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Advanced Academic Programs Spring Newsletter
Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.

Screening for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services

Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.

• Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) or Assistant Principal by April 15, annually.

• The AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form may be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs-aap/advanced- academic-program-aap-forms or by searching “AAP Forms” at https://www.fcps.edu/.

• Parents or guardians who submit a referral will be notified by the local elementary school of their student’s eligibility status by early June.

Screening Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services

Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.

Appeals Process for Subject Specific (Level II) and Part-Time (Level III) Services

If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher or Assistant Principal.

Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview Subject Specific and Part-Time Services in Elementary School

FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students. Students have:

• Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
• A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.

Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:

Access to Rigor, Grades K-6 (Level I)

All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.

• All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons

• Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.

Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.

Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6 (Level II)

Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:

• Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,

• Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and

• Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.

Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.

Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6 (Level III)

Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.

• Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
• Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.

Part-time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.

Screening for Full-Time (Level IV) Services Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services

Screening for full-time (level IV) AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for full-time (level IV) services occurs during two specific screening cycles:

• Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January.
  • Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
• Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.
  
  • The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.

For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced- academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.

Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8 (Level IV)

Some advanced learners need a full-time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).
Students eligible for full-time AAP services are cluster grouped on a full-time basis and receive:

• Full-time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and

• Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.

Full-time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Principal's Message

I trust this break found you able to enjoy time with family and friends and hopefully a bit of much needed down time. Wednesday, we look forward to welcoming students back for the 4th quarter.

Tuesday at 10AM we are excited to welcome our incoming kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year. Families are welcome to arrive between 9::30 to 10AM to check in, get their photo taken and meet Chester the Chipmunk, staff and student ambassadors who will be providing tours. We are excited to welcome our newest Chipmunks! If you know any incoming kinders, please spread the message. We don't want anyone to miss this special event.

Over Spring Break, our custodial staff stayed busy ensuring our building is kept in top notch shape. Our team is dedicated to make our building and grounds are in great shape for our community. This past week, they worked hard to clean carpets, hallways, furniture, courtyards, and tidy up grounds after the winter to ensure our staff and students return to a beautiful and clean space. Additionally, our PTA budget is at work as our gardens fund helped support our spring pond cleanup, which was a major chore. The courtyards are ready for our students and staff to enjoy and our fish and turtles begin to peek their heads out as the weather warms up. They were quite happy with the cleanup.

There is a lot of important info packed in this message, so please take a few minutes to read and see what applies to you. I'm excited to see you all back soon.

Warmly,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Upcoming Important Dates

April 1 & 2 - School Planning Day/Teacher Work Day - No School for Students

April 1-5 - National Assistant Principals Week 

April 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day 

April 8 - Solar Eclipse Experience - Parent Volunteers Requested in Afternoon during Viewing Experience

April 9 - 1st Grade NNAT administration

April 10 - Eid al-Fitr Holiday - all schools and offices closed 

April 17- Purple Up Day - Celebrating our Military Students and Families

6th Grade Families, Save the Date for Chesterbrook's Promotion Celebration.  The 6th grade Celebration will be held during the last day Wednesday, June 12th.

Tuesday, June 11- 5:30 PM Longfellow MS - limited tickets will be available for families but we do our best to accommodate as many as possible.

☀️Safely View Solar Eclipse on April 8 

Chesterbrook Requests Parent Volunteers to Support Afternoon Event

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

With this rare scientific event next week, we would like our students to learn about the science behind the eclipse and be able to safely experience this opportunity. As a community we need to be mindful that this will also occur during dismissal, which will have our students quite curious and we want to make sure they are informed about the dangers of looking directly at the sun.

We have received a parent donation for a set of glasses for the 2nd grade and with PTA support, purchased the remaining glasses needed for students and staff. We would like to schedule time for our students to be able to safely go outside with their class, but understand that curious students may need additional adult supervision to safely view.  .  Administration is requesting parent volunteers to help support classes during this time and also help support our dismissal. Please click here to help out Chesterbrook for the eclipse.  If you would prefer your child NOT participate in the outdoor viewing opportunity during school hours, we can still provide them the glasses for you to catch it afterschool.  Please email your child's homeroom teacher if you would like to Opt Out.

