FCPS

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Upcoming Dates:

02/26             Quarter 3 Interim Reports Sent Home
02/28             Parent Coffee (9:00-10:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Services
03/03             Family Food Market (3:45-4:30pm, Cafeteria)
03/03-03/07   Read Across America Week
03/06             Gr. 1 Field Trip to Green Spring Garden
                      (McCall, Demery-Debrow, and Prasser)
03/07             Gr. 1 Field Trip to Green Spring Garden (Aldhobhani & Park)
03/10             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
03/13             Family Literacy Night (5:30-7:00pm, Cafeteria & Gym)
03/14             Parent Coffee (9:00-10:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Supporting Health and Behavioral Development at Home
03/19             Gr. 5 Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Nature Center   
                      (Abourakty & Rigby)
03/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
03/26             Spring Pictures & 5th grade Panoramic
                      Gr. 5 Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Nature Center
                      (O’Neal & Garvin)
04/01             Kindergarten Orientation (2:00-3:00pm, Gym)
04/24             Gr. 4 Field Trip to Kennedy Center

We are always proud of our students who consistently show their Cougar Pride by demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors.

After School Academy (ASA) is off and running! Taught by our own dedicated teachers and led by ASA Coordinator Jennifer Boyle. The program focuses on closing achievement gaps in math, reading, and science. We’re also excited to welcome Annandale High School students to support learning in the classrooms!

Happy St. Valentine’s Day!

5th Early Release Monday - March 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 3/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/BECSp8PjNDhTikEV9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Annandale Terrace Elementary School

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-5 during the week of February 24, 2025. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Leads, Emma Day or Nicole Scher, at [email protected] or [email protected].

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
• March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
• March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

🧲 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.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the 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.

🏅 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.

🤧 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.

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.

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!

Please see the PDF version of Health Flyer: HealthFlyerforParents.pdf

Please see the PDF version of Fairfax County Info Flyer:We Are Here For You_English.pdf

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

FCPS News

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

• Middle School Start Times
• New Lunch Items
• Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

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

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

02/17             School Holiday-George Washington’s Birthday
                      (President’s Day)-No School
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
02/21             ATES Dance Night (6:00-8:00pm, AHS)
02/26             Quarter 3 Interim Reports Sent Home
02/28             Parent Coffee (9:00-10:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Services
03/03             Family Food Market (3:45-4:30pm, Cafeteria)
03/03-03/07   Read Across America Week
03/10             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
03/13             Family Literacy Night (5:30-7:00pm, Cafeteria & Gym)
03/14             Parent Coffee (9:00-10:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Supporting Health and Behavioral Development at Home
03/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
04/01             Kindergarten Orientation (2:00-3:00pm, Gym)

At Annandale Terrace Elementary, the Equity Committee's "Paws Before You Speak" campaign is fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Through engaging morning meeting lessons and activities, students are learning the importance of pausing and thinking before speaking, promoting kindness and preventing hurtful words. Each day, classrooms celebrate their commitment to kindness by adding a link to their growing paper chain, visually demonstrating that only kind words were spoken in their classrooms. This campaign emphasizes belonging and inclusion, empowering students to create a positive and respectful school community.

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Region Superintendent Dr. Boyd to our 4th grade classrooms. Dr. Boyd observed engaging lessons on fraction and decimal equivalencies, noting the impressive anchor charts supporting student learning, the frequent opportunities for student responses, and the overall dynamic learning environment. We were thrilled to share the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students with Dr. Boyd.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, was the 100th day of school! Look at how our students and teachers celebrated this exciting day.

ATES Student Parent Lunch_02/20/25

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/yCsia7x4LAqwmfCa7) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Annandale Terrace Elementary School

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

5th Early Release Monday - March 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 3/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/BECSp8PjNDhTikEV9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-5 during the week of February 24, 2025. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Leads, Emma Day or Nicole Scher, at [email protected] or [email protected].

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

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.

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.

🧲 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.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the 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.

🏅 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.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

🤧 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.

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.

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!

Please see the PDF version of Health Flyer: HealthFlyerforParents.pdf

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

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

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

02/10             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
02/17             School Holiday-George Washington’s Birthday
                      (President’s Day)-No School
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
02/21             ATES Dance Night (6:00-8:00pm, AHS)
02/26             Quarter 3 Interim Reports Sent Home
03/03             Family Food Market (3:45-4:30pm, Cafeteria)

Last Wednesday, at the Third Annual FCPS School Communicators Conference and Awards, Annandale Terrace Elementary School was recognized for the best elementary school website in FCPS! A huge thank you to Ms. Ashley Ireland, our amazing SBTS, for all the work she does to ensure our website if the best of the best!

Annandale Terrace Website Recognized at FCPS' 2024 School Communicators Conference | Annandale Terrace Elementary School

The Annandale High School theater came to perform to our Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade students last Thursday. They did an amazing job performing three storybooks. Our students absolutely loved it! Thank you, Essel Linton and Jamiah Harrison, for your support in making this happen!

Our 2nd quarter Paw Praise winners were treated to an amazing race between our beloved Cougar and a team of hilarious inflatable characters (thank you to Ms. Jacobson, Ms. Monaghan, Ms. A. Hibdon, Ms. Scher, Mr. Dull, Ms. Pezzuti, Ms. Larson, and Mr. Martir)! Lots of cheers filled the air as the racers dashed toward the finish line—but in true Cougar fashion, our school mascot came out on top, proudly demonstrating what it means to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe! After the big win, the racers took a well-earned victory lap through the hallways, spreading joy and high-fives to all! What an amazing way to celebrate positive behavior!

Last Thursday, we had an incredible night of family fun at Bingo Night! Lots of excitement filled the room as students and their families gathered for an evening of friendly competition. With every number called (a huge shout out to Rashid in 5th grade for being the caller for the evening), the anticipation grew, and lucky winners took home some fantastic prizes! Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun!

4th Early Release Monday - February 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 2/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/Djxn6urLajkMxH4z9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Annandale Terrace Elementary School

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

SEL Screener

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-5 during the week of February 24, 2025. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions please reach out to our SEL Screener Leads, Emma Day or Nicole Scher, at [email protected] or [email protected].

