 Hello, Haycock families!
Welcome to our November newsletter! As we settle into the cozy rhythm of late autumn, with the air growing crisp and the holidays approaching, it's the perfect time to slow down, connect, and enjoy some warmth together. This month, we've gathered some helpful resources and activities designed to help your children have fun while continuing to build those essential skills!
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns at nbhatia1@fcps.edu or 571-460-4334.
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November is dedicated to National Family Engagement Month, a time to celebrate and reinforce the crucial partnership between families and schools in a child's education.
This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
It emphasizes the irreplaceable role parents, guardians, and family members play in shaping a child’s development and academic success. Research consistently shows that when families are actively involved in a child's learning, students exhibit higher academic achievement, better social skills, improved attendance, and more positive attitudes toward school.
Explore the November Family Engagement Month Calendar with your family. Choose a few activities to try together!
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FCPS Family Academy & Family Resource Center
FCPS offers a wide array of free services through the Family Academy and the Family Resource Center (FRC) to empower parents, enhance learning at home, and support every child's academic, social, and emotional growth:
1. FCPS Family Academy Resources
🎒 FCPS Family Academy Catalog: Browse and register for live webinars, interactive workshops, and in-person learning sessions.
📖 Support Students at Home: Access self-paced guides and practical tips for reading, math, routines, and digital safety.
🤝 Community Support Beyond the Classroom: Connect with local Fairfax County services for food assistance, healthcare, housing, and mental health support.
2. FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) Resources
🗣️ Free Consultations & Liaisons: Schedule confidential 1-on-1 guidance for navigating school systems, special education, or 504 plans.
📚 Family Resource Center Library: Borrow books, DVDs, and educational materials focused on parenting, child development, ADHD, and executive functioning.
✏️ Tutoring Options in FCPS: The FRC Tutor List contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia and want to tutor after their contracted school day. The 2026-2027 School Year Tutor list is updated monthly. Please fill out this form to obtain the most current list of available tutors form.
Contact for more information: 703-204-3941; Website: https://www.fcps.edu/frc
Check out the Family Resource Center Digital Resources!
YouTube "Back to School Videos” offers a playlist of previously shared "Back to School" resources. Playlist Includes important resources like: Schoology, Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child, What parents need to know about 504 plans and many more!
Volunteer Sign up at Haycock
Parents, caregivers, and community members- we need your help in the cafeteria! To volunteer at Haycock, please complete the FCPS online application and brief training video. Visit the Haycock website for full registration details. We look forward to partnering with you!
Haycock Elementary School is excited to support the Get2Green through our composting initiative! 🌱♻️ Our students have been doing an amazing job since we launched last month. A big round of applause to our Composting Captains for leading the way and making this program a success! Learn more about Get2Green.
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🧥Lost & Found Items Piling Up!
Our Lost and Found section is growing fast! Please remind your students to look for missing coats, lunch packs, and water bottles. Parents are also welcome to drop by and check for missing belongings whenever they are in the building.
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FCPS Programs and Workshops
Expanding Your Knowledge of Available Community Resources
Friday, November 6, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
Join us to learn about resources that can help families navigate education, advocacy, disability services, and more. Representatives from the FCPS Family Resource Center, FCPS Office of the Ombuds, NOVA IDD, and PEATC will share information about their services and supports for individuals and families in our community. Register here
A Better School Year Starts Now: Preventing Missing Work, Poor Grades, and Homework Stress
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 10- 11:30 AM
If homework has become a nightly battle or you are bracing for another disappointing report card, you are not alone, and neither you nor your child is failing. These struggles are often signs that your child needs different strategies, not more pressure. A few thoughtful changes now can shift the dynamic at home and help the rest of the school year feel more manageable.
