A note from Mrs. Duffy
Thank you for your patience as we work through the "snowcrete" to get back to school after such cold temperatures. As you have seen, we will be operating on a 2-hour delay tomorrow. We are excited to see our students again! In anticipation of tomorrow's return, I've prepared this to help families make plans for a successful return.
Use the bus or Kiss & Ride if you can. Scout out your child's walking path tonight to make sure it is clear. There are still icy sidewalks that make it really hard to walk to school. FCPS has been working with VDOT to clear bus stops.
Please remind your students that the ice/snow needs to remain on the ground. We cannot pick anything up and throw it at cars, busses, houses, people, or even the ground. I know it is tempting, but this ice can cause serious injury or damage to property. This is important for all students to know even at bus stops and walking to/from school.
Please see below for information about:
- Two-hour Delay Reminders
- How to use our Kiss & Ride at arrival
- Phrases to use with your child regarding dismissal
- How to use our Kiss & Ride at dismissal
- Where to pick up Walkers at dismissal--NEW
We want to thank Mr. Eugene and Ms. Maria, our amazing custodians, for all of the work that they did to clear the snow from our property this past week. Additionally, we had some fantastic help from Bush Hill families and community members. I cannot thank you all enough for pitching in to help out - we are ready to receive students tomorrow!
Please stay safe and stay warm.
Mary
Mary Duffy, Principal
Two-Hour Delay Reminders
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We will open our doors at 10:50 am. All students will remain outside until that time, so please do not drop off before 10:50 am.
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If your bus typically arrives at 8:15am, plan to be at the stop at 10:15 am. Know that busses are navigating the streets that we all are too. They may arrive a few minutes late.
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Plan for extra travel time.
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Breakfast in a bag is served.
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Students will have lunch, but their lunch time may be adjusted.
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Dismissal will begin at 3:55 pm.
ARRIVAL: Kiss & Ride
Our Kiss & Ride is a well-oiled machine! Follow these steps:
DO:
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Approach school from Westchester and turn right into the second entrance of our school. Stay in the left lane unless your child is in preschool or has mobility support needs. The right lane is reserved for the extra assistance.
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Pull all the way forward as far as you can. You will probably pass Door 2 and 3. That's okay. We'll help your child out and make sure they get into the building.
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Only let students out on the passenger side.
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As you exit back out onto Westchester, pay attention for exiting busses.
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Smile and wave at staff who are helping out in the cold. :-)
DO NOT:
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Do not park anywhere on Westchester Street. The street cannot handle the volume.
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Do not block driveways or intersections.
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No U-turns on Westchester.
- Do not park in our parking lot. We have already lost spaces because of the snow.
- Never drop your child off in the street. Do not walk them across and then return back to your car. Use the Kiss & Ride.
- Do not lose patience. We will get everyone in and out as quickly as possible.
Phrases to Use with Your Child About Dismissal
We know that you might be using a different routine for your child's dismissal. Please make sure your child knows what the dismissal plan is. We use certain phrases at school that will help cue your child where to go. Please use this language:
“Go to Kiss & Ride.”
“Go out with Walkers.” (followed by "I will meet you." or "Walk home.")
“Go home on the bus or van.”
“Go to SACC.”
DISMISSAL: Kiss & Ride
We will run our regular, well-oiled Kiss & Ride routine.
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Line up on Westchester and turn right into the second entrance of our school.
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Stop at the stop sign on Westchester and wait for a staff member to direct you to pull forward into our lot.
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Once you give your child's Kiss n Ride number to our staff member, we will send your child out to Kiss n Ride from the gym.
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Be patient and wait to pull forward.
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Do NOT drive around other cars or switch lanes once in our lot.
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Do NOT cut the Kiss n Ride line on Westchester.
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Do NOT turn left into our parking lot.
DISMISSAL: Walkers
Kindergarten will be dismissed through Door 3 as usual.
If your grades 1-6 student is a Walker, please note that the blacktop where they would normally meet you is NOT accessible. Your child should know whether to walk straight home or meet you off school property. Please make sure that your walker knows where you will meet them. An ideal location would be along the Westchester sidewalk in front of our school or playground.
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather is here! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
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