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Dear Great Falls ES Families,
What a wonderful few weeks we've had at Great Falls Elementary! As Mr. McCartney and I walked through the halls, we saw students engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Across the school, students participated in phonics sound hunts, used anchor charts to support reading and writing, and engaged in purposeful small-group learning. In math, students explained their thinking and justified solutions to multi-step equations. Students throughout the school are setting goals for their future in STEAM class, reflecting on their strengths, and identifying ways to grow as creative problem-solvers and collaborators.
Our kindergarten students worked together in art to create the beautiful mural you see below, celebrating their community. This collaborative project encouraged creativity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging while showing students how each individual contribution strengthens the larger community. In math, our kindergarten students are learning about shapes, so Ms. Malik also reinforced polygons while building the community!
Regular attendance is essential to access all of these amazing learning opportunities. Every student matters and deserves to be present and engaged each day. If your child is having difficulty attending school, please reach out to a trusted adult at school. We are here to support you. Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Thank you for all you do to help support getting your child to school on time, every day,
Sara Harper
Principal
📅Important Dates
September 26: PTA Fall Festival
September 27: PTA Fall Festival - Rain Date
September 24: PTA Spirit Night: Chick-fil-A (North Point)
September 30: Early Release Wednesday #1
October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
October 7: First SCA Meeting of the school year
October 12: School Planning Day - No School for Students
October 15: Fall Picture Day
October 30: End of Quarter Early Release
November 2: No School - School Planning Day
November 3: No School - Teacher Work Day
🏫Meet Our New Staff
We are excited to introduce you to several more new staff members this year!
Mrs. Deborah Herring:
Hi, my name is Mrs. Herring, and I am one of the new fourth-grade teachers at Great Falls Elementary! I have spent many years teaching at the elementary level before expanding my experience to both middle and high school. I am excited to bring my knowledge and perspective to my fourth-grade students.
I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I speak both Portuguese and Spanish. I am married and have two daughters and a son-in-law. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, especially when we can enjoy a good board game or a friendly game of ping-pong together! Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, running, and traveling. I am looking forward to getting to know my students, building meaningful relationships, and becoming part of the wonderful Great Falls Elementary community!
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Mrs. Annie Shah
Hello! I am Ms. Shah, the new Learning Disabilities teacher. This is my first year at GFES and my fifth with FCPS. I’m so excited to be joining this amazing Great Falls community! I’m looking forward to getting to know my students, building relationships with families and staff, and making this a great year of learning and growth. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
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📸 Fall Picture Day is Coming!
Fall Picture Day is coming up soon! Students will have their individual photos taken on Thursday, October 15th.
Order your Fall Pictures now! Visit www.strawbridge.net and enter the code PX518969 to purchase your photo package today.
🎻Early Release Wednesday - Band and Strings
Our first Early Release Wednesday will be this coming Wednesday, September 30. To protect instructional time, students will NOT participate in band, strings, or chorus while at school. Please leave instruments at home.
❤️Join the Student Council Association!
Does your student want to make an impact in our school community and build leadership skills this year?
Then they should sign up for the Student Council Association! SCA is an after-school club for students in grades 3-6 where they can help plan and promote fun school activities, like spirit weeks, and support school community service projects throughout the year. We will meet one Wednesday a month from 3:30 to 4:30. Here is the link to sign up: Sign-up link!
Our first meeting is scheduled for October 7th; we hope to see your student there!
Ms. Levetown and Ms. Day 😊
🩺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 which symptoms are OK at school (like sneezing or sniffles) and when your child should stay home (for example, if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting).
If your child has a chronic illness, notify our school so we can provide assistance if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us 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.
📚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 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 Amy Keefer at amkeefer@fcps.edu.
👩🏻💻Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
👩👧👦Visitor Reminder
We are always happy to welcome families and visitors to our school! As a reminder, please help us protect the privacy, safety, and well-being of all students by refraining from photographing or recording children other than your own. We also ask that visitors not share food, snacks, or treats with students due to allergies and dietary restrictions.
🗣️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:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
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