FCPS

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Upcoming Dates

Feb 24: 3-hour Early Release Monday (February)
Feb 24 - 28:  Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Mar 3-7:  Read Across America Spirit Week
Mar 17: 3-hour Early Release Monday (March)
Mar 31: Student Holiday
April 1:  Student Holiday - Teacher Work Day
April 3:  5th grade Integrated Reading/Writing SOL

Click here for the latest PTA newsletter
Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

📝Student Intent Forms for 25-26 School Year

Student intent forms will come home on Tuesday, Feb. 25.  We need this information to plan for staffing and teachers for next year. We appreciate your help in returning these as soon as possible!

🚍 We 💙 Our Bus Drivers

February is Love the Bus Month and February 22nd is recognized as Bus Driver Appreciation Day! On February 21st in honor of Bus Driver Appreciation Day, the PTA will be providing our wonderful bus drivers with some special treats! We are so thankful for the wonderful team of drivers that safely shuttle our children to and from school each day.  

We would love for you to show your bus driver how much you appreciate them too! Please have your students write a card or note to their driver to thank them for all they do! Hand the card to the driver anytime THIS MONTH! Thank you so much!

Read Across America Week

Monday: Wear crazy socks; Tuesday: Wear a readable or character-themed shirt; Wednesday: Bring a stuffy to read to; Thursday: Bring your favorite book and wear your favorite color; Friday: Bring a flashlight to read in the dark!

🍴Student Fasting Meal Kits:
February 28 - March 28, 2025

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

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

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

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

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

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

📅 SOL Dates

We've made some adjustments to previously posted SOL dates. See the revised dates below and mark your calendars!

• Please do your best to avoid scheduling appointments or trips on dates your child is scheduled to take his/her assessment. If an unavoidable absence occurs, we will pull students as we are able as soon as they return to school.
• If you know your student will be absent during these dates, please email Mr. Diaz at [email protected]. 
• For more information about these important assessments, view the official SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools and/or VDOE SOL page.

3rd: Reading May 13 & Math May 20; 4th: Reading May 8 & Math May 20; 5th: IRW April 3, Reading May 8, Math May 15, & Science May 20; 6th: Reading May 6 & Math May 15

🏫Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

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

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

🩺DH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

💲Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

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

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

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

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

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

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

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

TOMORROW

Tomorrow is our Spring Picture and Class Photo day!

To order, please go to www.strawbridge.net. Click "order pictures" and enter the following code:  FM453629

Early Release Monday:
Next Monday!

Our next early release is scheduled for next Monday, February 24. 

Mark your calendars and check our GFES records to make sure your child(ren) are accurately scheduled to stay/go home. 

We understand you may need to adjust your former plans!  To ensure we are able to plan for all students to get home safely, TOMORROW is the last day to submit a Change of Transportation form for Feb. 24.    

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Great Falls ES Families,

At Great Falls Elementary, we’re proud of what makes our school community so special. We’ve launched a page on our website to celebrate the many ways our students shine every day! From their curiosity and kindness to their creativity and love of learning, we’ve highlighted the top 10 reasons our students stand out and make Great Falls ES an extraordinary place.

We invite you to visit the site, explore the list, and celebrate with us! Thank you for partnering with us as we inspire our students to reach for the stars.

Thank you for your support,
Sara Harper

Upcoming Dates

Feb 8:  PTA Skate Night
Feb 10th-14th:  Scholastic Book Fair in the GFES Library
Feb 12:  Book Fair Family Shopping Night, 4:00-7:00 pm
Feb 12:  General PTA Meeting
Feb 17:  President's Day Holiday - No School
Feb 18:  Art Enrichment Orientation - 4th session
Feb 19 - Spring Picture Day
Feb 24 - 3-hour Release Monday

Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

Spring Picture Day & Class Photos February 19

February 19, 2025, is Spring Picture Day!   To order, please go to www.strawbridge.net.  Click order pictures and enter the following code:  FM453629

🍴Rise Against Hunger

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

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

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

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

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

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for [orientation and any other introductory events your school may host]. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Abeer ElGharib, our school registrar, at 703-757-2100.

