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THREE HOUR EARLY RELEASE TOMORROW

Dear Fairhill Families:

Tomorrow is our first three-hour early release of the school year. Families should have received an email and text today with their child’s dismissal plan. Please review the information and contact us if you have questions.

Save the Date: Parent Coffee Join us Tuesday, October 6, at 8:00 a.m. for our first Parent Coffee. We’ll talk about school health and answer questions such as what can be treated in the clinic, when we call home, when a student needs to be picked up, and what health information we share with classes. Bring any other questions you have about school health—we’d love to hear them!

All our best, 

Ted and Maura

September September 30th - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours)  Dismissal 1:05 pm October October 6th - Parent Coffee 8:00 am October 7th - Mosaic PTA Spirit Night (Chipotle & Barnes and Noble) October 8th - AAP Parent Overview 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm October 12th - School Planning Day (No School) October 16th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Zoo October 22nd - Kindergarten Field Trip to Cox Farms October 28th - Fall Picture Makeup Day October 29th - AAP Parent Coffee:  Screening for full-time AAP  Parents/Guardians of grades 2-6 only.  8:30 am - 9:30 am. October 30th - Fall Festival November November 2nd - Teacher Workday (Student Holiday) November 3rd - School Planning Day (Student Holiday) November 5th - 1st Grade Field Trip to Frying Pan Park November 10th - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm November 11th - Veteran's Breakfast November 14th - Pumpkin Pie Run November 18th  - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours)  Dismissal 1:05 pm November 24th - Thanksgiving Luncheon November 25th - November 27th Thanksgiving Holiday (No School) December December 7th - 11th - Book Fair December 10th - 5th Grade Field Trip to Luray Caverns December 16th - Winter Concert December 21st - January 1st - Winter Break

Important Reminder: Supporting Safe Student Dismissal

There are three ways students may get home from Fairhill, and every family plays an important role in keeping dismissal safe and orderly. Please review the expectations below and make sure your child is following the correct dismissal procedure.

Walkers: Walkers are dismissed from Door 1. This designation is for students who walk from the school building to their homes. Students being picked up by car—including students being picked up on Chichester or in the parking lot—are not walkers and must use Kiss and Ride.

Bus Riders: Bus transportation is the preferred FCPS transportation option. Bus riders are dismissed from Doors 1 and 2 and walk directly to their assigned buses.

Kiss and Ride: Kiss and Ride is for families picking up students by car and is available only through the designated Kiss and Ride lane. These students are dismissed from Door 8. Each day, five to ten staff members are outside to support dismissal and protect student safety. For this reason, please remain in your vehicle and ensure that your child can enter or exit from the passenger side. Students should never enter or exit on the driver’s side or from a vehicle stopped outside the Kiss and Ride lane.

Thank you for following these procedures and helping us keep every Fairhill student safe.

Please remember that all early dismissals must be completed by 3:30 p.m.; after that time, we will ask that your child be dismissed through Kiss and Ride or as a walker at 4:00 p.m.

Picture retakes are on 10/28. Use code PX518851 at Strawbridge.net to order online.

Upcoming AAP Parent Information Sessions

Overview of AAP Programs & Continuum of Services: Thursday, October 8^th at 5:30-6:30 pm

Please join us for a Parent Information Session on Thursday, October 8^th @ 5:30-6:30 in the Fairhill library for an Overview of FCPS Advanced Academic Programs and AAP services provided here at Fairhill. All parents are welcome to join to learn more about AAP programs and continuum of services.

For parents of students in grades 2-6, please join us for a Parent Coffee on Thursday, October 29^th @ 8:30-9:30 in the Fairhill library to share information about the Screening and Identification processes for Full-Time AAP services for students in grades 2-6. We hope to see you then!

Please reach out to the Fairhill AAP team (fairhillaap@fcps.edu) with any questions.

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

• Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
• Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
• Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
• Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

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.

Unexcused Absences and Late Arrivals

• Absences and late arrivals are unexcused in situations of family trips, childcare conflicts, oversleeping, non-school related activities, traffic, missed buses, etc.

