|
|
You are here: Fairfax County Public Schools > About FCPS > Starting School
Starting School
Welcome to Fairfax County Public Schools! Whether you are new to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) because your child has just reached school age or because you are new to the area, FCPS is pleased to have the opportunity to serve you.
To help you prepare for your child’s entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools, here is some information about the school system’s prekindergarten-12 program.
Additional information for:
Children entering kindergarten demonstrate a variety of learning behaviors. Behaviors that are indicators of kindergarten success include the following:
Oral Language, Reading, Writing
• Says his or her first name
• Follows simple instructions
• Begins to share thoughts and opinions
• Answers simple questions
• Listens to stories read each day
• Recites some nursery rhymes
• Retells a familiar event or story
• Participates in word play (cat, fat, mat)
• Identifies some colors
• Discusses a favorite story
• Talks about pictures
• Pretends to read a book
• Identifies some letters in the alphabet
• Writes his or her first name
• Attempts writing by using scribbling or print-like marks
Mathematics
• Shows awareness of shapes in the environment
• Begins to match objects (socks, shoes, mittens, gloves)
• Begins to notice similarities and differences
• Shows awareness of sorting and classifying objects
• Uses math language (bigger and smaller)
• Attempts to play counting games
• Attempts to count to ten
• Touches or points at objects when counting
• Begins to compare objects by size
Social and Emotional
• Sometimes makes choices
• Begins to takes turns
• Uses self-help skills (dressing, toileting, eating)
• Begins to share with others
• Frequently uses self-control
• Helps with chores at home
• Begins to demonstrate independence
• Frequently completes tasks with adult assistance
• Begins to show self-confidence
• Sometimes tries new things
• Expresses thoughts and feelings
Physical
• Runs, marches, gallops, or jumps
• Throws and catches a ball
• Alternates feet when walking up steps
• Attempts to button and zip
• Assembles easy puzzles
• Uses crayons
A kindergarten day includes a balance of large group, small group, individual, and center learning experiences, as well as many opportunities for movement, active play, and hands-on investigations. The schedule is flexible to allow for the “teachable moment” and unplanned events. Students participate in activities offered to other primary children, such as library, art, music, and physical education (PE) classes. Each day also includes snack or lunch time.
Elementary schools offer half-day kindergarten programs, with students attending either in the morning or in the afternoon. Approximately 75 percent of the schools offer a full-day kindergarten program in which students attend for the same hours as students in other grades in the school.
Half-Day Schedule
Half-day kindergarten students are assigned to a morning or an afternoon session by residence address or day care provider. Parents may request that their child be assigned to either the morning or afternoon program at the time of registration, but they may be required to provide their own transportation to and from the school if the request is honored.
Full-Day Schedule
Full-day kindergarten allows the teachers and children time to explore topics in depth and in a less-rushed atmosphere. The ratio of transition time (arrival and opening, cleanup, and departure) to class time is reduced so there is more instructional time. Full-day students have a daily lunch period. The extended day provides increased time for students to further develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills, actively engage in child-initiated small-group experiences, and interact with others.
The Fairfax County Public Schools Kindergarten Program of Studies objectives are the same in both full-day and half-day programs.
By state mandate, the school day is:
Regular on-time arrival is essential for student success. If your child is going to be either absent for the entire day or late for any reason, call the school attendance line, which is available 24-7 for messages. If the school does not receive a call from a parent, the absence or tardiness will be considered unexcused.
FCPS encourages family trips during scheduled school vacations. The school system strongly discourages such trips during the school year because these extended absences interrupt the continuity of learning. FCPS must withdraw any student from its enrollment who is absent from school for 15 consecutive days or more. Upon the student’s return, a parent must again officially enroll him or her.
Please Note: Elementary schools, except designated extended learning program schools (formerly Project Excel), close early on Mondays to provide time for staff development, instructional planning, and teacher conferences with parents and students. Extended learning program schools may provide full-day kindergarten. Parents are informed through their schools of operating schedules.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) does not rank its schools. All FCPS schools and centers share a level of excellence that has earned the school system a national reputation for high student achievement. Among the factors that make FCPS one of the top school systems in the nation are:
While all Fairfax County schools share the same commitment to excellence, each school has a unique learning culture. Some offer specialized programs such as foreign language partial immersion at the elementary level and the International Baccalaureate program at the secondary level. Each school is a reflection of the community that surrounds it.
Students arrive at school by bus, by walking, or by private car (Kiss and Ride).
Bus
Bus service is provided for elementary-age children who live more than one mile from school, for secondary school children who live more than one and a half miles from school, and for children of any age where walking is unusually hazardous. Schedules for bus riders are mailed to each student or are available to parents at each school prior to the opening of school.All kindergarten students who are eligible for bus transportation are transported by bus, along with students in other grades in the morning and/or afternoon. Those kindergarten students who are not eligible for bus transportation will walk in the morning and/or afternoon. All half-day kindergarten students are transported in the middle of the day, regardless of the distance from their homes to the schools.
