This Week at Frost - February 21, 2025
GovDelivery11 hours 14 minutes agoHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Important Dates in February, March, and April - Mark Your Calendars!- February 21 Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert
- March 3 Choir Pre-Assessment Concert
- March 10 Band Pre-Assessment Concert
- March 28 End of Quarter
- March 31 School Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
- April 1 Teacher Work Day
- April 2 - 8 Spring Book Fair
- April 14 - 18 Spring Break
.Frost Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students Participate in Optimist Club Contest
On Wednesday, our Deaf/Hard of Hearing students participated in a Communications Contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Central Fairfax. For the last 6 weeks, these students have been writing personal essays about their individual experiences growing up with hearing loss and how they persevere through related challenges. The topic of this year’s contest was, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times." Yesterday, all 17 of our students participated.
Frost winners are Jose G, Bladi L, Mady P, and Sanaya C. They will compete again on Saturday, February 22 in the District competition for a scholarship of $2500!!
BioCode Competition
Are you interested in biology or computer science? Do you enjoy competing and working with other students? TJHSST Bioinformatics Society is hosting its annual BioCode competition on Saturday, March 1. There will be $100s in prizes, and workshops from college professors! To learn more and register, check out: https://tjbioinfo.netlify.app/biocode/
Students of all biology and coding abilities can participate - including beginners! Reach out to [email protected] with any questions, and we hope to see you there!"
CARES CornerSibShops
February 22 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
For children grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. An opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Share sibling experiences, while receiving peer support. Enjoy games and have fun!
Sibshops: Located at Sully Community Center, 13800 Wall Road Herndon, Virginia
Anxiety in the Context of Autism: What Parents Need to Know
March 7, 2025, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Join Dr. Jonathan Dalton, PhD, founder and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change as he presents on the critical differences in the treatment of anxiety in Neurotypical (allistic) and Autistic children. We will focus on the differences between fear and dread and why traditional anxiety treatment approaches are often insufficient when treating Autistic youth. We will build parenting skills that families can use to help relieve the anxious suffering of their Autistic children.
The GMU Center for Community Mental Health provides psychotherapy services and comprehensive psychological assessments on a sliding scale for adults, teens and children. Families can access free, anonymous and confidential support from the comfort of home. Trained providers are available 7 days/week to offer help, teach evidence-based skills and to listen. Low-cost therapy sessions are also available upon request. Please see this flyer for more details.
Free COVID-19 Tests
This season, every household is eligible for four free COVID-19 tests. Follow this link to order yours today!
Community Resource Available:
The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 begins today and will end on November 8th. This year, the State pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a client was pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application.
Applications for Energy Assistance are accepted in the following ways:
- Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
- By phone: Enterprise Customer Service Center (833) 522-5582
- Paper applications are attached to this email or a copy can be requested by calling 703-324-7500.
- By mail: Completed applications can be mailed to: DFS Energy Assistance, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 232, Fairfax, VA 22035
- By Dropbox: Completed application can be placed in a dropbox at one of the DFS human service building locations
- By fax: Completed applications can be faxed to (703) 653-1355
By email: Completed applications can be sent to [email protected]
Woodson Community News
Woodson Winter Guard Showcase
On Thursday, February 27 at 6:00pm, the Woodson Winter Guard will perform their competition show, "Caged Bird Blues." The performance will be held in the Woodson gymnasium.
All are welcome to attend and a special invitation for rising 9th graders who might be interested in joining the Woodson Color Guard.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Night at Woodson High School!
Woodson High School will be hosting a Sensory Friendly Movie Night in Cav Hall at Woodson! Open the link below for more information and a QR code.
- March 7, 2025; 5:30pm-8pm
- Watching How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Free admission
- Providing flexible seating
- Low lighting and low volume
- Kids will be able to play with (and keep) a small bag of fidgets
- Popcorn, chips, and juice boxes will be sold
- Parents are required to stay with their children at all times
- Use this link to let us know if you are interested in coming!
Woodson SGA/Sports Leadership Mulch Sale
The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived. Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time. The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase.
Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 13, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 23. When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option. All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 23, beginning at 8:30 AM. The proceeds benefit the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link.
This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks.
Need more info? Send an email to [email protected]
In Case You Missed It....
Techstravaganza 2025 Invitational
Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 21st annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 17, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.
Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav25.
More information about the event can be found on our website at tjpartnershipfund.org/techstravaganza/. Thank you so much, and please let us know if you have any questions!
