Weekly Newsletter 9-9-2026

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


August Students of the Month - Adapted PE

This year, we’re excited to share some highlights of students who are doing great things while participating in Adapted PE activities! Read below about how Trevon and Chloe have stood out this school year.  We’re proud of their efforts, engagement, and accomplishments. Way to go amazing Key Center Rockets! 

male student in a white shirt smiling.png
  • Listens carefully to directions
  • Always tries his best
  • Always has a smile during APE class

female student in red jacket, has a book on her lap
  • Came into classes smiling and eager to be active
  • Made decisive choices when it was her turn to select stretches/exercises
  • Participated in every activity with a smile and enthusiasm

Superintendent Community Conversations

four people standing together beneath colorful speech bubbles


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):

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.


Weather Safety

mage shows a blue storm cloud with snowflakes, raindrops, and yellow lightning bolts


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.

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 


School Health

image shows a smiling blonde woman wearing a black shirt


Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our school nurse at Key Center School is Jeannette Mitchell. Contact her at jmitchell1@fcps.edu/703-313-4000 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!


Special Education Conference

Annual Special Education Family Conference


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. 


September 11 National Day of Service

image shows a waving American flag with a dark blue text box in the center that reads September 11 — National Day of Service and Remembrance


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.


Resources

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

Inova Resources for Families

Inova offers health care services and support for children and families, including:

1- Help With FAMIS/Medicaid Applications Inova’s Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) Provides application and renewal assistance for Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS. Connects individuals to other health coverage programs. Contact PHC: PHC@inova.org 703-698-2550

2- Primary Care (Medicaid or Uninsured) Inova Cares for Children (ICC) - Six locations For children with Medicaid or who qualify for Inova’s financial aid. Therapy available for ICC patients. Well-child care, sick visits, immunizations, school/sports physicals, and nutrition counseling. Call to make an appointment: 703-531-3100 

3- Free Virtual Cooking Classes Inova Healthy Plate Club (IHPC) Eligible students learn about nutrition and cook with Inova’s teachers online. Ingredients provided at no cost. Contact IHPC: HealthyPlateClub@inova.org 571-328-2802 (text)

4- Support for Children with Special Healthcare Needs Inova’s Care Connection for Children Partners with families to coordinate care and overcome barriers. Connects families with healthcare, community, and school services. Ongoing guidance and support – services are free. Contact CCC: CareConnectionforChildrenNOVA@inova.org 703-698-2450


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 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