FALL FESTIVAL THIS FRIDAY

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FALL FESTIVAL THIS FRIDAY


Dear Fairhill Families,

It's been a wonderful fall week at Fairhill! Our kindergarten students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to Cox Farms, where they experienced some of the best that fall has to offer! It was a great opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and make special memories with their classmates.

Looking ahead, we're so excited for our annual Fairhill Fall Festival this Friday, October 30, from 5:30–7:30 PM! We look forward to an evening of fun, festivities, and time together as a school community. We hope to see you there!

As a reminder, Friday, October 30 is also a two-hour early release as we mark the end of our first quarter.  Students will dismiss at 2:05 PM.  Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything we can do to support you or your family.

All our best,

Ted & Maura


Collage 10/27

Save the Date

 

 

 

 

October

  • 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
  • October 30th - Quarter 1 Ends, Early Release (2 hr)
    • Dismissal 2:05 pm

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 4th -  Lexia Family Information Night 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  • November 10th - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm
  • November 11th - Veterans Day Breakfast
  • November 12th - 4th Grade Field Trip to Monticello
  • November 14th - Pumpkin Pie Run
  • November 18th  - Wednesday Early Release (3 hours) 
    • Dismissal 1:05 pm
  • November 20th - 2nd Grade Field Trip National Children's Museum
  • 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

Employee Awards

Outstanding Employee Award!

Please take a moment to nominate a Fairhill employee for an Outstanding Employee Award! This is a wonderful way to recognize the amazing staff members who make a difference in our school community every day.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and show appreciation for our Fairhill team!

                                                                 Nominate here


Halloween

Halloween Costumes at Fairhill

Many of our Fairhill families celebrate Halloween, we know many students will be excited to wear their costumes, and we want everyone to have a fun and safe day.

Please keep the following in mind when choosing costumes if you plan to wear them to school:

  • No masks or props (including toy weapons)
  • Costumes must be appropriate — nothing scary or gory, please!
  • Remember, we have students as young as two years old at Fairhill, so let’s keep it friendly and fun for all.

Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp?

This virtual session walks families through how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the district this school year to support students’ literacy growth and gives you a chance to ask questions. Every session covers the same content. Join the date and time that works best for your family. Join the Lexia Family Information Night Session 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

Lexia

Fairhill Veterans

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!


Pumpkin Pie Run

16th ANNUAL FAIRHILL PUMPKIN

PIE RUN

The Pumpkin Pie Run is back!

Mark your calendar for November 14th at 9 am. There will be a 3k run open to all 3rd - 6th graders, a 1k run open to all 1st - 6th graders, and a 600-yard fun run open to Kindergarteners only. Parents/guardians are welcome to run with their students. Don’t miss this GREAT Fairhill event! Click HERE to register.

If you have questions, please contact Mr. Jones mwjones1@fcps.edu.

See you on Saturday, November 14th!


Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.  

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child. 


Picture retakes are on 10/28.

Use code PX518851 at Strawbridge.net to order online.

Fall Pic Makeup

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


Fall Festival

Fairhill Fall Festival is THIS Friday, October 30 from 5:30–7:30 PM!

Join us for an evening of carnival games, a Fright Walk, fun house, magic show, music, and more! Please contact Jennifer Dietrich at jennifer.f.moses@gmail.com or Anne Bowles at anne.bowles@gmail.com with questions. 

Kids 5+ $10 | Adults & kids 4 and under: FREE

Pizza, drinks & cupcakes available for purchase

Bring a carved pumpkin for our contest with great prizes!

Family-friendly costumes welcome!

Cash preferred. Come support our PTA and enjoy a fun-filled fall evening with your Fairhill family!


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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)


Volunteers

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


Fairhill Families: Explore SafeWalkr!

FCPS Safe Routes to School is excited to invite Fairhill families to try SafeWalkr, a new interactive walking map tool developed by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students in collaboration with our team!

If you live within Fairhill designated walking boundary, explore information about sidewalks, road crossings, and crossing guard locations to help plan your walk to school.

Go to the SafeWalkr tool, select Fairhill, and explore a route with your child. Review current conditions and consider your child’s abilities and supervision needs before walking. The tool does not change walking boundaries or transportation eligibility. Help us improve SafeWalkr by sharing your feedback during the pilot. Thank you for supporting safe, active trips to school!

Spanish:

Familias de Fairhill: ¡Conozcan SafeWalkr!

El programa Safe Routes to School (Rutas Seguras hacia la Escuela) de FCPS invita a las familias de Fairhill a probar SafeWalkr, una nueva herramienta interactiva de mapas para caminar a la escuela, desarrollada por estudiantes de La Escuela Secundaria Thomas Jefferson para La Ciencia y Tecnología en colaboración con nuestro equipo.

Si vive dentro del área designada para caminar de Fairhill, explore información sobre caminos peatonales, cruces de calles y ubicaciones de guardias de cruce para ayudarle a planificar el recorrido a pie hacia la escuela.

Visite la herramienta SafeWalkr, seleccione Fairhill y explore una ruta con su estudiante. Revise las condiciones actuales y tenga en cuenta las capacidades de su estudiante y sus necesidades de supervisión antes de realizar el recorrido a pie. Esta herramienta no modifica las áreas designadas para caminar ni la elegibilidad para recibir transporte escolar. Ayúdenos a mejorar SafeWalkr compartiendo sus comentarios durante esta fase de prueba. ¡Gracias por apoyar recorridos seguros y activos hacia la escuela!


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 Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) 

Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.

Spanish:

FCPS participa en Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)

Virginia Quality Birth to 5 es el sistema de Virginia para medir y apoyar la calidad de los programas de educación para la primera infancia, con el objetivo de que los niños lleguen al kindergarten preparados para aprender. VQB5 se basa en los estándares de salud y seguridad y también mide la calidad de las interacciones entre maestros y estudiantes, así como el uso del currículo. Para obtener más información, consulte el folleto VQB5 para Familias en inglés o español.


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:

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. 

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.


Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus. 

Spanish:

Celebrando el poder de los almuerzos escolares

Múltiples estudios demuestran que los almuerzos escolares son importantes para apoyar la salud general de los estudiantes al mejorar sus dietas y combatir la inseguridad alimentaria. Los estudiantes que comen almuerzos escolares consumen más frutas, vegetales, y fibra que sus compañeros. 

Esta Semana de Almuerzo Escolar, los Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (FNS) de FCPS les recuerda a las familias que están dedicados a proveer comidas sabrosas, saludables, sostenibles y enfocadas en los estudiantes. Nuevos artículos de menú han sido lanzados este año basado en la retroalimentación de los estudiantes. 

¿Quieres saber lo que hay para el desayuno o el almuerzo? Los Servicios de Nutrición tienen menús disponibles.


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.



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.

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.


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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