In this Summer Message: 

• Principal Message
• Back to School Checklist
• Register for Kiss and Ride
• Back to School Timeline
• New Staff Spotlight
• Student IDs/ Bus Tracking
• FCPS App
• New Menu Platform
• 2026-2027 Supply Lists 
• Join Cub Scouts
• Upcoming Dates

Dear Floris Families,

We hope you are enjoying the final days of summer break. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Floris Elementary School and hearing about your summer adventures!

As a reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 24, and we are excited to welcome both our returning students and the many new families joining the Floris community this year. With our recent boundary adjustment, we are thrilled to welcome students and families from Coates Elementary School and look forward to building one strong Floris Family together.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, our commitment remains centered on ensuring every child feels known, valued, challenged, and supported. This year's theme, "The Best Is Yet to Come," reflects our belief that together we can build upon the incredible foundation that already exists at Floris while continuing to grow and improve in meaningful ways.

Our School Improvement and Innovation Plan will focus on three key priorities:

• Strengthening Tier 1 instruction by providing engaging, high-quality learning experiences in every classroom every day.
• Using data to drive instruction and intervention so every student receives the support or enrichment they need to be successful.
• Creating a culture of belonging where every student feels connected, valued, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

These priorities will guide our work throughout the year as we continue to collaborate as educators, build strong relationships with students and families, and provide learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and growth.

Today, we welcomed our newest staff members to Floris, and next week our entire team will return to prepare classrooms, collaborate with colleagues, and finalize plans for an outstanding school year. Thanks to our growing enrollment, we have expanded our team with additional teachers and support staff, allowing us to continue providing exceptional opportunities for all students. We will continue to introduce our new staff members in upcoming Floris Family newsletters.

Below this message, you will find important information and key dates to help your family prepare for the opening of school. We look forward to seeing many of you at Open House and Back-to-School Night, where you'll have an opportunity to meet teachers, connect with our staff, and learn more about the exciting year ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will make this a year filled with meaningful learning, strong relationships, and memorable experiences for every child. We cannot wait to welcome our Eagles back to school.

The best is yet to come!

Sincerely,

Joshua DeSmyter

Principal, Floris Elementary School

We’re Eager to Welcome You Back to School!

As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Use the following list to help make sure your child is ready! 

☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at 703-561-2900 if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Contact Information

Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts. 

☑️ Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. 

When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.

☑️ Learn About School Meals

Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.

☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

• Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
• Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
• Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.

Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.

Register for Kiss and Ride for the 2026-2027 School Year

In order to streamline our Kiss and Ride process, you must register your child(ren) so that you are assigned a kiss and ride number. 2025-2026 Kiss and Ride numbers will NO LONGER BE VALID. All registered families will receive a new number for 2026-2027 that will be associated with your child(ren). 

How does it work?  

Once you register, you will receive a laminated number to display in the front window of your car.  Each family will get a car number, and your child(ren) must know their family number at dismissal time.