💻 Try Online Registration

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

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

🏢Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update On Potential Middle School Start Time Changes!

I think it is important that all of you are informed about the discussion on Middle School Start Times, which don’t just affect Middle School! At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent. Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6 between March 10-28. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener . If you have already opted your child out of the SEL Screener, you do not need to opt them out again.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Courtney Barber, at [email protected]

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

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

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

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

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

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

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

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

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

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

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

🏫FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

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

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

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

Breaking Down the Budget

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

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

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

PTA General Meeting

Next General Meeting Wednesday, February 12 at 10:30am.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 846 9699 9395
Passcode: W4Jgtn

BINGO NIGHT WAS A BLAST!

Thank you so much to all of the participants and volunteers that made Bingo Night a huge success!! We hope everyone had the best time!! Thank you so much to our wonderful co-chairs, Angie Hohmann and Amanda McKnight for such a fantastic event!! Also, thank you so much to all of the volunteers who helped Bingo Night run so smoothly!

Finally, thank you so much to our AMAZING emcees, Assistant Principal Diaz and veteran parent, Patrick Killoran! Both were fantastic and made each session so much fun!

BOOK FAIR starts TODAY!

Our Scholastic Book Fair runs February 10-14, and students will be shopping during their regularly scheduled library class times. 

Here’s a quick checklist to prepare for Book Fair week: 

• Setup your student's eWallet account.
• Add $5 (or more!) to our Teacher Wishlist Fund.
• Sign up HERE to volunteer and help your child's classmates shop.

Don’t forget that K-2nd grade parents can visit to shop during your child’s library class time (siblings cannot be pulled from other classes). You do not need to sign up as a volunteer; just sign-in at the front office and come directly to the library. 

And our Family Shopping Night is Wednesday, February 12 from 4-7 pm. To ensure that dismissal goes smoothly on Wednesday, please do not enter the school before 4 pm. 

Any questions can be sent to the Co-Chairs, Beth and Jannette, at [email protected]. Remember that every Book Fair purchase supports our GFES library and PTA programs – and this is our ONLY Book Fair this school year (in the past, we’ve hosted two fairs each year). Thank you in advance for making this a spectacular event!

Reflections Contest

Congratulations to the following GFES students whose Reflections entries earned Outstanding Interpretation Award, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit at the Fairfax County Council level. Outstanding Interpretation Award entries in the FCCPTA level were advanced to the Virginia PTA level.

Outstanding Interpretation: Middle School Photography: Dominic Choi

Award of Excellence: Intermediate Photography: Mario Roser Castro

Award of Merit: Dance - Nishka Arya

We are SO proud of our Roadrunners! Girls On The Run

Registration for the Spring season is now open! 

This program for girls in 3rd-6th grade runs from March 3rd–May 18th. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am–-8:30am on the GFES track. 

CLICK HERE to learn more and register today to secure your spot!

Help Stock The Teacher’s Lounge!

Thank you so much to all of the families who have purchased items off our Amazon Wishlist! These items help keep the teacher’s lounge stocked with yummy treats for the teachers and staff! 

If you are interested in helping provide snacks for the staff, please click HERE!

Thank you so much for your generosity and continued support of the school! The snacks always put a smile on the faces of our wonderful teachers and staff!

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Date Correction for Early Release Monday

Apologies, we had an incorrect date on our last newsletter for the upcoming early release. Our next early release is scheduled for February 24. 

Please mark your calendars and check our records to make sure they're accurate for what time your child will leave school that day and how they will be transported. Please update the form if needed!

❤  We love our counselors!  ❤

This week is National School Counseling Week, which highlights school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.  We want to celebrate our great team of school counselors and the important (and often behind-the-scenes) work they do daily to support the learning at GFES.   