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.

Family Engagement Survey Extended to 4/3

The deadline to take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey has been extended to Wednesday, April 3! If you haven’t already responded, please participate now. The survey is available in 10 languages. 

Your feedback will help us develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success. All responses will be confidential. 

Thank you for lending your voice to this important effort — it matters!

National Librarian Appreciation Day - 4/4

Please join us in celebrating our amazing librarian, Mrs. Ashley Schorr. In her first year as our librarian, she has truly created a warm and inviting hub for our school where students can thrive in their learning and growth. She works closely with our student ambassadors to direct our morning news program and helps them create videos to showcase Chesterbrook for special events. Mrs. Schorr has continued to grow our resources, allowing students the most current access to children's literature and research tools. She inspires our students to read through the various competitions and challenges, such as our most recent Spring Break reading challenge. I hope you will join us in showering Mrs. Schorr with thanks and appreciation this week and help recognize all she does for our community.

Spring Break Reading Challenge due Wednesday 4/3

Have your child complete as many squares on the Spring Break Reading Challenge Board as possible and return the completed paper on Wednesday, April 3rd to get a free raffle ticket for the Book Fair Raffle Baskets. We can’t wait to hear about all the reading our students do over the break.

National Assistant Principals Week - 4/1 - 4/5

Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success across our schools. While she is brand new to us, our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Lara Macdonald, has quickly become an instrumental part of our team, supporting our community. Please join us in welcoming and thanking Ms. Macdonald this week during National AP Week!

FCPS CARES

Do you know a Chesterbrook Elementary or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

Reminders Chesterbrook Yearbook Orders

Don't forget to preorder your copy today, deadline will be coming up soon.

www.yearbookordercenter.com 
Use school code 24891

Last Call for CES Spiritwear
Flash Sale for 6 Days!

https://spirithero.com/collections/chesterbrook

2024-25 School Year Planning Intent to Not Return for the 2024-25 School Year

Chesterbrook Elementary is in the process of planning for next year!  In order to monitor class size and hire the very best staff, we need to know plans for our families.  If you are NOT planning to return to Chesterbrook or Longfellow MS next school year, please complete this student/family intent form letting us know of your plans.

Parent Input for Class Placement

Parents that wish to contribute information towards class placements for the 2024 - 2025 school year, may submit this information on this form.  Completion of the form is optional, however, the deadline for submission is May 4th, 2024. Thank you for your partnership. Parents of rising kindergarteners will receive an email once we have more enrollment, but are welcome to complete this now. Kindergarten placement takes place in August when we have completed our pre-assessments of all students. No requests for a specific teacher may be made. These requests will be deleted.

Summer Opportunities for Students

CES Summer Quest - July 8 - July 26

FCPS Bridge to K, SOAR and Young Scholars at Timberlane ES - July 8 - July 26th  Students will be recommended by teachers based on academic need. Students currently receiving interventions may be a good fit for the program. Teachers will be in touch in April to plan for registration. 

Elementary Institute for the Arts

Additional Opportunities for Students

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Principal's Message

Friday we closed the week with our Quarter 3 House Pep Rally. See some photos below. This great group of chipmunks is ready for a fantastic finish this year. It is hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. I look forward to the celebrations of learning with POG POL in upper grades, culminating activities, our final field trips, year end concerts, Fun Fair, Shrek the musical, year end celebrations, The Brain Show and of course 6th Grade Promotion. One thing is for sure, our days and weeks ahead are packed with opportunities for students to showcase knowledge, celebrate their growth and keep lots of play in our days. 

