Fall 2026

FCPS Wellness Newsletter

The Importance of Immunizations: Protect Against Communicable Diseases

With flu season around the corner, it’s important to give our bodies the best defense. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by boosting our body’s natural defenses and help it safely develop immunity. Staying up to date on all vaccines is imperative to protect your health.

The Importance of the Flu Vaccination

As we look at the current school year, our top priority remains the health and well-being of our students. To ensure every child has a healthy year, we want to share the importance of seasonal flu vaccinations and upcoming opportunities for your child to receive this vaccination.

Why the Flu Vaccine is Essential

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. Staying up-to-date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

• Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.

• Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.

• Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Immunization and Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Additional immunization resources are also available. 

Fresh Flavors, Smart Choices: What’s Cooking This Fall

Exciting news from the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)! Since September 24, our cafeterias have debuted delicious new breakfast and lunch menu items to nourish students and staff.

Kick-start your morning with warm guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava), honey chicken biscuits, or our new oven-roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.

Customize your meal with build-your-own crunchy tacos featuring beef or plant-based sofritas. Try our new banh mi burger inspired by the famous Vietnamese sandwich (available with beef or vegan patties), savor whole-grain ramen bowls topped with hard-boiled egg or chicken, or warm up with a southwest fiesta soup made with plant-based crumbles, fire-roasted corn, and spices, served alongside crunchy corn chips.

FNS prioritizes offering delicious plant-based and vegetarian meals alongside traditional protein choices. These options make it easy for students to choose sustainable, nutritious foods that deliver the same familiar flavors they love, making balanced eating a seamless everyday choice. Eating more plant-based foods is not only good for your health by increasing fiber and vitamins, but it also helps the planet by reducing carbon emissions and water use.

Speaking of making informed health choices, October is Health Literacy Month! This month is dedicated to helping everyone understand health information so they can make confident decisions. Knowing what goes into daily school meals empowers students and families to build habits that support long-term wellness — which is where new menu tools come in.

MealViewer, our new digital menu system, makes taking charge of your nutrition easier than ever. MealViewer allows students and families to:

• Filter for top food allergens instantly.
• Use a built-in nutrition calculator.
• Favorite top menu items for quick planning.

Check out MealViewer today and see what’s being served this fall!

Attendance Awareness Month: Your Presence at School Matters!

Although September and Attendance Awareness Month are now in our rearview mirror, fall is the perfect time to spotlight the importance of regular school attendance. Beyond academic success, consistent attendance plays a key role in a student's overall health and wellness. 

The Benefits of Regular School Attendance

• Emotional Well-Being: Children thrive on routine. Regular attendance helps them feel connected to classmates, teachers, and the school community. This sense of belonging helps to reduce feelings of anxiety or isolation.

• Healthy Habits for Life: Showing up on time and preparing for school each day teaches responsibility and builds life skills students will carry into adulthood.

• Physical Health: When students are present, they participate in active learning, physical education, and health-based programs that promote fitness and well-being.

 Small Steps, Big Impact

Practical steps can be taken at home to set the tone for strong attendance habits. Try the following:

• Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine to ensure enough rest.
• Prepare school clothes, lunches, and backpacks the night before to reduce morning stress.
• Schedule medical and dental appointments outside of school hours when possible.
• Reach out to teachers, administration, or other school staff if challenges arise (whether health-related, emotional, or logistical). Read guidance on Can My Child Go To School Can My Child Go To School?
• For additional ideas, see Resources and Supports to Encourage Regular Attendance

Working Together to Achieve 

Attending school every day helps students learn, build relationships, and prepare for the future. 

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to your school.

We are here for you!

Health Literacy: October is Health Literacy Awareness Month

October is Health Literacy Awareness Month. Health literacy is the ability to access and understand basic health information and services needed to make health-related decisions.   

Health information is often difficult to understand. Research shows that almost 90% of adults have trouble using health information. This can be because medical language is unfamiliar, data is difficult to interpret, a person is confused or scared about a diagnosis, and misinformation is often spread online, especially through social media.

Medical providers play a big role in improving health literacy in their communities. But there are steps you can take to be a more health-literate individual, including:

• Make a list of your symptoms or concerns before visiting your healthcare provider.  Include when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.
• Make a list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including dosage.
• Make a list of your allergies.
• Write down your questions and bring them to your appointment. Take notes on the answers provided.
• Know who to call with questions after you leave.  
• Ask for an interpreter, if needed, in advance of your appointment.
• Have someone go to the appointment with you.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand.
• Ask for written directions if needed.
• Be honest with your health care provider.

