FCPS

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

  At Franconia we have :

 

Engaged Students Amazing Staff Supportive Families Wonderful Community

 

We are so Grateful!

 

Have a wonderful holiday with your families!

 

 

Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 22, through Friday, November 24. Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday
• Monday 12/18- Monday 1/1/24- No School- Winter Break

 

  Counselor Corner 

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

The character trait for November is Gratitude - The feeling of being thankful, or showing appreciation towards others.

 

In October, we highlighted the character trait of Kindness.  We can show Kindness by being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others.  

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed Kindness last month: https://youtu.be/GP8yhx_FR28

We are so proud of our Kindness award winners!

 

 

 

Attention 6th Grade Families

To build and maintain safe and supportive school environments, Fairfax County Public Schools has developed two lessons at the sixth-grade level to educate students on the topic of sexual harassment. These two lessons seek to provide students with the necessary information, resources, and strategies to help prevent occurrences of sexual harassment as well as outline the steps to take if they feel they or their peers are targets of these behaviors. In addition, the lessons share how schools support targeted students so that they can continue to focus on learning in an environment that feels comfortable and secure. The two lessons are taught by the school counselor as part of their counseling curriculum. These lessons will be taught to sixth graders beginning November 27th- December 1st.  Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, non-punitive alternative instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choice. If you wish to opt your child out of the sexual harassment lessons, please return the form that was sent home in the beginning of October.  Please note that those families who have opted their child out of school counseling services will automatically be opted out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Parents/guardians may request to view these two lessons prior to deciding whether to opt their child(ren) out of the lessons. Please reach out to the school counselor for instructions on how to preview the lessons. Your child will be included in the two sexual harassment lessons unless you request that he/she be opted out using the opt-out form or unless he/she has been opted out of school counseling services. You do not need to return the form to the school if you wish for your child to participate in the lessons. If you return the opt-out form and later decide you want your child to receive the lessons, you must notify the classroom teacher or Mrs. Guillion, school counselor.

 

 

  Full-Time AAP Referral Window Reminder for Parents

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 (Level IV) Referral Form to Jo-Anne Fouad, [email protected]  or Katelyn Glines [email protected] no later than December 15, 2023. 

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 Jo-Anne Fouad, [email protected]  or Katelyn Glines [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.

 

 

 

Toy Drive 

 

Toy drive to support our local Children’s Hospital in DC   Toys should be new, please do not gift wrap.

 

Drop off dates are:

• Franconia area: December 9th 12 PM- 2PM

• Del Ray area: December 10th 2PM-4PM

 

You can download wishlist suggestions by age here.

 

Questions?

Please reach out to  Melisa Francisco at 571-330-7109 or Katie Lee at 540-850-4997 for the exact drop off locations.

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

 

 

  Become a Bus Driver for FCPS

 

Fairfax County Public Schools Needs School Bus Drivers to Meet Our Growing Requirements.

School Bus Drivers earn $24.55/hour plus excellent benefits.

$2,000 signing bonus!

For more information call 571-423-3023

 

 

Franconia Elementary School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP)

 

You can view our outcome goals for this academic year here.

 

 

   Edison HS PTA Fundraiser

 

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are calling your name

Hey friends, Thomas A Edison PTSA has the sweetest offer for you. By ordering a dozen (or two) original glazed doughnuts, you can treat your family to the freshest doughnuts in town and 50% of the order will be donated back to Thomas A Edison PTSA!

This fundraiser works at any participating Krispy Kreme’s nationwide!! So even if you’re not in Northern Virginia, you can still get in on the doughnuts action!! 

From now until November 30, you can get your dozens using our fundraising sales page below.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for Thomas A Edison PTSA

How it works: purchase your dozens online, visit your nearest Krispy Kreme store & redeem using your code. You can also purchase doughnuts and gift them to friends and family, or perhaps some well deserving colleagues!

Thank you in advance for your support, we hope you enjoy this sweet offer.

Sharon

Thomas A Edison PTSA, President 

P.S. Dozens are redeemable nationwide, so feel free to share this page with other doughnut lovers!

 

 

 

Gingerbread Decorating Workshops at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts

Edison Academy is excited to announce that Chef Walden and our Culinary Arts students are sponsoring Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops on Saturday, December 9, 2023.   Enjoy the holiday season with friends
and family with Gingerbread FUN! Let us take care of all the mess and stress.

Our talented culinary students will assist you in creating a truly unique house for display during the holiday season. The workshop includes all the ingredients to decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available after your decorating experience.

• Pricing: $45 and a minimum of 4 canned goods per house (the canned
  goods will be donated to the Koinonia Foundation food pantry).
• Two sessions are available to choose from: Session 1: 9:00 am-10:30 am
  Session 2: 10:30 am-12 noon
• Due to limited space a maximum of three people per house, including
  parent and/or guardian.
• Recommended age: 5 years old and up. Participants 13 and under
  must have an adult chaperone.
• Workshops will take place at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310, in room H-128.

Registration and money payment is required by December 1st
.(limited to 24 paid participants).

You can register for this event HERE

 

In case of inclement weather and cancelled event, take home kits will be available for pick up before noon on the 15th and 16th.

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

November 22-24 - 

• Thanksgiving (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

 

December 2nd-

• National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

FCPS Special Education Resources

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
• Families of students in Special Education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents (translations available from the Family Resource Center).
• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube Channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the FRC with any questions at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, serves as a confidential resource, providing information and support to parents and students regarding special education services. The assistant ombuds provides transparency and understanding to families of children with special needs so that they may receive all the services and supports required to equitably access public education. The assistant ombuds can be contacted by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].

 

December 5-9 - Inclusive Schools Week

 

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday
• Monday 12/18- Monday 1/1/24- No School- Winter Break

 

  Nominate an Outstanding Franconia Staff Member

 

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Franconia Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/yGn7ep2VWm4seW2D6 You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 17th.

If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie Pater at [email protected]

 

  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, your school should be providing paper forms this week. Please be sure to return paper forms by Friday, November 17. The electronic form will continue to be available in SIS ParentVUE until January 2024. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page. 

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE 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 enter Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

 

 

Students strategize during game day in AAP.

 

 

Free Turkey Dinner

Free turkey dinners available from Franconia United Methodist Church

Meals available for carryout/to go, No RSVP required

Includes turkey, sides, and dessert

Sunday, November 19

Starting at 4 PM until the meals are gone!

Franconia Methodist Church

6037 Franconia Rd., Alexandria

www.FranconiaUMC.org | 703-971-5151

 

  Become a Bus Driver for FCPS

 

Fairfax County Public Schools Needs School Bus Drivers to Meet Our Growing Requirements.

School Bus Drivers earn $24.55/hour plus excellent benefits.

$2,000 signing bonus!

For more information call 571-423-3023

 

  Counselor Corner 

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

The character trait for November is Gratitude - The feeling of being thankful, or showing appreciation towards others.

 

In October, we highlighted the character trait of Kindness.  We can show Kindness by being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others.  

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed Kindness last month: https://youtu.be/GP8yhx_FR28

We are so proud of our Kindness award winners!

 

 

 

Attention 6th Grade Families

To build and maintain safe and supportive school environments, Fairfax County Public Schools has developed two lessons at the sixth-grade level to educate students on the topic of sexual harassment. These two lessons seek to provide students with the necessary information, resources, and strategies to help prevent occurrences of sexual harassment as well as outline the steps to take if they feel they or their peers are targets of these behaviors. In addition, the lessons share how schools support targeted students so that they can continue to focus on learning in an environment that feels comfortable and secure. The two lessons are taught by the school counselor as part of their counseling curriculum. These lessons will be taught to sixth graders beginning November 27th- December 1st.  Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, non-punitive alternative instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choice. If you wish to opt your child out of the sexual harassment lessons, please return the form that was sent home in the beginning of October.  Please note that those families who have opted their child out of school counseling services will automatically be opted out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Parents/guardians may request to view these two lessons prior to deciding whether to opt their child(ren) out of the lessons. Please reach out to the school counselor for instructions on how to preview the lessons. Your child will be included in the two sexual harassment lessons unless you request that he/she be opted out using the opt-out form or unless he/she has been opted out of school counseling services. You do not need to return the form to the school if you wish for your child to participate in the lessons. If you return the opt-out form and later decide you want your child to receive the lessons, you must notify the classroom teacher or Mrs. Guillion, school counselor.

 

 

 

Franconia Elementary School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP)

 

You can view our outcome goals for this academic year here.

 

 

  Full-Time AAP Referral Window Reminder for Parents

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 (Level IV) Referral Form to Jo-Anne Fouad, [email protected]  or Katelyn Glines [email protected] no later than December 15, 2023. 

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 Jo-Anne Fouad, [email protected]  or Katelyn Glines [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.

 

 

 

 

Gingerbread Decorating Workshops at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts

Edison Academy is excited to announce that Chef Walden and our Culinary Arts students are sponsoring Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops on Saturday, December 9, 2023.   Enjoy the holiday season with friends
and family with Gingerbread FUN! Let us take care of all the mess and stress.

Our talented culinary students will assist you in creating a truly unique house for display during the holiday season. The workshop includes all the ingredients to decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available after your decorating experience.

• Pricing: $45 and a minimum of 4 canned goods per house (the canned
  goods will be donated to the Koinonia Foundation food pantry).
• Two sessions are available to choose from: Session 1: 9:00 am-10:30 am
  Session 2: 10:30 am-12 noon
• Due to limited space a maximum of three people per house, including
  parent and/or guardian.
• Recommended age: 5 years old and up. Participants 13 and under
  must have an adult chaperone.
• Workshops will take place at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310, in room H-128.

Registration and money payment is required by December 1st
.(limited to 24 paid participants).

You can register for this event HERE

 

In case of inclement weather and cancelled event, take home kits will be available for pick up before noon on the 15th and 16th.

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

November 22-24 - 

• Thanksgiving (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

 

December 2nd-

• National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

FCPS Special Education Resources

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
• Families of students in Special Education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents (translations available from the Family Resource Center).
• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube Channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the FRC with any questions at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, serves as a confidential resource, providing information and support to parents and students regarding special education services. The assistant ombuds provides transparency and understanding to families of children with special needs so that they may receive all the services and supports required to equitably access public education. The assistant ombuds can be contacted by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].

 

December 5-9 - Inclusive Schools Week

 

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Saturday, 11/11 - Veterans Day
• Sunday, 11/12- Diwali
• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

 

  FLE Preview Night Tomorrow

 

Families are invited to attend an optional Zoom session to learn about FLE (Family Life Education) lessons and materials.

 

November 9, 2023

5:30pm -6:00pm

 

Zoom link is below:

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92243134340

 

  Nominate an Outstanding Franconia Staff Member

 

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Franconia Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/yGn7ep2VWm4seW2D6 You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 17th.

If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie Pater at [email protected]

 

  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, your school should be providing paper forms this week. Please be sure to return paper forms by Friday, November 17. The electronic form will continue to be available in SIS ParentVUE until January 2024. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page. 

