FCPS

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Upcoming Events November 18 - 3 Hour Early Release November 19-20 - Math Nights November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

A big 🎉THANK YOU🎉 to all families who have already filled out and submitted their form through ParentVue!!

Sangster currently has  41% submitted!

We are missing 546 surveys.

If you got a paper survey in your student's Thursday Folder, please fill out and return to the classroom teacher ASAP.

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

The Sangster Book Fair will take place on the following days/times:  Tuesday, November 19th – Thursday, November 21st from 9:30AM – 3:30PM and on Friday, November 22nd from 9:30AM – 1:00PM.  The Book Fair will also be open during Math Nights on Tuesday November 19th and Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00PM – 7:30PM so families can attend with their children.

This year, we will be using E-Wallet for your Book Fair payments, relieving the stress of sending students to school with cash or checks. Cash and checks will not be accepted.  You can preload your student’s E-Wallet account with a limit, and your credit card will only be charged the amount they use, up to that limit. It’s easy to use, and easy to set up. Please click the following link for more details and to set up your E-Wallet: E-Wallet Link/Registration​​​​​​​

Join us for our 5th annual Family Math Night Tuesday, November 19 (A-L Families) and Wednesday, November 20 (M-Z Families) from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Families will engage in hands-on activities throughout the building, take home family math games, guess on estimation jars, and have opportunities to win prizes.

📈 Fall Student Testing Results Screening Assessment Reports Available in SIS ParentVUE

Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.

• iReady reports in grades 1-8 and Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) reports in grades 1-3 are available in ParentVUE now. 
• VALLSS and Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) reports for kindergarteners will be available by Friday, November 15, and for pre-K students by Friday, December 6. 
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window. 

Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision and Hearing Screenings will be held for all Kindergarten and 3rd Grade students next week on: 

• Tues. Nov. 19
• Wed. Nov. 20
• Thurs. Nov. 21
• Fri. Nov. 22

The purpose of the screenings is to identify students who need further evaluation due to difficulty seeing the screening chart or hearing the screening tones. If your child wears eyeglasses, please be sure that glasses are at school on these screening days and that lenses are clean.

Parents will be notified by letter if screening results indicate that further evaluation is needed. Prompt follow-up with your health care provider is recommended as vision and hearing difficulties can interfere with learning.

If you can assist with screenings, sign up on this Vision and Hearing Screening Sign-Up Genius. Volunteers are much appreciated, and no prior experience is needed.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4BA9AC2CAAFA7-53050995-hearing#/

If you have any questions, please contact the School Health Aide, Amy Friedman, at 703-644-8210 or [email protected]

Friendly Reminders! 🚌 Change of Plans at Dismissal

We have noticed an increase in last minute change of dismissal plans over the last several weeks. Please know, while we want to accommodate everyone, it is difficult to do so when less than 24 hours notice is given. Please make change of dismissal plans directly with the teacher and only contact the office in an emergency situation.

🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS' divisionwide boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. We encourage you to attend the meeting in your region, but you may attend another if it is more convenient. Please click on a date to register:

• Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria, Region 2. 
• Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., Westfield High School Cafeteria, Region 5. 
• Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria, Region 4. 
• Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria, Region 3. 
• Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., Annandale High School Cafeteria, Region 6. 
• Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Madison High School Cafeteria, Region 1.

Language interpretation will be available. Visit the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage for more information.

♻️ Fairfax Recycles Day and Touch-a-Truck Event

Fairfax County Solid Waste Sustainability Team is hosting a Drop-Off and Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, November 16, at the Gerry Hyland Government Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your hard-to-recycle items, check out some cool trucks, and enjoy a warm beverage and donut. 

All Fairfax County residents are invited to attend and learn more about recycling and efforts to achieve Zero Waste by 2040. Visit the event website for a list of acceptable materials to drop off.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

You are an important part of your child's education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

🖥️ Free Webinars for Families

In November, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities for middle school siblings (in-person event).
• 5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown and Stop the Shame Cycle.
• Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities.
• Executive Functioning Skills (presented in Arabic).
• Helping Teens Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Intelligence.
• Starting the Conversation About Drugs.

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events November 8 - Veteran's Day Celebration November 11 - Holiday November 18 - 3 Hour Early Release November 19-20 - Math Nights November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

A big 🎉THANK YOU🎉 to all families who have already filled out and submitted their form through ParentVue!!

Sangster currently has  28% submitted!

We are missing 667 surveys.

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

We are excited to invite all future Lake Braddock Bruins and Robinson Rams to attend the upcoming Lake Braddock vs Robinson football game tomorrow at 7PM, held at Lake Braddock! This event will be a fantastic opportunity for our young fans to cheer on their favorite team, experience the excitement of a live game, and enjoy a night out with family and friends.

Elementary students get in FREE, with a paying adult! Please wear your elementary school’s Spirit Wear and report to the Tennis Court Drive (near Door 11) for express check in. Want to buy your ticket ahead of time? TICKET LINK

Join us for a fun-filled evening, and let’s make some noise for the Bruins and Rams!

Join Us for the Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referral Refresher!

Attention Parents of Students in Grades 2-6!

If you missed our October meeting about the Full-Time Advanced Academics Program, don’t worry! We invite you to a helpful Zoom session to catch up on everything you need to know about how to apply for Full-Time AAP services. Even if you attended the previous session, you’re welcome to join us to hear the information again!

What You'll Learn:

• Curriculum Overview: Explore FCPS’ rigorous Full-Time AAP instructional program in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• How to Apply for the Program: Step-by-step guidance on the application process.
• Eligibility Criteria: Discover the holistic approach to central screening.
• Interactive Q&A: Engage with our AART, Linda Biberaj and get your questions answered!

Important: The referral deadline is December 15, so mark your calendars! Email completed referral forms to both [email protected] and [email protected]! Link to Full-Time AAP Form: https://www.fcps.edu/system/files/forms/2023-08/aap-fulltimeservicesreferralform-english.pdf

Date & Time: Thursday, November 14th 1:00 – 2:00

Zoom Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92258647564?pwd=NC8aoq8QjIhcdPDK7ZkSUcbI8hMpsx.1

Can’t Make It? If you have to miss this session, don’t worry! We will have Zoom office hours available in December for any additional questions or support. You could also connect with Ms. Biberaj anytime at [email protected].

📈 Fall Student Testing Results Screening Assessment Reports Available in SIS ParentVUE

Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.

• iReady reports in grades 1-8 and Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) reports in grades 1-3 are available in ParentVUE now. 
• VALLSS and Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) reports for kindergarteners will be available by Friday, November 15, and for pre-K students by Friday, December 6. 
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window. 

Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 began October 8th and will end on November 8th. This year, the state of Virginia pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a family is unsure if they were pre-approved, please have them contact [email protected]. If they were pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application. 

👋 Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation

This interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States.

Sessions in English are held online on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

You are an important part of your child's education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

🖥️ Free Webinars for Families

In November, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities for middle school siblings (in-person event).
• 5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown and Stop the Shame Cycle.
• Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities.
• Executive Functioning Skills (presented in Arabic).
• Helping Teens Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Intelligence.
• Starting the Conversation About Drugs.

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events November 1 - Holiday November 4 - School Planning November 5 - Teacher Workday November 6 - Picture Day November 11 - Holiday School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001139019#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

Sangster Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Sangster Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Leader 

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th. 

