FCPS

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In this Friday Message you will find:

• Principals' Message  

• School Lunch Hero Day (5/3)

• Orthodox Easter (5/5)

• Children's Day (5/5) 

• National School Nurse Day (5/8)

• Staff Appreciation Week 
• PTA Open Positions for the 24-25 School Year
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Spring 2024 SOL Schedules
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families,

The Friday Message is coming on Thursday this week as tomorrow is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. There is no school for students tomorrow. The Floris Main Office will also close at 11:30am tomorrow to allow time for the office staff to participate in team building professional development. 

We are looking forward to the strings concert tonight. Please check the times carefully for the 4th grade concert and the 5th-6th grade concert. The concerts have been separated to allow enough seating in the cafe and parking availability. 

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Started by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition in 1983, this advocacy month is aimed at encouraging Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Next week is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, and our PTA has many fabulous activities planned for our staff. Please also take a moment to share your appreciation of our staff by submitting an FCPS Cares. 

May also includes the SOL Testing time. Our 5th grade students are the first SOL test, next Friday May 10. If you have a child in 3rd-6th grade, please look closely at the SOL Test Schedule below. Please make sure that your children bring their fully charged laptop each day, because student laptops are used to take the SOL tests. It’s important that students are at school on time and well rested. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

Smiling faces from last Friday's lower grades field day!

School Lunch Hero Day- May 3, 2024 

Between preparing healthy meals for America’s students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals are true heroes. Thank you to all of the Food and Nutrition Services workers here at Floris and across FCPS. 

Orthodox Easter- May 5, 2024 

Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids.

Children's Day- May 5, 2024 

Children’s Day is one of the most popular holidays among South Korean children. This holiday grants a day off for everybody in South Korea, so it’s a great opportunity for parents to spend time with their children. Learn more about how Children’s Day is celebrated in Korea. 

National School Nurse Day

National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 8. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.  

FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.  

Please join us in thanking our PHN, Yasamin, and all the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students.  

Our School Health Aide (SHA) is also amazing and we want to send our thanks to Daniela for everything she does each day for our students in the health room!

Next Week is Staff Appreciation Week

Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day began in 1953 when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt proposed that Congress set aside a day to acknowledge the work of educators. Since 1985, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. FCPS follows the NEA and National PTA dates of scheduling Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the first full week of May.

Our Floris PTA will have Three Open PTA Board positions for the 24/25 school year

Even if you haven't been involved with the PTA prior or are completely new to Floris, please consider joining our wonderful team.  We are a fun group of volunteers who will help you learn all you need to know to be successful in whatever role you choose.  

Please reach out to Kerin Hamel at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about any of the positions or have any questions about being involved with the PTA.

President:

• The role of President is to be a supportive position for the PTA board and act as a Liaison to the faculty and staff. The President oversees monthly board and general body meetings, and aids the rest of the board as needed.

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

Financial Secretary or Treasurer: 

• We are looking for someone to fill the role of either the Financial Secretary OR Treasurer
• The Treasurer manages the PTA budget, maintains records of members and funds, and handles all financial matters, including reimbursement tracking and management. 
• The Financial Secretary assists the Treasurer with administrative duties throughout the year.

In addition, there is an Open Non-Board position for the 24/25 school year

School Services Assistant:

• This position supports the VP of School Services.  Throughout the year, our VP of School Services coordinates programs like Math Counts, Lego League, Science Olympiad, The Spelling Bee and much more.  This role would assist with the planning and execution of these programs, at the direction of the VP.

Please remember you can find the breakfast and lunch menus and nutritional facts at FCPS Nutrislice- Floris 

May 2: 

• 4th grade concert, 6:15pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6 
• 5th-6th grade concert, 7:30pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6  

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 6-10:

• Staff Appreciation Week 

May 7:

• Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

May 13-17:

• SOL Testing grades 3-6 (see schedule above for specifics) 

May 22: 

• PTA Meeting, 6:30pm, cafe

May 27:

• Memorial Day Holiday 

• All FCPS schools and offices closed 

May 29:

• Kindergarten Big Truck Day

May 31:

• Rain Date- Kindergarten Big Truck Day

June 4:

• Westfield HS graduation, GMU, 7:30pm 

June 5:

• 6th grade Musical- Beauty and the Beast, 7:00pm cafe

June 6:

• 6th grade Musical- Beauty and the Beast, 7:00pm cafe

June 7:

• South Lakes HS graduation, GMU, 7:30pm 

June 11: 

• 6th grade Promotion Ceremony, cafe, 10:00-10:45am 

• 6th grade day- gym, fields, blacktop, classrooms 

June 12: 

• Last Day of School

• Floris Dismissal 2:00pm

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

 

In this Friday Message you will find:

• Principals' Message  

• Kudos to our Office Staff

• Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• AAP Spring Updates 
• Food and Nutrition Services Healthy Kids Reminder 
• PTA Open Positions for the 24-25 School Year
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Spring 2024 SOL Schedules
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families,

As we wrap up the month of April, we remind everyone to continue to think green. Get2Green is an award-winning interdepartmental environmental stewardship program for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Get2Green is supported by staff in Instructional Services, Facilities and Transportation Services, and Food and Nutrition Services, who collaborate to expand access to environmental education in sustainable learning environments. You can find out more about FCPS' Get2Green on the FCPS webpage. 

