FCPS

December 16, 2024

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Message from our PTO: Support Our Teachers & Show You Care!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Days of Cheer, from December 18th to 20th. This tradition is an opportunity for us to show our support and gratitude to the incredible Mason Crest crew who dedicate themselves to our children's education. We need your support to make Days of Cheer a success! We will be asking for handmade signs and decorations to spruce up the teacher’s lounge, we’ll be hosting a hot chocolate bar on Wednesday, a catered lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday. You can contribute by donating your time, dropping off items for the staff, or making a cash contribution. 

Sign-Up Genius Here

We also have started an Amazon Wish List!  If it’s easier to purchase the items online and send them directly to school, we would appreciate it!  Please just note the shipping/delivery dates to ensure the items will arrive on time.

We also have the option to Venmo if you would like to send a donation and the PTO can shop for you.  Our PTO Venmo is @Mason-Crest-PTO and label it “Days of Cheer.”

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

December 16-December 20: Spirit Days of Cheer

December 18: PTO Lebanese Taverna Night

December 20: 5th Grade Field Trip to Poe MS

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

January 20: NO SCHOOL-Inauguration

January 29: NO SCHOOL-Teacher Workday

January 31: BINGO Night

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

December 16, 2024

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Message from our PTO: Support Our Teachers & Show You Care!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Days of Cheer, from December 18th to 20th. This tradition is an opportunity for us to show our support and gratitude to the incredible Mason Crest crew who dedicate themselves to our children's education. We need your support to make Days of Cheer a success! We will be asking for handmade signs and decorations to spruce up the teacher’s lounge, we’ll be hosting a hot chocolate bar on Wednesday, a catered lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday. You can contribute by donating your time, dropping off items for the staff, or making a cash contribution. 

Sign-Up Genius Here

We also have started an Amazon Wish List!  If it’s easier to purchase the items online and send them directly to school, we would appreciate it!  Please just note the shipping/delivery dates to ensure the items will arrive on time.

We also have the option to Venmo if you would like to send a donation and the PTO can shop for you.  Our PTO Venmo is @Mason-Crest-PTO and label it “Days of Cheer.”

Message from our Health Room

To ensure the health of everyone, students should be free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without medication before returning to school. If a student is sent home from school early with one of these symptoms, they should stay home from school the following day.   Thank you!

Medications may not be brought to school by students.  Parents must bring all medications to the Health Room during school hours. Over the counter medications must be in the original, unopened packaging.  Prescription medications require paperwork to be completed by a doctor.  For medication questions, please call 571-226-2610.

Message from our Music Program

Thank you for always supporting our amazing music programs at Mason Crest. There have been some questions regarding the Winter-Sing-a-Long later this week. Due to limited space, that event is only for students and staff to celebrate the end of 2024 heading into the Winter Break. 

  The Kindergarten and 1st graders will preform as a part of our Arts Showcase Night which is scheduled for the evening of March 27th. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to administration or your child's music teacher. 

Kiss n'Ride Reminders

If you are utilizing our Kiss n' Ride line in the morning or afternoon, we ask that you please remain in your car and pull up to the sidewalk where staff can help your student get into or out of your car. 

We are having families who are parking their cars illegally in the parking lot and walking their child across the Kiss n' Ride line. If you would like to walk your child up to the door, please park on Wayne or on Brookcrest, and use the sidewalks leading up to the school to ensure our Kiss n' Ride line is moving as quickly and safely as possible.

Please help to keep our students safe and plan ahead on those days when the line might be longer such as when there is rainy weather. Thank you for your patience and continued partnership as a part of the Mason Crest community.

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

December 16-December 20: Spirit Days of Cheer

December 18: PTO Lebanese Taverna Night

December 20: 5th Grade Field Trip to Poe MS

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

January 20: NO SCHOOL-Inauguration

January 29: NO SCHOOL-Teacher Workday

January 31: BINGO Night

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

December 2, 2024

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Cold Weather Guidance

This is a reminder that students spend 30 minutes outdoors during recess each day. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and/or other cold-weather clothing, gloves, and a hat, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Throughout the winter, FCPS and the Mason Crest principals monitor the weather for very low temperatures, wind chill advisories, and weather warnings which may prevent children from being outside and call for us to shorten the time outside for recess.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing our Family Liaison, Liz Denman ([email protected]) is happy to support you. 

Advanced Academic (AAP) Referrals: Deadline 12/15/24

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, Karen Lyle at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Karen Lyle.

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Make Up Picture Day

Our Make Up Picture Day will be on Wednesday, December 11. If your child was present for the initial date and you would like for them to retake their picture, please notify your child's teacher so they can be sent down for their retake.

Students who are new to Mason Crest will also take their pictures so we are able to include students in our annual yearbook. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Shin at [email protected]. Thank you!

