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National School Principals Month
 October is National Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re proud to celebrate Key Center’s exceptional leader, Principal Ann Smith!
Principal Smith works hard every day to make Key Center a safe, warm, and educational space for our students and staff. She is dedicated to creating an environment where students feel cared for, supported, and ready to learn—and where staff feel valued and equipped to do their important work.
Her commitment helps ensure that staff have the support to provide thoughtful, meaningful support and learning for every student. Through her leadership, Principal Smith brings our school community together around the shared goal of helping students feel safe, grow, and succeed.
Thank you, Principal Smith, for your advocacy, compassion, and leadership. We’re grateful for all you do for Key Center’s students and staff!
Join Us for Key Center PTA’s First General Meeting of the School Year!
 Families and students are welcome at our first PTA general membership meeting on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided.
We’ll review anticipated PTA activities for the 2026–2027 school year, vote to fill the vacant Vice President position—Katie Harper has been nominated—and hear a presentation about a program supporting adaptive skiing and ice skating for individuals with disabilities.
Please let us know if you plan to attend- register for the PTA meeting here. Questions? Contact Emily Bell at emilyherzogbell@gmail.com.
Transition Series Kickoff- The Arc of Northern Virginia
 What happens when school ends? For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, the transition from school-provided services to adult life can bring a lot of questions, and finding the right resources can make all the difference. The Arc of Northern Virginia kicks off their Annual Transition Series, a program designed to educate and empower individuals with disabilities and their families as they navigate the transition to adult, community-based services.
The morning will feature presentations for families from 9:00–11:00am, followed by a Mini-Resource Fair from 11:00am–12:00pm. The fair will bring together local service providers and support organizations, giving families an opportunity to learn about available resources, ask questions and make connections with organizations that can help as they plan for life after school.
Saturday, October 17
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Arc of Northern Virginia
3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA
Register for the Transition Series Kickoff.
Superintendent Community Conversations
 Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Transportation Survey
 Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
 Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
Immunization Events
 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair
 Each fall, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and The Arc of Northern Virginia sponsor:
- Who should attend: Students with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their families
- Purpose: Learn about adult services and supports available after transitioning from FCPS
- Representatives will provide information about:
- Adult service providers
- Employment and training programs
- Medicaid and Social Security
- Residential options
- Supported employment
- Day support programs
- Recreation and leisure activities
- Travel training
- Advocacy and funding
- And more
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfax High School cafeteria
Entry: Door 1
Register here
Sibshops and SibTeens: Upcoming Session
 Join us for a morning of connection, activities, and conversation with peers who share similar family experiences.
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Sibshops is a community-building program for children in grades 2–5 who have a sibling with a disability. Participants can play games, enjoy art activities, and connect with other children. Register here
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SibTeens is a community-building group for students in grades 6–8 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have a sibling with support needs. Through recreational and art-based activities and discussion, students can share about their lives and support one another. Register here
Session details
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Sibshops and SibTeens)
Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School
Address: 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
A Local Resource for Families
 Finding support for a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) can feel overwhelming. NOVA IDD Group brings Northern Virginia families, service providers, advocates, and benefits experts together in one free online community.
Members can search for resources, ask questions, connect with other families, and access a mobile app. It’s a helpful place to start when looking for services, exploring benefits, or learning from others’ experiences.
Key Center PTA
 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
Educate Fairfax link to donate to Key Center
Upcoming Dates
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October 30
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End of 1st Q, 2 hr Early Release - 11:40 Student Dismissal
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November 2
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Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
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November 3
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School Planning Day - Student Holiday
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November 25-27
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Thanksgiving Break
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December 21-
January 1
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Winter Break
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