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE 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 enter Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

 

  

Parents and former teachers joined in the Third Grade Publishing Party Celebration.

  Counselor Corner 

 

Attention 6th Grade Families

To build and maintain safe and supportive school environments, Fairfax County Public Schools has developed two lessons at the sixth-grade level to educate students on the topic of sexual harassment. These two lessons seek to provide students with the necessary information, resources, and strategies to help prevent occurrences of sexual harassment as well as outline the steps to take if they feel they or their peers are targets of these behaviors. In addition, the lessons share how schools support targeted students so that they can continue to focus on learning in an environment that feels comfortable and secure. The two lessons are taught by the school counselor as part of their counseling curriculum. These lessons will be taught to sixth graders beginning November 27th- December 1st.  Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, non-punitive alternative instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choice. If you wish to opt your child out of the sexual harassment lessons, please return the form that was sent home in the beginning of October.  Please note that those families who have opted their child out of school counseling services will automatically be opted out of the two sixth-grade lessons on the topic of sexual harassment. Parents/guardians may request to view these two lessons prior to deciding whether to opt their child(ren) out of the lessons. Please reach out to the school counselor for instructions on how to preview the lessons. Your child will be included in the two sexual harassment lessons unless you request that he/she be opted out using the opt-out form or unless he/she has been opted out of school counseling services. You do not need to return the form to the school if you wish for your child to participate in the lessons. If you return the opt-out form and later decide you want your child to receive the lessons, you must notify the classroom teacher or Mrs. Guillion, school counselor.

 

 

  Full-Time AAP Referral Window Reminder for Parents

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 (Level IV) Referral Form to  <<fill in the name and email address of the AART or principal>> no later than December 15, 2023. 

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 Jo-Anne Fouad, [email protected]  or Katelyn Glines [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.

 

 

 

Mrs. Tran's Class modeling their new Kindergarten T-shirts, and exploring the inside of a pumpkin.

 

 

Gingerbread Decorating Workshops at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts

Edison Academy is excited to announce that Chef Walden and our Culinary Arts students are sponsoring Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops on Saturday, December 9, 2023.   Enjoy the holiday season with friends
and family with Gingerbread FUN! Let us take care of all the mess and stress.

Our talented culinary students will assist you in creating a truly unique house for display during the holiday season. The workshop includes all the ingredients to decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available after your decorating experience.

• Pricing: $45 and a minimum of 4 canned goods per house (the canned
  goods will be donated to the Koinonia Foundation food pantry).
• Two sessions are available to choose from: Session 1: 9:00 am-10:30 am
  Session 2: 10:30 am-12 noon
• Due to limited space a maximum of three people per house, including
  parent and/or guardian.
• Recommended age: 5 years old and up. Participants 13 and under
  must have an adult chaperone.
• Workshops will take place at the Edison Academy of Culinary Arts 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310, in room H-128.

Registration and money payment is required by December 1st
.(limited to 24 paid participants).

You can register for this event HERE

 

In case of inclement weather and cancelled event, take home kits will be available for pick up before noon on the 15th and 16th.

 

   LMVSC Recreational Basketball Registration Open

 

• Play With Friends
• Scholarships Available
• Pre-K - High School Programs
• Uniforms Provided
• Exciting End of Season Tournament Included

 

Registration Closes November 22nd

Games Start January 6, 2024

Register HERE

 

Questions?  Email Tom Fitzpatrick at

[email protected]

LMVSC.org

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

November 11-

• Veterans Day 

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

 

November 12-

• Diwali

Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this day and the victory of light over darkness. This year's Diwali artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Rijuta D. as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students.

 

November 22-24 - 

• Thanksgiving (Holiday)

Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Friday, 11/3- Quarter End/ Early Release, 1:30pm Dismissal
• Monday, 11/6, Tuesday, 11/7 - No School- Student Holidays
• Wednesday, 11/8- Beauty and the Beast Auditions 3:45pm-6:00pm
• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

 

 

Bully Prevention Spirit Week   Thursday and Friday are your last chances to dress up and celebrate Bully Prevention Week

 

Thursday, November 2nd- Crazy Hair or Socks Day

* Bully Prevention Laser Assembly Today*

Friday, November 3rd- Twin Day or Wear School Colors

 

Be an Upstander Against Bullying!

 

  Just Two More Days to Participate in the Yearbook Cover Contest

All Franconia students are invited to participate in our yearbook cover competition. Please use a white 8 x 11 sheet of paper and colored pencils. On the back of the paper, write your first and last name, teacher's name, and grade level. This year's yearbook theme is

 

Penguins Strive to Be Inclusive and Kind

 

Your cover designs should be related to the theme. Please include Franconia Elementary 2023-2024 on the cover and remember to check your spelling!

 

Designs are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, November 3rd

 

Things to Consider when designing:

1. Draw your picture with a pencil first.
2. When coloring, use colored pencils only.
3. Your design should be Portrait view (not landscape)
4. Remember to use color to really make your picture pop! (don’t have a lot of white space)

 

 

Penguins and families helping clean up after the Marine Corps Marathon! 

 

  Pacer Makeups this Week

 

4-6th Grade will be having Pacer makeups/redos on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please (if you have PE on those days) wear the appropriate clothes, shoes and make sure you bring water!

-PE Team

 

  Look for Impact Aid Forms in  Wednesday folders Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid

 

The Impact Aid Program is a federal grant program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program's mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned and therefore tax-exempt property. Your support in identifying students with federal connections will ensure that FCPS can obtain its fair share of grant funds from this program.

Any surveys not completed by October 30 will be sent home in Wednesday folders.  Please be sure to complete and sign the survey, then have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

For questions regarding the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid, please call 703-329-7750 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.fcps.edu/impact.  Additional information about Impact Aid programs and grants is available on the U.S. Department of Education's website at DoED Impact Aid Programs.

 

 

It's Conference Season!

 

Things to Consider  for Upcoming Conferences

 

• Communication- Share any questions or concerns PRIOR to the meeting.  

-Sharing PRIOR to the meeting, will help the teacher fully prepare to address questions or concerns. (via apps such as Talking Points or scheduling an interpreter) 

• Volunteer Opportunities- Yes, that’s right! We need you! Share your skills and hobbies with your child’s teacher during the fall conference. Volunteering may include simple tasks such as cutting out shapes, preparing items for an activity, putting books away in the library, or organizing supplies. 

• Understanding Progress- Ask, “What is a goal my child is working toward?” (Where did they start? Where are they now?”
• Support- Ask about ways you can help at home. Feel free to ask for materials that might help YOU help your child. (technology, word cards, etc.)

 

  FLE Preview Night November 9th

 

Families are invited to attend an optional Zoom session to learn about FLE (Family Life Education) lessons and materials.

 

November 9, 2023

5:30pm -6:00pm

 

Zoom link is below:

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92243134340

 

  Edison Orchestra Pyramid Concert

5th and 6th grade strings students participated in the annual Edison Orchestra Pyramid concert on Tuesday, October 24. Students played “Revenge of the Dust Bunnies” and “Spooky Scary Skeletons” along with students from other elementary schools as well as students from Twain Middle School and Edison High School. Many students wore costumes, and it was an evening of great music and great fun! The Franconia Strings program welcomes 4th, 5th and 6th grade students for weekly classes during school and our strings teachers are Bradley Johnson and Danielle Herrera.  You can watch a video of these amazing performances here: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8QINud014-3XPFDu--SRuVYUffIZFUZt&si=LDvNO4GB3cwNNGuF

 

   LMVSC Recreational Basketball Registration Open

 

• Play With Friends
• Scholarships Available
• Pre-K - High School Programs
• Uniforms Provided
• Exciting End of Season Tournament Included

 

Registration Closes November 22nd

Games Start January 6, 2024

Register HERE

 

Questions?  Email Tom Fitzpatrick at

[email protected]

LMVSC.org

 

  Dyslexia Open House

Fairfax County Public Schools will be holding the Dyslexia Open House on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. This event is open to staff members and families who would like to learn more about dyslexia and how Fairfax County Public Schools supports students with dyslexia.

From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. participants have the opportunity to visit tables set up with information from a variety of departments in Fairfax including the Office of the Ombuds, Office of School Psychology and the Office of Special Education Instruction.  From 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. a variety of speakers will discuss the importance of dyslexia awareness and how to support your students with dyslexia. Feel free to share the invitation with staff, family and community members. Register using this link.

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• Friday, November 3rd, Quarter End, Early Release
• Monday, November 6th, Student Holiday
• Tuesday, November 7th Teacher Workday

As a reminder, Friday, November 3rd, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6th for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 7th for a Teacher Workday.

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Saturday, 10/28- FES PTA Fun Run/walk & Foam Party 10:30am-Noon
• Friday, 11/3- Quarter End/ Early Release, 1:30pm Dismissal
• Monday, 11/6, Tuesday, 11/7 - No School- Student Holidays
• Wednesday, 11/8- Beauty and the Beast Auditions 3:45pm-6:00pm
• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

 

.

 

Mrs. Stump's third graders enjoying the sunshine as they release their class ladybugs

 

.

  LAST CHANCE for Spirit Wear DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

 

LAST CHANCE to order Spirit Wear. Click here to order your Fall 2023 Penguin Way Spirit Wear by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT: 

https://shop.burkesports.com/groups/1619-franconia-es-pta/products

This year we are happy to be using a local small business for our sale (Burke Sporting Goods) and we thank 4th Grade teacher Mrs. Blum for designing the awesome logo that reinforces the new motto of the school- The Penguin Way!

 

.

 

FES PTA Foam Run/Walk Fundraiser THIS Saturday, Oct. 28 at FES Field Run/Walk from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Foam Party at the Finish Line from 11:00 a.m. - noon

 

Let's Get Moving Together, Penguins!

Join your PTA and fellow Penguins as we take part in a one mile run/.5 mile walk followed by a FOAM EXPLOSION!

Participation is FREE for FES families, but donations are encouraged to support the PTA's events and activities. 

Your donations help to keep the PTA's activities free and fun, but we can't do it without your support! Your donations will fund our Picnic on the Playground, Author Visits, Bus Transportation for Field Trips, Movie Night, Book Blast, End-of-Year Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week, and MUCH MORE! 

No registration required * Shoes and clothes may get wet with non-toxic, non-staining foam * Light concessions for sale * No pets, please * All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian, this is NOT a drop-off event. Questions, contact Office[email protected]   Can't make it to the event? No problem! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to your Franconia PTA to make sure this year is one to remember. . Thank you to Rudy's Golf and Sports Bar for sponsoring this event. Visit Rudy's for fun times on their miniature golf course and 74 bay driving range while you enjoy a wide selection of food and beverage choices. Rudy's is located at 6625 South Van Dorn Street in Alexandria.  

 

Bully Prevention Spirit Week   We're celebrating Bully Prevention Week with five fun spirit days!

