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Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Specialist Newsletter Read our 📰 October Newsletter from Garfield's Specialists! November 18 - Early Release #3 November 20 – Family Cardboard Challenge, 5:30 pm

Sign Up Here: Cardboard Challenge Google Form.

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break December 5 – Winter Family Festival

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Join us for… The Cardboard Challenge!

Get ready for an evening of hands-on family fun! Garfield Elementary invites you to our Cardboard Challenge, a unique event that lets families build boldly and celebrate creativity together.

Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 5:30-6:45 pm
Location: Garfield Elementary School

Families will have the chance to work together to create incredible designs using just cardboard and duct tape. This is a STEAM event and a national challenge.

How to Prepare:

Sign Up: Please let us know if your family will be joining by completing this Cardboard Challenge Google Form.
Gather Supplies: Start collecting cardboard and duct tape – you’ll need them for your project! We’ll also have lots of cardboard to share!
Plan Ahead: Begin brainstorming ideas for your creation – let your imagination run wild!

This exciting challenge is part of a national movement encouraging innovation and problem-solving. Check out this video to learn more about how it all began and to get inspired.

We can’t wait to see the amazing designs our Garfield Eagles will create! Remember, sign-up here: Cardboard Challenge Google Form.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

A big 🎉THANK YOU🎉 to all families who have already filled out and submitted their form through ParentVue!!

Garfield currently has 28% submitted!

We are missing Several surveys.

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. 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.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

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. to 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.

Come Learn How to Play Chess

Who: 2nd through 6th Grade Students
What: Learn to play chess or improve your chess skills.
Where: Garfield ES
When: Wednesdays, beginning November 6th from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m.

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 Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale 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.

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 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, connect with our Family Liaison, Melody Wheatley, [email protected] or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.

Garfield Elementary School 2024 November Family Engagement Month Activities and Calendar

Nov. 18th – Nov. 22nd

·Family Conversation Starter -What did you talk about in morning meeting today?
Webinar for the week: Nov. 19th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Lexia Core 5 and Lexia Power up
Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.

November 21st- National Family Engagement Day (eat lunch with your child or volunteer in their class)

Family Connection Fun Game – Simon Says

Nov. 25th – Nov. 29th

Family Conversation Starter- Let’s talk about making a family journal.
Family Activity- Read and review the family academy brochure-
The Family School Team - It’s Never Too Late to Get Involved
Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.
November 28th – Happy Thanksgiving
Family Connection Project- Make and write in your family journal.

Garfield PTA Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

Please join the Garfield PTA by clicking here.

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/ Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

We are in this together!! We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with your family this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. Please contact us when there is a question or concern. Thank you for your support and being part of our team!

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Garfield’s 2024 Book Character Pumpkins The Scarecrow, Narwhal and Jelly, Gerald and Piggy, David, The Bad Seed, Dog Man, and Pete the Cat and Rainbow Fish have really added character to our front entrance! November 11 - Veteran's Day, Student Holiday November 18 - Early Release #3 November 20 – Family Cardboard Challenge, 5:30 pm

Sign Up Here: Cardboard Challenge Google Form.

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break December 5 – Winter Family Festival

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

November 18th
3 hour Early Release Survey

November 18th Early Release Survey - Please Complete ASAP

Please let us know your student’s plans for our next Early Release on November 18th. We will dismiss at 1:05pm.

Please also note that Here Comes the Bus App does not track accurately on the early release days until your students regular dismissal at 4:05pm. The App tracks the bus itself, not your student, and their regular bus may be on a different route at 1:05pm.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Join us for… The Cardboard Challenge!

Get ready for an evening of hands-on family fun! Garfield Elementary invites you to our Cardboard Challenge, a unique event that lets families build boldly and celebrate creativity together.

Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 5:30-6:45 pm
Location: Garfield Elementary School

Families will have the chance to work together to create incredible designs using just cardboard and duct tape. This is a STEAM event and a national challenge.

How to Prepare:

Sign Up: Please let us know if your family will be joining by completing this Cardboard Challenge Google Form.
Gather Supplies: Start collecting cardboard and duct tape – you’ll need them for your project! We’ll also have lots of cardboard to share!
Plan Ahead: Begin brainstorming ideas for your creation – let your imagination run wild!

This exciting challenge is part of a national movement encouraging innovation and problem-solving. Check out this video to learn more about how it all began and to get inspired.

We can’t wait to see the amazing designs our Garfield Eagles will create! Remember, sign-up here: Cardboard Challenge Google Form.

AAP Informational Zoom Meeting

We will host an Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Full Time Identification Information presentation on November 14. This presentation is for parents of students in grades 2-6; who are interested in learning more about the AAP Full Time identification process.

Information will be presented by Heather Jenkins, Garfield Elementary’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30pm. The Zoom link will be shared closer to the meeting.

Questions? Please contact Heather Jenkins, AART, at [email protected]

The county deadline for submitting the AAP Full-Time family referral is Sunday, December 15th.

This is a county set deadline, and late entries will not be accepted. Parents are encouraged to turn in their forms and supporting documents early to ensure that they are formatted appropriately for the screening portfolio.

