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Know when your bus is approaching your stop. See real-time map locations for your student’s buses. Get push-notifications when the bus gets close by. Get everyone to the stop at the right time!

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Cómo usar Google Chrome para traducir un sitio web

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Cómo usar Google Chrome para traducir un sitio web

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How to Use Google Chrome to Translate a website

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Understand Executive Function and Effective Strategies at Home for Children  Upper Elementary (3-6)

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Understand Executive Function and Effective Strategies at Home for Children  Upper Elementary (3-6)

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Understand Executive Function and Effective Strategies at Home for Children  Upper Elementary (3-6)

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Executive Functions Primary Grades (K-2) ASL

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Executive Functions Primary Grades (K-2) ASL

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Executive Functions Primary Grades (K-2) ASL

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The Family Academy is your resource for an enriching educational journey!

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Event Information

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Mental Health Coping Skills for Elementary School - Healthy Minds

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Mental Health Coping Skills for Elementary School - Healthy Minds

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

For Parents and Educators

You can use these evidence-based resources to spark important conversations and teach your kids a set of essential mental health skills.

There are 5 episodes in the series, each teaching a different mental health skill. Corresponding activity sheets summarize and reinforce key ideas in each video. You can watch the entire series on session, or show each episode individually. Each video comes with an implementation guide tailored to educators and parents.
Play Introduction Video

Watch Individual Episodes

These Simple Skills Can Make a World of Difference for Our Kids

Educational resources grounded in the expertise of the Child Mind Institute

Optimized through services delivered to over 60,000 students, caregivers and educators in over 600 schools

Check Out the Full Range of Our Thriving Kids Resources

Stay Updated

Enter your email address to learn about new articles, videos and other resources from the Child Mind Institute.

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Mental Health Coping Skills for Elementary School - Healthy Minds

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Evidence-based resources to spark important conversations and teach kids a set of essential mental health skills.

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Mental Health Skills for Pre-K - Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids

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Mental Health Skills for Pre-K - Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Watch Individual Episodes

Why Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Pre-K?

Fully 20% of our kids have a mental health or learning disorder...

And all children face difficult challenges as they grow up.

Learning basic age-appropriate mental health skills at a young age has been proven to help kids thrive.

What does the Project include?

A series of five videos, based on mental health research, plus downloadable print materials that parents and educators can use to help children practice the skills they're learning. The videos teach kids five skills proven to support mental health:

How was Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Pre-K created?

An all-star creative team worked with us to make videos that kids will want to watch

Check Out the Full Range of Our Thriving Kids Resources

If your child is struggling with mental health or learning challenges, visit our Family Resource Center for more information and treatment options.

Stay Updated

Enter your email address to learn about new articles, videos and other resources from the Child Mind Institute.

Questions or feedback about the project?
Contact Us

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Mental Health Skills for Pre-K - Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids

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Teach your preschooler foundational mental health skills and with a series of imaginative videos and activities.

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Student and Adult Well-Being Are Key to Positive Conditions for Learning - 

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Student and Adult Well-Being Are Key to Positive Conditions for Learning - Attendance Works

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When positive conditions for learning are in place students are more motivated to attend and engage in learning. In collaboration with AIR, Attendance Works developed a graphic (see figure) showing how chronic absence is a sign that positive conditions of learning are missing. Attendance Works Execu…

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Los cimientos para desarrollar la lectura—los años en la escuela primaria

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Los cimientos para desarrollar la lectura—los años en la escuela primaria

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Una en la serie Guías para los Padres

elaborada por Family and School Partnerships

Fairfax County Public Schools

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The Road to Reading Success—The Elementary School Years

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The Road to Reading Success—The Elementary School Years

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How to Handle Bad Grades (2023- 2024 School Year)

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Ways Busy Parents Can Help Children Succeed in School

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Ways Busy Parents Can Help Children Succeed in School

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FRC Book Pack-Getting Ready for Kindergarten

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FRC Book Pack-Getting Ready for Kindergarten

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New School Year, New Strategies: How to Plan, Persist and Achieve Academic Success this Year

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New School Year, New Strategies: How to Plan, Persist and Achieve Academic Success this Year

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New School Year, New Strategy How to Plan, Persist and Achieve Academic Success this Year

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FRC Book Pack-Back to School: Elementary Edition

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FRC Book Pack-Back to School: Elementary Edition

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Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/free-back-to-school-templates-for-teachers-and-families

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Back-to-school traditions are an important way to help students and families tap into the opportunities of a new school year. As teachers, we enjoy setting up and decorating our classrooms, organizing new school supplies, or maybe planning a brand-new unit to try teaching this year. We might even be thinking about bringing some new digital tools or media into our classroom instruction.

