Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 4.22.26
Key Center Weekly Newsletter - 4.22.26

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Administrative Professionals Day

three admin assistants standing side by side in blue and red shirts

April 22 is Administrative Professionals Day, a time to recognize the people who keep our school running smoothly each day. Lots of activity happens behind the scenes to keep Key Center running smoothly.  Phones are answered, schedules stay on track, and challenges are solved before most of us even notice.

We would like to thank Helly, Carmen, and Delores for their steady, efficient work. They handle countless details with care, support staff and students, and help keep everything organized. Because of their efforts, our school runs smoothly each day. We are grateful for all they do—today and every day.


Staff Appreciation Week Is Almost Here! 

Join Us in Thanking Our Amazing Staff

Staff Appreciation Week- Thank You Banner reading Teachers and Staff for all you do for our learners for tomorrow.

Staff Appreciation Week is coming soon, and our PTA is excited to celebrate our amazing team! From May 4–8, we’ll be bringing an island vibe to Key Center with our theme: “Aloha, Key Center Rockets — We Appreciate You!”   Our staff works hard every day to support and care for our students, and this is a special time to show how much they mean to us. We know our staff mean the WORLD to you as well, we hope you join us in sharing your appreciation with them. The PTA has many fun treats and activities planned all week to help our staff feel valued and appreciated.  Get out your Hawaiian shirt and lei and get ready to appreciate our staff in style!  Look for more information coming next week.

Families who would like to support these efforts are invited to donate using this link. We will only be asking for nominal assistance from families throughout the staff appreciation week, so donating is a GREAT way to support our PTA’s recognition this year!  While optional, every contribution helps make this week extra special for our staff.  Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible people who make Key Center such a wonderful place!


Get2Green Earth Week - April 20 - 24

Earth Week - hand holding a pot with green plant

Students and staff are invited to join us in celebrating Earth Day Spirit Week! Each day has a special theme to help us learn about and care for our planet. Show your school spirit by wearing the color that matches each day’s theme!

Monday, April 20  - Wear Nature/Animal Print for Wildlife Day

Tuesday, April 21 - No School

Wednesday, April 22 - Wear Green for Earth Day

Thursday, April 23 - Wear Red for Climate Change Day 

Friday, April 24 - Wear Blue for Watershed Day 

Check the Get2Green Earth Week webpage for everything you need to get started.


A Special Music Experience for Our Students

Marsha and the Positrons text on a purple background

Our students enjoyed a fun and engaging music program at school! A big thank you to Marsha from Marsha and the Positrons for sharing her high-energy songs about science and how the world works. Students were excited, engaged, and learning through music. We also want to thank TAFFY Presents for helping bring this special experience to our school. We appreciate your support in creating meaningful and joyful learning opportunities for our students.

We love being able to offer programs like this and look forward to more exciting experiences ahead!  Check Facebook for pictures of this fun and educational performance.


First Responder Interaction Day

First Responder - First Responder text on a blue and red background

Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Fairfax Fire Training Academy on West Ox Rd.

This free event is designed to help individuals with disabilities, their families, and community members learn how to safely and confidently interact with first responders in emergency situations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local first responders, learn about emergency and crisis resources, and practice real-life scenarios in a supportive environment.

At the event, you can:
• Meet and interact with police, fire, and emergency personnel
• Practice navigating emergency scenarios through role-play
• Learn about helpful safety tools like disability ID cards and Emergency Health Profiles
• Explore community resources that support safety and independence

These interactive experiences help build understanding and confidence for both community members and first responders, strengthening safety and communication for everyone involved.

Event details and registration


ABA Family Training - Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills

ABA Family Training - Teaching Self-Help and Independent Skills- picture of teeth and blue toothbrush

This workshop is intended for family members of students with Autism served in preschool autism classrooms (PAC), Enhanced Autism Classrooms (EAC) and CAT B secondary classrooms.

Topics covered will include:

  • How to teach: Social Activities, Self-help, Daily living skills
  • How to use different strategies to facilitate independence

April 22nd, 2026

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Join using this meeting link

All family members and caregivers are welcome to attend ABA Family Training. No registration is needed.

To request an interpreter, contact Stephanie Watkins at (571) 423-4110 or by email at sawatkins@fcps.edu and provide your name and contact information (phone number and/or email). For additional questions, contact Tina Wilkerson by email at twilkerson@fcps.edu.


Ordering is Open for the 25-26 Key Center Yearbook!

Ordering is Open for the 25-26 Key Center Yearbook- picture of Key Center Rocket on a book

This school year has been full of special moments, big smiles, and wonderful memories. Make sure you capture them all!

Yearbooks are available now for the low price of just $10.

Order deadline: May 15, 2026

Order online: Key Center PTA Givebacks Store

Order your copy today. We can’t wait for you to enjoy looking back on this great year!


Community Conversations

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Resources

Resource - picture of a pole sign with texts help, tips assistance and guidance

Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Summer Camps

Therapeutic recreation adapted summer camps are designed for individuals with disabilities, ages 6 - 21. Recommended for campers who benefit from close supervision and moderate to maximum support with personal care, recreation participation, and/or social skills.  

Learn more about camps near you! 

Click here for FCPS camps

Click here for Fairfax County camps

Medicaid Success Sessions

May 22, 2026Fairfax office of The Arc of Northern Virginia. Experienced attorneys Claire Kelly and Elizabeth Gray will provide free, personalized small-group sessions to help you confidently complete your Medicaid application.

For more information and to register, click here

Social Security Success Sessions

May 22, 2026Fairfax office of The Arc of Northern Virginia

Experienced attorneys Claire Kelly and Elizabeth Gray will provide free, personalized small-group sessions to help you confidently complete your Social Security application.

For more information and to register, click here.

Workshops and Webinars

Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about other resources. 


Key Center PTA

Key Center PTA- words written Key Center PTA every child. one voice.png

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
Key Center PTA Volunteer Opportunities
Key Center PTA Donations


Upcoming Dates

Important Dates- picture of a calendar with text Important Dates to Remember

May 25    

Memorial Day - Holiday

May 26 

Teacher Workday - Student Holiday 

May 27

Eid al-Adha - Holiday

June 17

Last Day of School - Early Release


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