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

ATES Student Parent Lunch_02/20/25

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, January 20, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/yCsia7x4LAqwmfCa7) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

🗺️ 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.

🧸 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 Kindergarten Orientation scheduled on April 1st from 2:00-3:00pm. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Mr. Jose Vega @  [email protected], our school registrar.

 

💻 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. 

🏅 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.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

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.

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!

Please see the PDF version of Health Flyer: HealthFlyerforParents.pdf

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

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

• 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.

📍 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

FCPS News

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

• Proposed Budget Progress
• Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
• Black History Month Event

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

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
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Upcoming Dates:

02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/07             Taco Rock Fundraising Night (3:30pm-10:00pm)
                      (Address: 6550 Little River Turnpike Space 50, Alexandria, VA )
02/10             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
02/17             School Holiday-George Washington’s Birthday
                      (President’s Day)-No School
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
02/21             ATES Dance Night (6:00-8:00pm, AHS)
02/26             Quarter 3 Interim Reports Sent Home

As always, we are so proud of our students who are recognized for showing their Cougar Pride by being respectful, responsible, and safe. Way to go!

Our very own, Ms. Pacilio-Lee was featured in FCPS social media! She was quoted: “I wanted to join the teaching profession because I love working with children. I hope to change lives and inspire the next generation of learners. I am a product of the county. Having attended elementary, middle, and high school in Springfield. I feel very fortunate to have experienced all the things FCPS has to offer to its students. FCPS has been the only option for me as an educator!” We are so lucky to have Ms. Pacilio-Less as an amazing Kindergarten teacher at Annandale Terrace!

Attendance is important! Every day during dismissal, we will post the percent of students who came to school on our marquee. Last Thursday, we had 90% of our students in school. This means that approximately 67 students were absent from school. Please help us increase our attendance to 100%!

Our friends from Poe Middle School music department came to visit our 5th grade students to talk about their wonderful program.

Our amazing mentoring program spearheaded by Ms. Boyle, our school counselor, had a wonderful event last Thursday. During this event, the INOVA Healthy Plate Club hosted a senses activity and smoothie making class to promote healthy meals at home as one of the Belonging Project school-based bonding events. Our students and their mentors had so much fun together as they continue to establish relationships and encourage attendance every day!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

4th Early Release Monday - February 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 2/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/Djxn6urLajkMxH4z9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

🧸 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 Kindergarten Orientation scheduled on April 1st from 2:00-3:00pm. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Mr. Jose Vega @  [email protected], our school registrar.

 

💻 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. 

🏅 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.

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.

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.

🏗️ 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.

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!

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

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

• 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.

📍 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/07             Taco Rock Fundraising Night (3:30pm-10:00pm)
                      (Address: 6550 Little River Turnpike Space 50, Alexandria, VA )
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

Selected students from 4th and 5th grade had the pleasure of participating in a taste testing event for FCPS’s Food and Nutrition Services. Dr. Reid will present on this to the school board on Thursday, January 23, 2025. If you would like to take a quick look of our students participating in the video, please click on the recording.

On Friday’s Parent Coffee, we had the pleasure of presenting about AVID. Megan Uccellini, AVID Coordinator from Poe MS, shared important information on the benefits of AVID and how students can select AVID as an elective in middle school. In addition, we shared how AVID looks like at ATES. All parents were impressed on the binders that were displayed and enjoyed falling along with the callbacks and celebrations.

Last Thursday, some of our fifth-grade students participated in the Annandale Pyramid Honors Chorus concert. They did an amazing job, and we are so proud of them! A huge thank you to Ms. Linton and Ms. Harrison for supporting our students in chorus.

Last Thursday, we welcomed our families to join their students for our monthly family lunch. It is always so wonderful to see our students spend quality time with their family member.

This past week, we had the pleasure of offering the AVMR training at Annandale Terrace to teachers from across the division. Our elementary resource math teacher, Ms. Niehoff, was one of the trainers. We also had some of our teachers participate in the training.

BINGO NIGHT AT ATES_01/30/25

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we will be hosting our BINGO night at ATES! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Families will be invited to purchase pizza, snacks, and sodas in the cafeteria. We will begin the BINGO game at 6:15pm in the gym ($1.00 for two bingo cards) and run it through 7:30pm. Be sure to bring some cash. All the proceeds will be donated to ATES PTA. We hope to see you there!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

4th Early Release Monday - February 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 2/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/Djxn6urLajkMxH4z9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

📈 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.

🧥 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, Sherry Hamzehloo , at [email protected].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.

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.

🏗️ 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.

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!

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

🗺️ 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:

• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• 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.

📍 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/07             Taco Rock Fundraising Night (3:30pm-10:00pm)
                      (Address: 6550 Little River Turnpike Space 50, Alexandria, VA )
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

Selected students from 4th and 5th grade had the pleasure of participating in a taste testing event for FCPS’s Food and Nutrition Services. Dr. Reid will present on this to the school board on Thursday, January 23, 2025. If you would like to take a quick look of our students participating in the video, please click on the recording.

On Friday’s Parent Coffee, we had the pleasure of presenting about AVID. Megan Uccellini, AVID Coordinator from Poe MS, shared important information on the benefits of AVID and how students can select AVID as an elective in middle school. In addition, we shared how AVID looks like at ATES. All parents were impressed on the binders that were displayed and enjoyed falling along with the callbacks and celebrations.

Last Thursday, some of our fifth-grade students participated in the Annandale Pyramid Honors Chorus concert. They did an amazing job, and we are so proud of them! A huge thank you to Ms. Linton and Ms. Harrison for supporting our students in chorus.

Last Thursday, we welcomed our families to join their students for our monthly family lunch. It is always so wonderful to see our students spend quality time with their family member.

This past week, we had the pleasure of offering the AVMR training at Annandale Terrace to teachers from across the division. Our elementary resource math teacher, Ms. Niehoff, was one of the trainers. We also had some of our teachers participate in the training.

