Parent Resource Center

FCPS Parent Resource Center is a great resource for parents just up the road from Stenwood at the Dunn Loring Center on Idylwood. PRC provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs and disabilities. Contact by email prc@fcps.edu or phone 703-204-3941.

For a full list of monthly webinars available, go online here. You can view free recordings of PAST WEBINARS on the PRC website. 

FCPS Resources

• Fairfax County Public Schools Homepage

• FCPS Return to School Page - Includes all the latest information on Fairfax County school plans and FAQs. 

• FCPS Tech support: FCPS Parent Technology Help Desk can be reached at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS) and will be answered by staff members between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is also available in multiple languages.

• FCPS Food Assistance - Starting September 8th Grab and Go hours will be from 8am - 12:30pm daily and will serve breakfast and lunch simultaneously.  If you need additional support, please contact Mrs. Hapangama or Mrs. Appleton.

• FCPS Superintendent’s Technology Advisory Council Final Report and Recommendations (link)

• Fairfax County School Board: Our 12 School Board Members are elected for four-year terms and are responsible for setting general school policy and establishing guidelines that will ensure the proper administration of school programs. Find more information on the School Board here.

• School Board Representative: Stenwood Elemenatry is located in the Providence District and our elected School Board Representative is Karl Frisch.

Reading Resources

Fairfax County Public Libraries

There are 23 FCPL branch locations spread across Fairfax County. Eight regional branches offer extended hours of operation. All branch locations offer: Events and programs; Meeting rooms; Public computers and free WiFi. The Access Services branch, located in the Fairfax County Government Center, serves customers with special needs.

• Library Locations
• Library Events
• Catalog Search
• Help with homework

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to a literate America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children, providing quality content to make an impact and engaging communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals for success. 

Some examples of RIF resources available for free:

• RIF’s Literacy Central
• Read Aloud Video Library 
• Read Aloud Tip Sheet
• PTA Book Collection Reading List
• Activity Calendar

Special Education Resources

Supports for our special education community can be accessed through these resources:

• Procedural Support Liaison (PSL) Assigned by School
• Office of Due Process and Eligibility
• Department of Special Services
• Office of Special Education Instruction
• FCPS Section 504 Information
• Assistant ombudsman for special education, Dawn Clements, at ombudsman@fcps.edu.
• Parent Resource Center at prc@fcps.edu or 703-204-3941.

Special Education PTA

A Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a PTA organization affiliated with the State and National PTA but specifically established to address the unique needs of special education, special needs and disabled students and families. Fairfax County SEPTA launched as a 501c3 affiliated with the National PTA on April 25th 2017.  Our SEPTA is a member of the Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA).  Fairfax County SEPTA serves all special education, special needs and disabled students, their families and educators in Fairfax County. Learn more: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/

Parent Information Relating to Special Education

All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.  In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

• The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members.  The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems.  prc@fcps.edu   703-204-3941
• Neighborhood Community Services is providing NCS Connects, an online resource for youth, teens, and parents this summer.  Adapted resources are included at Exploration Station:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-connects
• Children's Challenging Behaviors — 6-Hour course split into 3 days via Zoom This is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges, including ADHD and ASD.  Learn when and how to seek help and the ins and outs of special education.  Find parenting strategies and discover community resources.  Register:  https://namivirginia.org/for-parents-of-children-and-youth/
• Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
  Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training. To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563

Special Education Parenting Courses

The Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) has shared the following information. All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. 

Fairfax County’s Pre-Notification 9-1-1 Program 

Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities. 
Details & Registration:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile. 

Special Education During a Pandemic
Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child.  Access:  https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/

Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7. Access:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Basics
Free 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD). https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm   $50-$90

Autism Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course 
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.
Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

ADHD & Executive Functioning Resources 

Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a PTA organization affiliated with the State and National PTA but specifically established to address the unique needs of special education, special needs, and disabled students and families. All these opportunities are FREE unless noted. In most cases you must register if registration information is provided. Other SEPTA events

1. Caring for YOU So You Can Care for Your Child — For Moms with ADHD Tue., May 3, 1 pm - Consider the challenges specific to mothers with ADHD parenting children with ADHD and strategies that help. Click on title to register.

2. A Parent's Guide to the Best School Options for Students with ADHD and LD, Wed. May 11, 1 pm - Learn the pros and cons of different school options, factors to consider, and how to choose one for your child and your family. Click on title to register.

3. The Unexpected Link Between Migraine Headaches and ADHD Tue. May 24, 1 pm - Consider the factors that can lead to headaches and strategies to reduce or stop migraines. Click on title to register.