As a simple way of saying thanks, please share a positive word about one or more of our counselors by clicking here. 

We will share these comments with counselors throughout the week next week as they continue preparing students to become lifelong learners and productive members of a global society, focusing on social-emotional wellness, academic success, and college and career readiness.

Thank you in advance for taking a brief moment to show your appreciation!

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Rise Against Hunger - Please Read!

We're so close! The Langley Pyramid is on the verge of packaging our ONE MILLIONTH meal with Rise Against Hunger! 

At Great Falls ES, we're just $1500 away from our school goal.  Please help us rally together and do our part to reach this incredible milestone.

Our last day for in-school donations is tomorrow, Thursday, January 30th, but you can still make a tax-deductible donation online to Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2025 until January 31st.  Every dollar counts – let's power through to the finish line!

Parents, businesses, and families may Donate online here

Thank you for your continued support in our collective effort to help schools feed students and families in need.

Sincerely,
Sara Harper

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Great Falls ES Families,

With colder-than-average temperatures expected in the coming months, we want students to enjoy outdoor recess whenever possible. While outdoor activities are limited when temperatures fall below 20°F or wind chill reaches -5 to -20°F, outdoor play remains essential for physical, mental, and social well-being.

Please complete this Google Form to grant permission for your child to participate in outdoor recess on colder days, even beyond standard guidance.  You are welcome to send additional warm weather clothing and accessories to keep in the classroom should you wish.  Please rest assured, we will monitor conditions and keep students indoors if it becomes unsafe.

Remember to send students with warm coats and outdoor accessories in the coming months as ALL STUDENTS will be going outside to recess whenever temperatures allow.

Thank you for your support,
Sara Harper

Upcoming Dates

Jan 20: School Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
Jan 23: Dual Language Immersion Information Night (kinder parents only)
Jan 24: PTA Bingo Night
Jan 28: End of Second Quarter
Jan 28: Winter Band and Strings Concert
Jan 29: No School - Teacher Work Day
Feb 1:  Rise Against Hunger Langley Pyramid Food Packing Event
Feb 10: - 3 hour Release Monday
Feb 17:  President's Day Holiday

Click here for the most recent GFES PTA Updates
Click here for our GFES  SOL testing calendar.
Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

Cafeteria Courtesy

We kindly ask all visiting parents to refrain from using cell phones while in our cafeteria and classrooms. This includes taking pictures or texting during visits.

Protecting student privacy is a top priority, and many of our parents have opted their children out of being photographed or in videos. To respect these privacy preferences and maintain a safe, distraction-free environment, please keep cell phones away unless it is an emergency.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a welcoming and focused space for all students!

🏢Meet our new Office Assistant!

Tracey Leverett comes to Great Falls Elementary after working in various roles in business. She is a people-person who enjoys helping others and learning.

Born in Indiana, Tracey has lived in several states including New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida. She loves living in Virginia and has been here for 20 years. She earned her BBA from Angelo State University in Texas.

Tracey serves on the Board of Directors of Loudoun Cares, a nonprofit connecting volunteers and those in need. She has two grown children and is a new grandmother. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering in the community and church, reading and cycling. 

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

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

Update On Potential Middle School Start Time Changes!

I think it is important that all of you are informed about the discussion on Middle School Start Times, which don’t just affect Middle School! At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent. Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

📆2025 SOL Testing Calendar Join Us in Supporting the Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger Event!

We invite you to support your student(s) in collaborating with the Langley Pyramid community for our annual Rise Against Hunger event, a service-learning tradition benefiting schools and orphanages worldwide.

Event Highlights:

• 1,000,000 Meals Milestone: We aim to package our one-millionth meal this year by preparing 82,080 meals on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Colvin Run Elementary School.
• Fundraising Goal: To reach this milestone, we need to raise $34,475 by January 31. Every 42 cents funds a meal!

