FCPS

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Calendar Reminder

February 21st: Bingo Night 🎱

February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release🔔

February 27th: PTA Senior Spelling Bee 🐝

February 28th: Career Fair 🦺

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

3-Hour Early Release 2/24

Forestville Elementary School has a 3-hour early dismissal on Monday, February 24 at 1:00 pm for teacher training and professional development. In an email sent last week from ENotify, you were given the dismissal plan you selected for your student for our previous Early Release Monday. This previous selection is the default for Early Release Mondays moving forward. If this selection is no longer accurate, please complete this form to make changes.

Last-minute changes create confusion and disrupt the early release process. To ensure we can safely account for every student, we ask that no changes be made after Friday, February 21. 

Please discuss this plan with your child(ren) so our dismissal runs as smoothly as possible.

🎉 “Let’s Get Ready to B-I-N-G-O!”

Come out for a fun-filled night with awesome prizes, exciting raffles, and—most importantly—your chance to yell BINGO!

🎟 TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST! Get yours before they’re gone!

Tickets Include:
🍦 A cup of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream or sorbet
🔢 Entry into your Bingo session
🎫 One raffle ticket

🕖 Session 1: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
🕕 Session 2: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

🚨 PRE-REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED – WE SELL OUT EVERY YEAR!  A ticket is required to sit down and get your Bingo ON!

Rise Against Hunger Gong Tour Stops at Forestville

Forestville excitedly welcomed the very special Rise Against Hunger Gong today on its tour throughout the Langley Pyramid. This gong commemorates the 1,000,000th meal packaged and made possible through your generous donations since 2012. Our students love to see it as they pass through the main lobby and we will enjoy it for the next 10 days or so until it makes its way to a new school! Thank you Cardinal Families for helping us achieve this significant accomplishment! 

🧸 Kindergarten Registration

Help us be most prepared for our rising Kindergarten students and set up a registration appointment today! Early Kindergarten Registration helps our school make the most informed staffing decisions to ensure our classrooms are fully staffed and ready to welcome our newest cardinals to Forestville!

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for orientation. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Ms. Amani Kirk, our school registrar at 703-404-6003 or via email.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Kindergarten Orientation  - April 1

Where: In-person at Forestville Elementary (cafeteria)

When: Tuesday, April 1st 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Please Note: This orientation event is designed for Rising Kindergarten students and their parents/guardians. Please bring your rising Kindergartener with you. During the information session for parents/guardians, your rising kindergartener will participate in a variety of engaging activities! 

🚌New this year: Rising Kindergarten students and a family member will get to take a ride on a school bus! Exciting for all, whether your child will ride the bus daily or only on field trips, what better way to get ready for the excitement of a new school year!

**Also new: Registration appointments will not be available on April 1, Kinder Orientation day. Please make an appointment in advance of April 1 with our school registrar, Ms. Amani Kirk. We welcome early registration appointments as it helps us plan in advance for our staffing needs!

Forestville Celebrates Black History

Forestville students now have a new mural to appreciate in our front lobby! Thank you to Mrs. Akbar's students for creating this amazing and informative mural to help share the accomplishments of influential Black and African Americans throughout history.

🐝Congrats to our Junior Spelling Bee Participants!

We are so proud of all the Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students who participated in our Junior Spelling Bee last Thursday! Their hard work, dedication, and confidence were on full display as they tackled some tricky words in front of their peers.

A special congratulations to our top three winners: Adam, Jayden, and Grace! 🎉👏 Their spelling skills truly shined, and we are so proud of their achievement! They will compete in the Senior Spelling Bee on February 27th. 

Great job to all of our participants for showing perseverance and a love for learning—we can’t wait to see you shine again next year!

💯Happy 100th Day of School!

Last week, Forestville students and staff marked a special milestone—the 100th day of school! To celebrate, many dressed up as 100-year-olds, complete with gray hair, glasses, and canes, bringing fun and creativity to the day.

Beyond the costumes, this day is a reminder of how much our students have grown, learned, and achieved over the past 100 days. We are so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the days ahead!

Forestville Celebrates PTA Reflections Winners

Forestville is excited to display a small sample of our amazing students' work who participated in the PTA sponsored Reflections contest. Winners were named earlier this month and we thank the PTA for their sponsorship and look forward to even more entries next school year. Check out the display in the front lobby the next time you visit!

🍎Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student. To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

❣️Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

📈Breaking Down the Budget:  Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

📸Be a part of the Forestville Family!

Like and follow us on Facebook and Instgram to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at our school.

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Flu Prevention
• Students Spread Joy
• Investing in our Classrooms

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

🎨 Yearbook Cover Contest – CONGRATS to our winner!

A huge round of applause to Eva Davis for designing this year’s winning Yearbook Cover! 🏆 Her creative masterpiece will be featured on the front of our 2024-2025 yearbook. Thank you to all our talented artists who submitted entries—you made this a tough decision! A super high-five to our four runners-up—Gwyneth Nye, Neya Nygil, May Li, and Lucian Vasapoli—whose artwork will appear on the back of the yearbook. 

🌟 Talent Show – Save the Date!

🎭 Lights, Camera, Action—It’s SHOWTIME! 🎤

The Forestville Talent Show is BACK, and we can’t wait to see our students shine on stage! Whether you're a singer, dancer, magician, comedian, or have a unique talent to share, we want YOU to be part of the show!

👉 Sign-ups are OPEN – Click here to register!

📅 Performance Dates:
⭐ K-3 Performances: March 25 (Dress Rehearsal: March 24)
⭐ 4-6 Performances: March 27 (Dress Rehearsal: March 26)

Not performing? No problem! Come cheer on your fellow Cardinals and enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment—no ticket required!

🧦 Sock Hop Anyone?

Calling all 4th-6th grade parents—we need your help planning our Sock Hop on April 25th! 🎶 Denise Gramsky and I are excited to organize this throwback party for the third year in a row, but we’d love a 4th or 5th grade parent to help us keep the energy high and the dance floor rockin’ and rollin’!

💌 Interested? Email [email protected] and let’s make it an electrifying night!

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Reminder

February 5th: Picture Day 📷

February 10th: Club Photos 📸

February 12th: 100th Day of School 💯

February 13th:  PTA Junior Spelling Bee 🐝

February 17th:  No School - Holiday/President's Day 🎩

February 21st: Bingo Night 🎱

February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release🔔

February 27th: PTA Senior Spelling Bee 🐝

February 28th: Career Fair 🦺

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

📷Picture Day is Tomorrow!

