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SUCCESSFUL PARENT COFFEE

Dear Fairhill Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Parent Coffee today! It was wonderful to come together as a community. We’re grateful to Ms. Goldstein, our Public Health Nurse, for leading the session, and to Brightside Blend Coffee Bar for donating the delicious coffee.

Looking ahead, tomorrow is our PTA Dinner Night at Mosaic! More information is below. We hope to see you there!

All our best,

Ted & Maura

October 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 28th - 4th Grade Field Trip to GMU Center of the Arts 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 - Veterans Day Breakfast November 14th - Pumpkin Pie Run November 18th  - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours)  Dismissal 1:05 pm November 24th - Thanksgiving Luncheon November 25th - 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

Veterans Day Breakfast For veteran families, relatives, & their students at Fairhill. Enjoy breakfast & music by Fairhill students to honor veterans in our community. November 11th 8:40 am - 9:10 am.  Signup here  Submit this form to RSVP to bring a breakfast item to share! In honor of Veterans Day, we’d like to invite the Fairhill community to honor their veteran family members on our Wall of Heroes! To participate, please use YOUR STUDENT’S FCPS GMAIL LOG-IN (student#@fcpsschools.net) and complete this 3 question Google Form to submit a photo. IF YOU SUBMITTED LAST YEAR, we still have your veterans, and there is no need to resubmit. All submissions are due by Friday, October 30th. Thank you!

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

Hello Fairhill Families,

Fairhill PTA is excited to participate in the Square 1 Art fundraiser!  This year, we’re trying something a little different! We’re sending the artwork sheets home so students can create their own unique masterpieces at home, with the freedom to let their creativity shine. There’s no need to be an expert artist—encourage your child to have fun, think outside the box, and make the artwork their own! If your child needs a little inspiration, visit https://www.fairhillpta.org/ for ideas, or email the PTA at fairhilles@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see what our Fairhill artists create! Please complete the attached artwork sheet and return it to school by Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Thank you for supporting the Fairhill PTA and helping make this fundraiser a success!

Best,

Kate Cofer

Square 1 Art Fundraiser Coordinator

Fairhill Elementary

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. Kids 4 and up are $10 and adults are free! Tickets will be sold at the door and cash is preferred. 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

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

Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey

As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.  

• Spanish:

Encuesta para padres y tutores sobre rutas seguras a la escuela

Como parte de la Evaluación Anual de Seguridad Vial y Peatonal en las Escuelas de la Junta Escolar del Condado de Fairfax, la Oficina de Seguridad y Protección de FCPS y el programa “Safe Routes to School” (Rutas Seguras a la Escuela) invitan a padres y tutores a compartir sus experiencias al trasladarse hacia y desde la escuela.

La Encuesta sobre Seguridad Vial y Peatonal incluye preguntas sobre las rutas para caminar y andar en bicicleta, el tráfico cerca de las escuelas, las experiencias en las áreas de kiss and ride, la accesibilidad y otras inquietudes relacionadas con la seguridad.

Sus comentarios ayudarán a FCPS a identificar problemas comunes. Sus respuestas se mantendrán confidenciales y se compartirán con los administradores escolares y la Oficina de Seguridad y Protección. La encuesta toma aproximadamente cinco minutos y estará disponible hasta el jueves, 15 de octubre.

Asegúrese de indicar la escuela relacionada con sus comentarios e incluir los lugares específicos donde haya observado algún problema de seguridad. Si tiene estudiantes en diferentes escuelas de FCPS, complete una encuesta por separado para cada escuela.

Si tiene preguntas sobre la encuesta, comuníquese con SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.

Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr

FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place. 

Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff. 

Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day. 

A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings. 

• Spanish:Cambio en el calendario: Eid al-Fitr

FCPS marcará el comienzo de Eid al-Fitr con un día de conmemoración únicamente durante la noche del lunes, 8 de marzo. Habrá clases ese día, pero no se llevarán a cabo eventos ni actividades importantes patrocinadas por la escuela, como audiciones o pruebas para equipos.

El martes, 9 de marzo, será un día festivo para estudiantes y personal.

El miércoles, 10 de marzo, será un día de conmemoración. Habrá clases, pero no se realizarán ciertas actividades que no puedan recuperarse, como exámenes importantes, excursiones o eventos obligatorios.

Se ha publicado un nuevo calendario del año escolar que refleja este cambio. Tenga en cuenta que los días festivos y de conmemoración que aparecen en el calendario pueden cambiar según la observación prevista del calendario lunar.

FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers

FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.

Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

• Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
• Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.

Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.

• Spanish:

FCPS solicita la opinión de la Comunidad sobre los Centros AAP en las Escuelas Intermedias

FCPS está explorando un plan para ofrecer servicios del Programa Académico Avanzado (AAP) de Tiempo Completo en todas las escuelas intermedias. Según la propuesta, los estudiantes que reúnan los requisitos podrían asistir a la escuela intermedia de su vecindario y tomar clases avanzadas junto con otros estudiantes de AAP. La Junta Escolar ha aprobado un proceso de participación comunitaria en las escuelas intermedias Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key y Whitman, donde estos programas podrían comenzar durante el año escolar 2027-28. La propuesta continúa bajo consideración y se espera que la Junta Escolar tome una decisión en diciembre de 2026.

Cada reunión comunitaria ofrecerá opciones de participación presencial y virtual. Las próximas reuniones están programadas para:

• Escuela Intermedia Holmes: jueves, 15 de octubre, a las 6 p.m.
• Escuela Intermedia Whitman: jueves, 22 de octubre, a las 6 p.m.

Cada reunión contará con una opción presencial y otra virtual. Los estudiantes que actualmente cursan la escuela intermedia permanecerán en sus centros AAP asignados hasta completar este nivel escolar. Conozca más y encuentre los formularios de inscripción para las reuniones en la página de Centros AAP de las Escuelas Intermedias.

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       (Note date change)

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 (note date change)

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.

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