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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.
Để đọc bản tin này bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin quý vị truy cập vào trang mạng của chúng tôi.
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A Message From Your Principals
Westlawn Community:
Thank you to the families and Westlawn staff who worked to make our Annual Talent Show a success last week. We had singers, dancers, comedians…you name it, we have it at Westlawn!
This week begins the 4th and final quarter of the 22-23 school year - how time flies. The 4th quarter is packed with family events, field trips, end-of-year student assessments, and much more. Please continue to check our Family Calendar in Schoology for the most updated event information.
Consistent attendance is paramount to your child(ren)’s success. Regular attendance provides students the learning opportunities to thrive both academically and socially. If you are having difficulty getting children to school, for any reason, please contact your child’s teacher. We can help.
This Tuesday is our April PTA Meeting, followed on Thursday by our 2nd Annual Adventure Night, beginning at 5 PM on the Westlawn field, blacktop, and tennis courts. Bring the whole family!
At Westlawn, we soar together.
At Westlawn, we soar together.
Individually Unique … Together Extraordinary
We are Westlawn.
Your Proud Principals,
Cindi Choate, Christoph Hill, Anaya Bryson, and Stephanie Carpenter
Attendance Matters!
Consistent student attendance is vital to your child's success. Please contact the school for more information and/or support. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
Important Dates:
April 18: April PTA Meeting (6:00 PM) (link)
April 18: 6th Grade Luther Jackson MS Orientation (during school hours)
April 19: Weekly Community Conversation with Principals *TIME CHANGED TO 1:30 PM
April 20: Family Adventure Night (5:00-6:30 PM)
April 21: Student Holiday (Staff Holiday)
April 28: Westlawn Art Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation Week (PTA Sponsored)
May 8-12: SOL Testing (Grades 3-6)
May 13: TJHSST Techstravaganza (10:00 AM)
May 13: FSO Concert (3rd/4th grades)
May 29: Student Holiday (Memorial Day)
June 1: Patrol Picnic
June 5: Westlawn Spring Band/Strings Concert (6:30 PM)
June 16: Last Day of School for Students
 Westlawn Family Adventure Night!
Join Westlawn families and community partners for our 2nd annual Family Adventure Night on April 20th from 5:00PM - 6:30PM! Limited parking will be available, we ask those living in close proximity to the school to walk if able - weather permitting. Food and drinks are available but they go fast, so be there as close to 5:00PM as possible!
Buses are available to and from the Monticello Complex at the intersection of Parkwood Ct. and Allen St. near the welcome center.
- Monticello to Westlawn: 4:45PM and 5:00PM
- Westlawn to Monticello: 6:15PM and 6:30PM
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Westlawn Yearbook Sale!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase a yearbook that captures the memories of our 2022-2023 school year!
Link: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
Yearbook ID Code: 13717423
Order Deadline: 04/21/2023
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Spotlight on Westlawn: Reading Coaches
This week Westlawn Reading Coaches Anna Yim, Katie Baer, and Casey Davidow were highlighted by the FCPS Literacy Department for their hard work and dedication to collaborative learning teams as we transitioned to the science or reading approach to instruction. Congratulations!
LEGACY STEAM Summer Camp
The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has an amazing summer STEAM program available for Westlawn 11-12 year olds. The week-long program is free-of-charge and based in Arlington, offering children hands-on STEAM opportunities. View the informational flier here for more detailed information. A limited number of spots are available, and applications are reviewed when submitted. If you are interested in your child participating we recommend submitting applications as soon as possible. We will discuss this opportunity in more detail at this week’s Community Conversation.
Spanish Version
Resources to Support April, Month of the Military Child, and Purple Up! Day: April 19, 2023
April is the Month of the Military Child. Schools are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the resilience and service of our military-connected children during April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day, April 19. Schools are encouraged to participate in the district wide Spirit Week, April 17 - 20. This year’s themed colors align with Earth Week Spirit Week. Resources are available here and on the Hub. Date:
- Month of the Military Child: April 2023
- Month of the Military Child Spirit Week: April 17–20
- Purple Up! Day: April 19
Share Your Month of the Military Child Activities!Please take a moment to complete this short Google form, letting FCPS know how your school or office is celebrating the Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day. This information will be shared with the Office of Communications and Community Relations (OCCR).
Summer Institute for the Arts
The FCPS Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is returning again this year to Lake Braddock High School and is open for enrollment! Rising 3rd through 6th graders can attend across 4 weeks of sessions with classes in visual arts, music, dance, and theatre. Rising 7th graders can attend IFTA which is also offered through 11th grade and features more varied and challenging classes. Students who receive free or reduced meals can attend any or all weeks at no cost and bussing is available to all, from either the Graham Rd. Community Center and Luther Jackson Middle School.
Rising 3-6 Graders: ENGLISH SPANISH
Rising 7th Graders: ENGLISH SPANISH
Transportation
Changes to SNAP Benefits
Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, and families will no longer receive the COVID supplement. Learn more about available resources for families.
Jaguar 5K - Saturday, April 22
Falls Church HS will have our 18th Annual Jaguar 5k on Saturday, April 22nd. We would love to have our feeder schools and community join us for a great event!