 

Monday, October 30th- Pajama Day

Tuesday, October 31st- Dress as your favorite book character or wear fall colors (no masks). *Kindness Parade Today*

Wednesday, November 1st- Team or College Jersey Day

Thursday, November 2nd- Crazy Hair or Socks Day

* Bully Prevention Laser Assembly Today*

Friday, November 3rd- Twin Day or Wear School Colors

 

Be an Upstander Against Bullying!

 

  Please Complete Your Impact Aid Form Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid

 

The Impact Aid Program is a federal grant program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program's mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned and therefore tax-exempt property. Your support in identifying students with federal connections will ensure that FCPS can obtain its fair share of grant funds from this program.

For the first time, surveys will be available online this year. Please log into ParentVue from October 16 - 30, 2023. Once logged in, please select the “Online Packets” tab at the top, then select “2023-2024 Federal Impact Aid Survey” from the dropdown menu. Click the ‘Begin Registration’ Button.

Any surveys not completed by October 30 will be sent home in Wednesday folders.  Please be sure to complete and sign the survey, then have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

For questions regarding the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid, please call 703-329-7750 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.fcps.edu/impact.  Additional information about Impact Aid programs and grants is available on the U.S. Department of Education's website at DoED Impact Aid Programs.

Have questions or need a ParentVue account? Please contact the Franconia ES Main Office @ 703-822-2200 for help.

Have a ParentVue account, but need assistance? Complete this Help Request Form: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/.

 

  Edison Orchestra Pyramid Concert

5th and 6th grade strings students participated in the annual Edison Orchestra Pyramid concert on Tuesday, October 24. Students played “Revenge of the Dust Bunnies” and “Spooky Scary Skeletons” along with students from other elementary schools as well as students from Twain Middle School and Edison High School. Many students wore costumes, and it was an evening of great music and great fun! The Franconia Strings program welcomes 4th, 5th and 6th grade students for weekly classes during school and our strings teachers are Bradley Johnson and Danielle Herrera.  You can watch a video of these amazing performances here: 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8QINud014-3XPFDu--SRuVYUffIZFUZt&si=LDvNO4GB3cwNNGuF

 

  Counselor Corner

 

October is Bully Prevention Month

 

In the month of October (Bully Prevention Month) Mrs. Guillion, our School Counselor will teach guidance lessons pertaining how we can prevent bullying behaviors by being an upstander for self and others and showing kindness.

 

Kindergarten-1st grade- We will read “The Rainbow Fish,” and discuss kindness and what it means to be an upstander!

2nd and 3rd grade- Will play a Jeopardy game to discuss the difference between bullying, conflict, and a mean moment.

4th grade- We will discuss the difference between conflict and bullying.

5th grade- We will discuss the difference between harassment and bullying behaviors.  

6th grade- We will discuss why is it important to show empathy towards people who are bullied and harassed.

 

Bully Prevention Week is October 30th-Novmber 3rd.  The theme is "Being an Our Upstander Against Bullying! Additional details to come.

Get your costumes ready for our Mardi Gras Style Kindness Parade on October 31st! We are looking forward to spreading kindness, smiles and joy to our students and staff!

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

The Character Trait for October is Kindness-being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others. 

 

In September, we highlighted the character trait of Penguin Pride which means to show that you are proud of your school by obeying school/class rules and procedures.  We are so proud of our Penguin Pride winners.

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed penguin pride this month: https://youtu.be/Q2jtfngXQFA

 

 

  Attention all Pokémon fans!

 

Are you into Pokémon?  Do you want to get together with other Franconia Penguins to play Pokémon games and/or trade Pokémon cards?  If you answered "YES" to these questions, then keep reading!  On the following Fridays, Nov. 10th, Nov. 17th, Dec. 1st, and Dec. 8th, from 3:30-4:30, Franconia will host a Pokémon after school club. Students are invited to stay after school to enjoy all things Pokémon with their fellow students and some Franconia teachers. Use the link below to sign-up.

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA4A928A6FB6-45373173-pokmon

 

  Beauty and the Beast Auditions

Did your 4th, 5th, or 6th grade child sign up to audition? Please join us Monday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. for a ZOOM meeting with Ms. Lucius where she will talk about what to expect and answer all questions! 

Link for Monday, October 30 7pm Zoom meeting

 

Audition packets were sent to all who signed up to audition. Parents need to REVIEW all rehearsal / performance dates, LIST ANY CONFLICTS, SIGN the permission form, and RETURN it to Ms. Lucius by November 1st. Only students who have returned signed permission forms will be allowed to attend auditions. Parents will be notified via EMAIL if their child is going to audition Wednesday, November 8th from 3:45-6:00. Another email will go out to anyone we need to attend callbacks on Friday, November 10th from 3:45-5:00. Specific pick up information will be in each email.

 

  Student Council NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

Please join the Franconia Elementary Student Council to participate in the Marine Marathon Mile Clean-up!!

 

Who? 

All Franconia Penguins and an adult to accompany them at the event. Other family members and friends are also welcome!  We need at least 18 participants to earn the full amount of $450. 

What? 

Clean up after the Marine Corp Marathon for the designated assigned mile.

When?

Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 10:00am-12:00pm.

Where?

We will meet at mile marker 10.  See the map on the other side of this paper for the exact location.  Use of Metro is highly recommended due to parking scarcity and road closures due to the marathon route. The closest metro stop to the mile marker 10 is Foggy Bottom.  There is a free shuttle that takes people to the Kennedy Center (not associated with the marathon, but convenient for our location).  From there, it’s a short walk along the river to mile marker 10

Why?

Franconia Penguins will earn up to $450 from this event!!!

How?

Meet us at the assigned mile marker and use the provided gloves and bags to pick up waste left from the marathon participants and spectators.  The clean-up should only take about an hour.  It is imperative that an adult accompany a child.  

 

THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT

 

Please fill out this electronic form if you can help us out at this event.

 

  Participate in the Yearbook Cover Contest

All Franconia students are invited to participate in our yearbook cover competition. Please use a white 8 x 11 sheet of paper and colored pencils. On the back of the paper, write your first and last name, teacher's name, and grade level. This year's yearbook theme is

 

Penguins Strive to Be Inclusive and Kind

 

Your cover designs should be related to the theme. Please include Franconia Elementary 2023-2024 on the cover and remember to check your spelling!

 

Designs are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, November 3rd

 

Things to Consider when designing:

1. Draw your picture with a pencil first.
2. When coloring, use colored pencils only.
3. Your design should be Portrait view (not landscape)
4. Remember to use color to really make your picture pop! (don’t have a lot of white space)

 

.

 

Mrs. Stump's class stretching their minds and bodies during partner yoga!

 

.

  FLE Preview Night November 9th

 

Family Life Education Lessons

Students in grades K-6 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction through their classroom teacher. Students in Kindergarten through grade three receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit.  Students in grades 4-6 receive instruction in a human growth and development unit and an emotional and social health unit. For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.

In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in multiple locations.

• Online in Schoology - includes lessons and media titles that FCPS has streaming rights for. Any additional media or book titles that are not streamed are available at your child’s school library. Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account.
• Your child’s school. Please contact the school to schedule a time to review lessons and/or media.
• City of Fairfax Regional Library – lessons only.  Media is not available.

 

FLE Preview Night 

 

We invite you to a Family Life Education Preview Night for all schools in the Edison Pyramid on Thursday, November 9 at Cameron ES.  More info to come.

 

   LMVSC Recreational Basketball Registration Open

 

• Play With Friends
• Scholarships Available
• Pre-K - High School Programs
• Uniforms Provided
• Exciting End of Season Tournament Included

 

Registration Closes November 22nd

Games Start January 6, 2024

Register HERE

 

Questions?  Email Tom Fitzpatrick at

[email protected]

LMVSC.org

 

 

Community Review of Elementary English Instructional Resources

 

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-2025 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers met in August to review the state-approved Cycle I materials. The committee will re-convene in January to review the state-approved Cycle II instructional materials under consideration. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources.

Elementary English Language Arts basal instructional resources may be accessed in person and online from November 15, 2023, until noon on December 15, 2023. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website. Those reviewing instructional materials may complete an electronic comment sheet that will be available on the website during the review period.

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at:

Pimmit Hills Center, Room 207 7510 Lisle Avenue Falls Church, VA 22043 

Materials may be reviewed at Pimmit Hills Center Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors should enter through door #4 and check in at the main office or with the building coordinator on duty.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting.

 

  Dyslexia Open House

Fairfax County Public Schools will be holding the Dyslexia Open House on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. This event is open to staff members and families who would like to learn more about dyslexia and how Fairfax County Public Schools supports students with dyslexia.

From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. participants have the opportunity to visit tables set up with information from a variety of departments in Fairfax including the Office of the Ombuds, Office of School Psychology and the Office of Special Education Instruction.  From 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. a variety of speakers will discuss the importance of dyslexia awareness and how to support your students with dyslexia. Feel free to share the invitation with staff, family and community members. Register using this link.

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• Friday, November 3rd, Quarter End, Early Release
• Monday, November 6th, Student Holiday
• Tuesday, November 7th Teacher Workday

As a reminder, Friday, November 3rd, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6th for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 7th for a Teacher Workday.

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Wednesday, 10/25- FES Picture Retake Day
• Saturday, 10/28- FES PTA Fun Run/walk & Foam Party 10:30am-Noon
• Friday, 11/3- Quarter End/ Early Release, 1:30pm Dismissal
• Monday, 11/6 - No School- Student Holidays
• Wednesday, 11/8- Beauty and the Beast Auditions 3:45pm-6:00pm
• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

 

 

Mrs. Octaviano's class watched as a Monarch chrysalis opened during class.  Ms. Lucius joined in and didn't mind at all that their music time was interrupted so they could watch this awesome event!

 

Pyramid Night with Edison Football

 

Edison High School Football PYRAMID NIGHT vs. Justice High School Friday, October 20th 7:00 PM $5 per adult

 

Elementary and Middle school Students can:

• Go on the field at 6:40
• Go to the game for free (with a paying adult)
• Enjoy great Edison Football!

 

This is NOT a drop off event

All Elementary and Middle School students must be accompanied by an adult

.

  Two More Days to Donate Books!

The Franconia Elementary Student Council is collecting books that will be sent to Safari International School (SIS) in Ghana.  SIS is an inclusive school that serves students in preschool and primary years 1-5. SIS believes that all students add value to the classroom and their learning community. They have students from around the world, but they don’t have a library.  Help us, help them, so the students of SIS can enjoy reading books from their school library.

Student Council funds will be used to ship the books to Ghana.

 

We will collect books through Friday, 10/20

 

Please consider donating new or gently used books from home.  Students can drop books in to the bin that is located at the library entrance by the main office.

 

 

One of our Franconia Girl Scout Troops working together to weed the garden and plant bulbs for Spring!

  PICTURE RETAKE DAY Wednesday, 10/25, 9:00am-12:00pm

 

Victor O'Neill Studio will be at Franconia again next Wednesday.  They will be taking pictures of students who missed the first picture day back in September or who are new to Franconia since then.

