Last week, Preschool Programs welcomed Downtown Greens to spend time in the outdoor classroom and teach an exciting lesson about how plants grow. Downtown Greens maintains publicly-accessible greenspace in Fredericksburg and also offers food pantry services, workshops, youth programs, and educational events.

Last Thursday night, students, teachers, parents, and community members gathered at Walker-Grant Middle School to kick off the 2024-25 school year. Let's go, Tigers!

Last week, Mrs. Brindley's, Ms. Morrison's, and Mr. Hine's students tested water quality last week to unearth the cause of a mysterious (but imaginary) fish kill in the Rappahannock River. They're learning how to keep our river clean and safe for recreation and drinking water! This was the first part of a Meaningful Watershed Education unit, which will conclude with a field trip to the Rappahannock River.

Fredericksburg City School Board meetings are held at the Walker-Grant Center. All meetings begin with Closed Session at 6:30pm, followed by Open Session at 7:30pm. Citizens who wish to speak should send a request to fcpsspeakers@cityschools.com or by phone at (540) 395-4480 prior to 5:30pm on the day of the meeting.

Walker Grant Center

210 Ferdinand Street

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

During this time of the year, we focus on the collective role we all play in suicide prevention. We want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of reaching out for help, knowing how to talk to others about suicidal thoughts, and understanding what resources are available for those struggling.

If you or someone you know feels that life is not worth living, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800) 273-TALK. The call is free and confidential. Crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you.

People can call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Did you know that missing 10% of the school year—2 days a month—makes it difficult to learn to read by 3rd Grade, succeed in middle school, and graduate high school? Just two monthly absences can significantly impact the path to academic success. Be Present and Be Powerful! We love seeing our students at school each day. This month, consider taking some time to learn what you can do to fight chronic absenteeism.

We're looking for highly motivated folks who are passionate about working with kids. We have excellent programs to help career switchers, long-time teachers, and new college grads succeed in Fredericksburg.

Interested? Check out our available jobs at https://fxbg.link/FCPSJobOpportunities, or contact our Human Resources Department at (540) 372-1130.

Please join us on Tuesday, September 17, at 5:30pm in the James Monroe High School Auditorium for a special viewing of What I Wish My Parents Knew, a film produced to help parents better understand how they can support their children's mental health. The first 25 families to register for the screening will receive the Tell My Story card game for free. Tell My Story is designed to enhance communication between parents and their teens around the topic of mental health.

Childcare will not be available for this event. Refreshments will be available.

• Volleyball (JV) vs. Essex — 5pm @ James Monroe High School
• Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Essex — 6:30pm @ James Monroe High School
• Field Hockey (JV) vs. Meridian — 5:30pm @ Meridian High School
• Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. Meridian — 7pm @ Meridian High School

• Cross Country vs. Eastern View — 5pm @ Eastern View High School
• Golf (Varsity) vs. Caroline — 4pm @ Mattaponi Springs
• Football (JV) vs. Liberty (Bealeton) — Liberty High School (Bealeton) @ 7pm

• Field Hockey (JV) vs. Chancellor — 5pm @ Chancellor High School
• Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. Chancellor — 6:30pm @ Chancellor High School
• Volleyball (JV) vs. Chancellor — 5pm @ Chancellor High School
• Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Chancellor — 6:30pm @ Chancellor High School

• Football (Varsity) vs. Liberty (Bealeton) — 7pm @ Maury Stadium
  

• Cross Country Fork Union Invitational — 9am @ Fork Union Military Academy

On Thursday, September 26, FCPS will be hosting a Family Community Picnic at Walker-Grant Middle School, from 5pm to 6:30pm. Join us for yard games, music, good food, and more. Please note that you must register in order to attend.

Check back often with our Community Resources Hub for updates on what's going on around the 'Burg. Consider bookmarking this link: Community Resources | Fredericksburg City Schools (fxbgschools.us)

Family Engagement on Demand is an online platform for schools that provides families with 24/7 access to streaming videos on academic and social/emotional topics to help them support their child's learning at home.

Download the Fredericksburg City Schools VA app for all the latest news and happenings.

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