FH Weekly Update - 1/20/25

English | Español | አማርኛ | English | English | English | العربية | فارسی | اردو

std

Principals' Update

Dear Freedom Hill Families,

We loved having everyone back in the building for a full week after our extended Winter Break. We spent time recommitting to our expectations within the classrooms and across the building, and we were able to get back into a lot of great learning. With the first semester ending in just a few days, students are current involved with taking assessments to demonstrate their learning. We can't wait to share some of our progress!

This week, we ask that you mark your calendars! We will be celebrating our school community's 75th anniversary on May 17th. All current and alumni families and staff are welcome to attend the festivities from 11-2 at the school. More information will be forthcoming on all of our great events - but expect activities, school tours for alumni, food sales, and other great fun organized by our school, our Student Council, and our PTA. It promises to be a great occasion. 

This week, we are expecting frigid temperatures. Please keep your child safe by dressing them in layers that they can wear for arrival and dismissal times when they are outside. 

Lastly, our PTA is recruiting parents to carry on many of our traditional events and offerings that benefit our entire community. Please see the PTA section at the bottom. Even taking on a small event or initiative has a meaningful impact!

 

In partnership,

Nicholas Zapadka, Principal

Tim Scesney, Assistant Principal

Holly Sims, Assistant Principal


Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

FCPS Lunch Menu

Freedom Hill Family Resources

  • January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – School Closed
  • January 22 - Virtual Rising 7th Grade Information Session, 5PM, Use Kilmer MS website
  • January 23 - Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Open House @ Kilmer MS
  • January 28 – End of 2nd Quarter
  • January 29 – Teacher Work Day – Lunar New Year - School Closed
beige

p2

 

 

 

This week, we are focusing on Perseverance. You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.

 

"It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”

                                                          ~Babe Ruth

 

Questions you might enjoy talking about:

  • What is involved in perseverance?
  • How is perseverance related to teamwork? Creativity? Optimism?
  • How can a growth-mindset help as you think about perseverance?
 
p2

FCPS Boundary Study

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 
  • Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 
  • Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

Virtual meetings will follow the same format as in-person meetings that were recently held and the same information will be shared. Stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.


Head Lice Awareness

Please be aware that our area has experienced a number of head lice cases this fall.  We understand that dealing with head lice can be challenging and stressful for families, and we want to work together to prevent the spread. Throughout the winter season, please remind your child not to share hats and coats with friends, or touch heads with others, as this is the way most lice is transmitted.

We kindly ask all parents to remain vigilant by regularly checking their child's hair for any signs of head lice. For more information, visit Lice Treatment and Prevention | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu) Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of lice in our classrooms and beyond.


Math and Reading support through Belong's After-School Mentoring Program

belong

Belong offers a free academic and social-emotional mentoring program for elementary students. Sessions are held at Marshall High School on Tuesdays from 6:30–7:30 PM. Your child will meet weekly with the same volunteer mentor to work on math and reading (and English as needed) and play games, providing personalized one-on-one support. Limited spaces are available for 5–6 children. Families commit to coming weekly through end of May.

For more information, call 703-485-6705. We hope to have new students begin no later than January 28.

Hablamos español.


Chinese New Year Festival

The Asian Community Service Center sincerely invites all Freedom Hill families to join their 16th Annal Chinese New Year Festival on Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Virginia.

China's 5,000 year history leaves us some of the most amazing stories and wisdom to learn from. Chinese culture is full of inner meaning. Through stories and presentations designed for school-age children and their parents, as well as teachers and school administrators, participants will get a feel for the true essence of Chinese culture. Group reservations are appreciated, although we will try our best to accommodate everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Schedule: Performances: 1:15-2:00 p.m., 3:45-4:30 p.m. Dragon Parade: 2:45 p.m. Educational Tours: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

All activities are free, but children may wish to purchase their favorite Asian dish (all affordably priced) or buy a beautiful Chinese craft. Chinese or Asian dress is encouraged during the event.