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Dear Franconia District Families,
As we end our third week of the new school year, I hope your students are finding their rhythm, making new friends and uncovering their joys through learning!
Thank you to all FCPS staff for your time and hard work - even prior to our students walking through our doors - to help us successfully start the 2022-23 school year. Your dedication and commitment to FCPS makes it a great place to learn and work!
During the Regular School Board meeting last week, the School Board did a FY2022 Year End Review and approved the revenue and expenditure adjustments. In addition, we confirmed committee liaisons and assignments for the 2022-23 school year. You can watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.
Dr. Reid is continuing to host her Superintendent Community Conversations. It has been very exciting to see her get involved and learn more about our wonderful FCPS community. I will be joining her when she visits the Hayfield and Edison communities next week - see details below.
Franconia District Community Opportunities:
- FCPS is engaging in the RFP and basal resource adoption processes for Secondary World Languages. The process, governed by FCPS regulation 3004.5, will include both a community review period and a deep review by a committee made up of representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups - teachers, administrators, and community members. I have the opportunity to appoint one representative, from the Franconia District, to serve on this committee.
- I currently have a vacancy for the 2022-23 Challenged Material Interdepartmental Review Committee. This committee reviews challenges made to any library or instructional materials included in FCPS curriculum (see Regulation 3009). The committee meets twice a year, if needed, and is a one-year term.
If you are interested in serving on either of these committees, please send a brief statement along with a copy of your resume to my Executive Administrative Assistant, Cheryl Austin @ Cheryl.Austin@fcps.edu.
I hope to see you at an upcoming community conversation or at a future fall school event!
Stay well,
Tammy
Upcoming School Board Meetings
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September 13 at 11 am – Work Session (Family Engagement Survey Results; ERFC Annual Report)
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September 15 at 7 pm - Regular Meeting (Opening of Schools Report; Legislative Program)
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September 20 at 10 am - School Board Retreat (Strategic Plan; Governance; Policy)
Meeting agendas and handouts can be found on BoardDocs. Work Session and Regular Meetings are broadcast on Channel 99 (Cox, Comcast) or 11 (Verizon) and live-streamed on the FCPS website. Recordings of meetings are archived on the FCPS YouTube channel.
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NEW!! For Spanish speakers -- to watch recorded School Board meetings or live Regular Meetings on YouTube, you can visit the FCPS en Espanol YouTube channel or scan the QR code |
Franconia District Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
As I previously shared, our new Superintendent will be hosting community conversations across the division this fall to get to know our communities.
Next week, the Superintendent's will be visiting the Hayfield and Edison communities - see details below. All events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Interpretation services, child care, and light refreshments will be provided.
This a great opportunity to come meet our new Superintendent!
Monday, September 12 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hayfield Secondary School (Register)
- Gunston Elementary School
- Hayfield Elementary School
- Hayfield Secondary School
- Island Creek Elementary School
- Lane Elementary School
- Lorton Station Elementary School
Wednesday, September 14 - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Edison High School (Register)
- Bush Hill Elementary School
- Cameron Elementary School
- Clermont Elementary School
- Edison High School and Academy
- Franconia Elementary School
- Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Rose Hill Elementary School
- Twain Middle School
How to Receive FCPS Messages in Other Languages
You may wish to read FCPS messages in a language other than English. There are several ways you can receive or view our communications in a different language.
FCPS This Week is distributed in other languages to parents/guardians who have filled out the Home Language Survey form and selected a language supported by FCPS as their preferred language for communication. Home Language Survey forms are available in the following languages: Amharic | Arabic (العربية) | Chinese (中文) | Farsi (فارسی) | Korean (한국어) | Spanish (español) | Urdu (اردو) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).
Learn more about other communications that are translated.
FCPS Special Education Handbook for Families
The Special Education Handbook for Parents includes details of the special education process. This process occurs sequentially, over a period of time, with each step building upon the previous step(s).
It is important for families to understand how the special education process works, so they can effectively participate and collaborate with school staff members in making appropriate decisions regarding their child’s educational needs. Families are an integral part of the decision-making team.
The Special Education Handbook for Parents is available in Arabic, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. Contact the Parent Resource Center (PRC) at 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu with any questions.
Calling All High School Students: Enter Your Device or App in the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge
The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is proud to announce the 7th Annual Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge. The competition is open to all high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and City of Falls Church.
Students are challenged to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact on the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers. Students are encouraged to be innovative and creative. Potential projects may be either a mobile app, web service, robotic, assistive device or any combination. Cash prizes will be awarded to the student winners by IntegrityOne Partners, the event sponsor.
Learn more about the technology challenge, the timeline and how to enter.