The AAP Full Time Parent Referral form can be found at the bottom of the AAP In FCPS website. All portfolios should be submitted to Heather Jenkins, AART, at [email protected].

Veteran's Day - November 11

Monday, November 11, is a holiday and schools will be closed for students.

📍 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.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

A big 🎉THANK YOU🎉 to all families who have already filled out and submitted their form through ParentVue!!

Garfield currently has 28% submitted!

We are missing Several surveys.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Come Learn How to Play Chess

Who: 2nd through 6th Grade Students
What: Learn to play chess or improve your chess skills.
Where: Garfield ES
When: Wednesdays, beginning November 6th from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m.

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.

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.

If you have questions or would like more information, connect with our Family Liaison, Melody Wheatley, [email protected] or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.

Garfield Elementary School 2024 November Family Engagement Month Activities and Calendar

Nov. 4th – Nov. 8th

Family Conversation Starter – Read and Sign the Family Media Agreement

Webinar for the week- Nov. 8 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM

5 Ways to De-Escalate Nuclear Meltdown

Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.
Family Connection Fun Game – Charades

Nov. 10th – Nov. 15th

Family Conversation Starter to How to Clever for Lexia/ST Math Navigate

Nov. 11th – Happy Veteran’s Day

Webinar for the week: Nov. 12th from 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Getting to know FCPS (multiple dates to choose from) https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/catalog
Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.
Family Connection Fun Game – Rock-Paper-Scissors

Nov. 18th – Nov. 22nd

·Family Conversation Starter -What did you talk about in morning meeting today?
Webinar for the week: Nov. 19th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Lexia Core 5 and Lexia Power up
Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.

November 21st- National Family Engagement Day (eat lunch with your child or volunteer in their class)

Family Connection Fun Game – Simon Says

Nov. 25th – Nov. 29th

Family Conversation Starter- Let’s talk about making a family journal.
Family Activity- Read and review the family academy brochure-
The Family School Team - It’s Never Too Late to Get Involved
Two Recipes to make as a family from the GES food bag.
November 28th – Happy Thanksgiving
Family Connection Project- Make and write in your family journal.

Garfield PTA Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

Please join the Garfield PTA by clicking here.

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/ Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

GovDelivery2 weeks 2 days ago

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Book Character Day at Garfield! Garfield Eagles are Readers! November 1 - Diwali, Holiday
November 4 - School Planning Day, Student Holiday
November 5 - Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
November 11 - Veteran's Day, Student Holiday
November 18 – Early Release #3

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. Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

November 18th
3 hour Early Release Survey

November 18th Early Release Survey - Please Complete ASAP

Please let us know your student’s plans for our next Early Release on November 18th. We will dismiss at 1:05

Honoring our Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, we’d like to invite the Garfield community to honor their Veteran family members on our Slideshow and/or Wall of Heroes! To participate, please complete the 3 questions on our Veterans Info Google Form and submit a photo. We are very thankful for all the military family members in our school community, and we want our students and staff to have an opportunity to make connections with you!

All submissions are due by Thursday, November 4th. Thank you! Please email [email protected] with questions.

Daylight Saving Time Ends
(Fall Back)

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!

Join us for… The Cardboard Challenge!

Get ready for an evening of hands-on family fun! Garfield Elementary invites you to our Cardboard Challenge, a unique event that lets families build boldly and celebrate creativity together.

Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 5:30-6:45 pm
Location: Garfield Elementary School

Families will have the chance to work together to create incredible designs using just cardboard and duct tape. This is a STEAM event and a national challenge.

How to Prepare:

Sign Up: Please let us know if your family will be joining by completing this Cardboard Challenge Google Form.
Gather Supplies: Start collecting cardboard and duct tape – you’ll need them for your project! We’ll also have lots of cardboard to share!
Plan Ahead: Begin brainstorming ideas for your creation – let your imagination run wild!

This exciting challenge is part of a national movement encouraging innovation and problem-solving. Check out this video to learn more about how it all began and to get inspired.

We can’t wait to see the amazing designs our Garfield Eagles will create! Remember, sign-up here: Cardboard Challenge Google Form.

AAP Informational Zoom Meeting

Questions? Please contact Heather Jenkins, AART, at [email protected]

The county deadline for submitting the AAP Full-Time family referral is Sunday, December 15th.

The AAP Full Time Parent Referral form can be found at the bottom of the AAP In FCPS website. All portfolios should be submitted to Heather Jenkins, AART, at [email protected].

Return Your 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).

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.

If you have questions or would like more information, connect with our Family Liaison, Melody Wheatley, [email protected] or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Garfield PTA Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

Please join the Garfield PTA by clicking here.

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/ Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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October 31 – Book Character Dress-up Day **
November 1 - Diwali, Holiday
November 4 - School Planning Day, Student Holiday
November 5 - Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
November 11 - Veteran's Day, Student Holiday
November 18 – Early Release #3

**Thursday, October 31st is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Please plan accordingly.

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

November 18th Early Release Survey - Please Complete ASAP

Please let us know your student’s plans for our next Early Release on November 18th. We will dismiss at 1:05

Outstanding Employee Awards Let’s Recognize our Garfield Teachers!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Garfield Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Leader

Outstanding Professional Employee

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

To submit a nomination for a Garfield ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, October 31st.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Neville at [email protected]

To celebrate our school-wide love of reading, students are encouraged to dress up as a favorite book character on Thursday, October 31st.