They will also be here for picture retakes.  Please note the guidelines for re-takes: vosphoto.com/retakesvosphoto.com/retakes.

***ORIGINAL PICTURE PACKAGE MUST BE TURNED IN ON RE-TAKE DAY*** (unless you ordered digital prints).

Any student who has not had a chance to order, it’s not too late!  Please visit: vosphoto.com/underclass and use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

Please contact the Victor O'Neill office with any questions or concerns: [email protected] or 703-532-0013.

 

  Please Complete Your Impact Aid Form Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid

 

The Impact Aid Program is a federal grant program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program's mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned and therefore tax-exempt property. Your support in identifying students with federal connections will ensure that FCPS can obtain its fair share of grant funds from this program.

For the first time, surveys will be available online this year. Please log into ParentVue from October 16 - 30, 2023. Once logged in, please select the “Online Packets” tab at the top, then select “2023-2024 Federal Impact Aid Survey” from the dropdown menu. Click the ‘Begin Registration’ Button.

Any surveys not completed by October 30 will be sent home in Wednesday folders.  Please be sure to complete and sign the survey, then have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

For questions regarding the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid, please call 703-329-7750 or email [email protected] or visit https://www.fcps.edu/impact.  Additional information about Impact Aid programs and grants is available on the U.S. Department of Education's website at DoED Impact Aid Programs.

Have questions or need a ParentVue account? Please contact the Franconia ES Main Office @ 703-822-2200 for help.

Have a ParentVue account, but need assistance? Complete this Help Request Form: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/.

 

 

Ms. Allen’s and Ms. B’s kinders enjoy reading with Mrs. Pina’s 3rd grade students.

  Music Notes

 

Attention all 3rd graders!

It is time to purchase your recorders! Please log on to myschoolbucks.com, head to the “store”, find the music notes icon, and purchase your recorder for only $4.00! If you need to pay by cash or check, please label it with your student’s name and send the exact amount. No change will be made.

Attention all 3rd – 6th graders!

It’s time to bring in your recorders! Please make sure all recorders are labeled with your name and are inside a labeled recorder bag. I will not accept recorders without their bags/cases. Please have them in by October 31st.

Attention Penguin Chorus/Band/Strings Members!

Save the date for our winter concert on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:30 in the Franconia Gym

Attention Future Penguin Performers!

Auditions for Beauty and the Beast will be Wednesday, November 8th from 3:45-6:00. Callbacks for requested students will be held on Friday, November 10 from 3:45-5:00. An email AND a letter will go out to those students we need to hear again. The signup sheets are already in the music hallway for all interested auditionees. Students who sign up to audition will receive a Commitment Packet that includes the rehearsal dates. Parents will need to sign the commitment form by Wednesday, November 1st making sure that you have listed any and all conflicts with rehearsals. Students who do not return the Commitment Form WILL NOT be allowed to audition. Once Ms. Lucius has the form, she will email parents separately with more details before auditions.

 

  Spirit Wear is Here!

Spirit Wear is finally here! Click here to order your Fall 2023 Penguin Way Spirit Wear by noon on October 25: 

https://shop.burkesports.com/groups/1619-franconia-es-pta/products

This year we are happy to be using a local small business for our sale (Burke Sporting Goods) and we thank 4th Grade teacher Mrs. Blum for designing the awesome logo that reinforces the new motto of the school- The Penguin Way!

 

.

Attention all Pokémon fans!

 

Are you into Pokémon?  Do you want to get together with other Franconia Penguins to play Pokémon games and/or trade Pokémon cards?  If you answered "YES" to these questions, then keep reading!  On the following Fridays, Nov. 10th, Nov. 17th, Dec. 1st, and Dec. 8th, from 3:30-4:30, Franconia will host a Pokémon after school club. Students are invited to stay after school to enjoy all things Pokémon with their fellow students and some Franconia teachers. Use the link below to sign-up.

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA4A928A6FB6-45373173-pokmon

 

  Student Council NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

Please join the Franconia Elementary Student Council to participate in the Marine Marathon Mile Clean-up!!

 

Who? 

All Franconia Penguins and an adult to accompany them at the event. Other family members and friends are also welcome!  We need at least 18 participants to earn the full amount of $450. 

What? 

Clean up after the Marine Corp Marathon for the designated assigned mile.

When?

Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 10:00am-12:00pm.

Where?

We will meet at mile marker 10.  See the map on the other side of this paper for the exact location.  Use of Metro is highly recommended due to parking scarcity and road closures due to the marathon route. The closest metro stop to the mile marker 10 is Foggy Bottom.  There is a free shuttle that takes people to the Kennedy Center (not associated with the marathon, but convenient for our location).  From there, it’s a short walk along the river to mile marker 10

Why?

Franconia Penguins will earn up to $450 from this event!!!

How?

Meet us at the assigned mile marker and use the provided gloves and bags to pick up waste left from the marathon participants and spectators.  The clean-up should only take about an hour.  It is imperative that an adult accompany a child.  

 

THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT

 

Please fill out this electronic form if you can help us out at this event.

 

  Participate in the Yearbook Cover Contest

All Franconia students are invited to participate in our yearbook cover competition. Please use a white 8 x 11 sheet of paper and colored pencils. On the back of the paper, write your first and last name, teacher's name, and grade level. This year's yearbook theme is

 

Penguins Strive to Be Inclusive and Kind

 

Your cover designs should be related to the theme. Please include Franconia Elementary 2023-2024 on the cover and remember to check your spelling!

 

Designs are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, November 3rd

 

Things to Consider when designing:

1. Draw your picture with a pencil first.
2. When coloring, use colored pencils only.
3. Your design should be Portrait view (not landscape)
4. Remember to use color to really make your picture pop! (don’t have a lot of white space)

 

  Counselor Corner October is Bully Prevention Month

 

In the month of October (Bully Prevention Month) Mrs. Guillion, our School Counselor will teach guidance lessons pertaining how we can prevent bullying behaviors by being an upstander for self and others and showing kindness.

 

Kindergarten-1st grade- We will read “The Rainbow Fish,” and discuss kindness and what it means to be an upstander!

2nd and 3rd grade- Will play a Jeopardy game to discuss the difference between bullying, conflict, and a mean moment.

4th grade- We will discuss the difference between conflict and bullying.

5th grade- We will discuss the difference between harassment and bullying behaviors.  

6th grade- We will discuss why is it important to show empathy towards people who are bullied and harassed.

 

Bully Prevention Week is October 30th-Novmber 3rd.  The theme is "Being an Our Upstander Against Bullying! Additional details to come.

Get your costumes ready for our Mardi Gras Style Kindness Parade on October 31st! We are looking forward to spreading kindness, smiles and joy to our students and staff!

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

The Character Trait for October is Kindness-being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others. 

 

In September, we highlighted the character trait of Penguin Pride which means to show that you are proud of your school by obeying school/class rules and procedures.  We are so proud of our Penguin Pride winners.

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed penguin pride this month: https://youtu.be/Q2jtfngXQFA

 

 

   LMVSC Recreational Basketball Registration Open

 

• Play With Friends
• Scholarships Available
• Pre-K - High School Programs
• Uniforms Provided
• Exciting End of Season Tournament Included

 

Registration Closes November 22nd

Games Start January 6, 2024

 

Questions?  Email Tom Fitzpatrick at

[email protected]

LMVSC.org

 

  Dyslexia Open House

Fairfax County Public Schools will be holding the Dyslexia Open House on October 26, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. This event is open to staff members and families who would like to learn more about dyslexia and how Fairfax County Public Schools supports students with dyslexia.

From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. participants have the opportunity to visit tables set up with information from a variety of departments in Fairfax including the Office of the Ombuds, Office of School Psychology and the Office of Special Education Instruction.  From 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. a variety of speakers will discuss the importance of dyslexia awareness and how to support your students with dyslexia. Feel free to share the invitation with staff, family and community members. Register using this link.

 

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• Friday, November 3rd, Quarter End, Early Release
• Monday, November 6th, Student Holiday

As a reminder, Friday, November 3, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6, for a school planning day.

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Saturday, 10/28- FES PTA Fun Run/walk & Foam Party 10:30am-Noon
• Friday, 11/3- Quarter End/ Early Release, 1:30pm Dismissal
• Monday, 11/6 and Tuesday 11/7- No School- Student Holidays
• Wednesday, 11/22 - Friday, 11/24- No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

 

  Fire Station Open House

Join our neighbors at the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department for an Open House in celebration of Fire Prevention Week.

This Saturday, October 14, 2023 10 AM – 4 PM

• Meet the Firefighters
• Safety Demos
• Fire Truck Tours
• And more!

6300 Beulah Street  Alexandria, Virginia 22310

Hope to see you there!

  Solar Eclipse Resources

Resources for families to learn more about the upcoming solar eclipses (October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024) have been compiled, including safe viewing practices. Resources can be found at this FCPS website link. These resources are applicable to students of all ages. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

 

  Music Notes

 

Attention all 3rd graders!

It is time to purchase your recorders! Please log on to myschoolbucks.com, head to the “store”, find the music notes icon, and purchase your recorder for only $4.00! If you need to pay by cash or check, please label it with your student’s name and send the exact amount. No change will be made. 

Attention all 4th graders!

October 17th is our field trip to the Kennedy Center. Please make sure you BRING YOUR LUNCH to school that day. Also, dress to impress as you attend Philharmonia Fantastique performed by the National Symphony Orchestra!

Attention all 3rd – 6th graders!

It’s time to bring in your recorders! Please make sure all recorders are labeled with your name and are inside a labeled recorder bag. I will not accept recorders without their bags/cases. Please have them in by October 31st.

Attention Penguin Chorus!

Save the date for our winter concert on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:30 in the Franconia Gym

Attention Future Penguin Performers!

Auditions for Beauty and the Beast will be November 7 and November 9 from 3:45 – 5:30. I will have a sign up sheet in the music hallway for all interested auditionees. I will be in contact with parents of students who are signed up giving more information as soon as the audition list has been finalized.  Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

  Participate in the Yearbook Cover Contest

All Franconia students are invited to participate in our yearbook cover competition. Please use a white 8 x 11 sheet of paper and colored pencils. On the back of the paper, write your first and last name, teacher's name, and grade level. This year's yearbook theme is

 

Penguins Strive to Be Inclusive and Kind

 

Your cover designs should be related to the theme. Please include Franconia Elementary 2023-2024 on the cover and remember to check your spelling!

 

Designs are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, November 3rd

 

Things to Consider when designing:

1. Draw your picture with a pencil first.
2. When coloring, use colored pencils only.
3. Your design should be Portrait view (not landscape)
4. Remember to use color to really make your picture pop! (don’t have a lot of white space)

 

  Counselor Corner October is Bully Prevention Month

 

In the month of October (Bully Prevention Month) Mrs. Guillion, our School Counselor will teach guidance lessons pertaining how we can prevent bullying behaviors by being an upstander for self and others and showing kindness.