BINGO NIGHT AT ATES_01/30/25

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we will be hosting our BINGO night at ATES! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Families will be invited to purchase pizza, snacks, and sodas in the cafeteria. We will begin the BINGO game at 6:15pm in the gym ($1.00 for two bingo cards) and run it through 7:30pm. Be sure to bring some cash. All the proceeds will be donated to ATES PTA. We hope to see you there!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

4th Early Release Monday - February 10, 2025

Our next 3-hour early release is coming up on Monday, 2/10.  Please let us know if your child will be going home at 12:20pm or will need supervision until 3:20 pm via completing https://forms.gle/Djxn6urLajkMxH4z9. If we do not receive a response from parents, we are required to keep your student until 3:20pm.  Please let us know so we can ensure your child gets home safely on Monday. 

📈 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.

🧥 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, Sherry Hamzehloo , at [email protected].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.

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.

🏗️ 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.

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!

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

🗺️ 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:

• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• 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.

📍 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/20             Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday/Inauguration Day
                      (Student Holiday, No School)
01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

Highlights of school events and pictures will return next week.

BINGO NIGHT AT ATES_01/30/25

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we will be hosting our BINGO night at ATES! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Families will be invited to purchase pizza, snacks, and sodas in the cafeteria. We will begin the BINGO game at 6:15pm in the gym ($1.00 for two bingo cards) and run it through 7:30pm. Be sure to bring some cash. All the proceeds will be donated to ATES PTA. We hope to see you there!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

🧥 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, Sherry Hamzehloo , at [email protected].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.

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.

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!

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

📵 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 703-658-5600.

❄️ 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.

🗺️ 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

FCPS News

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

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/20             Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday/Inauguration Day
                      (Student Holiday, No School)
01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

Highlights of school events and pictures will return next week.

BINGO NIGHT AT ATES_01/30/25

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, we will be hosting our BINGO night at ATES! Doors will open at 5:30pm. Families will be invited to purchase pizza, snacks, and sodas in the cafeteria. We will begin the BINGO game at 6:15pm in the gym ($1.00 for two bingo cards) and run it through 7:30pm. Be sure to bring some cash. All the proceeds will be donated to ATES PTA. We hope to see you there!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

🧥 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, Sherry Hamzehloo , at [email protected].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.

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.

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!

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 16 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

📵 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 703-658-5600.

❄️ 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.

🗺️ 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

FCPS News

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

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/13             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria- New Date)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/20             Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday/Inauguration Day
                      (Student Holiday, No School)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures
01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

The week before winter break, we were serenated each morning by our wonderful music team playing holiday music to lift our spirits for the day.

We are always so proud of our students who get a paw-sitive referral to the office. Here we have a few of our friends who know how to show their Cougar Pride by being respectful, responsible, and safe every day!

We were fortunate to be selected as taste testers for Fairfax County Public School’s Food and Nutrition services. Selected 4th and 5th grade students had an opportunity to taste three different types of meals and provide feedback. We are hoping to see some of these new items on our lunch menu this spring.

FCPS’s School Board recognized Annandale Terrace Elementary School with a proclamation for celebrating our 60th year anniversary this school year.

Our wonderful parents were invited to vote on their favorite holiday mural…and the winners are:
Ms. Dang – 1st Place
Ms. Rubin – 2nd Place
Ms. Roy and Ms. Monaghan – 3rd Place
Congratulations to all!

So many Gingerbread houses were built right before winter break. Look at how creative our students are.

Welcome our new Assistant Principal _Ms. Raynor

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Candice Raynor as the new Assistant Principal at Annandale Terrace Elementary School! Ms. Raynor brings a wealth of experience in education, having served in various roles such as teacher, mentor, and administrative coordinator in Prince Williams County Public Schools. Her passion for fostering student achievement and equity shines through her dedication to supporting English Learners, implementing effective instructional strategies, and collaborating with staff to create inclusive learning environments.

Ms. Raynor holds a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia and has certifications in PreK-12 Administration and Supervision as well as PreK-6 Elementary Education. Most recently, she served as the Administrative Coordinator of Sustainability of Federal Programs in Prince William County Schools, where she worked closely with principals and instructional leaders to enhance English Learner programs and student success.

Her commitment to professional development, mentorship, and innovative leadership will undoubtedly enrich our school community. We are excited to embark on this journey with Ms. Raynor and look forward to her impactful contributions! Welcome to Annandale Terrace Elementary School where together, we are amazing!

ST Math Family Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

ATES Student Parent Lunch_01/16/25

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/rd2EVBYApJ9kQRCXA) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

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.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

📵 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 703-658-5600.

❄️ 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.

🗺️ 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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’ 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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

01/13             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria- New Date)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/20             Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday/Inauguration Day
                      (Student Holiday, No School)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures
01/28             End of 2nd Quarter
01/29             Teacher Workday (Student Holiday, No School)
01/30             Bingo Night (5:30pm – 7:30pm, Gym)
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic
02/03             Family Food Market (3:45-5:00pm, Cafeteria)
02/05             Report Cards Go Home
02/20             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)

The week before winter break, we were serenated each morning by our wonderful music team playing holiday music to lift our spirits for the day.

We are always so proud of our students who get a paw-sitive referral to the office. Here we have a few of our friends who know how to show their Cougar Pride by being respectful, responsible, and safe every day!

We were fortunate to be selected as taste testers for Fairfax County Public School’s Food and Nutrition services. Selected 4th and 5th grade students had an opportunity to taste three different types of meals and provide feedback. We are hoping to see some of these new items on our lunch menu this spring.

FCPS’s School Board recognized Annandale Terrace Elementary School with a proclamation for celebrating our 60th year anniversary this school year.

Our wonderful parents were invited to vote on their favorite holiday mural…and the winners are:
Ms. Dang – 1st Place
Ms. Rubin – 2nd Place
Ms. Roy and Ms. Monaghan – 3rd Place
Congratulations to all!

So many Gingerbread houses were built right before winter break. Look at how creative our students are.

Welcome our new Assistant Principal _Ms. Raynor

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Candice Raynor as the new Assistant Principal at Annandale Terrace Elementary School! Ms. Raynor brings a wealth of experience in education, having served in various roles such as teacher, mentor, and administrative coordinator in Prince Williams County Public Schools. Her passion for fostering student achievement and equity shines through her dedication to supporting English Learners, implementing effective instructional strategies, and collaborating with staff to create inclusive learning environments.

