This Week at Frost - October 25, 2024
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Important Dates in October and November- Mark Your Calendars!- October 31 End of Quarter/Two Hour Early Release
- November 1 Diwali - School Holiday
- November 4 School Planning Day - Student Holiday
- November 5 Election Day/Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
- November 11 Veterans' Day - School Holiday
- November 27 - 29 Thanksgiving Holiday
This Week at Frost....
Last Track Meet on Saturday
The Frost cross-country team will compete for the last time this school year on Saturday, October 26 at Liberty Middle School in Clifton. We would love to see you there to support!
Parking may be limited, so they have asked us to encourage carpooling as much as possible and will be running continuous shuttles to and from Union Mill Elementary School where extra parking is available. Please do not park at the Catholic church across the street.
Here is the schedule:
8:45 Boys Exhibition
9:15 Girls Exhibition
9:45 Boys Championship
10:15 Girls Championship
11:00 Awards - The winning team and top 15 individuals from both championship races will be recognized.
Fall Picture Day Pictures
Your student's pictures are ready and available for purchase. To order, log in to our account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.
And Save the Date!
Makeup picture day is Friday, December 6th.
CARES Corner
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!
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
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]
In Case You Missed It....
JAVA Coding Courses at Fairfax High School
Fairfax HS students will be offering a virtual workshop for middle schools students in basic and advanced Java coding starting on November 4. Click on the flyer for more information.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Admissions
The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology application will be available on Monday, October 21 at 4:00pm, to current 8th grade students. The last day to begin an application is Wednesday, November 13 by 4:00pm. Applications must be submitted by Friday, November 15 by 4:00pm. The application portal, course prerequisites, GPA requirements, and deadlines can be found here: TJHSST Application Information
Important Tech Update
We want to emphasize the importance of students keeping their Chromebook cases on at all times. These cases are designed to protect the devices from accidental drops, scratches, and other damage.
If a Chromebook is damaged due to a lack of a case, students may be held responsible for the repair or replacement costs. We understand that accidents happen, but by ensuring students keep their cases on, we can help prevent unnecessary damage and the associated costs.
If your student lost their charger, you can purchase one in My School Bucks for $23.
Frost Middle School Yearbook!
Parents now is the time to purchase the Frost yearbook for the 24-25 school year. Go to Jostens Yearbooks to order. The cost is $42.00
School Year Calendar
- Be sure to bookmark the FCPS School Year Calendars to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
- Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
- Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
Frost MS Meditation and Silent Reflection Space
In alignment with FCPS regulations and expectations, Frost MS ensures that students and staff of all religious backgrounds have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school building. The following are our guidelines as of 9/13/23. Students whose religious beliefs require them to pray at a specific time that coincides with instructional time can be accommodated with parental written permission submitted to the school principal.
Parent Permission for Use of Meditation and Silent Reflection Space
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:
- Phil Hudson [email protected]
- 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