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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
ይህንን ዜና መፅሄት በሌሎች ቋንቋዎች ለማንበብ፤ እባክዎን ድረ ገፃችንን ይጎብኙ።
اس نیوزلیٹر کو دوسری زبانوں میں پڑھنے کیلئے ، براہ مہربانی ہماری ویب سائیٹ ملاحظہ کیجیئے۔
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Mr. Morris's Message
Our school days are busy at Stratford Landing!
Be sure to review grade-level newsletters to understand exactly what your student is learning each week. Our teachers are fully implementing the Fairfax County Public Schools Planning and Pacing Guides (PPG) and implementing units of study as directed by FCPS. You can learn about our curriculum and a program of studies overview by visiting our academics page on our SLES website.
Some exciting and engaging instruction is occurring throughout our building. Our third graders are deep in their ladybug project-based learning (PBL). I visited a few third-grade classrooms, and our students know a thing or two about ladybugs. One student was able to identify the life cycle of the ladybug, with correct vocabulary, as if he were reciting his ABCs. Our fourth graders wrapped up their “Vlogging” PBL and shared their expertise about the five regions of Virginia. Our sixth graders are enjoying collaborating with their peers during their book clubs, and some of our first graders just participated in a Socratic Seminar. Second graders are working on personal narratives, and I was able to spend some time in classrooms listening to great stories. Students were answering questions, such as, “How do you feel? What did you see? What did you smell?” to help them add additional details to their stories. At all grade levels, our teachers are supporting our students through the writing process. Taking time to meet with students and listen to their writing is always a highlight of my day. Write on! Write on! Write on!
Keep the bar raised high, and students will meet challenges and achieve!
Our School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP) has been approved, and we have posted our “SIIP at a Glance” for review on our SLES website. Our plan is rooted in student academic progress rather than individual achievement. We believe 100% of our students can demonstrate various levels of progress throughout the school year as determined by our SLES, division, and state assessments/benchmarks. Our SIIP is focused on developing teacher pedagogy to ensure best practices in teaching and learning as it relates to vocabulary, language development, and rigorous, engaging instruction to include regular and consistent use of advanced academic curriculum and resources in all our classrooms. Our wellness focus in our SIIP is directly connected to family engagement and belonging as we continue to create an inclusive school community that recognizes and values each student, family, and staff member. Through our school plan, we will continue to model the skills of FCPS Portrait of a Graduate.
As a reminder, our SLES homework policy is rooted in student inquiry and exploration, and students read or write for pleasure and discovery at home. Teachers will continue to encourage students to extend their thinking. They can research their questions that they might have in class and read/write more about their interests and what they learned in school. This is a great opportunity for families to pursue interests together and echo our school’s message of joyful, lifelong learning through curiosity and discovery.
Sometimes, student work will be sent home in Wednesday folders. The student work that comes home may vary. Schoolwide, we are looking at instruction beyond worksheets, as we know that worksheets are not typically engaging learning for students. Learning happens in many ways, including discussions, work in notebooks in the classroom, work with peers and groups, and other presentations of learning that may not always be sent home. If you ever have questions about what your student is learning, check newsletters that are sent home weekly by teachers. You can also have learning conversations with your students and always reach out to your student’s teacher with any questions.
After October 17, 2022, teachers will begin to reach out to families to schedule first-quarter family conferences. We’ve preserved Monday, October 31, and Friday, November 11, for family conferences. Additionally, teachers may have conferences before school, after school, or during the school day. Our target date to have all family conferences completed is November 22, 2022, with an extended deadline of winter vacation for some of our larger classrooms. Additionally, the availability of families for conferences may impact our ability to complete these conferences by November 22, 2022. During these conferences, you’ll learn more about data from the beginning of the year assessments, more about your student’s strengths and needs, as well as successes and areas of growth from the first quarter of learning.
Please allow our teachers time to send out conference sign-ups. If you have questions about these first-quarter family conferences, please reach out to the SLES administration.
Until next time,
Kevin Morris, Principal
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SLES Front Office
Please note that on Monday, October 17th, from 1:30 – 2:15 pm, the front office will be closed for Front Office Emergency Staff Training. All calls and emails will be returned promptly after the training is completed.
Lunchtime Visitors
We would like to share with our families that unless a special occasion, such as a birthday or a relative visiting, we discourage families from regularly eating lunch with their student. Of course, you are invited to do so when you would like to eat with your student, but please consider allowing your student time to themselves during lunch. This is an important opportunity for students to develop relationships with their peers, and sometimes frequent adult visits to lunch can detract from that social development opportunity.
If you do plan on visiting your child during lunch, please let the classroom teacher know and be sure to check in at the front office first.
Important Safety Announcement
- During arrival and dismissal, families and students should never cross the bus loop, even if no cars or buses are present.
- Students and families should use the sidewalks exiting and entering school grounds to the left or the right.
- Families and students should use the crosswalk to cross Riverside Rd.
- Students should go directly home after school and only remain on our playground with adult supervision. If your student would like to play at the school once the school day ends, they need to go home and check in first. It is critical that students go directly home after school unless otherwise accompanied by an adult.
