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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 Families:
Thank you to all our community partners, FCHS and LJ, and the Westlawn PTA for hosting Westlawn Day this Saturday! It was a beautiful day, and it’s always a good time when our families come together.
This week is full of Westlawn fun, including Laps for Learning on Wednesday and our Drama Troupe’s performance of Celebraciones on Thursday evening. Come for dinner and a show beginning at 5:00 PM.
A reminder that Community Conversations with Principals are held virtually each Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. Join Principal Hill, Tech Specialist Ms. Dushok, and Family Liaison Ms. Reyes to stay up-to-speed with the busy world at Westlawn ES! Check out the recording from this week's CCwP located here.
The Westlawn team is committed to providing a learning experience that nurtures your child’s natural abilities, advocates for growth and excellence, and empowers your child to reach their full potential.
Stay up-to-date with school events by accessing our Westlawn All Families Schoology Calendar. Access an overview of the entire school year, including holidays and cultural observance days, by clicking here.
And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
At Westlawn, we soar together.
At Westlawn, we soar together.
Individually Unique … Together Extraordinary
Somos Westlawn.
Your Proud Principals,
Christoph Hill, Anaya Bryson, and Stephanie Carpenter
Upcoming Dates:
March 20: Laps for Learning Event (Westlawn Field during school hours)
March 21: Drama Troupe Performance (5:00 - 6:30 PM)
March 22: Ziva’s Spanish Dance Assembly (during instructional day)
March 22: End of 3rd Quarter
March 25-29: Spring Break (No School for Students)
April 1: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
April 2: Staff Development Day (No School for Students)
April 3: Start of 4th Quarter
April 9: Kindergarten Orientation (Westlawn Cafe @ 9AM)
April 15: Advanced Academic Placement (AAP) Orientation (Westlawn Library, 6:00 - 7:00 PM)
April 17: Falls Church Pyramid Art Show (FCHS Main Gym and Lobby from 5:00 - 7:00 PM)
April 19: Westlawn Art Night (Westlawn Blacktop from 5:30 - 7:00 PM)
May 16: Family Adventure Night (5:00 - 6:30 PM on Westlawn Field)
May 31: Westlawn Talent Show (5:30 PM, Howe-Tillett Gymnasium)
Laps for Learning - March 20
Children have been hard at work gathering lap donations for our Laps for Learning event on March 20! If you would like to volunteer your time on the 20th please click this sign-up link and select a time.
Dinner and a Show - Thursday, March 21
Our Drama Club has been hard at work preparing for this Thursday’s presentation of Celebraciones. Created and directed by Lenny Mendez, Laura Hull, and the team at Creative Cauldron, Westlawn students work in tandem with professional actors for the performance! On Thursday evening join us in the Westlawn Cafe for dinner at 5:00PM. We’ll start seating in the gym at 5:30PM, the show will begin at 5:45PM. Dinner and the show are free for all Westlawn families.
SOL Schedule
Virginia Standards of Learning assessments will begin at the end of April for students in grades 3-6. Below is the testing schedule for Westlawn.
April 23 - 5th Grade Writing (IRW)
May 1: 3rd - 6th Grade Reading Assessment
May 8: 3rd - 6th Grade Math Assessment
May 14: 5th Grade Science Assessment
SCA Coin Drive - April 8
Our Student Council Association (SCA) is initiating a coin drive beginning on April 8. Coin collection jars will be located in each classroom for students to contribute to the effort. All funds collected will be compliment the PTA’s donation for updated recess equipment for all students at Westlawn.
Principal Evaluation Feedback Form
On Monday, March 18, Westlawn families will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
Intensive English Classes - Registration Opens March 19
In addition to our regular Beginning English, Family Learning, and Skills Classes, we offer an Intensive English Program for English learners who want to focus on the language and soft skills that will help them improve their employability and advancement potential. These 8-week classes meet Monday-Thursday for 4 hours/day (9:30am-1:30pm).
Prospective students can register for the next session on Tuesday, March 19 from 10:30am-12:00pm at the City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center (4850 Mark Center Dr., 6th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311). Classes will start on April 15 and run through June 6. (see attached flyer for all of the details)
The 3 Intensive levels will meet as follows:
Literacy Level: In-person at the Workforce Development Center
Beginning Level: online via Zoom
Intermediate Level: In-person at the Workforce Development Center
*For all students, the English Empowerment Center will provide loaner laptops to ensure equitable participation. This session will also include preparation for a hospitality credential for intermediate-level learners.*
Informational Flier
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Westlawn Spirit Days
We will continue to celebrate Not-So-Secret Staff and Student Spirit Days each Wednesday in the new year. This Wednesday is Dapper Day! Dress your children in their fanciest, most dapper attire.