Fairhill Specific School Calendar

English

español

Spanish:

La importancia de crear buenos hábitos de asistencia

Septiembre es el Mes de Concientización sobre la Asistencia Escolar. Las familias pueden ayudar a sus estudiantes a crear rutinas saludables y el hábito de llegar puntualmente a las escuela todos los días de diferentes maneras:

• Establecer una hora regular para dormir y una rutina para las mañanas. (¿Necesita ayuda? Descargue esta guía disponible en inglés y en español.)
• Deje preparada la ropa y las mochilas desde la noche anterior.
• Tenga conversaciones con maestros, consejeros escolares u otras familias para encontrar maneras de ayudar a su estudiante a sentirse más cómodo y entusiasmado por aprender en caso de que presente ansiedad por asistir a la escuela.
• Tenga un plan alternativo para llegar a la escuela si surge algún imprevisto. Puede pedir ayuda a un familiar, vecino o alguien de su confianza.
• Siempre que sea posible, evite programar citas médicas o viajes prolongados durante los días de clases.

Si usted o su familia necesitan algún tipo de apoyo, comuníquese con nuestra oficina principal. ¡Estamos aquí para ustedes! Visite la página web de asistencia de FCPS para encontrar consejos y estrategias que ayuden a fomentar el hábito de asistencia.

News from PTA

Join us for Fairhill Spirit Night on Wed, Oct 7 We're thrilled to announce our upcoming spirit night in partnership with Chipotle and Barnes & Noble in Mosaic! Join us on Wednesday, October 7th from 5 pm to 8 pm for an evening of delicious food, great books, and community spirit. A portion of all sales during this event will directly benefit our school's programs. Enjoy a family meal at Chipotle then browse for your next favorite read at Barnes & Noble. It's a perfect opportunity to support community businesses while helping our school. Follow the directions below to ensure proceeds will be earmarked for Fairhill Elementary:  +Chipotle: Use code YEYXEXL when ordering online, takeout, or at the restaurant, valid 5 - 9 pm +Barnes & Noble: Make a purchase in store using the on October 7, 4 -8 pm and use the code 12981445 at checkout. Let's make this a night to remember – your participation helps fund field trips, playground equipment, teacher appreciation lunches, and more!

Please mark your calendars for Fairhill's Fall Festival on October 30th from 5:30 - 7:30pm! The Fall Festival is a favorite Fairhill community event and fundraiser for the PTA. There will be games, music, and lots of fun for the whole family. Please see the attached flyer and FAQs for more info. and we hope to see you there! If you'd like to help, we're looking for volunteers to help on site (sign up here) or you can make a donation to the PTA (donate here). We also welcome donations of single-serve chips and drinks, which can be dropped off at the school office anytime.  Spanish

New Fairhill spirit wear is here! Show your Tiger pride with the latest gear. Check out the collection and place your order by September 30! 🐯 Link: https://www.fairhillpta.org/spirit

Room Parents at Fairhill What is a room parent? A room parent facilitates communication between families in their child’s class, the PTA, and their child’s teacher. The PTA is looking for room parents from each class at Fairhill.  What are the responsibilities of a room parent? Email families in your class periodically with key announcements and information. The Room Parent Coordinator will let you know when to send these emails and provide suggested language, which you can personalize. Support Teacher Appreciation Week. Each spring, the PTA plans a school-wide celebration for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Room parents are encouraged to supplement the PTA’s efforts by providing families in the class a nonmonetary opportunity to recognize your teacher.  Room parents may also assist in other ways, depending on their availability and teachers’ needs. For example, some room parents have chosen to:  Coordinate grade-level playdates in collaboration with other room parents (typically just a weekend meetup at the Fairhill playground). Assist teachers with administrative tasks, such as creating a Sign-Up Genius when the teacher needs particular supplies or stuffing Tuesday folders.  Check with the teacher quarterly to see if they need supply donations from the PTA or classroom families.  I don’t have a flexible schedule and I can’t volunteer during the school day. Can I be a room parent? Yes! You can do all of the tasks required of a room parent on your own time. Room parents do not need to be available during the school day.  Volunteer or ask questions here (or email sharonkim18@gmail.com)

