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 Volume 1, Issue 3
Leadership Ledger
Nine days into the school year and Westlawn students are already in the groove! Thank you to all our families, students, and staff members for traversing the transition from summer together, and getting our children ready to learn and thrive. The halls are filled with smiles, love, and students following the Westlawn Way!
We wish all our families a safe Labor Day break, and look forward to seeing children return to learning next Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Christoph Hill and Stephanie Carpenter, Westlawn Principals
 Breakfast looks a little bit different at Westlawn this year. Instead of picking up prepackaged meals as students enter the building, they instead have a choice of proteins, produce, and grains to select from breakfast carts. Not only does this new system encourage students to make their own choices, it also cuts down on a ton of plastic waste. We think it is a huge win!
 Kiss and Ride Reminder
When dropping a child off using kiss and ride, please remain in your vehicle. Our staff are prepared to support children with exiting or entering vehicles. Your cooperation and support are greatly appreciated!
Community Use at Westlawn: New Regulation
We love when community groups use our space! Please be aware that a new regulation was recently released about requesting the use of the space. Now, all requests must be for dates at least 15 days in advance. This is a new change for all of us and we thank you for your patience as we adopt it moving forward. If you have questions or need help reserving a space, please contact Ms. Escalante in our main office.
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Grant a Teacher’s Wish!
Would you like to help Westlawn students have an even more amazing year? Consider granting a teacher’s wish! Several of our teachers have shared their classroom wish lists with us, and we have compiled the set on our website. If you’re wondering how to both support the classroom and say a hearty “thank you for everything you do for students,” this might be the answer!
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Fresh Water for Students and Staff Members Thanks to the PTA
Students and staff members are enjoying fresh water thanks to the Westlawn PTA who generously supported the acquisition of new water filters. Staff and students are overjoyed that they will be able to refill their water bottles with fresh-tasting water to stay hydrated for days full of joy and learning. Thank you, Westlawn PTA!
Social-Emotional Learning Happening at Westlawn
Classroom teachers at Westlawn will be using a social-emotional learning program called Second Step with students starting next week. In this week’s Thursday folder, be on the lookout for more information about Second Step, and a set of activities and conversations you can use with your child at home. More information about Second Step at Westlawn can be found on our website.
Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE
Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates. SIS ParentVUE can be used to do many things, including:
If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account yet, contact Westlawn’s registrar, Ms. Caballero, via email for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
🔍 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. Learn more about Parent Reports and sign up to receive one.
Transportation Patience and Safety
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses.
If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2050 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.
✨ Our Commitment to Excellence, Equity, and Opportunity for Each and Every Student
As we begin a new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid reminds us of the goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which guides us in delivering excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students. Watch Dr. Reid’s message.
 August 30 - September 2: Labor Day Break (no school for staff or students)
We look forward to welcoming students and staff back into the building on September 3!
September 4: Color Days - Wear Red!
The entire Westlawn community is invited to help kindergarten students learn colors by wearing the color of the day on Wednesdays during the first part of the year. On September 4, please wear red!
September 6: Outdoor Movie Night
The Scouts are hosting an outdoor movie night for the community! Learn more about it.
September 9: Discovery Zone Cleanup
Join the Scouts after school and help clean up and beautify the Discovery Zone. Learn more about it.
September 10: PTA Meeting
The PTA Meeting will be held on Zoom at 6:30 PM with available translation into Spanish. Click here to join the meeting. All families are welcome! You can also become a member of the PTA today.
September 16: The Bandage Program
FCPS high school students will be hosting a series of virtual learning sessions and in-person opportunities related to science and medicine, geared toward FCPS elementary and middle school students. Learn more here.
September 19: Back to School Night
Visit teacher classrooms and learn about students’ exciting learning opportunities this year! Learn more here.
To see more schoolwide and community events, remember to check out our website calendar! You can also subscribe to our calendar to make it even more convenient.
 Volunteer Opportunity: Westlawn Library
We are looking for a few volunteers to help in our library! Volunteers will be asked to commit to a shift in the morning (before 11 am) or the late afternoon (2:30-3:30). Shifts might be an hour once or twice per week depending on the volunteer’s availability. Volunteer tasks include shelving books and maintaining the collection. If you are interested, please contact our librarian, Ms. Heyer.
Volunteer Opportunity: Clean Up the Discovery Zone
Join the Scouts on September 9 at 4:00 PM to help clean up the Discovery Zone! You will get a good workout, meet new friends, and feel the satisfaction of making a difference for Westlawn students.
Join a Community Conversation
Join us on Wednesday at 11 AM on Zoom to hear the important news from the school from Principal Hill! Community Conversations happen weekly barring school holidays or weather closures. If you miss a Community Conversation, you can catch up with slides and AI-generated transcripts on our website.
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