Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 4.15.26
Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 4.15.26

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


April 21 Statewide Election: No School for Students

Calendar Reminder.png

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to students on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.


Get2Green Earth Week - April 20 - 24

picture of a hand holding a pot of green plant

Students and staff are invited to join us in celebrating Earth Day Spirit Week! Each day has a special theme to help us learn about and care for our planet. Show your school spirit by wearing the color that matches each day’s theme!

Monday, April 20  - Wear Nature/Animal Print for Wildlife Day

Tuesday, April 21 - No School

Wednesday, April 22 - Wear Green for Earth Day

Thursday, April 23 - Wear Red for Climate Change Day 

Friday, April 24 - Wear Blue for Watershed Day 

Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.


School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

bus drivers and attendants standing and sitting in front of the school bus

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is on April 22! This is a great time to recognize the caring adults who help our students get to and from school safely each day.

Our bus drivers and attendants show patience, kindness, and dedication in all kinds of weather. They help create a calm and welcoming start and end to each school day, and their work makes a big difference for our students and families.

We are grateful for all they do to keep our school community safe and connected. Please take a moment to say “thank you” and show your appreciation for our amazing bus drivers and attendants!


Theravada New Year (Observance Day)

Theravada New Year written on  a purple background

Thursday, April 16, is Theravada New Year. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.


Muslim American Heritage Month

gold half moon and star on a green background

Muslim American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and meaningful contributions of Muslim Americans across our nation. In Fairfax County Public Schools, this is a time to honor the many students, families, educators, and community members who enrich our school system through their perspectives, talents, and experiences.

Muslim Americans represent a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and traditions, reflecting a global community connected by shared values such as compassion, service, and respect for others. Throughout history and today, Muslim Americans have made lasting contributions in education, science, public service, the arts, and beyond.


National Arab American Heritage Month

Arab Heritage text on a brown background

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Remote Area Medical (RAM) & Humanity First – Free Medical Clinic

Free Medical Clinic - doctor with white coat smiling

Free medical clinic in Chantilly, VA offering dental, vision, and medical services at no cost. Services are first-come, first-served, and no ID is required.

Date:  April 18–19, 2026

Location: Mubarak Mosque, 4555 Ahmadiyya Dr, Chantilly, VA

For More Information- access the flyer: (flyer available in English and Spanish)


First Responder Interaction Day

First Responder text on a blue and red background

Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Fairfax Fire Training Academy on West Ox Rd.

This free event is designed to help individuals with disabilities, their families, and community members learn how to safely and confidently interact with first responders in emergency situations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local first responders, learn about emergency and crisis resources, and practice real-life scenarios in a supportive environment.

At the event, you can:
• Meet and interact with police, fire, and emergency personnel
• Practice navigating emergency scenarios through role-play
• Learn about helpful safety tools like disability ID cards and Emergency Health Profiles
• Explore community resources that support safety and independence

These interactive experiences help build understanding and confidence for both community members and first responders, strengthening safety and communication for everyone involved.

Event details and registration


ABA Family Training - Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills

picture showing  teeth and blue toothbrush

This workshop is intended for family members of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.

Topics covered will include:

How to teach:

Social Activities

Self-help

Daily living skills

How to use different strategies to facilitate independence

April 22nd, 2026

Choose one virtual session:

10:00am - 11:30am or 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Join using this meeting link

All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. No registration is needed.

To request an interpreter, contact Stephanie Watkins at (571) 423-4110 or by email at sawatkins@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email).

For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.


2026 Special Education Family Conference

the text Special Education Family Conference on a blue and yellow background

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.


Ordering is Open for the 25-26 Key Center Yearbook!

picture of Key Center Rocket on a yearbook

This school year has been full of special moments, big smiles, and wonderful memories. Make sure you capture them all!

Yearbooks are available now for the low price of just $10.

Order deadline: April 26, 2026

Order online: Key Center PTA Givebacks Store

Order your copy today. We can’t wait for you to enjoy looking back on this great year!


Community Conversations

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Resources

picture of a pole sign with texts help, tips assistance and guidance

Workshops and Webinars

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about other resources.


Key Center PTA

 Key Center PTA every child one voice text on a white background

Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join!  You can also support Key Center by volunteering with our PTA or making a donation through our Educate Fairfax site.

Key Center PTA Membership
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Key Center PTA Donations


Upcoming Dates

 picture of a calendar with text Important Dates to Remember

Tues, April 21

  April Statewide Election - Student Holiday

May 25    

  Memorial Day - Holiday

May 26 

  Teacher Workday - Student Holiday 

May 27

  Eid al-Adha - Holiday

June 17

  Last Day of School - Early Release

 


This email was sent to npkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Fairfax County Public Schools · 8115 Gatehouse Road · Falls Church, VA  22042 GovDelivery logo