Health literacy can help you manage health issues and concerns and prevent future health problems. Health literacy should be a team effort between you, your doctor, and others involved in your health care.    

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 16). Understanding Health Literacy. 

Cuddeback, R. (2024, October 2). Health literacy month. Family & Children's Counseling Services.

MedlinePlus. (2024, October 5). Talking with your doctor. 

Monette, A. Health Literacy Month. National Day Calendar. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2010). National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.  

National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day; it is a time to educate and raise awareness of diabetes and its impact on families.  

The 2026 World Diabetes Day theme is “Early action on diabetes,” promoting early diagnosis, risk reduction, and increased access to care. Blue is the color for Diabetes Awareness Month. Make sure to wear blue on Saturday, November 14, to support everyone affected by diabetes. 

An estimated 37.3 million Americans are living with diabetes, including adults and children.  Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects a body's ability to convert food into energy, leading to high blood sugar (glucose) levels.  

Diabetes occurs when an individual cannot produce or properly use insulin. When there is not enough insulin or the cells stop responding to insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, having high blood glucose levels can cause acute and long-term health complications.   

There are several different types of diabetes, but the two most common types are: 

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetes develops quickly and is not preventable. Type 1 diabetes requires daily management with insulin injections and glucose monitoring. 
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin well. This is the most common type of diabetes, and it mainly affects adults, but it can affect children too. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually with few or no noticeable symptoms and can be prevented or delayed. You can manage the condition with lifestyle changes, medications, and check-ups with a healthcare provider.   

About 96 million Americans are prediabetic. Those with prediabetes have increased blood sugar levels but do not meet the levels for a type 2 diagnosis.  

Prevention of type 2 diabetes includes: 

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating healthy foods (complex carbohydrates, e.g., oatmeal, whole grains, and vegetables). Avoid refined carbohydrates that are high in sugar and low in fiber or nutrients, such as white bread, white-flour pasta, fruit juices, and processed foods with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. 

• Regular screenings and checkups. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends routine screening with tests to diagnose type 2 diabetes for all adults age 35 and older. The ADA also recommends screening for the following groups:

• People younger than 35 who carry excess weight and have one or more risk factors associated with diabetes, e.g., genetics, high blood pressure, smoking, inactive lifestyle.

• Women who have had gestational diabetes.

• People who have prediabetes.

• Children who carry excess weight and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors.

Discuss diabetes with your healthcare provider. Many hospitals and health systems offer diabetes and nutrition education programs, often using teams of endocrinologists, nurses, dietitians, and diabetes educators.

In addition, please see the FCPS Diabetes Information Fact Sheet. 

Sources: 

World Health Organization

Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare 

Mayo Clinic

Children's Diabetes Foundation 

American Diabetes Association

Daylight Saving Time Ends: The Gift of Sleep

With Daylight Saving Time ending on Sunday, November 1, many are looking forward to an extra hour of sleep. But why is sleep so important?

While we rest, our bodies work hard. Sleep is crucial for:

• Muscle repair: Our bodies use sleep to mend muscles damaged during the day.
• Growth and development: Growth hormone is released during sleep, aiding in cell growth and repair.
• Immune system boost: Sleep helps our immune system fight infections.
• Energy replenishment: Our bodies recharge their energy stores for the next day.
• Brain function: Sleep helps our brains process and store information, solve complex problems, and improve memory.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep can have serious consequences, including:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Reduced creativity
• Impaired learning ability
• Poor decision-making
• Slower thinking and processing
• Memory problems
• Trouble following instructions
• Motor skill difficulties
• Exacerbation of mental health conditions
• Increased risk of errors

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

• Ages 3 to 5: 10 to13 hours
• Ages 6 to 12: 9 to12 hours
• Ages 13 to 7: 8 to 10 hours
• Ages 18 and above: 7 hours or more

Tips for Better Sleep:

• Consistent schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Relaxing environment: Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool.
• Electronics off: Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Light meals: Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
• Limit caffeine: Reduce caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening.
• Healthy lifestyle: Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.

Grab Your Walking Shoes for Walktober: FCPS Fall Wellness Challenge

The FCPS Walktober Fall Wellness Challenge for FCPS staff runs October 1 through 31! Registration closes October 9.

More Ways to Win and Be Recognized

This year, Walktober brings more opportunities to win and be recognized with new participation and worksite prizes—and even more winning teams!

Register Today!

Visit the FCPS Walktober website to register and learn more information on how to participate.