Weekly Newsletter 8-26-2026

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Message from the Principal

message from principal- image showing picture of principal Ann with the words Welcome Back to School


Dear Key Center Families,

A new school year is here, and with it comes a fresh season of growth, learning, and connection. Our theme for 2026–2027 is We BELIEVE—a reminder that every student is capable of meaningful growth, every family is an essential partner, and every day brings new possibilities.

Our staff have prepared welcoming classrooms, engaging lessons, and meaningful experiences to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Each member of our team is dedicated to creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Please complete beginning-of-year paperwork as soon as possible.

Timely completion helps us begin the year smoothly and ensures that we have the information needed to support your child. Please return all required forms and update any information promptly. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to your child’s teacher or our front office.

Welcoming new roles and team members

  •       Julie Mullins joins us as a Classroom Teacher.
  •       Katie Fewkes joins our front office staff as an Office Assistant.
  •       Wafika Albani continues as our Family Liaison, now in a full-time role.
  •       Donna Isler, Speech Language Pathologist, is welcomed by our Related Services team.

We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships with you, our families. When schools and families work together, students are surrounded by encouragement and opportunity. Whether through joining the PTA, attending PTA events, or staying in contact with your child’s teacher, you play an important role in helping us live our theme: We BELIEVE.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child and for being part of the Key Center community. We look forward to a fantastic year filled with curiosity, learning, belonging, and growth.

Warmly,

Ann Smith

PrincipalKey Center School


Required: Important Back to School Forms - Check your students backpacks today

Action Required  text in Red


We have printed your child’s forms and sent them home in their Red Wednesday Folder. Please review and complete the forms, make any necessary corrections, sign and return them to the school by Friday, August 28th. 

If you need additional copies or assistance completing the forms, feel free to visit our main office.  We're happy to help!

Keeping us informed about your child’s health allows us to consistently provide the best possible care and support for your child throughout the year.


Labor Day Holidays - September 4th and September 7th

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Friday, September 4
, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.

See the complete school year calendar.


2026-2027 School Theme

image showing a circle, with words we Believe with a red rocket flying upwards

Our Key Center School theme for this school year is We Believe!

This theme reflects our belief in the potential, strengths, and unique abilities of every student. Throughout the year, we will encourage our students to believe in themselves, try new things, overcome challenges, and celebrate their progress along the way.

We Believe means creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.  We believe that when students, staff, and families work together, wonderful things are possible. Together, we will nurture confidence, inspire growth, and remind our students that they are capable of more than they may realize. We look forward to a year filled with learning, encouragement, and countless opportunities to believe in the amazing possibilities ahead.


New Staff Feature- Julie Mullins

picture of a female teacher in tan shirt, with curly red hair, smiling

This week’s Key Center Staff Spotlight is on Julie Mullins. Ms Mullins joins our staff this year as a classroom teacher.  Learn more about Ms. Mullins on our school’s website.


Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages

image showing colorful bubbles and each bubble has hello in different 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.


Virginia DMV Comes to The Arc of Northern Virginia

image showing the word The Arc in black print with a yellow line.png


WHEN:
Tuesday, September 22nd from  9:30 AM – 3:15 PM
WHERE: The Arc of Northern Virginia, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031

Register on the Arc of Northern Virginia’s website.  DMV Connect will be held in the ground floor lobby meeting space.Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) personnel will be at The Arc of Northern Virginia on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:30 – 3:15 PM. DMV Connect teams are equipped to conduct all DMV transactions except vital records and testing.  Below is a list of all services they will be able to conduct at the event. Services are available for the whole family! 

  • REAL ID
  • Driver’s Licenses
  • Identification Cards (Adult and Child)
  • Adding Medical Indicator to ID Card
  • Disabled Parking Placards
  • Vehicle Titles (Titles will be mailed to customers)
  • Hunting & Fishing Licenses
  • Virginia Vital Records (Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates – will be mailed to customers)
  • Address Changes
  • Vehicle Registrations
  • E-ZPass Transponders
  • Compliance Summaries
  • Transcripts

To ensure your appointment goes smoothly, PLAN AHEAD and gather all your original documents. Photocopies will NOT be accepted.


Resources

Resource- image showing a green street sign with different directions, with words, help, tips, guidance

FCPS- Cox Access Partnership Program for Home Internet Support 

FCPS partners with Cox Communications through the Cox Access Partnership Program (CAPP) to help eligible K-12 families receive full reimbursement for home internet service. Families must enroll in the Cox Connect2Compete internet plan for $9.95 per month and obtain a PDF confirmation of enrollment from Cox. Higher-tier Cox internet plans are not eligible for reimbursement.

  • Eligibility: FCPS K-12 families enrolled in the Cox Connect2Compete internet plan

  • They must obtain a PDF confirmation of enrollment from Cox.

  • Cost: $9.95 per month, eligible for full reimbursement through CAPP

  • Contact: Once a family has enrolled, FCPS staff members can submit a reimbursement notification through the FCPS Tech Support Portal. 

  • Questions? Contact FCPS Tech Support Desk, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Back to School: Supporting Youth and Families in Fairfax County

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers services to support youth and families as students return to school. Programs for teens and caregivers include therapy, psychiatric care, counseling, in-school clinicians, and community-based services.


Key Center PTA

PTA- Key Center PTA, everychild.onevoice  in black print

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
Educate Fairfax link to donate to Key Center


Upcoming Dates

Important Dates to Remember- image showing a calendar on green and which background with the words IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER next to the calendar

September 4- September 7    

Labor Day - Student/Staff Holiday

September 21

Yom Kippur- Student/Staff Holiday

October 12

School Planning Day - Student Holiday

November 2

Teacher Workday - Student Holiday

November 3

School Planning Day - Student Holiday

November 25-27

Thanksgiving Break

December 21- January 1

Winter Break