Read more here about the students from Chantilly High School who won first place winners for the 2021-22 Fairfax Area "Shark Tank" challenge. Their device, AutoTrem, is a walker to help Parkinson's patients.
Anonymous Tip Line Puts Safety First
If you or your child have concerns or information relating to feeling unsafe in any way at school, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security has a safety tip line that you can access anonymously online, by text (888-777; Keyword TIP FCPS), or by phone (571-423-2020).
If your tip is an emergency and immediate assistance is necessary, please dial 911.
Students, staff, and community members should report school safety issues such as threats, unsafe or dangerous situations, illegal drug activity, theft, gang activity, the existence of weapons, vandalism, and concerns about student wellness. Tip line users may identify themselves or remain anonymous.
Concerns that do not impact the safety of our schools—concerns or information about programs, regulations, or policies—can be sent to the FCPS ombudsman online, at 571-423-4014, or ombudsman@fcps.edu.
Understanding the Dangers of Opioid Use
In Northern Virginia, consistent with national and state trends, the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities, including young adults and school-age children. Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat pain, and can include both prescription medications as well as illegal drugs. Tragically, their misuse can lead to devastating outcomes. Fentanyl is an especially powerful opioid that is extremely fatal, even in small doses. Most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl.
There are three things you can do now to support student wellness and increase understanding of the dangers of opioids and fentanyl:
- Talk with children and loved ones in your life about the dangers of drug use, especially opioids. For more information about substance use among youth, tips on how to recognize and prevent substance abuse, and available support services, please watch this webinar.
- Safely store and dispose of medications, including prescription pain medications, to prevent drug misuse.
- Sign up for a Virtual REVIVE! training class to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and administer naloxone nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose.
Learn more about the dangers of opioids and available resources on our website. Visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage for more information about a variety of topics related to student well-being.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our top priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
As you may be aware, lessons on gun safety are already built into our curriculum; however, it is critical that all parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in your homes, and any homes that your children may visit.
Our website has resources for parents about gun safety as well as detailed information about FCPS safety and security practices in our buildings.
FCPS High Schools Are Safe Sport Schools
Every high school in the division has once again been designated a Safe Sport School by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). NATA created the Safe Sports School Award to recognize athletic training programs that create steps and processes to keep their student athletes safe. Congratulations to our athletic trainers for earning this designation!
FCPS Statement on Nondiscrimination-Americans With Disabilities Policy Notice
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to a learning and working environment free from all forms of discrimination. No person shall on the basis of, of race, sex, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy status, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, veteran status, and disability be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any education program or activity, as required by law. Retaliation against any person who reports or participates as a witness in the investigation of a discrimination and/or harassment complaint is strictly prohibited.
FCPS also provides equal access to many designated youth groups. FCPS is committed to equal access and equal opportunity in all services and employment; to include its policies, complaint process, program accessibility, religious accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. FCPS prohibits retaliation against individuals who report allegations of discrimination, file a formal complaint, or participate in the investigative process.
Compliance is coordinated by the directors of the following:
- Office of Equity and Employee Relations, Department of Human Resources, 571-423-3070, TTY 711, EEO@fcps.edu regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and sexual harassment issues.
- Office of Special Education Procedural Support, Department of Special Services, 571-423-4290, regarding programs and activities for students with disabilities.
For more information, visit the non-discrimination policy webpage or the non-discrimination/ADA webpage (contact information).
COVID Diagnostic Testing Dates
COVID-19 diagnostic testing is available at no cost for all currently enrolled FCPS students on select dates throughout the year when transmission may be highest. Diagnostic testing is provided at designated times and locations for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Testing will be available September 12-14. Visit the testing website for information on locations and how to register for an appointment.
GrandInvolve New School Year 2022-23 School Year Newsletter
GrandInvolve is looking to recruit new volunteers for our school classrooms. Please check out their August 2022 e-newsletter to learn about all they do to help our FCPS schools!
GrandInvolve is holding an information session for prospective volunteers on Thursday, September 15 at 10:00 am. Please help spread the word - details below.
Thurs., Sept. 15 at 10 am: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85306500495?pwd=QVVtdTlreTNnbWx0ajd5R0xjSzNOdz09 Meeting ID: 853 0650 0495 Passcode: 042064 Dial in by phone +1 301 715 8592
GrandInvolve’s Mission is to:
- Support the education of our most vulnerable populations through volunteering in Fairfax County, Virginia
- Reduce ageism by growing intergenerational relationships between our youngest and oldest community members
- Increase intercultural understanding.
In this time of so much uncertainty, there remains a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. GrandInvolve relies on caring community members like you for financial support to further our mission to engage caring volunteers with vulnerable elementary students, so they achieve and maintain grade-level skills.
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The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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