  Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Forestdale Elementary Outstanding Employee Winners!
Falcon Family,
Please join us in congratulating our FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards nominees and award winners! Thank you to the families who nominated staff for these special awards. Your recognition and appreciation meant so much to them all. We are so proud of all of our Falcon staff for their hard work, care, and commitment to students, families, and each other!
Outstanding New Teacher
Winner: Ashley Koehle, Kindergarten Teacher
Nominee: Edwin Albetski, Second Grade Teacher
Outstanding Teacher
Winner: Ilana Carden, Kindergarten Teacher
Nominees:
Kenan Brod, Physical Education Teacher
Erin Criss, Third Grade Teacher
Soojin Henceroth, Fifth Grade Teacher
Judith Kelliher, ESOL Teacher
Katie McWilliams, Second Grade Teacher
Dorene Nguyen, First Grade Teacher
Sarah Peterson, First Grade Teacher
Jenna Rodgers, ESOL Teacher
Outstanding Operational Employee
Winner: Melissa Richardson, Special Education Instructional Assistant
Nominees:
Sue Ann Ross, Administrative Assistant/Finance Tech
Mitra Shahramfar, Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Treva Lowery, Special Education Instructional Assistant
Naheed Ali, Special Education Instructional Assistant
Claudia Flores, Family Liaison
Outstanding Professional
Winner: Amy Willis, Instructional Coach
Nominee: Kadedra Gordon, Instructional Coach
Outstanding Leader
Winner: LaDonna Tate, Assistant Principal
How lucky we are to have such amazing staff taking care of our students, families, and each other!
Warmly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Student Holidays in December
Mark your calendars! The Forestdale school office will be closed from December 18 – January 1. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2023.
Winter Spirit Days
Let's continue the fun with spirit days the last week of school!
Full Time (Level IV) AAP Referrals Due December 15
Parents or guardians of students in grades 2-6 may initiate the Full-Time AAP (Level IV) screening process by completing and submitting an Advanced Academic Program Full-Time Level IV Referral Form to the local school on or before December 15, 2023.
If you missed our Full-Time AAP Screening and Identification Meeting and are interested in learning about the process, please contact Katelyn Spengler at kcspengler@fcps.edu.
For parents/guardians of 2nd grade students:
- 2nd grade students who receive test scores at or above the school benchmark score will be automatically screened for possible placement in the Full-time (Level IV) program. You will be notified by the school if your child will be automatically screened.
- Students whose scores do not place them in the universal screening will not receive notification.
- Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral as there will be no referrals for Full-time (Level IV) screening accepted past the December 15 deadline. No late referrals will be accepted.
- More information and forms are available on the AAP website.
- Referrals are accepted any time before December 15 and you will be notified that your referral has been received.
 Snow Days This Winter
For the current school year, FCPS will be returning to its previous procedure for snow days — there will be no virtual learning days when school is closed due to bad weather.
During snow days, students may still access Tutor.com, complete any supplemental learning opportunities recommended by their teachers, and view educational programming (available virtually and on public access television channels):
Eleven snow days are built into the existing FCPS calendar. Eliminating virtual learning days will allow us to maximize students’ in-person learning and provide equitable access to instruction and student services.
 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- Administrators providing a safe and engaging place to grow.
- Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers lending a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
 Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
Holiday Assistance for Families
Forestdale is not directly providing holiday assistance this year. Rather, our Clinical Team is committed to connecting families with community resources.
If you Need Assistance
Please reach out to one of the following organizations as soon as possible.
|
Koinonia
Address: 6037 Franconia Rd
Alexandria VA 22310
Phone #: 703 971-1991
https://www.koinoniacares.org/
|
• You must register as a client.
• Christmas gifts, meals, small gifts, and food.
|
|
ECHO (For those living off the Fairfax County Parkway)
Address: 7205 Old Keene Mill Rd Springfield, VA 22150
Phone #: 703 569-9160 https://www.echo-inc.org/
|
• You must register as a client.
• ECHO is providing limited holiday assistance to their first-time clients.
|
|
|
|
To Give/Donate for the Holidays
Please contact one of the following organizations.
|
Marine Corps Toys for Tots
American Legion Post 176 6520 Amherst Ave, Springfield, VA 22150
Phone #: 703 440-0336
|
|
Koinonia
Address: 6037 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310
Phone #: 703 971-1991 https://www.koinoniacares.org/
|
|
ECHO
Address: 78205 Old Keene Mill Rd Springfield, VA 22150
Phone #: 703 569-9160 https://www.echo-inc.org/
|
Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Winter Break Enrichment Opportunity
The FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) has an exciting Winter break learning opportunity for FCPS students. ACE has launched a new STEM kit program for students (grades 3-5) focused on extending learning when students are out of school. ACE is offering a comprehensive STEM kit that includes five exciting projects and fifteen learning activities. And better yet, all materials are included! ACE STEM Kits will surely stimulate curiosity and engage students in the rapidly growing area of science, technology, engineering, and math. Please view this flier for more information.
PTA Corner
Parents' Night Out
Parents, let the Forestdale PTA take care of your children while you enjoy a night out! For $5 per child or $10 for an entire family, kids will enjoy pizza, crafts, games and a movie while you enjoy some time to yourselves.
When: Wednesday December 13th, 6:00-8:30 pm
Where: Forestdale Cafeteria
Who: Children 4yrs of age and older (must be potty trained)
Please RSVP by Monday December 11th. Unfortunately, we need to limit attendance to 50 children; RSVP now to guarantee your spot! Click here to print and complete the registration form.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation
Let's show support to the wonderful teachers and staff at Forestdale by providing them with a potluck lunch and some delicious hot chocolate and treats. Sign-up using this Sign-Up Genius to bring in a dish or check out this Amazon Wish List to provide them with some snacks to stock the teacher's lounge.
Spirit Wear Orders
New Forestdale Falcon Sprit Wear is available to order now! Click here to order online. Fliers went home in this week's Thursday folders.
Important Dates
December 11
Spirit Day: Peppermint Party (Wear Stripes!)
December 12
Spirit Day: Winter Around the World
December 13
Spirit Day: Holiday Head to Toe
December 14
Spirit Day: Mad About Plain
Quarter 2 Interims go Home
December 15
Spirit Day: Pajama Day
Referrals for Full-Time (Level IV) AAP Services Due
December 18- January 1
Winter Break
January 2
Happy New Year! Students Return to School
January 15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, School Closed
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
|