Calling for Volunteers:  Help to Make a Big Difference in our community The Fairhill PTA again will continue to support Fairhill families and our broader local community by collecting unused food purchased from the cafeteria (e.g., milk, string cheese) and/or unopened store-bought food (e.g., crackers). Our kids' role -> Kids are asked to leave food they may otherwise toss in the garbage and instead put it off in the Food for Others fridge in the cafeteria. Our volunteers' role -> Once a week (Mondays or Tuesdays), we are asking for a volunteer to collect the food and drop it off at Food For Others (1 mile away).  Our collective Impact -> In addition to minimizing food waste, we are helping 75,000 Fairfax County (and Fairhill families) who are food insecure.  On a weekly basis last year, we collected hundreds of milk cartons, string cheese packets, crackers, yogurts and more. Sign up here to volunteer!  Questions????  Call/text//email Anika Marpaka (anikaamin@yahoo.com or 703 855 0500)

Help Us Erase Student Lunch Debt

Please consider donating to eliminate school lunch debt through our Educate Fairfax platform. All donations are tax deductible; you will receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes.

News, Updates & Resources

from FCPS

Junior Jags Clinic – October 2, 2026 Falls Church cheerleaders are hosting an inclusive Junior Jags Cheer Clinic for children ages 5–14. Participants will learn cheers, motions, and a dance, and everyone is invited to come learn and cheer alongside the Falls Church cheerleaders! 📅 Friday, October 2, 2026 ⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM 📍 Falls Church, VA 🍎 Snacks will be provided. 👕 The $60 registration fee includes a T-shirt. Participants will also have the opportunity to perform at the Falls Church football home game vs. Edison on Friday, October 16. The flyer features a pink background with green and navy lettering, along with illustrations of a cheerleader and a leopard. 📧 Questions? Contact: rarivera1@fcps.edu Everyone is invited! 💗💚

Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS. 

For more information, please contact Kirsten Bittner, Special Education Department Chair or Erica Campbell, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher at 703-208-8100.

Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive

What does belonging look like in our school? At Fairhill, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS. 

Spanish: Escuelas crean comunidad para que cada estudiante pueda prosperar

¿Cómo se vive el sentido de comunidad en nuestra escuela? En Fairhill, estamos creando espacios inclusivos y de apoyo donde cada estudiante se sienta reconocido, valorado y conectado -- este es el segundo objetivo del Plan Estratégico. Desde programas de mentores hasta la colaboración entre estudiantes de diferentes grados, cuando los estudiantes se sienten seguros y apoyados pueden realmente prosperar académica, social y emocionalmente.

Conozca cómo FCPS está poniendo en práctica la Meta 2.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

• Spanish:

Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS. 

• Lunes 19 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Spring Hill
• Lunes 26 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Beech Tree
• Jueves 29 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria North Springfield
• Viernes 13 de noviembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en la Escuela Primaria Powell

No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación. 

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

• Spanish:Cómo reportar discriminación o acoso

FCPS está comprometido a brindar un entorno seguro, acogedor e inclusivo para personas de todas las razas, orígenes nacionales y etnias. Las personas que sean víctimas de acoso o discriminación deben reportar el incidente lo antes posible.

Review and Sign the SR&R by

September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.

Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 

• Spanish: Revise y firme el SR&R a más tardar el 30 de septiembre

El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes de FCPS (SR&R) explica las expectativas de comportamiento de los y las estudiantes y cómo deben responder los adultos para fortalecer la seguridad escolar y crear un entorno justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Este año, el SR&R incluye nuevas Matrices Universales por Grado, tablas de consulta rápida que facilitan a las familias conocer las expectativas de comportamiento y las respuestas de la escuela para los grados K-3, 4-8 y 9-12.

Familias: por favor, revisen el SR&R y conversen con sus estudiantes sobre las expectativas. Recuerden firmar el formulario de confirmación a más tardar el miércoles, 30 de septiembre. Pueden hacerlo iniciando sesión en SIS ParentVUE o firmando y entregando el documento firmado en la escuela de su estudiante.

Para obtener más información, vea un breve video sobre el SR&R o visite la página web del SR&R.