Ms. Raynor holds a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia and has certifications in PreK-12 Administration and Supervision as well as PreK-6 Elementary Education. Most recently, she served as the Administrative Coordinator of Sustainability of Federal Programs in Prince William County Schools, where she worked closely with principals and instructional leaders to enhance English Learner programs and student success.

Her commitment to professional development, mentorship, and innovative leadership will undoubtedly enrich our school community. We are excited to embark on this journey with Ms. Raynor and look forward to her impactful contributions! Welcome to Annandale Terrace Elementary School where together, we are amazing!

ST Math Family Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

ATES Student Parent Lunch_01/16/25

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/rd2EVBYApJ9kQRCXA) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

What is WIDA ACCESS for ELLs?

ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Your child’s teachers use ACCESS for ELLs test scores as they decide how best to teach your child.

Your child does not need to study for the ACCESS for ELLs. The test is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways they understand and can communicate in English. Prepare for test day by making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats breakfast. The testing schedule will be shared in a newsletter soon. After testing, scores will be sent home to families. If your child is participating in the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, you will or have already received a notification of testing letter. If you have any questions, please reach out to school testing coordinators, Nicole Scher & Ashley Ireland at [email protected] or [email protected].

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.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

📵 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 703-658-5600.

❄️ 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.

🗺️ 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:

• 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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’ 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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes
                      Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures
01/31             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: General Health Information & School clinic

It is exciting to see how our hallways are being "decked" out with beautiful winter murals! Can’t wait until all the murals are up!

We have been celebrating the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer. Below is a picture of our third day of Holiday Cheer beginning our day with coffee and donuts. 😊

Our wonderful kindergarteners have been hard at work during their morning meetings! Last week, they explored an inspiring story about cultural identity and learned the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences.

Our 5th grade students had a Geologist guest visit their classrooms this past week. Ms. Scher’s sister is a Geologist, and she came in to talk to the students about her experiences as a geologist and even brought some rocks to show the students. What a great learning opportunity!

ATES Student Parent Lunch_01/16/25

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/rd2EVBYApJ9kQRCXA) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

❄️ 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.

🗺️ 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.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Winter Baseball Camps

Camp will be held inside the Annandale High School gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

Jan 2-3, 2025: Winter Olympics Camp

Camp will be held inside the gyms for players in K through 8th grade on the below Sundays in January/February. Camps will be conducted by the Atoms coaching staff and players.

Each session is from 9:30am to 11:00 am. 

1. Throwing and Defense (1/12)
2. Throwing and Defense (1/19)
3. Hitting (1/26)
4. Hitting (2/9)
5. Hitting (2/16)

More Information/Register Here: Annandale Baseball Winter Camp Registration

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

⛄ 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:
• 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. 

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

12/20             5th Grade Field Trip – Poe MS
                      Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Holiday Celebration
12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes
                      Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures

Congratulations to these amazing educators. These staff members were nominated by their peers in the following categories and have been selected to represent Annandale Terrace Elementary School at the pyramid level. We wish them best of luck!

On Saturday, our amazing chorus had an opportunity to perform at the Eileen Garnett Civic Center winter festival. The chorus did an outstanding job! Thank you to Ms. Linton and Ms. Harrison for their hard work and dedication in preparing our students for this wonderful event. The performance truly showcased the talent and effort of our amazing students, and we are so proud of them. Thank you to all the families and community members who came out to support our chorus. Your encouragement means so much!

Last Tuesday, we hosted our Science and Math Night along with our Book Fair. It was so nice to see such a wonderful turnout from our families.

Ms. Monaghan’s class was in for a treat last week. Mr. and Mrs. Monaghan, Ms. Monaghan’s parents stopped by to visit and read to the class.

Lunch bunch and power walk equals some happy kiddos! Ms. Scher and Mrs. Badia enjoyed their time with these amazing students!

ATES Student Parent Lunch_01/16/24

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Parents are invited to have lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/rd2EVBYApJ9kQRCXA) if you are planning to attend. Thank you!

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey ASAP

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form was sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them to the office if you haven't done so. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to: Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main Office.

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
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• 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. 

⛄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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

❄️ 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.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

⛄ 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:

• 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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

12/11             Interim Reports Sent Home
12/20             5th Grade Field Trip – Poe MS
                      Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Holiday Celebration
12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes
                      Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures

Congratulations to Ms. Purdy’s class for earning 30 paw praise tickets. For their reward, the Cougar dropped by for some high-fives and a class picture with the Cougar.

Every week we celebrate students who have been referred to the office by their teachers for demonstrating Cougar Pride! These students know how to show respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors all the time! We are very proud of them.

 

Turkey Trot Fun! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Turkey Trot and a special thank you to Ms. Farbstein and Ms. Larson for organizing this amazing event. So much fun was had by all!

Our staff members enjoyed this amazing pie bar! Thank you for the PTA for their support and to Ms. Hamzehloo, Ms. Lovo, Ms. Powers, Ms. Hosseini, and Ms. Ogum for setting up the pie bar. Everything looked and tasted amazing!

When the ATES 2nd graders finished their science unit on Monarch butterflies, they wrote letters to Fairfax Mayor Read asking her to sign the Mayors Monarch Pledge. The last time the Fairfax Mayor signed the pledge was in 2012. Our 2nd grade classes took what they learned through their science unit and explained to Mayor Read why it is important to protect them in their letters.

Eileen Garnett Civic Space - Winter Festival

Let's Celebrate the Season!

Join us for a winter festival at The Eileen Garnett Civic Space. Experience the season's joy with tree lighting, winter crafts, and delicious treats.

When: December 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA

What to Expect:

• Winter Coat and Clothing Collection: Help keep our neighbors warm and donate to our winter coat and clothing drive.
• Tree Decorating and Lighting: Help us decorate our Christmas Tree.
• Hot Cocoa and Treats: Enjoy a food truck with delicious hot cocoa and festive snacks.
• Live Music: Enjoy songs from Annandale Terrace Elementary School 5th Grade Chorus.
• Children's Activities: Let the little ones have fun with winter-themed crafts.

Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting winter memories with your loved ones.

We can't wait to see you there!

Eileen Garnett Civic Space Winter Festival Tickets, Sat, Dec 7, 2024 at 3:30 PM | Eventbrite

 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form was sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them by Monday, December 9th. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

📝Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation Webinar

Webinar - Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online December 13, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. Register Here

Join us for this important webinar presented jointly by Fairfax County Schools, the Fairfax County Police Department, the Department of Justice, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

 

Webinar Highlights:

• What is Sextortion?
• What are FCPS and FCPD seeing in relation to sextortion?
• How can families help prevent their kids from becoming victims?
• How should families respond if their child was victimized?

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to: Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main 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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

❄️ 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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meeting - in person December 11

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. The in-person community meeting will be held during the next few weeks: 

• Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.In person - Parklawn Elementary School - Cafeteria, Door 1

Each meeting will include the same presentation and feedback opportunities. Language interpretation will be available at both meetings.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review.  

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

⛄ 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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

12/11             Interim Reports Sent Home
12/20             5th Grade Field Trip – Poe MS
                      Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Topic: Holiday Celebration
12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes
                      Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
01/16             Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
01/22             Candid & Club Pictures

Congratulations to Ms. Purdy’s class for earning 30 paw praise tickets. For their reward, the Cougar dropped by for some high-fives and a class picture with the Cougar.

Every week we celebrate students who have been referred to the office by their teachers for demonstrating Cougar Pride! These students know how to show respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors all the time! We are very proud of them.

 

Turkey Trot Fun! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Turkey Trot and a special thank you to Ms. Farbstein and Ms. Larson for organizing this amazing event. So much fun was had by all!

Our staff members enjoyed this amazing pie bar! Thank you for the PTA for their support and to Ms. Hamzehloo, Ms. Lovo, Ms. Powers, Ms. Hosseini, and Ms. Ogum for setting up the pie bar. Everything looked and tasted amazing!

When the ATES 2nd graders finished their science unit on Monarch butterflies, they wrote letters to Fairfax Mayor Read asking her to sign the Mayors Monarch Pledge. The last time the Fairfax Mayor signed the pledge was in 2012. Our 2nd grade classes took what they learned through their science unit and explained to Mayor Read why it is important to protect them in their letters.

Eileen Garnett Civic Space - Winter Festival

Let's Celebrate the Season!

Join us for a winter festival at The Eileen Garnett Civic Space. Experience the season's joy with tree lighting, winter crafts, and delicious treats.

When: December 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA

What to Expect:

• Winter Coat and Clothing Collection: Help keep our neighbors warm and donate to our winter coat and clothing drive.
• Tree Decorating and Lighting: Help us decorate our Christmas Tree.
• Hot Cocoa and Treats: Enjoy a food truck with delicious hot cocoa and festive snacks.
• Live Music: Enjoy songs from Annandale Terrace Elementary School 5th Grade Chorus.
• Children's Activities: Let the little ones have fun with winter-themed crafts.

Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting winter memories with your loved ones.

We can't wait to see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1082230242789?aff=oddtdtcreator

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form was sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them by Monday, December 9th. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

📝Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation Webinar

Webinar - Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online December 13, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m. Register Here

Join us for this important webinar presented jointly by Fairfax County Schools, the Fairfax County Police Department, the Department of Justice, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

 

Webinar Highlights:

• What is Sextortion?
• What are FCPS and FCPD seeing in relation to sextortion?
• How can families help prevent their kids from becoming victims?
• How should families respond if their child was victimized?

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to: Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Wee Play Parent-Child Playgroups

Parents, caregivers, and their young children birth – 5 years old are invited to enroll in Annandale Terrace Elementary School's free, 90-minute weekly playgroups on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:00 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is for families with children who are not already enrolled in a preschool program or another early education program. The Wee Play program, led by a Fairfax County Public School facilitator, is based on the belief that parents and other caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. In a welcoming and friendly space at Annandale Terrace Elementary, Wee Play provides the opportunity for caregivers and their children to learn together and to develop the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.  

Activities include exploring toys and materials, singing songs, hearing stories, playing games, and parent discussions.  

Join us beginning Thursday, January 9 and every Thursday through the end of May.  Enrollment is required. Registration forms are available in the school office and should be returned to ATES Main 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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

❄️ 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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meeting - in person December 11

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. The in-person community meeting will be held during the next few weeks: 

• Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.In person - Parklawn Elementary School - Cafeteria, Door 1

Each meeting will include the same presentation and feedback opportunities. Language interpretation will be available at both meetings.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review.  

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

📚 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.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

⛄ 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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

11/27-29        Student Holiday-Thanksgiving Break-No School
12/02             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
12/02-06        ATES Annual Book Fair
12/03             Family Science/ Math Night / Book Fair Family Night
                       (5:30-7:30pm, Gym, Cafeteria & Library)
12/11             Interim Reports Sent Home
12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes

A huge thank you to our friends from Immanuel Christian School for their donations! We truly appreciate their support!

Just some of our amazing teachers spending time together after school. They are all truly amazing teachers!

 

First grade teachers did some learning together in math. Here is Ms. McCall and Ms. Arnold co teaching a lesson while her teammates looked on. Way to go team! What an amazing way to learn together!

Look at these amazing students learning phonics with Ms. Mousa! Way to go kids!

Look at these amazing students learning phonics with Ms. Mousa! Way to go kids!

Last Thursday, we had our Thanksgiving luncheon! Thank you to all the parents that joined their students for this wonderful event. It is always so joyful to see students enjoying the company of their families at school.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form was sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them as soon as possible. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

Volunteers are needed for ATES Book Fair!

The ATES Book Fair is scheduled on Dec. 2-6.  We would love to see your family at FAMILY night on Tuesday, 12/3 from 5:30-7pm.  The science of reading development shows that letting kids choose books they are excited about makes a huge difference in their motivation for reading, so please give them the gift of reading by buying books for them at the book fair.  Please bring your family Tuesday night on 12/03, and if you would be willing to volunteer to help out during the book fair, please complete the Volunteer Survey form: https://forms.gle/N7FDcTewzZcuv2Np8. Please contact the Librarian Assistant, Ms. Becky Powers at  [email protected] or call 703-658-5600 if you have any questions about it. Thank you!