Our Floris Green Team continues to think green. They have been planting at Frying Pan Park and had some wonderful activities this week for students in connection to Earth Day. Kudos to Ms. de Kramer and team for creating the amazing activities this week. 

Many thanks to Mr. Barber, Mr. Morales, and all the volunteers helping to create a fabulous Field Day for our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students today. Field Day is a way for students to have fun being physically active and demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate skills, including Communicator and Collaborator. 

It is hard to believe that next week is the start of the month of May. Our strings concerts will happen next Thursday evening (5/2) with the 4th grade concert at 6:15pm and the 5th-6th grade concert at 7:30pm. These are two separate concerts to allow for seating availability within the cafeteria and for parking. Please plan to enter via Door 6 for both concerts. 

Next Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday and a Teacher Work Day. There is no school for students next Friday.

Reminder that we are accepting parent input as part of class placement decisions for the 2024-2025 school year in the Google Form until next Friday (5/3). Please do not request a specific teacher in your information. Teacher requests cannot be guaranteed for multiple reasons. 

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

Kudos Floris Office Staff 

Thank you to our amazing office staff, Hope, Vernella, Hilda, Snezana, and Laura. They are amazing, and we could not survive with them. Here are just a few of the items they could be doing each day: answering phones, answering the doorbell, assisting with students arriving late or leaving early, checking attendance, registering students, assisting in the school health room, preparing and printing report cards, scheduling PTA events, getting lunches and instruments to students, finding substitutes, purchasing instructional supplies, and SO MUCH more. We appreciate each one of you!!

Thanks PTA for showing your appreciation of these amazing ladies. 

Orthodox Good Friday/Teacher Work Day

Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday, and a teacher work day. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.

There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

AAP Spring Updates 

Any families interested in referring their child for school-based AAP services for the 24-25 school year should submit a AAP School-Based Services (levels 2 and 3) Form to Amy Albanese (Grades K, 2, 4, 6) [email protected] and/or Katie Pickett (Grades K, 1, 3, 5) [email protected] by May 1, 2024.

School-based services include Subject-Specific Differentiation (Level 2) and Part-Time AAP services (Level 3).  Please read the attached document for more details on the levels of service. 

https://florises.fcps.edu/announcements/aap-spring-updates-and-newsletter

Our Floris PTA will have Open PTA Board positions for the 24/25 school year

Even if you haven't been involved with the PTA prior or are completely new to Floris, please consider joining our wonderful team.  We are a fun group of volunteers who will help you learn all you need to know to be successful in whatever role you choose.  

Please reach out to Kerin Hamel at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about any of the positions or have any questions about being involved with the PTA.

President:

• The role of President is to be a supportive position for the PTA board and act as a Liaison to the faculty and staff. The President oversees monthly board and general body meetings, and aids the rest of the board as needed.

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

VP of Fundraising and Social Events (SSO):

Oversees Committees and Chairs responsible for:

• Fundraising
• Spirit Ball
• Bingo & Movie Nights
• Hospitality
• Room Parent Coordinator
• International Night
• The Pep Rally

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

Financial Secretary or Treasurer: 

• We are looking for someone to fill the role of either the Financial Secretary OR Treasurer
• The Treasurer manages the PTA budget, maintains records of members and funds, and handles all financial matters, including reimbursement tracking and management. 
• The Financial Secretary assists the Treasurer with administrative duties throughout the year.

In addition, there is an Open Non-Board position for the 24/25 school year

School Services Assistant:

• This position supports the VP of School Services.  Throughout the year, our VP of School Services coordinates programs like Math Counts, Lego League, Science Olympiad, The Spelling Bee and much more.  This role would assist with the planning and execution of these programs, at the direction of the VP.

