 
Brrr… It’s Cold Outside!
Forestdale Family,
Welcome back to school! We hope this letter finds you well rested and full of joy after the holiday break. On behalf of the entire Forestdale staff, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year filled with success, happiness, and new opportunities.
Well, winter is here! With the ever-changing and unpredictable weather, it is not hard to believe that our Falcons are having difficulty with their clothing and outerwear choices. Surprisingly, with temperatures warm and then below freezing, students are coming to school in shorts, t-shirts, no socks and sweatshirts in lieu of winter weather gear. We know it is hard to predict what kind of weather we will have, and we need your help in talking with your child about what to wear to school. Simply, it is a good idea to layer up. It is a lot easier to remove an article of clothing when warm than to not have the necessary clothing item when it gets cold. If your family is in need of assistance with clothing or outerwear for the cold weather, contact our clinical team at ForestdaleClinicalTeam@fcps.edu.
Students participate in all classroom activities, including recess. Classes still go outside for recess, even during cold spells; therefore, it is important that students are dressed appropriately (jackets, gloves, hats). We do not have additional personnel available to monitor students during recess, so all students go outside. However, during a National Weather Service (NWS) issued Wind Chill Advisory, outdoor activity will be limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes. During a NWS Wind Chill Warning, students will not participate in outdoor activities including general and physical education classes, recess, and scheduled non-emergency fire drills. This does not include students walking to and from school or students waiting at bus stops.
As we progress into the new year, we are anticipating the possible impact of inclement weather may have on our school schedule. As a reminder, FCPS has several schedules established when inclement weather strikes. These schedules are: 1) keep schools closed all day; 2) open schools two hours late; and 3) close schools two hours early. More information regarding FCPS weather cancellation policies can be found here. For information on how FCPS makes closing decisions, watch the FCPS Decisions Decisions video.
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If schools open two hours late, Forestdale's hours are: 10:50 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
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If schools close two hours early, Forestdale's hours are: 8:50 a.m.-1:35 p.m.
Please note that the school office staff and teachers follow the same schedule as students. When schools are closed, they do not report. When there is a delay, their arrival is delayed as well.
Parents can stay informed by checking X/Twitter (@FCPSNEWS), the FCPS Facebook site, local radio or television stations, FCPS emails, or going to https://www.fcps.edu/.
Stay safe and warm this winter season! Welcome back to school!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jenny Cunneen, Proud Principal
Dr. LaDonna Tate, Proud Assistant Principal
Calendar Reminders
Please note the upcoming calendar reminders:
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Monday, January 15 is a holiday (no school) for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The school and office will be closed.
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Thursday, January 25 is the end of the second quarter and a 2 hr. early release (1:35 p.m.). (Ms. Annie's AM ECCB preschool class dismisses at 11:10 a.m. Ms. Sanela's PM ECCB class does not come to school.)
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Thursday, January 27 is a student holiday (no school) and a teacher workday.
Please make sure you have made arrangements for the early release on Thursday, especially for kindergartners and PreK students who must be met at the bus stop in the afternoon.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.
Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.
 Safe Students, Safe Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.
FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
 Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs
In this video, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid interviews the Fosters, a family who tragically lost their son Cayden to a half pill of fentanyl mistaken for Percocet. This heart-wrenching yet eye-opening video of their experience is essential to raise awareness among parents/caregivers and students about the dangers of fake painkillers.
Please join Dr. Reid on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Edison High School for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You may register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations.
The evening’s program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and students in grades 6-12. All attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
FCPS’ website also has resources to help you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse.
Summer Camps and Spring Sports Information Event for Lewis Pyramid Schools
Please join us to learn about summer camps and spring recreation opportunities for students of all ages. Learn about Fairfax County Park Authority summer and spring break camps and classes, FCPS summer programs, local sports clubs and more! Information about scholarships available for spring and summer programs will be provided.
We will hold two sessions of this informational event. An in-person event will be held at the Richard Byrd Public Library (7250 Commerce St, Springfield, VA) on Thursday, January 18th from 9:30-10:30 am. A virtual session will be held on Wednesday, January 24th from 6:00-7:00 pm.
All Lewis Pyramid schools are invited to attend. Both sessions will be presented in English and Spanish. If FCPS schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather on January 18th the in-person session will be canceled. You must register in order to receive the Zoom link prior to the virtual session. Please register for one of the events here.
Questions? Contact Ms. Claudia Flores, Family Liaison, at clflores1@fcps.edu or 571 205 6292.
Help FCPS Reach 1 Million Minutes of Math
FCPS Family Math Week starts on Monday, January 8! Participate in games and stories online. FCPS is working toward a total of 1 million minutes logged by families. The event is free, with activities from ST Math geared toward students in grades K-6 and their families.
Math Week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a fun and positive way. All content will be available for families in English and Spanish beginning Monday, January 8. Visit the Math Week website.
 National Mentoring Month
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu. If you are interested in mentoring at Forestdale, please contact Ms. Stephanie Felix, school counselor at ssfelix@fcps.edu.
PTA Corner
Order Your Spirit Wear
New Forestdale Falcon Sprit Wear is available to order now! Click here to order online.
Next PTA Meeting: January 10
Our next PTA meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on January 10, 2024. We will meet in person in the cafeteria. Those unable to join in person can join using this Zoom link.
Contact forestedaleelementarypta@gmail.com with any questions.
Important Dates
January 8-12
FCPS Family Math Week
January 10
PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., cafeteria or Zoom
January 15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, School Closed
January 25
End of the Second Quarter, 2. hr. Early Release (1:35 p.m.)
January 26
Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
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