Students are encouraged to bring a book that includes the character they are representing. During the school day, they may be asked to share more about the character they’ve chosen.

Guidelines for Book Character Costumes:

Characters must be age appropriate and from elementary or middle- grade level books.
Costumes may not involve blood or other horror-type elements.
No weapons of any kind or masks that cover the entire face.
Costumes must allow students to take care of personal needs, sit at desks, and participate in school and classroom activities throughout the day, including appropriate shoes for PE/ recess!!

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.

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

Impact Aid

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

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.

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

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Thanksgiving Lunch
Thursday, Nov. 21st

We invite all families to join us for Thanksgiving lunch during your child's lunch period. Above is the menu and adult meals are available for purchase beginning at $4.75. We look forward to having you join your student for this delicious meal!

Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Garfield PTA Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

The PTA is very important for our school.

As a PTA member, you can share your ideas and help make our school better. Your voice matters!

We may be small, but we can do great things together. We need your support to improve activities, host events like movie nights and international night, and update our facilities and technology. Thank you!

Please join the PTA by clicking here.

Current Board Members:

President: Lauren Dunham
Vice President: Sana Malik
Treasurer: Mary Jo Mentzel
Secretary: Amy Dane
Fundraising Chair: Jennifer Goen
School Liaison: Melody Wheatley
Technology Chair: Anna Howell

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Title I Family Compact

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Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy and Compact

Please review Garfield's Parent & Family Engagement Policy and give feedback using the links below. Thank you!

English Form
Spanish Form

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
-Toni Morrison October 24 – Picture Day
October 31 – Book Character Dress-up Day
November 1 - Diwali, Holiday
November 4 - School Planning Day, Student Holiday
November 5 - Teacher Workday, Student Holiday
November 11 - Veteran's Day, Student Holiday

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Outstanding Employee Awards Let’s Recognize our Garfield Teachers!

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Leader

Outstanding Professional Employee

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, October 31st.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Neville at [email protected]

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Community Event Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Garfield PTA Join the PTA! Help us build a stronger future together!

The PTA is very important for our school.

As a PTA member, you can share your ideas and help make our school better. Your voice matters!

Please join the PTA by clicking here.

Current Board Members:

https://garfieldelementarypta.square.site/

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Don't Forget... Join us for our 1st Parent Coffee October 16th at 9:30am in the Garfield Cafeteria! Attention 3rd Graders:
Join Steam/Science Olympiad Club
Thursdays, 8:15 am - 9:05 am

Please RSVP to Ms. Manning by emailing her
at [email protected]
or by notifying your child’s classroom teacher.

JOIN THE CHESS CLUB
All Garfield Eagles Welcome!
After-School 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Forms for Chess Club will be sent home this week!
Please return completed forms to your child's teacher.

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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A Day In the Life Of Garfield Students October 14 - Staff Development – No school for students October 16 – Parent Coffee October 24 – Picture Day

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school

holidays, breaks, and observances.

Garfield Parent Coffee
October 16th at 9:30am

Join us for an exciting Garfield Parent Coffee on October 16th from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the GES Cafeteria!

We have an engaging morning planned just for you! Learn how to navigate ParentVue, understand your child's report card and attendance reports, and get the latest updates on Language Arts. Plus, sit back and enjoy a special musical performance from our talented students!

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents, gain valuable insights, and have some fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

Updated Survey Form
For 3-Hour Early Release, Oct 21st

Please complete this UPDATED survey by 10/11/24 to indicate how your child will be going home for our next early release Monday on 10/21/24. *If you have multiple children, please complete a form for each student.

We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (SACC, bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. While these are designated as early release days- where necessary, we will ensure that every student has supervision at the school and returns home at the regular time if that is what works best for your family.

FCPS is offering student supervision at no-cost to families for those who have unique childcare needs. Students will be supervised by FCPS school-based staff, substitute teachers, and central office staff.

For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-mondays

Digital Citizenship Week at Garfield! 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

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

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.

🎤 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:

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

Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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rDear Garfield Community,

Welcome to October! As we lean into the last few weeks of first quarter, we want to share the importance of your continued engagement in your child’s education. Your involvement is crucial to their success, and we provide numerous opportunities for you to connect with school and stay informed about your child’s learning journey.

On October 16th, we invite you to our Parent Coffee! You will have a chance to learn more about our new literacy curriculum, and resources to navigate school success. Did you sign-up for a parent-teacher conference? We cannot wait to meet with you about your student’s learning journey and what we’ve accomplished during the first quarter. If you haven’t already, please ask your student’s teacher about a time to meet!

We want you to remain informed parents and caregivers regarding your child’s school experience, and we encourage you to ask questions, attend parent-teacher conferences, participate in our PTA, frequent family engagement nights, and simply be present throughout the year. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are grateful for your collaboration!

Blessings and Joy!

Mrs. Peerman and Ms. Manning

Everyday Counts at Garfield!

At Garfield Elementary, we believe that every single day matters when it comes to your child’s success. To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will regularly share attendance data in our newsletter.

By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to reduce absenteeism. As of today, Garfield’s absenteeism rate is at 7.9%. Our goal is to keep it under 15% and even 10% if possible. Be sure to send your child to school when healthy and help us continue to decrease our overall percentage of students who are considered chronically absent (as a reminder, chronic absenteeism is missing 10% or more of days in a school year, regardless of excused or unexcused).

When students attend school consistently, they have more opportunities to learn, engage with peers, and develop the skills required to succeed. We thank you for prioritizing your child's education and for partnering with us each day. Together, let’s make every day count!

🗓️ 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.

October 3 - Rosh Hashanah (Holiday) October 4 - Teacher Workday (No School) October 14 - Staff Development October 16 – Parent Coffee October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release October 24 – Picture Day

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Updated Survey Form
For 3-Hour Early Release, Oct 21st

For more information, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-mondays

Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 2nd

A huge thank you to our amazing custodians for keeping Garfield a clean and safe place to learn, teach, and grow. Mr. Fernando, Ms. Maria, Ms. Amanda, and Ms. Ruth—you are an absolute rockstar team!

Your hard work and dedication allow us to thrive, and we are truly grateful for everything you do. Your efforts make a world of difference at Garfield, and we appreciate you more than words can say! THANK YOU!!

Garfield Parent Coffee
October 16th at 9:30am

Join us for an exciting Garfield Parent Coffee on October 16th from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the GES Cafeteria!

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents, gain valuable insights, and have some fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

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:

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

Elementary School Clinics

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.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

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.

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Free Webinars for Families

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

Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
Helping students organize their schoolwork.
Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities.

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

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Upcoming Events

October 3 - Rosh Hashanah (Holiday) October 4 - Teacher Workday (No School) October 14 - Staff Development October 16 – Parent Coffee October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release October 24 – Picture Day

Please bookmark the FCPS School Calendar to stay informed about school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Sign and Return Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Document

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses.

Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.

This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.

Meet Garfield’s Student Services/Wellness Team!

Janet Dougherty – School Counselor - [email protected]
Cindy Diaz – Social Worker - [email protected]
Dana Mattioli – School Psychologist - [email protected]

It’s been a great start to the school year! As we continue forward, we want to share ways how our Garfield Student Services/Wellness Team can be a resource for you! Contact our amazing team with any questions or concerns!

School Counselors help set the foundation for students to become confident, successful learners by working closely with teachers, parents, and the community. Counselors focus on education, prevention, and early intervention, addressing social and emotional issues to help students succeed academically, explore career possibilities, and develop essential life skills. We support student through: Classroom Lessons, Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, Collaboration, Consultation, etc.

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling. School social workers help to meet academic potential, competence and confidence especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.

School psychologists help support the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students. They utilize a range of evidence-based assessment, intervention, and consultation strategies to help students overcome challenges, develop their strengths, and achieve success in the classroom and beyond. As members of various student support teams, they collaborate with staff and families to facilitate access to learning, support positive behaviors, and enhance mental health and wellness.

Behavior Resource Teacher helps students by working with teachers to support positive behavior in the classroom. They collaborate with teachers to create and use effective strategies for student needs, help with behavior plans, and provide support during challenging situations. Additionally, they work directly with students when they struggle with behavior, helping them find positive ways to manage their emotions and actions. They also assist in building strong student-teacher relationships and ensure that behavior programs work well for everyone.

Blue Star Welcome Week

Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging to their school communities. Fairfax County Public Schools will intentionally celebrate and acknowledge 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 helped ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections.

At Garfield, we proudly display our Blue Star tree in the main office window, showcasing the names of our active-duty military students. We've also prepared goodie bags and sent warm welcoming messages to these families. On Friday, September 27, we invite all staff and students to wear blue and gold to show their support for our military students.

A special thank you goes to Mrs. Wheatley, our dedicated parent liaison, for her incredible efforts in coordinating our events. Your hard work makes a difference—thank you, Mrs. Wheatley!

Upcoming Immunization Clinics

Does your child need school-required immunizations? If so, please check out the options below.

Free Immunizations 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.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) 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

Clinics are being scheduled beginning Tuesday, October 1. Visit the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

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

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!

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.

Quick Links

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Thank you for Attending
Back to School Night! We Love our Garfield Families!

Building a strong partnership as we settle into the school year, we want you to know how much we value our partnership with you. Your involvement with our PTA and our school makes a difference, and together, we can ensure a successful year for all students. Thank you for your continued support.
We LOVE our Garfield students and families!

Read our Specialist
September Newsletter!

Check out all the exciting updates from our PE, Music, Library, Art, STEAM programs, and more in this month's specialist September newsletter! Get the latest on what our Eagles have been learning and creating in each area. You won’t want to miss these fun highlights and important information!

Specialist Newsletter

Upcoming Events

October 3 - Rosh Hashanah (Holiday) October 4 - Teacher Workday (No School) Shoes That Fit!

You may have noticed that your Garfield Eagle(s) came home with new shoes earlier this week! Thanks to the national nonprofit Shoes That Fit and their annual partnership with GEICO, Garfield ES was selected to receive brand-new, name-brand athletic shoes for our students as part of their back-to-school campaign. It was truly a special day for our Eagles!

While some of the larger sizes ran out during the event, rest assured that if your child didn’t receive a pair, we will get shoes to them soon!

We’d love your help in expressing our gratitude. If your child is able, please encourage them to write a thank-you note or draw a picture for Shoes That Fit and GEICO. Notes can be submitted to the front office, and we’ll make sure they’re delivered to the organization.

Thank you for helping us show our appreciation—it was a wonderful day for our school!

Shoes That Fit 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 Janet Dougherty, our school counselor, at [email protected], 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

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.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Garfield's front office or emailed directly to Sarah Rothman - [email protected]

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to the 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 on the FCPS website.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Services at Garfield Elementary (Session #1)

Parents of students who are interested in learning more about the Advanced Academic Program in FCPS are invited to join us for a presentation on Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Elementary Overview. The meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30-7:30pm. Parents of students who are receiving AAP services (AAP Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Part Time Services are invited to attend. The meeting will provide an overview of these services.

The ZOOM link is coming soon.

Questions can be directed to Heather Jenkins, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, [email protected]

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers a continuum of services for elementary students to meet their current academic needs. The continuum of services supports the two main goals of the Advanced Academic Programs Office:

Talent Development
Meeting the Needs of the Advanced Learner

Access to Rigor: Grades K-6 – All students receive talent development lessons with critical and creative thinking strategies and AAP curriculum lessons.

Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation: Grades K-6 – Identified students receive AAP curriculum lessons in the general education setting in areas of academic strength.

Part-Time Services: Grades 3-6 – Identified students receive AAP curriculum lessons in more than one academic content area. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) leads these lessons. Programming has increased depth and complexity in several content areas.

Full-Time Services: Grades 3-8 –Identified students receive AAP curriculum lessons full-time. Programming has increased depth, complexity, and pace in all academic content areas.

For more detailed information, including important dates, please see the Fall AAP Newsletter:

Please click on the links below for the Advanced Academics Programs Fall Newsletter containing important information about Advanced Academic Programs.

The fall deadline is October 15th, 2024 for students new to Fairfax County to be screened for full-time services. Questions can be directed to Heather Jenkins, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, [email protected]

Opt-Outs and Managing Your Child's Digital Consent

Step 1

Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.
Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

A six digit code will be sent to the SIS ParentVUE account email. Please wait a few minutes for the email to arrive. You can also send a new code to the email listed on the page. If you refresh the page it will also trigger a new code. If you get a new code, the old code will be invalid.

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

Gray: Form is awaiting your review.
Green: You've approved everything on this form.
Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.
Red: You've declined all items on this form.

Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

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!

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

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

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan - Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

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.

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.

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.

Subscribe to Calendars

FCPS School Calendar

Subscribe to FCPS' calendars to keep up to date with all events and holidays. You can subscribe and have everything right on your phone or computer calendar, synced and ready to keep you on time and aware.

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

ANNOUNCEMENT: During the month of September, students in grades PreK-6 will be taking literacy and math assessments. These student assessments are opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and the information gathered will help us tailor instruction to meet our students’ individual academic and social behavior needs.

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

GovDelivery2 months ago

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Critical and Creative Thinking in Steam!

Hello Garfield Families!

We've had a fantastic week at Garfield! Our teachers and students are settling into the new school year, building classroom communities, establishing routines, making new friends, and diving into learning. It’s been inspiring to see the engagement and energy in every classroom!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Back to School Night on Thursday, September 19th, from 5 to 7:10 PM. This event is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to visit classrooms and learn more about the wonderful things happening at school. The evening is designed for adults to connect with their child’s teachers and we will have dedicated spaces with activities to keep kids busy while you meet with the teachers. Plus, we’ll wrap up the evening with pizza in the cafeteria.

3 Hour Early Release Day Reminder

As a reminder, our first 3-hour early release day is on Monday, September 16th. Most of our students will go home during the three-hour early release. However, if you need childcare, supervision is available, as needed. We need each family to fill out the link below so that we know if your student is staying at school or going home during the 3-hour early release: Early Release Monday Survey Form

Attendance Matters

Finally, we want to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Your child's education is greatly impacted by their presence in school. Please make every effort to ensure that your child is in class each day.

Regular attendance is crucial for:

Academic Success: Students who miss school often struggle to keep up with their classmates.
Social Development: Being in school helps students build relationships and develop important social skills.
Habit Formation: Developing a strong work ethic and routine starts with consistent attendance.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's attendance, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the school office.

Thank you again for your continued support and we hope you have an amazing weekend.

Mrs. Peerman, Principal

Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal

Upcoming Events

September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 19 - Back to School Night Join us for Garfield’s Back to School Night!

Wednesday, September 19th from 5:00 - 7:10 p.m.

Join us for Back-to-School Night and Pizza!

*Students must be accompanied by their parent(s) or caregivers

We’re offering two sessions for families with more than one student!

5:00 – Back to School PTA Meeting - Library

5:30 - 6:00 – Teacher Classroom Session #1
6:00 - 6:30 – Teacher Classroom Session #2
6:30 - 7:10 - Pizza Dinner

Back to School Night is a great opportunity to learn more about the curriculum, your child's teacher, the upcoming year, and visit your child's learning space. We will also offer a Preview of the FLE curriculum in the library. We look forward to a fun-filled informative Garfield family event!

Doors now open at 5:00!

Immunizations!

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.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to the 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 on the FCPS website.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Services at Garfield Elementary (Session #1)

The ZOOM link is coming soon.

Questions can be directed to Heather Jenkins, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, [email protected]

Opt-Outs and Managing Your Child's Digital Consent

Step 1

Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.
Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

Gray: Form is awaiting your review.
Green: You've approved everything on this form.
Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.
Red: You've declined all items on this form.

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

🍽️Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings.

View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!

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.

As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.

🎤 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.

The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

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FCPS School Calendar

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Upcoming Events

September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 19 - Back to School Night

Dear Garfield Families,

We are reaching out share that we have not yet received every families’ response regarding our upcoming early release day. On Monday, September 16th, all Garfield students will be dismissed three hours early, at 1:05 p.m. unless you have indicated the need for child supervision.

If you haven’t already, please use the link below to indicate your child’s dismissal instructions. Students whose parents do not indicate a need for childcare or have not filled out the google form will be sent home in their usual manner at 1:05pm.

Please complete this form by Thursday, September 6th.

Early Release Monday Survey Form .

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Mrs. Peerman, Principal

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

Join us for Garfield’s Back to School Night! Wednesday, September 19th from 5:15 - 7:10 p.m.

Join us for Back-to-School Night and Pizza! We’re looking forward to a fun-filled informative Garfield family event!

*Students must be accompanied by their parent(s) or caregivers

* We’re offering two sessions for families with more than one student!

5:15 - Doors Open (updated time indicated)
5:30 - 6:00 - Back to School Night Session 1
6:00 - 6:30 - Back to School Night Session 2
6:30 - 7:10 - Pizza Dinner

SIS ParentVUE

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office along with your student's teacher.

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Opt-Outs and Managing Your Child's Digital Consent

Step 1

Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.
Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

Gray: Form is awaiting your review.
Green: You've approved everything on this form.
Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.
Red: You've declined all items on this form.

SEL SCREENER NOTIFICATION

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Garfield students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. The SEL screener will be administered October 9 – October 31 (fall window) and March 10 – March 28 (spring window). The screener will be administered online by the classroom teacher.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out (via form or the Parent Digital Consent System), please view the letter that went home in your child’s Thursday folder today. If you give your permission, no further action is necessary.

You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions!

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our office at 703-923-2900.

Grades K-6

Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Parent Access to Immunization Records in VIIS

Parents can access their child's immunization records for free from the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) for any immunization obtained in the state of Virginia by completing this brief Immunization Record Request Form. The prompts on the form are provided in English and Spanish. Once the form is processed (3-5 business days and sometimes less), the immunization record is emailed directly to the parent at the email address provided.

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FCPS School Calendar

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Upcoming Events August 30 - Holiday September 2 - Holiday September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 19 - Back to School Night Save the Date: Back to School Night - Sept. 19th Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

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. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

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

If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services. If needed, families may also provide other immunization documentation including a healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption or a notarized Religious Exemption Form.

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING Elementary Academic Screening and Growth Tests Grades 3-6

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 3-6. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.

iReady Math - all students scheduled to take the spring Standards of Learning (SOL)
iReady Reading - all students scheduled to take the spring SOL
Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - only select grade 3 students

Elementary teachers assess all grade 3-6 students with iReady Math and iReady Reading in fall, winter, and spring. Tests are delivered within the classroom instructional block. Teachers set specific testing dates for each class. General timing for required screening and growth tests is available on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests).

Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator.

SIS ParentVUE

Want to get ahead of the back-to-school forms and checklists? Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find forms and updates.

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child's school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Update Contact Information

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Submit Absences

Subscribe to Calendars

FCPS School Calendar

Please Read Our Garfield Caregiver/Parent Handbook

2024-2025 Garfield Caregiver Handbook

Family Responses Needed ASAP! Early Release Mondays

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 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

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: Early Release Monday Survey Form for each of your children who are enrolled at Garfield Elementary.

The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

Safety Drills

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School
Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary
Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary
Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary
Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle

Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time.

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.

🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone!

Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!

Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

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Garfield Families:

We want to extend our deepest gratitude for the incredible start to this new school year! The energy, enthusiasm, and positivity that filled our hallways and classrooms during the first week have been nothing short of amazing.

The dedication of our teachers, staff, and students has created a warm and welcoming environment, setting the stage for a year of maximizing student potential. We’re especially impressed by how effortlessly our Eagles have settled into their new routines, eagerly and resiliently embracing every new moment back at school.

A special thank you goes out to our amazing community for your unwavering support. Your commitment to your children’s success is truly remarkable, and it’s an honor to serve our students and families.

As we move forward, our excitement is boundless as we anticipate the remarkable achievements our students will undoubtedly accomplish. Together, we’re going to make this year a standout—brimming with learning, growth, and everything that makes Garfield truly exceptional!