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Click Here to Pre-order Online

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email [email protected]

🌤️A Big Weather Thank You to Doug Kammerer!

A huge shout-out to Doug Kammerer, Storm Team 4's Chief Meteorologist, for visiting our school! Our students had a blast learning all about weather from a real-life weather expert. Thank you, Doug, for making learning about science so exciting! We really appreciate you taking the time to visit us!

Psst... Keep an eye on Channel 4!

🎉📺Tune in to Channel 4 around 5:25 this evening! They might just show a photo of our school from Mr. Kammerer's visit! You won't want to miss it! 🍴Rise Against Hunger

Our Langley Pyramid students raised nearly $25,000 in schools with a total of over $35,000 collected as a Langley Pyramid community.  We appreciate you taking time this weekend to help Rise Against Hunger.  

We had over 350 volunteers in attendance at Colvin Run Elementary School as we packaged 82,000 meals.  By working together, we made it possible for nearly 500,000 people to have a meal. We are so proud of your children for their work raising money to help children and families throughout the world. 

💖National School Counseling Week

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.

Our school counselors, Mrs. Schnaue and Mrs. Loftus work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Take a moment this week, to let our school counselors know how much you appreciate them! 💟

Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Amani Kirk, our school registrar, at [email protected]

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

🏢Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

📱SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Student-Driven Lunch Menus
• Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

🎉 Bingo Night – Volunteers Needed! (February 21)

Bingo Night is almost here, and we need some B-I-N-G-O-mazing volunteers to help make it a success! Whether you're setting up, handing out prizes, or helping with check-in, we’d love to have you on board.  SIGN UP HERE!

🎟 TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!
Your chance to yell BINGO is less than THREE weeks away—don’t miss out! Tickets include:
🍦 A cup of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream
🔢 Entry into your Bingo session
🎫 A raffle ticket

🕖 Session 1: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
🕕 Session 2: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

PRE-REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED – WE SELL OUT EVERY YEAR!

🌟 Talent Show – Save the Date!

Calling all performers—get ready to take center stage!

🎭 K-3 Performances: March 24-25
🎤 4-6 Performances: March 26-27

More details coming soon—start practicing those show-stopping acts!

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Reminder

January 24th: PTA Magic Show *see PTA updates below 🎩

January 28th: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29th: No School - Teacher Work Day

February 5th: Picture Day

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

📷Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Click Here to Pre-order Online

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email [email protected]

📢Calling All Volunteers!

Mrs. Schnaue is in search of volunteers to share their career with our Sixth Grade students on February 28, 2025 at 9:30 am. You do not have to be a Sixth Grade parent to help with this event! The format of this event will be like a Career Fair where each presenter will have a table/designated area and students will rotate through the Career Fair to interact with presenters representing a host of career pathways. We encourage you to bring props, posters, and other engaging materials for our students.

Please complete the form below if you would be interested in volunteering for this event. We appreciate your help with our Career Fair as we work to expose our students to a wide array of career fields and future opportunities. For planning purposes, it would be helpful to respond by Friday, January 14, 2025. Please contact Shana Schnaue, School Counselor at [email protected] with any questions. 

Please click here for the volunteer interest form.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, [family liaison name], at [email]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

📱SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.  

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

📸Be a part of the Forestville Family! Like and follow us on Facebook and Instgram to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at our school.

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

🎩 Magic Show Pajama Party – TONIGHT!!

Get ready for a night of fun and wonder! Wear your coziest PJs, enjoy some popcorn, and be amazed by a dazzling magic show.

Reminder: Parents, no tickets needed, siblings are welcome, and remember—it’s not a drop-off event. 

🎟️ Tickets: $5 per child (kids under 4 and parents are free)
⏰ Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Show Starts: 7:00 PM

💡 We need your help to make the night magical! If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up using this link: Volunteer Signup.  If your sixth grader would like to volunteer, we welcome their help with parent accompaniment! 

Let’s make it a night so magical for our families, you’ll think we cast a spell on it! ✨🎩

🏆 Volunteers Needed for the CGFF Online Auction!

We’re gearing up for the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation Auction, which raises over $10,000 annually for each participating school—including ours! This amazing event depends on support from our community, and we need YOUR help to make it happen.

If you enjoy connecting with local businesses, writing emails, or have a knack for networking, we’d love to have you on board. Every effort counts in making this auction a huge success!

Ready to help? Email Jackie at [email protected] to get started.

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Reminder

January 14th: Parent Meeting for Musical *see PTA updates below 🎶

January 17th: Auditions for the School Musical 🎼

January 20th: No School - Martin Luther King Day

January 24th: PTA Magic Show *see PTA updates below 🎩

January 28th: Quarter 2 Ends

January 29th: No School - Teacher Work Day

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

🍛Rise Against Hunger 

Our Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger campaign is back! We are on pace to package our one-millionth meal at this annual Langley Pyramid service learning event. To do so, we must raise money to purchase 82,080 meals. We’ve come a long way since our first event in 2012 and are excited to share this monumental milestone with our communities. We will need to raise $34,475 to reach the milestone this year.

Saturday, February 1, 2025, families in the Langley Pyramid are joining at Colvin Run Elementary School to help families in need. In partnership with Rise Against Hunger, the Langley Pyramid schools will prepare 82,080 meal packages for schools and orphanages worldwide. Each meal costs only 42 cents to make. For just $15, you can donate over 35 meals; $30 will make over 71 meals and $100 will make nearly 240 meals.

Donate and help raise money for the event:

Our students may donate in school January 14th - January 31st. We encourage all our students to donate through our Learn to Earn initiative where students donate loose change/bills towards Rise Against Hunger. We will have a collection table in our Front Lobby.

Donate money online:

Donate money online: To reach our one-millionth meal, the Langley Pyramid needs to raise $34,475 by January 31st. If your company matches contributions, please consider having them join you in making a tax-deductible donation today at Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2025 and help us Rise Against Hunger.

Volunteer for the event: 

Register and volunteer for the event using this link. 

Enter your Last Name and Enter "Quantity" as the number of volunteers in your party attending. If for any reason you need to cancel, please cancel through the Sign-up Genius to make those slots available to other Langley pyramid families. Being a popular Langley pyramid event, please sign up as volunteer slots will fill up quickly. Children ages 4-12 must be accompanied by an adult. On the day of the event, volunteers package meals based on the amount of money raised, so it is recommended that if you wish to volunteer for the event, please make a monetary donation.

