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Administrative Professionals Day
National Administrative Professionals Day is celebrated on Wednesday, April 23rd!
This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize and express our sincere gratitude for the incredible contributions of our administrative professionals who are the backbone of our school. They are the first friendly faces you see, the organized minds that keep everything on track, and the problem-solvers who ensure our school runs smoothly day in and day out.
Here at Key Center, we are very fortunate to have an exceptional front office team: Helly, Zenobia, and Delores.
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is celebrated on April 22nd. Let's give a big "Thank You!" on School Bus Driver Appreciation Day to our wonderful bus drivers and attendants! Every day, they safely transport our students to and from school, rain or shine. Their skill, care, and commitment ensure our students' well-being. They're often the first and last friendly faces our students see, setting a positive tone for the day.
We deeply appreciate their dedication to safety and for fostering a sense of community. Thank you to all our amazing bus drivers and attendants for your vital role in our school! Please join us in showing your appreciation!
Earth Day at Key Center
On Earth Day (and every day!) our school embraces our responsibility to care for our planet! Our students actively participate in nurturing the Earth through various initiatives. Budding green thumbs cultivate life in our school gardens, learning firsthand about where food comes from and the importance of biodiversity. Our robust recycling program instills the habit of reducing waste and conserving valuable resources. Furthermore, engaging classroom lessons across different subjects emphasize the principles of sustainability, empowering our students to become informed and responsible environmental stewards. Let's continue to work together to make every day Earth Day!
Disability Benefits: Social Security and VA’s Medicaid Waivers
 Wednesday, April 30 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Families of children with disabilities need to have an understanding of government benefits available to them as part of planning a future for their loved one. These benefits can help supplement a person’s income, qualify a person for extra help, and help them receive healthcare and community supports. Navigating the world of disability benefits can be tricky, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This workshop will help make that process easier. Join us as we discuss in clear understandable language: what are Social Security benefits, what are Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers, who is eligible, and how to apply.
Click here for more information. Presented by PEATC in partnership with The Bailey Center for Special Needs This webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.
Planning for the Future: Financial and Decision-Making Options
Tuesday, April 29 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Planning for the future is important for all parents, but for parents of children with disabilities, it is vital. This workshop will offer information to help learn about options and tools for making these important decisions. Topics covered will be: Age of Majority, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Supported Decision-Making, Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, and Letters of Intent.
Click here for more information.
Presented by PEATC in partnership with Frederick County Public SchoolsThis webinar will be presented on Zoom. It will not be recorded.
Assistive Technology Fair
 Date:
April 26th
Time:
10:00AM to 4:00PM
Location:
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
6560 Braddock Rd
Alexandria, VA 22312
ATConnect is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's first-ever fair connecting students and companies across the county to create and share their assistive technology with students with disabilities. The event is organized by TJ's Assistive Technology Club, which emphasizes working with and creating technology for students with disabilities.
This fair will feature new technologies for those with disabilities. Vendors include: Tobii Dynavox, SafeInHome, TTACOnline, PRC-Saltillo, NVRC and Children’s Assistive Technology Service. Each booth will feature fun, interactive activities that engage students with disabilities.
Register online for this free event.
Unified Response Day: Bridging First Responders and All Abilities
Date and Time:
04/26/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Location:
Fairfax County Fire Training Academy
4600 West Ox Rd
Fairfax, VA 22030
Admission: Free
The Arc of Northern Virginia is teaming up with Fairfax County public safety agencies to host the Fairfax Unified Response Day, an opportunity for people with disabilities to interact with first responders and learn about other available safety resources.
Join for a hands-on event where people with disabilities and their families can connect with first responders in a safe, low-pressure setting. This interactive experience lets participants practice real-world scenarios like traffic stops, car accidents, medical emergencies, and fire rescues. Register for this event online
Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with FCPS to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
Excellence Is at a Crossroads
Excellent teachers are the heart of FCPS! They inspire our kids, go the extra mile, and make a real difference. But the current Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up at FCPS. Keeping the best teachers includes compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts. Now is the time. Learn more about how excellence is at a Crossroads.
Community Conversations
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS at one of the following conversations from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Family Resources
 We encourage you to visit the Family Academy website for valuable resources and support to enhance your child's learning journey. Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit our webinar webpage.
Office of the FCPS Ombuds
The Ombudsman’s Office is a confidential and independent resource available to all FCPS students, families, community members, and employees. We are here to assist with questions, resolve concerns, and address complaints about FCPS-related matters.
Reach out to the office via: Phone: 571-423-4014 Text: 571-496-8284 Email: ombuds@fcps.edu
Parent Advocacy Handbook: A Resource for Supporting Your Child’s GrowthThe Parent Advocacy Handbook offers valuable information and resources to help parents and guardians advocate for their children’s academic, social, and emotional development from preschool through high school and beyond. Visit our website to review the handbook. Also available in other languages.
Virtual Office HoursJoin Michelle Peele, the Family Liaison, for Virtual Office Hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 AM to discuss concerns, school-related matters, or any other topics. These sessions are held weekly unless otherwise noted. For private meetings or alternate times, please email mcpeele@fcps.edu to schedule. Click here to join.
Support Key Center!
You can donate directly to Key Center using our donation link hosted by Educate Fairfax. One-time donations can be made as well as recurring gifts to the school. Your donations make a meaningful impact on the students, teachers and families of Key Center. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together we can continue to build a nurturing environment where all students thrive!
Another option for contributing to the Key Center is through support of our PTA.
PTA Membership:
Key Center PTA Membership for Parents/Family
Key Center PTA Membership for Staff
PTA Donations:
Key Center PTA donations
Upcoming Dates:
May 26 Memorial Day
May 29 Graduation - There will be no school on this day
June 11 Last Day of School/Early Release
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