Blessings and Joy,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal

Save the Date: Back to School Night - Sept. 19th Important Reminders

Doors open at 9:05 a.m. for students.
Students should be in their classrooms by 9:20 a.m.
School ends at 4:05 p.m.

Please Read Our Garfield Caregiver/Parent Handbook

2024-2025 Garfield Caregiver Handbook

Family Responses Needed ASAP! Early Release Mondays

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

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/UKVwYV17mYiGXXf87 for each of your children who are enrolled at Garfield Elementary.

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office.

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

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

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

✨ Our Commitment to Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity for Each and Every Student

As we begin a new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reminds us of the goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which guides us in delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students. Watch Dr. Reid’s message.

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2150 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

FCPS School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

Spanish: ☎️ Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Ocho IdiomasPadres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. También pueden obtener apoyo para comunicarse con la escuela de su hijo. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

• 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
• Visit the Garfield ES Website
• Report your Child's Absence
• Monitor your student's academics with a SIS Parent Account
• Join the Garfield PTA
• Recognize a FCPS Employee at FCPS CARES . The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Garfield Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!

SIS ParentVue Account

Access the FCPS secure solution for information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and more.

https://www.fcps.edu/services/technology/student-information-system-sis/sis-parent-account-registration

Here comes the Bus Mobile App

Know when your bus is approaching your stop. You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and a Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account.

fcps.edu/resources/safety-and-transportation/transportation-services/here-comes-bus- mobile-app

News You Choose

Subscribe to Garfield’s weekly email newsletter, The Eagle Express. It has important information, dates, events to stay connected during the year.

fcps.edu/node/47432

FCPS Calendar

Calendar of holidays, observances breaks, and early release days for the current and upcoming school years.

fcps.edu/calendars/standard-school-year-calendar

YOUR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Your Garfield Partner Principals,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal, [email protected]
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

GovDelivery2 months 4 weeks ago

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Thanks for a Wonderful Open House

Thank you for attending Open House! We look forward to seeing our Eagles on Monday, August 19 at 9:20 am. Breakfast will be provided for all students in the cafeteria.

Parents are invited to walk their student(s) to class on the first two days of school only.

After day two, we ask you to please say your goodbyes at the entrance of Garfield, bus stop, or from the car at Kiss & Ride. We will ask parents refrain from walking their children down to their classrooms. This will help build student independence and reinforce routines during arrival.

On behalf of our entire Garfield staff – Welcome Back to School!!!

We look forward to a wonderful 1st day and a fantastic year!

School Starts Monday!

Doors open at 9:05 a.m. for students.

Students should be in their classrooms by 9:20 a.m.

School ends at 4:05 p.m.

Please Read Our Garfield Caregiver/Parent Handbook

2024-2025 Garfield Caregiver Handbook

In the Nest, we do our Best, to Respect, Protect, and Connect!

Early Release Mondays

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

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/UKVwYV17mYiGXXf87 for each of your children who are enrolled at Garfield Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call Garfield’s main office at 703-923-2900

Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records

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

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering 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, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

FCPS School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: Title I Parents Right to Know

GovDelivery3 months ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Title I - Parents Right to Know Letter

Dear Parent/Guardian:

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 http://schoolquality.virginia.gov/. 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 https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/performance-and-accountability/student-assessment/grade-level-tests. Information about parents’ rights related to testing can be located at https://www.fcps.edu/node/34277.

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 School
Human Resources Licensure Office
8115 Gatehouse Road
Falls Church, Virginia 22042

More information about the Title I grant in FCPS can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/performance-and-accountability/title-i, 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.

Sincerely,

Kerry Peerman
Principal

Title I - Parents Right to Know (Spanish)

Title I - Parents Right to Know (Arabic)

Title I - Parents Right to Know (Urdu)

Title I - Parents Right to Know (Vietnamese)

Title I Parent Advisory Committee

The Title I Parent Advisory Committee is a committee of parent representation from every Title I School. The committee meets six times throughout the year. Learn more about TPAC here.

Below are the dates for the general session meetings. They will be hybrid so we invite representatives to attend virtually or in-person (Gatehouse).

TPAC General Session Dates - 7-8:30 pm

Tuesday, October 22

Tuesday, December 3

Tuesday, February 11

Tuesday, March 18

Tuesday, April 22

Tuesday, May 20

If you are interested in being a representative for Garfield's TPAC, please email Tabea Leabhart, [email protected]. We appreciate your support of our school!

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: School News & Announcements

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Dear Eagle Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

It is our sincere hope that you’ve had a wonderful summer as a family. The new school year is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to see both new and returning students fill our halls with energy and enthusiasm. We know our Eagles are ready to soar to new heights, embracing our motto: "In the Nest, we do our best to Connect, Protect, and Respect."

We are looking forward to an incredible year of deepening connections with and among families, honoring student voice, and continuing to offer our students high quality, engaging learning experiences. We are inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead for our school family this year.

So, get ready to soar together, Garfield! Our teachers and staff are excited to see you soon and have planned lots of exciting opportunities for you to learn and grow in the 2024-2025 school year.