P.S. Reference ATES Book Fair_Sneak Peek.pdf  when you are helping with your child to make the book wish list. Also you can order via https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/annandaleterrace if the books you want are not available at the book fair. 

Please join us on December 3rd at 5:30-7:30pm for a fun and educational night brought to you by The Children’s Science Center and ATES math team. The dinner will be served in the cafeteria at 5:30pm and the program starts at 6:00pm in the gym /cafeteria. All students are welcome to attend and must be accompanied by an adult! Thank you!

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to: Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Michelle Carr- Hogan, [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ 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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meeting - in person December 11

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. The in-person community meeting will be held during the next few weeks: 

• Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.In person - Parklawn Elementary School - Cafeteria, Door 1

Each meeting will include the same presentation and feedback opportunities. Language interpretation will be available at both meetings.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review.  

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

Eileen Garnett Civic Space - Winter Festival

Let's Celebrate the Season!

Join us for a winter festival at The Eileen Garnett Civic Space. Experience the season's joy with tree lighting, winter crafts, and delicious treats.

When: December 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA

What to Expect:

• Winter Coat and Clothing Collection: Help keep our neighbors warm and donate to our winter coat and clothing drive.
• Tree Decorating and Lighting: Help us decorate our Christmas Tree.
• Hot Cocoa and Treats: Enjoy a food truck with delicious hot cocoa and festive snacks.
• Live Music: Enjoy songs from Annandale Terrace Elementary School 5th Grade Chorus.
• Children's Activities: Let the little ones have fun with winter-themed crafts.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting winter memories with your loved ones.

We can't wait to see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1082230242789?aff=oddtdtcreator

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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

11/25             Turkey Trot Day
11/27-29        Student Holiday-Thanksgiving Break-No School
12/02             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
12/02-06        ATES Annual Book Fair
12/03             Family Science/ Math Night / Book Fair Family Night
                       (5:30-7:30pm, Gym, Cafeteria & Library)
12/23-01/03   Winter Holiday-No School
01/06/25        School Resumes

Our 4th-grade students recently embarked on an exciting educational field trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg, where history truly came alive! This enriching experience allowed students to explore the first permanent English settlement in America and immerse themselves in the colonial history of Williamsburg. A huge thank you to Ms. Scilovati, 4th grade teacher, for taking the lead and organizing this amazing field trip for the team.

Our kindergarten teachers had an opportunity to rehearse mathematical instructional practices using the fishbowl format during their extended CLT meeting. Such a great an opportunity for teachers to learn the content they are teaching. Way to go team!

Our preschool students had a wonderful breakfast with their families. Thank you to Ms. Rubin, Ms. McCarry, and Ms. Herbert for organizing such a wonderful event.

These students know how to show their Cougar Pride. Their teachers wrote a positive referral for each of them letting us know how they demonstrate respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors at school. Way to go! We are very proud of them.

Staring at today's first snow, it's so precious to see those wonder eyes.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form was sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them as soon as possible. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

Volunteers are needed for ATES Book Fair!

The ATES Book Fair is scheduled on Dec. 2-6.  We would love to see your family at FAMILY night on Tuesday, 12/3 from 5:30-7pm.  The science of reading development shows that letting kids choose books they are excited about makes a huge difference in their motivation for reading, so please give them the gift of reading by buying books for them at the book fair.  Please bring your family Tuesday night on 12/03, and if you would be willing to volunteer to help out during the book fair, please complete the Volunteer Survey form: https://forms.gle/N7FDcTewzZcuv2Np8. Please contact the Librarian Assistant, Ms. Becky Powers at  [email protected] or call 703-658-5600 if you have any questions about it. Thank you!

P.S. Reference ATES Book Fair_Sneak Peek.pdf  when you are helping with your child to make the book wish list. Also you can order via https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/annandaleterrace if the books you want are not available at the book fair. 

Turkey Trot Day_ 11/25/24- New Date

Due to the forecast of rain and cold weather, we’ve decided to reschedule our Turkey Trot to ensure a fun and safe event for everyone. The new date for the Turkey Trot will be Monday, November 25th. If you are still able to volunteer on the new date, please plan to arrive at the same time you originally signed up for. If you’re unable to volunteer on the new date, please email Ms. Selby Larson, our PE teacher at [email protected]  and let her know. Check the email Ms. Larson sent to you for the details if you signed up to be a volunteer at Turkey Trot Day initially. Thank you!

Please join us on December 3rd at 5:30-7:30pm for a fun and educational night brought to you by The Children’s Science Center and ATES math team. All students are welcome to attend and must be accompanied by an adult! Thank you!

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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ 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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Virtual November 25 and in person December 11

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. Two community meetings, one virtual and one in person, will be held during the next few weeks: 

• Monday, November 25, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Virtual via Zoom – Register here.For virtual meetings, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.In person - Parklawn Elementary School - Cafeteria, Door 1

Each meeting will include the same presentation and feedback opportunities. Language interpretation will be available at both meetings.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review.  

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

Eileen Garnett Civic Space - Winter Festival

Let's Celebrate the Season!

Join us for a winter festival at The Eileen Garnett Civic Space. Experience the season's joy with tree lighting, winter crafts, and delicious treats.

When: December 7th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA

What to Expect:

• Winter Coat and Clothing Collection: Help keep our neighbors warm and donate to our winter coat and clothing drive.
• Tree Decorating and Lighting: Help us decorate our Christmas Tree.
• Hot Cocoa and Treats: Enjoy a food truck with delicious hot cocoa and festive snacks.
• Live Music: Enjoy songs from Annandale Terrace Elementary School 5th Grade Chorus.
• Children's Activities: Let the little ones have fun with winter-themed crafts.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting winter memories with your loved ones.