But back-to-school is also a great time to consider how we communicate with, and support, families during this part of the year that's so pivotal to students' success. To help make this year's back-to-school time a little easier, we've put together a set of customizable templates focused on supporting you, your students, and their families during the transition back to the routines of the school year.

You can use any (or all!) of the templates below and customize them to work for you and your students. Whether you want to set norms and expectations for device use, communicate your class's daily routines, or help families support their students' learning with helpful at-home resources, we've got you covered.

Every school year is a new beginning and a fresh start. We're here for you! Thank you for all you do for your students and their families.

Set a positive culture of digital citizenship from the start with this customizable student agreement. Set expectations for device care, online safety, media use, and more. Offered in English and Spanish.

Discuss expectations for online communication, privacy and safety, device use, and more with your middle and high school students. Offered in English and Spanish.

Provide helpful support to students and families as they adjust to the school-year schedule. Use it to outline daily schedules and learning activities, provide any important information parents and caregivers need to know, and check in with how students are feeling each day. Offered in English and Spanish.

Help parents and caregivers stay informed about their student's progress with this customizable short discussion guide. Give families a brief look into what's happening in class, and offer some conversation starters, suggested questions, and class reminders. Offered in English and Spanish.

Edit and share this handy guide to make sure families have the information they need about any school-issued devices that students will use for learning. From how to log in to where to get technical support, make sure students and their families can easily get answers when they need them.

Edit and share this handy FAQ with families at the start of the year. Make sure they know how to contact you, where you post class assignments, and who else they can reach out to for additional support. Plus, the weekly check-in prompt is a nice way to start building relationships with families from day one! Offered in English and Spanish.

Help students focus on what they'll gain next year, not what they've lost, with these (mostly) free tools.

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Free Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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Help students and their families lay the foundation for a positive, successful school year.

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPzAbqf0whY

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Study Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Study Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Study Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades - YouTube

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Varsity Tutors – Online Tutoring Services

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Access free resources like on-demand chat tutoring and online classes through Varsity Tutors.

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https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/tutors-and-tutoring/parent-resource-center-tutor-list

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This web page is being translated through "machine translation" using Google Translate. [ Disclaimer]

The 2021-2022 School Year In-Person Tutor List is updated monthly. Please email the Parent Resource Center for a list of available in-person tutors.

The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) Tutor List contains the names of FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia and want to tutor after their contracted school day.

Tutors:

Must apply every year.

Are current FCPS employees

Are private, independent contractors who provide instructional services to the public for a fee.

May not provide services during school hours or on FCPS property (unless they have paid the appropriate rental fees).

Staff interested in tutoring should visit the FCPS Tutoring Hub page.

Parents:

Email the PRC for the list of tutors.

Parents who want to hire one of these instructors should make arrangements directly with the tutor. FCPS is not responsible for these arrangements.

FCPS cannot guarantee the instructors' licensure status, the content of their private tutoring services, suitability for a particular child, or costs.

Neither the PRC nor anyone else at FCPS will make recommendations about the relative merits of the instructors.

More Information:

Parents are not required to hire any of these instructors, and students do not need to use their services in order to succeed in FCPS.

Claims or concerns about tutor services should be raised directly with the tutor, not FCPS.

This list is a resource offered by the PRC, but parents are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees may not tutor or provide private instruction to their own students for private compensation. Please see Regulation 4705 (PDF)

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Parent Resource Center In-Person Tutor List

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This web page is being translated through "machine translation" using Google Translate. [ Disclaimer] The 2021-2022 School Year In-Person Tutor List is updated monthly. Please email the Parent Resource Center for a list of available in-person tutors.

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A Great Phrase to De-Escalate Back-to-School Tension

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A Great Phrase to De-Escalate Back-to-School Tension

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Celebrate Calm | Stop Power Struggles with Strong-Willed Children.

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THE TOP 5 CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

De-Escalate & Discipline A Defiant Child: My Best Podcast Ever
This 30-minute podcast will change how you handle meltdowns, yelling, and discipline in your home. Ever feel helpless when your kids are out of control or defiant? So do your kids. So learn how to break these negative cycles, lead your child to calm, and show him/her how to deal with frustration. This is rich with insight into your kids...and you. Share this one. It will change relationships.
Click here to listen via Simplecast.