 

Kindergarten-1st grade- We will read “The Rainbow Fish,” and discuss kindness and what it means to be an upstander!

2nd and 3rd grade- Will play a Jeopardy game to discuss the difference between bullying, conflict, and a mean moment.

4th grade- We will discuss the difference between conflict and bullying.

5th grade- We will discuss the difference between harassment and bullying behaviors.  

6th grade- We will discuss why is it important to show empathy towards people who are bullied and harassed.

 

Bully Prevention Week is October 30th-Novmber 3rd.  The theme is "Being an Our Upstander Against Bullying! Additional details to come.

Get your costumes ready for our Mardi Gras Style Kindness Parade on October 31st! We are looking forward to spreading kindness, smiles and joy to our students and staff!

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

The Character Trait for October is Kindness-being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others. 

 

In September, we highlighted the character trait of Penguin Pride which means to show that you are proud of your school by obeying school/class rules and procedures.  We are so proud of our Penguin Pride winners.

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed penguin pride this month: https://youtu.be/Q2jtfngXQFA

 

 

  Spirit Wear is Here!

Spirit Wear is finally here! Click here to order your Fall 2023 Penguin Way Spirit Wear by noon on October 25: 

https://shop.burkesports.com/groups/1619-franconia-es-pta/products

This year we are happy to be using a local small business for our sale (Burke Sporting Goods) and we thank 4th Grade teacher Mrs. Blum for designing the awesome logo that reinforces the new motto of the school- The Penguin Way!

 

.

  Donations of New/Gently Used Books Wanted

The Franconia Elementary Student Council is collecting books that will be sent to Safari International School (SIS) in Ghana.  SIS is an inclusive school that serves students in preschool and primary years 1-5. SIS believes that all students add value to the classroom and their learning community. They have students from around the world, but they don’t have a library.  Help us, help them, so the students of SIS can enjoy reading books from their school library.

Student Council funds will be used to ship the books to Ghana.

 

We will collect books through Friday, 10/20

 

Please consider donating new or gently used books from home.  Students can drop books in to the bin that is located at the library entrance by the main office.

 

  Student Council NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

Please join the Franconia Elementary Student Council to participate in the Marine Marathon Mile Clean-up!!

 

Who? 

All Franconia Penguins and an adult to accompany them at the event. Other family members and friends are also welcome!  We need at least 18 participants to earn the full amount of $450. 

What? 

Clean up after the Marine Corp Marathon for the designated assigned mile.

When?

Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 10:00am-12:00pm.

Where?

We will meet at mile marker 10.  See the map on the other side of this paper for the exact location.  Use of Metro is highly recommended due to parking scarcity and road closures due to the marathon route. The closest metro stop to the mile marker 10 is Foggy Bottom.  There is a free shuttle that takes people to the Kennedy Center (not associated with the marathon, but convenient for our location).  From there, it’s a short walk along the river to mile marker 10

Why?

Franconia Penguins will earn up to $450 from this event!!!

How?

Meet us at the assigned mile marker and use the provided gloves and bags to pick up waste left from the marathon participants and spectators.  The clean-up should only take about an hour.  It is imperative that an adult accompany a child.  

 

THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT

 

Please fill out this electronic form if you can help us out at this event.

 

  Impact Aid Survey Coming Soon

FCPS is pleased to announce that the Federal Impact Aid Survey will be available via Parent VUE beginning Monday, October 16, 2023. Please access the survey at that time.

The Impact Aid Program is a federal program designed to directly compensate local school districts that have been financially impacted by federal activities. The program’s mission is to reimburse local school districts for local revenues lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax exempt, property.

For families that do not have access to ParentVUE or prefer to complete a paper form, a printed form will be provided by the school after October 31. 

 

  Lice Information and Resources 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated the Head Lice Guidelines to be in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to remind parents/guardians about head lice and its treatment. Although lice do not spread disease, they can be a nuisance and cause great concern in the community. 

The following resources are available to learn more about lice and its treatment: 

• FCPS Lice: Treatment and Prevention Page
• FCHD Head Lice Treatment and Prevention Brochure

Translated versions of these resources are also available. 

.

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

• Friday, November 3rd, Quarter End, Early Release
• Monday, November 6th, Student Holiday

As a reminder, Friday, November 3, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6, for a school planning day.

 

See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - FES PTA Fall After-school Clubs Begin
• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - Book Fair
• Friday, 10/6 - FES PTA Fall Festival  5:30pm-8:30pm
• Monday, 10/9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples Day, Staff Development Day
• Friday, 11/3 - First Quarter Ends - 1:30pm Early Dismissal
• Monday, 11/6 and Tuesday, 11/7- No School- Student Holidays

 

 

Mrs. Stump and Mrs. Pina celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month ❤️

Franconia Fall Festival is Friday!

 Friday, October 6th

5:30 - 8:30pm

 

Celebrate the spooky season with a Haunted House, games, food, face painting, and plenty of Penguin fall fun!

Thank you to First Impression Orthodontics at 6479 Old Beulah St. in Alexandria for sponsoring a portion of our event! Contact them at (703) 822-0010 or www.firstimpressionorthodontics.com for comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults.

We are seeking additional community sponsors. If you are a small business owner or you know an owner who is interested in supporting our Penguins please send an email to [email protected].   

 

Just Two More Days of Book Fair Fun!

Students can still browse and shop during the school day on Thursday and Friday. On Friday, families are welcome to shop after school until 8:00, during the Fall Festival. The Book Fair accepts cash, check, credit card, and the Scholastic eWallet.

Visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/franconiaes for more information!

 

Thursday & Friday Volunteers Needed!

 

Thursday and Friday are the busiest days at the Book Fair. Students need help counting their change and shopping within their budget, and the register lines get LONG!

 

Visit bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/FranconiaES or https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-44440527-book#/ to sign-up!

 

 

Mrs. Dennison’s class were Scientists as they observed and wrote about Max, one of the Monarch Butterflies they released last week. 

Student Council NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

 

Please join the Franconia Elementary Student Council to participate in the Marine Marathon Mile Clean-up!!

 

Who? 

All Franconia Penguins and an adult to accompany them at the event. Other family members and friends are also welcome!  We need at least 18 participants to earn the full amount of $450. 

What? 

Clean up after the Marine Corp Marathon for the designated assigned mile.

When?

Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 10:00am-12:00pm.

Where?

We will meet at mile marker 10.  See the map on the other side of this paper for the exact location.  Use of Metro is highly recommended due to parking scarcity and road closures due to the marathon route. The closest metro stop to the mile marker 10 is Foggy Bottom.  There is a free shuttle that takes people to the Kennedy Center (not associated with the marathon, but convenient for our location).  From there, it’s a short walk along the river to mile marker 10

Why?

Franconia Penguins will earn up to $450 from this event!!!

How?

Meet us at the assigned mile marker and use the provided gloves and bags to pick up waste left from the marathon participants and spectators.  The clean-up should only take about an hour.  It is imperative that an adult accompany a child.  

 

THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT

 

Please fill out this electronic form if you can help us out at this event.

 

 

Character Trait of the Month

 

In September, we highlighted the character trait of Penguin Pride which means to show that you are proud of your school by obeying school/class rules and procedures.  We are so proud of our Penguin Pride winners.

Here’s the student video for student’s who portrayed penguin pride this month: https://youtu.be/Q2jtfngXQFA

 

The Character Trait for October is: Kindness-being friendly, considerate, and willing to help others.

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

 

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - FES PTA Fall After-school Clubs Begin
• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - Book Fair
• Friday, 10/6 - FES PTA Fall Festival  5:30pm-8:30pm
• Monday, 10/9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples Day, Staff Development Day

 

 

Mrs. Haffner and her students show their Penguin pride!

Blue Star Welcome Week Sept. 25th-29th

 

Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to provide a warm welcome to the 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families that move into new communities each year. It is the goal of Blue Star Families to proactively improve military families’ sense of belonging to their local communities by forging strong connections between our military family members and their local neighbors.  If you are a new military family, welcome to Franconia ES!  Please check out the FCPS military families Welcome Page  and the FCPS military families Resources Page.

 

Prepare for the Pacer Test

This week we are having our Pacer test. Please bring a comfortable pair of running shoes. For your own safety we ask you do NOT run the pacer test in Crocs, slides, flip flops, sandals, or boots. We are also asking that you please bring water with you to PE as well so you can take a drink of water when you need it rather than using the water fountains. Thank you!

 

-PE Team

.

SR&R Acknowledgement Due   Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledgement Due September 29

FCPS’ updated Student Rights and Responsibility (SR&R) booklet is available online and in SIS ParentVUE. The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Each year, we ask parents/caregivers to review and sign the SR&R. The SR&R will be visible upon logging in to SIS ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgment has been completed.

Signatures are due by Friday, September 29. Contact your school’s front office if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet. Visit the SIS ParentVUE Account Overview webpage for help logging in to your account.

 

 

Lunch friends are the best friends in Mrs. Stump's Third Grade class

Pack 867's Annual Bike Rodeo

 

Bring your Helmet and bike: bicycle, tricycle, big wheel or stride bike and come check out Cub Scouts with Pack 867 at their annual Bike Rodeo.

 

Friday, September 29th at 6:30 PM

St. John’s Lutheran Church

5952 Franconia Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22310

 

• Learn about bike safety and maintenance
• Explore obstacle stations
• Pizza & frozen treats will be available

 

All boys and girls in grades K-5th are welcome.

Please RSVP here

 

Interested in joining Girl Scouts?

 

Girl Scout Troops are now forming at Franconia Elementary School!

For more information, come to the Troop Formation Meeting

 

 Monday, October 2nd at 6PM 

FES Cafeteria

 

or contact Tiffany Haffner, Troop Organizer

at [email protected]

 

Franconia Fall Festival

Save the Date - Friday, October 6th

5:30 - 8:30pm

Fall Fest is BACK! Celebrate the spooky season with a NEW Haunted House and plenty of Penguin
fall fun! Our amazing Scare Squad is in need of volunteers. Click here to sign up to volunteer for a specific task. In addition, two more pop-up canopies are needed to help construct the Haunted House. If you have one they can borrow, please contact [email protected].

Thank you to First Impression Orthodontics at 6479 Old Beulah St. in Alexandria for sponsoring a portion of our event! Contact them at (703) 822-0010 or www.firstimpressionorthodontics.com for comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults.

We are seeking additional community sponsors. If you are a small business owner or you know an owner who is interested in supporting our Penguins please send an email to [email protected].   

 

 

Kindergarten was laser focused during our first all-school morning meeting 

The Book Fair is Coming!

From October 2nd to October 6th students will visit the Book Fair during the day with their class. Families are welcome to shop on Tuesday after school until 6:15, and Friday after school until 8:00, during the Fall Festival. The Book Fair accepts cash, check, credit card, and the Scholastic eWallet.

Visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/franconiaes for more information!

 

The Book Fair cannot run without help from volunteers! Please sign-up to help out here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-44440527-book

Email the librarian, Debby Vandersande, at [email protected] with any questions.