If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Buckles at [email protected]

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

2024 Youth Survey Coming Up in November

The 2024 Fairfax County Youth Survey will be given to students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 between Tuesday, November 12, and Friday, November 22. Parents/caregivers will be notified by their child's school of its plans to administer the survey and given the opportunity to opt their student out of the survey.

Visit the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage to review the opt-out forms. There, you can also find more information and translations of the parent letter.

Join Us for the Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referral Refresher!

Attention Parents of Students in Grades 2-6!

If you missed our October meeting about the Full-Time Advanced Academics Program, don’t worry! We invite you to a helpful Zoom session to catch up on everything you need to know about how to apply for Full-Time AAP services. Even if you attended the previous session, you’re welcome to join us to hear the information again!

What You'll Learn:

• Curriculum Overview: Explore FCPS’ rigorous Full-Time AAP instructional program in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• How to Apply for the Program: Step-by-step guidance on the application process.
• Eligibility Criteria: Discover the holistic approach to central screening.
• Interactive Q&A: Engage with our AART, Linda Biberaj and get your questions answered!

Important: The referral deadline is December 15, so mark your calendars! Email completed referral forms to both [email protected] and [email protected]! Link to Full-Time AAP Form: https://www.fcps.edu/system/files/forms/2023-08/aap-fulltimeservicesreferralform-english.pdf

Date & Time: Thursday, November 14th 1:00 – 2:00 Zoom Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92258647564?pwd=NC8aoq8QjIhcdPDK7ZkSUcbI8hMpsx.1

Can’t Make It? If you have to miss this session, don’t worry! We will have Zoom office hours available in December for any additional questions or support. You could also connect with Ms. Biberaj anytime at [email protected].

Information Night about Full Time AAP Services (formerly Level IV) at Irving Middle School:

Irving staff will provide a program on Thursday, November 7 at 6PM in Barker Hall at Irving to talk about the Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) they offer for students who have qualified for Full Time AAP (formerly referred to as Level IV) services as they differ from what students experience in elementary schools.

• Irving staff will discuss the classes offered for students who have qualified for Full Time AAP services and the process to apply should families want their child to participate in these classes.
• The FCPS AAP website also provides information about the various levels and the process to apply.
• If your child has not qualified for Full Time AAP services, but you would like for them to be screened, please reach out to your elementary school’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Ms. Biberaj, and be aware that the deadline for this is December 15th. If you have any questions about this program or the classes for Full Time AAP students at Irving, please contact Irving’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Katie Richter [email protected]. Please include “Irving Full Time AAP question” in your email’s subject line.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 began October 8th and will end on November 8th. This year, the state of Virginia pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a family is unsure if they were pre-approved, please have them contact [email protected]. If they were pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application. More information in attached English and Spanish flyers.

Safeway Pharmacy has been hosting free immunization clinics at Frost Middle School for any FCPS student age 18 or younger. The clinics are one of many ways FCPS is providing opportunities for students to receive their required immunizations. The next clinic will be Monday, October 28th, 3-7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times.

Looking for a way to support military families in the NOVA area?  Operation Homefront provide Holiday Meals and gifts military families who qualify. Volunteer to pack, wrap, or distribute this season at Operation Homefront/NOVA

👋 Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation

This interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States.

Sessions in English are held online on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

You are an important part of your child's education! The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

🖥️ Free Webinars for Families

In November, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities for middle school siblings (in-person event).
• 5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown and Stop the Shame Cycle.
• Language Arts and Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities.
• Executive Functioning Skills (presented in Arabic).
• Helping Teens Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Intelligence.
• Starting the Conversation About Drugs.

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

 

  November Webinars at the Family Resource Center

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. They will:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
• Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
• Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
• Play games and have fun!

November 5, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon 

Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online

SIBTEEN: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

Attention FCPS parents!!! From the same people who brought you Sibshops, we are excited to introduce SibTeen for grades 7-9!

SibTeen is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with disabilities. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. SibTeen is a place where participants will feel validated and understood and can build upon their community of support. And…. there will be food! 

November 5, 2024, 1-4 p.m.

Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online

 

 

Register for this Month's Webinars and Workshops

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events October 31 - 2 Hour Early Release November 1 - Holiday November 4 - School Planning November 5 - Teacher Workday November 6 - Picture Day School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001139019#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

To celebrate our school-wide love of reading, students are encouraged to dress up as a favorite book character on 

Thursday, October 31st. 

Students are encouraged to bring a book that includes the character they are representing. During the school day, they may be asked to share more about the character they’ve chosen. 

Guidelines for Book Character Costumes:

• Characters must be age appropriate and from elementary or middle- grade level books.
• Costumes may not involve blood or other horror-type elements.
• No weapons of any kind or masks that cover the entire face. 
• Costumes must allow students to take care of personal needs, sit at desks, and participate in school and classroom activities throughout the day, including appropriate shoes for PE/ recess!! 

Sangster Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Sangster Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Leader 

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th. 

If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Buckles at [email protected]

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 began October 8th and will end on November 8th. This year, the state of Virginia pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a family is unsure if they were pre-approved, please have them contact [email protected]. If they were pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application. More information in attached English and Spanish flyers.

Safeway Pharmacy has been hosting free immunization clinics at Frost Middle School for any FCPS student age 18 or younger. The clinics are one of many ways FCPS is providing opportunities for students to receive their required immunizations. The next clinic will be Monday, October 28th, 3-7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times.

Looking for a way to support military families in the NOVA area?  Operation Homefront provide Holiday Meals and gifts military families who qualify. Volunteer to pack, wrap, or distribute this season at Operation Homefront/NOVA

👋 Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation

This interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States.

Sessions in English are held online on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey. As a parent or caregiver, you are an important part of your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. 

The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help your student succeed. Browse Family Academy offerings.

✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.

Dyslexia Open House

In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hosting its annual Dyslexia Open House.

Come meet members of community organizations supporting individuals with dyslexia and attend presentations by FCPS staff.  Presentation topics include Universal Design for Learning and how it supports students with dyslexia in the classroom; an introduction to dyslexia for families who are new to this journey; updates on the Elementary Language Arts curriculum; and an opportunity to ask questions of members of FCPS staff.  We hope you can join us!

When: October 28th, 2024, 5pm – 7pm

Where:

Fairfax County Public Schools

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive

Fairfax, VA  22031

Can’t join in-person? Zoom Link

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98897578815

 

  November Webinars at the Family Resource Center

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. They will:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
• Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
• Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
• Play games and have fun!

November 5, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon 

Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online

SIBTEEN: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!

Attention FCPS parents!!! From the same people who brought you Sibshops, we are excited to introduce SibTeen for grades 7-9!

SibTeen is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with disabilities. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. SibTeen is a place where participants will feel validated and understood and can build upon their community of support. And…. there will be food! 

November 5, 2024, 1-4 p.m.

Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Register Online

 

 

Register for this Month's Webinars and Workshops

Fall Festivals

Annandale's Fall Festival 
October 19
Petting zoo, delicious food, and festive activities for all ages, adds up to an autumnal extravaganza! 

George Washington's Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 19 - 20 
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.

OmBaked Global FallFest
October 20 
Embark on a captivating exploration of distinct regions, each represented as its own autumn traditions. Treat your taste buds to an array of culinary delights and look through handcrafted treasures. 