- Students should not arrive in the morning before 8:55 am. Students should not play on the playground unattended before school. Parents should not unload students in Kiss and Ride until directed by a SLES staff member.
Please visit our website to learn more about arrival and dismissal safety.
A Rock N Run Message from the PTA
You’ve probably seen a lot about Rock n Run, our school’s biggest PTA fundraiser! You can support our grade-level reach our fundraising goal by donating here!
So what exactly do the proceeds from Rock n Run support?
- Much of the money raised by the PTA through Rock n Run goes directly to benefit students in the form of prizes! This includes a new ukulele program for students this year and in the future, where SLES music teachers will expose classes to the fundamentals, singalongs, and teach them how to play the ukulele in the upper grades. Classes are also raising funds for two educational science assemblies and book fair money to build their class libraries!
- Rock n Run helps the PTA support classrooms year-round by purchasing new materials, including new lacrosse supplies for PE this year and the reusable library bags every student received at the start of school! 🥍 📚
- The money raised during Rock n Run helps the PTA maintain the Discovery Garden, including landscaping, planting, and paying for seasonal assistance so all teachers and students can access our beautiful outdoor classroom. 🌱
- Rock n Run supports fun PTA community events like Bingo Night, Spelling Bee, D3, and family picnics! 👋
- The proceeds from Rock n Run are very important for our school’s Care & Share program by allowing the PTA to provide supplemental snacks, book fair credit, and field trip fee assistance for students in our community who qualify for additional support. 💚
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Disappointing News Regarding Thanksgiving Luncheon at SLES
We have heard directly from FCPS Food and Nutrition Services that due to staffing and supply chain challenges that continue to impact daily operations, the traditional thanksgiving luncheon will not be open to guests this school year. We had hoped to resurrect the community event with some special additions this year, however, we will no longer be able to do this at SLES.
A thanksgiving style meal will still be provided to students in November, but guests are not permitted to attend nor purchase these lunches as we have done in the past (pre-covid). Sorry to share this news, as we were looking forward to reconnecting with the community around this FCPS tradition.
Disability History and Awareness Month
During October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
Upcoming Events:
Dyslexia Open House
The Parent Resource Center will host an Open House at Willow Oaks Center - 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031, on October 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Come learn about dyslexia and support for students with dyslexia in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Register for Dyslexia Open House
The FCPS Dyslexia handbook also provides information and resources to families. It reflects a division-wide commitment to ensure that the needs of students with dyslexia are met as a result of collective responsibility and collaboration across general and special education contexts.
College Success for Students with Disabilities
This virtual October 18th at 7 pm breakout session is part of FCPS Virtual College Week: October 17-20. While a disability can be an obstacle, it should not prevent students from attending or completing college. This session will help participants understand their student’s rights and responsibilities and the process and resources available to help students transition to college. Learn how self-advocacy plays a key role in the student’s college success.
Students that recognize their talents and strengths, learn self-advocacy skills, and know how to access accommodations and support in college are better equipped to succeed in postsecondary school.
Register for College Success for Students with Disabilities
Considerations for Students with Disabilities in High School v. College
This virtual October 19 at 6 pm breakout session is part of FCPS Virtual College Week: October 17-20. Career and Transition Services is offering this workshop in conjunction with George Mason University and will explore issues to consider during the college search, application, and preparation process for students with disabilities.
Register online Considerations for Students with Disabilities in High School v. College
SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:
- Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
- Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
- Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
- Play games and have fun!
October 31, 2022 (Student Holiday) 9 am - 12 pm at Providence Community Center
Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services
Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person, and Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!
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SLES Veterans Day Celebration on November 10
Stratford Landing is excited to celebrate our men and women in the armed forces! We'll be honoring our service members on Thursday, November 10 (no school on 11/11).
Stars for Vets – Please send in a copy of a military family picture or service member picture (past or present) to be displayed on the main bulletin board. On the back of the photo, please include information you are comfortable being displayed (name, rank, branch of service). Please also include your teacher’s name so the photo may be returned. Photos should be submitted by Tuesday, October 25th to your classroom teacher or front office.
Ceremony at the Flagpole – On Thursday, Nov 10 we will gather at 8:40am for a tribute by the SLES 6thgrade chorus and a flag raising ceremony. All are welcome to attend and service members are encouraged to come in uniform.
Classroom Speakers – We are excited to welcome in-person speakers for this year’s Veterans Day celebration. Speakers can briefly share about careers, show off some tactical equipment, or read a book during Morning Meeting. If you would like to be a classroom speaker, please use this link to sign up: https://slpta.org/military-group/.
If mornings do not work for you, you may contact your classroom teacher about other available time slots. You may also reach out to classroom teachers if you would prefer to submit a video.
Breakfast for Service Members – Our military support group will provide a light breakfast for our classroom speakers. You are encouraged to join us in Room 199 before or after you speak.
Wear Red, White & Blue – We encourage all students and staff to wear red, white, and blue on Thursday, Nov 10th.
Please direct any questions to Becky Hyatt, Rachel Calton, or Jess Abbott at military@slpta.org or to Andrea Howard, our Family Liaison at ahoward@fcps.edu . Looking forward to seeing many of you from our SLES community on November 10th!