Please remember you can find the breakfast and lunch menus and nutritional facts at FCPS Nutrislice- Floris 

May 2: 

• 4th grade concert, 6:15pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6 
• 5th-6th grade concert, 7:30pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6  

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 6-10:

• Staff Appreciation Week 

May 7:

• Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

May 13-17:

• SOL Testing grades 3-6 (see schedule above for specifics) 

May 22: 

• PTA Meeting, 6:30pm, cafe

May 27:

• Memorial Day Holiday 

• All FCPS schools and offices closed 

May 29:

• Kindergarten Big Truck Day

May 31:

• Rain/Weather Date- Kindergarten Big Truck Day

June 4:

• Westfield HS graduation, GMU, 7:30pm 

June 5:

• 6th grade Musical- Beauty and the Beast, 7:00pm cafe

June 6:

• 6th grade Musical- Beauty and the Beast, 7:00pm cafe

June 7:

• South Lakes HS graduation, GMU, 7:30pm 

June 11: 

• 6th grade Promotion Ceremony, cafe, 10:00-10:45am 

• 6th grade day- gym, fields, blacktop, classrooms 

June 12: 

• Last Day of School

• Floris Dismissal 2:00pm

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

Reminder!

Tomorrow is Earth Day!  Take a look at our spirit day below:

 

In celebration of Earth Day, FCPS’ Get2Green Office has created a fun and interactive home Earth Bingo Board.  Enjoy engaging with your student at home as they learn about watersheds, zero waste, climate change and local wildlife.  As a school, the Floris Green Team has planned many fun activities for the week. Stay tuned!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

 

In this Friday Message you will find:

• Principals' Message  
• Earth Day Sprit Day and Activities 
• FCPS Family Summit (4/20)
• Passover (4/22-4/23)
• Theravada New Year (4/24)
• AAP Spring Updates 
• PTA Open Positions for the 24-25 School Year
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Spring 2024 SOL Schedules
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families,

What a wonderful week and more fun coming next week as we wrap up the month of April!

We had a fabulous performance by our 5th-6th grade chorus students on Tuesday evening. Kudos to our students, and many thanks to our Music Teachers, Steven Field and Danielle McLellan, for all the planning and hard work that go into creating these performance opportunities for our students.

Wednesday night was amazing with the Book Fair buying, PTA meeting, and International Night. Thank you to Tiffany Dowling, our fabulous librarian, for all of the hard work and planning that go into a Book Fair. We also appreciate the families who shared at International Night, and the PTA volunteers who made both events happen. It was a wonderful evening all around. 

The date for the May PTA meeting has been adjusted to May 22, at 6:30pm. We hope to see lots of families for the last PTA meeting of the school year.  

Kudos also go out to our Art Teachers, Michelle Alongi and Heather Hubert, and to our Floris students who had their artwork displayed at the Westfield Pyramid Art Show on Thursday evening.

Floris is very blessed to have such wonderful staff to support our students and some very talented Eagles. 

We've been enjoying the April Spirit Days. Please remember that the last Spirit Day is Monday. We hope to see lots of green on Monday to celebrate Earth Day. 

We are looking forward to our Spring Field Day next Friday for our students in Kindergarten, First, and Second grades. If you are coming to volunteer/visit for Field Day, you must come to Door 1 and sign in with an official photo ID in the main office before going to the field area. 

Our PTA has a spirit night next Thursday evening at the Baskin Robbins in the Franklin Farm shopping center. Rumor has it that some staff might be scooping. 

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

Earth Day Spirit Day and Activities 

 

In celebration of Earth Day, FCPS’ Get2Green Office has created a fun and interactive home Earth Bingo Board.  Enjoy engaging with your student at home as they learn about watersheds, zero waste, climate change and local wildlife.  As a school, the Floris Green Team has planned many fun activities for the week. Stay tuned!

Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families such as raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. 

Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Passover and Half-O Days

Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids. 

Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated half-O days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days.

Theravada New Year (O Day)

In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration.

Next Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an O day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days.

AAP Spring Updates 

Any families interested in referring their child for school-based AAP services for the 24-25 school year should submit a AAP School-Based Services (levels 2 and 3) Form to Amy Albanese (Grades K, 2, 4, 6) [email protected] and/or Katie Pickett (Grades K, 1, 3, 5) [email protected] by May 1, 2024.

School-based services include Subject-Specific Differentiation (Level 2) and Part-Time AAP services (Level 3).  Please read the attached document for more details on the levels of service. 

https://florises.fcps.edu/announcements/aap-spring-updates-and-newsletter

Our Floris PTA will have Open PTA Board positions for the 24/25 school year

Even if you haven't been involved with the PTA prior or are completely new to Floris, please consider joining our wonderful team.  We are a fun group of volunteers who will help you learn all you need to know to be successful in whatever role you choose.  

Please reach out to Kerin Hamel at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about any of the positions or have any questions about being involved with the PTA.

