November 14th--School Improvement & Innovation Plan & Title 1

9:15 In-Person or 7:00 PM Virtual

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.

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Hutchison Elementary School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this FORM. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)

The deadline to submit a nomination is November 5th. Complete this link

Monday, November 21 6-7 PM Family Resource Center

Parents will be able to look over all materials (lesson plans and videos) for both emotional/social health and Human Growth Development to reach an informed decision regarding opting your child out of lessons.

Preview at home instead! FLE grade level-specific lessons and media are available for parents online in Schoology. Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account. After logging in to Schoology, select the Parents and Caregivers course, click on Materials, and FLE information can be found under the link “Parent Preview and Instruction.” Select your child’s grade level to preview the information.

FLE Classes for students will be held during the week of December 12, 2022.

The Fairfax County School Board is reviewing recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and invites public feedback as part of the review process. In May 2022, the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee (FLECAC) presented recommended curriculum changes, to go into effect for the 2023-24 school year. Those changes include adopting gender-combined instruction, and exploring instruction of gender identity, recommended media, and other instructional changes.

The recommendations reflect leading education and child development research and expert advice. According to research cited in the recommendations, these changes will create a more inclusive learning environment, result in higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.

Public feedback will be shared with FLECAC and the School Board. FCPS staff and the School Board will consider all feedback but are unable to reply to individuals.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new FCC program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.

Visit our Free and Reduced-Price Meals website for more information on the criteria to be eligible and how to apply.

• El Programa de Conectividad Asequible (ACP) es un nuevo programa de FCC para reducir los costes de Internet para las familias con niños que han sido elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido en los últimos 12 meses. Las familias que reúnan los requisitos recibirán 30 dólares al mes para los servicios de Internet y un descuento único de hasta 100 dólares para un ordenador portátil, un ordenador de sobremesa o una tableta. Las familias pueden comprobar su elegibilidad y registrarse en AffordableConnectivity.gov o llamando al 877-384-2575.
  
  

Visite nuestro sitio web de comidas gratuitas y a precio rebajado para obtener más información sobre los criterios para ser elegible y cómo solicitarlo.

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.

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