 Westfield Pyramid Strings Snowtacular Concert
The Westfield Pyramid Strings students performed magically this past week. Schools participating in this concert were Westfield HS, Carson MS, Stone MS, and the following Elementary feeder schools:
- Bull Run ES
- Coates ES
- Cub Run ES
- Deer Park ES
- Floris ES
- London Towne ES
- McNair ES
- Oak Hill ES
- Virginia Run ES
It was a special treat to hear selections from the high school, middle school, and combined high school, middle school, and elementary orchestras. Talent abounds in the Westfield Pyramid. Click below for a small preview of our Westfield students performing.
Many thanks to our LTES Orchestra directors/instructors (Molly Sgrecci, Heidi Solis, and Sean Arzaga) for their outstanding work with students.
Brrr...It's Cold Outside | Preparing for Winter
 Winter is here! The past week we enjoyed the crisp cold weather of winter and wanted to provide you with some winter reminders.
Recess and Outside Activities
During the winter months, students will continue to participate in outdoor recess and activities including PE, fire drills, etc. Please make sure to send your child to school prepared to play outdoors (jackets, gloves, hats, etc.).
At LTES, we monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Please keep in mind, we go outside most days. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. The multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare. Additionally, you can call our Family Liaison, Lucero Arnez, or a member of our clinical team at 703-227-5400.
Remember to dress your child in layers and send a coat, gloves, hat etc. so they are prepared for recess and outdoor activities.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kHubbZru2k
Preparing for Inclement Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. It is followed by email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if appropriate.
LightSpeed Management Tool at LTES & Home Now Available
 Our school will be using a new classroom management tool that will help teachers better connect with student devices during classes. The new tool will provide teachers with a number of helpful features:
- Easily view student screens in real time from the teacher console to see which students may need guidance or support.
- Focus student attention on a particular website on their device to minimize distractions.
- Pause student access to the internet to focus on other classroom tasks.
We believe this classroom management tool will allow us to maximize class time to support your student’s learning while at school. Please let us know if you have any questions.
FCPS and LTES is committed to providing a safe and robust digital environment to support student learning and success. FCPS recently approved a new online service, Lightspeed, for use during the school day on FCPS devices. Lightspeed allows us to know more about each child’s internet activity while on an FCPS device during the school day and will help students remain focused on academic tasks.
Lightspeed allows teachers to:
- Monitor student screens in real time from a teacher console
- Provide access to only FCPS and LTES approved sites increasing time on task and minimizing distractions
- Pause student access to the internet providing students with time to focus on academic tasks only
Training for LTES grade level teams will begin on December 6th and will be incorporated into our instructional day for grades 1-6 by January 25th.
Click here or the photo below to view a quick introductory video on Lightspeed.
LightSpeed at Home | Free Access for Families
Lightspeed is also available for FCPS families at home. Interested families may also access the free Lightspeed service and receive a weekly report about your child’s internet activity on their FCPS device. Families can log in at any time to view details on their child’s internet activity and pause the internet on their FCPS device during hours outside of the school day.
To take advantage of this online tool, see the Lightspeed page on the FCPS website for more details and a link to sign up.
Third Grade Scientist | The Ecosystem Interactive Museum was amazing!
Give Your Student the Gift of Education
We recognize that holidays are an important time to reconnect with family and expose children to their heritage and culture, whether they grew up in another part of the United States or a different country. If your family’s holiday plans include extended travel, please remember the impact to your children’s education if they miss too much school. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.
The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.
In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.
For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
Important Dates
December 5
Grade 2 Showcase @ 6:30 p.m.
December 8
PTA Winter Wonderland Shop and Gift Wrapping | 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
December 11
Merry Monday | wear our think cap or festive hat
December 12
Teamwork Tuesday | wear your favorite team shirt or jersey or dress like a team with your friends
Interims Go Home
PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:
- lms.fcps.edu
- Parent/Guardian Login
- Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
- If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
- Zoom > Join
December 13
Wellness Wednesday | wear your favorite workout clothes
December 14
Take Care Thursday | wear school appropriate pajamas
Immersion Las Posadas
December 15
Festive Friday | wear your favorite festive winter-themed clothing
LTES Winter Holiday Sing-a-Long
 December 18- January 1
Winter Break | LTES Office Closed
January 2
Happy New Year! Students Return to School
Stay up to date on LTES activities by subscribing to our calendar.
See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.
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