 Welcome back, Haycock families!
I am so excited for the fall season to finally be here! Autumn is such a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors and build community-whether that means starting a neighborhood walking group or enjoying cozy backyard grilling with friends and neighbors.
This newsletter is designed to keep you updated on important events, share helpful resources, and celebrate the incredible spirit of our community. I am truly looking forward to partnering with each of you to build a thriving, connected community where every student can shine.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns at nbhatia1@fcps.edu/ 571-460-4334
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Blue Star Welcome Week
September 26 through October 4, 2026
Our community and FCPS are proud to participate in Blue Star Welcome Week, a special event dedicated to welcoming military-connected families to the area. From September 26 through October 4, 2026, various events and activities will be held throughout FCPS schools and the region to show support and appreciation for military-connected families.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an annual event hosted by Blue Star Families, a non-profit organization that empowers military-connected families and strives to help them integrate into civilian communities. This week-long celebration offers newcomers the opportunity to connect with local resources, meet other military-connected families, and engage with the community. Please visit the National Capital Region Chapter to learn more about the events Blue Star Families and their partners will be hosting.
FCPS wishes a warm welcome to our military-connected families! We are honored to have you as part of our community, and we thank you for your service.
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Lets show our vibrant community spirit and give all of our new families a warm welcome, we invite everyone to join us in wearing Red, White, and Blue on Friday, October 2nd!
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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.
 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:
🎒 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.
✏️ Online Tutoring Services: Learn how your child can access free, 24/7 on-demand homework help via Tutor.com on Schoology.
🤝 Community Support Beyond the Classroom: Connect with local Fairfax County services for food assistance, healthcare, housing, and mental health support.
🗣️ 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.
Family Resource Center Digital Resources
YouTube "Back to School Videos” offers a playlist of previously shared "Back to School" resources. Playlist Includes: Ann Dolin Back to School Toolkit Setting the Stage for School , Schoology, Help My Kid Won't Go to School How to Keep Distracted Kids in “Study Mode” , Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges, & Implement Effective Strategies
Lend a Hand, Make a Day! Volunteer at Haycock 📚🍎
It takes a village, and our amazing volunteers help make Haycock the best place to learn and grow!
We are actively looking for friendly faces to jump in as:
Getting involved is super easy. Simply complete the FCPS volunteer registration process- which includes a quick online application, a brief training video, and a standard background check- and you're good to go!
If you are interested in volunteering at Haycock Elementary, please visit the Haycock website for volunteer information and registration details. We look forward to partnering with you to make a positive difference for our students!
FCPS Programs and Workshops
Navigating Section 504 – Essential Knowledge for Families
Friday, October 2, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM
This webinar will guide participants through the essentials of Section 504:
Register here
How to Get Kids to Open Up to You, Now and for Years to Come
Friday, October 9, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM
We want to know what's going on in our children's lives - about school, their friends, their successes, and their struggles. But what should you do when your kids won't tell you what's going on in their lives? What if you ask questions and all they do is shrug and mumble "It was fine" or "I don't know"? In this workshop, you'll learn specific strategies for getting your children to open and come to you when they need support.
Register here
The Nuts and Bolts of the
Special Education Process
Friday, October 16, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM
This webinar will guide participants through the special education identification process, including:
Register here
“Introduction to Dyslexia – what is it and what does it mean for my student?”
Friday, October 23, 2026
10- 11:30 AM
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of dyslexia and how it can impact a student’s learning. The session will explore the different types of dyslexia, common challenges students may experience, and the supports that can help them succeed. Participants will also leave with practical strategies, activities, and tips they can use at home to support their student’s learning and build confidence. Register here
Transition Planning: Decision-Making Alternatives for Families of
Individuals with Disabilities
Friday, October 30, 2026
10 - 11:30 AM
As young adults with disabilities and their families prepare for life after high school, families may have questions about how to support decision-making while respecting their loved one’s rights and independence. This webinar will provide an overview of guardianship and conservatorship, powers of attorney (POA), and advance medical directives (AMD), including their purposes, differences, and potential impact. Participants will learn about these decision-making alternatives and considerations for choosing the option that best meets their loved one's needs. This presentation is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Register here
Community events and activities
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McLean Munchkin Preschool Accepting Enrollment for SY 26-27
McLean Munchkin Preschool is now accepting applications for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds who are ready for a positive start to their educational journey. We are dedicated to supporting each child’s early educational needs through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences in a nurturing environment. Our affordable program meets every other day for two hours, offering children the skills, confidence, and foundation they need to begin school successfully. Tuition is $350.00 for the entire school year. The program runs October through Mid-May. Visit our website for more information and how to apply.
Contact Linda Gore at McLean High School 703-714-5834 for more information.
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McLean Youth Basketball
Online Registration for the upcoming 2026-27 McLean Youth Basketball Winter Season is open! Fun, teamwork, and basketball for all levels (1st to 12th grade, girls & boys)
Sign up at McLeanBasketball.com
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Performances at the Alden Theatre
Enjoy a night at McLean’s premier performing arts venue. The Robert Ames Alden Theatre is a performing arts venue that presents national and international touring acts in music, comedy, dance, film and more.
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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FROM EYE-ROLLS TO HEART-TO-HEARTS: CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILD & TEEN THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
MONTHLY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CHAT SERIES
In Partnership with the Safe Community Coalition
Join in for these free information sessions that are designed specifically for parents and caregivers to gain professional insights, share experiences, and build a toolkit for supporting your family’s well-being.
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OFC Ignite-
McLean 5K Relax and Recover
Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Old Firehouse Center
Bring the whole family to OFC Ignite, the newly reimagined monthly family play experience at OFC! Drop in to enjoy ping pong, board games, arcade games, refreshments, the Sensory Room, food, and more. Each Saturday, Ignite features a special theme. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Recharge after the McLean 5K with relaxing activities, refreshments and wellness-focused fun for the whole family!
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Farm Day at Cherry Hill
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Free admission | Some activities require tickets
Step into Falls Church’s farming past at Farm Day, a fall outing filled with animals, music, hands-on activities, and history. Set around the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn, this annual celebration invites families and visitors to explore what life on a farm was like while enjoying an afternoon outdoors in The Little City.
https://visitfallschurch.com/events/ for more events
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Haunted Trip
Friday, Oct. 16, 4–10:30 p.m.
Old Firehouse Center
Exclusively for 5th–8th graders, these high-energy Friday nights are packed with entertainment, creativity, and opportunities to connect with friends and meet new people.Registration is required!
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OFC’s Festival of Frights & Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center
Free Admission
Calling all families of ghouls and goblins! Come join the Old Firehouse, in your best Halloween costumes, for a night of live music, games, food, contests and tons of candy! Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
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