President:

• The role of President is to be a supportive position for the PTA board and act as a Liaison to the faculty and staff. The President oversees monthly board and general body meetings, and aids the rest of the board as needed.

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

VP of Fundraising and Social Events (SSO):

Oversees Committees and Chairs responsible for:

• Fundraising
• Spirit Ball
• Bingo & Movie Nights
• Hospitality
• Room Parent Coordinator
• International Night
• The Pep Rally

Financial Secretary or Treasurer: 

• We are looking for someone to fill the role of either the Financial Secretary OR Treasurer
• The Treasurer manages the PTA budget, maintains records of members and funds, and handles all financial matters, including reimbursement tracking and management. 
• The Financial Secretary assists the Treasurer with administrative duties throughout the year.

In addition, there is an Open Non-Board position for the 24/25 school year

School Services Assistant:

• This position supports the VP of School Services.  Throughout the year, our VP of School Services coordinates programs like Math Counts, Lego League, Science Olympiad, The Spelling Bee and much more.  This role would assist with the planning and execution of these programs, at the direction of the VP.

Please remember you can find the breakfast and lunch menus and nutritional facts at FCPS Nutrislice- Floris 

April 24: 

• Administrative Professionals' Day 
• Observance Day- Theravada New Year 

April 25: 

• PTA Spirit Night, Baskin Robbins, Franklin Farm Shopping Center 

April 26: Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

April 29: Rain date for Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

May 2: 

• 4th grade concert, 6:15pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6 
• 5th-6th grade concert, 7:30pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6  

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 6-10:

• Staff Appreciation Week

May 7:

• Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

 

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

Reminder!

Don't forget: we have some upcoming spirit days starting TOMORROW, April 15th!!!  Make sure to wear BLUE tomorrow!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

 

In this Friday Message you will find:

• Principals' Message  
• AAP Spring Updates 
• Westfield Pyramid Art Show
• Girls Scout Service Project 
• PTA Open Positions for the 24-25 School Year
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Spring 2024 SOL Schedules
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families,

It was another fabulous week at Floris and some improved spring weather. 

On Tuesday, the students had lots of fun participating in the PTA sponsored assemblies. Thank you Floris PTA for your continued support and bringing these enriching opportunities to our students. 

Next week is another fun filled week at Floris.   

• We have several Spirit Days that celebrate Autism Acceptance, our Beauty and the Beast Themed Book Fair, the month of the Military Child, and Earth Day. Please see above for daily details.
• Book Fair browsing has started, and the Book Fair remains open until next Thursday.
• Our 5th and 6th graders will be performing in the Spring Chorus Concert on Tuesday evening at 7:00pm in the cafe. Please enter via Door 6. 
• Next Wednesday, is a busy evening. We have Book Fair buying 5:00-8:00pm, PTA Meeting 6:00-6:30, and International Night 6:30-8:00pm. We hope to see you there. Please enter via Door 6 for all the events. 

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

Thank you Floris PTA for the fabulous "Protect the Planet" Assembly on Tuesday. Lots of fun!

AAP Spring Updates 

Any families interested in referring their child for school-based AAP services for the 24-25 school year should submit a AAP School-Based Services (levels 2 and 3) Form to Amy Albanese (Grades K, 2, 4, 6) [email protected] and/or Katie Pickett (Grades K, 1, 3, 5) [email protected] by May 1, 2024.

School-based services include Subject-Specific Differentiation (Level 2) and Part-Time AAP services (Level 3).  Please read the attached document for more details on the levels of service. 

https://florises.fcps.edu/announcements/aap-spring-updates-and-newsletter

Girl Scout Service Project 

Girl Scout Troop 51065 has partnered with Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to raise awareness about the newly opened Woodlands Stewardship Education Center. During the open house on April 28, the troop will have a table where they will showcase crafts made from recyclable materials. The girls will demonstrate how to create bird feeders and wind chimes using toilet paper rolls and tin cans.

To support our Girl Scouts, please consider donating kitchen/toilet paper rolls and tin/soda cans.

Donation boxes have been placed in the Floris lobby (near Door 1) and will be available until Friday, April 26.

Our Floris PTA will have Three Open PTA Board positions for the 24/25 school year

Even if you haven't been involved with the PTA prior or are completely new to Floris, please consider joining our wonderful team.  We are a fun group of volunteers who will help you learn all you need to know to be successful in whatever role you choose.  

Please reach out to Kerin Hamel at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about any of the positions or have any questions about being involved with the PTA.

President:

• The role of President is to be a supportive position for the PTA board and act as a Liaison to the faculty and staff. The President oversees monthly board and general body meetings, and aids the rest of the board as needed.

