This Week at Frost - March 28, 2025
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Important Dates in March and April - Mark Your Calendars!- 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
This Week at Frost....
Join Oakton Cougar Robotics for a STEAM Symposium Tonight!
Supervisor Dalia Palchik, in partnership with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, is hosting a Providence Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 5th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Graham Road Community Building, 3036 Graham Road, Falls Church.
This family-friendly event will offer giveaways, food and ice pops and opportunities to connect with neighbors, explore eco-friendly initiatives, and support local vendors. Family-friendly activities include lamb-mowing, interactive craft stations, mobility garden, and other educational opportunities.
⏰ Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey
Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.
April is Month of the Military Child
Frost has 146 military connected students – that’s over 11% of our school! We will celebrate our students throughout April – to include a spirit week April 7-10, with Wednesday, April 9th being the FCPS Purple-Up for military kids day. Frost school counselor, Larkin Gibas, sent information on 3/18 directly to our Military connected families. Please contact Ms. Gibas ([email protected]) by March 25 if you did not receive it, so we can ensure we have your student included in our upcoming celebrations. FCPS includes retiree status in our correspondence, but students are free to opt out of any of our activities if they wish.
Spring Break STEM Camp – Hands-On Science & Engineering Activities! (Free for Eligible Students)
Looking for an exciting and educational way for your child to spend spring break? Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are hosting a Spring Break STEM Camp for 4th-7th graders from April 14-18 in McLean, VA. Campers will explore engineering, coding, chemistry, physics, and biology through engaging, hands-on activities designed to make STEM fun and accessible. The camp runs from 9 AM - 3 PM, with optional extended care available.
- Cost:$180 (FREE for students receiving free/reduced lunch)
- Location:6888 Elms St. Suite 2C, McLean, VA
- Lunch:Students should bring their own
- All proceeds benefit CAPA NoVA and TJHSST clubs
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/N9downzWECuXoYQW9. For more details or questions, please email [email protected].
Our Schools, Our Future – Spring Series 2025: Community Conversations
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community and Employee Conversations across the school division this spring. These events are a valuable opportunity for you and your communities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage directly with Dr. Reid. Your input matters, and we encourage you to participate.
Community Conversations – Open to all families from all regions
- Tuesday, April 1 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lorton Station Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
- Monday, April 7 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Greenbriar West Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
- Monday, April 21 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mount Eagle Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
- Wednesday, April 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mason Crest Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
Interpreter services will be provided for all events.
Save the Date! Summer Extravaganza on May 10!
☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
CARES Corner Tuesday April 1, 2025 - Sib Teen 1-4 pm Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax, VA)
A unique community-building group for siblings of children with disabilities in grades 6-9 to share about their lives and sibling experiences, receive peer support and engage in fun recreational and art-based activities.
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Tuesday, April 1, 2025- Sibshops 1-4 pm Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax, VA)For children in grades 2-6 who have a sibling with a disability to participate in fun community building games and discussion activities with other children who share in their sibling and family experiences.
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Health Department
- Speech and Hearing Clinic. Provides free speech and hearing screenings to the community preschools in Fairfax County and refers them to Child Find for further eligibility for services and intervention as well as Summer Speech and Language therapy services for school-going children who have IEPs and do not have ESY during summer when school is out. Flyers in all languages available here.
- Summer Reading Program at the Herndon-Reston Clinic. Individualized evaluation and treatment plan to support language development and reading skills.
Legal Services of Northern Virginia
- Low-Income Tax Clinic
Resources for Impacted Federal Employees
If you or your family member is a federal employee, contractor, nonprofit, or business that has been impacted by actions, changes or disruptions to federal services or employment, you may find helpful resources from Fairfax County here:https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/federal-government-resource-hub.
Additional resources for impacted federal workers can be found on this Commonwealth of Virginia Constituent Services site: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/federal-employee-resources/.
If you or your family has an immediate basic need for emergency food, shelter, clothing, or financial assistance, Fairfax County residents can contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. You may also contact Becky Henry, School Social Worker, at 703-426-3864, [email protected]; or Hana Kim, Family Liaison, at 703-426-3873, [email protected] for support with finding local assistance.
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]
Summer Fun and Learning!
Woodson High School Football Camp
Woodson Football is hosting a youth camp (Non-contact) June 16th-20th from 9am-3pm at the Woodson HS Stadium. Check out this flyer!
To sign up for Football Camp, follow this link:
Woodson Football Camp Registration Link
FCPS Summer Programs
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
In Case You Missed It....
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.
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