What You Will Learn
- Study strategies that help students learn more effectively and take greater ownership of their work
- Conversation starters that reduce defensiveness, build trust, and make discussions about school more productive
- What may be behind poor grades and how to respond before frustration grows
Register here
Connecting You to Support: An Introduction to CSB and Developmental Disability Services
Friday, November 13, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
Learn about the Community Services Board (CSB) and Developmental Disability Services. Representatives from the Developmental Disability Services department will explain the following:
- How to access services
- What to expect during the application process and while on the waitlist
- What services are available
- What to expect from targeted case management support
Register here
Restorative Justice in Fairfax County Public Schools. Build understanding. Repair harm. Strengthen relationships
Friday, November 20, 2026 10 - 11:30 AM
How can restorative practices help when conflict happens at school? Join us for an engaging webinar to learn about restorative justice practices in FCPS and how they may support students and families. We will explore:
- What restorative justice looks like in FCPS
- Potential benefits in discipline and conflict situations
- Ways restorative approaches can support students and families
Register here
Resources for Military families
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Haycock Elementary School proudly celebrates Veterans Day on November 11, honoring the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, including members of the FCPS family, and recognize the strength and dedication of the families who stand beside them.
Through school assemblies, news broadcasts, and classroom learning activities, our students will explore the significance of Veterans Day and develop a deeper appreciation for the service, sacrifice, and lasting contributions of our veterans. We are grateful for all who have served our nation and helped protect the freedoms we cherish.
Explore the military-connected families padlet (digital bulletin board) with FCPS resources, relocation information, resources from local military installations and much more.
Join The Sheila and George Casey National Capital Region Chapter of Blue Star Families to connect with your neighbors and fellow military families and help build a vibrant community of mutual support.
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♥Follow FCPS Military Families on Social Media
Stay up-to-date on all of our latest events, workshops, and resources to support our FCPS military families by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on FCPS military resources, please email militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Community events and activities
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Invasive Plant Removal (Haycock Longfellow Park) Fall 2026
Sunday, November 8th, 2-4pm.
(Rain date Sunday, November 15th)
Do your part to mitigate climate change: Save trees!
Trees do an excellent job storing carbon and cooling the earth. Join in a community effort to save trees from invasive vines in the Haycock Longfellow Park. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044FA8AE2BA57-66560614-copy
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Veterans Day Ceremony
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 11 a.m.
City of Falls Church Veterans Memorial
223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22046
Join the City of Falls Church for its annual Veterans Day Ceremony honoring everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans, military families, community members, and visitors are invited to gather at the Veterans Memorial outside the Community Center for this meaningful tradition.
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MAMTS: Team Battle 2026
Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Watson Mountain Middle School
41480 Steeplechase Lp Dr, Leesburg, VA 20175
A team-based, puzzle / gameshow style math tournament featuring a variety of fun and engaging challenges! Put your mathematical literacy skills to test through pattern recognition, number sense, deductive reasoning, and problem solving.
This is a new and unique type of math tournament - an exciting experience for all math enthusiasts and number lovers!
Contacts
Tournament Info: www.mamts.org/tournaments/team-battle
Registration: www.mamts.org/register
Inquiries / Assistance: info@mamts.org
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Engaged, Competent & Fulfilled: Raising Empowered Kids in a Culture of Anxiety
Mon, Nov 16, 2026| 7-8:30 p.m.
Alden Theater (MCC)
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CHAT SERIES
Join the Safe Community Coalition for an evening with best-selling author and educator Jessica Lahey.
Through engaging stories and research-backed insights, Lahey will share practical strategies to foster independence, resilience, and stronger family connections while reducing young people's risk for anxiety, substance use, gambling, and other high-risk behaviors. Registration and tickets.
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McLean Community Center Events
McLean Community Center (MCC) provides family fun, events and educational programs for residents of McLean, Virginia. The Center hosts fun games for kids, family activities, online courses and performing arts.
More information here.
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Dolly Madison Library Events
A unique, trusted and essential resource to inform, engage and inspire our community. Dolly Madison library actively builds community, furthers literacy, and promotes freedom of access and expression through programming, shared spaces, technology, and collections of educational and recreational resources. More information here
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OFC Activities
The Old Firehouse Center (OFC) has an exciting lineup of activities for November, offering opportunities for families and teens to connect, learn, and have fun. From school-break outings and open game nights to family bingo and seasonal cooking and holiday craft activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the OFC events calendar for details, registration, and upcoming activities!
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