FCPS

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🎵Winter Wonderland⛄️

The Winter Wonderland concert was Thursday evening. It featured performances by the 6th grade chorus and the orchestra. Our Cameron muscians have worked so hard this year to prepare for this concert, and we loved hearing them perform. Great work was done by all. Special shout out to our music teachers, Ms. Haddock and Mr. Bailey, and our strings teacher, Mr. DeBrular!

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings. 

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

• Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Christmas🎄

A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas. 

Chanukah

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Dates

December 23-January 3: No School, Winter Break

January 6: Return to School

January 20: No School, Martin Luther King Day

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Breakfast with the Principal

Families of our K-3 students enjoyed breakfast to meet our new principal, Ms. Prahl, on Thursday morning. Thank you to those who came out! 

On Thursday, December 19, families of our 4-6 grade students are invited to Cameron for breakfast from 8:15 to 8:45am. 

🍬Peppermint Game Fun

Staff members participated in a peppermint game today that had everyone talking! At the beginning of the day, 4 peppermints were given to different staff members. Each time staff members saw each other during the day, they could ask, "Do you have a peppermint?" and any staff member who had one would have to turn it over. These four lucky winners - Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Gonyea, Ms. Romero, and Mr. Rosato - ended the day with peppermints!

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest edition of the Special Education and 504 Newsletter is now available. You can subscribe directly to this newsletter to receive emails when new editions are published. 

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Dates

December 17: PTA Meeting, Virtual, 7pm

December 19: Breakfast with the Principal 4-6, 8:15-8:45am

December 19: Winter Concert, 6:30pm

December 23-January 3: No School, Winter Break

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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AVID Spotlight

Third graders in Ms. Mitchell's class used the AVID strategy, One-Pagers, to demonstrate their understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture! One-Pagers enable students to synthesize all the information they've learned and demonstrate it visually to capture their unique understanding of the material. 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is in its first year at Cameron, but is a national program for college and career readiness. Our third grade team is the first team at Cameron to be implementing some of the strategies and core ideas of AVID in the classroom. 

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Tiffany Reed [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing [email protected].

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Attendance Matters at Cameron!

Please report your student's absence by calling the Attendance Line 703-329-2129 or emailing [email protected] 

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on December 9, 6:30-8:00pm in the Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Special Education Resources for Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs. 

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

• Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected]. 

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and  students.

Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Dates

December 9-13: Winter Book Fair

December 12: Breakfast with the Principal K-3, 8:15-8:45am

December 12: Book Fair Family Night, 4:30-6:00pm

December 17: PTA Meeting, Virtual, 7pm

December 19: Breakfast with the Principal 4-6, 8:15-8:45am

December 19: Winter Concert, 6:30pm

December 23-January 3: No School, Winter Break

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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✨Specials Spotlight

This week in art with Ms. Cosier, Kindergarteners created with clay. In STEAM, 1st and 2nd graders started Lego robotics!

🦃Thanksgiving Lunch Thank You!

Thank you for joining us at school on Thursday for our annual Thanksgiving lunch! Our students definitely felt the love and warmth from our community. Thanks for helping us make this memory for our students!

Substitute Appreciation Week

This week was Substitute Appreciation Week! We extend our gratitude to Ms. Jibai and Ms. Asif everyday, but especially this week. They are both site-based substitutes at Cameron, which means we get to see them every day, and they are helpful in classrooms all over the school. Thank you for everything you do!

 

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Tiffany Reed, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Tiffany Reed, [email protected]. 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

📱Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school. 

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 9, 6:30-8pm at Mount Vernon High School in the cafeteria. If you are unable to attend on this date, yoview the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

No School November 27-29: Thanksgiving

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

December 2: National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

Special Education Resources for Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs. 

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

• Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected]. 

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and  students.

Important Dates

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving 

Dec 6: Book Fair begins

Dec 17: PTA Meeting, 7pm, Virtual

Dec 19: Winter Concert, 6:30pm, Gym

Dec 23-Jan 3: No School, Winter Break

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Monday Nov 18: Early Release at 1:05pm

Students will be dismissed at 1:05pm on Monday, November 18. Communication has been sent home via Talking Points and paper to indicate when and how your child will be getting home that day. If this is new information to you, please reach out to the school by calling 703-329-2100 or messaging your child's teacher on Talking Points. 