How You Can Help:

1. 1. Loose Change Drive: Students can bring cash donations to school from January 10 to January 31.
   2. Online Donations: Make tax-deductible contributions at Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2025. Company-matched donations are welcome!
   3. Volunteer:
      • Sign up to volunteer on Feb. 1 by clicking here.
      • Children aged 4-12 must attend with an adult. Volunteer slots are tied to the funds raised, so donations are encouraged.

Each meal impacts 5-6 individuals, with this year’s efforts potentially benefiting over 500,000 people worldwide. Let’s come together to make a difference and achieve this monumental milestone.

🧮 FCPS Family Math Week

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

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

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

🏫 School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

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

📅 Chronic Absenteeism

A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of their enrolled days in the school year for any reason (that’s excused or unexcused) – that’s only two days a month. Being in school at any grade level is critical to continuity of learning. A school’s chronic absenteeism rate is measured by calculating the percentage of students chronically absent out of all enrolled students in each school. I think that it is important for our community to know that chronic absenteeism is one of only two areas of the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) common across elementary, middle, and high schools. Louise Archer’s overall performance is measured in part by the chronic absenteeism rate at our school. Please remember this fact when scheduling trips, doctor’s appointments, and other events with your families. Please expect to see an email in the near future outlining the absenteeism rate for your student/s at Louise Archer. If you have any questions, please let us know in the office. Thank you for your support and help!

🤧 Flu and Cold Season

Please monitor the health of your children. Students should not come to school unless they have been fever-free for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students should not come to school if they have vomited within 24 hours. Sending your child to school when they’re sick spreads illnesses so that other families – and our staff – face the same difficulties.  Remember that students are working in small spaces together.  Students who are sick are not able to do their best work.  Please help us stop the spread of germs by keeping sick children home.

📴 SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

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

💻 Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

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

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

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

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Countdown to Winter Break

It's the last week before winter break and we're counting down with an SCA-sponsored spirit week! Today was holiday sweater day; here's a reminder for the rest of the week:

Tuesday: twin day; Wednesday: mismatch day; Thursday: holiday colors; Friday: pajama day!

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Great Falls ES Families,

As we embark on the most wonderful time of the year, we are excited to share all the festivities and learning opportunities that await our students. 

December is in full swing, and our calendar is packed with activities to celebrate the season and make lasting memories. From joyful choral concerts to spirited dress-up days during our SCA Spirit Week, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Classrooms are buzzing with excitement as students prepare for holiday-themed activities and parties, and we are busy celebrating our staff members nominated for FCPS Excellence awards. With so much to look forward to, we’re cherishing every moment as we count down to a well-deserved holiday break.

Last week, our PTA Diversity Showcase was an incredible celebration of our school community's rich cultures and traditions. Our families created vibrant booths highlighting their homes' and cultures' unique celebrations and customs. From traditional foods and music performances to colorful displays and interactive activities (the hot chocolate bar was also pretty amazing), the event offered an excellent opportunity for students and families to learn from one another and embrace the beauty of diversity.

We look forward to a joyous and productive December filled with holiday cheer, academic growth, and community spirit.

Warmly,

Sara Harper, Principal

Upcoming Dates

December 11 - Make Up Picture Day
December 12 - Winter Choral Concert
December 15 - Deadline to apply for full-time advanced academic services
December 16 - SCA Spirit Week
December 23 - Jan 3: Winter Break
Jan 6: School Resumes
Jan 20: School Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
Jan 28: End of Second Quarter
Jan 29: No School - Teacher Work Day

Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

📅Great Falls ES Office Closed

The front office will be closed from December 23rd - January 3rd. Students and staff will return on January 6, 2024.