Techstravaganza 2025 Invitational Flyer.pdf
(Español) Techstravaganza 2025 Invitational Flyer.pdf
Hallway Lockers
Now that we are halfway through the school year, is your student feeling like a hallway locker might be helpful? Please submit this form to request a locker. Use of lockers is allowed before school, around lunch, and after school only. Requests for location will not be honored at this time as there are limited availability.
Message from the Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds is a confidential, independent, impartial and informal source of support for the entire FCPS community. We serve students, employees, parents/guardians, and community members, by providing informal help to answer questions and resolve concerns regarding any FCPS matter. Our services include individual and group consultation, coaching, problem-solving, and for employee peer -to-peer conflict, informal mediation (facilitated conversations).
Many of our visitors tell us they wish they had known about our office earlier. While we are involved in various outreach activities, having additional Ombuds marketing materials available on-site at your school would help us “spread the word.” Our services assist in promoting a healthier community with tools and resources to effectively address concerns, questions, and conflict.
Yearbooks on Sale Now!
Frost yearbooks are on sale from now until January 31 for $47. On February 1st, they will cost $50. Contact Jostens Yearbooks.
Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
Attendance: School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:15 PM. Improving attendance is a major goal of Frost MS! Attendance and punctuality are critical to student success in the classroom, and absences add up over the course of the year. Being present in school for all classes is of utmost importance, unless the student is sick or out for another excused reason. Missed days, including excused absences, and late arrival can lead to stress on students who must make up the coursework on their own. Please seek to avoid vacations during school days when possible. Time is set aside during the school year for travel including winter break, spring break, and several student holidays scattered throughout the year.
If your student is going to be absent, please notify us by 8:00am at one of these:
- Frost Attendance Line: 703-426-5702
- Attendance Email: [email protected]
- Attendance Online Submission: Report Attendance
Calendar: The Frost MS bell schedule and A/B day calendar can be found at this link on the school website.
Transportation: If your child will be using school transportation, please ensure that you have reviewed the bus route and schedule. We strongly encourage students to ride the bus as it significantly eliminates traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon. Tardiness because of traffic will not be excused. Bus schedules available through your SIS ParentVue account where you can see your transportation assignments. Please contact Area 2 Transportation with transportation questions at [email protected] or 703-764-2050.
Communication: We believe in open and effective communication between school and families. Our school website and communication platforms will provide you with regular updates, important announcements, and opportunities to engage with your child's education.
Fair CIty Mall: We strongly recommend that students do not go over to Fair City Mall after school. Students rarely make the best choices and oftentimes find themselves in situations that they’d rather not be in. Parents, please talk to your child about this at home and reiterate that often. We encourage you to have your child ride the bus home or you pick them up in the PM Kiss and Ride line.
Family Resources
Get to Know FCPS and Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
- School Age Child Care (SACC) — This Fairfax County Government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
- FCPS Communications for Families — FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
- Family Engagement Resources — FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities.
- Family Liaisons — Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].
Helpful Resources
- https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/26/covid-19-updates-new-vaccine-option-baby-vaccine-data-1-million-vaccines/Free hotspot and internet for families with students who receive free and/or reduced-price meals or Fairfax County services.
- 988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.) Click here to learn more about 988.
- Locations to receive recommended child and adolescent immunizations are available throughout the Fairfax Health District, including at many pharmacies and groceries that have pharmacies. Please click here to find a location near you.
- Fairfax County Youth Substance Use Trends and Supports Webinar (recording). Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports.
- Healthy Minds Fairfax has a 1-pager on how to know when your child may have a mental health concern and where to get help.
Contacts/School Information
Attendance Phone Line: 703-426-5702
Attendance Email: [email protected]
Attendance Online Submission: https://frostms.fcps.edu/about-us/attendance-form
Heath Room: 703-426-5710
Parent Information Phone Lines/Support for parents who do not speak English as their first language: Parent Information Phone Lines
Parent and Student Technology Support: IT Support Portal
Principal: Anthony Harris [email protected]
Assistant Principals:
- Kenya Champ [email protected]
- Katy Kownacki [email protected]
- Ellen Reed [email protected]
Director of Student Services: Danielle Hornbecker [email protected]
Counselors:
- Megan Dunn [email protected]
- Larkin Gibas [email protected]
- Dan Joo [email protected]
- Becky Mendoza [email protected]
- Katie Webb [email protected]
Blue/Gray Calendar and Bell Schedule
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
4101 Pickett Rd Fairfax, VA 22032 | Main Office: 703.426.5700
Attendance: 703.426.5702 | Web | Twitter