No More Excuses, Kids! You Have Unique Advantages (For Parents & Teachers)
It's heartbreaking to hear kids say, "I'm stupid" and shut down. Your kids have struggles, but I don't want to coddle them or make excuses. In fact, I want you to turn their negatives into positives. Listen until the end for one of the most powerful talks you could ever have with your child or student. SHARE THIS WITH TEACHERS. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Want Respectful, Responsible Kids? Do the Step Back.
Yeah, I know we all want the same thing: kids who are responsible, respectful and become good citizens. I'm going to share a very powerful secret that will get your kids to actually step up and be responsible for themselves. It will eliminate so many of the power struggles. This is inspiring! Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Get Your Strong-Willed Kids To Do Stuff Without the Fight
You have a strong-willed child who automatically resists you at every turn, chooses the harder path, and won't do things the way you want them to be done. Kirk gives you 5 ways to get your kids to do homework, get ready in the morning, apologize, do chores, and more in this important podcast. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Discipline When Consequences Don't Work
How do you discipline a child who doesn't respond to consequences? Who doesn't ever want to do things the way you want? How can you discipline without making your child feel like a failure? Kirk will show you how to handle misbehavior, blurting out, lying, stealing, screen time, and much more! Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com or call 888-506-1871 to get practical help and our free newsletter. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

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working with add adhd strong willed child

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Kirk Martin shares practical strategies to stop the defiance, disrespect, yelling and power struggles in the Calm Parenting Podcast

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10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids Ages 3-17

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10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids Ages 3-17

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Celebrate Calm | Stop Power Struggles with Strong-Willed Children.

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THE TOP 5 CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

De-Escalate & Discipline A Defiant Child: My Best Podcast Ever
This 30-minute podcast will change how you handle meltdowns, yelling, and discipline in your home. Ever feel helpless when your kids are out of control or defiant? So do your kids. So learn how to break these negative cycles, lead your child to calm, and show him/her how to deal with frustration. This is rich with insight into your kids...and you. Share this one. It will change relationships.
Click here to listen via Simplecast.

No More Excuses, Kids! You Have Unique Advantages (For Parents & Teachers)
It's heartbreaking to hear kids say, "I'm stupid" and shut down. Your kids have struggles, but I don't want to coddle them or make excuses. In fact, I want you to turn their negatives into positives. Listen until the end for one of the most powerful talks you could ever have with your child or student. SHARE THIS WITH TEACHERS. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Want Respectful, Responsible Kids? Do the Step Back.
Yeah, I know we all want the same thing: kids who are responsible, respectful and become good citizens. I'm going to share a very powerful secret that will get your kids to actually step up and be responsible for themselves. It will eliminate so many of the power struggles. This is inspiring! Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Get Your Strong-Willed Kids To Do Stuff Without the Fight
You have a strong-willed child who automatically resists you at every turn, chooses the harder path, and won't do things the way you want them to be done. Kirk gives you 5 ways to get your kids to do homework, get ready in the morning, apologize, do chores, and more in this important podcast. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Discipline When Consequences Don't Work
How do you discipline a child who doesn't respond to consequences? Who doesn't ever want to do things the way you want? How can you discipline without making your child feel like a failure? Kirk will show you how to handle misbehavior, blurting out, lying, stealing, screen time, and much more! Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com or call 888-506-1871 to get practical help and our free newsletter. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

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working with add adhd strong willed child

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Kirk Martin shares practical strategies to stop the defiance, disrespect, yelling and power struggles in the Calm Parenting Podcast

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Browse the FRC collection of books related to Elementary School here:

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Browse the FRC collection of books related to Elementary School here:

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: Elementary School (Grades K-6)

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: Elementary School (Grades K-6)

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There are many people at your child's elementary school who can work with you and your child to ensure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members and how to contact them if necessary.

Principal. Every school has one principal who is the chief administrator and instructional leader.

Assistant Principal. Assistant principals help the principal with planning, assessment, instructional leadership, and other tasks. Every school has at least one assistant principal. Elementary schools with more than 900 students have two assistant principals.

Teachers. Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day instruction of students. Elementary schools have many teachers, including:

Classroom Teacher. Your child's primary grade-level teacher.

Reading Teacher. The reading teacher offers special help in literacy and reading skills.

Special Education Teachers. SPED teachers provide individual instruction or assistance in the classroom for students with disabilities.

ESOL Teachers. ESOL teachers support English language learners.