We can't wait to see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1082230242789?aff=oddtdtcreator

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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Upcoming Dates:

11/18             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
11/19             Gr. 3 Field Trip to Huntley Meadows
11/21             Thanksgiving Luncheon /
                      Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
11/22             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Technology Info (Parent Vue and Schoology)
                      Turkey Trot Day
11/27-29        Student Holiday-Thanksgiving Break-No School
12/02             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
12/03             Family Science/ Math Night (6:00-7:00pm, Gym & Cafeteria)

On Friday, November 8, 2024, we celebrated the end of the quarter Cougar Pride reward with great enthusiasm! We are thrilled to announce that the purple house, which include the following classrooms: Ms. Herbert, Ms. Whiteford, Ms. Pacilio, Ms. Park, Ms. Romero, Ms. Purdy, and Ms. Monaghan’s classrooms, earned the most paw praise tickets this quarter for exemplifying our school’s behavior expectations of demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors. To honor their hard work, we celebrated with a fun afternoon of yard games and popcorn – a well-deserved treat! A huge thank you to Ms. Monaghan and Ms. Jacobson for their leadership in organizing this event. And another huge thank you to the staff members that supported – Ms. Panzer, Ms. Carr-Hogan, Mr. Martir, and Ms. Rogers!

While the purple house enjoyed their reward, the other classes took time to review what it means to be respectful at school. These students worked on a creative project, designing yard signs that highlight respectful behaviors. We’re excited to soon display these signs in front of our school building as a reminder of our commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment.

Congratulations to Ms. Jochum’s class for earning 30 paw praise tickets! As a reward, the Cougar stopped by for a quick visit and a class picture.

Here are some of our amazing teachers (Ms. Scilovati, Ms. Jochum, and Ms. Roy) enjoying each other’s company soon after dismissal.

Annandale Pyramid Math PD: Our Collaborative Journey Continues

Annandale Community:

We are excited to share the success of our recent math professional development sessions, held across the Annandale Pyramid. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to aligning and enhancing math instruction from kindergarten through 12th grade, ensuring every student benefits from innovative, inclusive approaches to learning.

The sessions were made even more memorable by a visit from Superintendent Reid, who observed one of the workshops at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. She highlighted the visit in her "Weekly Reflections" newsletter, sharing her appreciation for our teachers’ dedication: "It was inspiring to see second grade teachers from across the pyramid collaborating on the upcoming math unit, sharing strategies, and adapting resources specifically to support our multilingual learners." Her words energize us to continue this vital work in supporting our diverse learners.

Here’s a look at the event highlights and outcomes:

Annandale Pyramid Elementary Schools: The recent Annandale Pyramid Elementary Math Professional Development session, held across various schools, brought together K-5 teachers for focused workshops tailored to each grade level. The sessions began with an overview of goals and shared resources, emphasizing adaptations for multilingual learners. Teachers then practiced effective scaffolding techniques in small groups and rehearsed lesson plans, with peer feedback to refine their approaches. These collaborative efforts aimed to enhance support for multilingual students and foster consistent instructional strategies across schools.

Annandale Pyramid Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12): Teachers from Annandale High School, Poe Middle School, and Holmes Middle School worked closely to share best practices to support our diverse group of students. They explored ways to address students’ needs through teacher-led small groups and used pictorial anchor charts to strengthen students' mathematical language. Content teams identified specific upcoming lessons where they plan to apply these strategies. This collaborative work highlights our commitment to building community across our schools and supporting our unified vision:

In the Annandale Pyramid, mathematics teaching and learning focuses on developing an understanding of concepts and procedures through problem-solving, reasoning, and discourse.

Thank you for your continued support as we foster a collaborative learning community in the Annandale Pyramid. Together, we are making strides toward a brighter future for all our students.

The Annandale Pyramid Principals

Ingrid Badia (Annandale Terrace ES), Keesha Jackson-Muir (Braddock ES), Elizabeth Williams (Bren Mar Park ES), Michael Astudillo (Columbia ES), Felicia Usher (Weyanoke ES), Chad McRae (North Springfield ES), Serena Giron (Holmes MS), Jason Pannutti (Poe MS), and Shawn DeRose (Annandale HS)

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The paper form is sent home with your students on Thursday, November 14. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Questions? Please call or email Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo, our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected]  or Mr. Jose Vega, our Registrar @ 703-658-5602 or [email protected]

Announcing FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Program Nominate amazing ATES staff members!

FCPS has special awards program to honor outstanding staff members. This can include classroom teachers, ESOL teachers, SPED teachers, Specialists (PE, Music, Art, etc…), Instructional Assistants and Instructional Leaders for each school. It’s a perfect way to celebrate any of our staff members to be recognized for all the amazing work they do each day.  

If you would like to nominate anyone from ATES, please fill out this form no later than by November 15, 2024.

If you have any questions, send them to Essel Linton, Awards Liaison at [email protected] 

The nomination forms may be accessed through:  https://forms.gle/gytbYzSJEfxvpcd98

Thanksgiving Luncheon / Student Parent Lunch_11/24/2024

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Parents are invited to have Thanksgiving lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/ySq4eVmfuGiBqAPU8) if you are planning to attend.

Turkey Trot Volunteer Sign-Up

Turkey Trot Day is scheduled on Friday, November 22nd and we need parent volunteers to make this event fun and successful! Volunteers are needed to help teachers to run the activity stations and monitor students. Please complete this survey if you are interested to volunteer. 

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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Virtual November 25 and in person December 11

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. Two community meetings, one virtual and one in person, will be held during the next few weeks: 

• Monday, November 25, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Virtual via Zoom – Register here.For virtual meetings, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.In person - Parklawn Elementary School - Cafeteria, Door 1

Each meeting will include the same presentation and feedback opportunities. Language interpretation will be available at both meetings.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review.  

2024-2025 Family Science Night Volunteer sign-up

For the school year 2024-25, ATES is hosting a free event for our students and families courtesy of The Children’s Science Center  www.thechildrenssciencecenter.org. The Mobile Science Lab will bring fun experiments and activities designed to excite our students about science!  It is completely free because we are a Title 1 school, however 30 volunteers are needed to run the activities. Please consider volunteering your time and/or pass this on to someone who’d like to volunteer. Children’s Science Center brings all the materials, displays and activities.  Volunteers just set up, read their volunteer packet (you receive this a week in advance), run the activity table, and go home when finished.
 
Volunteer Requirements:  Adults (teachers, spouses, friends, community members, etc.) or high school students in  Grades 11 and 12 (Community service hours given for high school students).

