BEAM UPDATE

Dear Families,

We are reaching the end of this first quarter (October 28), I encourage families to check in on your student’s grades and progress through ParentVUE. This tool offers up-to-date progress check-ins, giving you a window into your student’s learning and achievement ahead of the end of the first quarter.

We implement standards-based grading at Fitzgerald. Standards-based grading (SBG) is a system of reporting to students and parents that is focused on explaining the level of understanding that students have towards specific learning targets. Students are assessed informally and formally to determine if they have mastered these learning goals as mandated by the state curriculum.

SBG helps students have a growth mindset. If students do not show mastery of a skill after first instruction, they will continue to be retaught, supported, provided practice, and given an opportunity to retest that skill. This helps students learn that if they keep trying, they will be given the chance to accomplish their goals, even if it’s at a later date than others.

George Wright, Principal

Fitzgerald Elementary- A place to connect, experience, and THRIVE!

October 10- Divisionwide Professional Learning Day - No school for All students

October 11- Back to School Night for grades K-2 from 5-6:30.

October 12- National Walk to School Day

October 13- Back to School Night for grades 3-5 from 5-6:30.

October 17- Field Day

October 28- End of first quarter

October 31- Parent Conference Day- No school for all students.

November 9- Report Cards Distributed

Parents,

As the weather gets colder, it is a great reminder to buy laptop insurance for your student(s) device. When purchased, the insurance covers unlimited repairs or replacements for everything from broken screens, lost chargers, and accidental damage, with a zero deductible for one year on a school-issued HP device. The insurance costs $32.95, which is significantly less than repair or replacement costs without insurance. Please visit the FFES website or Securranty website to purchase.

This year at Fitzgerald Elementary we are excited to announce the Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program. We have an MFLC who will be available to the students and parents who have military affiliation. The MFLC assigned to the school will be present at the school on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Friday. The MFLC will be providing services to students that have at least one parent on active-duty status and have returned signed consent forms to the school. These services include individual and/or group counseling. Some topics of interest our military students traditionally have been conflict resolution, anger management, bullying, self-esteem problems, behavioral management, sibling & parental relationships, and issues involving deployment. If families have questions, they may contact the school and leave a message for our MFLC.

Students see Mrs. Marshall in breakfast in the mornings, throughout lunches, and in small settings. We are very excited to welcome her to our school this year!

Unlimited online tutoring for students now available 24/7 through Paper

PWCS students now have access to free, unlimited online tutoring through a new partnership with Paper.

Students can get help with their homework, receive feedback on their writing assignments, or ask questions about any academic subject.

Tutors are currently available to help students in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Learn how to use Paper online tutoring.

Transportation’s Late Bus Notification web page is now available for parents. Click the link to see the list of buses that will be late 15 minutes or more to start their run.

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/bus_delays

Please contact the Transportation Dispatch Center (571-402-3940) for transportation support.

At Fitzgerald, we expect all concerns to be treated with respect. When questions, concerns or interests regarding your child's progress or school program arise, please address them by contacting your student’s classroom teacher first. Many questions can be easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class. Use the school’s staff directory listed on the website to look up the teacher you need to contact.

If questions or concerns remain, it is appropriate that you then contact the building assistant principal or principal. Administrators spend most of their day visiting classrooms and attending meetings. It is best to call the school or email them when you need to make an appointment.

Families are encouraged to contact a school counselor or the social worker when there are concerns related to the social and emotional well-being of their student. Use the school’s staff directory listed on the website to look up the staff member's contact information.

Staff will respond within 24 hours/1 business day. Our school’s office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

Week of September 19- click here

Week of September 5- click here

Week of August 22- click here