🎉GFES Employee Honors Nominees

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate our staff members for FCPS Honors awards. We shared the wonderful comments left with our staff, who were so appreciative! Please help us in congratulating those listed below for being recognized:

• Alexis Baloy—"Ms. Alexis Baloy is an extraordinary educator whose unparalleled dedication transforms the lives of her students in profound ways.”
• Eileen Donohue—"My daughter told me, ‘Ms. Donohue is going over our work to see if we did mistakes and she doesn’t mind explaining it again, no matter how many times she has to, I’m not afraid to tell her that I did not understand; I never had a teacher like her.’”
• Colleen Murphy—” Colleen has the kindest soul and always has a smile on her face! She goes above and beyond in her role as the administrative assistant!”
• Allison Battaglia—"She truly goes above and beyond to help support not only my kids but all of the kids at the school! She is so welcoming and says I can always stop by her room or reach out to her and I know she truly means it and isn’t just saying it!”
• Ayaka Monheim—"She differentiates for students depending on their needs, she checks in on students during rotations/activities to make sure they are doing well, and so much more! She uses so many different means to teach the students not only Japanese but also math, science and health!”
• Laura Lee Couch—"She understands the individual needs of students, encourages their talents, and fosters their self-esteem by supporting each child on their unique path of development.”
• Sean Farnum—"He has an amazing way of making his students feel valued, no matter their differences, and gives each a way to 'shine' through projects, choices, and creativity.”
• Julia Day—"Julia is in her first year as a classroom teacher and has shown a remarkable level of poise. Her calm demeanor permeates the classroom.”
• Anne Poliquin—"Anne truly cares about her students and wants them all to succeed, working hard to collaborate with colleagues and parents to figure out the best way to support each child.”
• Kelly Schulman—"Kelly is always open to ideas and collaboration. No matter the challenges thrown at her, she figures out a way to make things work for her students.”
• Catherine Heflin—"Mrs Heflin strikes a perfect balance of seriousness and silliness, making learning fun for Kindergarten students, setting them up for long-term educational success.”
• Jen Roberts—"Jen consistently treats everyone with respect and always assumes the best.”

We are excited to put forth the following staff members to the region to represent Great Falls:

• Professional Employee: Allison Battaglia, Speech Language Pathologist

• Operational Employee: Colleen Murphy, School Finance Assistant

• Teacher of the Year: Alexis Baloy, 3rd grade teacher

• New Teacher of the Year: Julia Day, 3rd grade teacher

🚗Parking at GFES 

We kindly ask for your cooperation in making the most of our limited parking spaces. Please ensure you park within the marked lines to avoid taking up more than one space and refrain from blocking other vehicles or designated areas. If possible, consider carpooling whenever possible to help ease congestion.

Your attentiveness helps ensure everyone can find a spot, especially during this busy time of year. Thank you for your understanding and support in creating a considerate parking environment!

SCA Winter Spirit Week 📸Make Up Picture Day 

Make Up Picture Day will be on Wednesday, December 11th! As a reminder, Make Up Picture Day is for students new to GFES since fall Picture Day on October 9th, students that were absent on Picture Day, or students that purchased a package and are returning the package for a retake. Students that are returning packages for retakes, must bring the full contents of the package to the camera.

If you still need to purchase a photo package, it’s not too late! Go to  www.strawbridge.net and enter the code: FM453628. You can also click here to sign up to receive updates via email regarding your child’s school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals, and the ability to order more pictures after picture day. When entering your student’s information, please be sure to enter it exactly as it is on file with GFES. 

🍞2024 Sister School Food Drive Thank You! 

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the 2024 Sister School Food Drive! Your generous donations helped make a positive difference for local families. We delivered ~2 carloads of non-perishable food to local food-insecure families from Glen Forest Elementary. Thank you for your support!

Special thanks to volunteers Lauren Vogel, Alice Lee, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Mizell, and the SCA students for helping support the food drive.  

🤝🏻Boundary Review Community Meeting

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

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

📆Reminder:  Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15

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

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

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

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

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

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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

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

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

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

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

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

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

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

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

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

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

🤝Handwashing

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, we must remind our students, staff, and families about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.

