You can download the current school supply list here.
Save yourself the frustration of multiple trips to the store by buying a complete school supply kit for your student. Each kit has a complete set of supplies and FREE delivery! Each kit is packed in a drawstring bag and includes all the supplies your student will need - including brand names such as Elmer's, Crayola, and Expo. Kits will be delivered to the school prior to the back to school orientation in August. Order your school supply kit today!
Each year, we collect information from the staff about their favorite things. Parents find this helpful when they are looking to get a gift for their student's teacher(s) around the holidays and/or for Staff Appreciation Week. This list will be updated in real-time as staff members complete it.
The PTA works with our local officials (such as the School Board, Board of Supervisors, VA state representatives, etc.) to advocate for our CES community. These issues include addressing teacher pay and benefits, reducing class sizes, and ensuring adequate funding and access to high-quality education. In addition, we work to ensure you are informed of issues that could impact your student or opportunities to be engaged in shaping educational direction at FCPS - empowering you to advocate for your child and your community. Finally, we try to keep you informed about community-wide issues of particular interest to school families and staff that might impact their quality of life.
FCPS Parent Advocacy Handbook: Elementary School
Get even more information and resources from the Fairfax Council of PTAs (FCCPTA), Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA), Virginia PTA (VAPTA), and the National PTA (NPTA).
Have questions or interest in getting involved with advocacy? Email advocacy@centrevillepta.org.
The Fairfax County School Board is charged with setting general school policy and establishing guidelines to ensure the proper administration of FCPS programs. Please share your thoughts on priorities for school funding and other school matters with our delegates. You can also speak at a board meeting - sign up here. Interested in what's being discussed at school board meetings? You can access meeting minutes and videos here.
Seema Dixit, Sully District School Board Representative - sdixit@fcps.edu
Sandy Anderson, Springfield District School Board Representative
Fairfax County Government
Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
Kathy Smith, Sully District Supervisor
Commonwealth of Virginia
Dan Helmer, State Delegate (10th District)
Stella Pekarsky, State Senator (36th District)
U.S. Government
James Walkinshaw, U.S. Congress (11th District)
Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator
Mark Warner, U.S. Senator
Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) - Fairfax County SEPTA serves all special education, special needs, and disabled students, their families, and educators in Fairfax County. https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/
FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center. https://www.fcps.edu/frc
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles - Create a free emergency health profile so your critical health and medical information can be shared with first responders during an emergency or crisis event. Your emergency health profile will provide real-time medical, emergency contact, and background information to first responders when it matters most. Creating a profile is easy and takes only a few minutes. Visit the website for more information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile
Fairfax County Community Connect - Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy to use platform that allows you to share critical information about your household that will aid first responders and emergency response personnel when responding to your residence. By providing information about your household that you feel is important for us to know about at the time of an emergency, we can ensure you and everything you care about is protected to the best of our ability. Visit the website for more information: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county
PEATS - PEATC is committed to reaching all families, schools, and communities to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. They provide free, confidential services to all Virginia Families that have a youth with a disability from birth to 26. Services range from one-on-one consultations, webinars, in-person training, workshops, and easy-to-understand fact sheets. If your students have a 504 or IEP, you may want to consider connecting with PEATC for services. You can learn more by visiting their website: https://peatc.org/about/
ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD. This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-new-school-year-for-parents/
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
The Parent Playbook - This course is designed to introduce families to information about Autism Spectrum Disorder, including tips specifically for caregivers, information about the DSM-5, characteristics, interventions, and recommended programs and services. https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
ADHD Resource Group of Northern Virginia - Provides information and referrals to professionals with expertise in ADHD, focusing on the Attention Deficit Disorder and Executive Function deficit community and those with co-existing disorders and learning challenges. https://thearcofnova.org/resource/provider-directory/adhd-resource-group-northern-virginia/
ADHD and Driving - The symptoms associated with ADHD elevate the risk of motor vehicle crashes for teenagers and adults. In the interest of public safety, this resource was created for those driving with ADHD. https://shamiehlaw.com/adhd-and-driving/
Thriving in College with ADHD: Essential Tools and Strategies for Success - This website offers strategies and resources to help college students with ADHD succeed academically and personally. It provides tips on managing time, organization, and self-care, as well as support options tailored to students navigating college life with ADHD. https://abamastersprograms.org/thriving-in-college-with-adhd/
The Cerebral Palsy Toolkit: When your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it can dramatically alter the life you imagined for your child and your family. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy requires significant time and energy, and it can take a toll on your family’s finances. This guide can help you find support, cope with the changes, and explore ways to set your child on a path to a bright future. levinperconti.com/birth-injury/cerebral-palsy/guide-toolkit/
