BEAM Update
July 28
A Message from Mr. Wright
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
Welcome to the first edition of our school newsletter for the 2023-2024 academic year! We hope you are having a restful summer break and are ready for an exciting year ahead. Here are some important updates and highlights:
1. New School Year: We are thrilled to kick off the new school year on August 21st. Our dedicated staff have been working hard to prepare a safe and engaging learning environment for all students. Get ready for a year filled with knowledge, growth, and memorable experiences! As a reminder our school hours this year will be 9:20 to 4:00. We will begin allowing students to enter the building at 9:00.
2. Meet the Teachers: On August 17th, we will be hosting a "Meet the Teachers" event in the evening from 6:00-7:30. This will be an excellent opportunity for students and parents to meet their teachers, ask questions, and familiarize themselves with the school layout. Mark your calendars!
3. Parent-Teacher Student Organization (PTSO): Our PTSO plays a vital role in supporting our school community. We invite parents to join the PTSO and actively participate in various events and initiatives throughout the year. Together, we can make a positive impact on our students' educational journey. Signup for the PTSO at "Meet the Teachers!"
4. School Website and Communication: Stay connected with us through our school website, where you can find important announcements, calendars, and resources. We will also utilize email and other communication channels to keep you informed about upcoming events, important dates, and any changes.
5. School Supplies: To ensure a smooth start to the school year, please review the school supply list available on our website. Having the necessary supplies will help students maximize their learning experience from day one.
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to another successful year together. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the school administration. Our summer office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Wishing you a fantastic start to the new school year!
Best regards,
George Wright, Principal
Twitter: @FFES_PWCS
Vision: A place to Connect, Experience, and THRIVE!
Student immunizations due by August 17, 2023, to begin new school year
Immunization appointments may be scheduled with your health care provider, Prince William Health District, Mason and Partners, urgent care, or local pharmacy for your child to receive the missing immunization(s). Appointments are currently available at all locations.
Prince William Health District: Accepts Insured, Medicaid, and Uninsured
Manassas - 703-792-6300
Woodbridge - 703-792-7300
Mason and Partners: Accepts Only Medicaid and Uninsured and only children younger than 19 year.
Manassas Park - 703-993-5880
Appointments available Thursday August 3rd and Thursday August 10th.
Greater Prince William Health Center: Accepts Insured, Medicaid, and Uninsured
Dumfries, Manassas, and Woodbridge
703-680-7950 (to make an appointment at one of the three locations)
If a student fails to comply with providing the completed proof of the required immunization(s) by August 17, 2023, the student will be excluded from starting/attending school on August 21, 2023, and will remain excluded until the required immunization record(s) have been provided to the school.
The paperwork on this required immunization(s) is due in by August 17, 2023.
Fitzgerald Elementary's Upcoming Events and Dates
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Back-to-School Webinar at 6:00 pm over Zoom.
*Zoom information to be shared soon.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Meet the Teacher- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
First Day of School
Friday, September 1, 2023
No School-Labor Day Weekend
Monday, September 4, 2023
No School-Labor Day Weekend
Friday, September 15, 2023
No School-Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 25, 2023
No School-Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Grades 3-5 Back to School Night- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Grades K-2 Back to School Night- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The calendar for the entire school year can be found here on the Division's website. Please coordinate any vacations and/or appointments around the school calendar.
Back-to-School Webinar - Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Please join us on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM over Zoom for a Back-to-School Webinar. Topics to be covered include:
- Understanding the new bell schedule
- The First Day(s) of School
- Arrival and Dismissal procedures
- Bus transportation expectations
- Attendance
- Student Devices
- And more!
If you are unable to join, a recording will be shared along with the webinar materials before the end of the day on August 17, 2023.
Zoom information will be shared below soon!
Availability of optional device Insurance for student devices
- Parents/guardians have the option to purchase low-cost student device insurance through the PWCS-approved third-party vendor, Securranty. This optional insurance opportunity will be shared with PWCS parents/guardians by the Communications Department once school begins.
- Parents/guardians will sign up on their own with the following information:
- a. School name
- b. Student last name, first name
- c. Student ID number
- d. Debit/credit card information
- If purchased, the insurance covers unlimited repairs or replacements for everything from broken screens, lost chargers, and accidental damage, with a zero deductible for one year on a school-issued HP device. The insurance cost is $32.95, which may be significantly less than repair or replacement costs without insurance.
- The technology specialist at our location will be trained in accessing the insurance website specific to each school to see the families who have paid for the insurance, how to file a claim, and how to contact Daly for a repair and/or replacement.
School Highlights
In case you missed it: New Bell Schedule for the 2023-24 school year
Sent Via email: July 17, 2023
Dear Fannie W. Fitzgerald Parents/Guardians:
I hope you are enjoying the summer break. As we begin our preparation for the 2023-24 school year, I want to remind you that the bell schedule for our school will change to improve on-time school bus service. Effective on the first day of school, the bell schedule for Fitzgerald Elementary for the 2023-24 school year follows: 9:20 - 4:00.
The updated bell schedule provides the following benefits:
- Makes transportation to and from school more consistent and reliable.
- Increases number of buses for schools and drivers available for substitute runs.
- Decreases route times and length of time waiting at bus stops.
- Eliminates scheduled double and triple runs.
- Improves student attendance.
- Reduces the chance of lost instructional time.
- Decreases the need for staff to stay after school dismissal for supervision.
- Reduces the number of students on each bus, resulting in fewer management challenges for drivers.
- Improves accuracy of the Here Comes the Bus app.
You may find more information about the change in bell schedule at https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/bell_schedule_2023-24
Students can start entering the building at 9:10 am daily. I appreciate your patience, understanding, and support. If you have any questions, please call the school office.
Sincerely,
George Wright, Principal