FCPS

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IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

 

MVHS Theatre Arts Performance

MVHS Theatre Arts presents The Addams Family, a fun musical comedy based on the beloved characters by Charles Addams!  Performances will be April 25 at 7pm, April 26 at 7pm, April 27 at 1pm, and April 27 at 7pm.  Ticket prices are $5 for children 5 and under; $7 for students; $8 for Military/Senior Citizens; and $10 General Admission.  For tickets and more information, visit www.mvhstheatrearts.com.

MVHS Theatre Arts presenta The Addams Family, una divertida comedia musical basada en los queridos personajes de Charles Addams! Las actuaciones serán el 25 de abril a las 7pm, el 26 de abril a las 7pm, el 27 de abril a la 1pm y el 27 de abril a las 7pm. Los precios de las entradas son de $5 para niños menores de 5 años; $7 para estudiantes; $8 para militares/personas mayores; y $10 para admisión general. Para obtener entradas y más información, visite www.mvhstheatrearts.com.

 

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

 

🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey. 

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage. 

 

Give Your Feedback on the Budget

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:

• Tuesday, April 16, through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.  
• Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS. 
• Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
• Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.

 

✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.

 

💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service. 

 

LOOKING AHEAD

• Tuesday April 16th: Spring Picture Day
• Thursday April 25th at 6pm: Spring Fling 
• Friday May 3rd: No School - Teacher workday

OBSERVANCES

• Month of the Military Child
• National Arab American Heritage Month 
• Muslim American Heritage Month 
• School Library Month
• Autism Acceptance Month
• National Library Week
• Eid al-Fitr
• Purple Up! Day

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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Principal Message

Dear Washington Mill families,

A solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024. It's a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon and one that requires important safety reminders.

Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. At Washington Mill Elementary, we have been able to collect approved eyewear so that students can safely view the eclipse ONLY while wearing the eyewear.  Teachers will share the glasses with students on Friday and Monday, along with reviewing safe viewing practices. Additionally, students will be allowed to take the glasses home on Monday. Since the eclipse will coincide with our dismissal time, we request your support in emphasizing safe viewing practices.

Here are some important reminders:

• Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce it at home. 
• Regular sunglasses are not good enough. We will be providing eyewear that has been approved for viewing.
• Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. and ends around 4:32 p.m. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.​​​​​​​

Thank you for reviewing this information and collaborating with us to ensure the safety of our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or your child's teacher without hesitation.

Sincerely,

Brad Bennink, Principal

 

Estimadas familias de Washington Mill,

Un eclipse solar ocurrirá el 8 de abril de 2024. Es un fenómeno astronómico raro y emocionante y uno que requiere importantes recordatorios de seguridad.

Mirando directamente al sol, incluso durante un eclipse, puede dañar permanentemente sus ojos. En la escuela primaria Washington Mill, hemos conseguido gafas homologadas para que los alumnos puedan ver el eclipse de forma segura SÓLO con las gafas puestas. Los maestros compartirán las gafas con los estudiantes el viernes y el lunes, junto con la revisión de las prácticas de visualización segura. Además, los alumnos podrán llevarse las gafas a casa el lunes. Dado que el eclipse coincidirá con nuestra hora de salida, solicitamos su apoyo para enfatizar las prácticas de visualización seguras.

He aquí algunos recordatorios importantes:

• No mire al sol sin gafas homologadas. Esto se aplica a los alumnos y al personal, y le animamos a que lo refuerce en casa.
• Las gafas de sol normales no son suficientes. Proporcionaremos gafas homologadas.
• Horario del eclipse: El eclipse comienza alrededor de las 2:04 p.m., alcanza su punto máximo a las 3:20 p.m. y termina alrededor de las 4:32 p.m. Si le preocupa que su hijo camine o viaje en autobús a casa, por favor organice un transporte alternativo.

Para más detalles, visite la página web de FCPS Solar Eclipse.

Gracias por revisar esta información y colaborar con nosotros para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes. Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo o con el maestro de su hijo sin dudarlo.

Atentamente,

Brad Bennink, Director

 

IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit

Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

 

🗳️ Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. Read more about Dr. Bussey. 

This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1.  The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium on Tuesday, June 18.

Full details and the nomination information form are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage. 

