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Join us as we dive into the latest edition of the Westlawn Feather Report (Volume 2, Issue 13), covering key happenings, policy updates, and important dates for families. This volume centers on community engagement, upcoming celebrations, and crucial academic resources.
What's inside this issue?
Community Connection and Key Resources:
• Financial Updates: Learn about the introduction of VENA in Virginia, which is replacing SNAP funds until they are restored by the federal government. Families needing information can call the state's dedicated line at 804-726-7000.
• Academic Support: Discover the free online tutoring available to all FCPS students through Varsity Tutors. Students can access 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and live group classes via Clever/Schoology. Furthermore, families can get assistance securing low-cost wireless internet or MiFi devices.
• Learning Platforms: Grades 1-6 students bring laptops home daily and have access to platforms like Lexia (reading), ST Math (math), and Summit K12 (language acquisition).
Action Items and Engagement:
• Award Nominations: Families are encouraged to nominate Westlawn staff members for the annual FCPS Excellence awards (including Outstanding Teacher, Principal, Leader, and Employee categories). Nominations are due by November 19.
• Volunteer Updates: The report calls for volunteers for upcoming community events like PTA Bingo Night (November 14) and the Book Fair (December 8-12).
• Policy Change: FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers, though some specific roles (mentors, host parents, non-parent volunteers with frequent unsupervised contact) still require them. Field trip chaperones are now classified as Level 2 (no background check).
Important Dates and Events:
• No School: Students have a holiday on November 11 to recognize Veterans Day.
• November 12 is particularly busy, featuring the Westlawn Color Day (Wear Gray), a Multi-lingual Family Breakfast at 9:00 AM, an Early Release at 12:30 PM, a Restaurant Night fundraiser at Red Robin, and an In-Person PTA Meeting.
• Music: Don't miss A Night of Music Chorus and Instrumental Ensemble Concert on November 18.
• The newsletter also highlights the success of the 1st Quarter family conferences and features a spotlight on Young Scholars, noting that approximately 95 students are currently identified for these advanced academic services.
Tune in for a detailed breakdown of all these topics and more, including a look at the Soaring Staff Spotlight featuring School Counselor Marisa Johnson.
By Alanna DushokJoin us as we dive into the latest edition of the Westlawn Feather Report (Volume 2, Issue 13), covering key happenings, policy updates, and important dates for families. This volume centers on community engagement, upcoming celebrations, and crucial academic resources.
What's inside this issue?
Community Connection and Key Resources:
• Financial Updates: Learn about the introduction of VENA in Virginia, which is replacing SNAP funds until they are restored by the federal government. Families needing information can call the state's dedicated line at 804-726-7000.
• Academic Support: Discover the free online tutoring available to all FCPS students through Varsity Tutors. Students can access 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and live group classes via Clever/Schoology. Furthermore, families can get assistance securing low-cost wireless internet or MiFi devices.
• Learning Platforms: Grades 1-6 students bring laptops home daily and have access to platforms like Lexia (reading), ST Math (math), and Summit K12 (language acquisition).
Action Items and Engagement:
• Award Nominations: Families are encouraged to nominate Westlawn staff members for the annual FCPS Excellence awards (including Outstanding Teacher, Principal, Leader, and Employee categories). Nominations are due by November 19.
• Volunteer Updates: The report calls for volunteers for upcoming community events like PTA Bingo Night (November 14) and the Book Fair (December 8-12).
• Policy Change: FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers, though some specific roles (mentors, host parents, non-parent volunteers with frequent unsupervised contact) still require them. Field trip chaperones are now classified as Level 2 (no background check).
Important Dates and Events:
• No School: Students have a holiday on November 11 to recognize Veterans Day.
• November 12 is particularly busy, featuring the Westlawn Color Day (Wear Gray), a Multi-lingual Family Breakfast at 9:00 AM, an Early Release at 12:30 PM, a Restaurant Night fundraiser at Red Robin, and an In-Person PTA Meeting.
• Music: Don't miss A Night of Music Chorus and Instrumental Ensemble Concert on November 18.
• The newsletter also highlights the success of the 1st Quarter family conferences and features a spotlight on Young Scholars, noting that approximately 95 students are currently identified for these advanced academic services.
Tune in for a detailed breakdown of all these topics and more, including a look at the Soaring Staff Spotlight featuring School Counselor Marisa Johnson.