We package meals based on the amount of money raised and our Langley pyramid goal is $34,475 which provides 82,080 meals. With each meal feeding 5-6 people, this is a wonderful event that impacts over 500,000 individuals around the world and broadens the perspective of our students and families.

🐦 Student Monitor Position 

Forestville is looking to add to our staff! We are currently accepting applications for a student monitor position. 

Description: Provides supervision of students throughout the school day to include but not limited to the classroom, hallways, lunch, recess, specials and at arrival/dismissal; helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students; operates technology; performs administrative and non-instructional duties; ensures all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; works with individual and small groups of students.

Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Must be comfortable managing student behaviors in large and small groups, ensuring all layered prevention/safety protocols and procedures are implemented and followed; and has general familiarity/skills with basic office technology in support of teachers, students, and the classroom

To apply please email your resume to [email protected] and apply through the FCPS online portal. 

🧮 FCPS Family Math Week

Join FCPS as we enjoy games and stories that delight all ages - all from the comfort of home - as we go for 3,000,000 family math minutes!

Come together as a community for students in K-8 with delightful math games and stories - all on your own time and from the comfort of your own home. All content will be available for free directly to all families in English and Spanish. 

All content will be available completely free on the website. To access the games, families will be able to simply click on the day of the week and find their child's grade and language. View the website at anytime for explanations and videos.

🦺Career Day Presenters Needed

Forestville Elementary School is planning a fun and engaging career exploration event for our sixth-grade students on Friday, February 28, 2025. *please note the date change We are looking for dynamic presenters to share about their profession! The format of this event will be like a Career Fair where each presenter will have a table/designated area and students will rotate through the Career Fair to interact with presenters representing a host of career pathways. We encourage you to bring props, posters, and other engaging materials for our students.

Please complete the form below if you would be interested in volunteering for this event. We appreciate your help with our Career Fair as we work to expose our students to a wide array of career fields and future opportunities. For planning purposes, it would be helpful to respond by Friday, February 14, 2025. Please contact Shana Schnaue, School Counselor at [email protected] with any questions. 

Please click here for the volunteer interest form.

💻Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our (703) 404-6000.

📰 FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• National Merit Commended Scholars
• Celebrating the Best of 2024 in FCPS
• Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

🎭 Forestville Musical Parent Meeting – Disney’s The Lion King Kids 🦁✨

The PTA is thrilled to present our 2025 5th/6th Grade Musical! This production is sure to be a showstopper, and we can’t wait to see our talented students shine.

📅 MANDATORY Parent Meeting: Tuesday, January 14th
🕤 Times: 9:30 AM OR 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria

Important: All students who want to audition MUST have a parent attend one of these meetings to receive essential details about auditions, rehearsals, and the performance. No exceptions can be made. If both times conflict with your schedule, please email Kelcy at [email protected].

Let’s make this production roar! 🎶 🎶✨

🎨 FLEX Academies Winter 2025 is Here!

ICYMI, get ready for a lineup of awesome after-school activities! From Art Exploration 🎨 to Chess Club ♟️ and RoboThink’s Trains, Planes, and Automobiles 🤖, there’s something for everyone.  

Important Dates:
🗓️ Registration closes: Thursday, January 16
📅 Classes begin: Week of January 21

Don’t wait—secure your spot NOW!

🎩 Magic Show Pajama Party – January 24th!

Mark your calendars for a magical evening! 🪄✨ Wear your coziest PJs, snack on popcorn, and be amazed by a spectacular magic show.  Don't miss out and buy your TICKET NOW!

🎟️ Tickets: $5 per child (kids under 4 are free)
⏰ Doors open: 6:30 PM | Show starts: 7:00 PM

Let’s make some magical memories together!

🐔 Chick-fil-A Spirit Day

Support Forestville while enjoying your favorite Chick-fil-A meal! 🍗

📍 Chick Fil A - North Point Village Center, Reston, VA 20194
📅 Tuesday, January 14th | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Order via mobile pickup, dine-in, drive-thru, or curbside. Be sure to let them know you’re there for the CARDINALS Spirit Event (CODE: CARDINALS). Forestville earns 25% of mobile sales from this event!

📖 Yearbook Cover Contest – Last Chance to Let Your Creativity Shine!

Here’s your turn to design the cover of the 2024-2025 Forestville Yearbook! This year’s theme is: “Launching Into A New Cardinal Era.” Think about what makes our school unique and what memories you’d like to capture.

How to Submit:

• Scan and email your artwork to [email protected].
• Include your student’s name and grade in the email (but don’t include their name on the artwork itself).
• Deadline: January 20, 2025

🏆 CGFF Online Auction Volunteers Needed!

We’re gearing up for the annual the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation Auction, and I'm please to announce I will be chairing the event for them for my third year! This exciting online event brings together the Forestville, Great Falls, and Colvin Run Elementary School communities and raises over $10,000 annually for each school to support them.  

Our fantastic Fundraising VP, Jackie Malkes, is leading Forestville’s efforts, but we need YOUR help! If you love chatting with businesses, writing emails, or have great connections, we’d love for you to join us. Your support helps us secure the amazing items that make this auction a success!

Ready to help? Email Jackie at [email protected] to get started. Let’s make this year’s auction one to remember!

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Reminder

December 23-January 3: No School, Winter Break ⛄

January 6: School Resumes 🏫

January 14th: Parent Meeting for Musical *see PTA updates below 🎶

January 17th: Auditions for the School Musical 🎼

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

⛄Wonderful Winter Break

We would like to wish all Forestville families a wonderful winter break, happy holiday season and healthy new year! We are so fortunate to be part of such a strong and supportive community and hope you enjoy this extra time with family and friends. Thank you for all you contribute to our Forestville family and we look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Forestville Office will be closed over winter break.  We look forward to welcoming families and students back on Monday, January 6.

We hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends. 

📱Favorite Things at Forestville

If you aren't already following us on social media, please be sure to check out us out on Facebook and Instagram.  Over break, we'll be reflecting on some of our favorite things from this school year, so far.

📔Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

🦺 Career Day Presenters Needed

Forestville Elementary School is planning a fun and engaging career exploration event for our sixth-grade students on Friday, January 31, 2025. We are looking for dynamic presenters to share about their profession! The format of this event will be like a Career Fair where each presenter will have a table/designated area and students will rotate through the Career Fair to interact with presenters representing a host of career pathways. We encourage you to bring props, posters, and other engaging materials for our students.

Please complete this form if you would be interested in volunteering for this event. We appreciate your help with our Career Fair as we work to expose our students to a wide array of career fields and future opportunities. For planning purposes, it would be helpful to respond by Friday, January 10, 2025. Please contact Shana Schnaue, School Counselor at [email protected] with any questions. 

