November 14th--SIIP & Title 1

9:15 Hutchison or 7:00 PM Virtual

The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. It provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

Throughout the year it offers family and educator webinars. Upcoming sessions include:

• Meet the Author Series - Paige Saves the Day, October 27, at 7 p.m.
• Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes, primera parte en October 22, at 10 a.m.

To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.

Identifying whether your child’s behaviors are normal or a warning sign of a mental health concern can be difficult. Talk to your child and pay attention to their actions. Also, consider these warning signs:

• Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.

• Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.

• Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.

• Lack of sleep, or too much sleep.

• A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.

• Alcohol or drug use.

• Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.

• Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker. Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness on FCPS’ website.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harm to self or others, please take action:

• Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the CrisisLink hotline or call them at 703-527-4077.

• Chat online with a specialist.

• Go to the nearest emergency room or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

• Call 911.

Our Voices, Our Future
Fairfax County Public Schools is launching the engagement phase that will help us develop our brand new Strategic Plan.

During her Community Conversations listening tour in each high school pyramid, Superintendent Michelle Reid has heard from many of you about your hopes and aspirations for our students. That feedback will become part of our proactive strategic plan that will serve as our North Star—or guide—for the future.

Starting in October, we will be inviting the entire FCPS community to engage in building our shared future. This includes hearing from our parents and caregivers, students, and broader community, as well as surveying students in grades three and above. You will have an opportunity to have your voice heard in one of many sessions (both in-person and virtual) during November and December. We encourage you to join us in this journey by actively participating in the conversation.

Did you know that FCPS has an Office of the Ombuds that is available to support you? An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. See the link above for more information about this available service. The Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Video: Unirse a una reunion de Zoom