FCPS

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Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When scheduling trips or family events, try to use weekends and school holidays, and refer to the FCPS Calendar when planning. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to their school. Most schools have links to their attendance email or notification systems on their homepages. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call your school’s front office.

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Kick Off

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:

• Glasgow Middle School on Tuesday, October 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Kilmer Middle School on Thursday, October 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Madison High School on Tuesday, October 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Location TBD on Wednesday, October 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. 

Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters! 

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Offered in October

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener.  

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3-12 in October and again in February or March. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. 

The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful. Key updates to the screener this year include:

• Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12. 
• Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning. 
• Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.  

SEL Screener results are sent to families via postal mail. Families who wish to opt their child out should complete the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or in SIS ParentVUE. 

For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact your child’s school. 

Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey. 

Free COVID-19 Tests

Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, and for information on when students should stay home from school.

Mark Your Calendar

2nd- National Custodian Appreciation Day

4th- National Walk to School Day

9th- Indigenous People Day- (student holiday- no school for students)

17th- PTA Meeting- 6-6:30pm

23rd- Fall Picture Day

28th- Fall Festival- 10am-2pm

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

X (Formerly Twitter): @CoatesES

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

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September 25th- No School

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

Welcome to Ms. Reihanifard, Art Teacher!

Please join us in welcoming our new art teacher, Afshid Reihanifard. Ms. Reihanifard holds two master's degrees in Industrial Design and Graphic Design. She is a former faculty member of Azad University, Tehran, Central Branch, with 18 years of experience educating master's and bachelor's degree students in the Industrial Design Department.

She is originally from Iran and lives with her daughter, who is a freshman in college. They moved here in 2015, and since then, she has been instructing Visual Art classes at various places like Loudoun County Public Libraries, Ida Lee Community Center in Leesburg, and Douglas Community Center in Loudoun County. She is so excited to join the Coates Family and share her experiences and learn from you all.

Counseling Corner

Next week’s Shining Star (mindfulness) Lessons, K-3 students will identify and recognize Red Zone feelings. Students in grades and  4-6 October monthly lesson focus will be understanding the purpose of the SEL screener and review vocabulary to understand terminology that will be on the screener.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. 

You can find out more information about the SEL screener and access to its contents by visiting the SEL in FCPS website here.

Opt out for SEL screener is on page 18 of the Annual Opt-out booklet:

2023-24_k-8_opt-outbooklet.pdf

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school. There are solutions. 

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Student Rights and Responsibilities Acknowledgement Due

FCPS’ updated Student Rights and Responsibility (SR&R) booklet is available online and in SIS ParentVUE. The SR&R booklet explains expectations for student behavior, and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Each year, we ask parents/caregivers to review and sign the SR&R. The SR&R will be visible upon logging in to SIS ParentVUE until the SR&R acknowledgment has been completed.

Signatures are due by Friday, September 29. Please contact our front office if you are having difficulty accessing the booklet. Visit the SIS ParentVUE Account Overview webpage for help logging in to your account.

Substitute and Instructional Assistant Hiring

Substitutes to Receive High-Volume Pay on High-Volume Days

The School Board has approved a list of 18 days for substitutes to receive high-volume pay. All teacher substitutes will receive their hourly pay plus an additional $80 for each high-volume day they work. See the list of high-volume days and more information. 

A bonus program for substitutes who accept more than the 10 required days has also been approved. Substitutes working 50 days within a school year, will earn a $200 bonus. Substitutes working 100 days within a school year, will earn a $300 bonus. Substitutes working 150 days within a school year, will earn a $400 bonus. Get more information on this sub bonus program. 

Make a SUBstantial Difference! 

FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers. Weekly virtual substitute teacher information sessions are held each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for an upcoming session on Wednesday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 4. 

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

 

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

28th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6:30pm

28th- AAP Parent Orientation- 6-6:25pm

28th- Back to School Night- 6:30-7:30pm

 

4th- National Walk to School Day

9th- Indigenous People Day- (student holiday- no school for students)

17th- PTA Meeting- 6-6:30pm

23rd- Fall Picture Day

28th- Fall Festival- 10am-2pm

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

X (Formerly Twitter): @CoatesES

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Congrats to Mrs. Herring!

Congratulations to our School Based Technologist Specialist, Mrs. Kelly Herring, who was selected to receive a 2023 FCPS Individual Excellence Award!  

This honor recognizes and celebrates her commitment to serve FCPS with the highest degree of dedication and professionalism.  We commend her personal efforts and achievements to produce exceptional results while supporting our school system’s mission and vision.

When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent. 