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is 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. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings. 

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

📰 FCPS News

• Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
• Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
• Fall 2024 Sports Champions

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

🎨 Congratulations to Our Reflections Contest Winners!

A big round of applause for our 2024-2025 Forestville Elementary School Reflections Contest winners! 🎉 Your creativity has truly soared, and we’re so proud of your achievements. To all the talented Cardinals who participated, you’re ALL winners in our book. Thank you for making this contest such a special celebration of the arts! ❤️🐦

Our 1st Place winners will advance to the Fairfax County PTA Division competition—good luck! We're continually inspired by the artistic, literary, photographic, musical, and cinematic talents of our students. If you didn’t participate this year, we hope you’ll join the fun next time!

🎭 Attention EVERYONE: The Forestville Musical is COMING!

We’re thrilled to announce our school’s production of Disney’s The Lion King Kids! 🦁✨ We hope many 5th and 6th graders will audition and be a part of this unforgettable experience.

• Parent Meetings: January 14th (day and evening options)
• Auditions: January 17th, after school

Stay tuned for more details in the New Year—we can’t wait to see our young stars shine! 🌟

2024-2025 Reflections Contest Winners

Primary (Grades K-2)

Visual Arts

1st Place, Outstanding Interpretation Award: Finn Blayney 2nd, "A Tasteful Transformation"

Photography

1st Place, Outstanding Interpretation Award: Finn Blayney 2nd, "Bruised Banana"

Intermediate (Grades 3-5)

Literature

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Serena Davis 5th, "I'm Human"

2nd place: Award of Excellence, Hasan Khawaja 5th, "DYSLEXIA: Decoding Neurodivergent Minds"

3rd place: Award of Merit, Nikita Gaonkar 5th,“Our Three Legged Blessing

Photography

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Nikita Gaonkar 5th, "Beauty Lies in the Eyes of the Beholder"

2nd Place: Award of Excellence, Alexander Olvesan 5th, “The Autumn

3rd Place: Award of Merit, Eva Davis 5th, “The Beauty of Imperfections in Nature”

Visual Arts

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Caroline Gorczyk 4th, “Broken Beauty”

2nd Place: Award of Excellence, Benjamin Gorczyk 3rd, “Accidental Puppy”

3rd Place: Award of Merit, Jennah Haq 4th, “Flower Power”

Music Composition

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Hasan Khawaja 5th, “Dyslexia: Decoding Neurodivergent Minds”

Film Production

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Nikita Gaonkar 5th, “You Win Some, You Lose Some”

Dance Choreography

1st Place: Outstanding Interpretation Award, Hasan Khawaja 5th, “Heal the World”

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Reminder

December 15th - Deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time advanced academic services ✅

December 16th - 20th - SCA Winter Spirit Week *see below for more information 

December 23-January 3: NO School, Winter Break ⛄

January 6: School Resumes 🏫

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

❄️Winter Spirit Week

We invite our students to participate in a festive countdown to Winter Break 

Monday 12/16 - Pajama Day 💤

Tuesday 12/17 - Favorite Color Day 🌈

Wednesday 12/18 - Wacky Wednesday 🧦

Thursday 12/19 - Favorite Celebrity/Famous Person Day 🌟💫

Friday 12/20 - Festive Friday / Forestville Spirit Day 🐦

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

🏆Congratulations to Outstanding Forestville Employees

Forestville thanks all families who nominated our outstanding staff members as part of the annual FCPS Employee Awards process. We had more than 25 different nominations across five categories! Our school winners are listed below and will move forward to Langley Pyramid competition and hopefully Region 1! We know every one of our staff members are outstanding and when our community takes a few minutes to recognize them and thank them for their work, it solidifies that the Forestville community of students, staff and families is the best!

Outstanding New Teacher (Less than 3 Years Experience):

Ms. Hannah Williams - 4th Grade

Outstanding Teacher:

Ms. Sharon Crilly - Special Education Teacher

Outstanding School Leader:

Ms. Afton Carlson - Assistant Principal

Outstanding Professional Employee:

Ms. Shana Schnaue - School Counselor

Outstanding Operations Employee

Ms. Amani Kirk - Registrar

🦺 Career Day Presenters Needed

Forestville Elementary School is planning a fun and engaging career exploration event for our sixth-grade students on Friday, January 31, 2025. We are looking for dynamic presenters to share about their profession! The format of this event will be like a Career Fair where each presenter will have a table/designated area and students will rotate through the Career Fair to interact with presenters representing a host of career pathways. We encourage you to bring props, posters, and other engaging materials for our students.

Please complete this form if you would be interested in volunteering for this event. We appreciate your help with our Career Fair as we work to expose our students to a wide array of career fields and future opportunities. For planning purposes, it would be helpful to respond by Friday, January 10, 2025. Please contact Shana Schnaue, School Counselor at [email protected] with any questions. 

❗Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

📔Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

❄️Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter. 

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
• Join Our Teacher Team!
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Join the Buzz! 🐝

Calling all Forestville kiddos—it's time to show off your spelling skills and have some fun! The Spelling Bee is for everyone—whether you're a word wizard or just curious to give it a try. It's all about learning, growing, and cheering each other on. 🌟

So, grab your word lists, come to the afterschool club if you can, and get ready to spell your heart out. Who knows—you might discover a new talent along the way! Let's make it a bee-utiful experience together! 🐝💛

Just a friendly message from your favorite busy bee coordinators: The after school clubs are *optional*.  It's just a fun way to get your kiddo excited about spelling and to maybe practice a mock bee.  We will only use words from the practice lists!

Sign up today and get your spell on!

Support Forestville Elementary at Chick-fil-A - December 16th!  🐔

Place an order at the North Point Chick Fil A through mobile pickup, dine-in, drive-thru, or curbside and mention the Spirit Event.  Enjoy a tasty meal while 25% of sales from orders marked CARDINALS (via the Chick-fil-A App or at the register) are donated to our school. 

🚨 SPECIAL EVENT!! 🚨  From 5–7 PM, bring your receipt inside, write your teacher’s name on the back, and drop it in the bucket to help your class win a surprise!

🎩✨ Save the Date for Magic & Fun! ✨🎩

Join us for a Magic Show Pajama Party on Friday, January 25th! Come cozy in your PJs, enjoy popcorn & snacks, and experience an evening of amazement and fun.

Tickets are just $5 per child (kids under 4 are free!) Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the show starts promptly at 7 PM.

