Coates Family Newsletter for 9/18/26

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In This Issue

1. Shining Star Shoutouts

2. Coates Family Blue Star Breakfast

3. Student Holiday- Yom Kippur

4. National Hispanic Heritage Month

5. Coates Fall Festival Info

6. Family Literacy Program

7. From FCPS

8. Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

9. Mark Your Calendar


1. ⭐Shining Star Shoutouts⭐

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Congrats to our Shining Star Shoutout students for this past week.  The students recognized for demonstrating what it means to be a Shining Star this week are:

Kindergarten:

Jenson Fraedich (Responsible)

Absalat Akalu (Responsible)

Zara Kouyate (Responsible)

Safia Sagal (Ready to Shine)

1st Grade:

Juno Henderson (Responsible)

Maya Robinson (Responsible)

2nd Grade:

Darman Ghazizadah (Respectful)

3rd Grade:

Nelson Amaya Segovia (Ready to Shine)

Alijah Slaughter (Ready to Shine)

Christian Tilahun (Responsible)

Eldana Beyene (Responsible)

Yihun Belila (Responsible)

5th Grade:

Nathan Park (Respectful)

Kwadwo Owusu-Yeboah (Responsible)

Natnael Balla (Ready to Shine)

6th Grade:

Annika Jha (Responsible)

Sajed Taher (Responsible)


2. Coates Family Blue Star Breakfast

blue star breakfast

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! 🌟


3. Student Holiday- Yom Kippur

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Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.


4. National Hispanic Heritage Month

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From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.


5. Coates Fall Festival Info

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Mark your calendars for our annual Coates Elementary School Fall Festival! Join us for an afternoon full of games, delicious food, exciting prizes, and autumn fun for the whole family.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Location: Coates Elementary School (behind the school)

Keep an eye out for details on presale ticket pricing coming soon in upcoming newsletters!


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Help make the Coates Fall Festival Cake Walk a success!

Please consider donating a non-refrigerated baked good for our Cake Walk on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Donations may be dropped off in the Coates main office on Thursday, October 22, or Friday, October 23.

Use this link to sign up to donate.

Please include a list of ingredients with your donation to help families identify potential allergens. Thank you for supporting our school community!


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Fall Festival Family Booth Sign-up

Be part of Coates Elementary’s Fall Festival by hosting a family booth! Families may lead an activity with prizes or share a special talent, such as face painting, hair braiding, jewelry making, crafts, games, or another fun experience.

Please complete this sign-up form with your information. A member of our team will contact you with additional details. The Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and booth hosts should be prepared to set up and participate during that time.

Coates will provide one long table and folding chairs. Families are responsible for all other supplies and materials. Questions? Please contact Mrs. Gray at JLGray@fcps.edu.


6. Family Literacy Program

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Families are invited to participate in the FREE Family Literacy Program at Herndon High School! Improve your English and learn how the school system works to support your children’s education. School-aged children are welcome to attend.

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m., beginning Wednesday, September 23, at Herndon High School, 700 Bennett Street. Scan the QR code for more information.


7. From FCPS

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

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.


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional 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.


8. Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

FCPS Cares

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.


9. 🗓️Mark Your Calendar🗓️

sept

21st- Holiday (Yom Kippur)

25th- Blue Star Breakfast for Military Connected Families- 9:15-10:15 am

october

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)- 10-2 pm

30th- End of First Quarter- Dismissal at 2 pm

31st- Halloween

november

2nd- Student Holiday (School Planning Day)

3rd- Student Holiday (Teacher Workday) & Election Day

8th- Diwali

11th- Veteran's Day & Coates' Veteran's Day Celebration

17th- FLE Parent Preview- 5:30-6 pm

17th- Family Math and Science Night- 6-7:30 pm

18th- PTA Meeting- 6-6:30 pm

19th- Thanksgiving Parent/Student Lunch & Fall Picture Retake Day

25th-27th- No School (Thanksgiving Break)

*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.