AAP Resource Teacher: The advanced academics resource teacher offers services for students identified for advanced academic resources.

Equity Lead Teacher: The equity lead teacher works with the school principal to build relationships and foster a culturally responsive environment at school.

Instructional Assistants. Classroom assistants help teachers and students in large classes.

Librarian. Every elementary school has its own library that provides special reading programs for students and loans books to its students. The school librarian can assist parents in finding age- and reading-level appropriate books and reading material for your student. The librarian can help provide you and your student with access to technology.

Elementary School Counselor. The school counselor provides guidance lessons with children and consults with parents, teachers, and other staff to help the child's adjustment to school. School counselors also coordinate student services for children with special needs; helps students and parents find programs to help with academic work; and serves on committees for assessment and placement for special education and gifted and talented programs.

Office Assistants/Administrative Assistants. School office assistants schedule appointments, greet visitors, and get messages to school staff. If you have questions about registration, bus schedules, school lunches, immunization, or attendance, call the main office. Remember they are busiest at the start and end of each day.

Parent Liaisons. Most schools have parent liaisons who work with parents and teachers to help your child. They are usually local parents and speak the predominant language of your community. If your school does not have a parent liaison, and you feel you need one, start with the principal.

Social Worker/Psychologist. School social workers help address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. School psychologists provide services to help families navigate educational and community systems to support students in addressing academic, mental health, and behavioral needs.

School Health Aide. The school health aide oversees the school's Health Room or clinic.

If your child turns five years old on or before September 30, he or she may go to kindergarten that school year. Most families can register their children for school at their local elementary school. Contact your local school to make an appointment to register. Registration information is also online.

If your child turns six years old on or before September 30, he or she MUST attend school. Students who do not go to public school must be enrolled in a private school or be home schooled.

Contact your child's teacher and/or your school's reading teacher for help. Think about having your child's vision tested if it hasn't been checked recently by your doctor or another health care provider.

The School-Age Child Care Program (SACC) is a school-based program that cares for elementary school children before and after school. SACC is located in many FCPS elementary schools, but is sponsored by the Fairfax County Office for Children, not FCPS. Available space may be limited, so check on deadlines and wait lists. For more information, call 703-449-8989.

Your school's parent liaison(s) also may know about child care facilities that provide before- and after-school care in your community.

Your elementary school may offer after-school programs for its students as well. These programs, which may be offered up to a few times a week, often are operated by the school PTA. Check your school's website and the school's PTA website for more information.

All elementary students take various assessments and standardized tests in elementary school. Beginning in kindergarten, students may take tests to measure their development in various subjects including reading, mathematics, science, art, and music. Also, students take state-mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in third through sixth grades. Check your school's website for SOLPass, which has practices for SOL concepts. Find more information on testing for elementary students.

Parents need to know about additional testing that is done in elementary school to identify students for advanced academic opportunities. These include:

Testing for Advanced Academic Program Placement

First Grade

Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT; also called Naglieri)
An IQ (intelligence quotient) test, the NNAT is given in October to all students in grade 1.

Second Grade

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt)
An IQ test given in October to all students in grade 2.

Testing for Algebra 1 Readiness

Sixth Grade

Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)

A test to measure readiness for Algebra 1, or higher level math, in grade 7. Given in January to sixth grade students enrolled in Advanced Math 6.

The NNAT and CogAT are used by FCPS as one source of data to determine admission into Level 4 (center-based) Advanced Academic programs. If your student enters FCPS after these tests are given, you may request that the tests be administered to your child for consideration for AAP Level 4 services.

Elementary teachers may use many tools to measure your child's progress in school. They include:

Teacher-made tests and teacher observations.

In-class work.

Classroom participation.

Homework.

Special projects.

Progress reports (Report Cards) are sent home four times a year at the end of each quarter. The first report may be given out and discussed with you at a parent-teacher conference in early November. It is your responsibility to sign and return the progress reports.

Elementary school achievement is reported using a 4-point scale to describe a student's ability to understand and demonstrate concepts and skills. For example, a grade of "4" indicates a high level of achievement; it communicates that a student has a strong understanding of all the concepts and skills taught for that standard during the quarter and can demonstrate understanding independently and with very few errors. These marks are not equivalent to letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F) that are given in middle and high school.

Elementary Progress Marks and Descriptions

4 - Student consistently demonstrates concepts and skills of standard taught this quarter.

3 - Student usually demonstrates concepts and skills of standard taught this quarter.

