Falcon Press May 2, 2025

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Dear Forestdale Families,

Welcome to the month of May! Our students will be working diligently throughout this month, showcasing all the wonderful learning they've accomplished this year as we continue with our spring learning activities and testing.

We also want to highlight that next week is Staff Appreciation Week at Forestdale! Our incredible teachers and staff pour their hearts and souls into supporting our students every day, and this is a special time to show them our gratitude. Please take a look at the information below for ideas on how you can help celebrate and honor our amazing Forestdale staff.

May is a busy month filled with many opportunities to get involved and celebrate our school community. Please be sure to add these events to your calendar so you don't miss out!

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education and for your support of our dedicated Forestdale team.

 

Warm Regards,

Ms. Nikki Steptoe-Coleman, Principal

Ms. Mary-Elizabeth Hagaman, Assistant Principal

Dr. LaDonna Tate, Assistant Principal


calendar reminder graphic

May

May 1                                5th Grade Science SOL

May 1                                Lewis Pyramid Art Show- Key MS at 6:00 p.m.

May 2                                Forestdale Fest: Spring Pep Rally

May 6                                4th & 5th Grade Math SOL

May 8                                3rd & 6th Grade Math SOL

May 12                              3 Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:35 p.m.

May 13                              4th & 5th Grade Reading SOL

May 15                              3rd & 6th Grade Reading SOL 

May 16                              PTA Color Fun Run at 6pm

May 28                              Principal Coffee Chat at 6pm

                                          PTA Meeting at 7pm

May 30                              Multicultural Night 6pm



What's Happening at The Dale

spring sprouts

Spring Sprouts

1st grade Spring Sprouts were busy learning and exploring about how tulips change from day to night. 

 


Bus driver

Bus Driver Appreciation 

Last week we celebrated and honored our amazing bus drivers who take care of bring students to and from school each day!

 



Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, 5/5-9

Staff Appreciation

May 5th-9th we will will be celebrating our teachers and staff during National Teacher Appreciation Week!!! 

Families, we have a great opportunity for you all to help. The Forestdale PTA has organized an amazing Wickedly Oz-Some week to honor Forestdale Staff. Here is how our Falcon Students can get involved:

Monday: Wear GREEN to honor your BRILLIANT teachers.

Tuesday: Wear PINK to celebrate your teacher's KINDNESS.

Wednesday: Bring a flower to your teacher to brighten their day.

Thursday: It's time to GLOW up! Dress as your favorite teacher.

Friday: Lift your teachers up by bringing in a kind note.



Join Us for the Color Fun Run!

Get ready for a blast of color and excitement at our Color Fun Run! This fun-filled event is a family-friendly run/walk where participants are showered with bursts of bright, washable color powder at various points along the route. Whether you run, jog, or stroll, it’s all about having fun and getting messy—in the best way!
Volunteers Needed for the Color Fun Run!
We need your help to make our Color Fun Run a success! From color throwers and water station helpers to set-up crews and clean-up teams, it takes a village to make the magic happen. Whether you have an hour or the whole day, we’d love to have you on board. Sign up to volunteer and be part of the fun behind the scenes!


Early Release Monday, May 12th

Please take note of an important reminder regarding our upcoming Early Release Monday.

Our next early release is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Students will be dismissed at 12:35 PM.

If you have a CHANGE in your child's dismissal plan for this day, please complete the following survey by Thursday, May 8th:

https://forms.gle/XK1z2GjaeDJyExyA7



Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Parent Reports

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.



☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs. 

Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.



Kindergarten, Register NOW

Kindergarten RegistrationSpanish Kinder Registration


Pre-K Program Accepting Applications for Fall

The FCPS PreK Program serves 3 and 4 year old students with a high quality, full-day preschool program with no cost to families at 78 Fairfax County elementary schools. 

Students may qualify with a variety of economic or educational risk factors. Learn more about the Pre-K and Early Head Start Program by watching this video (English) or video (Spanish).

Spaces fill quickly, so complete an application online now or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) for more information.



Forestdale PTA Corner

PTA

https://www.forestdaleelementarypta.com/homeBecoming a PTA member helps shape school programs and raise funds to directly support our students and teachers. Join us to help create a stronger, more vibrant school community!

Click the picture to join.

Next meeting, Wednesday April 23rd at 7pm

PTA Needs You!

Our PTA (Parent Teacher Association) plays a vital role in building a strong school community by organizing events, supporting teachers, and enriching our children’s education. We’re currently looking for volunteers to step into three key roles for the 2025-2026 school year: President, Treasurer, and Social Media Manager. These positions are essential to keeping our PTA running and making sure our school stays connected, supported, and thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more, please reach out—we’d love to have you on the team! forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com
We need you


Forestdale Safety Updates

Protect Your Child from Measles: What You Need to Know

Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:

  • High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.



What's for Breakfast & Lunch