Today we will experience the Solar Eclipse Experience. Our staff and students will be provided safety solar viewing glasses for the experience this afternoon. I am appreciative of a parent donation and our PTA for providing the remaining glasses needed. We have an incredible list of over 50 parent volunteers helping our classes to ensure students are using their solar safety glasses correctly for this viewing experience. We are excited to experience this event as a school community. We have worked to instruct students about the eclipse and necessary safety prior to this event. Any parent wishing to opt their child out of the viewing experience should contact their child's homeroom teacher.  Our preschool PM class will not participate in the outdoor viewing due to their safety. 

We will have some of our volunteers helping with dismissal. Students will leave with their glasses, however, they cannot wear them while walking home from school or the bus. If you need to change the dismissal plan for your student(s) please use Pick Up Patrol to notify the teacher and office.

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Important Dates

Monday, 4/8 Eclipse Schoolwide Viewing Experience

Tuesday, 4/9  NNAT testing (1st grade and new students in upper grades)

Wednesday, 4/10  Eid al Fitr Staff and Student Holiday

Thursday, 4/11 PTA Meeting 2:30

Monday, 4/15 Quarter 3 Grades are Available in SIS Parent Vue

Tuesday 4/16  International Night 5:00 - 6:30 (Blacktop)

Wednesday 4/17 Purple Up Day -Let's Celebrate our Military and wear purple!

Thursday 4/18  Band, Strings and Chorus Concerts

Monday 4/22
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon (See invite for volunteers below)

Chesterbrook Literacy Night Family Fun Event 6 - 7PM

Friday May 3 - Teacher Workday/Student Holiday;
Fun Fair 2PM - 6PM Click to Volunteer

May 6-10  Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, June 11 - 6th Grade Promotion at Lonfellow MS 5:30 - 7PM

Fairfax County Public Schools 2023-24 Calendar

Chesterbrook Yearbook Orders Deadline April 22nd

www.yearbookordercenter.com 
Use school code 24891

International Night - PTA Family Night Event

We are thrilled to invite you and your family to participate in our upcoming International Night on April 16th from 5-6:30 pm. This special event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions within our school community, showcasing the diverse backgrounds that make us unique. 

We encourage families to pick a country to represent and do it with pride, whether through traditional attire, music, dance, or cuisine. We hope you will join us in making this year's International Night a truly memorable and meaningful occasion for our school! Let us know which country you will be representing by signing up HERE or click the button below.

Middle and high schoolers looking for community service volunteer hours should reach out to Leticia Phillips.

Chesterbrook Literacy Night Monday, April 22nd 6PM - 7PM

Save the date and join us for our 1st Literacy Night. Snuggle into your pajamas for an evening of literacy based activities for kindergarten through third grades. Students will enjoy fun activities that support word recognition and language comprehension and parents will gather resources. Parents will leave with resources and an understanding of how to reinforce learning at home. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Jennings- [email protected]

April is Autism Acceptance Month

This year, the National Institute of Mental Health is providing resources in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.  These resources highlight and focus on inclusivity and connectedness and honor the unique perspectives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASD is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Health Topic Page

Earth Day Fairfax April 20th

Looking for more fun Earth Week activities? Join the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Fairfax event on Saturday, April 20 from 10am-4pm at Sully Historic Site to kick off your Earth Week.

Quarter 3 Pep Rally

Our courageous, quick attempt to make a heart with 600+ students and staff.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Principal's Message

I am looking forward to a great week ahead. On Tuesday evening we celebrate International Night, a great evening of sharing as we enjoy learning about the the many family traditions, cultures, talents, art, dress and cuisine across our Chesterbrook community. More information below and a link to sign up for a table if you would like to share.

Wednesday we celebrate our military families with Purple Up day. Wear purple to honor the sacrifices of our military families. 

Thursday evening our upper grade students from our Chorus, Band and Strings will perform their spring concerts for all to enjoy. I've had the joy of hearing some of our practices and look forward to a great evening of music.