2 - Student sometimes demonstrates concepts and skills of standard taught this quarter.

1 - Student seldom demonstrates concepts and skills of standard taught this quarter.

Also, a mark of "nt" may be used if a concept or skill was not taught, or "na" when a standard was "not assessed" for a final grade.

For more information about grading of elementary school students, see the Elementary School Grading and Reporting Handbook for Parents.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST or TJ) is a unique school for students who are interested in a challenging program of mathematics, science, and technology. TJHSST is a Virginia Regional Governor's school enrolling students from Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier counties and Falls Church City. Students must apply for admission, take an admission test, and submit letters of recommendation. If your student is interested in TJHSST, you must start planning earlymany parents would recommend that you start by the fifth grade.

Admission to TJHSST is highly competitive. Only a small percentage of eligible students can be admitted every year. TJHSST is not the only school where students are challenged and can excel academically in FCPS. Our school division offers advanced academic course work in all of its high schools through either the AP or IB curriculum, or through dual enrollment classes. Encourage your child to look for academic challenges wherever he or she goes to school.

Getting ready for life beyond high school (including college, technical school, vocational careers, or other opportunities) starts at kindergarten, when students begin to build the strong foundation that will help prepare them for the future.

For more information about options after high school, see the "Thinking Beyond High School" section of this handbook.

If college is a future plan, consider opening an educational savings account, if you are able to do so, to begin investing in that future option. Check your college financial aid/savings plan often and update as needed.

The school year usually ends by mid-June and does not begin again until late August. There are many opportunities for summer learning and summer fun for elementary school students. The Washington metropolitan area offers many specialized summer camps and programs. Start planning for summer as early as January each year, as spaces may be limited and often fill up quickly.

FCPS and Fairfax County both offer summer opportunities for students. Some of these programs are free of charge or charge a minimal fee.

Summer Reading: Have your child read over the summer. Your student's elementary school may have a suggested list of books. Plan for regular visits to your local public library to borrow books of interest. The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) has a summer reading program to encourage elementary students to read over the summer. During the FCPL Summer Reading Adventure, students note the number of books they read and can earn rewards for reaching goals.

FCPS Summer Programs: FCPS has many summer programs for elementary school students looking for enrichment activities. These programs include:

These programs have limited spaces available. Parents should pay attention to deadlines and plan ahead.

Fairfax County Summer Camp Programs: Fairfax County has many summer camp programs, some in conjunction with FCPS, over the summer. These programs include:

Rec-Pac (Pretty Awesome Children) is a summer program for students in first-sixth grades (entering seventh grade in the fall) run by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Rec-Pac is a six-week program focusing on fun and fitness, crafts, storytelling, and other activities at 40 locations in FCPS. It is a drop-in program where students can go for the entire day or a part of the day. Pre-registration begins in late April. Parents also can register weekly on Mondays during the summer. There is a sliding scale for fees based on income; partial scholarships are available.

FCPA Summer Camps The Fairfax County Parks Authority has a variety of day camps throughout Fairfax County at county recreation centers and parks. This includes: Kiddie Camp (for ages 3-5 years); Summer R.O.C.S. (RECenters Offer Cool Stuff; 8-12 years) and Junior R.O.C.S. (ages 5 years, 3 months to 7 years, 11 months.) There is a fee. Extended care is available at some locations.

TRS Summer Camp (ages 5-12; must have completed kindergarten) offers special events, arts activities, sensory play, games, sports, field trips, and music activities for students with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or attention deficit disorders. Registration begins in March. Fees vary. Scholarships are available.

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: Elementary School (Grades K-6)

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There are many people at your child's elementary school who can work with you and your child to ensure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members and how to contact them if necessary. Principal.

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How Often Should Parents Contact Teachers?

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How Often Should Parents Contact Teachers?

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How Often Should Parents Contact Teachers?

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Communicating with teachers: How much is too much? An elementary teacher shares her guidelines for staying in contact with students’ parents.

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Ten Tips for Your Child's Success in School

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Ten Tips for Your Child's Success in School

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It should come as no surprise that success - or failure - at school starts at home. Studies have linked poor academic performance to factors such as a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, obesity, and a lack of parental support.

The good news is that those same studies also show higher test scores for students who live in homes where healthy habits, regular routines, and good communication exist. How can you ensure your child heads off to school this fall with the best possible foundation? Follow these 10 tips and watch your child thrive.