It’s going to be a magical night you won’t want to miss, so buy your ticket now! 🌟

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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🔊 Calendar Reminder: 3-Hour Early Release TODAY

Today, Monday, December 9th, students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM.

We have confirmed all students' plans for the afternoon. Students will follow the dismissal method you indicated on the Google form you filled out. Please avoid making changes to your child's dismissal plan unless absolutely necessary. If you must make a change please call the school directly at (703) 404 - 6000. 

Students remaining at FES for supervision will be dismissed at 4:00 PM.

• ❗ It is vitally important that you remain with the dismissal plan that has been communicated to school. We want to ensure all of our students get home safely, as planned, and your cooperation is needed so the school can safely and effectively manage two dismissals.
• If you plan on picking up your child between early and regular dismissal times, please know that due to high demand, this may take longer than usual.

There will be four additional times throughout the school year for early release days. The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Updates

December 9th - 3 Hour Early Release, 1:00 p.m. 🔔

December 10th - Band/Strings/Choir Concert @ 6:00 p.m. 🎶

December 13th - Principal Coffee ☕ @ 9:15 a.m. in the cafeteria

December 15th - Deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time advanced academic services ✅

December 23-January 3: NO School, Winter Break ⛄

January 6: School Resumes 🏫

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

🔔Monday is a 3-Hour Early Release

Monday, December 9th students is a 3-hour early release Monday. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM.

We have confirmed all students' plans for the afternoon. Students will follow the dismissal method you indicated on the Google form you filled out. Please avoid making changes to your child's dismissal plan unless absolutely necessary. If you must make a change please call the school directly at (703) 404 - 6000. 

Students remaining at FES for supervision will be dismissed at 4:00 PM. Please be sure to send an extra snack with students who are staying for the afternoon.

• ❗ It is vitally important that you remain with the dismissal plan that has been communicated to school. We want to ensure all of our students get home safely, as planned, and your cooperation is needed so the school can safely and effectively manage two dismissals.
• If you plan on picking up your child between early and regular dismissal times, please know that due to high demand, this may take longer than usual.

There will be four additional times throughout the school year for early release days. The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

🏆Congratulations to Outstanding Forestville Employees

Forestville thanks all families who nominated our outstanding staff members as part of the annual FCPS Employee Awards process. We had more than 25 different nominations across five categories! Our school winners are listed below and will move forward to Langley Pyramid competition and hopefully Region 1! We know every one of our staff members are outstanding and when our community takes a few minutes to recognize them and thank them for their work, it solidifies that the Forestville community of students, staff and families is the best!

Outstanding New Teacher (Less than 3 Years Experience):

Ms. Hannah Williams - 4th Grade

Outstanding Teacher:

Ms. Sharon Crilly - Special Education Teacher

Outstanding School Leader:

Ms. Afton Carlson - Assistant Principal

Outstanding Professional Employee:

Ms. Shana Schnaue - School Counselor

Outstanding Operations Employee

Ms. Amani Kirk - Registrar

☕Principal Coffee 

Our next Principal Coffee will be on Friday, December 13th from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. in the Forestville cafeteria. Join us for a casual discussion with our new Principal, Sarah Brooker, and get to know her better!

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

📚Literacy Resources for Families

We believe families are key to developing literacy. This page has resources to help you encourage literacy at home. It also has info to help you partner with your student's teacher and school staff in supporting your student's literacy progress in reading and writing.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Family Academy Orientation
• Literacy Resources
• Winter Programs and Activities

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

📸 Capture the Memories: Join Our Yearbook Committee! 📖

Are you creative, organized, or just love curating photos? We need YOU for our Yearbook Committee! Help us capture the special moments and create a keepsake our students will cherish forever.

No experience? No problem! Whether you can lend a few hours or take on a bigger role, every little bit helps.

Interested? Reach out to [email protected]g and let’s make this year’s yearbook unforgettable!

🐝 Are You Ready for the Buzz? 🍯

We’re kicking off December with some EXCITING news: the Spelling Bee is back! Your kids may have noticed signs popping up all over school, and now it’s time to register—don’t get STUNG!

Here’s the buzz:

• Registration Opens Today: Email Alice Jang and me at [email protected] with questions.
• Study Materials: Sent after you register to help your child prepare.
• Bee Clubs: Four afterschool sessions in January and February to build excitement and confidence.
• Junior Bee (K-2): February 13th, with the top 3 advancing to…
• Senior Bee (3-6): February 27th. Our winner will represent Forestville at the County Bee on March 23rd!

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

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Calendar Updates

November 27th - 29th - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December 2nd - Classes Resume 🏫

December 9th - 3 Hour Early Release, 1:00 p.m. 🔔

December 10th - Band/Strings/Choir Concert @ 6:00 p.m. 🎶

December 15th - Deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time advanced academic services✅

December 23-January 3: NO School, Winter Break ⛄

January 6: School Resumes 🏫

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all the wonderful volunteers and families who helped make our recent Thanksgiving Lunch and Book Fair a huge success! Your time, energy, and enthusiasm made these events truly special. We couldn't have done it without you!

⌚December 9th Early Release Monday - Action Required! 

Thank you for your support and patience during our early release Mondays. Please know that as we begin planning for our next early release Monday on December 9th, we will adhere to the following protocols:

• ❗We are asking everyone to please complete this updated form to indicate selections for your family. Please fill out a form for each student you have at Forestville. 
• Reminder! SACC will be open starting at 1:00 p.m. for those students who are already enrolled in after-school SACC.  All students participating in after-school SACC, as noted on the google form above, will be dismissed directly to SACC at 1:00 p.m.   
• We understand family needs may shift however, we are asking for families to please try and limit last minute dismissal changes for early release Mondays. Should you have a list minute dismissal change for Monday December 9th please email [email protected]. This is to ensure that all students go home safely and correctly. 

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

❗Food Allergies: Form Required for Cafeteria

Starting School Year 2024-2025, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) implemented a standardized process for dietary accommodations to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food for our students.

If your child will need a medical accommodation (food allergies, texture modifications, or other dietary needs) or a milk substitution in the cafeteria, please submit your completed accommodation form if you have not already done so.

This form only needs to be filled out once while your child is enrolled at FCPS. The completed form should be sent to [email protected].

More information including the form can be found here.

If you have any questions, please contact FCPS Food and Nutrition Services at: 703-813-4800

✅Reminder: Impact Aid Forms Due 

Thank you to all who have completed the Federal Impact Aid Survey.  If you have not already done so, please complete the form via ParentVUE, under "Online Packets". ** Note: only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. 

