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Messages from Mr. Morris
Our teachers have done a phenomenal job establishing clear routines, procedures, and expectations, ensuring our classrooms are calm, welcoming, and ready for learning.
Right now, our teams are thoughtfully balancing beginning-of-the-year assessments with intentional lesson planning. Our teachers are on pace with FCPS literacy and numeracy units of study, and I am enjoying meeting with grade level teams each week as they plan for instruction and implement high leverage teaching strategies and scaffolds that support all learners.
Our teachers are exploring different strategies and teaching approaches to benefit all learners. We’re utilizing language objectives this year to help students make important connections to essential vocabulary and so they can continue to develop their thinking, writing, reading and speaking skills. Additionally, we’re looking at instructional strategies that promote more student academic discourse and elicit deeper thinking and reflections from students. It’s great to see and hear how our teachers are planning intentional moments for students to talk about mathematic thinking, share strategies for solving problems and model how students can speak with one another about their learning and wonderings.
Partnering with you is essential to your child's success, and we want to make it easy for you to connect with what they are learning each week:
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Weekly Newsletter Updates: Look to your child's teacher's weekly newsletter for targeted academic updates that zoom in on key learning concepts and student understanding.
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The "Dinner Table Questions": Check the bottom of every classroom newsletter for quick, specific prompts designed to spark meaningful conversations at home about what your child experienced that week.
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Weekly Homework expectations for students are another way our families can engage with your child’s learning experiences at school.
Are there more resources you’d like to access to support your child learning at home? Reach out to your child’s teacher for ideas and resources.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
Kevin Morris, Principal
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September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 21 - Yom Kippur (No School)
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September 22 - School Picture Day!
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September 22 - Dine Out with SLES (Panera!)
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September 25 - PTA Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. |
Yom Kippur
Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana
Del 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre, FCPS reconoce y celebra las historias y culturas de los miembros de nuestra comunidad que provienen de México, el Caribe, Centro y Sur América. Aprenda más sobre los meses conmemorativos de descendencias, celebraciones y tradiciones que se celebran en FCPS. Aprenda más sobre el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.
Volunteers Needed! Opportunities every day!
This week we are going to continue with where to find the books you want in the library and how to decide if the book is right for you. I am trying to maximize the time students have to find books and still need assistance, especially with my K-2 grades to make that happen. I would love to focus on helping students find books.
Ellen Gresham, School Librarian
To maximize student safety, we want to remind families and emergency contacts that identification is required when checking out students during the school day.
While many of our staff members know members of our community, not all staff members are familiar with adults that pick students up from school. Additionally, substitute staff members may be on duty and monitoring student check outs. Those staff members may not be familiar with the adults checking students out of school.
This is a particularly important safety mechanism for our younger students and non-verbal students. Please be aware, whether you are a parent or an emergency contact, you will be asked to provide identification to check your child out of school.
School laptops are the property of Fairfax County Public Schools. They are provided for school-related learning and should be used only under the direction of teachers.
Students should not use school devices for personal activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Visiting unauthorized websites
- Emailing friends
- Playing games that have not been assigned
- Using distracting tabs or applications
- Using headphones without permission
- Accessing restricted, inappropriate, or unsafe content
- Sharing another student’s work or account without permission
- Deliberately damaging a device
When device misuse occurs, the school may contact the student’s family or caregiver and document repeated or significant incidents. Serious safety, privacy, harassment, discriminatory, illegal, or dangerous concerns will be referred to school administration and addressed according to Fairfax County Public Schools procedures.
Repair or Replacement Costs
Families are financially responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any school-issued device damaged by their student, in accordance with Fairfax County Public Schools policies and procedures.
If a device can be repaired, the family may be responsible for the repair cost. If the device cannot be repaired, the family may be responsible for the replacement cost.
Thank you for partnering with us to help students use school technology safely, responsibly, and appropriately for learning.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for the upcoming event:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid
Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.
No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Anna Wright at akwright@fcps.edu
Family Literacy Program
Free English Classes at West Potomac High School
Improve your English and learn how the school systems works to support your children's education. Your school aged children are also welcome! Classes begin Tuesday, September 22.
Dates/Times: Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria
Contact: Rosa Rapavi | rarapavi@fcps.edu
Katherine Lodge | klodge@fcps.edu
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
Cardinal Care Language and Disability Access Plan provides free language assistance and reasonable accommodations for Medicaid applicants and members with limited English proficiency or disabilities. Support is available throughout the Medicaid process, including applying for coverage, accessing medical services, and participating in appeals.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
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Mark your Calendar:
September 22 - Dine Out with SLES (Panera!)
September 25 - Movie Night | 6:30 p.m.
October 5th - Dine Out SLES & 6th Grade
FIVE GUYS | 4:00-8:00 p.m.
October 23rd - SLES Rock N Run!
October 29th - Fall Festival
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Stratford Landing ES Fall Clubs Registration is closing soon!
Most of the SLES clubs start in about a week! Some Fall clubs are sold out…others are filling up quickly! Please register for clubs soon if you plan to participate! Be sure to check the Stratford Landing PTA website at slpta.org/clubs to explore all of our exciting upcoming clubs. This season features a fantastic variety of activities, including Chess, STEM, Garden, Drama, Pokémon, Bloom Club, and Dungeons & Dragons, with full program descript | 