Enforce Healthy Habits

You can't perform well when you don't feel good. To help your child have the best chance at doing well in school, make sure she follows healthy habits at home. Choose a bedtime that will give your child plenty of sleep, and provide a healthy breakfast each morning. Encourage exercise, and limit the amount of time she spends watching TV, playing video games, listening to music, or using the computer.

Stick to a Routine

Most kids thrive on structure and will respond well to routines that help them organize their days. In our house, for example, my son gets dressed, makes his bed, and eats breakfast while I make his lunch and pack his school bag with completed homework and forms. When he gets home in the afternoon, I serve him a snack and he does his homework while I prepare dinner. Your routines may differ, but the key is to make it the same every day so your child knows what to expect.

Create a "Launch Pad"

Veteran parents know it's important to have a single place to put backpacks, jackets, shoes, lunchboxes, and school projects each day. Some call it a "launch pad," while others call it a "staging area." Our area is a hook by the back door.

Whatever you call it, find a place where your child can keep the items he needs for school each day and keep him organized. Then you'll know right where to find everything during the morning rush.

Designate a Space

At school your child has a desk or table where she works. There is plenty of light, lots of supplies, and enough room to work. Why not provide her with the same type of environment for homework? A designated homework space often makes it easier and more fun for children to complete assignments at home. A desk is great, but a basket of supplies and a stretch of kitchen counter work just as well.

Read, Again and Again

It is often said that children spend the first several years learning to read, and the rest of the lives reading to learn. The written word is a gateway to all kinds of learning, and the more you read to your child, the better chance he has of becoming a proficient and eager reader.

Try to sit down with your child to read a little bit every day, give him plenty of opportunities to read out loud to you, as well, and above all have fun. While the importance of reading with your child cannot be stressed enough, it should not be the cause of stress.

Learn Always

Your child may be past the preschool years, but home education is still a critical part of his overall learning experience. "Some of the attitude recently is that it's up to the schools and teachers to figure it all out, to make sure children are learning and healthy and safe," says Barbara Frankowski, M.D., MPH, FAAP, and member of the AAP Council on School Health. "There's only so much teachers can do. Parents have to fill in with good support at home."

Look for ways to teach your child throughout the day. For example, cooking combines elements of math and science. Use the time when you make dinner as an opportunity to read and follow directions, to discuss fractions, to make hypotheses ("What will happen when I beat the egg whites?"), and to examine results.

Take the Lead

Children learn by example. Let your kids "catch" you reading. Take time to learn a new skill and discuss the experience with them. Sit down and pay bills or do other "homework" while your kids do their schoolwork.

If you display a strong work ethic and continually seek out learning opportunities for yourself, your kids will begin to model that same behavior in their own lives.

Do you know how your child feels about her classroom, her teacher, and her classmates? If not, ask her. Talk with her about what she likes and doesn't like at school. Give her a chance to express her anxieties, excitements, or disappointments about each day, and continue to support and encourage her by praising her achievements and efforts.

Show Interest

Don't limit your support to your child; extend it to her teachers as well. Meet the teachers and stay in regular contact by phone or e-mail so that you can discuss any concerns as they arise. Not only will it pave the way for you to ask questions, but it will also make the teachers more comfortable with calling you if they have concerns about your child.

Expect Success

Perhaps the most important way you can support your child's efforts at school is to expect him to succeed. That doesn't mean that you demand he be the best student or the best athlete or the best artist. Rather, let him know that you expect him to do "his best" so that he'll be proud of what he can accomplish.

If you make that expectation clear and provide a home environment that promotes learning, then your child will have a greater chance of becoming the best student he can be.

This article was featured in a Healthy Children Magazine.

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healthy children magazine~ test scores~ habits~ routine~ communication~ thrive~ success

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Ten Tips for Your Child's Success in School

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It should come as no surprise that success - or failure - at school starts at home. Studies have linked poor academic performance to factors such as a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, obesity, and a lack of parental support.

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10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

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10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

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Support from parents is key to helping kids do well academically. Here are 10 ways parents can put their kids on track to be successful students.

1. Attend Back-to-School Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences

Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. Attending back-to-school night at the start of the school year is a great way to get to know your child's teachers and their expectations. School administrators may discuss school-wide programs and policies, too.

Attending parent-teacher conferences is another way to stay informed. These are usually held once or twice a year at progress reporting periods. The conferences are a chance to start or continue conversations with your child's teacher, and discuss strategies to help your child do his or her best in class. Meeting with the teacher also lets your child know that what goes on in school will be shared at home.

