📰Making Spirits Bright: College Students Deliver Holiday Joy to Local Preschoolers🎁
Click here https://www.umw.edu/news/2024/12/13/making-spirits-bright-college-students-deliver-holiday-joy-to-local-preschoolers/

❄️Winter Break is just around the corner! ❄️
FCPS will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025.
Monday, January 6- Teacher Workday
**TUESDAY, January 7- Students RETURN to school

Don't forget to join us tomorrow from 10am-11am for our December PACT Time! Sign up using the link below!
https://forms.office.com/r/6JMnJ3cEja

School Start Times Survey- 👉https://www.fxbgschools.us/page/school-start-times-survey
Fredericksburg City Public Schools is considering the impact of school start time on student success. Your feedback is crucial in shaping decisions that affect our public school system. This survey aims to gather insights on school start times to better understand the preferences and needs of our community. Your participation is highly appreciated. The survey closes on January 5, 2025.
Resources on adolescent sleep needs and school start times are available here: https://fxbg.link/schoolstart

At FCPS, our teachers never stop learning! Today, teachers from across the division participated in Professional Development sessions — Youth Mental Health First Aid Training and a CIP Checkpoint Forum 📚✏️🏫


The Mental Health Grant Implementation Team attended the National Advancing School Mental Health Conference this week. They are all excited to bring back what they learned about strengthening school-based mental health practices in FCPS.

FCPS staff are excited to represent at VASCD 2024! Grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn together. #VASCD2024 #FCPS #Learning #Grow #Teachers #FCPS

Join us next Friday for December's Pact Time! Sign up using the QR code or click the link below!
https://forms.office.com/r/6JMnJ3cEja
#FCPS#PreschoolPrograms#Penguins#PACTTime

Check out Decembers Penguin Pebble Newsletter!
#FCPS#PreschoolPrograms#Penguins
https://secure.smore.com/n/3m471-the-penguin-pebble

📰Fredericksburg School Board discusses possibility of adding time to school day in 2025-26
Click here 👉https://fxbg.link/4ggTDTw

Learning Spanish has never been this fun! Ms. Tolliver's Spanish students are diving into vocabulary practice with a creative twist—playing a lively version of "Spoons"! Their quick reflexes and expanding language skills are a winning combination. ¡Qué divertido! #FunInLearning #SpanishClass #CreativeTeaching #Spoons #JM

Off, Yondr, & Away for Cellphone-Free Schools
On Monday, December 2, 2024, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matthew Eberhardt presented a video update on our division-wide cellphone free efforts to the Fredericksburg City Public Schools' School Board.
We hope you enjoy the video.
📹https://youtu.be/56mzkD87hGM
For the 4th year in a row, the Central Park Wegmans partnered with the FCPS Social Work team to provide 150 precooked and prepackaged meals for some of our students and families. We are so grateful for their continued support!

This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” echoes the fundamental belief that every individual has a unique perspective and contributes to the rich tapestry of our school communities.
Creating more inclusive learning environments, dismantling barriers to participation, and promoting equity and understanding among all members of the school community is crucial for several reasons.
• Inclusive environments ensure that all students have equal access to opportunities and resources regardless of their background or abilities. This helps to level the playing field and reduce disparities in academic achievement.
• By fostering inclusion, schools reflect the real world and prepare students to thrive in diverse workplaces and communities. Exposure to differing perspectives and experiences enhances critical thinking skills and broadens students’ understanding of the world.
• Inclusive environments promote a sense of belonging and acceptance essential for students’ social and emotional well-being. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to engage in learning and develop positive relationships with peers and educators.
• Inclusive schools create a culture of respect and empathy, reducing the likelihood of bullying and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This contributes to a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students.
• When students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their perspectives, they are more likely to actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning. This can lead to improved academic performance and overall learning outcomes.
• Inclusive schools teach students the importance of respecting and valuing the perspectives of others, essential skills for participating in society. By promoting empathy and understanding, schools empower students to become responsible and compassionate citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
Throughout the week, we’ll honor the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, educators, and families. From classroom activities to school and community events, we’ll highlight the importance of fostering inclusive environments where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.

Things to Ghost 👻This Fall
As the weather cools down and the leaves change, here are some things to ghost this fall:
◈Comparing yourself to others
◈Feeling bad about setting boundaries
◈Feeling bad for saying no
◈Ignoring your mental health for other people
◈Unhealthy relationships
◈Believing your anxious thoughts
Let’s make this fall a season of self-love and self-care! If you or someone you know needs mental health support at school, visit your school counselor.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Preschool Programs! We wish you a wonderful time with family and friends as you enjoy these few days off. We are so thankful to have you all a part of our Preschool Family!

We’re so proud of our JMHS students representing at the Teen Summit! This incredible event brings young leaders together to collaborate, learn, and inspire one another as they tackle important topics and create positive change.
Way to go, Yellow Jackets! Keep shining and showing what true leadership looks like.
#JMHSLeaders #TeenSummit2024 #Change
Congratulations to Mrs. Herrmann's class for earning the attendance award for August and September! Keep up the great attendance! They got to celebrate with Pebble the Penguin and popsicles!
#FCPS#PreschoolPrograms#Penguins#Attendanceaward

🏫 𝙎𝘾𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙇 𝙎𝙋𝙀𝙀𝘿 𝘾𝘼𝙈𝙀𝙍𝘼 𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍
⚠️ 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
No citations will be issued during this time, warnings only.
🚨𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.
If you haven't read the News Release regarding Fredericksburg School Speed Cameras, please do so here: https://bit.ly/40GmjRo
You can find more information on our website: https://bit.ly/3UTiIeV

📰Fredericksburg marks 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit📰
18 FCPS students participated in the Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration in the Market Square on Saturday. Thanks so much to Rebecca Breen, Latasha Jackson, and Nekeshiea Johnson for their leadership and efforts to make this event a success.
Click here for the full article. https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/fredericksburg-marks-200th-anniversary-of-lafayettes-visit/article_4c2a9b6c-a9b9-11ef-a858-bfb5f9a8441a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story



