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1. Coates Family Blue Star Breakfast
2. September 11 National Day of Service
3. Rosh Hashanah
4. Coates Parent Resource Center News
5. Fall Newsletter for Advanced Academic Programs
6. From FCPS
7. Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
8. Mark Your Calendar
We’re excited to host our military-connected families for breakfast! Join us in the Coates Cafeteria for a morning of connection and community.
🗓 When: Friday, September 25th | 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
📍 Where: Coates Elementary Cafeteria
🌐 Who: Open to ALL military-connected families, including international military connections!
Please RSVP by Monday, September 21st: https://forms.gle/xzycKKcystZwyJHs6
We look forward to seeing you there! 🌟
With the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
Coates Family Academy
Dear Parents and Families,
We are excited to begin the first module of the 2026–2027 Coates Family Academy on Tuesday, September 8, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Topics include:
- Basic technology:
- School apps
- Cell phones and laptops
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Google Workspace
- Improving your résumé to help you find the right job
- Financial education and how to manage your finances
All families are invited to attend every Tuesday for 11 weeks, from September 8 through November 17.
Schedule:
- 6:00–6:30 p.m.: Dinner for parents and children Please provide the total number of adults and children attending.
- 6:30–8:00 p.m.: Parent classes
- 6:30–8:00 p.m.: Reading and math support for students ages 5–11 High school students will lead the tutoring program.
- 6:30–8:00 p.m.: Childcare for children ages 3–4
Register here: Coates Family Academy Registration Form
After registering, please contact our Family Liaison, Solangie McPherson, by email at svmcpherson@fcps.edu or through TalkingPoints.
We need to confirm the total number of children and adults attending dinner, childcare, and tutoring.
We look forward to seeing you and your family at Coates Family Academy!
Family Engagement Interest Form
We are excited to be back together for another great year. We would like to hold our parent engagement series and wanted to see what topics you would be interested in learning more about. Please let us know by filling out the form at this link.
Coates Food Pantry
This year, Coates has a food pantry. We have received many donations from different community organizations! If your family would like to use our pantry, please fill out this link to coordinate a time with us to receive the support. This is a free opportunity for families and will be available throughout the school year. The pantry relies on donations, so it is first come, first served. Please contact us to reserve your spot for this week’s opportunity!
If you would like to be ongoing this school year please contact: Solangie McPherson either through Talking Points or 703-713-3240 or by email svmcpherson@fcps.edu
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Kelly Herring, School Testing Coordinator, at klherring@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend our AAP information meeting, led by Lisa Buck, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services and Information on Full-Time AAP Identification: October 7 from 5:30-6:15 in the Coates library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students. And the second half of the meeting families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Lisa Buck, AART, at llbuck@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our school nurse at Coates Elementary is Ms. Cortez-Sledd. Contact them at 703-713-3010 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [main office number]. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Mrs. Buck, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at LLBuck@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Buck, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at LLBuck@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
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The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates. |
4th-7th- Holiday (Labor Day Break)
11th- Commemoration/Patriot Day/National Day of Service
11th-13th- Rosh Hashanah
17th- PTA Meeting (State of the School - Title I Parent Meeting)- 5:30-6 pm
17th- Back-to-School Night- 5:30-7:00 pm
21st- Holiday (Yom Kippur)
25th- Blue Star Breakfast for Military Connected Families- 9:15-10:15 am
7th- National Walk to School Day
8th- Fall Picture Day- 9:30-4 pm
12th- Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples’ Day & School Planning Day)
14th- AAP Level IV Parent Information Meeting /Full-Time Referral Information Night- 5:30-6 pm
14th-PTA Meeting- 6-7 pm
21st- 3 Hour Early Release at 1 pm
24th- Fall Festival (Saturday)- 10-2pm
30th- End of First Quarter- Dismissal at 2 pm
31st- Halloween
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
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