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✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
Solar Eclipse - Monday, April 8
Due to this timing overlapping with some dismissal times, schools should reiterate the importance of safe viewing practices. FCPS safety guidelines do not permit direct viewing of the sun even with protective eyewear and encourage the use of indirect (projection) viewing devices, including solar boxes and pinhole projectors.
Here are some Solar Eclipse Resources that include safe viewing practices. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations in accordance with the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance.
The COVID-19 isolation period of 5 days is no longer recommended.
The new respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, to include COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Students who have symptoms of, tested positive for, or have been diagnosed with, a respiratory virus e.g., COVID-19, influenza, RSV may return to school when:
- Student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND
- Student’s symptoms have improved or resolved
- Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities
The following school operations will continue:
- COVID Absence Reporting in SIS
- COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting
- When there are three (3) or more reported cases of COVID-19 in an identified group of students and/or school-based staff (e.g., class, team, club) within 14 days, the administrator or designated reporter (i.e. COVID POC) will complete the FCHD Outbreak REDCap.
- The COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting Flowchart outlines this process.
- Outbreak reporting is for school-based locations only.
- COVID-19 at-home test kits are available for students as outlined in the Guidance for COVID Home Test Kits document.
- Schools will direct parents and families of a positive student case to the Health and Safety Guidance Document.
The following will be discontinued:
- Student Sent Home with Fever recommendation letter
#InvestInExcellence ✨
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from Fiscal Years 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in 2024. The county’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements. If the county returns to 52.6% for the upcoming year, that would be $63 million more as an investment in excellence for our schools.
We are in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback.
Give your feedback on the Fairfax County budget: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/FY25Budget
Contact your state and federal elected officials to provide feedback on funding for K-12 education: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget: https://bit.ly/FCPS-AdvBudget-FY25
🩹 Measles Is Preventable
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
🥁 Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
Community Conversations with Principals
Join Mr. Hill, Ms. Carpenter, and Dr. Bryson for Weekly Community Conversations this school year. Weekly sessions will be held virtually on Wednesday mornings at 11:00AM. You can access these sessions using this link. Slide decks and recordings will be posted to the website as quickly as possible after the close of the week’s conversation. Families can access all materials here: https://westlawnes.fcps.edu/get-involved
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Do you want to celebrate a Westlawn staff member who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone. |
Collecting a Student for Early Dismissal
Families are reminded that they should call the main office at 703-241-5100 to arrange to get a student for early dismissal. We do not monitor our TalkingPoints account all day, and we may not receive messages about early dismissals in a timely manner. We ask that families picking up children early do so before 3:00 PM to avoid conflicts with the schoolwide dismissal process.
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!
How to Register for Pre-K or Early Head Start
Fairfax County offers pre-K for students 3-4 years old whose parents meet income requirements and Early Head Start is for infants, toddlers, and expectant mothers who meet income requirements. To register, parents or caregivers should:
- Complete the application form.
- Make a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a residency document (lease, dead, or mortgage).
If your child is selected for one of the programs, the following will need to be completed:
- A school physical.
- Dental exam.
- FCPS school registration forms.
Bus Delay Information
If a bus is delayed or more information is needed, parents and guardians can access the FCPS Bus Delay Website or contact the Area Transportation Office.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up to receive Here Comes the Bus notifications.
Parents and guardians can be notified by text, phone call and/or email when a bus is delayed 30 minutes or more by indicting these options through their SIS ParentVUE account.
Child Find Screenings
Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs as well as educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find screenings and services are provided by the FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services program for children ages 20 months through 5 years who live in Fairfax County or Fairfax city. Learn more on the Child Find website.
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.
What Is ParentVUE and How Can You Sign Up?
If you do not already have a ParentVUE SIS account, sign up now to monitor and support your child’s academic success! Through ParentVUE, you are able to monitor your student’s attendance, grades, and assignments at any time. You can also access special reports for your student like progress reports and assessments score reports.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. SIS ParentVUE can be accessed using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks you through the steps on how to do so. You can also find out more about SIS ParentVUE on our website.
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.
🔍 Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
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.
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 Instagram accounts for a glimpse into daily school life.
Falls Church High School Athletics
FCHS offers a variety of athletic opportunities for students - and it’s never too early to get your children interested in different sports! Visit the FCPS Athletics webpage for team information, calendars, and more.
Westlawn 2023-2024 PTA Board
We are excited to announce our PTA Cabinet!
Simone Rose, President
Deirdre Ladd, Vice President
Christine Lusk and Dave Jones, Treasurers
Jordan Kislear, Secretary
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