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Next week is Counselor Appreciation Week! We would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work the Mountain View HS counselors do. Your guidance, support, and understanding have such an impact on so many lives. Your work truly makes a difference, and it's deeply appreciated.
Jennifer CrumpStawderman, Mike Todd, Kim Upadhyaya, Evelyn Clumpkens, Tamarah Stanley, Julie Reynolds(not pictured), Katie Benson, Daune Kemp, Dawn Brower and Jenelle Lee(not pictured).
Dates to Remember
- February 17th - Presidents' Day - NO SCHOOL
3rd period Success Prep
This week in Success Prep, we introduced Thinking Errors
http://www.efintheclassroom.net/thinking-errors.html
Next week, we will discuss the Thinking Error — Anger.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
Resources for Immigrant Families
Fairfax County Public Schools believes that public education is the cornerstone of a successful community. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure access to safe and vibrant learning spaces for all of our students, families, and staff. While some things may be changing, what’s unwavering is our commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from a world-class education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. We encourage our students to come to school every day.
Parents/caregivers, students, and staff have asked what FCPS is doing to ensure a safe learning experience for our community. Please see resources below.
FCPS continues to monitor national policy decisions that impact our students, their families and some of our staff and their families. There are existing laws that govern our work as a public school system.
In accordance with federal law, FCPS does not require any student or family member to share their immigration status. Also, FCPS does not collect student or family member immigration status.
FCPS follows the law. The 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyer v. Doe established that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a public education. This was a result of the state of Texas enacting a law allowing school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented children.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, enacted in 1974, also protects the privacy of student information.
FCPS is not aware of any efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) or other law enforcement authorities to enter FCPS schools in order to arrest or detain students, parents, or staff. If enforcement actions are taken at our schools, FCPS will follow its existing policies and regulations governing access to students and student record information by law enforcement entities. We will do everything within our authority to protect our students and staff.
We are sensitive to the emotions involved and will closely monitor potential impacts on our schools as we do with any new regulations or laws. As additional information becomes available we will share it with our students, staff, and families.
It is important to always be prepared for family crisis situations, and we encourage parents and guardians to talk to your children, in an age-appropriate manner, about what to do in the event of an emergency:
Families may also wish to review their decision related to voluntary disclosure of directory information and contact information. Contact your child's school to update information.
Social Services Resources
Virginia Department of Social Services, Immigrant Services
Northern Virginia Resource Handbook (English)
Northern Virginia Resource Handbook (Spanish)
Legal Resources
Only immigration attorneys can provide families with accurate advice about immigration status. Resources for legal assistance are listed here:
Immigration Legal Services: Nonprofit Organizations List
A curated list of immigration legal services in the DMV area.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Legal Aid Justice Center Rapid Response Toolkit
This toolkit provides resources to assist in preparing for immigration emergencies.
Fairfax County Resources
Fairfax County Resources for Immigrants
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
Connects Fairfax County residents with county and community-based services and resources, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance, and other essential needs.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
Provides behavioral health services, developmental disability services, and detoxification services to youth and adults in Fairfax County.
Please note: Links shared above may lead to external websites for organizations that FCPS does not manage or control. We encourage families to review these resources independently to determine their value for their needs.
FCPS Resources
Family Resource Center
Phone: 703-204-3941
Office of the Ombuds
Family Information Phone Lines
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon
All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter
Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.
Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.
Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week.
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Quick Links
5775 Spindle Court Centreville, VA 20121 | Main Office: 703-227-2316
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