If your child has special learning needs, additional meetings can be scheduled with teachers and other school staff to consider setting up or revising individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 education plans, or gifted education plans.

Keep in mind that parents or guardians can request meetings with teachers, principals, school counselors, or other school staff any time during the school year.

2. Visit the School and Its Website

Knowing the physical layout of the school building and grounds can help you connect with your child when you talk about the school day. It's good to know the location of the main office, school nurse, cafeteria, gym, athletic fields, playgrounds, auditorium, and special classes.

On the school website, you can find information about:

the school calendar

staff contact information

upcoming events like class trips

testing dates

Many teachers maintain their own websites that detail homework assignments, test dates, and classroom events and trips. Special resources for parents and students are also usually available on the district, school, or teacher websites.

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3. Support Homework Expectations

Homework in grade school reinforces and extends classroom learning and helps kids practice important study skills. It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and a work ethic that will benefit them beyond the classroom.

In addition to making sure your child knows that you see homework as a priority, you can help by creating an effective study environment. Any well-lit, comfortable, and quiet workspace with the necessary supplies will do. Avoiding distractions (like a TV in the background) and setting up a start and end time can also help.

A good rule of thumb for an effective homework and/or study period is roughly 10 minutes per elementary grade level. Fourth-graders, for example, should expect to have about 40 minutes of homework or studying each school night. If you find that it's often taking significantly longer than this guideline, talk with your child's teacher.

While your child does homework, be available to interpret assignment instructions, offer guidance, answer questions, and review the completed work. But resist the urge to provide the correct answers or complete the assignments yourself. Learning from mistakes is part of the process and you don't want to take this away from your child.

4. Send Your Child to School Ready to Learn

A nutritious breakfast fuels up kids and gets them ready for the day. In general, kids who eat breakfast have more energy and do better in school. Kids who eat breakfast also are less likely to be absent, and make fewer trips to the school nurse with stomach complaints related to hunger.

You can help boost your child's attention span, concentration, and memory by providing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein, as well as low in added sugar. If your child is running late some mornings, send along fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or half a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Many schools provide nutritious breakfast options before the first bell.

Kids also need the right amount of sleep to be alert and ready to learn all day. Most school-age kids need 10 to 12 hours of sleep a night. Bedtime difficulties can arise at this age for a variety of reasons. Homework, sports, after-school activities, TVs, computers, and video games, as well as hectic family schedules, can contribute to kids not getting enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can cause irritable or hyperactive behavior and might make it hard for kids to pay attention in class. It's important to have a consistent bedtime routine, especially on school nights. Be sure to leave enough time before bed to allow your child to unwind before lights out and limit stimulating diversions like TV, video games, and Internet access.

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5. Teach Organizational Skills

When kids are organized, they can stay focused instead of spending time hunting things down and getting sidetracked.

What does it mean to be organized at the elementary level? For schoolwork, it means having an assignment book and homework folder (many schools supply these) to keep track of homework and projects.

Check your child's assignment book and homework folder every school night so you're familiar with assignments and your child doesn't fall behind. Set up a bin for papers that you need to check or sign. Also, keep a special box or bin for completed and graded projects and toss papers that you don't need to keep.

Talk to your child about keeping his or her school desk orderly so papers that need to come home don't get lost. Teach your child how to use a calendar or personal planner to help stay organized.

It's also helpful to teach your child how to make a to-do list to help prioritize and get things done. It can be as simple as:

No one is born with great organizational skills - they need to be learned and practiced.

6. Teach Study Skills

Studying for a test can be scary for young kids, and many educators assume parents will help their kids during the grade-school years. Introducing your child to study skills now will pay off with good learning habits throughout life.

In elementary school, kids usually take end-of-unit tests in math, spelling, science, and social studies. Be sure to know when a test is scheduled so you can help your child study ahead of time rather than just the night before. You also might need to remind your child to bring home the right study materials, such as notes, study guides, or books.

Teach your child how to break down overall tasks into smaller, manageable chunks so preparing for a test isn't overwhelming. You also can introduce your child to tricks like mnemonic devices to help with recalling information. Remember that taking a break after a 45-minute study period is an important way to help kids process and remember information.

Your child probably will be introduced to standardized testing in elementary school. While students can't really study for standardized tests, some teachers provide practice tests to help ease students' worries.

In general, if studying and testing becomes a source of stress for your child, discuss the situation with the teacher or school counselor.