Key Reminders:

• Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.  
• Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not readily available, provide access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly in a wastebasket and wash their hands.
• Avoid Touching Face: Discourage students from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving,
Great Falls ES Families! 🍁

As Thanksgiving draws near, we want to take a moment to say how grateful we are for YOU!  Your partnership, support, and care make our school community truly special.

To spread a little joy, take a moment to watch this video of our outstanding students sharing what they’re thankful for today; it’s sure to bring a smile to your face!

📝This year, we’re making gratitude our homework! I’ve asked our staff to avoid assigning homework or projects explicitly due over the break. While long-term assignments may span the holiday, I’ve encouraged teachers to keep Thanksgiving a true break for students. This time is meant for families to connect, recharge, and create memories. I also want our teachers to rest, unplug, and enjoy a well-deserved pause from planning and grading.

🥧We hope you can take this holiday to breathe, relax, and return refreshed. No stress, no deadlines – just turkey, pie, and quality time with loved ones. 

From all of us at Great Falls ES, have a joyful, restful Thanksgiving. We are so thankful to partner with such a fantastic school community!

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Great Falls ES Families,

We hope everyone had a wonderful Veterans’ Day on Monday. To all the Veterans who have served, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your service and the sacrifices you have made to keep us safe. To commemorate the day, we showcased this beautiful slideshow featuring community and family Veteran submissions on our morning news and in the front lobby.

Our students also read America’s White Table by Margot Theis Raven, and we set up a white table in the foyer as a solemn tribute. This symbolic table honors the courage and sacrifice of our Veterans, representing the absence of fallen heroes and our enduring hope for the safe return of those still missing.

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

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

Ms. Merna's New Adventure:
Today is Merna Shenouda's last day with us in our front office.  Ms. Merna has been a part of our office staff since 2022.  During her time, she has been a familiar and supportive staff member for our students, helping out our community in so many ways from support in the classroom to helping our kiddos in the nurse's office.  This past May, Merna graduated from GMU with a degree in social work, and it's time for her to start her career of choice🎉  We will miss her greatly we also want to congratulate her on her new role as a Fairfax County Government Employee in which she will be performing duties tied to her areas of study.

Have a lovely weekend,

Sara

📅Upcoming Dates

Nov. 27 - 29:  No School - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 4:  Federal Impact Aid Surveys Due submit via SIS ParentVUE 
Dec. 5 - Diversity Showcase from 6-8pm, "Celebrating the World: A Tapestry of Holidays and Traditions"
Dec 9: 3-hour Early Release Monday
Dec 20 - Jan 6:  Winter Break

Click here to read GFES PTA newsletter updates.
Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

⏲Early Release Monday on December 9

Our next 3-hour early release will take place on December 9. We are asking one final time this school year for you to please complete a survey to let us know if your child will dismiss at 12:30 the way they would normally leave (bus, kiss and ride/walker, or SACC) or if you have a need for childcare and they will remain with us until 3:30. 

• NEW THIS TIME: To help ease the process of collecting and verifying this information, we have developed a new form and accompanying website where you can check your child’s information. Please complete one form per child–you will need your child’s student ID. We will message these out to make sure you have them at hand. Then, use this URL to check that your submission recorded properly: https://tinyurl.com/GFESEarlyMondays.
• MOVING FORWARD: For future early release dates, you will only need to submit a form if you need to make a change. We will send out a reminder to check your submission and make changes as needed.
• CLOSING DATE: As with last time, the last day to make changes will be the Wednesday before the early release (December 4). This allows us time to make staffing and scheduling plans. If there is an emergency that necessitates a change, please call the front office.