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

Financial Secretary or Treasurer: 

• We are looking for someone to fill the role of either the Financial Secretary OR Treasurer
• The Treasurer manages the PTA budget, maintains records of members and funds, and handles all financial matters, including reimbursement tracking and management. 
• The Financial Secretary assists the Treasurer with administrative duties throughout the year.

In addition, there is an Open Non-Board position for the 24/25 school year

School Services Assistant:

• This position supports the VP of School Services.  Throughout the year, our VP of School Services coordinates programs like Math Counts, Lego League, Science Olympiad, The Spelling Bee and much more.  This role would assist with the planning and execution of these programs, at the direction of the VP.

Please remember you can find the breakfast and lunch menus and nutritional facts at FCPS Nutrislice- Floris 

April 12-18: Book Fair

April 16: Chorus Performance, 7:00pm cafe/stage 

April 17: 

• Book Fair Parent Buying, 5:00-8:00pm, library 
• PTA Meeting, 6:00-6:30pm, café 
• PTA International Night, 6:30-8:00pm, café and gym 

April 18: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery
• Westfield Pyramid Art Show 

April 19: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery 
• 2nd grade In-House Field Trip 

April 24: 

• Administrative Professionals' Day 
• Observance Day- Theravada New Year 

April 26: Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

April 29: Rain date for Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

May 2: 

• 4th grade concert, 6:15pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6 
• 5th-6th grade concert, 7:30pm, cafe, please enter via Door 6  

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 6-10:

• Staff Appreciation Week

May 7:

• Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

 

LAST CALL!  Yearbook ordering is closed today at 5:00pm! 

We will not have extras ordered, so please plan accordingly!

• Cost: $18
• Order Deadline: TODAY, April 12, 2024
• In order to ensure everything is tracked appropriately and efficiently, we will only be conducting online orders.  

👉👉You can order the Floris Yearbook from 🔗this direct link 🔗👈👈

• You will need to enter your student's first name, last name, grade level, and provide online payment.
• If you are ordering more than one yearbook, you'll need to complete the above process for each student (separate transactions).

We can expect our yearbooks to arrive from Lifetouch at the end of May and they will be distributed to students in June!  Thank you!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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It's your chance to Thank a Teacher, now through May 10!

Each year, the Virginia Lottery and its partners encourage students, parents, and the general public to send thank-you notes to Virginia’s deserving public school teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers who receive these thank-you notes can then enter a drawing to win one of four $2,500 top prizes and supplies for their school! This year, three student artists won the contest to have their artwork featured on thousands of thank-you notes that will be distributed across Virginia.

https://thankateacherva.com/

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Just a reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday. All schools and offices will be closed.

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Don't forget!  The deadline for ordering a yearbook is Friday at 5:00pm!

We won't have extras, so please plan accordingly!

• Cost: $18
• Order Deadline: April 12, 2024
• In order to ensure everything is tracked appropriately and efficiently, we will only be conducting online orders.  

👉👉You can order the Floris Yearbook from 🔗this direct link 🔗👈👈

• You will need to enter your student's first name, last name, grade level, and provide online payment.
• If you are ordering more than one yearbook, you'll need to complete the above process for each student (separate transactions).

We can expect our yearbooks to arrive from Lifetouch at the end of May and they will be distributed to students in June!  Thank you!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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  We were thrilled to meet our newest eagles at Last Week's Kindergarten Orientation!

If you weren't able to attend or would like copies of the presentation materials, please find them here, on our webpage!

You can also check out the Floris webpage: https://florises.fcps.edu/ to explore helpful resources, such as:

• Registration materials
• Supply lists (still in process)
• School menus
• Join the PTA!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Parents,

We are into the last quarter of the school year and are beginning our planning for summer programming and next year. 

One of the important things we do to get ready for the next school year is class placements. Multiple staff members (including current teachers, counselors, specialists and the administration) collaborate as a team to place students in an optimal learning situation each year. Creating balanced classrooms is a challenging task. We must take many considerations into account such as heterogeneous groupings, balancing academic abilities, and maximizing the support of our resource staff for students. 

One piece of this process is providing parents the opportunity to provide input. We ask that you do not request specific teachers as this does not take into account the many variables to be considered including staffing changes. It is far more valuable to share social/emotional or academic strengths and concerns. Be assured that, with or without a parent input form, each child’s strengths and needs are considered in this lengthy and complex process.

If you would like to share information that you believe would help us as we are making these placement decisions, please click on this link. Completion of this form is optional.