 

📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

Attend a virtual information night to learn about Lexia on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will discover how FCPS is integrating this program into the classroom to support student literacy growth. Tips for supporting students at home will also be shared. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Wednesday April 10th: No School - Eid al-Fitr
• Friday May 3rd: No School - Teacher workday

OBSERVANCES

• Month of the Military Child
• National Arab American Heritage Month 
• Muslim American Heritage Month 
• School Library Month
• Autism Acceptance Month
• National Library Week
• Eid al-Fitr
• Purple Up! Day

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

 

🖍️ 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. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring during April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. Kindergarten Orientation will be Tuesday, April 2nd from 1:45-3:45 pm. 

Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

 

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, Spring Break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources. 

 

✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey!

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. All responses are confidential. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage

 

Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. 

 

🩹 Measles Is Preventable

Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region. 

The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.

Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics

To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:

• Thursday, March 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Joseph Willard Health Center.Walk-ins are accepted until 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 22, 1-5:30 p.m., Annandale District Office. Walk-ins are accepted until 5 p.m.

Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being. 

Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.

Learn more about the event and register online.

 

🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion 

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement programs or activities that include students with disabilities that result in positive outcomes for all students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20. 

Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email [email protected] with questions.

 

#InvestInExcellence 📊 Did you know Virginia provides less funding per student than many neighboring states including Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia? This is about $1,900 per student in state underfunding of Virginia’s students and $345 million for FCPS.

In July 2023, results were released from a study that was requested by the Virginia General Assembly to understand the costs of education in Virginia and the Standards of Quality funding formula.

This Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study revealed that on average, school districts in other states get 14% more funding per student than in Virginia, even after considering the differences in labor costs between states. This means that localities (like Fairfax County) go above and beyond in local funding to make up for state funding shortfalls.

Learn more about the findings in the JLARC study: https://bit.ly/JLARC-Study

🗣️ Contact your state and federal elected officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov 

✅ Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: https://bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25 

 

😎 Looking for summer plans for your child? Check out our FCPS Family Resource Center’s Summer Camps Guide! It includes local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military: https://bit.ly/SummerCampsGuide24

 

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

LOOKING AHEAD

• March 25th - March 29th: Spring Break - No School

OBSERVANCES

• Read Across America Day
• National Women’s History Month
• Equity in Education Month
• Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
• National Nutrition Month
• Daylight Saving Time
• Ramadan

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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

IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey!

FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey is now open. Survey partner K12 Insight emailed a link to families on March 3 and again on March 6. Please participate! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS practices to best support our students.

The survey is available in 10 languages. All responses are confidential. Parents/caregivers may stop by the front office to fill out a paper survey or complete the survey online. Please check your email for the survey invitation or use this survey link. Get more information on the Family Engagement Survey webpage

 

#InvestInExcellence 📊 Did you know Virginia provides less funding per student than many neighboring states including Maryland, Kentucky, and West Virginia? This is about $1,900 per student in state underfunding of Virginia’s students and $345 million for FCPS.

In July 2023, results were released from a study that was requested by the Virginia General Assembly to understand the costs of education in Virginia and the Standards of Quality funding formula.

This Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study revealed that on average, school districts in other states get 14% more funding per student than in Virginia, even after considering the differences in labor costs between states. This means that localities (like Fairfax County) go above and beyond in local funding to make up for state funding shortfalls.

Learn more about the findings in the JLARC study: https://bit.ly/JLARC-Study

🗣️ Contact your state and federal elected officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov 

✅ Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: https://bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25 

 

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources. 

 

🖍️ 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. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring during April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. Kindergarten Orientation will be Tuesday, April 2nd from 1:45-3:45 pm. 

Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

 

😎 Looking for summer plans for your child? Check out our FCPS Family Resource Center’s Summer Camps Guide! It includes local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military: https://bit.ly/SummerCampsGuide24

 

☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

LOOKING AHEAD

• March 25th - March 29th: Spring Break - No School

OBSERVANCES

• Read Across America Day
• National Women’s History Month
• Equity in Education Month
• Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
• National Nutrition Month
• Daylight Saving Time
• Ramadan

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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

IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

Important Reminder: Student Holiday  March 5th - Presidential Primary

Ramadan Observance

This year, Ramadan will start in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024, and conclude on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. If you would like for your child to have lunch in an alternate location during this period, please inform their teacher so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged for the benefit of our students.

