August 15, 2022

Dear Aldrin Families,

We all hope you had a wonderful summer and are getting as excited as we are about the 2022-2023 school year!   As usual, our summer has been filled with cleaning the school, planning a new Language Arts Program, registering new students, and planning for an exciting return to school for our students.    You will notice that many of the things we had to do virtually last year will be in-person this year including our Band, Chorus, and Orchestra concerts.  We are so happy to welcome volunteers back into the building and hope you will take the opportunity at Back to School Night to sign up to be a classroom volunteer.   Our school is GREAT because we have an amazingly supportive team of teachers and a community that always puts students’ needs first.  Together, we can do anything!  

Most of you already know Mrs. Katie Friedman will no longer be at Aldrin as our Assistant Principal.   We were so thrilled to have her on staff with her enthusiasm, great personality, and most of all, kid-centered priorities.  However, due to lower-than-expected enrollment, Mrs. Friedman was moved to Colvin Run Elementary School.  We will miss her and know she will do incredible things for her new school community.

Ms. Marta Sanchez, our amazing Building Supervisor retired on August 2^nd.  Marta has been at Aldrin since 2003 and served as both the Assistant Building Supervisor and Building Supervisor.  Marta took so much pride in our building—she called it her home away from home.    We will all miss Marta, but she promises to come back to volunteer.  Congratulations to Ms. Marta and we wish her the best retirement possible. 

Our mission and vision continue to be aligned with what we believe and practice each day—Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. 

The biggest question of the summer is Who is my child’s teacher?  Teacher placements will be available for you on ParentVue on August 18, 2022.  This is a county-wide teacher notification timeframe.   If you don’t have access to ParentVue, please reach out to Mrs. Linda Adgate in our main office for assistance. 

We hope you will join us for the Community Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 18^th from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on the blacktop.  We will have lots of delicious ice cream and live music. 

Below you will find some of the updates for this school year.   As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions. 

Welcome to our New Staff Members:

• Katy Hughes               Preschool Teacher
• Pam Ficker                  PAC Teacher
• Katie Oakley                Enhanced Autism Teacher--Primary
• Rajani Joshi                 Enhanced Autism Teacher--Upper
• Kevin Curtis                 Grade 4 Teacher
• Adam Orton                 Grade 3 Teacher
• Linda Crittenden          Non-Cat Teacher Substitute--Upper
• Debra Cockey              Band Teacher
• Mark Rueffert              TSSPEC (Technology Support) 
• Alyssa Teitsma            Full Time School Counselor
• Celeste Thompson      Part-Time School Counselor
• Maggie Chen Davis     ESSER III Tutor/Classroom Monitor

Teacher Grade Level Changes:

• Katie Palcher              From Grade 1 to Grade 2 Teacher
• Michael Woodring       From Grade 5 to Grade 4 Teacher
• Patricia Sanchez         From Custodian II to Building Supervisor

Aldrin Web: 

Visit our “Best of the Web,” FCPS-award-winning Aldrin home page!  We keep it updated with lots of great information for families. 

News You Choose:

Stay in the know!!  News You Choose is a service that allows subscribers to receive email notifications and updates from Aldrin.   If you haven’t signed up, we encourage you to do so today!!    https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAEDUFCPS/subscriber/new?qsp=VAEDUFCPS_1   

Twitter: 

Follow us on Twitter for pictures and events at the school throughout the year.  This is an excellent way to keep in touch with all the special moments at your child’s school.  @AldrinEalges

Aldrin is Hiring!! 

We have two positions open within the Aldrin Family.  If you’d be interested in applying for a Classroom Monitor or Dining Room Host/Assistant, please give us a call at 703-904-3800 and ask to speak to Lesley Aschenbach.

We continue to be Your Proud Principals,

Shane and Barbara

 

Please see the additional information below. 

Every Student.  Every Day.  Whatever It Takes.

2022-2023 ALDRIN ELEMENTARY—IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

Open House – Thursday, August 18, 2022

• 11:00 to 11:45 am                          PAC, Preschool, Enhanced Autism, Kindergarten, and 1^st Grade
• 11:45 am to 12:30 pm                    PTA-Sponsored Popsicles on the Playground (PAC, PS, K, EA, and 1^st)
• 12:30 to 1:15 pm                            Grades 2-6 and Multi-Age
• 1:15 to 2:00 pm                              PTA-Sponsored Popsicles on the Playground (Grades 2-6 and Multi-Age)

During our “Open Houses” we will have several staff members located in the lobby to help you and your child find their classroom.  There will also be staff available to assist with information about buses, forms from the school clinic, and other school information.  Please remember that Open House is a time for the teacher and students to meet and is not intended as a time for a Parent Teacher Conference.   If you want to meet with your child’s teacher, please set up a time outside of Open House and Back to School Night by calling or emailing them for a designated time.  This ensures teachers get a chance to meet the children and parents who have been waiting for this very exciting time.

Popsicles on the Playground: 

Mark your calendars……Another great opportunity to re-connect and meet new families is at our annual Popsicles on the Playground, sponsored by the PTA.  Popsicles on the Playground times are listed above. This event is so much fun for everyone!     

