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Family Liaison Newsletter
Issue 8, April 2026

Hello parents and families,

As the cherry blossoms bloom and we spring forward into the final stretch of the school year, our hallways are buzzing with extra energy. This surge of spring energy is exactly what our students need to fuel their curiosity and power through the last quarter of the school year together. 

April is the Month of the Military Child and we have a few events planned to recognize the incredible resilience of our students whose families serve. Bobcat Spirit Week kicks off on April 15 with “Purple up” Day to symbolize our support for all military branches. On April 16, we celebrate Military Colors Day, students can choose to wear uniform colors of any one of the  branches of service. We wrap up the week on Friday, April 17 with a patriotic Red, White, and Blue Day. We can’t wait to see your school spirit in action!

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns at nbhatia1@fcps.edu or 571-460-4334.

Nisha Bhatia, Churchill Road Family Liaison

FCPS has many resources for families designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth. The Family Resource Center offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, tutoring services, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.The new FCPS Family Academy is a targeted outreach effort to empower and build capacity, connections, cognition, confidence, and awareness through interactive learning experiences, tools, and resources for families in FCPS through a one-stop approach.

FCPS Programs and Workshops

April Sibshops and SibTeens

Friday, April 10, 2026
Gum Springs Community Center
8100 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA

The Sibshops workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with support needs to meet other siblings in a relaxed setting. Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs, share sibling experiences, and receive peer support. Play games and have fun. Register here 

SibTeens is a community-building group for Middle School siblings of children with support needs in grades 6-9 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have fun activities, both recreational and art-based, as well as discussion activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to share about their lives and support each other while normalizing their life experiences. Register here

Please contact FCPSSibshops@FCPS.edu for follow up questions about either program.

How to Develop Organizational
Skills with Your Child

Friday, April 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a presentation dedicated to building organizational skills. Learn practical tips for setting up effective systems to keep your child on track. Transform frustration into focus and equip your child with the skills they need to be successful and stress-free! Register here

Special Education Family Conference Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. George C. Marshall High School  7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church We are pleased to announce the 2026 Special Education Family Conference - Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools. This no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of internal and external community partners. Families will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources, and participate in afternoon sessions. More information and registration: Special Education Family Conference

Military Families Field Day Saturday, April 18th, 12- 2 p.m., at Annandale High School's stadium FCPS is holding a division-wide Military Family Field Day as part of the Month of the Military Child!  Families are encouraged to participate or sponsor an event. View here for more details and registration.

Literacy Instruction for Students
with Significant Disabilities

Friday, April 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

In this session participants will explore the five components of literacy and corresponding instructional practices designed to support the literacy needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Register here

Fairfax County Government Programs & Services

Camp Fairfax Summer 2026  Registration Open. Camp Fairfax serves rising 1st through 7th graders and is held at public schools and community centers throughout Fairfax County. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided. A sliding fee scale is available Camp Fairfax Summer Flyer

The Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide safe, fun, and affordable camp programs for your children!

Our summer camps offer your kids the opportunity of a lifetime to engage in safe and enjoyable activities while forming positive relationships with other campers and staff. We strive to provide programs that will allow children to grow and develop intellectually, physically, culturally, and socially. Campers will have the benefit of learning from role models while spending quality time with their friends in a great environment.

 Learn more and register at: https://www.fairfaxva.gov/Fun-Facilities/Camps-and-Classes/Summer-Camps

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA)

E-IFTA is a vibrant weekly arts camp designed for elementary-aged students who love to sing, dance, act, and create! Each day, campers dive into four exciting classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, led by passionate FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging experiences. Watch your children’s imagination soar as they explore their creativity, make new friends, and discover the joy of artistic expression! More information and registration.

Camps for Children of Military Personnel

Camp Corral Camp Corral is an overnight camp program for children of wounded, ill, injured, and fallen military heroes. We provide programs across the county, free of charge for qualified applicants. The vision behind Camp Corral is one where military connected children ages 8-15 have the opportunity for respite, far away from the day-to-day challenges they face as a part of veteran families. So much more than campfires and s’mores, Camp Corral is a place where these young heroes come together, build coping and resiliency skills, and have the time of their lives — all at no cost to their families. Check https://www.campcorral.org/ for more information.

Military Teen Adventure Camps| Ages 13-18 Military Teen Adventure Camps are residential summer camps for military-connected youth ages 13-18, including those with parents in active duty, guard, reserve, or retired service from any branch. These high-adventure camps offer outdoor activities that promote leadership, self-confidence, resilience, and teamwork while helping teens connect with peers who share similar military experiences. Financial assistance is available to help with transportation costs. Check Camps by location: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/4h/military-teen-adventure-camps/?_ga=2.98316959.1097215762.1773327649-1216400504.1773327358

Operation Purple® Camp Locations Announced for Summer 2026

Operation Purple Camp takes place at locations across the country, offering military kids a week designed just for them. This summer, NMFA will host 11 weeks of camp, each offering a unique setting grounded in the same core experience.Learn more: https://www.militaryfamily.org/operation-purple-camp-locations-announced-for-summer-2026/

Community Events and Activities

K-Pop Demon Hunters Party Friday, April 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Dolley Madison Library Do you adore Huntrix? Do you go gaga for the Saja Boys? Celebrate your love of K-Pop Demon Hunters with activities, music, and more!  Come in costume or your best K-Pop fashion! School Age and Teen. Register here.

Comic Bookaneers Book Club

Monday, April 20, 2026
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Dolley Madison Library

Are you ready to delve into the world of comics? Join the Comic Bookaneers!

Our book for April is The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat. Read it ahead of time, then join us day of for a discussion! 

Books Available at the Checkout Desk. Registration required.

Chinese Culture Club Saturday, April 25, 2026  4:00pm - 6:00pm Dolley Madison Library Welcome to the Chinese Culture Club! Join us on the last Saturday of the month to explore Chinese history, art, music, and culture through a variety of activities. All activities will be facilitated in both English and Chinese Mandarin. All Chinese language levels are welcome! Registration Required. Please register the children attending the program. Adults do not need to register. Registrations open at 4:00pm Saturday, April 11, 2026

Open Game Nights at OFC Saturday, April 8, 6:30 - 9:00 PM Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM- 1:00PM Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 - 9:00 PM Wednesday, April 29, 6:30-9:00 PM The Old Firehouse  Enjoy table tennis, bridge, mah-jongg, arcade games, a sensory lab and more More information here

Math in Motion Thursday, April 9 - Thursday, May 14 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM Mclean Community Center Ages 4-6 Kids will explore opportunities to engage with math in meaningful ways through hands-on activities and playful challenges. Register here.

Youth Cooking: “It’s A Party”

Thursday, April 16 or Friday, April 17
4:15 AM - 6:15 PM
1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean
8-14 years

Instructor: Chef Joel Olson.

Thursday, April 16. Register here

Friday, April 17. Register here

Spring Community Parking Lot Sale Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. McLean Community Center This parking lot sale has over 50 vendors! Register online at mcleancenter.org, in person, or by phone by contacting the MCC Registrar at 703-744-9365. Free admission. Vendors must register. More information and registration here.

The 28th Children's Spring Festival Sunday, April 26, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.