Blessings and Joy,

Mrs. Peerman, Principal
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal

The first day of the 2024-25 school year is
Monday, August 19, 2024! Doors open at 9:05 am and classes begin promptly at 9:20 am! 📅 IMPORTANT 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR DATES

Please draw your attention to the early release Monday dates since they are new this year. Garfield will release at 1:05 pm these days. Please note that not all schools will have the same dates, so if you happen to have another child attending a school outside of the Lewis Pyramid, these dates might differ. A full list of schools can be found HERE.

We also wanted to share with you the FCPS 2024-25 school year calendar as this will be helpful for planning trips and appointments. With attendance in mind, please do your best to align vacations and appointments to days students already have off of school.

Early Release Monday – 1:05 PM dismissal 🕑

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

Beginning of Year Events

Garfield Community Bus Tour - Wednesday, August 14th - Afternoon

*Specific bus stop times will be shared soon.

Garfield Open House – Thursday, August 15th from 3:30pm – 4:30pm
First Day of School - Monday, August 19th
Labor Day Holiday - Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd
Back To School Night – Thursday, September 19th - Time TBD

Join us… Thursday, August 15th 3:30 – 4:30 We are so excited to see our Eagles and welcome them back to school! Please join us for a fun event where you will be able to meet your child's teacher, receive important information, and learn more about Garfield Elementary. SIS ParentVue Account

Access the FCPS secure solution for information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and more. Activate your account or sign in by clicking here.

Important Back to School Forms!

The new Parent Digital Consent site is live!

Student consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log into the PDC using their ParentVue credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. If you have a new ParentVue account, you must wait 24 hours after it is created to use the PDC.

Forms available include:

School Counseling Opt-out
Digital Resources Consent
SEL Screener Opt-Out
Family Life Education Opt-out
SOL Retest Permission
Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations

Get The App and Save the Site!

Now would be a great time to download important FCPS apps and bookmark key pages to set you up for the school year. Below are our recommendations and their specific use.

Apps:

ParentVue - The SIS ParentVUE Account (Student Information System ParentVUE Account) is the FCPS secure solution for accessing information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and link to Schoology. It provides an additional conduit for communication with your child's school.
Here Comes the Bus- Know when your bus is approaching your stop! Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that provides real-time bus location. This helps parents and students get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus® utilizes our GPS data and available on multiple devices. FCPS school district code 28982 and you will need your ParentVue app set up first.
Talking Points – Talking Points is an easy and safe way families can communicate in their home languages with their child’s teachers for free. We will be using this platform to communicate with you about your child’s education and progress.

Bookmarks:

Nutrislice - Find out what’s for lunch each day!
MySchoolBucks - Online payment for student fees, lunch accounts, and school store items are available through the MySchoolBucks School Store. This online payment service provides a quick and easy way to pay for school-related purchases. You will be able to pay for a variety of school fees using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.

Medication Drop Off:

If your child requires medication at school, either emergency or regularly used, our medication drop off will be on Thursday, August 15th during our Open House!

Immunizations

In Virginia, it's required by law for students to have certain immunizations to attend school. This is supported by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health, and FCPS Regulation 2101.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You can check your child’s immunization compliance by accessing ParentVUE.

Families of students with incomplete immunization records need to provide acceptable proof of immunization to their child's school as soon as possible. You can find the list of required immunizations on the General Registration Immunizations webpage.

If your child’s immunizations are incomplete, here's what you need to do:

Get your child’s immunization record from one of these places:

Request immunization records for free through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS).
If your child was immunized outside Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
Request records from your healthcare provider. Some may charge for copies.

Submit your child’s immunization record to your child’s school.

Families should submit their child’s completed immunization records before September 30.

Please visit FCPS’ website for more information. If you would like to speak with an FCPS staff member, please leave a message at one of the phone numbers below. Thank you for supporting our students' health and well-being.

FCPS School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

Multilingual Parent Information Line

☎️ Parent Information Phone Line Available in Eight Languages

Our Voices, Our Future Multilingual Learners Summit

Thursday, August 8, 2024
Annandale High School
5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Dr. José Luis Zelaya

Dr. Zelaya’s story shows the strength of community and resilience. As a first-generation college student, he faced many challenges. Today, he inspires others to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.

Be inspired and get valuable information on how to achieve your dreams!

Table fair and student panel.
Refreshments and light food will be served.
Language and childcare services will be available
CLICK TO REGISTER
Flyers: English-Spanish | Arabic | Urdu | Korean | Vietnamese | Chinese

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

Garfield ES - Eagle Express: Community Event, Saturday August 3rd

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

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اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔

Lorton Community Center
Back to School Community Day
Saturday, August 3rd 10am - 2pm

Join us for this FREE community event at the Lorton Community Center on 9520 Richmond Highway Lorton, VA!

Enjoy free food, receive back to school supplies, get your face painted, visit the health fair, have fun on the moon bounce, and so much more!

This event was such a success last year, they're doing it again!
You won't want to miss it 🎪

Be Informed, Stay Involved!

7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900
Attendance: 703-923-2929 | Web | Twitter

54 minutes 38 seconds ago

Garfield Elementary School - Recent Updates

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