No Sale Yard Sale

Huge kudos to our Family Liaison, Ms. Trupo, for hosting the No Sale Yard Sale Thursday afternoon! More than 50 families were able to shop and take home items! We are grateful for all of the donations we received from the community, and we always love having our families in the building. 

What is AVID?

Earlier this school year, we shared that Cameron would be starting its first year of AVID. AVID is an academic support program that helps students prepare for college and careers. AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by providing students with the resources they need to succeed.

At the high school level, AVID is its own class, and students in the program focus on developing critical thinking, literacy, and math skills, as well as time management, organization, and study skills. AVID also helps students learn about colleges and universities, and encourages them to explore career opportunities. 

At the elementary level, teachers can use AVID instructional strategies to benefit all children in their ability to collaborate, inquire, and organize thoughts and materials. 

Our 3rd grade team is implementing AVID this year! They have been focusing on the organizational component of AVID to support student engagement. All 3rd graders have binders and keep their materials color coded by subject. Our teachers say that the students have grown SO MUCH in their abaility to keep track of their materials and refer to previously learned content since the beginning of the year! We are so excited at the possibilities that a school-wide organization system can provide for our students in the years to come. 

Nov 18-22 American Education Week

For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our Cameron community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.

Important Dates

Nov 18: Early Release at 1:05pm

Nov 19: PTA Meeting, Virtual, 7pm

Nov 21: Family Thanksgiving Lunch

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Monday, November 18 Early Release at 1:05pm

There will be an early release at 1:05pm on Monday, November 18. Forms have been sent homes to families to indicate how and when students will get home that day. If you have not sent the form back yet, or have not checked in with your child's teacher, please do that as soon as possible!

🌋Science Spotlight

This week, 5th graders started their Landforms unit in science. They began by learning about Earth's layers, and what causes the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. Check out this moment of students in Mr. Rosales' class observing a convection current in action!

👕No Sale Yard Sale!

Join us for the No Sale Yard Sale on November 14 from 4:30 to 6:30pm! We will have all kinds of toys, clothes, and household items available. We hope to see you there!

🧚‍♀️Peter Pan and Wendy at EHS

Go see Edison High School’s Edison Theatre Company’s fall play, Peter Pan and Wendy.  This show is newly adapted by Edison’s own director, Jeffrey Walker.  Performances are on November 13th, 14th, and 15th at 7pm and November 16th at 2pm in the auditorium of Edison High School.  Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults when ordered ahead online.

There is also a special promotion for any rising Edison Eagles!! For the Wednesday and Thursday shows when ordering online, use the code: FutureEagle and take 50% off up to 6 tickets🎫

This is an especially great opportunity for our 4th graders who are reading excerpts from Peter Pan in their characters unit in Language Arts!

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Title I Family Compact

Cameron is a Title I School, which means we receive federal money to support equitable access to education for our students and community. Please read about our commitments and strategies for providing this support!

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS Scores Available

2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS scores are now available. Families can access score reports through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, your child’s score report will be provided by your school.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs. 

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison (Ms. Trupo!!) who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

No School Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day

Monday is a holiday and schools will be closed for students. Today, students celebrated Veterans Day by creating appreciation displays for those who have served. 

Important Dates

Nov 11: No School, Veterans Day

Nov 14: No Sale Yard Sale, 4:30-6:30pm

Nov 21: Family Thanksgiving Lunch

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Join Us Tonight for Hallowingo! 📙October 31 Book Character Parade

The Book Character Parade will be on Thursday, October 31 at 10:00am. Families are invited to watch from outside the gym (near the painted map on the sidewalk). A flyer was sent home with students on Wednesday.

Students in grades Pre-K-3 grade will parade through the school and outside, and students in grades 4-6 will cheer them on. There will also be a costume contest for students in grade 4-6. 

All students are encouraged to dress as book characters! If you need some ideas for costumes you can create at home, check out some of these suggestions. 

📋Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic. 

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

More information here!!

Family Liaison Corner

by Susana Trupo

The Office of School Partnership has excellent information about many topics. Today, I share how you can promote intrinsically motivated and stimulated learners. Practicing at home, as suggested below, can help your student.

Learning is the Best Reward

Children whose accomplishments are smothered in rewards such as candy, money, and excessive praise often feel motivated only if they receive these external rewards. They usually concentrate more on the reward than the accomplishment.

Research shows that successful learners are more “intrinsically” motivated, stimulated more by their curiosity than by any reward or bonus. They are rewarded for their successes with their satisfaction.

To promote intrinsic motivation:

• Allow your child reasonable independence and creativity when playing. When children have freedom in play, they can see the effects of their actions. When they create something, they have something tangible that represents their efforts.
• Provide learning challenges that strengthen feelings of success. For example, if your child has just successfully learned a part of the multiplication table, offer a challenge: "You have really learned the 5 times table. Can you learn the 6 times table as well?"
• Ask your child to evaluate personal effort and work. Ask, “How do you feel about this paper you just wrote? Are you proud of your effort?”
• Avoid excessive rewards and praise. Instead, comment on your child’s effort, progress and learning. For example, “You stuck with your math until you did it all. I am really impressed with your diligence. And now you really understand how to round numbers up or down!”

Family and School Partnerships Fairfax County Public Schools

🚨Early Release at 2:05pm Oct 31, No School November 1, 4, 5

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

November 1 Diwali

We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

November 1 All Saints Day and Dia de Los Muertos

We recognize those in our community observing All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

November 5 Election Day

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. See the complete school year calendar.

Important Dates

Oct 25: Hallowingo, 6-8pm

Oct 31: Book Character Parade, 10am

             Early Release at 2:05pm, End of Quarter 1

Nov 1: No School - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day

Nov 4-5: No School, School Planning and Election Day (Teacher Workday)

Nov 11: No School, Veterans Day

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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❗️No School Monday, October 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day

Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.

On the second Monday of October and the month of November, people all over the United States celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Indigenous people (globally) year-round, and these celebrations are an opportunity to honor these important stories.

3-Hour Early Release on Monday, October 21 at 1:05pm

By this time, you should have indicated when and how your student will get home on Monday, October 21, either on a paper form or via Talking Points. If you haven't had communication with Cameron about October 21, please call the office at 703-329-2100 or message your student's teacher. 

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Transportation options are available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

No Cleats, Please!

Students are not allowed to wear soccer cleats during school hours. Thank you for being cooperative!

👩‍💻Digital Citizenship Week October 14-18

Digital Citizenship Week is a time for students to reflect on how their digital lives impact their social and emotional well being. They learn about how to participate responsibly in the online world, and how to be safe and kind in digital spaces. 

Families - we strongly encourage you to have some conversations at home this week around social media, screentime, and technology. Common Sense Education Resources for Family Engagement are amazing, and we especially recommend the Family Conversation Starters K-2 and Family Conversation Starters 3-6. 

Portrait of a Graduate Focus: Goal Directed and Resilient Individual

Portrait of a Graduate focuses on the development of five attributes that are essential in successful adults: Communicator, Collaborator, Creative and Critical Thinker, Ethical and Global Citizen, and Goal Directed and Resilient Individual. 

At Cameron for the last few weeks, we have been focusing on understanding what it means to be goal-directed and what it means to be resilient. Students have been featured on the news sharing what those words mean to them! This week, students had the chance to discuss in classrooms, "Why is it important in life to be goal-directed and resilient?" Their responses will be on the news next week!

Having similar conversations at home will hugely support students in being able to see how this essential attribute is applicable outside of school. If you get the chance, please use the words goal-directed and resilient at home!

Attendance - Did You Know?

• Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
• Absences and tardiness can affect the classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually, good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.

National School Lunch Week

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

Important Dates

Oct 11: Yom Kippur - 1/2 Religious Observance Day (school as normal, important school events will not occur after school)

Oct 14: No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day, School Development Day

Oct 21: 3-Hour Early Release at 1:05pm

Oct 31: Early Release at 2:05pm, End of Quarter 1

Nov 1: No School - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day

Nov 4-5: No School, School Planning and Election Day (Teacher Workday)

Nov 11: No School, Veterans Day

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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On Wednesday, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by inviting all students to wear something representative of their culture. 

Title I Right to Know

Your child attends a school receiving federal Title I grant funds under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. As part of the federal guidelines for Title I, your child’s school has specific expectations for student performance and teacher qualifications. You can find information on how your child’s school is meeting these expectations by viewing the School Quality Profile. To access your school’s profile, type the school name in the search field. If you would like a paper copy of this profile, please call your child’s school.

ESSA allows parents in schools receiving Title I grant funds to ask for information about state and local policies regarding student participation in required tests and about parents’ rights to refuse testing for their children. Information about required tests at each grade level can be located at SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools and Virginia Assessment Programs. Information about parents’ rights related to testing can be located at Information for Families about Testing & Assessments.

Additionally, ESSA allows parents in schools receiving Title I grant funds to ask for certain information about their children’s teachers. Parents may ask for the teacher’s:

• College and graduate school preparation, including degrees and major fields of study for each degree;
• Licensure status, including subject and grade level endorsements, and whether those licenses meet the requirements for teachers of their child’s subject or grade level.

Parents may also ask for information about the qualifications of any instructional assistants who provide services to their children.

If you would like to receive any of this information about your child’s teacher or instructional assistant, please write to the FCPS Human Resources Licensure Office at the address below. In order for your request to be fulfilled, you must include: your child’s full name, the name of your child’s school, and the name of the teacher or instructional assistant about whom you would like information.

Fairfax County Public Schools
Human Resources Licensure Office
8115 Gatehouse Road
Falls Church, Virginia 22042

More information about the Title I grant in FCPS can be found at Title I Program, including details about teacher quality in schools receiving Title I grant funds (found under the “High Quality Staff in Title I Schools” link). If you have questions about how the Title I grant supports your child’s school, please contact the school’s administration.

Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

🚶🚲Walk and Roll to School Day

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day. 

October 12 - Ombuds Day

Office of the Ombuds staff engage with families, students, and staff to offer resources, assist in settling conflicts, and raise concerns to improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

The ombuds is available to: 

• Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
• Help resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
• Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.

Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• All FCPS Schools Accredited
• How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
• Become a Special Education Teacher

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Important Dates

Oct 11: Yom Kippur - 1/2 Religious Observance Day (school as normal, important school events will not occur after school)

Oct 14: No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day, School Development Day

Oct 31: Early Release at 2:05pm, End of Quarter 1

Nov 1: No School - Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, and All Saints Day

Nov 4-5: No School, School Planning and Election Day (Teacher Workday)

Nov 11: No School, Veterans Day

Nov 27-29: No School, Thanksgiving

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Family Liaison Corner

by Susana Trupo

Cameron is proud of all the cultures represented by our families. This time of year, we will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of people with heritage from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Here are some things to know about Hispanic Heritage Month. Have a conversation at dinner time - the more we know about other cultures, the better we understand each other.

• How it started: It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

• Why it's celebrated: The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. It also honors the many achievements of Hispanic people around the world. 
• How it can be celebrated:
  
  • Choosing books featuring Hispanic and Latinx culture at the Cameron library
  • Highlighting Hispanic and Latinx people and culture throughout the year
  • Play Latin music, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato, Caporales, etc.
  • Learn the names of all countries and their flags.

• What the terms mean: Hispanic refers to someone who is from, or a descendant of someone from, a Spanish-speaking country. Latino or Latinx refers to someone who is from, or a descendant of someone from, a country in Latin America. 

📆 Fall Immunization Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department is providing immunizations for FCPS elementary students during early release Mondays at their health clinics this fall. 

Find out the clinic date, locations, and how to make an appointment: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/locations

Additionally:

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:  

• Tuesday, October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 in order to provide consent.  

Transportation services are also available. Please visit our Immunization Resources webpage for details. 

Find out more about the immunizations required for K-12 students to attend public school in Virginia: https://www.fcps.edu/immunizations 

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle School.

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

🚀Solar Saturdays at GMU Space Center

From the George Mason University Space Education Outreach Program for students in grades 4-8. 

Join us for Solar Saturday, a weekend workshop designed to ignite your child’s passion for space and science. Each session offers a unique, hands-on experience that includes:

• Explore one of the largest on-campus observatories on the East Coast, where your child will get a close-up look at cutting-edge space research.
• Observing the Sun (with proper safety measures, of course) and its fascinating features using a state-of-the-art solar telescope.
• Creating a scale model of the Solar System.  Engage in an interactive activity where your child will create their very own scale model of the Solar System, learning about the vast distances and sizes of planets.

New activities are on the horizon, making Solar Saturday a must-attend event for young space enthusiasts. Don’t miss this opportunity to combine education with excitement—register now for Solar Saturday and watch your child’s curiosity about the cosmos take flight.

Learn more and sign up online. 

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more. 

October Is...

• National School Principals Month
• Disability History and Awareness Month: In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 
• National Bullying Prevention Month: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of bullying, this is the FCPS definition. Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.” For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student. 

• Filipino American History Month
• National Custodian Appreciation Day (October 2)

No School October 3, 4 - Rosh Hashanah / Teacher Workday

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.

Important Dates

Oct 3: No School, Rosh Hashanah 

Oct 4: No School for Students, Teacher Work Day

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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Chuck E. Cheese Night is Tonight!

Join the Cameron community at Chuck E. Cheese tonight! A portion of all proceeds will go towards supporting the Cameron PTA. 

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

• Monday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
• Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
• Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
• Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
• Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially 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. Please contact Lisa Heath, our school counselor at [email protected] (or on Talking Points), to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

Update your Child’s Immunization Records Today — It’s Required by Virginia Law!

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. 

Please provide your child’s proof of immunization by Monday, September 30. You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record through ParentVUE using the Online Verification/Update (OVU) Packet. You may also deliver records to your school’s front office. 

If your child is not yet up to date on their immunizations, but you have made an appointment to get them immunized, submit an Immunization Action Plan to your child’s school. You may also submit it through the “Student Information” section in ParentVUE. 

Once your child receives their immunizations, submit their immunization records to your school’s front office or through ParentVUE using the Online Verification/Update (OVU) Packet. Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:   

• A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations. 

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

💙Blue Star Welcome Week 

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community. 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year! 

Important Dates

Sept 20: Chuck E. Cheese Night

Oct 3: No School, Rosh Hashanah 

Oct 4: No School for Students, Teacher Work Day

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
Attendance: 703-329-2129 | Web | Facebook | Instagram

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

Reminder: September 16 is the First 3-Hour Early Release Day!

Monday, September 16 is the first of the 3-hour early release days. Dimissal will be at 1:05pm.

❗️If you have not already done so, please complete this form to indicate how and when your child will get home that day. ❗️

Complete the form for each of your children who are enrolled at Cameron (if you have multiple children, you will need to fill out the form multiple times). The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• February 10
• March 10
• April 21
• May 12

We recommend saving this version of the FCPS Calendar that includes our early release days!

Welcome, Dr. Sheehy!

Our Cameron Cheetah Family is off to a fabulous start this school year.   Classroom communities are forming; friendships are developing; and routines and procedures are being embraced.  These are all the foundations for a successful school year.  I have the pleasure of serving as the interim principal of this wonderful school, and I am looking forward to further collaboration and partnership.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lauren Sheehy

Interim Principal, Cameron E.S. 

PTA Update

Happy New School Year! Thank you to everyone who came out to the Welcome Back Picnic on Friday, August 16. We had a great time playing, getting to know one another and enjoying some food. 

This year, the PTA needs you! Please sign up online to stay up to date on events and activities sponsored by the PTA.

Upcoming events:

• September 16 - Early Release Monday and Pizza at Paisano's! Every early release Monday, order dinner with Paisano's (and mention Cameron Elementary PTA) to have 20% of all sales donated back to the PTA (order online or call to order (703)-922-0900).
• September 17 - PTA Meeting 7pm, Google Meet link will be shared soon. 
• September 20 - Chuck E. Cheese night! Be on the lookout for a flyer coming soon to your Wednesday Folder with details.

More details about other events this fall coming soon (Fun Run, Hallowingo, and more)!

Family Liaison Corner

by our Family Liaison, Susana Trupo

🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 

🐭September 20 Chuck E. Cheese Night

On Friday, Sept. 20 from 4-9pm, the Cameron PTA will be hosting a fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese! They will donate 20% of the sale generated from this event to Cameron. Friends and family members are encouraged to help support this event. Flyers will be sent home with students soon with coupons! When ordering, be sure to mention Cameron and bring the flyer. 

Important Dates

Sept 16: 3-Hour Early Release, 1:05pm

Sept 16: Pizza at Paisanos, PTA Fundraiser

Sept 17: PTA Meeting, Virtual, 7pm

Sept 20: Chuck E. Cheese Night

See the full 2024-2025 calendar. 

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
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