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7. Know the Disciplinary Policies

Schools usually cite their disciplinary policies (sometimes called the student code of conduct) in student handbooks. The rules cover expectations, and consequences for not meeting the expectations, for things like student behavior, dress codes, use of electronic devices, and acceptable language.

The policies may include details about attendance, vandalism, cheating, fighting, and weapons. Many schools also have specific policies about bullying. It's helpful to know the school's definition of bullying, consequences for bullies, support for victims, and procedures for reporting bullying.

It's important for your child to know what's expected at school and that you'll support the school's consequences when expectations aren't met. It's easiest for students when school expectations match the ones at home, so kids see both environments as safe and caring places that work together as a team.

8. Get Involved

Whether kids are just starting kindergarten or entering their last year of elementary school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. It's a great way for parents to show they're interested in their kids' education.

Many grade-schoolers like to see their parents at school or at school events. But follow your child's cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. If your child seems uncomfortable with your presence at the school or with your involvement in an extracurricular activity, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren't there to spy - you're just trying to help out the school community.

Parents can get involved by:

being a classroom helper or homeroom parent

organizing and/or working at fundraising activities and other special events, like bake sales, car washes, and book fairs

chaperoning field trips

planning class parties

attending school board meetings

joining the school's parent-teacher group

working as a library assistant

reading a story to the class

giving a talk for career day

attending school concerts or plays

Check the school or teacher website to find volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Even giving a few hours during the school year can make a strong impression on your child.

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9. Take Attendance Seriously

Sick kids should stay home from school if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Kids who lose their appetite, are clingy or lethargic, complain of pain, or who just don't seem to be acting "themselves" should also might benefit from a sick day.

Otherwise, it's important that kids arrive at school on time every day, because having to catch up with class work and homework can be stressful and interfere with learning.

If your child is missing a lot of school due to illness, make sure to check with the teacher about any work that needs to be completed. It's also a good idea to know the school's attendance policy.

Sometimes students want to stay home from school because of problems with classmates, assignments or grades, or even teachers. This can result in real symptoms, like headaches or stomachaches. If you think there's a problem at school, talk with your child - and then perhaps with the teacher - to find out more about what's causing the anxiety. The school counselor or school psychologist also might be able to help.

Also try to avoid late bedtimes, which can result in tardy and tired students. A consistent sleep schedule also can help students.

10. Make Time to Talk About School

It's usually easy to talk with elementary students about what's going on in class and the latest news at school. You probably know what books your child is reading and are familiar with the math being worked on. But parents can get busy and forget to ask the simple questions, which can have an effect on children's success at school.

Make time to talk with your child every day, so he or she knows that what goes on at school is important to you. When kids know parents are interested in their academic lives, they'll take school seriously as well.

Because communication is a two-way street, the way you talk and listen to your child can influence how well your child listens and responds. It's important to listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you talk. Be sure to ask questions that go beyond "yes" or "no" answers.

Besides during family meals, good times to talk include car trips (though eye contact isn't needed here, of course), walking the dog, preparing meals, or standing in line at a store.

These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education and to set the stage for children to develop and grow as young learners.

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10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

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Support from parents is key to helping kids do well academically. Here are 10 ways parents can put their kids on track to be successful students. Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives.

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Explore the resources available for our families at FCPS and the many ways you can stay involved.

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School Psychology Services

Our school psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring progress of students, and program evaluation. Our psychologist school assignments are listed here.

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Office of Communication and Community Relations

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Elementary School Advanced Academic Programs

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Elementary School Advanced Academic Programs

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Fairfax County Public Schools offers a continuum of advanced academic services at the elementary level. Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) provide challenging learning experiences for all students that build on individual strengths and optimize abilities.

Continuum of Advanced Academic Services in FCPS

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Advanced Academic Programs offers several types of challenging learning experiences to meet the needs of a broad range of advanced learners. Advanced Academic services are implemented using a school-based model the following ways:

All students engage with content using the Nine Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies.

Some students require differentiated extension lessons in areas of academic strength.

Some students are identified for part-time services that typically occur once a week.

Some students are identified for full-time services in all academic subject areas.

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Elementary School Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)

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Fairfax County Public Schools offers a continuum of advanced academic services at the elementary level. Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) provide challenging learning experiences for all students that build on individual strengths and optimize abilities. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Advanced Academic Programs offers several types of challenging learning experiences to meet the needs of a broad range of advanced learners.

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Guiding our kindergarten through sixth-grade students to the Portrait of a Graduate.