Please note, if you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. 

Questions?  Contact the Forestville Front Office.

📱Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather 

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

🏫Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m, at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Preparing for Winter Weather
• SEL Screener Results
• Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

🍦📔Book Fair Family Night TONIGHT 11/20

We look forward to seeing our families TONIGHT, from 6:00 - 7:30. Please come enjoy free ice cream served by our amazing staff in the cafeteria and afterward, head to the Book Fair to shop with your family.

Doors close at 8 PM, so don’t be late!

🦃Thanksgiving Lunch Tomorrow 11/21

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Luncheon with families TOMORROW Thursday, November 21! Lunch times will not change for the Luncheon. 

Lunch Times: 

10:45 - 11:15 Kindergarten 

11:15 - 11:45 5th Grade 

11:45 - 12:15 4th Grade 

12:15 - 12:45 3rd Grade 

12:45 - 1:15 2nd Grade

1:20 - 1:50 1st Grade 

1:50 - 2:20 6th Grade

Important information to know: 

• Visitors must sign-in before proceeding to the cafeteria. Our office staff will have sign-in sheets and visitor stickers available as you come into the building
• Families are welcome to bring outside food to enjoy with their family. The PTA is doing a spirit day with Dominos Pizza in Great Falls *see flyer below
• Lunch slots are 30 minutes *see schedule above
• Tables will be labeled with teacher names to support families in locating their student(s) 
• Parents wishing to visit the book fair with their student during the lunch block must fill out this google form before leaving the cafeteria. This is so teachers and staff can account for students at all times. A QR code to this form will be posted on the cafeteria doors. If you are taking your student home with you, you must sign them out in the main office

We still need volunteers to help with Thanksgiving Luncheon Setup & Cleanup. Please sign-up here: Morning and afternoon shifts available.

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Updates

November 18th - 22nd - Book Fair Week 📚

November 20th - PTA Ice Cream Social / Book Fair Night 6pm - 8pm 🍦

November 21st - Thanksgiving Luncheon 🦃

November 23rd - PTA Winter Bazaar ⛄11a.m. - 3p.m. *see below for more information

November 27th - 29th - Thanksgiving Break

December 2nd - Classes Resume

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

🦃Thanksgiving Luncheon

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Luncheon with families  this Thursday, November 21! Lunch times will not change for the Luncheon. 

Lunch Times: 

10:45 - 11:15 Kindergarten 

11:15 - 11:45 5th Grade 

11:45 - 12:15 4th Grade 

12:15 - 12:45 3rd Grade 

12:45 - 1:15 2nd Grade

1:20 - 1:50 1st Grade 

1:50 - 2:20 6th Grade

Important information to know: 

• Visitors must sign-in before proceeding to the cafeteria. Our office staff will have sign-in sheets and visitor stickers available as you come into the building.
• Families are welcome to bring outside food to enjoy with their family. The PTA is doing a spirit day with Dominos Pizza in Great Falls. *see flyer below
• Lunch slots are 30 minutes. *see schedule above
• Tables will be labeled with teacher names
• Parents wishing to visit the book fair with their student during the lunch block must fill out this google form before leaving the cafeteria. This is so teachers and staff can account for students at all times. A QR code to this form will be posted on the cafeteria doors. If you are taking your student home with you, you must sign them out in the main office.

We still need volunteers to help with Thanksgiving Luncheon Setup & Cleanup. Please sign-up here: Morning and afternoon shifts available.

📚🍦Book Fair Ice Cream Social

This Wednesday, November 20th bring your sweet tooth and enjoy free ice cream served by our amazing staff from 6–7:30 PM in the cafeteria! Afterward, head to the Book Fair to shop with your family. Doors close at 8 PM, so don’t be late!

✨ The PTA is looking for Volunteers

Help make this week unforgettable by volunteering for these events:

• Thanksgiving Luncheon Setup & Cleanup: Morning and afternoon shifts available.
• Ice Cream Social & Book Fair Help: Teens needing service hours are welcome!
• Book Fair Assistance During Luncheon: Help families shop during our busiest time.

We can’t do it without you—thank you for making Forestville so special!

Sign up today and make a difference!

⌚December 9th Early Release Monday - Action Required! 

Thank you for your support and patience during our early release Mondays. Please know that as we begin planning for our next early release Monday on December 9th, we will adhere to the following protocols:

• ❗We are asking everyone to please complete this updated form to indicate selections for your family. Please fill out a form for each student you have at Forestville. 
• Reminder! SACC will be open starting at 1:00 p.m. for those students who are already enrolled in after-school SACC.  All students participating in after-school SACC, as noted on the google form above, will be dismissed directly to SACC at 1:00 p.m.   
• We understand family needs may shift however, we are asking for families to please try and limit last minute dismissal changes for early release Mondays. Should you have a list minute dismissal change for Monday December 9th please email [email protected]. This is to ensure that all students go home safely and correctly. 

❤️🤍💙 Veterans Day Ceremony

Wow, what a beautiful ceremony we had on Tuesday as we gathered to honor the veterans and active-duty members of our military who have dedicated themselves to serving our country and others. Our 5th and 6th-grade chorus performed several tribute songs, heartfelt student thank-you notes were shared, and our entire school community joined in to celebrate our military connected community.

A special thank you to Major General Eric Vollmecke, USAF, for joining us as our keynote speaker. His inspiring and heartfelt words focused on connecting our school motto S.O.A.R. (Safe, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful) to the characteristics to the values our military meets uphold. After hearing from Major General Vollmecke students returned to their classrooms to hear from additional active-duty and retired members of our military. This was a unique opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about our families service to our country. Thank you to all of our wonderful guest speakers. 

And lastly, a huge shoutout to Mrs. Schnaue for organizing such a wonderful assembly. 

We are on our way to becoming a Purple Star School 💜

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

If you have questions about the referral process, screening by the Central Selection Committee or academics, please join Elyssa McKinnon for a parent information session on November 20th in the cafeteria from 9:30-10:30 am.

🔗 Stay Connected with Forestville

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on school events, important announcements, and highlights from our amazing school community. Don’t miss out - join us online today!

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

🧮Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

📰FCPS News

• In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
• Veterans Day Recognitions
• Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
• Teacher Hiring Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

🦃 Thanksgiving Basket Donations Still Needed!