Next Monday I hope all our volunteers will join our teachers for lunch as we say thank you for your support this school year. Find our schedule below for the class lunch time.

Wishing all a wonderful week!

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Upcoming Dates

Monday, 4/15 Quarter 3 Grades are Available in SIS Parent Vue

Tuesday 4/16  International Night 5:30 - 7 PM (Blacktop)
*Note updated start time.

Wednesday 4/17 Purple Up Day - Celebrate our Military and wear purple!

Thursday 4/18  Band, Strings and Chorus Concerts

Monday 4/22
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon (See invite for volunteers below)

Chesterbrook Literacy Night Family Fun Event 6 - 7PM

Friday May 3 - Teacher Workday/Student Holiday; Fun Fair 2PM - 6PM Click to Volunteer

May 6-10  Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, June 11 - 6th Grade Promotion at Longfellow MS 5:30 - 7PM

Fairfax County Public Schools 2023-24 Calendar

Yearbook Order Deadline 4/22 Last Week to Order 

We have many families that have yet to order. Availability for purchase upon deliver will be limited.

Chesterbrook Yearbook Orders
Deadline April 22nd

www.yearbookordercenter.com 
Use school code 24891

This Tuesday!!!  International Night 

Updated start time -  International Night on April 16th from 5:30 - 7 PM

We hope you will join us in making this year's International Night a truly memorable and meaningful occasion for our school! Let us know which country you will be representing by signing up HERE . ❤️Middle and high schoolers looking for community service volunteer hours should reach out to Leticia Phillips.

Summer Quest Fun Camps at Chesterbrook

Click here to view classes and register

Save the date for the following weeks:
Week 1 - July 8-12
Week 2 - July 15-19
Week 3 July 22-26

Summer Literacy Program
6 Books for $35 closes May 5th

Purchase summer reading books for your child through our summer literacy program, Project Lift. We will provide students options of books to select from. They will select 6 books for $35. Parents will need to prepay for their child to join the program and receive the books before the end of school through MySchoolBucks. All payments for the program must be received by May 5th for students to select their books.

Spring Pictures Available Online

Spring Portraits are now available to view and order online! All orders will include free shipping until April 23.

Please remember, the online code is the Student ID Number.

vosphoto.com/uc

Parent questions/concerns regarding portraits can be directed to [email protected]

2024-25 Student Registration

Do not delay in registration! Accurate student numbers are critical to staffing appropriately for the 2024-25 school year. 

Register Your Child Online: Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.  When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. This Chesterbrook intake form will record your information with our office team as you start the process, so we can communicate with new families.  Parents must still complete the online registration linked above.

Solar Eclipse Glasses Donation

If your children no longer want their solar eclipse glasses, we will collect them for a donation drive.

Bring your solar eclipse glasses that are not damaged back to school and we will donate to children in Latin America for the eclipse in October 2024. 

We will have a box in front of the office where you child(ren) or you can drop off in the morning or afternoon. 

Reminders Parent Input for Class Placement

Parents that wish to contribute information towards class placements for the 2024 - 2025 school year, may submit this information on this form.  Completion of the form is optional, however, the deadline for submission is May 4th, 2024. Thank you for your partnership. Parents of rising kindergarteners will receive an email once we have more enrollment, but are welcome to complete this now. Kindergarten placement takes place in August when we have completed our pre-assessments of all students. No requests for a specific teacher may be made. These requests will be deleted.

Volunteer Luncheon - Monday, April 22nd Literacy Night, Monday April 22nd 6 - 7PM

Save the date and join us for our 1st Literacy Night. Snuggle into your pajamas for an evening of literacy based activities for kindergarten through third grades. Students will enjoy fun activities that support word recognition and language comprehension and parents will gather resources. Parents will leave with resources and an understanding of how to reinforce learning at home. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Jennings- [email protected]

SOL Testing Dates 

Please mark dates on your calendar to ensure students are in school on these days. 

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook