Friday, September 18, 2026

A Message from Principal Peterson What a great fourth week of school! Thank you to all of our families who joined us for Back to School Night. It was wonderful to connect with you, share more about your child’s learning, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. As we settle into our routines, this is a great time to check in with your child about what is going well, what feels challenging, and how you can support their success.

Every school day matters. In just one day, students can miss new learning, class discussions, assignments, hands-on experiences, and important social connections that are difficult to recreate. As we move through the remainder of the quarter, let’s work together to shoot for zero absences.

Families can help by establishing consistent bedtimes, preparing clothes and backpacks the night before, eating a healthy breakfast, staying hydrated, and building in enough time for a calm morning routine. Of course, please keep children home when they are truly sick, but when they are healthy and ready to learn, regular attendance helps them stay connected, confident, and on track.

Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS. 

For more information, please contact Emma Longo at 703-799-5402.

Virginia Preschool Initiative: Now Enrolling

About VPI: Virginia Preschool Initiative provides quality early childhood programming for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children. VPI offers:

• A state-approved, developmentally appropriate curriculum supporting kindergarten readiness.

• Child screenings for hearing, vision, developmental, dental, and mental health.

• Family engagement opportunities and support.

Applications for enrollment in VPI designated early childhood programs are available through the Child Care Assistance and Referral Program.

Email NCSVPI@fairfaxcounty.gov or contact a location near you.

Program Requirements:

• Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30, 2026.

• Must meet income guidelines.

• Must be a resident of Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.

Lexia Core5 & PowerUp: How It’s Used, the Benefits, & Addressing Concerns around Device Usage and AI

Join Lexia Learning to see how FCPS classrooms are using Lexia this year to support your student’s literacy growth.

This virtual session walks families through how FCPS uses Lexia Core5 and Lexia PowerUp across the district and provides a Q&A opportunity.

What We'll Cover:

• Program basics: Overview of Core5 and PowerUp and how they meet individual learning needs.

• In the classroom: How Lexia supports teacher planning and instruction.

• Data & goals: How educators use Lexia data for progress monitoring and goal setting.

• Device usage & AI concerns: Understanding online interaction, program time, and AI in schools.

Choose a Session (All sessions cover the same content):

• Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM

How to Join:

Zoom URL: https://bit.ly/2627FamilyZoom  QR Code: "Scan to join".

Our Focus on Academic Growth and Excellence

The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us know how long you think they will be out.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.

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

• Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
• Receive FCPS This Week in Other Languages
• Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

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

Calendar Reminder Monday, September 21 – Yom Kippur (Holiday)

Photo collage titled 'I Am Riverside' featuring students and staff participating in various school activities

Viernes, 18 de Septiembre de 2026

Un mensaje de directora Peterson ¡Qué magnífica cuarta semana de clases! Gracias a todas las familias que nos acompañaron en la Noche de Regreso a Clases. Fue maravilloso conectar con ustedes, compartir más detalles sobre el aprendizaje de sus hijos y fortalecer la colaboración entre el hogar y la escuela. Ahora que nos estamos adaptando a nuestras rutinas, es un buen momento para conversar con sus hijos sobre qué aspectos van bien, cuáles les resultan desafiantes y cómo pueden ustedes apoyar su éxito.

Cada día de clases cuenta. En un solo día, los estudiantes pueden perderse nuevos aprendizajes, debates en clase, tareas, experiencias prácticas e interacciones sociales importantes que son difíciles de recuperar. A medida que avanzamos en el resto del trimestre, trabajemos juntos para lograr cero ausencias.

Las familias pueden ayudar estableciendo horarios constantes para ir a dormir, preparando la ropa y las mochilas la noche anterior, asegurando un desayuno saludable y una buena hidratación, y reservando tiempo suficiente para una rutina matutina tranquila. Por supuesto, les pedimos que mantengan a los niños en casa cuando realmente estén enfermos; sin embargo, cuando están sanos y listos para aprender, la asistencia regular les ayuda a mantenerse conectados, seguros de sí mismos y al día con sus estudios.

Estudiantes con doble excepcionalidad

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) se comprometen a desafiar a todos los estudiantes mediante el desarrollo del talento y la enseñanza diferenciada. Los estudiantes con doble excepcionalidad (conocidos como "2e") son aquellos que poseen altas capacidades (superdotación) y, al mismo tiempo, presentan dificultades de aprendizaje o discapacidades.

Las familias pueden obtener más información sobre los estudiantes 2e, cómo apoyarlos y cómo colaborar con las escuelas visitando la página web dedicada a este tema, la cual también incluye un enlace al Manual de Educación Especial.

Se ha añadido información nueva, incluidos folletos para imprimir, en la sección titulada "Apoyo a los estudiantes 2e en FCPS".

Para más información, comuníquese con Emma Longo al 703-799-5402.

Iniciativa de Preescolar de Virginia: Inscripciones abiertas

Acerca de VPI: La Iniciativa de Preescolar de Virginia (VPI) ofrece programas de educación temprana de calidad para niños elegibles de 3 y 4 años. VPI ofrece:

• Un plan de estudios aprobado por el estado y adecuado para el desarrollo infantil, que prepara a los niños para el jardín de infancia (kindergarten).
• Evaluaciones de salud infantil: audición, visión, desarrollo, salud dental y salud mental.
• Oportunidades de participación y apoyo para las familias.

Las solicitudes de inscripción para los programas de educación temprana designados por VPI están disponibles a través del Programa de Asistencia y Referencia para el Cuidado Infantil (Child Care Assistance and Referral Program).

Envíe un correo electrónico a NCSVPI@fairfaxcounty.gov o comuníquese con un centro cercano a usted.

Requisitos del programa:

• El niño debe tener 3 o 4 años de edad para el 30 de septiembre de 2026.
• Debe cumplir con los requisitos de ingresos establecidos.
• Debe ser residente del condado de Fairfax o de la ciudad de Fairfax.

Lexia Core5 y PowerUp: uso, beneficios y cómo abordar las inquietudes sobre el uso de dispositivos y la IA

Acompañe a Lexia Learning para conocer cómo las aulas de FCPS utilizan Lexia este año para apoyar el desarrollo de la alfabetización de su estudiante.

Esta sesión virtual explica a las familias cómo FCPS utiliza Lexia Core5 y Lexia PowerUp en todo el distrito y ofrece un espacio para preguntas y respuestas.

Temas que se tratarán:

• Aspectos básicos del programa: descripción general de Core5 y PowerUp y cómo satisfacen las necesidades de aprendizaje individuales.
• En el aula: cómo Lexia apoya la planificación y la enseñanza por parte del docente.
• Datos y objetivos: cómo los educadores utilizan los datos de Lexia para monitorear el progreso y establecer metas.
• Uso de dispositivos e inquietudes sobre la IA: comprensión de la interacción en línea, el tiempo de uso del programa y la IA en las escuelas.

Elija una sesión (todas las sesiones cubren el mismo contenido):

• Miércoles, 23 de septiembre de 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p. m.
• Miércoles, 7 de octubre de 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p. m.
• Miércoles, 21 de octubre de 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 p. m.
• Miércoles, 21 de octubre de 2026 | 6:00 – 7:00 p. m.
• Miércoles, 4 de noviembre de 2026 | 6:30 – 7:30 p. m.

Cómo participar:

Zoom: https://bit.ly/2627FamilyZoom  Código QR: "Escanee para unirse".

Nuestro enfoque en el crecimiento y excelencia académica

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