Here are some important reminders regarding this current situation:
We have advised the media that that no reporters or cameras
will be allowed in FCPS schools until further notice--a decision
that will be reviewed as world events warrant. This prohibition
would NOT apply to after-school athletic events and student
performances. Contact the Office of Community Relations if
you have questions or concerns.
There may be students or staff members who have relatives
or friends serving in the war. Those students and staff members
may need additional support to deal with emotional issues.
Principals can contact Cindy Dickinson, coordinator of Crisis
and Attendance Services in Special Services at 703-329-2562
or via e-mail at cindy.dickinson@fcps.edu
It may be necessary to reiterate FCPS' policies on tolerance,
making certain that students understand the behaviors expected
of them. Lesson plans for grades K-12, focusing on helping
students develop respect and understanding for others, are
available from the Department of Special Services.
Parents will have questions about our safety and security
plans. The FCPS web site has extensive information about emergency
preparedness and support, p://www.fcps.edu/emergencyplan/.
Included on this page are links to local, state, and federal
health agencies, mental health associations, the school system's
response to federal Homeland Security color codes, and a special
edition of Familygram, focusing on emergency preparedness that
is available in six languages. The list of FCPS responses to
the Homeland Security Codes may be particularly helpful in
answering parents' questions.
Parents may continue to have questions about cell phones.
FCPS' current policy on cell phones allows high school students
to carry cell phones, but not to use them or turn them on while
on school property during the school day without principal
permission. Middle school and elementary school students are
not allowed to have cell phones during the school day. Parents
can be advised again that in an emergency cell phone circuits
will be quickly jammed.
Parents who are concerned about local field trips, other
than to Washington, D.C. and New York City can be reminded
that all FCPS buses are equipped with two-way radios.
If you have questions or need assistance from OCR, contact
the office at 703-246-2991.