🌟M.A.R.K. Model Students

We are proud to share that the following students were nominated for recognition by staff members for being on their M.A.R.K.:

• Race H. is consistently on his M.A.R.K., following directions, working hard, and helping his peers!
• Rustam H was responsible when he cleaned up the classroom and helped his friends.
• Nathan L is consistently kind, working to make his MARK each day!
• Gus G was mindful and kind when he took the time to check in on another student, despite not feeling well himself.
• Sebastian G was responsible and kind when helped younger members of his Roadrunner Family formulate goals and engaged them in polite conversation 
• Annie B was also responsible and kind during Roadrunner Families, engaging a nervous kindergarten student and helping them feel comfortable!
• Isaac L is a responsible student, being a great listener and active participant in his Roadrunner Family
• Abby H was also responsible and kind, helping a kindergartener in her Roadrunner Family think about a good goal to become a better communicator.
• Anika A is a mindful and kind student; she’s always positive, shares her ideas, and helps younger students when they need it!

❗Community Reminder

For the safety and security of Great Falls Elementary School students, we ask that community members refrain from accessing school grounds during the school day for recreational use.  Additionally, pets are never permitted on school property. This includes areas such as playgrounds, sports fields, and parking lots. All visitors must check in at the front office and follow proper sign-in procedures. We also ask that you remind your neighbors of this policy to help ensure a secure environment for everyone.

School security or local law enforcement may be called if there are any concerns or non-compliance with this policy. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure campus for our students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support!

🎭Cooper MS Elsewhere Performance 

Our local middle school is excited to present a special matinee performance of Elsewhere on Saturday, November 23rd from 2 PM - 4PM! This captivating production is perfect for the whole family, and elementary school students can attend for free with a pass! After the show, there’s a fun opportunity for students to join the cast and crew for a pizza party! It’s a great chance to meet the performers and celebrate the show together. If interested in attending, simply complete the Google Form by clicking here to claim your free pass.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event and the chance to support our talented middle school performers!

📍IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

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

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

🎧Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

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

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

👨‍🏫Tutoring Resources for Families

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

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

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

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

We're proud to earn our Purple Star!

We’re thrilled to announce that Great Falls ES has been awarded the prestigious Purple Star designation! This honor recognizes our commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued in our school and community.

The Purple Star designation reflects our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional resources, programs, and guidance tailored to the needs of our military families. You can read more about this achievement and what it means for our school by visiting FCPS Distinguished Purple Star Schools.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks to hear about the fun and educational activities planned for our students to celebrate and learn more about this wonderful honor ⭐

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Great Falls ES Families,

Happy November! As we enter this month of gratitude, I want to express our thanks for the support of our PTA and school community.  Our fall festival continues to be one of the very best events the PTA hosts, and it was lovely to see everyone in their costumes enjoying fun, food, and togetherness. 

Over the past two days, our staff has been busy completing conferences and progress reports to communicate students’ first-quarter progress.

Reminders:

• Progress Reports will be available on ParentVue on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
• Note: A progress report reflects learning at a point in time, not an average over the period.
• With our new Benchmark curriculum, skills are taught and reinforced each quarter, so language arts grades may look different than they have in the past. Students are not expected to have mastered skills by the first quarter, so you may not see “4s” yet.  A “4” represents a high level of achievement, showing a strong understanding of all skills taught for that standard during the quarter (please see visual example below). Teachers base grades on the most recent assessment data to reflect current learning.

• An 'nt' mark indicates a concept wasn’t taught that quarter, while 'na' means a standard wasn’t assessed summatively. All skills are expected to be taught and assessed over the year unless noted otherwise, except for students who join later or have extended absences.
• You can read more on the FCPS website.

As always, thank you for your support of all things Great Falls ES, and we look forward to seeing our students tomorrow!

Sincerely,
Sara Harper

Upcoming Dates

Nov. 4 & 5: Teacher Workdays (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
Nov. 6:  Last day to nominate a staff member for FCPS Awards
Nov. 8:  Impact Aid Forms Due 
Nov. 8: PTA Reflections Submission Deadline
Nov. 8: Spirit Day at Chick-Fil-A
Nov. 11: No School - Veterans' Day
Nov. 12:  Progress Reports accessible via ParentVue
Nov. 13: Orientation for Art Enrichment Session 2
Nov. 13: PTA General Meeting
Nov. 27 - 29:  No School - Thanksgiving Break  

Click here to read GFES PTA newsletter updates.
Click here for the FCPS school year calendar.