Virginia Veterans & Family Support Program - The Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program (VVFS) is operated statewide by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and provides outreach, connection and support to veterans and their families as they address the challenges of military service, transition, deployments, post traumatic stress or other behavioral health concerns as well as traumatic brain injuries and physical injuries. Find more information on the website: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support-2
Holiday Guide for Military Families with Special Needs - As you prepare for the holidays, consider adding new traditions and holiday decor that cater to your family, especially for your children with special needs. https://thepromiseact.org/holiday-guide-for-military-families-with-special-needs/
Military One Source - Your central hub and go-to place for the military community. Non-medical counseling is also available. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Operation Purple Camp - Operation Purple® Camp offers military kids a free week of summer camp where they connect with other kids, just like them. https://www.militaryfamily.org/programs/operation-purple/operation-purple-camp/
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) supports military-connected children by educating and advocating to resolve the education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. https://www.militarychild.org/
Military Discounts - Discover the Best Military Discounts 2025 featuring over 100 exclusive offers to honor the service of U.S. military members, veterans, and their families. From substantial savings on fashion and footwear at popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s, to discounted electronics at Apple and Samsung, these special offers span a variety of categories to help you save year-round. https://couponfollow.com/research/best-military-discounts
A Guide to Estate Planning for Veterans - Veterans spend years preparing for the unexpected, whether during military service or throughout the transition to civilian life. Estate planning applies that same mindset to personal and family matters by creating a plan for how financial, legal and healthcare decisions should be handled in the future. www.notaries.com/estate-planning-for-veterans/
2026 VA Disability Calculator: Find Out Your VA Rating - Understanding your VA disability rating is essential for receiving the compensation and benefits you deserve. With Rob Levine Law’s accurate, easy-to-use VA Disability Calculator, you can quickly gain insights into your potential rating and plan the next steps in your claims process. roblevine.com/va-calculator/
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries - Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM), the anchor community-based organization in Region 4 of Fairfax County, provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in 9 zip codes in western Fairfax County (Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Herndon, and Oak Hill). Visit their website for more information: https://www.wfcmva.org/our-services
Lasagna Love – Offers a free lasagna dinner for your family, cooked by a lasagna chef in your area. There are no income limits. You can sign up every 28 days. Lasagna Love is a global nonprofit and grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. We also seek to eliminate stigmas associated with asking for help when it is needed most. Our mission is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. For more information visit their website: https://lasagnalove.org/about-us/
Women’s Giving Back– Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis on a first step to stability by providing quality clothing at no cost, assisted by a caring and committed community. For more information about their services visit their website: https://womengivingback.org/programs-services/
A Place to Stand (APTS) works with existing organizations to create healthier communities by connecting people who are unhoused or in danger of losing their housing, to proper resources and providing access to basic needs including stable housing, adequate nutrition, education, employment assistance, and healthcare. For more information you can visit their website at: https://aplacetostand.org/about-a-place-to-stand/
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the 1st Wed. monthly, in Chantilly or Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Café Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Embark in the DC Metro Parent Support Group is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges. It meets virtually on alternate Thursdays, noon-1 pm. Register: https://www.embarkbh.com/event/dc-metro-virtual-parent-support-group/
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FxKinSupport
Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-peer-led-support-groups-2023-2024-tickets-637423850897?aff=oddtdtcreator
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups
Grupo de educación y apoyo a padres en española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682
El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español se reúne el segundo sábado de cada mes de 1 a 2 pm en ServiceSource, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. Estacione en la parte de atrás. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a info@asnv.org
Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com
Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm Registrarse: https://xminds.org/event-4522635
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives or friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov
Military Families Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org for details
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com
NAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. https://namicva.org/event/online-family-support-group-for-parents-of-youths-and-adolescents/all/
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5687947368
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org to learn the current location.
People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4534279
REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com
Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism. They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4778134
Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org