What's Happening Mount Eagle | December 20, 2024
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The Mount Eagle community gathered for our Annual Sing-a-Long! We had so much fun singing together!
What's Happening Mount Eagle December 20, 2024 A Message from Ms. KirklandAs we wrap up a memorable 2024 at Mount Eagle, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support and partnership. It has been an incredible year filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable moments that make this place like no other! I am incredibly proud of the progress our students have made these past few months. They have shown dedication, perseverance, and a love of learning that inspires us all! We are excited to see what they will accomplish when we come back in January.
As we bid farewell to 2024, we look forward to welcoming 2025 with open arms. Our staff is committed to providing our students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success throughout the entirety of their educational experience and beyond. We believe that together, we can tap into our unlimited potential as learners and leaders within our Mount Eagle community.
I wish you all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. May the new year bring you health and an abundance of joy!
Kate Kirkland
Principal
Mount Eagle Schedule for Winter BreakThe Mount Eagle main office will be closed during the winter break. Any messages will be returned with school reopens on January 6, 2025. We hope you have a wonderful break and a very happy new year!
Our school social work, Ms. Shannon, and our Family Liaison, Ms. Del Campo helped coordinate many donations to support families ahead of the winter break! See information below for more information about resources you can access over the break.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource GuideFood insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
⛄Student and Family Assistance During BreakFairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Boundary ReviewAs a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.
Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
📖 Advanced Academics ScreeningFamilies with students in grades 2-6 that may be interested in referring their child for full time advanced academic services for the 2024-25 school year should complete a referral by the deadline of Dec. 15, 2024.
For more information on full time AAP continuum of services please refer to the AAP website: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs
Referral forms and the optional parent questionnaire may be found through this link: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/advanced-academic-programs-aap/forms-advanced-academic-program-aap
What are full time advanced academic services?
- In grades 3-8, some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with rigorous, differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science) and students are clustered on a full-time basis.
- All decisions regarding full-time placement in Full-Time AAP program are made through a central screening committee of educators from across FCPS.. Full-Time services continue through Grade 8 and students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Eligibility decisions will be sent April 3-4
If you have any questions about screening and the continuum of services please contact Jacqui Greene, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher at [email protected].
⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start TimesAt Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.
The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.
Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.
🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of AttendanceAs you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.
Important TimesKiss & Ride: 8:20-8:40am
Doors Open: 8:25am Tardy Bell: 8:45am
Dismissal Bell: 3:300pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Important DatesDecember 20 | Winter Sing-a-Long; 2:00pm in the Gym
December 23 through January 5 | Winter Break
Monday, January 6 | All students and staff return.
Monday, January 20 | MLK Day Holiday - No school
Wednesday, January 29 | Teacher Workday - No school for students
Access the full 2024-2025 calendar here.
Get Involved in Your PTOAt Mount Eagle, every parent is a member of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). It's a great way to connect with other parents, learn about how to support your child, and have fun! There are many ways you can share your voice, talents, and time. Check out the PTO Website for more information. It's available in multiple languages.
Parent/Guardian HandbookDo you have questions about attendance or food/drink at school or what students can wear? If so, please check out our Parent/Guardian Handbook on our Mount Eagle website. It's available with translations. Click here to access it. Of course, if you have a question about a situation that is not listed, reach out to your child's teacher or an administrator. Their contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
Your Partners in EducationWe are honored to start the school year with your family, and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all of your support.
Kate Kirkland, Principal
Leeanne Pinski, Assistant Principal
6116 North Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22303 | Phone: 703.721.2100