BEAM UPDATE

Dear Fitzgerald Parents/Guardians:

I want to remind everyone of the weather procedures for this winter. We also would like to share specific information relative to our school and weather procedures.

PWCS will continue to have Code Red Days this school year and beyond when conditions warrant their use in severe weather emergencies. During Code Red, schools and offices will be closed.

PWCS added a new code last year, Code Orange, for days when weather may be marginal such as when road conditions are uncertain, or unsafe, for a limited period. Code Orange may be used in lieu of days that in previous years were delayed openings.

Students should use these Code Orange days for asynchronous learning as an opportunity to complete work assigned and/or to receive support from their teacher during posted office hours that will be between 8:55 am and 3:55 pm with specific teacher office hours to be posted on the school website and/or canvas.

Students who need a device to access assignments will be encouraged the day ahead of potential weather to take their computer home. If your family needs assistance with at-home internet, please contact your classroom teacher.

As we plan for increased communication during the winter months, it is important that all contact information is updated in ParentVUE to ensure that you are receiving important school messages. Additionally, caregiver information should also remain current to ensure the safety of your child in the event of an early closure. If you need assistance, please contact the front office at 703-583-4195.

More information on weather closings can be found here.

Read Weather FAQs here.

Thank you for your support and cooperation!

George Wright, Principal

December 12-16: Penguin Patch (Holiday Shop Program) Click Here for examples of gifts students could purchase. Your child is responsible for keeping up with their money.

December 16: Winter Sing a-long 2022

December 23-26 and January 2: Winter Break (schools and offices closed)

January 3: School Reopens

When: Friday, December 16

Where: Cafeteria

Times: 1pm & 2:15pm

The songs to be sung are:

Deck the halls

Frosty the Snowman

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Jingle Bells

Winter Wonderland

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Sleigh Ride

Feliz Navidad

Chanukah, O Chanukah

Jingle Bell Rock

Students that have been opted out of the sing a-long will be placed in a classroom at the same grade level.

Parent Advisory Council Meeting

December 13, 2022 5:30 PM

Click Here to join via Zoom.

PTSO Meeting Dates

December 13, 2022 6:30 PM

Click Here to join via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 814 8258 6362

Passcode: 369222

Thank you to all the students, families, and staff that joined our last "Mystery Reader" night. Join us Monday, December 12 via zoom from 6:00-6:30 pm for another reading. Who will be the next mystery reader? Join with your family using the information below:

Zoom

Meeting ID: 837 7344 6260

Passcode: Reading

Don't forget to grab your hot chocolate!

We offer many extracurricular clubs to our students. After school clubs can help improve academic performance, allow kids to discover new passions and hobbies, nurture life skills, and so much more. Kids who participate in structured after-school programs see improved academic performance. Read below to see the clubs at Fitzgerald and what will be offered after winter break. Expect flyers to come home soon for new clubs.

Students in Kinder and First participated in a Colgate assembly. The assembly taught students the importance of good dental hygiene. Each student received a bag with dental supplies when the assembly was over.

This assembly was done in partnership with Old Dominion (VA) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

The Title 1 and instructional support teams organized resources that families can used to support learning at home. Our school's goal is to demonstrate high achievement at 78% or higher for reading, 74% or higher for math, and 75% or higher for science on standardized assessments. With your help, we can exceed these goals!

The links are listed below:

Reading- Print Bookmarks

Math- BedTime Math

Science- Pebble Go

Week of November 14- click here

Week of October 31- click here

Week of October 17- click here

Week of October 3- click here

Week of September 19- click here

Week of September 5- click here

Week of August 22- click here

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.

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.

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.