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

December 3: First Grade Naglieri (NNAT Testing)

December 6: Spirit Day: House Shirt Day

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 12: Winter Concert 6:00 p.m. Gym

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

November 14, 2024

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Book Fair

The Fall Book Fair has arrived! Students will be visiting the Book Fair during their specials time next week. Families may also visit the Fair during the Math and Literacy Night on Thursday, November 21. If you are able to help and volunteer, please use the following link to sign up: Mason Crest Elementary School: Scholastic Book Fair Volunteers.  All volunteers will receive a $10 coupon to redeem at the Book Fair. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Ms. Lingler at [email protected]. 

Math and Literacy Night

Our annual Math and Literacy Night will be held this upcoming Thursday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Families can join us for free pizza at 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria before they enjoy the space themed activities around the building from 5:30-7:00 p.m. We hope you can join us for one of our favorite nights of learning and fun!

If you have a former Mason Crest high school or college student who would like to volunteer to support one of our teachers at a station, please email Ms. Shin at [email protected].

Boundary Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

Early Release Monday

This is a reminder that this upcoming Monday, November 18, is a 3-hour early release. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. 

Make Up Picture Day

Our Make Up Picture Day will be on Wednesday, December 11. If your child was present for the initial date, we are anticipating pictures being sent to the school prior to the Thanksgiving Break. We will send home the pictures to families which will allow for families to view their pictures prior to making the decision to either keep or retake their pictures. 

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 18:  Boundary Community Meeting at Glasgow Middle School

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Cafeteria

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

December 3: First Grade Naglieri (NNAT Testing)

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

November 8, 2024

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Elementary Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow stronger in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Veterans Day Holiday

In honor of Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their sacrifices and dedication to our country inspire us and remind us of the freedoms we cherish each day. To our veteran families and community members, we thank you for your service and the invaluable role you play in enriching our school. There will be no school on Monday, November 11, in honor of our Veterans.

Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule

Our Thanksgiving Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, November 21. On that day, our lunch  schedule will be:

Kindergarten-11:00-11:30 a.m.

1st Grade-11:30-12:00 p.m.

2nd Grade-12:00-12:30 p.m.

4th Grade-12:30-1:00 p.m.

3rd Grade-1:00-1:30 p.m.

5th Grade-1:30-2:00 p.m.

Lost and Found

Please remind your students to check our Lost and Found. It is overflowing with sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets as the cold mornings give way to sunny, warm afternoons! It is located in the cafeteria.

Make Up Picture Day

Due to Lifetouch not being able to process our photos from our initial picture day, we will be moving our retakes to Wednesday, December 11, to allow for families to view their pictures prior to making the decision to retake their pictures. We apologize for this change, but we wanted to provide families ample time to make their decision. Thank you!

FLE Preview Night

Students at each grade level from Kindergarten through 5th grade participate in the FCPS Family Life Education curriculum. The instruction includes a range of age appropriate topics that are differed by grade level. You can find more information about the content taught at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/subject-area/family-life-education-fle. Last month we sent each family a copy of the opt-out for their child’s grade level. To help our families decide if they would like their children to participate in the lessons or if they would like to opt them out, we are hosting a Family Life Education Preview Night. If would like to learn more or ask questions about the Family Life Education content, please join us at 5:00 p.m. on November 25 in the Mason Crest cafeteria. If you have any questions about this night or the Family Life Education content, please email Larry Aiello ([email protected]) and/or Shana Conroy ([email protected]).

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

November 11: NO SCHOOL--Veterans Day

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Cafeteria

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

December 11: Fall Make Up Picture Day 

December 23-January 3: NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Holiday

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

October 30, 2024

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Impact Aid Forms

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Mason Crest PTO Bake Sale 11/5/24 (Election Day)

Hello friends and families, we are hosting a Bake Sale at Mason Crest Elementary on Nov 5th, Election Day. School will be closed but we need your help making yummy baked goods and volunteering to sell the delicious treats. You can drop off baked goods on 11/4 at Mason Crest Elementary from 9-2pm or bring the morning of 11/5 early, at 7am.   Please click on the link below to sign up. We appreciate your support for our students!

Thank you!

Mason Crest PTO  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4AA5AC29A0FE3-52385990-mason#/

Lost and Found

As you visit Mason Crest for parent teacher conferences, the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and Math and Literacy Night, please take a minute to check out the Lost and Found for any missing items. It is brimming with sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets as the cold mornings give way to sunny, warm afternoons!

Attendance Tip: Plan Ahead

🗓️ Planning family events or trips? Remember, weekends & school holidays are golden! Keep school absences to a minimum, as 10% missed can lead to chronic absence. Consult the FCPS Calendar for smooth scheduling: https://bit.ly/3RJbauv #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow #AttendanceMattersVA

Student Experience Survey Pilot

Mason Crest students in grades 3-5 have been chosen to participate in a survey that will provide information on thier experience as a student in FCPS. 

If you would like additional information or would like to view the survey, please visit the Student Experience Survey webpage: https://www.fcps.edu/student-experience-survey-pilot. If you wish, you may opt your child out of participating in the pilot by completing the electronic Opt-Out Form at https://fcpsk12va.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cwfgS6HYW0NDOya. If you are not able to complete the form electronically, you may complete a hardcopy version of the opt-out form available from your child’s school. We encourage families to speak with their child about the survey, especially if you choose to opt them out of participation. The deadline to submit an opt-out form is Friday, November 8. If you have questions about the Student Experience Survey, please contact [email protected].

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

October 31:  2-Hr Early Release (2:00 p.m.) -End of the 1st Quarter

November 1:  NO SCHOOL - Diwali

November 4-5:  NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Days

November 5: Bake Sale 7:00a.m.-2:00 p.m.

November 11: NO SCHOOL--Veteran's Day

November 15: Picture Make Up Day

November 15-22: Fall Book Fair

November 18: 3-Hour Early Release (1:00 p.m.)

November 21:  Thanksgiving Luncheon & Math and Literacy Night 5:00-7:00 p.m.

November 25:  FLE Preview Night 5:00-6:00 p.m.

November 27-29:  NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

October 21, 2024

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Dear Families,

   October 21st is our second 3-hour Early Release for students. This additional time allows for teachers to complete the trainings required of elementary teachers by the new Virginia Literacy Act. Another component of the Literacy Act is the requirement of a new language arts textbook and curriculum. The additional time on Mondays throughout the year, also allows our teachers to spend time learning about the new textbook and plan with their teams to differentiate the materials for our students' individualized needs. Thank you for supporting us in these Early Release Mondays. We could not be the school we are without your ongoing support. If you have any questions, feel free to visit the FCPS website and learn more about Early Release Mondays. 

Thank you, 

Mr. Aiello, Ms. Conroy, and Ms. Shin

Chick Fil A Spirit Day

  Monday, October 21 is the Mason Crest Spirit Day at our local Chick-Fil-A. Throughout the day use the code, "Mason" and our PTO will receive 10% of the sales. You can either visit the Chick-Fil-A located at 7130 Little River Turnpike or even order online and have it delivered to your home. Don't forget to add "Mason" to your order. Thank you for supporting our PTO!

Fun Run--Friday, October 25

   This upcoming Friday is our annual Fun Run. Your child will be participating in the Fun Run during their specials block. Please have your child wear comfortable running shoes and bring a water bottle to participate safely in this activity. We are looking forward to receiving our colored house shirts and are ready for some FUN! Thank you to our amazing PTO for providing every student and staff member with a shirt--we can't wait!

Bake Sale--November 5th (Election Day)

   Our PTO will be hosting a Bake Sale on Tuesday, November 5th. If you can bake, would like to donate a purchased item, or have time to support our PTO by selling items, please sign up using the link. If you have any questions, feel free to email our PTO at [email protected].

End of Quarter Teacher Conferences

  At the end of the first quarter, our teachers would love to schedule 15-20 minutes to share how your child has been doing at school, their academic progress, and answer any questions you have about their school year. We would also love to learn more about your child and hear what works best for your child at home as you are their first teacher. If you have not scheduled a time with your child's teacher, please feel free to message them using Talking Points or email the principals ([email protected]) and we will be happy to help schedule a time that works for you both. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping your child learn and grow!

Upcoming Events & Holidays

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release Day (Students will be going home at 1:00 p.m.)

October 31: End of the first quarter (2-Hour Early Release--Students will be going home at 2:00 p.m.)

November 1: Diwali (No School) 

November 4: Teacher Workday (No School)

November 5: Teacher Workday/Election Day (No School)

November 11: Veteran's Day (No School) 

November 18-22: Fall Book Fair

November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Our Preschool Students LOVE Learning About Fall

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

October 8, 2024

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Advanced Academics Program Parent Meeting

All parents are invited to come learn about the Advanced Academics program and how Advanced Academic services are implemented at Mason Crest Elementary. Karen Lyle, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher will be leading an information session on Wednesday, October 9th from 8:15-9:00 AM. The session will take place in the library or you can access the session virtually here: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98891476959?pwd=Z0F8wArVC5M36F2HbXyWKExIi94U19.1

The presentation will also be posted to the Mason Crest website. If you have any questions, please feel free to send Karen an email at [email protected]

Picture Day is coming on Thursday, October 10!

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTZWPCB6. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. If you have any questions, please reach out to the office at 571-226-2600.

PTO Meeting

Please join us on Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for our Parent Teacher Organization Meeting. We will provide an overview of our upcoming events and provide a financial overview of our current budget. Childcare and pizza will be provided for children. If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected].

Lost and Found

With the change in seasons, there are quite a few sweatshirts and sweaters collected in our Lost and Found. If your child is missing something, please remind them to check the Lost and Found in the cafeteria. Thank you!

October 21--Early Release 

On one Monday each month FCPS elementary schools will be ending instruction three hours early to provide teachers with additional work and planning time.The next early release Monday is on October 21. You have the option to have your child dismiss from school at 1:00 p.m. on this day or to access child care at Mason Crest until 4:00 p.m. In order to ensure that all children are dismissed properly and safely we are conducting a survey of all of our families. We sent home a paper version of the survey on Wednesday, October 2, but also have an online version available. You only need to complete EITHER the paper or the online survey, but we need to hear from everyone by Thursday, October 17. If you would like to access the online survey it can be found at https://forms.gle/HKqVU2JRPXTmepQ58.

Important Events 

October 9: Advanced Academics Parent Meeting 8:15 a.m. 

October 10: Picture Day

October 15: PTO Meeting 6:00-7:00 p.m. 

October 21: 3-Hour Early Release Day

October 31: End of the first quarter (2-Hour Early Release)

November 1: Diwali (No School) 

November 4: Teacher Workday (No School)

November 5: Teacher Workday/Election Day (No School)

November 11: Veteran's Day (No School)

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

September 13, 2024

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Volunteers Needed for Science Night

In collaboration with the Children's Science Center, Mason Crest will be hosting a Science Night on September 24th.  In order for our event to run smoothly, we are in need of volunteers to help run the stations. If you are available from 5:15-7:45 p.m. and would like to volunteer please complete the following survey. 

  We always appreciate your support and are looking forward to exploring science together!

Back to School Nights--September 18 & 19

To help accomodate our growing school population, we have divided our Back to School Nights into two evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Preschool - 2nd grade will be on Wednesday, September 18.

3rd -5th Grade & multiage classes will be on Thursday, September 19.

The schedule for each evening will allow for families to visit classrooms and learn about curriculum and grade level updates.

5:00-5:20 Classrooms Open 

5:25-5:55 Session #1 Grade Level Presentation

6:00-6:20 Classrooms Open 

6:25-6:55 Session #2 Grade Level Presentation

Teams will run two sessions each evening, but families only need to attend one of the sessions. Presentations will be available for families who are unable to attend and posted in Schoology.If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at Back to School Night!

Mr. Aiello, Ms. Conroy, and Ms. Shin

Important Events and Dates

Monday, September 16--3 hour early release (students dismissed at 1:00 p.m.) 

Wednesday, September 18: Back to School Night 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Grades PreK-2)

Thursday, September 19: Back to School Night 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Grades 3-5)

Tuesday, September 24: Title I Family Meeting (5:30-6:00 p.m.) and Family Science Night (6:00-7:30 p.m.)

September 29: Immunizations Due

October 3: Rosh Hashanah Holiday (No School)

October 4: Teacher Workday (No School)

October 10: Picture Day

October 14: Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School)

3705 Crest Drive, Annandale, VA 22003-1701 | Main Phone: 571.226.2600
Attendance: 571.226.2626 | Web | Facebook

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Providing a safe and supportive school environment is our number one priority. One of the ways we do this is by regularly reviewing and updating our school crisis management and emergency preparedness plans. Plans include how to respond to a variety of incidents such as fires, severe weather events, and other emergencies. It is critical to have safety drills each year so that our students and staff remember what to do if there is an emergency.

Virginia Law also requires schools to complete two lockdown drills a year, one within the first twenty days of the school session, and to notify parents/caregivers at least 24 hours in advance. We are not required to share the exact date and time of the drill. FCPS lockdown drills do not include any type of scenario training.  

We will conduct a lockdown drill at our school soon. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are not required to participate in lockdown drills during the first 60 days of the school year. They will participate in our second and final drill later this school year.

Additional information including parent tips and FAQs can be found on the Emergency Planning and Crisis Response web page. After reviewing this information, it would be helpful to have a talk with your child about safety and school procedures. Below are some tips that can help frame your conversation:

• Ask your child what they know about the drill, and how they feel about it.
• Avoid scary and/or graphic details from the media.
• Discuss that practicing how to be safe in a variety of situations is important because it helps to give them the confidence and knowledge to be safe.
• Let them know it is okay to have feelings about the drill and that you and adults at their school are there to help them be safe and listen if they would like to talk more.

There will be school mental health staff available at your child’s school to help students with concerns around the lockdown drill. If you have questions, please reach out to the school.  

Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for your help to keep our school safe. 

Sincerely,

Larry Aiello, Shana Conroy, and Sherry Shin

Principals

Mason Crest Elementary School