**Current 6th grade families, please do not complete this form. This is information for Floris planning. It is not information for Rachel Carson MS.**

Please note that the deadline for submitting this information is Friday, May 3, 2024. 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Floris PTA International Night  April 17, 6:30-8:00pm 

The Floris PTA is thrilled to invite our students and families to participate in International Night, which will take place in the Floris Cafeteria on Wednesday, April 17. International Night is a celebration of the diversity of our students and families from different parts of the world. It's an event that will showcase many different countries and allow all of our families the opportunity to learn about new cultures and traditions.

We are currently looking for a few more parents to volunteer to host a country of their choice at International Night. 

Each country will be able to decorate their table and can offer things like traditional cultural items, food, etc. This is a great opportunity to work with your children on a project celebrating diversity.  Please help us make this year's event a wonderful experience for our Floris community!

If you would like to volunteer to host a country, sign-up now by contacting [email protected].

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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In this Friday Message you will find:

• Principals' Message  
• Eid-al-Fitr 
• AAP Spring Updates 
• Upcoming Spirit Days
• PTA Open Positions for next school year 
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus
• Spring 2024 SOL Schedules
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already in the 4th quarter. 

It was so exciting to see our rising Kindergarten students and families on Tuesday morning. We will expect great things from the class of 2037. 

Please continue to share with friends and neighbors that if they have children turning 5 by September 30, 2024, they can be registering for Kindergarten now. Please contact our main office at 703-561-2900 for information. 

Next week will be another busy week.

• Reminder that Floris will not have students outside on Monday between 2:00pm-4:00pm due to solar eclipse (see News You Choose from 4/2/24). Recess times have been adjusted to allow all grade levels the opportunity for outdoor recess prior to the start of the eclipse. Parents/Guardians are welcome to check their children out to experience the eclipse as a family if they would like to do that. Please send in the change of dismissal email and plan to pick your children up before 2:00pm. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation.
• Our PTA has assemblies planned for all students next Tuesday (4/9).
• Tuesday, April 9, has also been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days.
• Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed for Eid-al-Fitr. 
• Thursday (4/11) is Spring Book Fair set up and the Book Fair begins on Friday (4/12). 

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

Eid al-Fitr 

Eid al-Fitr, also known as small Eid, marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims congregate that morning for Eid prayers. It is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited. The most common way to wish someone a Happy Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed feast” (or festival). 

Read more at Britannica.com.

AAP Spring Updates 

Any families interested in referring their child for school-based AAP services for the 24-25 school year should submit a AAP School-Based Services (levels 2 and 3) Form to Amy Albanese (Grades K, 2, 4, 6) [email protected] and/or Katie Pickett (Grades K, 1, 3, 5) [email protected] by May 1, 2024.

School-based services include Subject-Specific Differentiation (Level 2) and Part-Time AAP services (Level 3).  Please read the attached document for more details on the levels of service. 

https://florises.fcps.edu/announcements/aap-spring-updates-and-newsletter

Our Floris PTA will have Three Open PTA Board positions for the 24/25 school year

Even if you haven't been involved with the PTA prior or are completely new to Floris, please consider joining our wonderful team.  We are a fun group of volunteers who will help you learn all you need to know to be successful in whatever role you choose.  

Please reach out to Kerin Hamel at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about any of the positions or have any questions about being involved with the PTA.

President:

• The role of President is to be a supportive position for the PTA board and act as a Liaison to the faculty and staff. The President oversees monthly board and general body meetings, and aids the rest of the board as needed.

VP of Community Affairs:

• This position oversees the coordination of the Fall and Spring after school programs at Floris.

Financial Secretary or Treasurer: 

• We are looking for someone to fill the role of either the Financial Secretary OR Treasurer
• The Treasurer manages the PTA budget, maintains records of members and funds, and handles all financial matters, including reimbursement tracking and management. 
• The Financial Secretary assists the Treasurer with administrative duties throughout the year.

In addition there is an Open Non-Board position for the 24/25 school year

School Services Assistant:

• This position supports the VP of School Services.  Throughout the year, our VP of School Services coordinates programs like Math Counts, Lego League, Science Olympiad, The Spelling Bee and much more.  This role would assist with the planning and execution of these programs, at the direction of the VP.

Please remember you can find the breakfast and lunch menus and nutritional facts at FCPS Nutrislice- Floris 

April 9: PTA Assemblies in the gym 

April 10: 

• Holiday- Eid al Fitr
• All FCPS schools and offices closed 

April 11: Book Fair Set-Up 

April 12-18: Book Fair

April 15: 5th grade IRW Assessment 

April 16: Chorus Performance, cafe/stage 

April 17: 

• Book Fair Parent Buying, 5:00-8:00pm, library 
• PTA Meeting, 6:00-6:30pm, café 
• PTA International Night, 6:30-8:00pm, café and gym 

April 18: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery
• Westfield Pyramid Art Show 

April 19: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery 
• 2nd grade In-House Field Trip 

April 24: 

• Administrative Professionals' Day 
• Observance Day- Theravada New Year 

April 26: Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

April 29: Rain date for Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

May 2: 

• 4th grade Strings Concert (details to follow)

• 5th-6th grade Strings Concert (details to follow) 

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 7: Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

 

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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 Spring Book Fair Coming Soon The Book Fair is almost here!