November is a month about gratitude, as we give thanks to our Veterans, our loved ones and our community.  Let us be grateful of everything we have and help those that may be need help to enjoy a warm meal with their community.  We still need 20 more baskets for families at our sister school, Dranesville Elementary. Rally your neighbors, friends, and community to make this season memorable!  🙏💕  Sign up today to spread the love 

 

🍕 Domino’s Dough Raiser – THURSDAY, Nov 21st

Not Wednesday as previously mentioned—our Domino’s fundraiser is on Thursday to coincide with the Thanksgiving Luncheon. Grab a hot, fresh pizza for your family and help support Forestville! 🍕  Parents, please either have them deliver to your house before you leave or pickup from the store. 

 

📚 Book Fair November 18th - 22nd

Our Book Fair kicks off a super fun week of events coming soon! Get ready to browse the fair, enjoy an ice cream social, join the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and shop the Winter Bazaar—all in one week! 🛍️🍦 Mark your calendars, grab your wallets, and get ready for a week full of fun! 🍂✨ Volunteer opportunities are coming soon, so keep an eye out—or reach out to me anytime at [email protected] to jump in early!

 

🏂🏼 Winter Bazaar - Keep Warm and Shop On 

Our 2nd Annual Winter Bazaar is jingling its way into Forestville on November 23 from 11 AM - 3 PM! 🎄 The school will be buzzing with handcrafted jewelry, delicious food, toys, home decor, and holiday treasures for all!

⛄ Holiday Spirit Wear Sale

Spread that Cardinal pride! The holiday spirit wear sale at 1st Place Spiritwear starts Monday. Here’s the scoop:

• Save 25% on all merchandise
• Free shipping on orders over $75, guaranteed by December 23rd
• Sale dates: November 4 - December 10

Get ready to deck the halls in Forestville fashion! 🎉💙

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Updates

November 11- No School, Veterans Day

November 12 - Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day / Veteran’s Day Assembly 🔴⚪🔵 / Progress Reports accessible via ParentVue

November 13 -1st Grade NNAT Testing

November 18th - 22nd - Book Fair Week 📚

November 20th - PTA Ice Cream Social / Book Fair Night 6pm - 8pm 🍦

November 21st - Thanksgiving Luncheon 🦃

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

Welcome Principal Brooker! 

I was overjoyed meeting all your children and the amazing Forestville staff this week. I was treated to a very warm welcome by our incredible PTA and made to feel right at home. I starred in my first Forestvision Morning Announcement and then spent the day visiting classrooms to see where the important work gets done. 

It was evident that this school has been in great hands with Mrs. Carlson and every Forestville staff member.  Rich learning experiences were embedded throughout my visits and the students were eager to learn and showcase their knowledge.

Thank you for your support and partnership during this transition. I look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks at the variety of school and PTA sponsored events and activities.  See you soon!

🔴⚪🔵 Veterans Day Information 

We have planned several activities to honor our military connected families. On Tuesday, November 12th students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. We will also be hosting a Veterans Day Assembly at 9:30 a.m. on November 12th. Any family member who is Military Connected is invited to attend the assembly.

If you are interested in speaking to a grade or class about your Military service after the assembly, please contact Mrs. Schnaue.

Wall of Heroes 

If your family would like to honor a family member who is a Veteran, you are welcome to fill out the Wall of Hero’s form coming home in Tuesday . Please see Mrs. Schnaue if you’d like to participate or are in need of a form. We will be showcasing our Wall of Heroes the entire month of November. 

💻Virtual Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview

The Elementary Assistant Principals at Forestville, Spring Hill, Great Falls and Churchill Road Elementary are collaborating to offer an opportunity to learn how to access lessons through Schoology with your ParentVue account for our elementary students. Accessing Schoology will allow you to preview the FLE curriculum for your child’s grade-level. The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Please fill out this form if you wish to attend. A Zoom link will be sent to the email address provided as we get closer to the date. Please complete this form by Friday, November 8, 2024.

*There will not be a formal presentation during this session. School staff will be available to answer questions and support you in accessing the material for preview on Schoology.

FLE lessons are available for you to review in the All Parents Schoology Course at your convenience. Directions to access the Schoology course can be found here.

Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, please fill out the form provided to you in your child’s orientation packet at the beginning of the school year, or you may access the opt-out forms online here. 

If you have already indicated your desire to opt your child out of FLE lessons by using the form provided earlier in the school year, you do not need to complete another form. Should you opt your child out and then later decide you want your child included in FLE instruction, you must notify your child’s school principal in writing before instruction begins.

An alternative non-FLE health instructional program is provided for children who do not participate in FLE instruction, and every effort is made to foster understanding and respect for family choices and to avoid peer pressure for or against participation in the program.

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

If you have questions about the referral process, screening by the Central Selection Committee or academics, please join Elyssa McKinnon for a parent information session on November 20th in the cafeteria from 9:30-10:30 am.

🦃Save the Date - Thanksgiving Luncheon

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Luncheon with families at Forestville on Thursday, November 21! Lunch times will not change for the Luncheon. 

🔗 Stay Connected with Forestville

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on school events, important announcements, and highlights from our amazing school community. Don’t miss out - join us online today!

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance. 

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Fall Testing Results
• Boundary Review Community Meetings
• Resources for Families

November is packed with fun and special PTA events! Mark these on your calendar NOW:

• November 18-22: Our Book Fair is back with tons of volunteer opportunities. 📚💙
• Ice Cream Social (11/20) and Thanksgiving Luncheon (11/21) are also that week! 🍦🦃
• November 23: Our Winter Bazaar—a festive holiday marketplace for the whole family! 🎁✨

🦃 Thanksgiving Basket Donations Still Needed!

November is a month about gratitude, as we give thanks to our Veterans, our loved ones and our community.  Let us be grateful of everything we have and help those that may be need help to enjoy a warm meal with their community.  We still need 20 more baskets for families at our sister school, Dranesville Elementary. Rally your neighbors, friends, and community to make this season memorable!  🙏💕  Sign up today to spread the love 

 

📚 Book Fair November 18th - 22nd

Our Book Fair kicks off a super fun week of events coming soon! Get ready to browse the fair, enjoy an ice cream social, join the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and shop the Winter Bazaar—all in one week! 🛍️🍦 Mark your calendars, grab your wallets, and get ready for a week full of fun! 🍂✨ Volunteer opportunities are coming soon, so keep an eye out—or reach out to me anytime at [email protected] to jump in early!

 

🏂🏼 Winter Bazaar - Keep Warm and Shop On 

Our 2nd Annual Winter Bazaar is jingling its way into Forestville on November 23 from 11 AM - 3 PM! 🎄 The school will be buzzing with handcrafted jewelry, delicious food, toys, home decor, and holiday treasures for all!

