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Reminder - Lifetouch Picture Day is this Friday, October 2nd!
 You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTP8FDQP. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
 The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
Join Us for Key Center PTA’s First General Meeting of the School Year!
 Families and students are welcome at our first PTA general membership meeting on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided.
We’ll review anticipated PTA activities for the 2026–2027 school year, vote to fill the vacant Vice President position—Katie Harper has been nominated—and hear a presentation about a program supporting adaptive skiing and ice skating for individuals with disabilities.
Please let us know if you plan to attend- register for the PTA meeting here. Questions? Contact Emily Bell at emilyherzogbell@gmail.com.
National Custodian Appreciation Day - Oct 2
 Join us in celebrating our amazing custodial staff on National Custodian Appreciation Day, Friday, October 2!
Every day, our custodians work behind the scenes to make our school a clean, safe, welcoming, and comfortable place to learn and work. From preparing classrooms and caring for shared spaces to tackling the many tasks that keep our school running smoothly, their dedication makes a difference for every student, staff member, and visitor.
Please take a moment to thank our custodial team and let them know how much their hard work is appreciated. We’re grateful for all they do—not just on October 2, but throughout the year!
The Key Coffee Cart Is on the Move!
The Key Coffee Cart is a student-run in-school business led by our 17–22 Transition classes. Each Monday, students deliver order forms so staff can choose coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for any day—or days—of the week.
Each morning, students get support as they prepare the drinks and gather accompaniments like cream and sugar. Then they deliver each order right to the person who placed it. From taking orders and preparing beverages to making deliveries, students get to practice a variety of valuable life skills in a real-world setting.
The Key Coffee Cart brings a little morning cheer to our staff while helping students build confidence, independence, and workplace skills. It’s a win-win: meaningful learning for our students and a welcome caffeine boost for our team!
  
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, 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.
Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 - Blue Star Welcome Week
 Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices.
Key Center’s Spirit Days (optional participation) will be as follows:
Monday, September 28th - Proud to be an American Day - Wear Red/White/Blue
Tuesday, September 29th - Crazy Camo Day - Wear Camouflage clothing
Wednesday, September 30th - Our Troops Allow America to Shine Bright Day- Wear stars or shiny sparkles
Thursday, October 1st - Military Parents are Superheroes Day- Wear your favorite Superhero look
Friday, October 2nd - Dress Uniform Day- It’s School Picture Day! Wear your best gear and bring your smile!
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual training takes place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
Virtual Meeting: Supported Decision Making & Special Needs Estate Planning For Students and Individuals with Disabilities
 Presented by: Nicholas R. Thompson, Esq. (Pender & Coward) In this session, he will cover:
● A recap of supported decision-making
● Special needs estate planning (wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, trusts, special needs trusts) Nicholas Thompson has supported other families through this process and will be available to answer questions during the session.
Event Details
Date: October 1st, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom (Will be shared via email)
• The presentation is in English with a Spanish breakout session.
• The session will be recorded and shared.Please note: The presenter is not affiliated with Fairfax County Public Schools. Families are welcome to connect with him directly after the session to learn more or explore next steps.
Hosted by:
Rasha Abulohom, Employment and Transition Representative (ETR)Robinson Secondary and West Springfield HSCareer & Transition Servicesrmabulohom@fcps.edu
FCPS Resources: Career & Transition Website Transition Tool Kit for Families
Special Education Webinar Series
 PEATC’s 2026 virtual webinar series will help families better understand the special education process, including eligibility, IEPs, 504 Plans, and family-school collaboration. Families may attend only the sessions that best meet their needs.
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Dates and Topics: October 7, Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings; October 21, Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs
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Time: 6:30 p.m. Each session lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Location: Virtual
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Registration: Register for the webinar series
Resources
 Inova Free or Low-Cost Healthcare for Kids
Inova offers health care services and support for children and families, including help applying for or renewing Medicaid and FAMIS, primary care for children with Medicaid or no insurance, free virtual cooking classes, and care coordination for children with special health care needs.
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Eligibility: Services and eligibility vary by program.
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Contact: Partnership for Healthier Communities, PHC@inova.org, 703-698-2550
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Contact: Inova Cares for Children, 703-531-3100
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Contact: Care Connection for Children, CareConnectionforChildrenNOVA@inova.org, 703-698-2450
Key Center PTA
 Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join! You can also support Key Center by volunteering with our PTA or making a donation through our Educate Fairfax site.
Key Center PTA Membership
Educate Fairfax link to donate to Key Center
Upcoming Dates
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October 2
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Picture Day
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October 12
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School Planning Day - Student Holiday
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November 2
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School Planning Day - Student Holiday
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November 3
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Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
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November 25-27
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Thanksgiving Break
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December 21- January 1
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Winter Break
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