The biggest question of the summer is:  Who is my Child’s Teacher? 

Please know the staff take the placement of your kiddos very seriously and have made every effort to place them with the teacher we feel will be the best fit for each individual child.  We appreciate you trusting and believing in us.    All families will find student classroom teacher placements in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue Account under the student’s Schedule tab on Thursday, August 18^th.

The First Day of Day of School is Monday, August 22nd: 

(We are so excited!!)  Your child will bring home some VERY important forms for you to read, sign and return to school the next day.  After the first day, Thursday Recorder envelopes are sent home each Thursday. (Please return the envelope each Friday.)  Helpful Hint: Your child’s FCPS identification number is included at the top of the Thursday Recorder envelope for any forms requiring this information.

Friday, September 2nd and Monday, September 5^th

Student/Staff Holidays for the Labor Day weekend

Back to School Night is Tuesday, September 13^th.  

Back to School Night (BTSN) is an opportunity for teachers to meet you, share information about their instructional programs, and learn more about their students.  Look for a separate detailed flyer in your child’s Thursday folder prior to BTSN. 

The PTA will also vote on their budget and have information on membership and volunteer opportunities.  Other groups such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will be setting up to offer their programs to you. 

Student Devices:

All students will be assigned a computer the first week of school.

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grades:

Students will be assigned a device that stays in school. If devices are needed for schoolwork or projects, or in the event of an extended absence or temporary closure, devices will be sent home with students so they can continue to participate in their classwork.

Grades 3 through 6: Students will be issued an FCPS device for school use. Your child will take their device home with them each day and should come to school each day with their device fully charged.

ParentVue/SIS:

Not Sure How to Access Your SIS Parent Account?  It’s EASY!  New to FCPS?  FCPS mailed (via US Postal Service) every new parent/guardian to FCPS a letter providing a web address, activation key, and directions on registering for a SIS Parent Account.  FCPS provides electronic access to attendance, grades, and other information related to students via its SIS Parent Account system.  **It is very important that you take the time to register for your account today.   

Not new to FCPS?   If you have not received or misplaced your SIS Parent Account activation letter,  please e-mail Linda Adgate at @email and she will be happy to e-mail you a new activation letter. 

If you have forgotten your SIS Parent Account login or password, go to https://sisparent.fcps.edu/PVUE/PXP2_Login_Parent_OVR.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True and click “More Options.” 

Emergency Care Updates in ParentVUE:

Parents can update their student’s emergency care information online using weCare@school (weCare) which is now linked within SIS ParentVUE.  Learn more about weCare and ParentVUE here. 

Bus Transportation Information:

Bus routes are being finalized by FCPS Transportation Department.   Please log in to your ParentVue Account to find your child’s bus route:  https://sisparent.fcps.edu/PVUE/PXP2_Login_Parent_OVR.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True

Supply Lists and Pre-Ordered Supplies through the PTA:

The student supply list can be found on the Aldrin website at https://aldrines.fcps.edu/resources/supply-lists .  Pre-ordered supply packages, ordered through the PTA, will be available for pick-up during our Open House in the Little Theater.  If your child is unable to attend the Open House, their packages will be delivered to their classroom before the first day of school.  

Health Room Information: 

Jeanne Frost, Public Health Nurse (PHN), and Hailey Shur-Walsh will take care of the students’ needs this year.    They will be in the Clinic during the Open House to answer your questions and accept medication. 

First Week of School: 

Many staff members will be located throughout our school during arrival and dismissal times to assist all children on the first day of school and throughout the first week.  They will help children learn their way around the school and make sure that all riders board the correct bus each afternoon.  Walkers dismiss through exit 5, and students using the Kiss and Ride will go to the gym for dismissal.   **Please be sure your child knows how they are getting home from school each day. If a change occurs, please call the Main Office so a note can be sent to your child’s teacher prior to dismissal. 

Only kindergarten parents will be visiting classrooms on the first day of school.

Arrive between 8:55 am and 9:15 am:

Staff members are assigned to the lobby daily from 8:55 to 9:15 am.  Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:55 am.  At 8:55 a.m. children may enter the building and wait in the Cafeteria (Grades K through 2) and in the Gym (Grades 3 through 6) until they are dismissed to their classrooms.  Students are marked tardy if they are not in their classroom, and ready to learn by 9:20 a.m.

Distribution of Information: 

Efforts to conserve paper will continue to be made this year by reducing the printed materials that are sent home and by posting handbook information, newsletters, notices, PTA fliers, and other information on the Aldrin website. 

Also, when possible, we will send information home in e-mail format through the e-Notify or News You Choose system, so please be sure we have your correct e-mail address on file.    Paper copies will be available to anyone on request, without internet access. 

School Hours:

     Classroom Hours:                       9:20 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.