 

⛄ Holiday Spirit Wear Sale

Spread that Cardinal pride! The holiday spirit wear sale at 1st Place Spiritwear starts Monday. Here’s the scoop:

• Save 25% on all merchandise
• Free shipping on orders over $75, guaranteed by December 23rd
• Sale dates: November 4 - December 10

Get ready to deck the halls in Forestville fashion! 🎉💙

 

🎨🎶🎬 Calling all creative minds! 

Do you enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections!

Explore the 2024-2025 theme, Accepting Imperfection, which serves as a powerful reminder that our flaws and mistakes are just as much a part of us as our strengths and are a natural and beautiful part of being human.

Please see links and visit https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections or vapta.org for rules for each category and the official entry form: Fillable entry form

Entries are due to PTA no later than November 15th, 2024 at [email protected]. For more information, you can contact Rehenuma Asmi, our Reflections Chair, at the e-mail above.

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Updates

November 6 -  Last day to nominate a staff member for FCPS Awards 🏆

November 8 - Impact Aid Forms Due

November 11- No School, Veterans Day

November 12 - Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day / Veteran’s Day Assembly 🔴⚪🔵 / Progress Reports accessible via ParentVue

November 13 - 1st Grade NNAT Testing

📅 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

🔴⚪🔵 Veterans Day Information 

We have planned several activities to honor our military connected families. On Tuesday, November 12th students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. We will also be hosting a Veterans Day Assembly at 9:30 a.m. on November 12th. Any family member who is Military Connected is invited to attend the assembly.

If you are interested in speaking to a grade or class about your Military service after the assembly, please contact Mrs. Schnaue.

Wall of Heroes 

If your family would like to honor a family member who is a Veteran, you are welcome to fill out the Wall of Hero’s form coming home in Tuesday . Please see Mrs. Schnaue if you’d like to participate or are in need of a form.

💻Virtual Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview

The Elementary Assistant Principals at Forestville, Spring Hill, Great Falls and Churchill Road Elementary are collaborating to offer an opportunity to learn how to access lessons through Schoology with your ParentVue account for our elementary students. Accessing Schoology will allow you to preview the FLE curriculum for your child’s grade-level. The virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Please fill out this form if you wish to attend. A Zoom link will be sent to the email address provided as we get closer to the date. Please complete this form by Friday, November 8, 2024.

*There will not be a formal presentation during this session. School staff will be available to answer questions and support you in accessing the material for preview on Schoology.

FLE lessons are available for you to review in the All Parents Schoology Course at your convenience. Directions to access the Schoology course can be found here.

Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, please fill out the form provided to you in your child’s orientation packet at the beginning of the school year, or you may access the opt-out forms online here. 

If you have already indicated your desire to opt your child out of FLE lessons by using the form provided earlier in the school year, you do not need to complete another form. Should you opt your child out and then later decide you want your child included in FLE instruction, you must notify your child’s school principal in writing before instruction begins.

An alternative non-FLE health instructional program is provided for children who do not participate in FLE instruction, and every effort is made to foster understanding and respect for family choices and to avoid peer pressure for or against participation in the program.

📝 AAP Full-Time Referrals

Deadline for Submitting Referrals: December 15

The deadline for all students in grades 2-6 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are no exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Elyssa McKinnon at [email protected] or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:00 pm on Friday, December 13th.

If you have questions about the referral process, screening by the Central Selection Committee or academics, please join Elyssa McKinnon for a parent information session on November 20th in the cafeteria from 9:30-10:30 am.

🏆Forestville Employee Awards

Each year FCPS strives to recognize outstanding staff throughout the county. This is an opportunity to recognize staff in any and all capacities. Both staff and community members can nominate Forestville Staff. You do not need to nominate for all categories. To submit a nomination for a Forestville Outstanding Employee please complete your nomination through this Google Form by November 6th. You may nominate an employee in one or more categories. All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category listed in the form. If you have questions please reach out Jennifer Wright.

📊The Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcountyyouthsurvey.com/, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people

If you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

✅Federal Impact Aid Survey

The Federal Impact Aid Survey will be available in ParentVUE starting Monday October 21. Be on the look out for an eNotify message from FCPS on Monday October 21 for additional instructions.

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:

• Military Families
• Federally connected families
• Families living on a military base

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. If you would like access to ParentVUE please email Amani Kirk.

🦃Save the Date - Thanksgiving Luncheon

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Luncheon with families at Forestville on Thursday, November 21! Lunch times will not change for the Luncheon. 

📰FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Calendar Reminders
• Resources for Families 
• Complete Impact Aid Survey

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

🦃 Thanksgiving Basket Donations Still Needed!

November is a month about gratitude, as we give thanks to our Veterans, our loved ones and our community.  Let us be grateful of everything we have and help those that may be need help to enjoy a warm meal with their community.  We still need 20 more baskets for families at our sister school, Dranesville Elementary. Rally your neighbors, friends, and community to make this season memorable!  🙏💕  Sign up today to spread the love 

📚 Book Fair

"Take a look, it’s in a book…!"

Our Book Fair kicks off a super fun week of events coming soon! Get ready to browse the fair, enjoy an ice cream social, join the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and shop the Winter Bazaar—all in one week! 🛍️🍦 Mark your calendars, grab your wallets, and get ready for a week full of fun! 🍂✨ Volunteer opportunities are coming soon, so keep an eye out—or reach out to me anytime at [email protected] to jump in early!

⛄ Holiday Spirit Wear Sale

Spread that Cardinal pride! The holiday spirit wear sale at 1st Place Spiritwear starts Monday. Here’s the scoop:

• Save 25% on all merchandise
• Free shipping on orders over $75, guaranteed by December 23rd
• Sale dates: November 4 - December 10

Get ready to deck the halls in Forestville fashion! 🎉💙

🎨🎶🎬 Calling all creative minds! 

Do you enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections!

Explore the 2024-2025 theme, Accepting Imperfection, which serves as a powerful reminder that our flaws and mistakes are just as much a part of us as our strengths and are a natural and beautiful part of being human.

Please see links and visit https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections or vapta.org for rules for each category and the official entry form: Fillable entry form

Entries are due to PTA no later than November 15th, 2024 at [email protected]. For more information, you can contact Rehenuma Asmi, our Reflections Chair, at the e-mail above.

1085 Utterback Store Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 | 703.404.6000 
Attendance: submit online or call 703.404.6098 | Web | Twitter