🏆M.A.R.K. Model Students

The students below are the latest group to be recognized for exhibiting one or more of the four core tenets of M.A.R.K.: Mindful, Accountable, Responsible, and Kind. We are so proud of them and grateful to have them as part of our Roadrunner community!

• Fiona C was recognized for being kind and polite, always expressing gratitude!
• Ava L is always on her MARK, holding herself to high standards.
• Michael H is a responsible student, volunteering to help a teacher finish a special project
• Ella J is consistently on her MARK, a wonderful model for other students in the classroom!
• Taylor S is also always on her MARK, going above and beyond as a patrol for kindergarteners.
• Emily M demonstrates kindness to classmates and teachers. Her teacher doesn’t know what they’d do without her!
• Ethan E is on his MARK, helping his classmates feel welcome and invited at lunch and play time.
• Livy W was nominated for being kind, making sure a lost jacket made it back to its owner.
• Emma H was caught being mindful and kind; she noticed a classmate feeling left out and invited them to a special lunch bunch.
• Weijing Z is a model of responsibility, using his time wisely and often volunteering to help other students, especially with technology.

💜Heroes in Our Families - Honoring Our Veterans 

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we will host a Great Falls Elementary Heroes in Our Families series on our daily news show from November 12th - 15th.

This series will honor and remember our school community’s veterans and active military members. 

If you and your child wish to honor an immediate family member who is a veteran, we ask that you complete this Google form sharing specifics about them.

All submissions should be completed by Friday, November 8th. In addition to submitting the Google form, please email a digital copy of a photo of your veteran to Taleah Mizell at [email protected]. 

 📸Extra Fall Picture Ordering

Did you miss out on ordering your child's fall pictures? Strawbridge’s new Lookup Tool is here to help. Simply go to www.strawbridge.net/code-lookup/  and follow the instructions below.

1. Type "Great Falls Elementary" into the search box.
2. Select your state.
3. Click "Search."
4. Choose "Great Falls Elementary" from the list provided.
5. Select "Get Code" next to the picture day you need the code for.
6. Enter your child’s last name and Student ID number, then click "Search."
7. Click on the Student Code to access your student’s image gallery!

No need to contact Customer Service for an access code! However, if at any time you have questions about the Lookup Tool or are having difficulty navigating the site, you can still reach out to Strawbridge Customer Service team via the Live Chat on their website, www.strawbridge.net. Just have your student’s information ready for data security. Don’t miss this chance to capture those special moments!

Yearbook Ordering📸📚

Our 2024-2025 yearbook is now available for purchase! Don’t miss out on this opportunity — click here to buy your yearbook today and capture this year’s special moments for just $20! The deadline for ordering is March 21st, 2025, so be sure to secure your copy!

Reminder: Impact Aid Forms Due November 8

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

Please note, if you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page and see a green check next to each of their names.

Advanced Academic Full-Time Referral Deadline

The winter referral deadline for full-time advanced academic referral forms is December 15, 2024.  More information and referral forms can be found here. Please contact Amy Keefer, AART, at [email protected] with  questions.

Family Learning Series Teen Series: Building Resilience: Helping Teens Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Join us for a series of insightful sessions focusing on the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of teen development. Learn strategies to support resilience, mental health, and healthy boundaries, fostering a nurturing environment for adolescents to thrive. Presented by Beth Mohaupt, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

November 16, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register online

 

Starting The Conversation About Drugs: A Webinar for Families

Drugs and drug prevention have become increasingly important topics in recent years. Are you unsure about how to approach the topic of drugs with your child? Join us to learn how to navigate this importance discussion with confidence and ease! Presented by Beth Mohaupt, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

November 22, 2024 10-11:30 a.m.

Register online

701 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066  |  Phone: 703.757.2100

Attendance: 703.757.2111 or [email protected]

Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram