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A Note from the Principal
DRES Families,
I hope everyone was able to avoid any major water damage over the last week with the large amounts of rain we have received. Thank you for your patience during the rain soaked afternoon dismissal on Tuesday. A reminder to monitor your phone and local news outlets for weather related FCPS delays and closings.
Thank you to our families for your partnership regarding attendance. We have decreased our chronic absence rate by 6% compared to this time last year. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) as missing 10% or more the school year. Good attendance is key for the academic and social/emotional growth of each of our students.
Enjoy the long weekend,
Chris Smith
DRES Principal
AAP News
Attendance Matters
This is the time of year when winter weather and children’s illnesses can take a toll on school attendance. But it’s important to get your children to school every day possible.
If you are unsure whether to send your children to school, consult your doctor or this website Health and Safety Guidance webpage for guidance. Our school nurse is also a terrific resource for chronic health conditions.
Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Dress them warmly for the cold weather and make sure they’ve got hats and gloves. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly and send them to school with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.
See the complete school year calendar.
Volunteer with Give Together
FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. The school division is excited to collaborate with Volunteer Fairfax for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Students and families can volunteer on Monday, January 15, at Volunteer Fairfax’s Give Together event. It is designed to engage families with children (ages 5-12) in service learning. Projects will include a food drive, assembling caring kits for community members who need support, making no-tie fleece blankets for veterans, environmental stewardship, and support for animal welfare.
Students ages 13 to 18 are welcome to serve as teen event volunteers. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
FPYC Spring Sports Registration
WALK IN REGISTRATION THIS SATURDAY
FPYC will hold walk-in registration this Saturday, January 13 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the FPYC Clubhouse located in Providence Park - 10701 West Drive, Fairfax, VA. 22030.
CASH or Check preferred. We are trying out a new Credit Card option. For quicker registration consider registering online.
A limited amount of Scholarship registrations are available on a first come basis. In order to apply for this program you must come to the walk-in registration and provide a copy of the qualified County Schools free and reduced lunch program letter or provide a copy of your Medicare information. Scholarships are only available for registration - Cost $50. Uniforms are separate.
Please note that this registration usually has long lines. Please be patient and dress appropriately for standing in line outside.
Spring sports include:
Field Hockey - $105.00
Flag Football (Early Bird) - $150.00
Lacrosse - Flex6 - $75 OR Flex6 & NVYLL - $150.00
Running - $80.00
Soccer - $125.00
REGISTER ON-LINE
Online Registration for Spring 2024 registration is open. Please be sure to enter your player's information as a member before starting the actual registration. This will make the registration process go smoother. https://fpycsports.demosphere-secure.com/_registration
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FPYC is a completely volunteer based organization.
We could use 1 or 2 people to help with registration. If you are interested please email [email protected].
We are in need of Volunteers to help Coach and run our Leagues, please consider volunteering. If interested, sign up when registering your player or reach out to the Director of your sport for information.
Field Hockey - [email protected]
Football - [email protected]
[email protected]
Running - [email protected]
Soccer - [email protected]
Packing Student Lunches
Your child may choose to bring their meals and snacks to school. This is encouraged for students who have specific dietary requirements or are particularly picky. Bringing food from home ensures your child will have the meals and snacks they enjoy to fuel their day of learning.
Students do not have access to a microwave during lunch and therefore need to pack food that does not require reheating or the use of a microwave. If your student's lunch requires hot water please pack a thermos from home.
If you have a young child bringing lunch to school for the first time, consider practicing opening and closing their lunch box. Make sure they’re able to open the containers of the foods you pack by practicing at home first. There will be teachers and monitors available to assist kids during lunch time, but the more independent your child can be, the more time they will have to enjoy their lunch period.
Land and Waters 2023
PTA News
Save the date for PTA Ice Skating Saturday, February 3rd
Save the Date for PTA Bingo Night on Friday, February 23rd
Music News
🎵 Congratulations to the Daniels Run Singers! Last weekend they performed at the VOKE Children’s Choral Festival! They prepared for this festival all fall and sang with 150 other students from other schools.
🎵 The December Musician of the Month is South Korean pop group BTS. Spotify playlist here.
🎵 We are going to a GMU Women’s basketball game! Join us!
Click here to purchase $5 tickets or scan below!
Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12, 2024. No late applications are accepted.
If you are interested in this opportunity click this link to learn more about the Magnet School Lottery
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:
- Bailey’s Upper, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual only)
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
- Bailey’s Primary, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Free Resources for Families
Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities?
Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).
Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter.
Food Insecurity Resources
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Spanish:
La inseguridad de alimentos afecta a más de 60,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Hay muchos recursos disponibles para apoyar a aquellos que necesitan asistencia alimentaria. Averigüe cómo recibir u ofrecer apoyo en el sitio web del Condado de Fairfax, o consulte con su Guía de Recursos de Servicios Humanos para obtener asistencia con los alimentos, ropa, vivienda y otros servicios
Immersion Registration
Dual Language Immersion Program RegistrationRegistration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are 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. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.
Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.
Safety Information
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.
FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.
P2 News
Dear Families,
Next week, our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Perseverance. Perseverance means you complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.
The concept of perseverance can most often be found in one’s active pursuit of overcoming obstacles. Perseverance is a uniquely human characteristic that identifies an individual’s ability to spend long periods of time devoted to a single goal or set of goals. People demonstrating high levels of perseverance can handle significant, sometimes repeated, setbacks in pursuit of goals.
Those who persevere through setbacks often reap the benefits of the success gained by refusing to give up. Sometimes, this comes with the added benefit of increased knowledge and skill as a result of the work needed to achieve. A single group member’s ability or willingness to persevere can substantially impact those working with them and the team. Groups that show high levels of perseverance can achieve goals they may not have believed possible.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perseverance with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Grades 4-6 Competition
Language Arts 123 and The City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts is holding an essay competition. This year’s focus is the topic of forgiveness. First prize is $100, runner up is $50 – deadline is March 29. Instructions, topic details, and how to submit can be found here Language Arts 123 Competition 2024 | City of Fairfax, VA (fairfaxva.gov)
Important Dates
January 15- FCPS Holiday- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25- FCPS 2-Hour Early Release- End of the Quarter
January 26- Student Holiday- FCPS Teacher Workday
3705 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030 | Main Office: 703-279-8400
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