Past Recorder Webinars by the Parent Resource Center

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Parent Resource Center (PRC) provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. All resources are free. PRC offers free appointments remote or in-person Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. To schedule an appointment call 703-204-3941 or email prc@fcps.edu.

1. Supporting Executive Functions at Home (9/2020) - FCPS Behavior Intervention Services team provides resources to help families support the growth of student executive functioning skills during time of distance learning and beyond.

2. How to Improve Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills (9/2021)   - Do you have any homework?” “I’m not sure…” “What do you mean you’re not sure? Where’s your agenda?” “I think it’s in my room...somewhere.” Sound familiar? If you’re having this conversation multiple times each week, you’re not alone. Whether your child is in elementary school or preparing to graduate from high school, you want them to be ready and on top of their priorities. So why do they keep missing deadlines, losing assignments, and starting things the night before they’re due? It’s because executive functioning skills, like time management or prioritization, take time to learn. 

3. ADHD - Does Gender Matter? (10/2018)  - Patricia Quinn, M.D. is a retired developmental pediatrician and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) specialist who has written over 20 innovative books on ADHD and other learning differences, such as Attention, Girls! A Guide to Learn All About Your ADHD and 100 Questions and Answers About ADHD In Women and Girls. 

Other Parent Resource Center resources: PRC Webinars by topic | PRC Webinars by date    | PRC YouTube channel | PRC Library (no appointments necessary)     

Support Groups (special education)

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 Society of NoVA Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; 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/ 

Cafés Virtuales Para Padres:  Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm.  Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación:   BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720 

CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group  4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm.  Contact:  Susan,  ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com  or call 303-903-9972.
• Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Wed. evening of the month.  Contact:  Bonnie Little  571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
• 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:  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions

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

Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge

Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions.  Contact:  Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov   www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

• Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.
• In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.

Grupo de Chat para Padres:  Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw   (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)

Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .

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.  https://zoom.us/j/94509229914  

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm.  Contact:  ela.mike@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859

Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm.  Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720  

Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges.  They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays.  Register:  https://thearcofnova.org/jun-dates-for-virtual-parent-support-group-meetings/

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally.  Contact:  Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .

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

Sports

Falls Church Soccer Association

Are you interested in FUN and AFFORDABLE soccer? Has your child plateaued in recreation leagues or are you interested in stepping up their game? YES?! Then check out our website. We typically play other teams in the National Capital Soccer League games within an hour
of Falls Church. We have options for local tournaments, but we do not require them
like some clubs. We just completed our first year and want to grow our club. We have
immediate spots available for girls and boys born in 2013 and 2014, but depending on
interest, we have spots for boys and girls of other ages. Registration is required for tryout and ID Session information. Register now for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 via the Falls Church SA website https://fallschurchsa.com/

Any questions, please contact: Executive Director - Ariel Fernandez at fcsa@fallschurchsa.com or (703) 996-9495 or Text at (703) 798-8025

Vienna Youth Soccer

Go to https://www.vys.org/

Vienna Youth Inc.

Go to http://www.vyi.org/

Vienna Youth, Inc., or VYI as it is more commonly called, is a youth sports organization that offers sports programs to children from 5-18 years of age in the Vienna, Virginia and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. VYI's programs include Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, Track, Cross Country, Wrestling, Volleyball, and Rugby.

Summer Camps 2024

Fairfax County Park Authority Camps

Search for a Summer Camp at the Fairfax County website and/or read the Camp Guide with listings and more details. As of May 2024, summer camps are already over 70% full. If your child is placed on a waitlist, you will be emailed should a spot become available. Spaces become available when someone cancels enrollment. Be sure Parktakes emails are not going to your junk or spam folders. 

Camp Fairfax 

This full-day program for rising 1st through 7th graders features exciting opportunities in outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports and recreation, visual arts, science, technology, engineering and math exploration and much more! Enrollment: Families with a SACC account can login to SACC Registration Online (dynaxys.com) to view current services and request to add or cancel weekly Camp Fairfax sessions. 

Fairfax County Rec-PAC

Rec-PAC is a six-week, structured recreation program operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority for elementary school children. Participants enjoy activities such as fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, special events, talent shows and play sessions. Weekly activities incorporate character-building activities. A ratio of at least one staff person to 18 participants is our standard. 