   When:  Tuesday, December 3rd
   Place:  Gym @ Annandale Terrace Elementary School
   Time:   5:15-7:45 p.m.  (This time includes set up/clean up. The actual family program is from 6:00-7:30 pm)
   RSVP by Friday, November 15th by completing this Volunteer Sign-up Form.
   For any questions, please email Cindy Rogers via [email protected].

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.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

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.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

Fairfax Recycles Day

Come participate in Fairfax Recycles Day on Saturday, November 16, by dropping off recyclables and more at the Drop-Off Event and Touch-a-Truck at the Gerry Hyland Government Center 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA. See below for the list of acceptable items.

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. 

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Dates:

11/11             Student Holiday-Veterans Day-No School
11/14             Gr. 4 field trip to Jamestown / Williamsburg
11/15             PreK Family Breakfast (9:00-10:00am, PreK Classrooms)
11/18             3-Hour Early Release -Dismissal time 12:20pm
11/19             Gr. 3 Field Trip to Huntley Meadows
11/21             Thanksgiving Luncheon /
                      Student Parent Lunch (Lunch Time, Cafeteria)
11/22             Parent Coffee (9:00am, Cafeteria)
                      Technology Info (Parent Vue and Schoology)
                      Turkey Trot Day
11/27-29        Student Holiday-Thanksgiving Break-No School
12/02             Family Food Market (3:45pm, Cafeteria)
12/03             Family Science Night (6:00-7:00pm, Gym)

Last Thursday, October 31, 2024, was Book Character Day! So much fun was had by all! A huge thank you to the Specialist’s Team for organizing this event. And a huge thank you to all staff members and volunteers who read a story to students and dressed up as a favorite character.

This amazing 5th grade student was recognized for showing her Cougar Pride. Way to go!

Here we have one of our amazing High Impact Tutors, Ms. Avazpour, working with students on matching numbers and counting! Thank you, Ms. Avazpour, for supporting our students in math.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). In addition, you can contact Ms. Sherry Hamzehloo,
our Parent Liaison@ 703-658-5693 or [email protected] if you need some help with setting up a ParentVue account. T

Announcing FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Program Nominate amazing ATES staff members!

FCPS has special awards program to honor outstanding staff members. This can include classroom teachers, ESOL teachers, SPED teachers, Specialists (PE, Music, Art, etc…), Instructional Assistants and Instructional Leaders for each school. It’s a perfect way to celebrate any of our staff members to be recognized for all the amazing work they do each day.  

If you would like to nominate anyone from ATES, please fill out this form no later than by November 15, 2024.

If you have any questions, send them to Essel Linton, Awards Liaison at [email protected] 

The nomination forms may be accessed through:  https://forms.gle/gytbYzSJEfxvpcd98

Thanksgiving Luncheon / Student Parent Lunch_11/24/2024

The Family Engagement Committee is sponsoring the Student-Parent Lunch Day on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Parents are invited to have Thanksgiving lunch with their student during their lunch time. This event is part of increasing family engagement at ATES and providing parents an opportunity to come to the school. The price for lunch is $5.00 for all guests (Free of charge for all students in Annandale Terrace). Please complete this survey (https://forms.gle/ySq4eVmfuGiBqAPU8) if you are planning to attend.

Turkey Trot Volunteer Sign-Up

Turkey Trot Day is scheduled on Friday, November 22nd and we need parent volunteers to make this event fun and successful! Volunteers are needed to help teachers to run the activity stations and monitor students. Please complete this survey if you are interested to volunteer. 

2024-2025 Family Science Night Volunteer sign-up

For the school year 2024-25, ATES is hosting a free event for our students and families courtesy of The Children’s Science Center  www.thechildrenssciencecenter.org. The Mobile Science Lab will bring fun experiments and activities designed to excite our students about science!  It is completely free because we are a Title 1 school, however 30 volunteers are needed to run the activities. Please consider volunteering your time and/or pass this on to someone who’d like to volunteer. Children’s Science Center brings all the materials, displays and activities.  Volunteers just set up, read their volunteer packet (you receive this a week in advance), run the activity table, and go home when finished.
 
Volunteer Requirements:  Adults (teachers, spouses, friends, community members, etc.) or high school students in  Grades 11 and 12 (Community service hours given for high school students).

   When:  Tuesday, December 3rd
   Place:  Gym @ Annandale Terrace Elementary School
   Time:   5:15-7:45 p.m.  (This time includes set up/clean up. The actual family program is from 6:00-7:30 pm)
   RSVP by Friday, November 8th by completing this Volunteer Sign-up Form.
   For any questions, please email Cindy Rogers via [email protected].

Title I Family Compact

Annandale Terrace Elementary is a Title I school within Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) and utilizes the Title I grant to improve student achievement and help all students meet the objectives of the FCPS Program of Studies and the Virginia Standards of Learning. A partnership with families is essential to meeting this goal.  

Under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, schools that receive Title I funds are expected to collaborate with families to develop and maintain a parent and family engagement policy that describes the school’s approach to involve families in students’ learning and includes a compact expressing the partnerships among staff, caregivers, and students to reach high academic goals for every student.  

For details of 2024-2025 Title 1 Family Compact, please read FY25 Title I Family Engagement Compact.pdf

In addition, please let us know your feedback by completing SIIP and Family Engagement Policy

📍 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.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

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.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Yearbook Pre-Order is Open!

Don't miss out! The Annandale Terrace 2024-2025 Yearbook is now available for early bird pricing at just $16! Pre-order yours before prices go up after April 11th. Secure those memories today! Visit https://www.strawbridge.net/ and enter code YB30242.  The yearbooks will be passed out in June. 

Fairfax Recycles Day

Come participate in Fairfax Recycles Day on Saturday, November 16, by dropping off recyclables and more at the Drop-Off Event and Touch-a-Truck at the Gerry Hyland Government Center 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA. See below for the list of acceptable items.

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 

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

Free Workshops for Families

Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).

The FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.

7604 Herald St, Annandale, VA 22003 |  Main Phone: 703.658.5600
Attendance: 703.658.5656 or Submit an absence online
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