SLES News You Choose

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۔


Important Dates and Events

  • February 8, Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m. - SLES Young Author's Night 
  • February 15, Thursday, 6 p.m. - PTA Spelling Bee at SLES cafeteria
  • February 19, Monday - George Washington's Birthday and President's Day, Student Holiday
  • February 29, Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. - SLES Parent Workshop and Movie Night
  • March 5, Tuesday - Presidential Primary - Student Holiday
  • March 8, Friday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - SLES Family Culture Night

SLES message from our principal header

Hello Stratford Landing Families,

It’s with great enthusiasm I introduce our new proud assistant principal of Stratford Landing, Mr. John Grey.

New SLES Assistant Principal profile picture

Mr. Grey is an educational leader who spent the past 12 years teaching at Title 1 Schools within Regions 3 and 6 of Fairfax County Public Schools. He possesses a strong background in Advanced Academics and Special Education. With a deep commitment to academic excellence, Mr. Grey has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative programs catering to the unique needs of every student. He was a Special Education Teacher and, before becoming Assistant Principal, a 6th grade Advanced Academics Teacher.

His school-based leadership experiences include five years of supervision and support of Extended School Year (ESY) summer programs for special education students and Site Director for Young Scholars and Bridge to K summer programs. He has served as a Responsive Classroom School Committee Chair as well as a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Wellness Team Member. He has also led adult learning focused on culturally responsive and equitable teaching practices. His experiences are relevant to the work we are focused on at Stratford Landing.

Mr. Grey obtained his Bachelor’s Degree and Master's in Teaching from the University of Virginia with endorsements in Special and General Education and gained his administration credentials from George Washington University. In believing in strong family engagement within an academic community, Mr. Grey values fostering a collaborative, safe, and inclusive learning environment built on communication and strong, trusting relationships. He utilizes highly effective communication skills while leveraging his interpersonal skills. He is creative and analytical, with a strong knowledge of education policy, including teacher leadership, teacher retention, professional development, K-12 standards, and curriculum. He is passionate about ensuring teacher effectiveness and high-quality education for all students and is committed to excellence and equity.

Further, having grown up in the Tri-State Area, Mr. Grey is a New York Sports fan following the New York Football Giants and Yankees. As a father of 3, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as playing tennis and golf. He is looking forward, very much, to joining the pod as our newest Dolphin. Join me in congratulating Mr. Grey on this next step in his leadership journey.

We will welcome him to Stratford Landing effective Monday, February 12, 2024.

Kevin Morris, Principal


Young Author's Night - Thursday, February 8 

SLES Young Author's Night

We are having our Young Author's Night on Thursday, February 8 @ 6-7pm.  Last year, it was our most attended family event, and we are thrilled to be able to have another night where we can showcase our students’ writing.  Please join us for an evening of celebrating students’ hard work and sharing their writing.  You are welcome to visit  your students’ classrooms any time between 6-7pm.  We will also have a book give-away, 6th grade sponsored bake sale, raffle tickets for chance to win SLES swag, a special SLES 60th Anniversary celebration and more. 


SLES Parent Workshop and Movie Night Flyer

March 5 Presidential Primary - Student Holiday

The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the safe and efficient administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.

Therefore, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based Administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, responsive instruction, etc. 

Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days. 


SLES Culture and Family Night flyer

Black History Month

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Check out events highlights for Black History month.


PTA News

PTA Member Meeting with Financial Planning Specialist Cody Monarch 

Please join us on Thursday, March 14th at 7 p.m. in the Stratford Landing Library for our next PTA Member meeting. In addition to our regular meeting, we have the pleasure of hearing from Cody Monarch - a financial planning specialist on a top 2% Morgan Stanley team. He is coming to speak about the importance of planning for children’s education financially and the benefits of utilizing 529 accounts. If you cannot make it in person, we plan to livestream the meeting. 


Camp Invention - July 8th-12th

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Illuminate! Near SLES from 7/8 to 7/12, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From designing a light-up ball game to tackling global water challenges to starring in a prototyping game show, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/mylocalcamp to secure your spot! Use promo code SUM25 by 3/27 to save $25.

Military connected and need based scholarships are available, please contact Mrs. Moon at vnmoon@fcps.edu for additional information. 


SLES Yearbook 2023-2024 for Sale Online

Stratford Landing Yearbook can now be purchased online until 4/1/2024. If you wish to make an order please go to this link. For additional details contact the PTA. The prices will be the following:

$20.00 until 3/1/2024 

$25.00 until 4/1/2024


Family Volunteer Workspace

We are opening a family volunteer workspace at Stratford Landing! We are looking for volunteers to assist teachers with photocopying, laminating, and other clerical work that's very time-consuming. If we can get this fully staffed, we could be a HUGE help to our amazing teachers! Please email volunteers@slpta.org if you are interested in helping out.


Family Liaison Resources

by Inge Gatti

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.

If you have questions about navigating the school, learning about FCPS resources, or getting your student set up for success, I'm glad to be here to help you and your kids. Please email, or call 703-619-3690 to set up an appointment. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Visit the SLES Family Liaison homepage for additional information and resources.


AART free pre school classes flyer

AART free pre school classes flyer

FCPS Summer Camps: K-5th & 6th-11th Graders

Check the QR codes on the flyers below for all the additional details.

1-FCPS Tech Adv Camp 2024 flyer2-FCPS Tech Adv Camp flyer

**Tuition waivers are available for Fairfax County Public School students receiving Free and Reduced Meals


1-FCPS CTE Summer Academy Flyer2-FCPS CTE Summer Academy Flyer

**Tuition waivers are available for Fairfax County Public School students receiving Free and Reduced Meals


Virtual Parent Cafés – A Community of Support for Parents

Fairfax County Parent Cafe flyer

Join a community of support among others handling similar parenting situations. Fairfax County Department of Family Services holds virtual Parent Cafés. They are free and meet monthly during the school year. They're a great way for parents or guardians of children 0-18 years old to learn from each other as they grow in their parenting skills. Join the Fairfax County Department of Family Services for a Virtual Parenting Cafe on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. to discuss Helping Children Manage Their Anger. This is an open forum discussion covering the importance of parents and caregivers modeling how to be angry, the three rules of anger, and other helpful tips and tools. Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old are welcome. Sign up for any Virtual Parent Café by sending an email or calling 703-324-7720 at least one business day before the Parent Café date listed. 


Hybla Valley Sneaker Ball Flyer

MLK Day of Service Family Activity Rescheduled for February 24

National Park Services logo

Due to weather conditions on January 15th, the National Park Service and Friends of Dyke Marsh rescheduled their MLK Day of Service event at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and Belle Haven Park to Saturday, February 24th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
They will be focusing on a vital trash cleanup effort, making Dyke Marsh and the Potomac River a brighter and healthier place for everyone. If you and your family would like to join you can register here. The registration form also provides more details about the event, including check-in location and contact information. 
Together we can make a difference, we can honor Dr. King's legacy of service and leave a positive impact on our community.