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Fairfax Fiesta

Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com

All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/caregivers can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to [email protected]. 

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

28th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6:30pm

28th- AAP Parent Orientation- 6-6:25pm

28th- Back to School Night- 6:30-7:30pm

4th- National Walk to School Day

9th- Indigenous People Day- (student holiday- no school for students)

17th- PTA Meeting- 6-6:30pm

23rd- Fall Picture Day

28th- Fall Festival- 10am-2pm

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

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September 11- National Day of Service

With the upcoming 22nd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 

Get started this fall with two great opportunities: Public Lands Day (September 23) and Volunteer Fairfax’s VolunteerFest (October 21). Information on service projects can be found on the Volunteer Fairfax website.

Students Are Learning Every Day

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

How to Access Free Resources from Tutor.com

All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/caregivers can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Elementary - How It Works and Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to [email protected]. 

Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:

1. Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
2. Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
3. Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on: 
1. Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
2. Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
3. Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
4. Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
5. The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.

Paper forms can be signed and returned to school.

2023-24 Health and Safety Guidance for Schools

Although the COVID-19 hospital transmission level (previously the COVID-19 Community Transmission level) for Fairfax County is currently low, COVID-19 cases have risen in Virginia during the last few weeks, and flu season will soon be upon us. Be sure to review FCPS Health and Safety Guidance for the best ways to prevent the spread of disease and to find out when students should stay home from school. 

STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest Offers Hands-On Activities for Students

Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

11th- Patriot Day

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

28th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6:30pm

28th- AAP Parent Orientation- 6-6:25pm

28th- Back to School Night- 6:30-7:30pm

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Thank You Open Door Church for Staff Breakfast & Supporting our Block Party! Labor Day (Holiday)

Friday, September 1, and Monday, September 4, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.

Back to School Night Date Adjustment

Back to School Nights are an important part of strengthening our family partnerships.  In an effort to ensure all of our families are able to attend these important events, we are changing our date to September 28th so as to not conflict with Westfield High School's Back to School Night.  We want all of our families to be able to participate and look forward to seeing you here!

Fall Advance Academics Program Newsletter

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services,
not labeling students.  To find out more about these services and the identification process, please check out the AAP Newsletter.

Support Your Child’s Success

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE by using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

SEL Screener Parent Notification and Updates

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

Key updates to the screener this year include:

• Different versions for students in grades 3-5 and 6-12. 
• Fewer topics with more questions to provide schools and families with more data to support planning. 
• Additional questions aligned with FCPS’ commitment to educational equity.

Results are mailed home to families after each screening. Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVue. 

For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact us at 703-713-3000 

Please note that the SEL Screener differs from the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey. For more information about the Youth Survey, see the Fairfax County Youth Survey site.

Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources

Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission. 

Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.

Parents can find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

1st-4th- Labor Day Break (student holiday- no school)

11th- Patriot Day

14th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6pm

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

28th- Back to School Night

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Arrival/Dismissal Reminders

• Arrival begins at 9:00am with the tardy bell ringing at 9:15am
• Students arriving after 9:15am will need to be signed in to the office by a parent.
• Dismissal begins at 4:00pm
• At arrival, all students should enter through the main school doors (door 1).
• At dismissal, all bus students exit through door 1, walkers exit through door 3, and kiss and ride exit through the library.
• Any changes in transportation should be communicated with the office via phone (703)713-3000 by 3pm to ensure the change is communicated.
• At Kiss and Ride, you must stay in your car.  If you need to get out, please pull into a parking spot.

Buses and Delays

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000  with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources

Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Parent Consent webpage. This page also includes directions for providing permission. 

Each digital resource used in FCPS has had an instructional and technical review. Information about the educational technology tools approved for use within FCPS can be found in the online Digital Ecosystem Library.

Find more information about FCPS-approved digital resources on the Digital Resources in FCPS webpage.

🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

https://youtu.be/s_A1dtC4q7UThe beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 

Counseling at Coates

This week students met and/or learned about their counselors. Next week your child will be having and overview of feelings and emotions.  Lessons for the 2023-24 school year will be taught during the Mindfulness weekly lessons for Kindergarten through 3rd grade and monthly lessons for 4th-6th grade.

SR&R

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Friday, September 29. 

🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.

Safety Drills

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

28th- Fall Festival Planning Committee (PTA)- 6-7pm

 

1st-4th- Labor Day Break (student holiday- no school)

11th- Patriot Day

14th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6pm

14th- Back to School Night- 6-7:30pm

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Coates School Transportation

There are three ways to get to and from school every day; walking, kiss & ride and bus.  Please use this transportation form to let us know how your child will be getting to and from school each day.  Our daily arrival window is 9:00-9:15am and dismissal window is 4:00-4:15pm.