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3

FCPS is partnering with independent research firm K12 Insight to administer a Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Your feedback is critical in helping FCPS to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs throughout the district. Survey topics include:

• Welcoming environment
• Communication
• Student success
• Advocacy
• Family and school partnerships
• Community partnerships

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight. A public link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available in our front office. Please stay tuned for more information.

💭 Share Your Thoughts on Schoology

FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:

• Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
• Secondary students via email from Naviance.

Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups. 

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions. 

• 🖍️ 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. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring during April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Tuesday March 5th: March 5 Presidential Primary - No School Student Holiday

OBSERVANCES

• Read Across America Day
• March 5 Presidential Primary
• National School Social Work Week
• Daylight Saving Time

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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

IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

Ramadan Observance

This year, Ramadan will start in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024, and conclude on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. If you would like for your child to have lunch in an alternate location during this period, please inform their teacher so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged for the benefit of our students.

Superintendent to Present FY 2025 Proposed Budget

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will present the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Reid’s presentation, as well as other budget documents, will be available after she presents to the board. 

View the meeting on FCPS Cable TV Channel 99 (Verizon Channel 11), the FCPS YouTube Channel, or the FCPS website. To watch School Board meetings dubbed in Spanish, please visit the FCPS en Español YouTube channel.

If you would like language interpretation or American Sign Language support for any School Board meeting, please contact the board clerk. Find your School Board member and how to contact them on the School Board Members webpage.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Visit FCPS’ website for more information.

 

🚍 Here Comes the Bus

Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.

To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.

Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to [email protected].  

Note: eNotify text messaging will continue to be used for reporting bus delays and bus incidents.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

• Monday, February 19th - President's Day Holiday - No School
• Thursday February 22nd: Spelling Bee Practice 
• Thursday February 29th: Spelling Bee

OBSERVANCES

• Black History Month
• Career and Technical Education Month
• Love the Bus Month
• VSBA School Board Appreciation Month
• 100th Day of School - Feb 8th 
• National School Counseling Week Feb 5th - 9th 
• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb 7th
• Lunar New Year
• Ash Wednesdays 
• School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
• Presidents Day (Holiday)
• School Bus Driver Appreciation Day - Feb 22nd

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter

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

Principal Message

Dear Washington Mill Families,

 

I hope this message finds each of you well as we conclude the second quarter of the academic year. Despite the challenging weather conditions in January, we have successfully completed several important activities for our students. These include an insightful visit of our 6th graders to Whitman Middle School, a 5th-grade trip to the Baltimore Aquarium, and an enriching Family Science Night held last Thursday. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and dedicated staff members who made these events possible, contributing to a multitude of new experiences, extensive learning, and countless smiles for our students.

In addition to these enriching activities, I had the opportunity to address our parents during last week's PTA meeting, where we discussed our chronic absenteeism rate. I highlighted the current levels of absences and provided a comparative analysis with the previous year. The engagement was high, with parents posing thoughtful questions and expressing surprise at certain revelations, such as the equivalence of excused and unexcused absences in determining a student’s chronic absenteeism status. I shared the positive news of the reduction in our chronic absentee rate this year, attributed to many proactive measures we have implemented. However, there is still work to be done. To further raise awareness on this critical matter, our classes will partake in a schoolwide attendance challenge this month, and we will be introducing an Attendance Report Card alongside our quarterly report cards.

Looking ahead into February, I invite you to join us for the upcoming PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 20 at 7 pm in the school library. During this meeting, I will delve into our School Quality Indicators and discuss key academic focus areas for the remainder of the year.

Valentine's Day on the 14th promises to bring celebration to our classrooms, with families contributing their time and items to enhance the experience. Additionally, mark your calendars for our second annual schoolwide Spelling Bee on February 29th. Whether or not your child is participating, your presence is welcomed, as this event not only supports academic learning but also fosters essential skills not assessed in the traditional classroom setting. Our students are diligently practicing, refining study habits, honing public speaking skills, and actively engaging in our school community.

I extend my sincere appreciation to each one of you for making the first half of the school year truly fantastic. As we embark on the third quarter, I wish you all a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Please feel free to reach out to me, your child's teacher, our office staff, or assistant principals should you require any assistance or have concerns. Your children are the reason we are here, and we want to do everything possible to ensure their well-being and success.