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Quantico USO

USO Quantico Fall Fest

24010 Montezuma Ave. Quantico, VA United States

🍁🎃 Fall into fun with us at the USO Quantico West Fall Festival! 🍂

Oct 25th, 2024

5:00 PM EDT

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release October 31 - 2 Hour Early Release November 1 - Holiday November 4 - School Planning November 5 - Teacher Workday November 6 - Picture Day School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001139019#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

To celebrate our school-wide love of reading, students are encouraged to dress up as a favorite book character on 

Thursday, October 31st. 

Students are encouraged to bring a book that includes the character they are representing. During the school day, they may be asked to share more about the character they’ve chosen. 

Guidelines for Book Character Costumes:

• Characters must be age appropriate and from elementary or middle- grade level books.
• Costumes may not involve blood or other horror-type elements.
• No weapons of any kind or masks that cover the entire face. 
• Costumes must allow students to take care of personal needs, sit at desks, and participate in school and classroom activities throughout the day, including appropriate shoes for PE/ recess!! 

Sangster Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Sangster Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Leader 

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th. 

If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Buckles at [email protected]

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is eligible for federal Impact Aid grants due to the federal presence in our area. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget. They are critical to ensuring that students receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.

FCPS is pleased to announce that, following the success of the electronic data collection last year, the Federal Impact Aid Survey will once again be available electronically.

The electronic version of the Federal Impact Aid Survey will open on Monday, October 21st.. An E-Notify message will go out to parents from the Impact Aid office. Parents can access the survey through their SIS ParentVue account. 

We are aiming for 100% participation, so thank you in advance!

For more information click here.

The Lake Braddock Choir is hosting their annual fundraiser concert “Dessert on Broadway” on October 29th.

The concert is a really fun one, full of Broadway songs and a dessert. There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

Breakfast is Key

• Encourage your child to eat a balanced breakfast. A nutritious breakfast can help them focus and perform better in class. A nutritious breakfast is offered daily at your child’s school.

Smart Snacking

• Pack healthy snacks for your child to enjoy. Fruit and vegetables, like the ones featured on our salad bars, are great in between meal snack.

Mindful Eating

• Teach your child to eat slowly and savor their food. This can help them feel satisfied without over consumption.

Hydration is Essential

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive juice.

Explore New Foods

• Encourage your child to try new foods in the cafeteria. Variety is key to a healthy diet. Review your school’s menu with your child and discuss new foods to try!

Involve Your Child in Meal Planning

• Let your child help choose meals and snacks. This can make them more excited about healthy eating and assist during those picky eating stages.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them for years to come.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

FCPS Family Engagement

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the
day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

👋 Get to Know FCPS: Family Orientation

This interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States.

Sessions in English are held online on Tuesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance. 

Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.

🗓️ Upcoming Events with the Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey. As a parent or caregiver, you are an important part of your child’s education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home. 

The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help your student succeed. Browse Family Academy offerings.

✨ Fostering trusting partnerships with families is included in Pillar B of the FCPS Strategic Plan: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.

Dyslexia Open House

In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is hosting its annual Dyslexia Open House.

Come meet members of community organizations supporting individuals with dyslexia and attend presentations by FCPS staff.  Presentation topics include Universal Design for Learning and how it supports students with dyslexia in the classroom; an introduction to dyslexia for families who are new to this journey; updates on the Elementary Language Arts curriculum; and an opportunity to ask questions of members of FCPS staff.  We hope you can join us!

When: October 28th, 2024, 5pm – 7pm

Where:

Fairfax County Public Schools

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive

Fairfax, VA  22031

Can’t join in-person? Zoom Link

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98897578815

Join Community Groups:

• DDVA
• ACSD
• NAACP
• SEPTA

Adaptive Sports and Recreation

The adapted resources listed here are provided for informational purposes only. They do not reflect recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) or The FCPS Family Resource Center. Please contact the locations directly for fees, availability, and whether they meet your needs.

Adaptive Recreation Services and Programs PDF

Community, Sports, and Park Authority Programs

• Sangster PTA
• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club
• Girl Scouts – Troop 52153, 51237, 52110 (meet at Sangster)
• Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts – Pack 64 Den 11, 14 (meet at Sangster)
• South Run Recreation Center (across from Sangster)

Family Community Events/Parent Interest

Cox Farms Pumpkin Patch/Fall Festival

Cox Farms - Centerville Fall Festival opens September 14

Corn Mazes in Virginia

Virginia Corn Mazes

Apple Picking – Pick Your Own

Great Country Farms Virginia

Fall Festivals

Annandale's Fall Festival 
October 19
Petting zoo, delicious food, and festive activities for all ages, adds up to an autumnal extravaganza! 

George Washington's Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 19 - 20 
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.

OmBaked Global FallFest
October 20 
Embark on a captivating exploration of distinct regions, each represented as its own autumn traditions. Treat your taste buds to an array of culinary delights and look through handcrafted treasures. 

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Quantico USO

USO Quantico Fall Fest

24010 Montezuma Ave. Quantico, VA United States

🍁🎃 Fall into fun with us at the USO Quantico West Fall Festival! 🍂

Oct 25th, 2024

5:00 PM EDT

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

Each week we will feature a new Sangster staff members in our weekly communication so our community can get to know them better.   Welcome Ms. Hartman!

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events October 14 - Staff Development October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release October 31 - 2 Hour Early Release November 1 - Holiday November 4 - School Planning November 5 - Teacher Workday November 6 - Picture Day Sign up here!

The Lake Braddock Choir is hosting their annual fundraiser concert “Dessert on Broadway” on October 29th.

The concert is a really fun one, full of Broadway songs and a dessert. There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001139019#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

Breakfast is Key

• Encourage your child to eat a balanced breakfast. A nutritious breakfast can help them focus and perform better in class. A nutritious breakfast is offered daily at your child’s school.

Smart Snacking

• Pack healthy snacks for your child to enjoy. Fruit and vegetables, like the ones featured on our salad bars, are great in between meal snack.

Mindful Eating

• Teach your child to eat slowly and savor their food. This can help them feel satisfied without over consumption.

Hydration is Essential

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive juice.

Explore New Foods

• Encourage your child to try new foods in the cafeteria. Variety is key to a healthy diet. Review your school’s menu with your child and discuss new foods to try!

Involve Your Child in Meal Planning

• Let your child help choose meals and snacks. This can make them more excited about healthy eating and assist during those picky eating stages.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them for years to come.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📅 Attendance

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

FCPS Family Engagement

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the
day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

Adaptive Sports and Recreation

The adapted resources listed here are provided for informational purposes only. They do not reflect recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) or The FCPS Family Resource Center. Please contact the locations directly for fees, availability, and whether they meet your needs.

Adaptive Recreation Services and Programs PDF

Community, Sports, and Park Authority Programs

• Sangster PTA
• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club
• Girl Scouts – Troop 52153, 51237, 52110 (meet at Sangster)
• Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts – Pack 64 Den 11, 14 (meet at Sangster)
• South Run Recreation Center (across from Sangster)

Family Community Events/Parent Interest

Cox Farms Pumpkin Patch/Fall Festival

Cox Farms - Centerville Fall Festival opens September 14

Corn Mazes in Virginia

Virginia Corn Mazes

Apple Picking – Pick Your Own

Great Country Farms Virginia

Fall Festivals

Virginia Fall Festivals

City of Fairfax Fall Festival
October 12
Enjoy more than 400 arts, crafts, information, food & gourmet food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages.