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your student on the school news! Record a video of your student sharing about an important Hispanic person, teach some Spanish words, or tell about a Hispanic tradition, food, or country. They can even share what being Hispanic means to them!

Videos should be under 2 minutes and in landscape. You can post the video here at https://flip.com/337205e8. You will need to log-in to your student’s account to post.

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

 

• Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

 

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Saturday, 9/23 - FES PTA Foam Run/Walk 10:30AM - Noon
• Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur Holiday, No School
• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - FES PTA Fall After-school Clubs Begin
• Monday, 10/2-Friday 10/6 - Book Fair
• Friday, 10/6 - FES PTA Fall Festival
• Monday, 10/9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples Day, Staff Development Day

 

 

Students in Mrs. Stump's class diligently putting their thoughts on paper.

 

Registration Closing Soon for Fall After-School Clubs

 

Registration is now open for all after-school clubs. Sessions start the week of October 2nd; all clubs run 3:35-4:35pm.   Bus service is not offered after club meetings. Students must be picked up after club meetings, unless they attend SACC.  Additional information is available on the PTA's website: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/edit/w/afterschool  

Questions?  Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

******** 

 

The Franconia PTA is pleased to offer the following options:

 

Magnus Chess Academy

Grades K-6 

$243 (12 weeks)

Mondays, Oct 2-Jan 29

Each week students of all levels do a fun but challenging lesson with one of our great coaches from our world class curriculum followed by practice games against other students in the class.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: http://www.chessacademy.com

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Crochet Club  

Grades 4-6

$180 (12 weeks)

Tuesday, Oct 3-Jan 9

Learn to crochet and work on projects together, led by Ms. Pater. No experience necessary and all materials provided.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911520

 

 

Pickleball Club  

Grades 3-6  

$180 (12 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5-Jan 18

Come learn what pickleball is, how to play pickleball, and how you can use the skills and strategies of pickleball and apply it to other sports! Led by Mr. Harris. Equipment provided. Beginners welcome!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911524

 

 

Games Club    

Grades 2-6 

$120 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5 – Dec 7 (skip Nov 2 and Nov 23)

The Games Club will provide students with opportunities to practice strategy & sportsmanship through games! We will play old classics, like Connect Four, and newer classics, like Apples to Apples. Students will have fun engaging with their peers, free of screens and electronics. Led by Ms. Vandersande.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911522

 

 

Soccer    

Grades K-3

$130 (8 weeks)

Monday, Oct 2- Dec 4

Train like the superstars of the world in this action-packed session!  All participants, regardless of skill level, will learn and practice basic soccer skills. Led by Gamepoint Athletics.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiasoccer/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Flag Football

Grades 3-6     

$130 (8 weeks)

Wednesday, Oct 4- Nov 29

Participants will work on the overhand throw, catching, and play in thrilling games! To prepare for games, participants will practice basic offensive routes and defensive coverages, and experience a Super Bowl!!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiafootball/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Science Seed     

Grades K-2    

$136 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5- Nov 30

A science enrichment program designed to develop a love of science that will last a lifetime. The Science Seed teaches geology, chemistry, biology/nature, physics and nutrition in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://forms.gle/YcdjujFW2TRBuKTE9

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Tech Club      

Grades K-2 and 3-6

$145 (6 weeks)

Friday, Oct 6- Nov 10

Through Tech Club, iCode will offer a STEAM program to help students become comfortable with technology in a fun approach that enhances learning in math, science, engineering, and the arts. Each class involves an exciting hands-on activity designed to teach a new skill!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/center/140%20Vienna?FranchiseId=1629&Type=Partnerships+(Offsite)&CategoryId=940

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

*Parent volunteers are asked to be present at every club meeting, to help take attendance, notify office of absences, and ensure children are picked up by appropriate individuals.

 

 

Principal Smith and Mr. B. are all smiles during a recent spirit week.

Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser

 

THIS Saturday, Sept. 23 at FES Field 

(event is weather dependent - please check Facebook and email for updates) 

Run/Walk from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Foam Party at the Finish Line from 11:00 a.m. - noon

 

Join your PTA and fellow Penguins at a Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser. Participation is FREE for FES families, but donations are encouraged to support the PTA's events and activities. 

Your donations help to keep the PTA's activities free and fun, but we can't do it without your support! Your donations will fund our Fall Fest, Picnic on the Playground, Author Visits, Bus Transportation for Field Trips, Movie Night, Book Blast, End-of-Year Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week, and MUCH MORE! 

No registration required * Shoes and clothes may get wet with non-toxic, non-staining foam * Light concessions for sale * No pets, please 

 All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian, this is NOT a drop-off event.  Questions? [email protected]

Can't make it to the event? No problem! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to your Franconia PTA to make sure this year is one to remember.

 

Prepare for the Pacer Test 

 

Next week we will be having our Pacer test. Please bring a comfortable pair of running shoes. For your own safety we ask you do NOT run the pacer test in Crocs, slides, flip flops, sandals, or boots. We are also asking that you please bring water with you to PE as well so you can take a drink of water when you need it rather than using the water fountains. Thank you!

 

-PE Team

.

 

Mrs. Stump's class enjoying good food and the company of friends.

Library News

 

Check Your Student's Library Account

Did you know you can check your student's library account?  Click here for a step by step guide.  Using this program you can see which books your students have checked out and when they are due. You can even see which books are overdue

  The Book Fair is Coming!

From October 2nd to October 6th students will visit the Book Fair during the day with their class. Families are welcome to shop on Tuesday after school until 6:15, and Friday after school until 8:00, during the Fall Festival. The Book Fair accepts cash, check, credit card, and the Scholastic eWallet.

Visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/franconiaes for more information!

 

The Book Fair cannot run without help from volunteers! Please sign-up to help out here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-44440527-book

Email the librarian, Debby Vandersande, at [email protected] with any questions.

 

Library Volunteers Needed

The library would love to have volunteers to help shelve books any time during the school day!

The link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-library2

 

Pack 867's Annual Bike Rodeo

 

Bring your Helmet and bike: bicycle, tricycle, big wheel or stride bike and come check out Cub Scouts with Pack 867 at their annual Bike Rodeo.

 

Friday, September 29th at 6:30 PM

St. John’s Lutheran Church

5952 Franconia Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22310

 

• Learn about bike safety and maintenance
• Explore obstacle stations
• Pizza & frozen treats will be available

 

All boys and girls in grades K-5th are welcome.

Please RSVP here

Franconia Fall Festival

Save the Date - Friday, October 6th

5:30 - 8:30pm

Fall Fest is BACK! Celebrate the spooky season with a NEW Haunted House and plenty of Penguin
fall fun! Our amazing Scare Squad is in need of three more pop-up canopies to help construct the Haunted House. If you have one they can borrow, please contact [email protected]

Thank you to First Impression Orthodontics at 6479 Old Beulah St. in Alexandria for sponsoring a portion of our event! Contact them at (703) 822-0010 or www.firstimpressionorthodontics.com for comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults.

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your student on the school news! Record a video of your student sharing about an important Hispanic person, teach some Spanish words, or tell about a Hispanic tradition, food, or country. They can even share what being Hispanic means to them!

Videos should be under 2 minutes and in landscape. You can post the video here at https://flip.com/337205e8. You will need to log-in to your student’s account to post.

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Fairfax Fiesta Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

 

• Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

 

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

   

Picture Day is September 19

Next Tuesday, we will have photographers from Victor O'Neill here to take individual student pictures.

Please note:

• Pictures are taken from the shoulders up.
• The photo studio does not provide a proof or preview prior to ordering - families should pre-order.
• Pre-ordering guarantees prints will be shipped to the school.  Prints ordered after Picture Day will be shipped home for a fee.
• Prints will be shipped to the school within 2 weeks after Picture Day.  They will be distributed to teachers to be sent home with students.
• Pictures taken on Picture Day will be used in the school yearbook.
• Re-take day will be Tuesday, 10/24, if you wish to have your child's picture be re-taken or if your child misses the original Picture Day on 9/19.
• There are no paper order forms - all orders will be submitted online.

PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE

Please contact Victor O'Neill Studios with questions regarding picture day or online ordering at [email protected].

 

Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club Flag Football

The goal of the Lacrosse Clinic  is to teach and reinforce the basic technical skills needed to play the game leading to a competitive practice/play Lacrosse League in the coming seasons. Come learn the basics of Lacrosse!

• Dates: September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, October 14th, 21st, 28th
• Time:6-7:30pm
• Location Lee District Park Turf Field
• 3rd-6th Graders
• Click HERE for more information!
• Click HERE to register!

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar
• FCPS Main Website

 

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Friday, 9/23 Rosh Hashanah
• Saturday, 9/23 - FES PTA Foam Run/Walk 10:30AM - Noon
• Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur Holiday, No School

Students from Mrs. Haffner's Third Grade class share details about themselves in their identity posters.

 Fall After-School Club Registrations Now Open 

 

Registration is now open for all after-school clubs. Sessions start the week of October 2nd; all clubs run 3:35-4:35pm.  Additional information is available on the PTA's website: 

https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/edit/w/afterschool  

 

Questions?  Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

******** 

 

The Franconia PTA is pleased to offer the following options:

 

Magnus Chess Academy

Grades K-6 

$243 (12 weeks)

Mondays, Oct 2-Jan 29

Each week students of all levels do a fun but challenging lesson with one of our great coaches from our world class curriculum followed by practice games against other students in the class.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: http://www.chessacademy.com

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Crochet Club  

Grades 4-6

$180 (12 weeks)

Tuesday, Oct 3-Jan 9

Learn to crochet and work on projects together, led by Ms. Pater. No experience necessary and all materials provided.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911520

 

 

Pickleball Club  

Grades 3-6  

$180 (12 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5-Jan 18

Come learn what pickleball is, how to play pickleball, and how you can use the skills and strategies of pickleball and apply it to other sports! Led by Mr. Harris. Equipment provided. Beginners welcome!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911524

 

 

Games Club    

Grades 2-6 

$120 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5 – Dec 7 (skip Nov 2 and Nov 23)

The Games Club will provide students with opportunities to practice strategy & sportsmanship through games! We will play old classics, like Connect Four, and newer classics, like Apples to Apples. Students will have fun engaging with their peers, free of screens and electronics. Led by Ms. Vandersande.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911522

 

 

Soccer    

Grades K-3

$130 (8 weeks)

Monday, Oct 2- Dec 4

Train like the superstars of the world in this action-packed session!  All participants, regardless of skill level, will learn and practice basic soccer skills. Led by Gamepoint Athletics.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiasoccer/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Flag Football

Grades 3-6     

$130 (8 weeks)

Wednesday, Oct 4- Nov 29

Participants will work on the overhand throw, catching, and play in thrilling games! To prepare for games, participants will practice basic offensive routes and defensive coverages, and experience a Super Bowl!!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiafootball/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Science Seed     

Grades K-2    

$136 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5- Nov 30

A science enrichment program designed to develop a love of science that will last a lifetime. The Science Seed teaches geology, chemistry, biology/nature, physics and nutrition in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://forms.gle/YcdjujFW2TRBuKTE9

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Tech Club      

Grades K-2 and 3-6

$145 (6 weeks)

Friday, Oct 6- Nov 10

Through Tech Club, iCode will offer a STEAM program to help students become comfortable with technology in a fun approach that enhances learning in math, science, engineering, and the arts. Each class involves an exciting hands-on activity designed to teach a new skill!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/center/140%20Vienna?FranchiseId=1629&Type=Partnerships+(Offsite)&CategoryId=940

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

*Parent volunteers are asked to be present at every club meeting, to help take attendance, notify office of absences, and ensure children are picked up by appropriate individuals.