Attached is our paper registration, online registration and information can be found at www.jaguar5k.com.
Update Your Emergency Care Information Through weCare@school
Fairfax County Public Schools provides weCare@school (weCare), an emergency care information system, to parents/caregivers who have registered for their own parent account. weCare helps manage emergency medical information by allowing parents to enter and update their children’s medical data online at their convenience. That contact information automatically enrolls parents/caregivers to receive eNotify communications from the district and their child’s school. eNotify is the communications tool for FCPS emergency, transportation, attendance, weather closing and delay, and essential outreach messages. Messages are sent via email, text, and occasionally phone. Click to edit this placeholder text.
Parent Referral AAP Services
If you’d like to refer your child for subject-specific (Level II) or part-time (Level III) AAP services, the referral forms need to be submitted by April 14 in order to be screened this year for services to begin in August. More information about the AAP continuum of services can be found at this link. As a reminder, students in K-2 can be referred for subject-specific (Level II) services and students in 3-6 can be referred for subject-specific or part-time (Level III) services. Please email our AART, Gretchen Maxwell, if you would like clarification. gamaxwell@fcps.edu.
Referral forms can be found in many languages at this link: AAP School-Based Services (Level II-III) Referral Form
Westlawn Beautification Fund
The Westlawn Courtyard and Discovery Area are spaces within which children, learn, play, and explore. These areas are unique, and part of what make Westlawn special. These spaces also require maintenance. We ask those able to donate to our Westlawn Beautification Fund to help keep these spaces beautiful.
Community Conversations with Principals
Each week Westlawn Principals host a Community Conversation, designed to connect with families and provide salient information. Our Community Conversations are held each Wednesday at 10:00 am using this link.
Slide decks from each Community Conversation can be accessed on the Get Involved! section of our school webpage.
Family Event Participation
Family partnerships are a cornerstone at Westlawn. It is our goal to involve all our families in events, communications, and other school-related functions. To gauge the number of families attending family events we ask you to complete this brief Google Form to identify events your family attended. Thank you for your consideration.
Portrait of a Graduate at Westlawn
Children at Westlawn engage daily in Portrait of a Graduate skills: Communication, Collaboration, Goal-Setting, Resilience, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Global Citizenship. Check out our First Friday Photos to see these skills in action!
FCPS Early Childhood and PreK Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools offers programs for the youngest learners:
Community liaisons are available to assist families with the registration process and answer any questions. For more information, visit the Early Childhood Registration webpage.
Community Meeting on the Dangers of Fentanyl
Last month, the division hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives.
The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details.
Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.this placeholder text.
ESSER Online Feedback Form
FCPS received Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funding in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to support the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students.
ESSER III focus areas include:
- ensuring continuity of learning services and addressing students’ academic needs.
- maintaining the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff.
- addressing student wellness including their social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
FCPS would like your feedback on how well the school division is responding to the areas above. Please complete this Online Feedback Form, which will be open through Friday, May 5. Your input will inform the School Board and FCPS staff on the community’s view of our work.
The Fairfax County School Board will hear public comment on ESSER III in-person instruction and continuity of services plan on Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. Register to speak at the ESSER III public hearing. See how FCPS is using ESSER funds to impact student success.
Virtual Learning Resources at Westlawn
In the event that weather events lead to virtual learning we have created a page on our website to support families. Check it out here.
FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize Westlawn staff for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
Family Resources
FCPS’ Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the many resources available to them:
- Bilingual community liaisons support student registrars by providing families with information about school and community services offered in Fairfax County. Liaisons are available to help families speaking Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. Once registered at a school, families can contact their family liaison for assistance.
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Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.
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Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English.
- A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
- ESOL services are available in Fairfax County not only for students, but also for adults and families. Information on Spring classes will be posted in March 2023.
Visit the Family Engagement webpage for more resources.
Techstravaganza at TJHSST
We will be holding the 19th annual Techstravaganza on May 13, 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA, and we would like to invite your school’s students to attend Techstravaganza.
Admission is free, food will be for sale. Register for the event here.
 
Sub and Save the Day! Bonus Opportunities!
FCPS is always looking for kind and caring substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants to ensure our students continue to thrive when teachers and instructional assistants need to be out of the classroom. Substitute teaching is a great opportunity for future teachers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, part-time employees, and anyone who wants to make a difference.
FCPS has started offering bonuses for substitutes who are available to teach on high volume days. Additionally, substitutes who work more, will earn extra bonuses when they reach 50, 100, or 150 days worked in a school year.
Substitute Teacher and Substitute Instructional Assistant information sessions are held virtually on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Candidates will receive an email link to the virtual information session the Monday before the session. Sign up for an information session.
Parent Advocacy Handbook
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) has created a Parent Advocacy Handbook to provide information and support to families as they navigate the FCPS system for their children. It is designed to be particularly useful for families who may be less familiar with such a large school division and/or with schooling in the U.S.
Contact Hilda Reyes, Westlawn Family Liaison, with additional questions.
Westlawn on Social Media
Westlawn is active on social media, we encourage families to access our Facebook and Twitter accounts for a glimpse into daily school life.
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