Clifton Day Festival
October 13
Festival includes arts and crafts, antiques, demonstrations, the Town Market, live music, children’s activities and lots of good food.

Annandale's Fall Festival 
October 19
Petting zoo, delicious food, and festive activities for all ages, adds up to an autumnal extravaganza! 

George Washington's Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 19 - 20 
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.

OmBaked Global FallFest
October 20 
Embark on a captivating exploration of distinct regions, each represented as its own autumn traditions. Treat your taste buds to an array of culinary delights and look through handcrafted treasures. 

Military Families

Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.

Military Child Care

Access to childcare directly affects mission readiness, morale, and retention of defense personnel worldwide. For this reason, the Department of Defense is committed to connecting military and DoD-affiliated families to quality, affordable childcare programs. For an overview of MCC and how you can request childcare for your family, watch this short video and/or select Learn More.

National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir)

Free general admission ticket reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are available. 
Up to 9 tickets per request. See Group Tickets for 10 tickets or more.

Military Family & Life Counselors

The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides free, confidential non-medical counseling to service members, their families and survivors on or near installations. Trained to work with the military community, military and family life counselors deliver valuable counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community.

Fort Belvoir -USO

Fall Fest Cupcake Bake Off

5940 9th Street Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 United States

Oct 12th, 2024

11:00 AM EDT

Knitwell

5940 9th Street Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 United States

Whether you are a Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Knitter….Let’s Knit Together! Join us for a session where you get to learn new skills, meet new friends, and best of all have fun! For new participants, Knitwell has a Welcome Kit with everything…

Oct 14th, 2024

6:00 PM EDT

Baker's Bounty

5940 9th Street Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 United States

Join us every Tuesday at USO Fort Belvoir starting at 9am for a relaxing morning with some freshly brewed coffee, delicious pastries for you and your friends, and while you are here enjoy a variety of fresh bread and other baked goods from Panera

Oct 15th, 2024

9:00 AM EDT

Quantico USO

USO Quantico Fall Fest

24010 Montezuma Ave. Quantico, VA United States

🍁🎃 Fall into fun with us at the USO Quantico West Fall Festival! 🍂

Oct 25th, 2024

5:00 PM EDT

Facebook groups for local miliary families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

Other Resources

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

Each week we will feature a new Sangster staff members in our weekly communication so our community can get to know them better.   Welcome Ms. Tuthill!

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events October 4 - Teacher Work Day October 14 - Staff Development October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release Sign up here! Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM, for breakfast or 8:55AM to go to class. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Lost and Found

All lost and found items will be outside the school from 7:45am – 6:30pm September 23rd through September 27th. Please stop by and find your student’s missing items. Any items not picked up by the 27th will be collected and donated.

We will be donating all lost and found items on a regular basis. The lost and found pile often gets overwhelming and needs to be cleared out regularly. Please help us return lost items by labeling water bottles, lunch boxes, coats, hats, etc. with your student’s name. Thank you for your cooperation!

From Sangster’s Family Liaison:

Are you new to Sangster? Are you a military family? Or are you a seasoned Sangster parent wanting to connect with others? Join us for a New Family/Military Family Coffee on Tuesday, October 8 at 10 am -11 am in the Sangster Media Center.

Enjoy delicious pastries and Starbuck’s coffee while we get to know each other a little better and connect over breakfast. Thank you to Sangster’s PTA for sponsoring this event every year. All Sangster parents are welcome!

Contact Stacy Huisman, Family Liaison at [email protected] if you have questions.

🖥️ Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Each week we will feature a new Sangster staff members in our weekly communication so our community can get to know them better.   Welcome Ms. Casne!

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events October 1 - AAP Info Night October 3 - Holiday October 4 - Teacher Work Day October 14 - Staff Development October 21 - 3 Hour Early Release ✔️ Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms? Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Digital Consent

Step 1

• Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.

• Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

A six digit code will be sent to the SIS ParentVUE account email. Please wait a few minutes for the email to arrive. You can also send a new code to the email listed on the page. If you refresh the page it will also trigger a new code. If you get a new code, the old code will be invalid.

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

• Gray: Form is awaiting your review.

• Green: You've approved everything on this form.

• Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.

• Red: You've declined all items on this form.

Advanced Academics Program Meeting: Continuum of AAP Services and Referring for Full-Time AAP Date: Tuesday, October 1st Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Sangster Cafeteria

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop and a cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.

If you’re interested in learning more about FCPS’ AAP program, including an overview of the AAP Continuum of Services for all students and/or information regarding the screening process for the Full-Time AAP program, please join us for the AAP Information Meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00 pm. Parents will learn how to refer students currently in grades 2-6 for the Full-Time Advanced Academics Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Linda Biberaj ([email protected]), if you have any questions.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM, for breakfast or 8:55AM to go to class. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Lost and Found

All lost and found items will be outside the school from 7:45am – 6:30pm September 23rd through September 27th. Please stop by and find your student’s missing items. Any items not picked up by the 27th will be collected and donated.

We will be donating all lost and found items on a regular basis. The lost and found pile often gets overwhelming and needs to be cleared out regularly. Please help us return lost items by labeling water bottles, lunch boxes, coats, hats, etc. with your student’s name. Thank you for your cooperation!

From Sangster’s Family Liaison:

Are you new to Sangster? Are you a military family? Or are you a seasoned Sangster parent wanting to connect with others? Join us for a New Family/Military Family Coffee on Tuesday, October 8 at 10 am -11 am in the Sangster Media Center.

Enjoy delicious pastries and Starbuck’s coffee while we get to know each other a little better and connect over breakfast. Thank you to Sangster’s PTA for sponsoring this event every year. All Sangster parents are welcome!

Contact Stacy Huisman, Family Liaison at [email protected] if you have questions.

Blue Star Welcome Week September 22 – 29, 2024

Military Families Welcome and Voter Registration Drive

Burke Center Library
September 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
5935 Fred Oaks Rd 5935 Fred Oaks Rd, Burke, VA, United States

Join National Capital Region Military Spouses for a fall welcome event and NONPARTISAN Voter Registration Drive! Come meet fellow military families, connect with local resources and get registered to vote. Light refreshments will be served and kids are welcome. We have partnered with Secure Families Initiative, and League of Women Voters, non partisan organizations, to assist with the voter registration drive. Other resources in attendance will be: Blue Star Families – DC Chapter, VetJobs, and Military Homeschoolers Association.
https://bit.ly/NCRMilFamVoter

Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
September 28 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Join the National Portrait Gallery, bilingual publisher Lil Libros, and local partners for the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month fiesta! This annual festival is free and for all ages. Visitors can enjoy gallery talks and live performances in the courtyard, participate in crafts and story times, and join in the celebration of art and culture.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fotos-y-recuerdos-hispanic-heritage-month-festival-tickets-991257968267?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

🖥️ Free Webinars for Families

In October, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
• Helping students organize their schoolwork.
• Benchmark Advance, the new K-6 language arts curriculum.
• Ways to engage with your children in mathematics.
• Transitions from school to work and adult life for students with disabilities. 

Sign up for the FRC newsletter to learn about their latest offerings or visit their webinar webpage.

Each week we will feature a new Sangster staff members in our weekly communication so our community can get to know them better.   Welcome Ms. Denison!

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 17 - Back to School (K-3) September 25 - Back to School (4-6) ✔️ Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms? Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Digital Consent

Step 1

• Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.

• Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

A six digit code will be sent to the SIS ParentVUE account email. Please wait a few minutes for the email to arrive. You can also send a new code to the email listed on the page. If you refresh the page it will also trigger a new code. If you get a new code, the old code will be invalid.

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

• Gray: Form is awaiting your review.

• Green: You've approved everything on this form.

• Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.

• Red: You've declined all items on this form.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy 

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions!

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our 703-644-8200.  

Grades K-6

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

Back To School!

Wednesday, September 25th

Back to School Night for 4 – 6. 

6:00pm–6:45pm

7:00pm– 7:45pm

Information will be the same at both sessions. You will only need to attend one. If you have students in multiple grades the sessions allow you to get to all your students classrooms.

Hello wonderful parents and guardians of Sangster Elementary!

On September 9th, we began checking out books from the Sangster Library. It has been incredibly joyful, and I hope that your students enjoy their books and continue to grow as readers! Here are some important guidelines for your students and family.

Please encourage your students to take care of our wonderful library books. Clean hands, hugging library books close to our hearts, and keeping them safe from food, water, pets, and other messes are all recipes to keep them looking nice for the next student.

If a page gets torn, please do not repair it with household tape - return the book to the library, and I will fix it. ☺

• With our Kindergarteners, we will slowly practice our check out and book return skills overtime so that students grow used to the procedures without having an overwhelming number of books. Kindergarteners will be checking out one book at a time.
• First grade may check out two books.
• Second graders may check out three to five books.
• Third grade may check out four to six books
• There is a cap of ten books out for ALL student at any given time. After that, I will begin reaching out to parents with a reminder for students to return their books.
• They may only check out one book from a popular series at a time.

Please have your students return their books as soon as they are done, but no later than their next library date. If a student finishes all their library books before the next library day and doesn’t have anything to read, they may return their finished books to the library at 8:45 when the doors open and check out an additional book. 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to read these guidelines. I am so excited to start getting books into the hands of our incredible readers!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Oden

Advanced Academics Program Meeting: Continuum of AAP Services and Referring for Full-Time AAP Date: Tuesday, October 1st Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Sangster Cafeteria

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop and a cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.

If you’re interested in learning more about FCPS’ AAP program, including an overview of the AAP Continuum of Services for all students and/or information regarding the screening process for the Full-Time AAP program, please join us for the AAP Information Meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00 pm. Parents will learn how to refer students currently in grades 2-6 for the Full-Time Advanced Academics Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Linda Biberaj ([email protected]), if you have any questions.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns & Slow Down!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway.

Follow all posted Speed Limit signs. Going slowly by the school helps to ensure student, staff, and parent safety as everyone is coming and going. The crossing guard is there to help with the flow of traffic and guarantee all can cross safely. Follow all directions given by the police officer posted at the intersection.

Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM, for breakfast or 8:55AM to go to class. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Lost and Found

All lost and found items will be outside the school from 7:45am – 6:30pm September 23rd through September 27th. Please stop by and find your student’s missing items. Any items not picked up by the 27th will be collected and donated.

We will be donating all lost and found items on a regular basis. The lost and found pile often gets overwhelming and needs to be cleared out regularly. Please help us return lost items by labeling water bottles, lunch boxes, coats, hats, etc. with your student’s name. Thank you for your cooperation!

From Sangster’s Family Liaison:

Are you new to Sangster? Are you a military family? Or are you a seasoned Sangster parent wanting to connect with others? Join us for a New Family/Military Family Coffee on Tuesday, October 8 at 10 am -11 am in the Sangster Media Center.

Enjoy delicious pastries and Starbuck’s coffee while we get to know each other a little better and connect over breakfast. Thank you to Sangster’s PTA for sponsoring this event every year. All Sangster parents are welcome!

Contact Stacy Huisman, Family Liaison at [email protected] if you have questions.

Blue Star Welcome Week September 22 – 29, 2024

Local Blue Star Welcome Week Events.

Springfield Starbucks Storytime

September 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join Blue Star Families and Starbucks for a monthly Story & Craft Hour at our location in Springfield, VA. We will read a new story and do a craft at each session. Grab a cup of coffee and listen while Alyssa reads from a variety of stories. 
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Third Wednesday of Every Month
Starbucks at Saratoga Shopping Center
8098 Rolling Road
Springfield, VA 22153

Little Critters: Nature Play

September 21, 24, & 26 @ 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
National Zoo 
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Blue Star families, welcome to Little Critters: Nature Play at the National Zoo! Come play with us as we explore animals and nature with free-choice activity stations, water play, and story times. Connect with other local families and caregivers during this program geared for young children (ages 0-8) and their caregivers. No registration required. Location within the Zoo: Bird House Classroom
For further information on this and other programs through the National Zoo, visit Kids, Families, and Schools | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (si.edu)

DC Spy Tour with Dawn the Tour Guide

September 21 (Times below)

Registration Opens September 1st
https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org/networks/events/97931
Join Blue Star Families and Dawn The Tour Guide with her special guest and subject matter expert, Dawn's Husband, as we uncover some of Washington, DC's most interesting stories of nefariousness and intrigue and the fascinating people and places behind these events! The 2-hour walking tour is mostly flat and approximately 2 miles. This is a great way to meet other local families while learning about the history of Washington, DC. Each person will need their own ticket. Strollers welcome.

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024. 10 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 3 PM
Meeting Point: Panera, 1750 H St NW Suite G1, Washington, DC
Transportation: There are multiple parking garages near by to choose from.

Farragut West is the nearest metro stop, 1 block away, for the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. 

Portrait Gallery Kids
September 23 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
National Portrait Gallery 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC, United States

Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators on select Mondays as we explore portraiture and history. Portrait Gallery Kids incorporates looking at art, hands-on activities, music and movement. This program is a fun way to engage with art and each other

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/national-portrait-gallery-810710525

 
Military Families Welcome and Voter Registration Drive

Burke Center Library
September 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
5935 Fred Oaks Rd 5935 Fred Oaks Rd, Burke, VA, United States

Join National Capital Region Military Spouses for a fall welcome event and NONPARTISAN Voter Registration Drive! Come meet fellow military families, connect with local resources and get registered to vote. Light refreshments will be served and kids are welcome. We have partnered with Secure Families Initiative, and League of Women Voters, non partisan organizations, to assist with the voter registration drive. Other resources in attendance will be: Blue Star Families – DC Chapter, VetJobs, and Military Homeschoolers Association.
https://bit.ly/NCRMilFamVoter

Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
September 28 @ 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Join the National Portrait Gallery, bilingual publisher Lil Libros, and local partners for the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month fiesta! This annual festival is free and for all ages. Visitors can enjoy gallery talks and live performances in the courtyard, participate in crafts and story times, and join in the celebration of art and culture.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fotos-y-recuerdos-hispanic-heritage-month-festival-tickets-991257968267?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

 

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 17 - Back to School (K-3) September 25 - Back to School (4-6) Immunizations!

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Sangster's front office or emailed directly to Jackie Fant - [email protected]

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to the front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

✔️ Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms? Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Digital Consent

Step 1

• Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.

• Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

A six digit code will be sent to the SIS ParentVUE account email. Please wait a few minutes for the email to arrive. You can also send a new code to the email listed on the page. If you refresh the page it will also trigger a new code. If you get a new code, the old code will be invalid.

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

• Gray: Form is awaiting your review.

• Green: You've approved everything on this form.

• Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.

• Red: You've declined all items on this form.

SEL SCREENER NOTIFICATION

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Sangster students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. The SEL screener will be administered October 9 – October 31 (fall window) and March 10 – March 28 (spring window). The screener will be administered online by the classroom teacher.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out (via form or the Parent Digital Consent System), please view the letter that went home in your child’s Thursday folder today. If you give your permission, no further action is necessary. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy 

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions!

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our 703-644-8200.  

Grades K-6

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

Back To School!

Tuesday, September 17th

Back to School Night for K – 3.  

6:00pm–6:45pm

7:00pm– 7:45pm

Thursday, September 25th

Back to School Night for 4 – 6. 

6:00pm–6:45pm

7:00pm– 7:45pm

Information will be the same at both sessions. You will only need to attend one. If you have students in multiple grades the sessions allow you to get to all your students classrooms.

Advanced Academics Program Meeting: Continuum of AAP Services and Referring for Full-Time AAP Date: Tuesday, October 1st Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Sangster Cafeteria

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop and a cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.

If you’re interested in learning more about FCPS’ AAP program, including an overview of the AAP Continuum of Services for all students and/or information regarding the screening process for the Full-Time AAP program, please join us for the AAP Information Meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00 pm. Parents will learn how to refer students currently in grades 2-6 for the Full-Time Advanced Academics Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Linda Biberaj ([email protected]), if you have any questions.

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway. Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM, for breakfast or 8:55AM to go to class. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Personal Items

Please remember to label clothing items, lunchboxes, water bottles, and whatever else you think your child may leave behind somewhere. If there's a name in it or on it, Sangster Staff will do their best to get it back to the owner. If not, it will go into the Lost and Found pile. Lost and Found will be placed outside the school for a week or so frequently for families to look for lost items. All items left at the end of the week will be donated. Please make sure to check the Lost and Found frequently, especially as the seasons change. Thanks for your help in making sure all items return back home to where they belong!

FCPS

• The application for Free and Reduced Price Meals is available online and can be accessed in several languages. Families must apply each year for this benefit to continue!

• FCPS Family Academy -. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help you ensure your student has what they need to succeed. It’s a one-stop-shop if you have questions about FCPS and how to support your student.

Pre-K Literacy Programs

• Family Literacy Program
• Early Literacy

Family Resource Center - The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center

• Family Resource Center
• Brochure
• September Webinars now registering - FREE
• 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support September 6, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Back-to-School Toolkit: Proven Systems for Solving Disorganization, Procrastination, and Missed Deadlines with Ann Dolin 
• The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool: Information for Families of Students With Disabilities 
• Setting Limits and Dealing With Dramatic Resistance 
• Nurturing Adolescent Growth: A Comprehensive 4-Part Series on Teen Development and Well-Being  
• 9/27/24 - Part 1: Understanding Adolescent Development: The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Changes in Teens 

Health Department

• Back to School Immunizations Clinics (English/Spanish)
• Childhood & Required School Immunizations (includes printable flyers)
• Immunization Clinics
• Virginia Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Community Sports ad Park Authority Programs

• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)annual Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.

Military Families

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

FCPS Military Families

FCPS Parent Resource Military Family Webinars 

School Transitions for Military Families: Outgoing and Incoming Students (6/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Schools and Military-Connected Students: Supportive Programs and Practices (2/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Challenges of Military Families (12/2021)

Storms in Any Season- What parents need to know about deployments, Injuries, Separations, and Loss

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 17 - Back to School (K-3) September 25 - Back to School (4-6) Immunizations!

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Sangster's front office or emailed directly to Jackie Fant - [email protected]

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to the front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

SIS ParentVUE Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office along with your student's teacher. 

2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30. 

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

Opt-Outs Managing Your Child's Digital Consent Step 1

• Go to the Parent Digital Consent System.
• Select your language and log in with the same username and password you use for SIS ParentVUE

Step 2

A six digit code will be sent to the SIS ParentVUE account email. Please wait a few minutes for the email to arrive. You can also send a new code to the email listed on the page. If you refresh the page it will also trigger a new code. If you get a new code, the old code will be invalid.

Once you receive the code, enter the code and hit the Confirm button.

Step 3

Once you are logged in, you will see an overview of your child's consent forms. To review or update a form, simply click on it.

• Gray: Form is awaiting your review.

• Green: You've approved everything on this form.

• Yellow: This form contains multiple items with mixed responses.

• Red: You've declined all items on this form.

SEL SCREENER NOTIFICATION

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Sangster students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. The SEL screener will be administered October 9 – October 31 (fall window) and March 10 – March 28 (spring window). The screener will be administered online by the classroom teacher.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out (via form or the Parent Digital Consent System), please view the letter that went home in your child’s Thursday folder today. If you give your permission, no further action is necessary. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy 

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions!

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our 703-644-8200.  

Grades K-6

• Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
• Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
• Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency.
• With the approval of the principal or their designee, teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool; however, one-to-one FCPS devices should meet most needs.

Back To School!

Tuesday, September 17th

Back to School Night for K – 3.  

6:00pm–6:45pm

7:00pm– 7:45pm

Thursday, September 25th

Back to School Night for 4 – 6. 

6:00pm–6:45pm

7:00pm– 7:45pm

Information will be the same at both session. You will only need to attend one. If you have students in multiple grades the sessions allow you to get to all your students classrooms.

Subscribe to Calendars

Sangster Calendar

FCPS School Calendar

Subscribe to Sangster and FCPS' calendars to keep up to date with all events and holidays. You can subscribe and have everything right on your phone or computer calendar, synced and ready to keep you on time and aware. 

Safety Drills 

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year.

Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school.

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

It's Tomorrow!

Lake Braddock Secondary School invites the community to begin celebrating the start of the school year. Friday, September 6th , 5:30-7:30 pm – right before Friday football at the school.

Enjoy free admission to the carnival with inflatables, runway games, food trucks, snacks, face painting. There will be fun for the whole family! Cash sales, please. 

Friendly Reminders! 🛑 No U-Turns!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway. Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM, for breakfast or 8:55AM to go to class. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Personal Items

Please remember to label clothing items, lunchboxes, water bottles, and whatever else you think your child may leave behind somewhere. If there's a name in it or on it, Sangster Staff will do their best to get it back to the owner. If not, it will go into the Lost and Found pile. Lost and Found will be placed outside the school for a week or so frequently for families to look for lost items. All items left at the end of the week will be donated. Please make sure to check the Lost and Found frequently, especially as the seasons change. Thanks for your help in making sure all items return back home to where they belong!

FCPS

• The application for Free and Reduced Price Meals is available online and can be accessed in several languages. Families must apply each year for this benefit to continue!

• FCPS Family Academy -. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help you ensure your student has what they need to succeed. It’s a one-stop-shop if you have questions about FCPS and how to support your student.

Pre-K Literacy Programs

• Family Literacy Program
• Early Literacy

Family Resource Center - The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center

• Family Resource Center
• Brochure
• September Webinars now registering - FREE
• 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support September 6, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Back-to-School Toolkit: Proven Systems for Solving Disorganization, Procrastination, and Missed Deadlines with Ann Dolin 
• The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool: Information for Families of Students With Disabilities 
• Setting Limits and Dealing With Dramatic Resistance 
• Nurturing Adolescent Growth: A Comprehensive 4-Part Series on Teen Development and Well-Being  
• 9/27/24 - Part 1: Understanding Adolescent Development: The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Changes in Teens 

Health Department

• Back to School Immunizations Clinics (English/Spanish)
• Childhood & Required School Immunizations (includes printable flyers)
• Immunization Clinics
• Virginia Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Community Sports ad Park Authority Programs

• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)annual Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.

Military Families

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

FCPS Military Families

FCPS Parent Resource Military Family Webinars 

School Transitions for Military Families: Outgoing and Incoming Students (6/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Schools and Military-Connected Students: Supportive Programs and Practices (2/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Challenges of Military Families (12/2021)

Storms in Any Season- What parents need to know about deployments, Injuries, Separations, and Loss

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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

Upcoming Events August 30 - Holiday September 2 - Holiday September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 17 - Back to School (K-3) September 25 - Back to School (4-6) Immunizations!

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.

Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You can check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office or emailed directly to Jackie Fant - [email protected]

Find more information on immunizations on the FCPS website.

SIS ParentVUE

Want to get ahead of the back-to-school forms and checklists? Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find forms and updates.

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child's school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office. 

Subscribe to Calendars

Sangster Calendar

FCPS School Calendar

Subscribe to Sangster and FCPS' calendars to keep up to date with all events and holidays. You can subscribe and have everything right on your phone or computer calendar, synced and ready to keep you on time and aware. 

Safety Drills 

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

Band & Strings - Sign Up Today!

All 5th and 6th Grade students are being given the wonderful opportunity to join the Band or Strings Program this year!!! All 5th and 6th Grade students attended a Band and Strings Instrument Demonstration Assembly this morning, so they should be coming home all excited to play an instrument!!!

5th grade is the first year that Band is available to Fairfax County students, so students have lots of different choices this year.  There are 4 instruments offered in Strings and 11 different instruments offered in Band. All students that would like to play in Band or Strings this year need to sign up with our Band and Strings Online Registration Form to be enrolled for the 24-25 school year. 

Extended Registration - Register TODAY!

Click on link to Band and Strings Online Registration form:  https://forms.gle/sFQ2JckFSgaNi4nz7

Please look through the form. You will see all the Band and String Instruments that are offered.  There will be a picture of each instrument the students heard during today’s demonstration. 

Once your child has completed the Band and Strings Online Registration Form, we will fit your student to the instrument. During the fitting, the students will receive a packet of information which contains information regarding how to get an instrument and supplies that you will need to get for class!!! Please do not go to the music store until your child has been fitted and you have received the packet of information with the details on what to get for Band and Strings.

We will also meet with students who are continuing the same Band/Strings instrument from last year and will give them information for this year. Please tell your child not to worry if they did not practice over the summer. We will be reviewing the first month of class, so they have nothing to worry about! If your child did practice...GREAT!!!

The tentative Band and Strings start date is September 9th! Please have your instrument and supplies from the list we gave you by that time if possible! Once everyone is fitted and the schedule is done, we will send out all the exact information. Please get your registrations forms in ASAP!!! 😊

We are looking forward to another AMAZING Sangster Band and Strings this year and your child will be a GREAT addition/continuing member to the group.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the program:

Band - Kelly Stratil, [email protected] 🎷🎺🥁

Strings - Austin Johnson-Stawarz "Mr. J", [email protected]  🎻

Strings - Alicia McMahan, [email protected] 🎻

Looking forward to a GREAT year in Band and Strings!

Save the date!

Lake Braddock Secondary School invites the community to begin celebrating the start of the school year. Friday, September 6th , 5:30-7:30 pm – right before Friday football at the school.

Enjoy free admission to the carnival with inflatables, runway games, food trucks, snacks, face painting. There will be fun for the whole family! Cash sales, please. 

Interested in subbing at Sangster?

Please fill out the application here:

Substitute for FCPS

If you're already an active sub in the system please reach out to Jennifer Sidewand at [email protected]

Friendly Reminders! Things to Remember When Visiting Schools

Please know we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously. All school visitors must enter schools by way of “Door 1.” Upon ringing a school’s front doorbell, visitors will be asked to identify the reason for their visit before the door is opened. All school visitors will need to check in to the school visitor system in the front office before entering the school. 

When outside, visitors are not permitted to visit school buses or playgrounds or to observe students from parking lots or other areas on school campuses. 

While you may want to peek in on your child during the day, this can be alarming to our staff. Parents/caregivers are welcome to check in with their child's teacher via email during the first week if they are anxious about how their child is transitioning.

🛑 No U-Turns!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway. Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Personal Items

Please remember to label clothing items, lunchboxes, water bottles, and whatever else you think your child may leave behind somewhere. If there's a name in it or on it, Sangster Staff will do their best to get it back to the owner. If not, it will go into the Lost and Found pile. Lost and Found will be placed outside the school for a week or so frequently for families to look for lost items. All items left at the end of the week will be donated. Please make sure to check the Lost and Found frequently, especially as the seasons change. Thanks for your help in making sure all items return back home to where they belong!

FCPS

• The application for Free and Reduced Price Meals is available online and can be accessed in several languages. Families must apply each year for this benefit to continue!

• FCPS Family Academy -. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help you ensure your student has what they need to succeed. It’s a one-stop-shop if you have questions about FCPS and how to support your student.

Pre-K Literacy Programs

• Family Literacy Program
• Early Literacy

Family Resource Center - The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center

• Family Resource Center
• Brochure
• September Webinars now registering - FREE
• 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support September 6, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Back-to-School Toolkit: Proven Systems for Solving Disorganization, Procrastination, and Missed Deadlines with Ann Dolin 
• The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool: Information for Families of Students With Disabilities 
• Setting Limits and Dealing With Dramatic Resistance 
• Nurturing Adolescent Growth: A Comprehensive 4-Part Series on Teen Development and Well-Being  
• 9/27/24 - Part 1: Understanding Adolescent Development: The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Changes in Teens 

Health Department

• Back to School Immunizations Clinics (English/Spanish)
• Childhood & Required School Immunizations (includes printable flyers)
• Immunization Clinics
• Virginia Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Community Sports ad Park Authority Programs

• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)annual Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.

Military Families

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

FCPS Military Families

FCPS Parent Resource Military Family Webinars 

School Transitions for Military Families: Outgoing and Incoming Students (6/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Schools and Military-Connected Students: Supportive Programs and Practices (2/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Challenges of Military Families (12/2021)

Storms in Any Season- What parents need to know about deployments, Injuries, Separations, and Loss

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• School Meal Menus
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter

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Upcoming Events August 30 - Holiday September 2 - Holiday September 16 - 3 Hour Early Release September 17 - Back to School (K-3) September 25 - Back to School (4-6) SIS ParentVUE

Want to get ahead of the back-to-school forms and checklists? Make sure you have a SIS ParentVUE account for your family and log in to find forms and updates.

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child's school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form needed for updates and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in to the platform and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to your school’s front office. 

Band & Strings - Sign Up Today!

All 5th and 6th Grade students are being given the wonderful opportunity to join the Band or Strings Program this year!!! All 5th and 6th Grade students attended a Band and Strings Instrument Demonstration Assembly this morning, so they should be coming home all excited to play an instrument!!!

5th grade is the first year that Band is available to Fairfax County students, so students have lots of different choices this year.  There are 4 instruments offered in Strings and 11 different instruments offered in Band. All students that would like to play in Band or Strings this year need to sign up with our Band and Strings Online Registration Form to be enrolled for the 24-25 school year. 

All forms are due by Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Click on link to Band and Strings Online Registration form:  https://forms.gle/sFQ2JckFSgaNi4nz7

Please look through the form. You will see all the Band and String Instruments that are offered.  There will be a picture of each instrument the students heard during today’s demonstration. 

Once your child has completed the Band and Strings Online Registration Form, we will fit your student to the instrument. During the fitting, the students will receive a packet of information which contains information regarding how to get an instrument and supplies that you will need to get for class!!! Please do not go to the music store until your child has been fitted and you have received the packet of information with the details on what to get for Band and Strings.

We will also meet with students who are continuing the same Band/Strings instrument from last year and will give them information for this year. Please tell your child not to worry if they did not practice over the summer. We will be reviewing the first month of class, so they have nothing to worry about! If your child did practice...GREAT!!!

The tentative Band and Strings start date is September 9th! Please have your instrument and supplies from the list we gave you by that time if possible! Once everyone is fitted and the schedule is done, we will send out all the exact information. Please get your registrations forms in ASAP!!! 😊

We are looking forward to another AMAZING Sangster Band and Strings this year and your child will be a GREAT addition/continuing member to the group.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the program:

Band - Kelly Stratil, [email protected] 🎷🎺🥁

Strings - Austin Johnson-Stawarz "Mr. J", [email protected]  🎻

Strings - Alicia McMahan, [email protected] 🎻

Looking forward to a GREAT year in Band and Strings!

Save the date!

Lake Braddock Secondary School invites the community to begin celebrating the start of the school year. Friday, September 6th , 5:30-7:30 pm – right before Friday football at the school.

Enjoy free admission to the carnival with inflatables, runway games, food trucks, snacks, face painting. There will be fun for the whole family! Cash sales, please. 

Interested in subbing at Sangster?

Please fill out the application here:

Substitute for FCPS

If you're already an active sub in the system please reach out to Jennifer Sidewand at [email protected]

Friendly Reminders! Things to Remember When Visiting Schools

Please know we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously. All school visitors must enter schools by way of “Door 1.” Upon ringing a school’s front doorbell, visitors will be asked to identify the reason for their visit before the door is opened. All school visitors will need to check in to the school visitor system in the front office before entering the school. 

When outside, visitors are not permitted to visit school buses or playgrounds or to observe students from parking lots or other areas on school campuses. 

While you may want to peek in on your child during the day, this can be alarming to our staff. Parents/caregivers are welcome to check in with their child's teacher via email during the first week if they are anxious about how their child is transitioning.

🛑 No U-Turns!

U-Turns on Reservation Dr. are both illegal and very, very dangerous.  We continue to get reports of cars making these illegal U-Turns.  The safety of our school community is compromised every time someone does this. Please take the time to use Kiss-n-Ride and/or find another route to get back up to the Parkway. Thank you!

📋 Check-Ins

Please remember, if your child arrives after 9:10AM, you must escort them into the main office and sign them in.

Students are not admitted into the building until 8:45AM. Unless, you have something prearranged with a teacher, your child attends SACC or a before-school club, please do not drop your student off at school any earlier, there will be no adult supervision available. 

Please remember to email or call the attendance line with any messages regarding your student's attendance. Absences and late arrivals should be reported to avoid getting a robo-call from FCPS. If you email the teacher to let them know about your student's attendance, please copy [email protected] to ensure your message reaches our attendance staff. You can also call, 703-644-8282 to report any attendance messages. 

👕Personal Items

Please remember to label clothing items, lunchboxes, water bottles, and whatever else you think your child may leave behind somewhere. If there's a name in it or on it, Sangster Staff will do their best to get it back to the owner. If not, it will go into the Lost and Found pile. Lost and Found will be placed outside the school for a week or so frequently for families to look for lost items. All items left at the end of the week will be donated. Please make sure to check the Lost and Found frequently, especially as the seasons change. Thanks for your help in making sure all items return back home to where they belong!

Early Release Mondays

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early, seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  At Sangster, students will be dismissed at 12:55PM.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 16

• October 21

• November 18

• February 10

• March 10

• April 21

• May 12

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/r1xPkewmrYHMLeG38 for each of your children who are enrolled at Sangster Elementary.  

If you do not fill out the form, I will assume your child will be coming home their regular way. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after-school supervision plan for each student.

FCPS

• The application for Free and Reduced Price Meals is available online and can be accessed in several languages. Families must apply each year for this benefit to continue!

• FCPS Family Academy -. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help you ensure your student has what they need to succeed. It’s a one-stop-shop if you have questions about FCPS and how to support your student.

Pre-K Literacy Programs

• Family Literacy Program
• Early Literacy

Family Resource Center - The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center

• Family Resource Center
• Brochure
• September Webinars now registering - FREE
• 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support September 6, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Back-to-School Toolkit: Proven Systems for Solving Disorganization, Procrastination, and Missed Deadlines with Ann Dolin 
• The New Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool: Information for Families of Students With Disabilities 
• Setting Limits and Dealing With Dramatic Resistance 
• Nurturing Adolescent Growth: A Comprehensive 4-Part Series on Teen Development and Well-Being  
• 9/27/24 - Part 1: Understanding Adolescent Development: The Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Changes in Teens 

Health Department

• Back to School Immunizations Clinics (English/Spanish)
• Childhood & Required School Immunizations (includes printable flyers)
• Immunization Clinics
• Virginia Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Community Sports ad Park Authority Programs

• Fairfax County ParkTakes
• Springfield Youth Club
• Burke Athletic Club
• Braddock Road Youth Club

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)annual Parent Involvement Survey.

This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.

Military Families

Facebook groups for local military families 

GAMS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/greateralexandriamilitaryspouses/

PCS to DC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSMilitaryMovetoVirginia

Fairfax County Spouses - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2053938148258566/

School Liaison Office – Fort Belvoir

EFMP Military One Source

EFMP – Fort Belvoir

MWR – Fort Belvoir

FCPS Military Families

FCPS Parent Resource Military Family Webinars 

School Transitions for Military Families: Outgoing and Incoming Students (6/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Schools and Military-Connected Students: Supportive Programs and Practices (2/2022)

Using tools from her book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman will offer relevant tips and strategies for managing new challenges.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Challenges of Military Families (12/2021)

Storms in Any Season- What parents need to know about deployments, Injuries, Separations, and Loss

 

News from the Sangster PTA

 

Quick Links

• ParentVue
• FCPS News
• Here Comes The Bus
• Schoology
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153  | Main Office: 703-644-8200

Attendance: 703-644-8282 | Web | Twitter