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

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

Our Voices, Our Future

By now, you may have heard that FCPS is developing a new Strategic Plan. Here are some reasons why the school division is engaging in this important work.

Our last strategic plan was developed in 2015. Since then, we experienced a pandemic that changed the way we think, a shift in technology that has seen eight new versions of the iPhone, and plans developed for the first manned mission to Mars.

Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era. Employees, parents/caregivers, students, and our FCPS community must share the same purpose in order to recognize how we can move forward together.

We are all much more motivated, and successful, when we share clear end goals. Learn more on our Strategic Plan webpage.

Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on-demand, 24/7, at no cost to families. Learn more.

Although the community level of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is currently low, cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses are on the rise.

It continues to be important to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, monitor your health daily, and stay home if you are sick. For more tips, visit our Return to School website.

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.

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.

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