Westlawn Family Message - August 13, 2021

Westlawn Family Message

August 13, 2021

Keeping Families Connected!


Team Leader Think Tank, Parent Volunteers, and New Teachers

Hello Westlawn Families,

Can you believe we are almost halfway into August?!?  Next week teachers will be dedicated to the planning and preparation for the return of all students to the school building!!  Thank you to the parent volunteers who joined us in the gym yesterday to unpack and organize supplies for distribution. These will be ready for families to take home after our Westlawn Welcome Event on Thursday, August 19.   

  • August 19 - Welcome to Westlawn Event (9:00AM - 12:00PM)
  • 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 have been sent home.  Please allow for a few days grace if your letter has not arrived.  

School hours return to standard operating procedure next week, 8AM - 4PM

Together we continue the path toward recovery. 

We are strong. We are united.  Together we soar. 

We are Westlawn.

In Proud Partnership,

Christoph Hill, Anaya Bryson and Stephanie Carpenter, Westlawn Principals


Community Conversation - August 18, 10:00AM

We will be holding a Community Conversation on Wednesday, August 18 at 10:00AM.  We will discuss specific health and safety strategies and protocols in-place to provide our children and school community with the safest learning environment possible.  Access our virtual meeting here.  

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 strongly recommended for all adults and children while outside for recess, P.E., or other outdoor activities on school grounds during the school day. 

Mealtimes: Masks will be worn in between bites and reapplied after each 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 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 welcome our Westlawn families 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, Cub Scouts, healthcare assistance, and our brand new chapter of Girls on the Run!!  

Our school nurse, Ms. Onza, and our public health nurse, Ms. Ganey, will be collecting student medication in the clinic during this event.  

This event will be held outside to ensure we are following all health and safety protocols and enjoy coming together as a school community.

The event will begin at 900AM and conclude at 1200PM

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:
  • 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.

Schoology

FCPS has adopted Schoology as a technological platform and learning space that enhances communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for students, teachers, and families.  Here are some parent videos to help gain a better understanding of how to support your children with this application.


Title I Parent Letter

Please read the attached letter for information regarding the Title I Federal Government Program Grant.

Westlawn Title I Parent Letter