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 Tuesday, September 23, is a holiday for all FCPS students and staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
 Key Center is excited to have our 2025 Homecoming Week in full swing! This year's theme, "Unlocking Possibilities," is an exciting invitation to our students, staff, and families to celebrate our potential and the limitless opportunities that lie ahead.
Throughout the remainder of this week, we'll dive into activities that not only showcase our school pride but also encourage us to look forward to the future with a sense of adventure and optimism. Our optional spirit days are a great way to participate!
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Monday, September 15th
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Key to Kindness- Wear bright colors or shirts with Kind messages
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Tuesday, September 16th
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Unlocking the Past- Wear an outfit from your favorite decade
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Wednesday, September 17th
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Unlock Your Imagination- Dress as your favorite TV/Movie/Book character or Superhero
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Thursday, September 18th
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Unlock Key Center Spirit- Wear red, white, and blue
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Friday, September 19th
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Key to Success- Dress your best for the Homecoming Dance!
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 Reminder: Picture Day is on Friday, September 26th!
 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. Our first lockdown drill of the year was September 15th- everyone did a great job.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
 This week’s Key Center Staff Spotlight is on Wafika Albani. Ms. Albani joins our staff this year as the Family Liaison. Learn more about Ms. Albani on our school website.
 September 19th is IT Professionals Day. We would like to express our gratitude to Brent Litherland for his outstanding work as our school's IT professional. Brent's dedication, responsiveness, and problem-solving skills are invaluable to our school. We are fortunate to have someone so skilled keeping our community connected and operational.
On behalf of the entire school community, we thank Brent for his tireless efforts and for being the professional we can always count on.
 Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1st, individuals on Virginia's Developmental Disability Waivers Waiting List (the Waitlist) will be able to access the IFSP-Funding Portal in WaMS to create and submit an application.
IFSP-Funding Application Schedule (Fall 2025)
- First day to apply: October 1st at 9 a.m.
- Last day to apply: October 30th at 11:59 p.m.
To help applicants understand how to apply for funding, the IFSP staff will host virtual training sessions using Microsoft Teams. (Separate training sessions will be held for support coordinators and case managers.) Each training includes:
- A demonstration of how to navigate the IFSP-Funding Portal in WaMS;
- Guidance on completing an application; and
- An opportunity to ask questions.
Spaces are limited, so please save your spot and register at the links below. You only need to register for one session! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information with links for joining the meeting.
 The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Wings for All is returning to Reagan National Airport on Saturday, October 11th! This event gives individuals with disabilities the chance to practice the airport experience in a safe, hands-on environment - from checking-in for your boarding pass, navigating through TSA, to boarding the plane. Like booking a plane ticket, you’ll need some details ready - be sure to register early to save your spot.
For more information and tips to prepare for registration, visit the Wings for All Event Page.
 The Back-to-School issue of the Special Education and 504 Newsletter is now available.
Topics in this issue include:
- Building a Culture of Belonging - Inclusive Education at FCPS
- Updated and Translated: Special Education and Section 504 Resources
- ESY Updates
- Be a Special Education Teacher
- Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities
- Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies
- Secondary Advisory Period to Support Executive Functions
- Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
- Adapted PE: Inclusive Health and Wellness Education
- Adapted Curriculum: Partnering for Progress
- Career and Transition Services: Back-to-School Update
- Assistive Technology Services
- Behavior Intervention Services: Welcome Back!
- SEL Team
 The $460 million School Bond Referendum — supporting the division and county’s commitment to providing safe and welcoming learning environments for all students — will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.
The funding provided by voter-approved bonds is expected to fund projects identified in the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the School Board in February.
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Watch this video that explains, “What Is a bond?”
Make sure you have a voting plan! Learn more about registering to vote.
 FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.
Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Goal 2: Schools Build Belonging so Students Can ThriveWhat does belonging look like in our schools? Fairfax County public schools are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence
Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
Goal 4: Equitable Access and OpportunitiesOne of the measures of the fourth goal is to provide all students with consistent availability of and accessibility to electives, extracurricular, co-curricular, and enrichment activities. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
 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.
 Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
 Not yet a member of our PTA? We would love to have you join! You can also support Key Center by volunteering with our PTA or making a donation through our Educate Fairfax site.
Key Center PTA Membership
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Educate Fairfax link to donate to Key Center
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September 23
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Rosh Hashanah / Student/Staff Holiday
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September 25
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Assembly- Laurie Blue in concert @10:30AM
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September 26
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Picture Day
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October 2
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Yom Kippur / Student/Staff Holiday
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October 13
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Indigenous Peoples' Day / Staff Development Day / Student Holiday
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October 20
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Diwali / Student/Staff Holiday
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October 31
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End of the 1st Quarter / 2 Hour Student Early Release
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November 3
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School Planning Day / Student Holiday
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November 4
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Teacher Workday / Student Holiday
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November 11
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Veterans Day / Student/Staff Holiday
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November 26-28
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Thanksgiving Break
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December 22-
January 2
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Winter Break
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