Bus route information should now be available in your ParentVue account under the "Info" tab. The FCPS Office of Transportation emailed routes to parents/guardians on August 10th.  Any student can use Kiss & Ride and will need a car tag to be picked up through Kiss & Ride. New car tags will be assigned to families who utilized kiss and ride last year and all other families who wish to use kiss and ride for the 2023-24 school year should fill out the transportation form to be issued a tag.

Students within walking boundaries can walk to school each day.  Please note that any change in transportation should be noted to the front office by 3pm the day of the change.  If a student who is assigned a bus wants to walk, the parent/guardian must email Mr. Basdekis, [email protected] and Karen Lopez, [email protected], our Attendance Secretary, in advance.  

Please note that all Kindergarteners must be met at the bus or walker door for pick-up each day.  Any students not met by a parent, parent designee, or a responsible middle school or older sibling will be returned to school.

Buses and Delays

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000  with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Kiss and Ride Directions

Dear families,

If you did not get a kiss and ride car tag via mail, please make sure you fill out this transportation form and we will issue you a car tag during the first week of school.  

If you utilize our Coates Kiss and Ride line please follow the rules and see the map below:

Kiss & Ride Instructions

• Students may be dropped off between 9am and 9:15am daily.
• Load and unload from the passenger side and ONLY in front of the orange cones.
• Do not pass other cars in Kiss & Ride.
• Remain in the driver's seat. (Staff members will assist with car doors.)
• Please follow directions of the supervising adults.

 

Instrucciones para Kiss & Ride

• Los estudiantes pueden ser dejados entre las 9:00am am y 9:15 am todos los días.
• Al dejar y recoger, los estudiantes deben bajarse por la puerta del pasajero y SOLO en frente de los conos anaranjados.
• NO PASE a otros automóviles cuando este en la línea de Kiss&Ride.
• Permanezca en el asiento del conductor. (Los miembros del personal de la escuela ayudarán con las puertas del automóvil).
• Por favor, siga las instrucciones de los adultos supervisores

First Day of School For Kindergarten

On the first day of school, parents/guardians of kindergarteners are permitted to walk their student to class on the first day only.  Following drop-off, at 9:15-9:45am we invite all kindergarten parents to join us in room 115 for "Tears & Cheers" with the principal and family liaison.

School Meals

Preparing for and Paying for Meals at School

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost. 

Paying With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals (and keep food lines moving!) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. Our front office staff can help with any questions. 

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically, as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.

Schoology

What Is Schoology?

Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.

A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:

• Your child’s classes.
• Your child’s upcoming assignments.
• School, class, and group announcements.

Parent accounts will be available after August 21. To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

21st- First Day of School

21st- Kindergarten Parents Tears and Cheers-9:15-9:45am

28th- Fall Festival Planning Committee (PTA)- 6-7pm

 

1st-4th- Labor Day Break (student holiday- no school)

11th- Patriot Day

14th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6pm

14th- Back to School Night- 6-7:30pm

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

School Meals

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Welcome Back from the Principal

Dear Coates Families,

I hope that you have been enjoying all that summer has to offer and you are looking forward to the new school year.  Staff and teachers have been busy planning for your return and working hard to make sure the school year is filled with exciting and engaging learning opportunities. 

We know many of you are anticipating your child's classroom placement for this school year.  All classroom placements will be available in ParentVue on Thursday, August 17th.  Additionally, class placements will be posted and available at our Open House and Back-to-School Block Party Event.

We can’t wait to welcome all of you back to Coates with our 2nd annual Back-to-School Block Party on Thursday, 8/17 from 5:30-8:30pm!  Doors will open for our Resource Fair at 5:30pm followed by our Open House from 6-7pm.  After that, we will be moving it all outside for some music and food as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year.  We can't wait to see you later next week!

This year we have created a one-pager linked below to assist all of our families with beginning of the school year preparations.  You will find all of the necessary forms to complete, along with plenty of information to keep you connected throughout the year.  Please take some time to review all of these resources and let us know if you have any questions.  

https://coateses.fcps.edu/node/5827

We are looking forward to seeing you all back soon!

 

Sincerely,

Paul Basdekis

Principal

L.L. Coates Elementary School

Coates School Transportation

There are three ways to get to and from school every day; walking, kiss & ride and bus.  Please use this transportation form to let us know how your child will be getting to and from school each day.  Our daily arrival window is 9:00-9:15am and dismissal window is 4:00-4:15pm.