Teléfonos celulares y dispositivos personales Los estudiantes solo pueden usar un dispositivo personal si lo necesitan como parte de una adaptación incluida en su Programa Educativo Individualizado (IEP) o Plan de la Sección 504. El director o la persona designada por el director puede aprobar una excepción limitada para una clase especializada si el curso requiere una herramienta tecnológica o un programa que no está disponible en un dispositivo estándar proporcionado por FCPS. Obtenga más información sobre los requisitos para los dispositivos de los estudiantes. 

Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals. 

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost for their children. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. 

The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible children continue to receive meals at no cost.

Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

• Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
• Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
• Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking 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.

Spanish:La importancia de la vacuna contra la influenza

Al comenzar el año escolar, la salud y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes continúan siendo una de nuestras prioridades. Tener las vacunas de su estudiante al día le ayuda a:

• Reducir las ausencias escolares: Mantener a los estudiantes saludables significa más tiempo para aprender y compartir con sus compañeros.
• Proteger a nuestra comunidad: La vacunación también ayuda a proteger a familiares, vecinos y otras personas vulnerables durante la temporada de influenza.
• Promover el bienestar general: La vacunación anual contra la influenza es una parte muy importante del cuidado preventivo de la salud de los estudiantes.

Próximos eventos de vacunación contra la influenza

FCPS. en colaboración con Inspire Health Alliance, ofrecerá vacunas contra la influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS de 18 años o menos, sin costo para las familias. Se realizarán varios eventos en diferentes instalaciones de FCPS y se agregarán nuevas fechas a lo largo del año escolar. Los padres y tutores pueden consultar los próximos eventos y programar una cita para su estudiante.

La participación es voluntaria. 

News from Fairfax County Government

Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.

Fairfax County Government Programs & Services

Fairfax County Health Department – Public Health Center Services (Ongoing)

The Fairfax County Health Department continues to offer a wide range of public health services for children, adults, and families at locations throughout Fairfax County. Services include immunizations, maternal and child health care, HIV/STI testing and counseling, tuberculosis services, pregnancy testing, WIC nutrition support, vital records, and eye care assistance for eligible residents. Walk-ins and appointments are available at Annandale, Herndon-Reston, Mount Vernon, and Franconia-Springfield locations.

• Updated Public Health Center Services Flyer
• Contact for more information: 703-246-7100 | fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics 

Health Department Services & WIC Information (Ongoing)

The Fairfax County Health Department is providing ongoing community health services including environmental health, communicable disease support, refugee services, maternity services, school immunizations, TB testing and treatment, and WIC nutrition assistance. Multiple WIC offices and public health centers remain available across Fairfax County to support families and residents.

• Updated Fairfax County Health Department Flyer (English) (Spanish)
• Contact for more information: 703-246-2411 | WIC Information Line: 703-246-5599 

Inova Health System – Community Health Programs for Children (Ongoing Services Available Year-Round) Inova offers a variety of free or low-cost healthcare resources for children, including assistance with Medicaid/FAMIS applications, primary care services for children with Medicaid or no insurance, free virtual nutrition and cooking classes, and care coordination for children with special healthcare needs. Families can access preventive care, immunizations, school and sports physicals, nutrition counseling, and support services at no cost or reduced cost.

• Partnership for Healthier Communities (Medicaid/FAMIS Assistance): PHC@inova.org | 703-698-2550
• Inova Cares for Children: 703-531-3100
• Healthy Plate Club: HealthyPlateClub@inova.org | 571-328-2802 (text)
• Care Connection for Children: CareConnectionforChildrenNOVA@inova.org | 703-698-2450
• Inova Free or Low-Cost Healthcare for Kids flyer 

Important Fairhill Contact Information

Fairhill Phone Numbers:

Main Office 703-208-8100

• Health Room 703-208-8110

• Cafeteria 703-208-8121

Administration e-mail addresses:

• Principal, Ted Cooper: egcooper@fcps.edu

•  Assistant Principal, Maura Goff: mcgoff@fcps.edu

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3001 Chichester Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 | Main Office: 703-208-8100
Attendance: 703-208-8181 | Web | Twitter | Facebook