• April 11 is set-up.
• April 12 and 15 are preview days. 
• April 16-19 are days that the students can purchase books. 
• Family Night is Wednesday, April 17 from 5:00- 8:00 PM.  

We need plenty of parent volunteers to help with set-up, wish lists, running cash registers, and cleaning up. Family Night is the same night as our International Night hosted by the PTA. Please enter through the cafeteria doors.

Use the following links to see our Book Fair Website, set up your child’s eWallet account, and even volunteer to help at our Fair.  We accept cash, checks written to Floris Elementary School, eWallets and credit cards.  There is NO sales tax! You can also share a link with your child’s eWallet account with grandparents or other family and friends and they can add money to your child’s account. 

Please email our librarian, Miss Dowling, at [email protected] with any questions. Books hold all the magic!

Volunteer

Book Fair Website

Set up an eWallet

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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☀️ Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 ☀️

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04PM and end around 4:32PM, with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20PM.

Maintaining our priority on safety, Floris will not be sending students outside to view the eclipse. Students and staff will be provided with the NASA livestream link as an option to safely observe the eclipse.

There will be some overlap of the expected window and Floris dismissal. Students will be reminded to not stare at the sun, and we ask that parents remind their children that it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. 

FCPS has a page that shares information about Solar Eclipses at https://www.fcps.edu/solar-eclipse. 

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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In this "Friday" Message you will find:

• Principals' Message 
• Month of the Military Child 
• National Arab American Heritage Month
• School Library Month 
• Autism Acceptance Month 
• Lunch and Learn with Floris Clinical Team, 4/5, 12-1pm - corrected date 
• Upcoming April Spirit Week
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families, 

We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break. April is a busy month, and we wanted to get out these calendar reminders today. 

Also remember that there is no school for students today or tomorrow. Classes resume on Wednesday at 9:15am. 

Floris Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for tomorrow, April 2, 9:00-9:45am. If you have a child who lives within the Floris boundaries and will be 5 years old by September 30, 2024, please contact the main office for details on the orientation and how to register for Kindergarten. 

Have a great week, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

💜 Month of the Military Child 💜

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.

To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 17  for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. 

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

School Library Month 

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

Autism Acceptance Month Resource List

Calendar of Self-Paced Learning Opportunities (from the Applied Behavior Analysis Team)

Parent Lunch and Learn sessions with the Clinical team

We are offering a three part series highlighting ways to help your child be successful and resilient based on the book, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson.*

Session 3: April 5th “Technology solutions”

All sessions will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in room 165

April 1:

• No School for Students
• Teacher Workday 

April 2: 

• No School for Students
• Staff Development Day 
• Kindergarten Orientation, 9:00-9:45am, cafe (enter via Door 6)

April 4: National School Librarian Day 

April 9: PTA Assemblies in the gym 

April 10: 

• Holiday- Eid al Fitr
• All FCPS schools and offices closed 

April 11: Book Fair Set-Up 

April 12-18: Book Fair

April 15: 5th grade IRW Assessment 

April 16: Chorus Performance, cafe/stage 

April 17: 

• Book Fair Parent Buying, 5:00-8:00pm, library 
• PTA Meeting, 6:00-6:30pm, café 
• PTA International Night, 6:30-8:00pm, café and gym 

April 18: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery
• Westfield Pyramid Art Show 

April 19: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery 
• 2nd grade In-House Field Trip 

April 24: 

• Administrative Professionals' Day 
• Observance Day- Theravada New Year 

April 26: Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

April 29: Rain date for Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

May 2: 

• 4th grade Strings Concert (details to follow)

• 5th-6th grade Strings Concert (details to follow) 

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 7: Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

In this "Friday" Message you will find:

• Principals' Message 
• Month of the Military Child 
• National Arab American Heritage Month
• School Library Month 
• Autism Acceptance Month 
• Lunch and Learn with Floris Counseling Team, 4/17, 12-1pm 
• Upcoming April Spirit Week
• Upcoming Dates 

Floris Families, 

We hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break. April is a busy month, and we wanted to get out these calendar reminders today. 

Also remember that there is no school for students today or tomorrow. Classes resume on Wednesday at 9:15am. 

