For the past few years, students at James Monroe High School have been contributing to an ongoing environmental action project to better the Fredericksburg community. Following the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience program, JM freshman designed their project roadmap three years ago and work on a different aspect of the project each year. For example, last year, the classes mulched the area to prepare the ground for planting.

This year, on October 3, students weeded and conducted other final preparations for the pollinator garden, including carving out a walking trail around the area. On October 14, they outlaid a planting grid and landscaping design provided by Anne Little of Tree Fredericksburg, with help from several students. Each color of the planting grid corresponds to a different species of pollinator. Last Wednesday, October 16, was the big planting day! Mrs. Morrison's, Ms. Brindley's, and Mr. Hine's Environmental Science classes all got to work.

The goals of this project are to:

• Provide a habitat for local pollinator species
• Create a filtering zone for nutrients and pollutants before they can reach the canal
• Mitigate some effects of climate change
• Help reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect
• Isolate and sequester sources of carbon

Last Friday, the Walker-Grant Middle School Concert Band performed with the James Monroe High School Marching Band at their last game. They put on a great performance and had tons of fun. Thank you to our Walker-Grant band director, Ms. Ortiz, for providing these opportunities for our students. Go Tigers & Jackets!

Hugh Mercer hosted a fun Math Night last week for its students and families! Guests visited different hands-on stations to explore games and activities at their own pace. Thanks for a great night, Hugh Mercer families!

Keanan RaShad Berry, the September Optimist Student of the Month, continues to shine both in and out of the classroom. A lifelong Fredericksburg resident, Keanan is Co-President of the Drama Club and Treasurer of the National Honor Society, where his strong leadership skills shine through. As an active member of the Key Club, he always makes sure to give back to his school community. He also serves on the Day of Service Planning Committee and as a Writing Center Coach. He has recently been recognized as Second in Bass I in the VCDA's All-District Choir (2023) and Second-Best Actor in the region at the VHSL One Act Competition (2022). Keanan has plans to attend a four-year university to student political science and musical theater. Keanan, we can't wait to see all you accomplish!

The halls of Walker-Grant Middle School turned orange last week for Unity Day! Students and staff rocked their favorite spirit wear to support one another and stand up for unity.

Last weekend, James Farmer Scholars Grades 3-8 gathered for an incredibly educational Saturday Session and matriculated at the University of Mary Washington's College of Education, where they enjoyed engaging STEM activities. Great work, Scholars!

On Friday, October 18, 2024, Officer Chris Florio was presented with two awards — the Chief's Citation of Professional Recognition, presented by Chief Brian Layton, and the 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #4123. Principal Stephen Ventura and Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett attended to share kind words about Officer Florio. We are incredibly grateful for Officer Florio's dedication to FCPS, the Fredericksburg Police Department, and the City of Fredericksburg!

Last week, the first HIVE boxes of the year were delivered! Our talented James Monroe High School students made, packaged, and delivered sweet treats to staff members all across the division. We want to send a big thank you to the hardworking HIVE students for the creativity, care, and dedication put into every box!

Please be advised that construction on Cowan Boulevard will begin today, Monday, October 21. This will impact some of our bus routes for Hugh Mercer and James Monroe.

Impacted Bus Routes:

• James Monroe: Bus Y and Bus J
• Hugh Mercer: Bus T (times affected only) and Bus M (times affected only)

We encourage parents to anticipate possible delays and to check our Parent/Family Resources hub for updates regarding the affected routes. Residents are encouraged to visit the City's website for updated information and subscribe to Public Works Newsflash to receive updates about this project by text and email. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety and efficiency of our transportation.

We're pleased to share the proposed school zoning map for Fredericksburg City Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, presented to the School Board on September 9, 2024. While the map is still under consideration, we recognize that it may prompt questions and concerns from our community. We encourage you to explore the proposed changes and reach out with any feedback. Your input is invaluable as we work together to support our students and families—we're committed to ensuring that every student feels at home in their new school environment.

The survey will remain open until Thursday, October 31, at 4pm.

Downtown local favorite Ristorante Renatos has shared that they will be offering warm meals on Thanksgiving Day again this year for anyone who needs one. They can deliver it to you, or you can pick it up. Meals include turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, a roll, stuffing, a beverage, and a dessert. We are incredibly fortunate to have this wonderful community partner looking out for our Fredericksburg families.