 

Sincerely,

Brad Bennink, Principal

 

Estimadas familias de Washington Mill,

Espero que este mensaje les encuentre bien a cada uno de ustedes mientras concluimos el segundo trimestre del año académico. A pesar de las difíciles condiciones climáticas de enero, hemos completado con éxito varias actividades importantes para nuestros estudiantes. Estas incluyen una visita de nuestros alumnos de 6º grado a Whitman Middle School, un viaje de 5º grado al Acuario de Baltimore, y una enriquecedora Noche de Ciencia Familiar celebrada el pasado jueves. Extiendo mi más sincero agradecimiento a todos los voluntarios y miembros del personal dedicados que hicieron posible estos eventos, contribuyendo a una multitud de nuevas experiencias, amplio aprendizaje, y un sinnúmero de sonrisas para nuestros estudiantes.

Además de estas actividades enriquecedoras, tuve la oportunidad de dirigirme a nuestros padres durante la reunión de la PTA de la semana pasada, en la que hablamos de nuestra tasa de absentismo crónico. Puse de relieve los niveles actuales de absentismo y proporcioné un análisis comparativo con el año anterior. La participación fue alta, con los padres planteando preguntas reflexivas y expresando sorpresa ante ciertas revelaciones, como la equivalencia de las ausencias justificadas y no justificadas para determinar el estado de absentismo crónico de un alumno. Compartí la noticia positiva de la reducción de nuestra tasa de absentismo crónico este año, atribuida a muchas medidas proactivas que hemos aplicado. Sin embargo, aún queda trabajo por hacer. Para aumentar la concienciación sobre este asunto crítico, nuestras clases participarán en un desafío de asistencia en toda la escuela este mes, y vamos a introducir una tarjeta de informe de asistencia junto con nuestros boletines de calificaciones trimestrales.

De cara a febrero, les invito a unirse a nosotros en la próxima reunión de la PTA el martes 20 de febrero a las 7 pm en la biblioteca de la escuela. Durante esta reunión, voy a profundizar en nuestros indicadores de calidad de la escuela y discutir las áreas de enfoque académico clave para el resto del año.

El día de San Valentín el 14 promete traer celebración a nuestras aulas, con las familias contribuyendo con su tiempo y artículos para mejorar la experiencia. Además, marquen sus calendarios para nuestro segundo concurso anual de ortografía en toda la escuela el 29 de febrero. Ya sea que su hijo participe o no, su presencia es bienvenida, ya que este evento no sólo apoya el aprendizaje académico, sino que también fomenta habilidades esenciales que no se evalúan en el entorno tradicional del aula. Nuestros estudiantes están practicando diligentemente, refinando hábitos de estudio, perfeccionando habilidades de hablar en público, y participando activamente en nuestra comunidad escolar.

Extiendo mi sincero agradecimiento a cada uno de ustedes por hacer que la primera mitad del año escolar sea realmente fantástica. A medida que nos embarcamos en el tercer trimestre, les deseo a todos una experiencia maravillosa y satisfactoria. No duden en ponerse en contacto conmigo, con el profesor de su hijo, con nuestro personal de oficina o con los subdirectores si necesitan ayuda o tienen alguna duda. Sus hijos son la razón por la que estamos aquí, y queremos hacer todo lo posible para asegurar su bienestar y éxito.

Atentamente,

Brad Bennink, Director

 

IMPORTANT INFO & EVENTS

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

• Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. 
• Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 
• Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage. 
• Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors. 
• Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Visit FCPS’ website for more information.

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD

• Monday, February 19th - President's Day Holiday - No School
• Thursday February 22nd: Spelling Bee Practice 
• Thursday February 29th: Spelling Bee

OBSERVANCES

• Black History Month
• Career and Technical Education Month
• Love the Bus Month
• VSBA School Board Appreciation Month
• 100th Day of School - Feb 8th 
• National School Counseling Week Feb 5th - 9th 
• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb 7th
• Lunar New Year
• Ash Wednesdays 
• School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
• Presidents Day (Holiday)
• School Bus Driver Appreciation Day - Feb 22nd

QUICK LINKS 

 

Health and Safety Guidance Webpage

Visit Washington Mills Website

Positivity Project

Report Absences

Student Links 

9100 Cherrytree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 |  Main Phone: 703.619-2500  Attendance: 703.619.2525 | Web | Twitter