     Main Office Hours:                     8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Important Phone Numbers:

Main Office:............................. 703-904-3800

FAX .........................................  703-904-3897

Health Room ...........................  703-904-3815

Attendance Line Recorder …....703-904-3818

(Available 24 hours a day)

Cafeteria …………….……….703-904-3821

Fairfax County SACC ………703-449-8989

Reminder about the FCPS Student Dress Regulation:

FCPS respects students’ right to express themselves in the way they dress. It is important, however, that their appearance is tasteful and appropriate for a K-12 school setting. Discussion about dress code violations shall be held privately and maintain the dignity of the student.

Clothing and accessories should not:

• Display vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images
• Promote illegal or violent conduct
• Contain threats or gang symbols
• Promote the unlawful use of weapons, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
• Expose private parts or show an excessive amount of bare skin (see-through clothing)
• Contain studs or chain belts
• Include hats or other head coverings unless worn for significant religious, cultural, or medical purposes
• School administration may reach out to a student’s family if clarification is needed regarding the purpose of a head covering.

At Aldrin, we have not had issues with most dress code violations.  In recent years, however; we’ve noticed a trend toward shorter shorts and mid sections showing in our upper grades.  We hope you can take an extra minute to ensure your child is wearing appropriate attire before leaving your home in the morning.  Thank you.  

Aldrin ES Birthday Treat Policy: 

At Aldrin ES, like many other schools, we have quite a few students who suffer from life-threatening allergies.  As a school community, we must do all we can to reduce the chances of an allergic incident happening and must work diligently to keep our students safe.  We also have a continuing concern over childhood obesity and concern for families that can’t afford to purchase treats /items for an entire class.  So, based on feedback and collaboration from parents, students, teachers, and administrators, we have determined that we will limit student birthday celebrations to a birthday pencil and a birthday card from the Principal and Assistant Principal.  No treats or gifts should be sent in to be shared with the class for birthday celebrations.  Please do not send invitations in with your child unless the entire classroom is invited.

Volunteers are Welcome at Aldrin!

Aldrin Elementary School is excited to welcome volunteers back into our building this year! We have many opportunities—in the classroom, in the Library, in the Clinic, or in the Main Office.  Regular, ongoing Volunteers must submit a completed Volunteer Application Form to the school and be fingerprinted at the Gatehouse Administration Center. Read more about the application and background check process.  Volunteers must arrange the days and times they plan to volunteer with their child’s classroom teacher or the main office.  

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact your child’s teacher, Assistant Principal, Barbara Gist, or Administrative Assistant, Lesley Aschenbach, at 703-904-3800.   We look forward to welcoming you to our school!

Early Pick-Up:

If you need to pick up your child early for an appointment, please arrive at Door #1.  When the office staff answers the bell, please tell them who you are there for.  Be sure to bring a State-Issued Photo ID whenever you want to visit or pick up children from Aldrin.  Someone from the office will call your child down and bring them to you.  To make the process easier, please send a note with your child to their teacher.  You may also leave a message on the attendance line at 703-904-3818 or email: @email

Thanks so much for your support in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. 

Cafeteria:

Menus

● Menus, allergens, and nutrition information are all available online at https://fcps.nutrislice.com/menu/

Breakfast

● Aldrin will serve Grab & Go breakfast this year.   (There is no universal free breakfast this year.)

The cost is $1.75 for students and $2.35 for adults.  No charge for qualifying students.  NEW--Students who purchase breakfast at school will eat in the cafeteria and not in their classrooms this year. 

Lunch

● Lunch will be served in the cafeteria serving lines.  We will not have Salad Bars at this time.

The cost is $3.25 for students.  No charge for qualifying students.  Milk is sold separately is $.60.

There are three (3) ways to purchase lunch:

1.  Online using www.MySchoolBucks.com
2. Check (made payable to “Aldrin ES Food Services”).  Include the student’s name and PIN number on the check memo line.
3. Cash (brought to the food service manager’s office in the cafeteria.)

For more information about the criteria and process to apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) in English and other languages, visit https://www.fcps.edu/frm.  Please apply ASAP; if you need assistance, stop in the Main Office and we will assist you.

Where will students eat lunch this year?

Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria with their classmates.  We will continue maximizing social distance to the greatest extent possible and will require frequent hand washing/sanitizing.  Students will wash their hands before and after lunch each day. 

Special Diet Requests:

• The Public Health Nurse (PHN) and the FCPS FNS Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) coordinate all special dietary requests by following the FCPS Allergy Handbook.   Please contact Jeanne Frost, the Aldrin PHN at 703-904-3800, if you need to make a special request.

Here Comes the Bus®

This app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus® utilizes our GPS data and an easy-to-use customizable map that works on one or multiple devices, such as a tablet or smartphone.  Using the app is EASY!  From a smartphone or tablet, download (for free) the Here Comes the Bus® app from the App Store or Google Play.  You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and a Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account.  Once signed in, you can customize or edit features, including how the app will communicate with you, and the size and location of the notification radius around your child's bus stop.

FCPS Cell Phone Policy:

Students in K-8 must keep phones silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day unless there is a medical need or emergency, or teachers have allowed the usage of cell phones for instructional activities where they are the most appropriate tool.  Cell phones may only be used on campus before and after school.