information. We do not accept requests for specific teachers for the upcoming grade placement. This includes hints that reference specific teachers. We cannot guarantee friend requests nor exceptions for other students whereby there may be a conflict. Additionally, some placements are made due to specific programming needs (i.e. Advanced Academics, Special Education, etc.). We do our best to create a positive learning year for your child.

Please do not email additional information. Completion of the form is optional. However, the deadline for any correspondence is May 15, at 4:00 PM. Thank you for your input.

2026-2027 Terra Centre Optional Parent Input Form


Mark Your Calendar

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

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

Wednesday, May 13:  6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting - Cafeteria

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:  6:30 p.m. 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:  Preschool Last Day of School (PreK/ECIP, ECCB, PAC)

Wednesday, June 17:  K-6 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.


PTA News

PTA Website

PTA Variety Show

Thursday, May 21

6:30 p.m.

Terra Centre Cafeteria 

Variety Show

FCPS News

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

In Case You Missed It

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

  • Summer Learning
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Thank You, Bus Drivers and Food Service Workers

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

Burke Gives Back

Burke Gives Back!

Burke United Methodist Church – Terra Centre Community Partner

Loving Our Neighbors Through Action

Celebrating Community Service - Honoring America’s 250th

Saturday, May 9 from 10 am – 1 pm at Terra Centre Elementary

For 100 years, Burke UMC has been honored to serve alongside this community. We’re celebrating by doing what we love most: serving together! We’d love for you to join us for a morning full of service, connection, and fun.

Our event will include activities for all ages!

  • Rise Against Hunger Meal bag packing
  • Food donation sorting
  • Patriotic crafts
  • Hands on service projects
  • Visits with first responders

Learn more at burkeumc.org/burkegivesback!

*advance registration is preferred for Rise Against Hunger meal packing; all other activities require no registration


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.