Floris Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for tomorrow, April 2, 9:00-9:45am. If you have a child who lives within the Floris boundaries and will be 5 years old by September 30, 2024, please contact the main office for details on the orientation and how to register for Kindergarten. 

Have a great week, 

Holly Walker, Principal, [email protected]

Rob Gibbs, Assistant Principal, [email protected]

#EveryEagleEveryDay

💜 Month of the Military Child 💜

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.

To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 17  for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families. 

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

School Library Month 

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

Autism Acceptance Month Resource List

Calendar of Self-Paced Learning Opportunities (from the Applied Behavior Analysis Team)

April 1:

• No School for Students
• Teacher Workday 

April 2: 

• No School for Students
• Staff Development Day 
• Kindergarten Orientation, 9:00-9:45am, cafe (enter via Door 6)

April 4: National School Librarian Day 

April 9: PTA Assemblies in the gym 

April 10: 

• Holiday- Eid al Fitr
• All FCPS schools and offices closed 

April 11: Book Fair Set-Up 

April 12-18: Book Fair

April 15: 5th grade IRW Assessment 

April 16: Chorus Performance, cafe/stage 

April 17: 

• Book Fair Parent Buying, 5:00-8:00pm, library 
• PTA Meeting, 6:00-6:30pm, café 
• PTA International Night, 6:30-8:00pm, café and gym 

April 18: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery
• Westfield Pyramid Art Show 

April 19: 

• 6th grade Field Trip- National Art Gallery 
• 2nd grade In-House Field Trip 

April 24: 

• Administrative Professionals' Day 
• Observance Day- Theravada New Year 

April 26: Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

April 29: Rain date for Field Day for K-2nd- field and blacktop, 10:00am -12:00pm 

May 2: 

• 4th grade Strings Concert (details to follow)

• 5th-6th grade Strings Concert (details to follow) 

May 3: 

• Observance Day- Orthodox Good Friday 

• Teacher Workday 

• No School for Students 

May 7: Band Concert, 6:30pm, cafe, enter via Door 6 

 

Find the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

Our rising Kindergarten students will have time in a classroom with our Kindergarten Staff, and parents will have an informational presentation in the cafe. See you tomorrow! 

Please plan to enter via Door 6 (the cafeteria doors near the blacktop).  We can't wait to meet our newest Eagles!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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

Floris Has Been Awarded Common Sense Certification!

Great news!  Floris has just been approved as a Common Sense School, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship. The recognition acknowledges our school's commitment to helping students build skills that are essential for their well-being today—and for the opportunities they'll have tomorrow. 

For the past several years, we have seen a rapid increase in technology use across the globe, out of necessity and for innovation.  With this access, we are afforded fantastic opportunities to enhance the ways in which students are accessing and taking ownership of their learning.  At the same time, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of responsible technology use.  

Floris has been using Common Sense Education's innovative and research-based digital citizenship resources, which were created in collaboration with researchers from Project Zero, led by Howard Gardner at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and are grounded in the real issues students and teachers face. The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to internet safety, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, media balance, managing online relationships, and media literacy.

What does this look like at Floris?

Teacher Training

We hit the ground running this year, with specific plans to embed digital citizenship expectations schoolwide with students and staff members.  We formed a school-wide digital citizenship committee to keep staff training, messaging, and plans on track.  At the beginning of the year, teachers engaged in school-led training on digital citizenship procedures and how to embed them into their classes.

Student Instruction

Additionally, each grade level began the school year with targeted lessons to establish technology expectations.  For the first time, we wrote and distributed technology contracts for every student.  These specifically align with our schoolwide expectations.  Teachers self-selected relevant Common Sense lessons and themes and have periodically conducted digital citizenship check ins.  Teachers have collaborated with our technology coach to make broader connections between digital citizenship and our FCPS Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills for a streamlined and more comprehensive approach.  Schoolwide, students are also exposed to digital citizenship themes periodically through our daily morning news show.

Family Involvement

It has been our goal to increase communication involving technology use and digital citizenship.  Through creation of our contract, we established a tangible home-school connection of digital expectations at Floris.  In October, we sent many family-facing digital citizenship resources for you to utilize at home, including family contracts, activities, and tip sheets to encourage social-emotional wellbeing and self regulation while using technology.  We encourage continued partnership with ensuring our students maintain positive digital learning environments and experiences, at Floris and beyond.  It takes a village!

We hope to continue on this trajectory moving forward to help our students be the best that they can be, now and in the future.  Thank you!

2708 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171 | Main Office: 703-561-2900
Attendance: 703-561-2929 | Web | Twitter | Facebook