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Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid
Beginning October 18, FCPS will be asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid.
Returning this form is important, because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school. If Sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the box in Section 3. All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 4. All responses are confidential.
Watch the video to learn more about this process.
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What You Can Do to Prevent Substance Misuse
It’s true, youth are more inclined to listen to their peers than their parents, this is part of the way the brain develops. When a baby is born, their brain’s sole responsibility is keeping them alive, then as they grow into adolescence, finding their tribe becomes important. Think of your top three happiest memories. What were you doing? How did you feel? Who was there? Each of these memories was likely a shared experience. You were laughing and smiling with loved ones, maybe food was even involved. Now think of your three worst memories. What was going on? How did you feel? Who was there? In each of these memories, you likely were alone or felt alone.
Substance use becomes a problem for some because they either are alone or felt alone. Connection has been shown to be important in our everyday lives, again, think of your happiest memories. Fairfax County’s “Three to Succeed” describes protective factors that youth need to achieve their higher selves. If a child has at least three of these protective factors, they are more likely to succeed in life: having high personal integrity, having community adults to talk to, performing community service, participating in extracurricular activities, having teachers recognize good work, and having parents available for help. What you notice is five of the six protective factors involve connection with someone else, the first protective factor describes connection with oneself.
Here are Some Helpful Resources:
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Substance Use Prevention & Encouraging Healthy Brain Development
REVIVE Training for Opioid Overdoses
FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
The Mr. John Adams Cafeteria
As many of you know, Mr. John Adams, our former building supervisor, retired last school year after an unprecedented 44 years of service to Stratford Landing Elementary. This week we had a wonderful, small school ceremony to unveil the plaque that will be placed in the cafeteria commemorating Mr. Adam’s impact on the Stratford Landing community. Mr. Dan Storck, Supervisor for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Mt. Vernon District, was present to share the impact Mr. Adams had not just on this school community but his family as well. He told wonderful stories of “Mr. Big John” - Dr. Marshall was also present and shared wonderful stories of their partnership and Mr. Adam’s leadership during the most recent renovation of Stratford Landing.
What is an Ombuds?
Did you know that FCPS has an Office of the Ombuds that is available to support you? An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. The Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters. The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
If you have concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds, please call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, You may also submit a question.
Graduation Rates Remain Strong
After seeing record high rates last year, the Fairfax County Public Schools Class of 2022 continued to report strong on-time graduation rates at 94.2 percent, according to data released last week from the Virginia Department of Education. This year’s overall on-time graduation rate is only 0.4 points less than the division’s 94.6 percent high in 2021, reflecting continued success with a larger and more diverse senior class.
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Multilingual Podcast
Fairfax County Public Schools produces a multilingual podcast every two weeks to highlight relevant information for families in their own languages. It is produced in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
The latest episode introduces the FCPS Trust Policy and reminds families to review the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. Learn more about the Podcast.
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Please join us for a Superintendent Community Conversation at West Potomac High School on Thursday, October 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more about Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS superintendent, and help her get to know our school community.
Language interpretation will be provided, as available, as well as child care and light refreshments. Please register to attend.
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Family Liaison News & Updates
Hello SLES Families! As your family liaison, my goal is to keep you informed about the valuable resources, events, and family engagement opportunities available through SLES, FCPS, and the community. Please visit the SLES Family Liaison homepage for additional information and resources.
Families as Partners Workshop - Last Chance to Register!
Wellness Wednesday Information Night
Wednesday, October 19, from 6 – 7 pm
Stratford Landing ES, Room C199
Join us on Wednesday, October 19th, from 6-7 pm to gain more insight from Stratford Landing’s Wellness Team. The team includes the School Counselors, Social Worker, Psychologist, and Family Liaison! Learn about their roles in the school and how they can support you and your child at the school. This is an open platform to discuss, inform, and ask any questions needed.
Click here to register for this workshop.
Manejando el estrés serie de 3 partes: Parent Resource Center (PRC) Webinar (Haga clic aquí para registrarse en este seminario web de tres partes.)
Calendar Reminder: Diwali and End of 1st Quarter
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this day and the victory of light over darkness. Monday, Oct. 24 is a holiday for teachers and students (only 12 month employees report). Learn more about Diwali.
As a reminder, Friday, October 28, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, Oct. 31, for a teacher workday.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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Mark Your Calendar!
October 14: Rock N Run Day
October 19 (7:45-8:30 am): AAP Elementary Parent Information Meeting
October 19 (6-7 pm): Wellness Wednesday Information Night: Families As Partners Workshop
October 21: Rock N Run Prize Day
October 24: Student Holiday (Diwali) - NO SCHOOL
October 27 (6:30-7:30 pm): Community Conversation at WPHS with FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid
October 28: End of First Quarter (2-hour Early Dismissal)
October 31: Student Holiday (Professional Workday) - NO SCHOOL
November 8: Student Holiday (Election Day) - NO SCHOOL
November 10: SLES Veterans Day Celebration
November 11: Student Holiday (Veterans Day) - NO SCHOOL
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Quick Links
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