If no older child from the neighborhood is getting off the bus with the kindergartner, it is recommended that a parent, designated adult, or sibling be present at the stop to receive the kindergartner at the bus stop.Bus riders should follow these guidelines:
• Refrain from crossing or playing on private property.
• Cooperate with the safety patrols and obey the bus drivers.
• Arrive at the bus stop five to ten minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
• Remain seated and talk quietly after boarding the bus.
Walking
Younger walkers are encouraged to travel to and from school with older children from their neighborhoods. The PTA student directory available in the school office is a resource should parents need to contact neighborhood families. At some schools, crossing guards help walkers at intersections near the school. Parents may also meet their children at the school at dismissal time to walk home with them.
Walking students are encouraged to use designated paths or sidewalks where safety patrols are stationed.Car
Each FCPS school has a designated Kiss and Ride area that is used by parents who drop off and/or pick up their children. Kiss and Ride procedures are provided to enrolling families at the start of each school year. For safety reasons, parents are asked not to discharge students anywhere else on the school property.Virginia state law forbids the passing of a school bus that is loading or unloading children; this law applies on school grounds, too. If picking up your child from the school office, please park in a visitor space rather than leave your car unattended along the yellow curb in front of the school. This area must remain free for fire and emergency vehicles.
More Information
The FCPS Office of Transportation Services web site offers resources and safety information for students traveling to and from school.
School Age Child Care (SACC) is a Fairfax County Office for Children program for children attending elementary school. The program accommodates families in which all adults in the home are working, are attending school, or are disabled. The program provides professional care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade and is offered at most elementary schools. Fees are based on gross household income. (Please Note: This program is run by the Fairfax County government, NOT Fairfax County Public Schools.)
SACC operates school-year, summer, winter, and spring programs. During the school year, children may enroll in separate sessions:
Call the Office for Children at 703-449-8989 to receive information or to enroll.
A variety of nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and à la carte offerings are served by 1,300 food service employees to about 145,000 school customers each day in every school. School meals are planned by registered dietitians to reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and student preferences as determined at student taste parties. Strict federal nutrient guidelines limit total fat, limit saturated fats, and include whole grain products. FCPS also limits trans fats, sodium, and sugar. For daily menus, check cable television (Channel 21) or go to the Food at School web site.
In addition to publicized lunches, the following are available daily:
Breakfast is available in selected schools and begins on September 10. Check to see if breakfast is available at your school.
Requests for food substitutions for students with special dietary needs, such as allergies, require a statement from a medical authority. The list of ingredients for all food items served in the school cafeterias is available on the web site. Nutrient information for food items served is posted in school cafeterias.
Student Account Balances
Students will have the same student cafeteria personal identification numbers (PINs) when they return to school next year. For students who will be going to a different school in the fall, the cafeteria PIN number and account balance will automatically move to the new school with them.
Meal Purchases
Parents may purchase breakfast and lunch for their children by the month, week, or day. Parents may specify how payments are to be used by their children–meals only or meals and à la carte. A printed summary of a child(ren)’s account is available from the food service manager or by signing on with myLunchMoney.com. You do not need to make credit card payments through myLunchMoney.com in order to view your child’s meal history.
Three Ways of Purchasing Meals
• Online—Using www.myLunchMoney.com. A convenience fee ($1.95 per transaction) applies each time a payment is added.
• Check—Make checks payable to (School Name) Food Services and bring the check to the food service manager’s office.
• Cash—Cash may be brought to the food service manager’s office for deposit on a student’s account, or a student may pay cash on a daily basis.
Schools are always happy to see a parent, grandparent, or sibling come to eat with a student. It is a special occasion for the entire class. Visitors typically either purchase lunch from the cafeteria or bring a bag lunch from home. It is nice for the students to see that grownups also eat nutritious lunches. FCPS asks that you do not bring in soft drinks or fast-food lunches. The sale of soft drinks to students is prohibited in all Fairfax County Public Schools, from elementary through high school, during the school day. The emphasis on nutritional eating is reflected in FCPS’ health curriculum and in the selection of food sold in the cafeteria. The school system asks that when you come to eat lunch with your child, you help schools continue to model healthful, nutritious eating. It is your presence, more than anything that makes the occasion special for your child.
Annual Health Screening
Vision and hearing screening of all kindergartners, third graders, seventh graders, tenth graders, and newly enrolled Fairfax County students is conducted each fall by the public health nurse, clinic room aide, and clinic volunteers. This is only a brief screening; parents should continually be alert to identify vision or hearing difficulties that indicate need for examination by a specialist.
Health Services
Health services in the school, including the administration of medication and modified first aid, are performed by the clinic aide and office staff members. According to state regulations, the clinic staff may provide care only for minor illnesses and injuries. If the student’s condition requires more attention, the parent will be contacted.
Medication at School
Students may take medication at school, including throat lozenges and nasal spray, under strict adult supervision and in accordance with School Board Regulation 2102.10. Forms authorizing the school to administer medication are available in the school office or online.
With a parent or guardian’s signature and a physician’s signature, prescription and over-the-counter medication may be stored in the clinic and given as needed throughout the school year.
With a parent or guardian’s signature only, over-the-counter pain relievers for muscle aches and headaches may be stored in the clinic and administered at school. Any other over-the-counter medications may be given for up to ten consecutive school days with the parent or guardian’s signature. Beyond ten days, a physician’s signature is required.
Medication Guidelines
Health Care Plans
Parents or guardians enrolling a student with a health condition, health-related need, or specific health care procedure that affects the school day should contact the principal so that a health care plan can be discussed.
When to Stay Home
Students with symptoms such as rashes, watery and inflamed eyes, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea should stay home until a doctor evaluates their symptoms and determines whether or not they are contagious. The Fairfax County Department of Health recommends that children remain home fever-free for 24 hours after an illness prior to returning to school.
To limit the spread of illnesses, notify the school office if your child gets head lice, strep throat, chicken pox, or other contagious illnesses.
Taking Your Child Home
Our school clinics work to control and manage student exposure to contagious diseases and will call you if your child exhibits symptoms of illness.
We ask that you make arrangements to pick up your child as soon as possible after receiving such a call. It is important to have all emergency numbers up to date in case we need to contact you. Anyone picking up your child must show identification.
Returning to School
Some rashes, pink eye, impetigo, ringworm, and scabies can be passed from one student to another. To protect all FCPS students, the school system requires a note from a physician for any child with symptoms of these illnesses. The note must state that the child is not contagious before he or she can return to school.
Food Allergies at School
To provide a safe educational environment for a student with severe food allergies, schools, parents and guardians, physicians, and the student must work together. The school public health nurse will work with the family and the physician to develop a school health care plan for the student. Parents or guardians enrolling a student with severe allergies should contact the school principal as early as possible so that a safe plan can be instituted.
More information on the school health services program.
Fairfax County Health Department
The goal of the Fairfax County Health Department is to protect public health and the environment in which we live. Services include:
For more information, visit the Health Department web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/healthhuman/health.htm or call 703-246-2411 (TDY 703-591-6435).
Parenting Classes and Support
The Department of Communications and Community Outreach offers classes and resources for families related to discipline, communication, conflict resolution, family involvement, and school success. Classes are offered in English, Korean, and Spanish.
The schedule includes single- and multisession classes for parents, family members, and caregivers of infants through teens. Classes are taught by professionals and are held throughout the year. Most classes are two to four hours long and meet during the day, during the evening, and/or on some weekends. A fee is charged. For more information, call 703-277-2626.
Parent liaisons are available in most FCPS schools to help parents better understand the school system and advocate for their children’s education. Parent liaisons are often bilingual and promote communication between the home and the school for the purpose of increasing family involvement and supporting student achievement. Parents may call the school their child attends to obtain contact information for the liaison(s). Bilingual community liaisons are available at the Devonshire, South County, and Lake Anne-Reston registration sites to provide families with information about school and community services. For more general FCPS information and help in communicating with their child’s school, parents may call the Parent Information Line and leave a message. Parents will receive a return phone call within 24 hours. Spanish: 703-764-7361; Korean: 703-764-7363.
Parent Resource Center for Special Education
The FCPS Parent Resource Center promotes parent awareness of the services provided by Fairfax County Public Schools for children with special needs and their families. The center encourages parent participation in the educational decision-making process and provides seminars, training programs, and information to foster the parent-professional partnership. The center also serves as a resource for educators and the community. Under the direction of the educational specialist of the Parent Resource Center, the center staff provides information on:
The Parent Resource Center also provides workshops for parents and a resource library containing books, periodicals, and publications on subjects specific to children with special needs. More information is available at www.fcps.edu/cco.
Screening Preschoolers for Developmental Delays (Preschool Child Find)
Fairfax County Public Schools Preschool Child Find serves as a resource for Fairfax County preschool children and their parents, providing services that help identify potential special education needs and educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Preschool Child Find provides free developmental screenings to children aged 20 months to 5 years who are Fairfax County or Fairfax City residents. The screen assesses skills in the areas of speech, language, fine and gross motor, social-emotional, vision, and hearing. A child whose screening reflects possible delays in these areas may be referred for additional comprehensive evaluations and consideration for special education services. For further information, contact Devonshire Center Child Find at 703-876-5244.
Homework
Homework is a key point of contact between home and school. Parents should create a home environment that reinforces the school message that education is important and that life is enriched by learning. Homework is assigned to reinforce skills taught in the classroom and to enrich the school experience. The Parent Resources page offers links to valuable information.
Last update:
November 5, 2009
Curator: Rose Kaspersen, rkaspersen@fcps.edu