Bus route information should now be available in your ParentVue account under the "Info" tab. The FCPS Office of Transportation emailed routes to parents/guardians on August 10th.  Any student can use Kiss & Ride and will need a car tag to be picked up through Kiss & Ride. New car tags will be assigned to families who utilized kiss and ride last year and all other families who wish to use kiss and ride for the 2023-24 school year should fill out the transportation form to be issued a tag.

Students within walking boundaries can walk to school each day.  Please note that any change in transportation should be noted to the front office by 3pm the day of the change.  If a student who is assigned a bus wants to walk, the parent/guardian must email Mr. Basdekis, [email protected] and Karen Lopez, [email protected], our Attendance Secretary, in advance.  

Please note that all Kindergarteners must be met at the bus or walker door for pick-up each day.  Any students not met by a parent, parent designee, or a responsible middle school or older sibling will be returned to school.

First Day of School For Kindergarten

On the first day of school, parents/guardians of kindergarteners are permitted to walk their student to class on the first day only.  Following drop-off, at 9:15-9:45am we invite all kindergarten parents to join us in room 115 for "Tears & Cheers" with the principal and family liaison.

School Meals

Preparing for and Paying for Meals at School

Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost. 

Paying With MySchoolBucks

The best way to purchase meals (and keep food lines moving!) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today. Our front office staff can help with any questions. 

MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically, as needed. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.

Family Resource Center

Free Resources for Families

Did you know that caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities? 

Learn more about FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC).

Workshops for Families

The Family Resource Center is already scheduling a helpful series of webinars for the 2023-24 school year. Save the date for the following discussions in September. See the full list of workshops. Click on the title to register for each event: 

• New School Year, New Strategies: How to Plan, Persist, and Achieve Academic Success This Year, on Friday, September 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Meet the Author Series: The Self-Driven Child by Dr. William Stixrud, Friday, September 15, 10-11:15 a.m.
• Characteristics and Needs of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners, on Tuesday, September 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Who's the Boss? 5 Ways for Families to Help Kids with Big Emotions, Friday September 29, 10-11:30 a.m.

Be the first to learn about new workshops by signing up for the FRC newsletter. 

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

17th- Open House/ Resource Fair/ Block Party- 5:30pm

21st- First Day of School

21st- Kindergarten Parents Tears and Cheers-9:15-9:45am

28th- Fall Festival Planning Committee (PTA)- 6-7pm

 

1st-4th- Labor Day Break (student holiday- no school)

11th- Patriot Day

14th- PTA Meeting- 5:30-6pm

14th- Back to School Night- 6-7:30pm

15th- Rosh Hashanah

17th- Constitution Day

25th- Yom Kippur (student holiday- no school)

 

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Summer & Beginning of Year Events

We would like to wish the entire Coates Community a happy summer!  We have been busy preparing for another amazing school year and we are already looking forward to seeing you back in just a few short weeks!  Here are a few exciting events that we have planned.

FCPS 2023-24 School Year Calendar

The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

TWITTER: @CoatesES

TWITTER (Principal Basdekis): @pdbasdekis

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Have a Great Summer! We will miss you!

We want to wish all of our students and their families a great summer!  We hope you use the summer to rest and recharge for next school year.  School will reconvene on Monday, August 21st.  We look forward to your return!

You can view the FCPS 2023-24 school calendar here.

FCPS Honors Ms. Ceglie

On Wednesday, FCPS hosted the FCPS Honors event at George Mason University.  Coates Elementary 4th grade teacher, Kristen Ceglie, was honored at the event.  She was the finialist nominee for Region 5 as the Elementary Outstanding Teacher of the Year.  While Ms. Ceglie did not win the category, she still shines as at Outstanding Teacher at Coates Elementary!

Take Tutor.com on the Road!

Tutor.com continues to be available to all students, at no cost, to continue summer learning. Visit the Summer Access Tutor.com webpage for more information on how to access the online service throughout the summer.

Recognize Our Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Coates.

Mark Your Calendar

 

17th- L.L. Coates ES Night at DC United

19th- Juneteenth Holiday

 

 

*The full FCPS 2022-2023 calendar can be accessed here.

Follow Coates on Social Media

TWITTER: @CoatesES

TWITTER (Principal Basdekis): @pdbasdekis

FACEBOOK: FCPS L.L. Coates Elementary School

FACEBOOK (PTA): L.L. Coates Elementary PTA

L.L. Coates Website: https://coateses.fcps.edu/

2480 River Birch Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Main Phone: 703.713.3000 
Report Absence Online  |  Attendance Phone: 703.713.3030
Web | Facebook | Twitter