Ristorante Renatos

422 William Street

Fredericksburg VA, 22401

(540) 371-8228

Hugh Mercer will host Treats in the Street (a Trunk-or-Treat event) from 5-6:30 PM on October 23. There will be food trucks with food available for purchase, face painting, music, and lots more! Dress up as your favorite character and trick-or-treat from car trunk to car trunk.

Interested in decorating your trunk to any (not-too-scary) theme and passing out candy? Space is limited, so email Lita Brown to sign up. Setup begins at 4:15 PM on Wednesday, October 23. Candy donations are appreciated!

Mary Washington Healthcare and the Rappahannock Area Healthcare District encourage those who live in the Fredericksburg area to complete their survey and make your voice heard!

Teacher grants offer educators the opportunity to support their students through creative and innovative means. Grants can be used to support new classroom projects, methods, and technology with the goal of helping our students excel. The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, The Fredericksburg Education Foundation, and The Rappahannock Rotary Education Foundation are currently accepting applications for their 2024-25 teacher grants.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) is pleased to announce the launch of a new SpeakUp for Safety tipline for students in Grades 6-12.

• This resource allows students to report confidentially concerns of bullying, threats, and other safety concerns via email, text, and phone call.
• A monthly reminder will be emailed to students in Grades 6-12, including the phone number as well as more information on how the tipline works.
• For questions, please contact FCPS Safety Coordinator Angie Roenke.

As always, if you have an urgent concern, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you witness or have information about a crime or potential crime, you can text "FPD Tip" to 847-411 to send an anonymous tip to Fredericksburg Police.

There are a number of upcoming parent training opportunities for families provided by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

1. Transition University: October 10 - December 4, 2024: Transition University is a free five-session self-paced online series to help parents/guardians navigate the transition process for their school-aged child and prepare for the adult world. The course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle, and high school students who receive special education services, but the course is open to everyone.

2. IEP University: November 4 - November 25, 2024: PEATC, in collaboration with VDOE, has developed IEP University (IEPU) to help provide families and professionals with accurate and useful information about IEP development and meetings. IEPU is a self-paced online training with easy-to-understand guidance on the special education process, the IEP document, and ways to develop collaborative relationships among schools and families. IEPU will target practical strategies aimed at helping future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for everyone involved. This training will be presented virtually and will include webinars, discussion boards, resources, and supplementary materials. It will take approximately six hours and can be accessed anytime during the three-week time frame indicated below. A certificate of completion will be provided for all who complete the training.

3. Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Online Self-Paced Training: November 4 - November 25, 2024: PEATC, in collaboration with the VDOE, offers this self-paced SEAC training aimed at helping SEAC members understand the role of the local Special Education Advisory Committee in Virginia and build a more efficient and effective advisory committee. The online training will take approximately four hours, and a certificate of completion will be provided for all complete the training.

4. Building Strong Parent Advocates: November 4 - November 25, 2024: The Building Strong Parent Advocates training provides information to help families build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while empowering them to be their child's best advocate. The online training will take approximately six hours, and can be accessed anytime from November 4 through November 25, 2024.

Every October, we celebrate National Principals Month in honor of our school principals, whose strong leadership, passion for education, and nonstop dedication to learning make our schools truly great. Consider taking a few moments this month to share a few kind words or send a thank-you note to your principal for all they do to support, uplift, and inspire our students.

• Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. Eastern View — 4 PM @ Eastern View High School
• Field Hockey (JV) vs. Eastern View — 5:30 PM @ Eastern View High School

• Field Hockey (JV) vs. King George — 5 PM @ King George High School
  
• Field Hockey (Varsity) vs. King George — 6:30 PM @ King George High School
• Volleyball (JV) vs. King George — 5 PM @ King George High School
• Volleyball (Varsity) vs. King George — 6:30 PM @ King George High School

• Cross Country — 5 PM @ Caroline High School
• Football & Cheer (JV) vs. Spotsylvania — 6 PM @ Maury Stadium

• Volleyball (JV) vs. Eastern View — 5 PM @ James Monroe High School
• Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Eastern View — 6:30 PM @ James Monroe High School
• Football & Cheer (Varsity) vs. Spotsylvania — 7 PM @ Spotsylvania High School

• Field Hockey (WGMS) vs. St. Gertrude — 4:30 PM @ Saint Gertrude High School

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