Summer Exploration of the Arts

Rising 3-6th graders - The FCPS Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly arts camp in July for elementary-aged students who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. Camp is from 8:30 am – 2 pm daily and takes place at Lake Braddock Secondary. Bus transportation is provided from select local high schools and middle schools. The program costs $255 a week. 

Tech Adventure Camp

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a weekly exploratory camp designed to give students the opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, business and marketing areas. The camp is open to students in grades 2-6 during the 2021-22 school year. Location: Lake Braddock Secondary School, Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. $275 per week. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch: No tuition.

Coder School Summer Camps

Code camps are run in our school from 9am-3pm Monday through Friday. Kids bring their own lunches and water bottles and we'll take care of the rest! As for summer coding camps, Stenwood Elementary parents will have their own code which will give them $100 off a code camp plus an additional $25.00 will be donated by us to your PTA. We created a code for parents to use at check out - STENWOOD. 

1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd #170, McLean, VA 22101 - call (703) 712-7182

Kaizen Mixed Martial Arts Summer Camp

If you are looking for well-rounded indoor and outdoor camp we offer children a variety of activities through the day to make camp both fun and rewarding! Campers will have computer classes, practice martial arts, enjoy field trips, and games. Camp days start early (7:30 am) and end later (6:00 pm).

• Falls Church: 2190-K Pimmit Dr  Falls Church, VA 22043 - call (703) 734-5425
• Vienna: 228 DominIon Rd Vienna, VA 22180 - call (703) 281-5425

Kaizen also offers after school classes with bus pickup from Stenwood Monday-Friday during school year.

VYI Summer Rugby

Registration is open for Vienna Youth, Inc. (VYI) Rugby . VYI offers rugby for boys and girls, ages 4 - 18.

• U6, U8, & U10: Tag Rugby (Coed)
• U12 and U14: Tackle Rugby (Coed)
• U16 and 18U: Tackle Rugby (Separate boys and girls teams)

First Time Players are welcome at all age levels. Summer season runs from Late May to late July. Practices at Thoreau MS / Kilmer MS.
Contact Sean Kelly by email or phone (571-428-9525) for more information.

Kim English Basketball Academy 

Two summer camps this June. Offering a $50 off discount to all FCPS families using the code “FAIRFAX”.  Ages: 7-14 Years Old,  Gender: Boys & Girls, Location: George Mason Field House. Times: 9AM-3PM, Check In: 8AM. For questions, contact Kim English Basketball Academy via email at: kimenglishbasketballacademy@gmail.com

Crescendo Studios Summer Camps 

Crescendo Studios (https://www.crescendostudiosva.com/) will be offering Full-Day and Half-Day camps from June 20th, 2022 to August 19th, 2022. Rock out on the Crescendo Summer Tour, or leave it all on the stage with Show Choir! With 5 different camps to choose from, there's something for every young musician! Ages 7+

AM Camps (9am-12pm):

• Summer Tour (7+)
• Recording for the Modern Engineer (9+)
• Songwriting (9+)

PM Camps (12:30-3:30pm):

• Summer Tour (7+)
• Digital Composition (9+)
• Show Choir (7+)

Use code: CS25 for 25% off your summer camp order.

Oakton HS Dance Team’s Junior Dance Camp

Does your son or daughter love to dance? Then sign them up for the Oakton HS Dance Team’s Junior Dance Camp which will be held at Oakton HS on June 18, 20 & 21 from 8:30am-12:30pm. All rising 1st-8th graders are welcome. To find out more or to register visit   oaktonhighcamps.jumbula.com.

TiC Summer Camp

Alll Stenwood students can receive a $200 camp discount when you use the code Fun@TIVCA24.

Summer Opportunities 2024

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods

In partnership with the National Park Service, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods presents an outdoor performance series for children featuring music, dance, puppetry, and theater. Many of the shows have connections with literacy, science, and social-emotional curriculum and are recommended for children ages 2 and up. The summer season runs from mid-June through early August, with shows from Tuesday to Sunday. Each performance begins at 10:30 AM and lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. Tickets are $12, and children under 2 years old attend for free. Check out this season’s calendar!

FCPS ACE STEM Kits!

Looking for fun and engaging STEM activities to engage learners? The FCPS ACE STEM kits include hands-on materials and curriculum with step-by-step instructions for children to build six exciting projects and complete 15 challenges and activities. Intended for 3rd through 6th grade students, the STEM Explorer Pack features activities across science, technology, engineering, and math that also incorporate reading, art, and more! All activities are completely hands-on and will have your learners engaged for hours as they create, explore, invent, and, most importantly, have fun!