Westlawn Family Message
July 30, 2021
Keeping Families Connected!
Hello Westlawn Families,
Today concludes our summer programs at Westlawn. Thank you to our site directors and teachers for their hard work and dedication to our school community.
We are in the process of event planning for the school year. While our calendar isn't completed, we want to make you aware of a few upcoming events:
- August 19 - Welcome to Westlawn Event (Times TBD)
- August 23 - First Day of School
- September 3 & 6 - Labor Day Break
- September 8 - Back to School Night (Virtual Event)
Communication regarding teacher assignments and bus route information will be mailed to families the week of August 9-13.
Office hours for the summer weeks are 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
Together we continue the path toward recovery. We are strong, we are united, and together we soar. We are Westlawn.
In Proud Partnership,
Christoph Hill, Anaya Bryson and Stephanie Carpenter, Westlawn Principals
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Mask Guidance
Masks are an essential tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting those unable to be vaccinated. To ensure a safe start to the school year, masks will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside FCPS school buildings.
Wearing a mask protects us all:
- Children under 12 and the immunocompromised are not able to be vaccinated at this time.
- By wearing a mask, we all help create a safe environment for those who are unable to be vaccinated.
- When recommended social distancing is a challenge, universal masking is an approved substitute - meaning more students can engage in learning in classrooms and other spaces within the school building.
- Reducing the spread of COVID-19 also reduces student absences and missed extracurricular activities and athletic events.
Buses: The CDC federal order requiring masks be worn on public transportation remains in effect, and applies to buses and school transportation operated by Virginia public schools.
Outdoors: Masks are not required when outside, including athletic activities.
Mealtimes: Masks may be removed while eating but should be reapplied as soon as you are finished with your meal.
Locker rooms: Masks are required at all times.
Band: Band members will use covers/special masks inside the school.
Students with Disabilities: A small group of students with disabilities and staff who work with them will have access to clear masks (e.g. center-based students with hearing impairments, teachers of deaf/hard-of-hearing, speech language pathologists, and some students receiving speech services as needed).
Student Exemptions: Students can request an exemption from this requirement through the process outlined in Regulation 2109.
Staff: Vaccinated staff are not required to wear masks if they are not in the presence of students. Unvaccinated staff will wear masks at all times.
Visitors: All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks in buildings.
Laptops and MiFi Devices
If you have not returned your child's laptop and/or MiFi device from the previous school year please do so immediately. Devices must be properly updated and prepared for use during the upcoming school year.
SAVE THE DATE: Welcome to Westlawn Event - Thursday, August 19
On August 19, 2021, we will welcome back our Westlawn families with games and activities to celebrate each other and the Westlawn Community. Students and parents will have the chance to see old friends and meet new teachers.
In addition to meeting new teachers, parents will have an opportunity to visit a variety of information booths, including SACC, meals, technology, Girl Scouts, and more.
This event will be held outside to ensure we are following all health and safety protocols and enjoy coming together as a school community.
Specific times are yet to be determined, but plan for late morning/early afternoon.
Thank you to our community for helping to raise funds for this event!
Thank you for supporting our Westlawn students!
Vaccinate!
Vaccination is the most effective tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. At this time, anyone age 12 and older may receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge.
FCPS encourages everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine:
- The Fairfax County Health Department will hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the following schools:
- Wednesday, August 4, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Herndon Elementary School, 630 Dranesville Rd., Herndon, VA 20170.
- Thursday, August 5, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Justice High School, 3301 Peace Valley ln., Falls Church, VA 22044.
- Friday, August 6, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Liberty Middle School, 6801 Union Mill Rd., Clifton, VA 20124.
- The school-based COVID-19 vaccine clinics are for adolescents 12 years of age and older. To make an appointment for your child, visit the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS).
- Each school clinic site will also offer walk-in options from 2 to 7 pm.
- You can schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination or find out about pop-up clinics near you through the Fairfax County Health Department’s website.
- COVID-19 vaccines are also available at doctor’s offices, health departments, and retail pharmacies. Vaccines.gov is a helpful resource to find a location near you.
Meal Kit Sites (every Monday) June 28 through August 2
Summer Meal Kits, containing seven (7) days of breakfast and lunch items packed in bulk. will be offered on Mondays at the sites listed below. Meal kits are available at no-cost to FCPS students and children eighteen (18) years of age and under. Parents/caregivers may pick up for children and adults may purchase kits for $28.00. Please wear a mask when picking up the meal kits.
Meal kits will be available for pick up every Monday from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. or until supplies are exhausted.
Dates of distribution
- June 28
- July 6 (please note distribution is Tuesday, July 6 due to the Monday, July 5 holiday)
- July 12
- July 19
- July 26
- August 2
Summer Meal Kit sites
- Centreville HS 6001 Union Mill Rd, Clifton
- Edison HS 5801 Franconia Rd, Alexandria
- Falls Church HS 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church
- Hayfield SS 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA
- Marshall HS 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
- Mount Vernon HS 8515 Old Mt Vernon Rd, Alexandria (begins July 6)
- South County HS 8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton
- South Lakes HS 11400 South Lakes Dr, Reston
- West Springfield HS 6100 Rolling Rd, West Springfield
- Westfield HS 4700 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly
- Woodson HS 9525 Main St, Fairfax
FCPS Offers Mental Wellness Consultations this Summer
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer Virtual Mental Wellness Consultations this summer from June 28 through August 6. Any Fairfax County parent may schedule a 45-minute consultation by phone or video conferencing with a school psychologist or school social worker to get the support needed to help your child.
Consultations are offered in two ways:
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Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social-emotional, behavioral, or academic functioning. Information about community resources will also be made available.
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Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions; as well as academic challenges such as organization, time-management, or transitions and changes related to school.
We encourage parents to take advantage of this service. Click here to request a consultation. You may also leave us a message at 571-423-4276.
Student Exemption For Close Contact Definition
The CDC issued a revised definition of close contact to include an exemption for K-12 students.
- A close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
- In the K-12 classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within 3-6 geet of an infected student where:
- Both students were engaged in consistent and correct use of well-fitting masks; and
- Other K-12 school prevention strategies (such as universal and correct mask use, physical distancing, increased ventilation) were in place in the school setting.
When students are wearing masks and layered prevention strategies are in place, students are not considered close contacts. Therefore, students will not miss in-person instruction or activities for quarantine after an exposure.
Individuals who meet the K-12 definition of close contact will still need to quarantine.
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