 

Mrs. Fouad's students enjoy planning their next moves in the Strategies Lab

Click to edit this placeholder text.

Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser

Save the Date - Saturday, Sept. 23 at FES Field 

Run/Walk from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Foam Party at the Finish Line from 11:00 a.m. - noon

 

Join your PTA and fellow Penguins at a Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser. Participation is FREE for FES families, but donations are encouraged to support the PTA's events and activities. 

Your donations help to keep the PTA's activities free and fun, but we can't do it without your support! Your donations will fund our Fall Fest, Picnic on the Playground, Author Visits, Bus Transportation for Field Trips, Movie Night, Book Blast, End-of-Year Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week, and MUCH MORE! 

No registration required * Shoes and clothes may get wet with non-toxic, non-staining foam * Light concessions for sale * No pets, please 

 All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian, this is NOT a drop-off event.  Questions? [email protected]

 

Interested in joining Girl Scouts?

 

Girl Scout Troops are now forming at Franconia Elementary School!

For more information, come to the Troop Formation Meeting

 

 Monday, October 2nd at 6PM 

FES Cafeteria

 

or contact Tiffany Haffner, Troop Organizer

at [email protected]

 

Library Volunteers Needed

 

The library would love to have volunteers to help shelve books any time during the school day!

The link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-library2

 

Students from Mrs. Blum's Class were big supporters of Kindergarten Color Days!

Calendar Reminders

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Fairfax Fiesta Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

 

• Rosh Hashanah 

Friday, September 15, is a half-O day in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.

 

• Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Thursday, 9/7 - Friday, 9/8 - Color of the Day Spirit Week
• Thursday, 9/7 - FES PTA Meeting, 7:30-8:30PM in the Cafeteria
• Tuesday, 9/12 - Back to School Night, 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Saturday, 9/23 - FES PTA Foam Run/Walk 10:30AM - Noon
• Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur Holiday, No School

 

Colors of the Day Spirit Week

 

Kindergarten has begun their science unit on colors   To help get the kindergartners excited about finding colors all around them, we would like to encourage our school to wear the “color of the day”. Just two more days left to join in the fun!

The schedule is:    

Thursday, 9/7  - Black or Brown

Friday, 9/8  - White

 

 

Join the Franconia PTA

 

First meeting is TOMORROW, Thursday, Sept. 7, 7:30-8:30PM in the Cafeteria

Your Franconia Elementary PTA needs YOU! CLICK HERE to join the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year.

Why join and participate?

- Have a say in the programming and activities for the year

- Vote to determine how funds are spent

- Appeal for advocacy efforts and change (PTA is the largest child advocacy organization in the U.S.)

- Meet other FES parents and build our Penguin community

- Model volunteering for the kids- they love to see their grownups involved!

 

Join your PTA today!

Questions or comments? Contact your PTA team at [email protected]

 

Back to School Night

 

Please join us for our 2022-23 Back-to-School Night Thursday, September 12th from 6:00-7:30 pm. BTS Night provides an opportunity for you to meet your student's teachers and learn more about the curriculum, as well as classroom expectations, and procedures. Childcare will not be available. We recommend you leave your student(s) at home for this event.

Additional details to come.

 

Register Now for Girls on the Run 

 

Registration is now open. Visit https://www.gotrnova.org/ for more information, or Click Here to register.

- Open to girls in Grades 3-6

- Program runs September 12 through November 16

- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 PM

- End the season with a 5k on 11/18 or 11/19 (exact date TBD)

- Standard registration $185 with financial assistance and military and sibling discounts available

- Creative curriculum that integrates running with empowering life lessons to inspire confident, healthy girls!

 

Additional Fall After-School Club Registrations Open September 11th

 

Registration will open on September 11th for additional after-school clubs. Sessions start the week of October 2nd; all clubs run 3:35-4:35pm.  Additional information is available on the PTA's website: 

https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/edit/w/afterschool  

 

Questions?  Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

******** 

 

The Franconia PTA is pleased to offer the following options:

 

Magnus Chess Academy

Grades K-6 

$243 (12 weeks)

Mondays, Oct 2-Jan 29

Each week students of all levels do a fun but challenging lesson with one of our great coaches from our world class curriculum followed by practice games against other students in the class.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: http://www.chessacademy.com

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Crochet Club  

Grades 4-6

$180 (12 weeks)

Tuesday, Oct 3-Jan 9

Learn to crochet and work on projects together, led by Ms. Pater. No experience necessary and all materials provided.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911520

 

 

Pickleball Club  

Grades 3-6  

$180 (12 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5-Jan 18

Come learn what pickleball is, how to play pickleball, and how you can use the skills and strategies of pickleball and apply it to other sports! Led by Mr. Harris. Equipment provided. Beginners welcome!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911524

 

 

Games Club    

Grades 2-6 

$120 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5 – Dec 7 (skip Nov 2 and Nov 23)

The Games Club will provide students with opportunities to practice strategy & sportsmanship through games! We will play old classics, like Connect Four, and newer classics, like Apples to Apples. Students will have fun engaging with their peers, free of screens and electronics. Led by Ms. Vandersande.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/store/items/911522

 

 

Soccer    

Grades K-3

$130 (8 weeks)

Monday, Oct 2- Dec 4

Train like the superstars of the world in this action-packed session!  All participants, regardless of skill level, will learn and practice basic soccer skills. Led by Gamepoint Athletics.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiasoccer/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Flag Football

Grades 3-6     

$130 (8 weeks)

Wednesday, Oct 4- Nov 29

Participants will work on the overhand throw, catching, and play in thrilling games! To prepare for games, participants will practice basic offensive routes and defensive coverages, and experience a Super Bowl!!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://gamepointathletics.com/registration/franconiafootball/

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Science Seed     

Grades K-2    

$136 (8 weeks)

Thursday, Oct 5- Nov 30

A science enrichment program designed to develop a love of science that will last a lifetime. The Science Seed teaches geology, chemistry, biology/nature, physics and nutrition in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate ways.

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://forms.gle/YcdjujFW2TRBuKTE9

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

 

Tech Club      

Grades K-2 and 3-6

$145 (6 weeks)

Friday, Oct 6- Nov 10

Through Tech Club, iCode will offer a STEAM program to help students become comfortable with technology in a fun approach that enhances learning in math, science, engineering, and the arts. Each class involves an exciting hands-on activity designed to teach a new skill!

Registration opens Sept 11 at: https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/center/140%20Vienna?FranchiseId=1629&Type=Partnerships+(Offsite)&CategoryId=940

Parent Volunteer needed in exchange for free tuition*. Contact Matt at [email protected]

 

*Parent volunteers are asked to be present at every club meeting, to help take attendance, notify office of absences, and ensure children are picked up by appropriate individuals.

 

Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser

 

Save the Date - Saturday, Sept. 23 at FES Field 

Run/Walk begins at 10:30 a.m.

Foam Party from 11:00 a.m. - noon

Let's Get Moving Together, Penguins!

Join your PTA and fellow Penguins at a Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser. Participation is FREE for FES families, but donations are encouraged to support the PTA's events and activities. 

Your donations help to keep the PTA's activities free and fun, but we can't do it without your support! Your donations will fund our Fall Fest, Picnic on the Playground, Author Visits, Bus Transportation for Field Trips, Movie Night, Book Blast, End-of-Year Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week, and MUCH MORE! 

 

Interested in joining Girl Scouts?

 

Girl Scout Troops are now forming at Franconia Elementary School!

For more information, come to the Troop Formation Meeting

 

 Monday, October 2nd at 6PM 

FES Cafeteria

 

or contact Tiffany Haffner, Troop Organizer

at [email protected]

 

Library Volunteers Needed

 

The library would love to have volunteers to help shelve books any time during the school day!

The link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-library2

 

Register for LMVSC Flag Football   

Our Youth Flag Football program is all about the experience – for players, coaches and parents. Our job is to create an environment where players can gain the experience they need to learn how to play the game in a competitive, fun, and fair way, provide tools to coaches to be the best mentors and teachers they can be, and allow parents to enjoy a fantastic season watching their players give it their all. Our purpose is to teach our youth great sportsmanship, including how to gracefully and graciously win AND lose, and learn how to apply these lessons in life.

• 6 games
• Scholarships available for free and reduced lunch students.
• Click HERE to register! 
• Click HERE for more information!

 

LMVSC Lacrosse Registration Open

 

The goal of the Lacrosse Clinic  is to teach and reinforce the basic technical skills needed to play the game leading to a competitive practice/play Lacrosse League in the coming seasons. Come learn the basics of Lacrosse!

• Dates: September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, October 14th, 21st, 28th
• Time:6-7:30pm
• Location Lee District Park Turf Field
• 3rd-6th Graders
• Click HERE for more information!
• Click HERE to register!

 

Calendar Reminders

 

• September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 22nd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 

Get started this fall with two great opportunities: Public Lands Day (September 23) and Volunteer Fairfax’s VolunteerFest (October 21). Information on service projects can be found on the Volunteer Fairfax website.

 

• National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Fairfax Fiesta Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

 

• Rosh Hashanah 

Friday, September 15, is a half-O day in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.

 

• Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Wednesday, 8/30 - FES PTA Restaurant Night Fundraiser
• Thursday, 8/31 - Friday, 9/8 - Color of the Day Spirit Week
• Friday, 9/1 and Monday, 9/4  - Labor Day Observance, No School
• Thursday, 9/7 - FES PTA Meeting, 7:30-8:30PM in the Cafeteria
• Tuesday, 9/12 - Back to School Night, 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Saturday, 9/23 - FES PTA Foam Run/Walk 10:30AM - Noon

 

 

Restaurant Night Fundraiser TONIGHT!

 

Where: Hangry Burger

6699 Frontier Dr., Suite G Alexandria, VA 22150 (between Home Depot and Old Navy)

When: Tonight, Wednesday August 30, 2023  4-8PM

 

Hangry Burger has partnered with FES again for a wonderful opportunity to support your Penguins and make dinner easy (and delicious)! Mention Franconia Elementary when placing DINE IN or CARRY-OUT orders (does not apply to phone/delivery/online orders) between 4-8PM and Franconia Elementary will receive a portion of sales to fund programs and events for all of our Penguins!

Check out the Hangry Burger website and menu!  

 

  Colors of the Day Spirit Week

Kindergarten has begun their science unit on colors   To help get the kindergartners excited about finding colors all around them, we would like to encourage our school to wear the “color of the day”.

The schedule is:    

Thursday, 8/31 - Green (*follows the RC Celebration Day - Wear Franconia Spiritwear)

Tuesday, 9/5  - Blue

Wednesday, 9/6  - Purple or Pink

Thursday, 9/7  - Black or Brown

Friday, 9/8  - White

 

  Back to School Night

Please join us for our 2022-23 Back-to-School Night Thursday, September 21st from 6:00-7:30 pm. BTS Night provides an opportunity for you to meet your student's teachers and learn more about the curriculum, as well as classroom expectations, and procedures. Childcare will not be available. We recommend you leave your student(s) at home for this event.

Additional details to come.

 

Join the Franconia PTA

 

First meeting is Thursday, Sept. 7, 7:30-8:30PM in the Cafeteria

Your Franconia Elementary PTA needs YOU! CLICK HERE to join the PTA for the 2023-2024 school year.

Why join and participate?

- Have a say in the programming and activities for the year

- Vote to determine how funds are spent

- Appeal for advocacy efforts and change (PTA is the largest child advocacy organization in the U.S.)

- Meet other FES parents and build our Penguin community

- Model volunteering for the kids- they love to see their grownups involved!

 

Join your PTA today!

Questions or comments? Contact your PTA team at [email protected]

 

  Register Now for Girls on the Run 

Registration is now open. Visit https://www.gotrnova.org/ for more information, or Click Here to register.

- Open to girls in Grades 3-6

- Program runs September 12 through November 16

- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 PM

- End the season with a 5k on 11/18 or 11/19 (exact date TBD)

- Standard registration $185 with financial assistance and military and sibling discounts available

- Creative curriculum that integrates running with empowering life lessons to inspire confident, healthy girls!

 

  Additional Fall After-School Clubs are Coming

Registration will open on September 11th for additional after-school clubs. The clubs are expected to start the week of October 2nd. More details will be shared soon, and will also be listed on the PTA's website: https://fes-pta.memberhub.com/edit/w/afterschool

Anticipated Clubs include:

Chess Club (K-6)

Tech Club (K-2 and 3-6)

Crochet Club (4-6)

Board Game Club (3-6)

Soccer (K-2)

Flag Football (3-6)

Science Seed (K-2)

Pickleball (3-6)

And more...

 

 

Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser

Save the Date - Saturday, Sept. 23 at FES Field 

Run/Walk begins at 10:30 a.m.

Foam Party from 11:00 a.m. - noon

Let's Get Moving Together, Penguins!

Join your PTA and fellow Penguins at a Foam Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser. Participation is FREE for FES families, but donations are encouraged to support the PTA's events and activities. 

Your donations help to keep the PTA's activities free and fun, but we can't do it without your support! Your donations will fund our Fall Fest, Picnic on the Playground, Author Visits, Bus Transportation for Field Trips, Movie Night, Book Blast, End-of-Year Celebration, Teacher Appreciation Week, and MUCH MORE! 

 

  Library Volunteers Needed

 

The library would love to have volunteers to help shelve books any time during the school day!

The link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4CAEAD2FAAF49-library2

 

  Register for LMVSC Flag Football   

Our Youth Flag Football program is all about the experience – for players, coaches and parents. Our job is to create an environment where players can gain the experience they need to learn how to play the game in a competitive, fun, and fair way, provide tools to coaches to be the best mentors and teachers they can be, and allow parents to enjoy a fantastic season watching their players give it their all. Our purpose is to teach our youth great sportsmanship, including how to gracefully and graciously win AND lose, and learn how to apply these lessons in life.

• 6 games
• Scholarships available for free and reduced lunch students.
• Click HERE to register! 
• Click HERE for more information!

 

  LMVSC Lacrosse Registration Open

 

The goal of the Lacrosse Clinic  is to teach and reinforce the basic technical skills needed to play the game leading to a competitive practice/play Lacrosse League in the coming seasons. Come learn the basics of Lacrosse!

• Dates: September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, October 14th, 21st, 28th
• Time:6-7:30pm
• Location Lee District Park Turf Field
• 3rd-6th Graders
• Click HERE for more information!
• Click HERE to register!

 

 

Calendar Reminders Labor Day 

Friday, September 1, and Monday, September 4, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

 

  Buses and Delays

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss and ride procedures and being patient as they wait for their children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2156 with any additional questions. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

  ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `  School Breakfast and Lunch Information

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students.

  Free and Reduced Lunch

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Paying With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today, if you haven’t already. MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information. Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account, looking over the menus, and helping your child learn their PIN. Food and Nutrition Services staff will email you your child’s PIN.

 

` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `  Sign up for ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records and grades with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

 

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday, 8/28 - Friday, 9/8 -  Color of the Day Spirit Week
• Friday, 9/1 and Monday, 9/4  - Labor Day Observance, No School
• Tuesday, 9/12 - Back to School Night, 6:00PM - 7:30PM

 

 

First Week Fun!

The excitement was palpable as we welcomed students and families back to school this week.  Our Penguins were busy learning daily routines, and building classroom communities. Take a peek at the photos below to see what we were up to!

  Colors of the Day Spirit Week

Kindergarten will begin our science unit on colors next week.  To get the kindergartners excited about finding colors all around them, we would like to encourage our school to wear the “color of the day”.    The schedule will be:    

Monday, 8/28 - Red

Tuesday, 8/29  - Orange                                            

Wednesday, 8/30 - Yellow

Thursday, 8/31 - Green (*follows the RC Celebration Day - Wear Franconia Spiritwear)

Tuesday, 9/5  - Blue

Wednesday, 9/6  - Purple or Pink

Thursda, 9/7  - Black or Brown

Friday, 9/8  - White

  Register now for Girls on the Run 

Registration is now open. Visit https://www.gotrnova.org/ for more information, or Click Here to register.

- Open to girls in Grades 3-6

- Program runs September 12 through November 16

- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 PM

- End the season with a 5k on 11/18 or 11/19 (exact date TBD)

- Standard registration $185 with financial assistance and military and sibling discounts available

- Creative curriculum that integrates running with empowering life lessons to inspire confident, healthy girls!

  Buses and Delays

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following kiss and ride procedures and being patient as they wait for their children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2156 with any additional questions. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

  ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `    School Breakfast and Lunch Information

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students.

  Free and Reduced Lunch

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Paying With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today, if you haven’t already. MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information. Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account, looking over the menus, and helping your child learn their PIN. Food and Nutrition Services staff will email you your child’s PIN.

 

` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `

 

Sign up for ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records and grades with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

 

Calendar Reminders Labor Day 

Friday, September 1, and Monday, September 4, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

 

 

Reporting an Absence or Change to Dismissal

 

Please remember to notify the school office of any of the following changes that come up for your child.

Notification should be made by 9:00am on the day of the change.

• Absence
• Late arrival
• Planned early pick-up or mid-day appointment (pick-up and return)
  • If your child needs to be picked up unexpectedly, please call the office (703-822-2200) in advance of your arrival
  • This allows the office to contact your child’s teacher to prepare your child for their departure
  • For early pick-ups after 3:00pm, please park on Kathmoor as the school buses start to arrive for dismissal at that time and the front parking lot will be off limits
• Changes in dismissal mode (https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/about/change-dismissal-form)

Below are the 3 options by which to notify the school office (choose one option):

• [email protected]
• 703-822-2222
• Online attendance form - https://franconiaes.fcps.edu/attendance-form

Please do this IN ADDITION to contacting your child's teacher.  There could be times when the teacher is absent and, by also contacting the office, the information will be properly noted.

To email your child’s teacher, click HERE.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Penguin Points Click on a link for information

Franconia Elementary School website

• Attendance
• Health Room
• Parent Resources (registration, SIS Parent Vue, Cafeteria, and BYOD)
• Safety
• Transportation
• PTA
• Inclement Weather
• Schoology
• SIS Parent Vue
• School Menus
• FCPS School Calendar

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

• Thursday, 8/17 - FES Open House 1:00 PM
• Thursday, 8/17 - Popsicles on the Playground 2:00 PM
• Monday, 8/21 - First Day of School
• Monday, 8/21 - FES PTA Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Breakfast 8:45 AM in Library

Donations Still Needed

Franconia PTA is looking for volunteers to contribute to the Teacher/Staff Welcome Back Breakfast on Monday, August 14 (a week before school starts) to show our fantastic Penguin teachers and staff how much we appreciate them.

Click Here to sign up to drop off food and supplies, and/or help the Franconia PTA set up the cafeteria for the breakfast.

Non-perishable donations can be dropped off at the school between 9am-3pm Friday (look for a bin or cart outside the front doors). All other donations can be dropped off Monday morning, 7:45-8:30 at the Cafeteria Door (Door 3).

 

Join us at our Open House August 17th, from 1:00-2:00 PM

 

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at Franconia Elementary!

The staff is excited to welcome you to the annual Open House on THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, from 1:00-2:00 PM

Please note:

• Teacher assignments will be available inside the building once Open House begins.
• Doors will open at 1:00.
• Please bring your child so they can meet their teacher.
• This is also a good time to bring in school supplies for the classroom.
• Parents/Guardians can take this opportunity to add funds to their child's meal account in the cafeteria.
•  Parents of students who require medication can drop off forms and medicine with Ms. Eason, our Clinic Aide. 
• Parking is available in the front and back of the school, on Kathmoor, and in the church parking lot across Beulah next to the fire station.
• The PTA will begin its "Popsicles on the Playground" event immediately after the Open House.
• Open House is a "meet and greet" event.  If Parents/Guardians would like to speak to their child's teacher at length, they are asked to make separate appointments for a later date.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Popsicles on the Playground

Join your Franconia PTA on the playground after Open House as we prepare for a sweet and cool new school year with a sweet and cool treat!

Stop by the PTA canopy to discuss how you can be a part of the 2023-2024 PTA. Many hands make light work (and lots of fun memories)! There's a role for everyone with the PTA, and we would love to have you!

 

Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Breakfast

No matter if you are "boo-hooing" or "yahooing" on the first day of school, we'd love to say hello! If you are dropping your child off and could use a moment to come down off the first day jitters and meet a few other Penguin parents, stop by the library from 8:45-9:30am for coffee and donuts with the PTA.

 

Did you Know?

The Franconia PTA sends their own New You Choose newsletters to help keep families informed. Click here https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new?preferences=true to sign up or adjust any of your FCPS e-news subscriptions, and be sure to check "Franconia ES PTA."

 

Sign up for ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records and grades with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

   ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` School Breakfast and Lunch Information

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students.

  Free and Reduced Lunch

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Paying With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today, if you haven’t already. MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information. Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account, looking over the menus, and helping your child learn their PIN. Food and Nutrition Services staff will email you your child’s PIN.

6301 Beulah Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 | Office: 703-822-2200

Attendance: 703-822-2222 |  | Web | Twitter