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 Volume 1, Issue 5
Leadership Ledger
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you to all our families able to attend our first PTA meeting of the year last night! Your presence and participation are invaluable to our school community. It's wonderful to see so many families engaged in their child's education and committed to making our school a positive and supportive environment.
We are excited to welcome our families at Back-to-School Night next Thursday evening! This event is a fantastic opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers, learn about our curriculum, and discover ways to support your child's academic and social growth.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Your Proud Principals,
Christoph Hill and Stephanie Carpenter
 Our AVID focus this year at Westlawn is helping our fifth and sixth graders develop the organizational skills that they need to be successful as they transition from elementary school to middle school and beyond. To that end, we bought all sixth graders an official academic agenda where they will record their assignments and other important information. Stay tuned to see how these students build their capacity to organize themselves and their tasks throughout the year!
 Monday, September 16 is a 3-hour early release!
Families, please be aware that Monday, September 16 is a 3-hour early release. Forms were sent home throughout the summer and early fall asking families to share their dismissal plans. If we do not have your plan on file, then we must keep your child at school until 3:30. If you have any questions, please contact our main office at 703-241-5100.
Lockdown Drills at Westlawn
We are required to complete one lockdown drill in the first 20 days of the school year. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students do not participate in this drill, but will participate in one that is held later in the year. Families will receive at least 24 hours notice before a drill is scheduled. These tips for families offer guidance about how to have conversations with your child about the drill and offer strategies to support children who may feel nervous or have questions.
FCPS News
Are you curious about what’s happening more broadly in FCPS? This week’s In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) FCPS roundup covers:
- Immunization Reminders
- Make Attendance a Priority
- A Chance to Give Feedback about FCPS’ Redesigned Website
 September 14: Free Dental Clinic
A free dental clinic will take place on September 28, and families must register to participate. Registration will take place on September 14 and the clinic is limited to 150 patients. Learn how to register and what services are available.
September 16: 3-Hour Early Release
Our teachers will be participating in professional learning designed to help them become more proficient at teaching children to read. We appreciate your support in ensuring that students are picked up promptly. Other 3-hour early release days are listed on our website calendar.
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 17: Color Days - Wear Yellow!
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 18, please wear yellow!
September 18: Restaurant Night @ Westlawn
Place your order with Lebanese Taverna by 5:00 PM on September 17, and collect your meal at 4:00 PM on September 18 at kiss and ride (Door 10). Email Lesia Lampton if you would like to place an order but need a later pickup time.
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September 19: Back to School Night
Visit teacher classrooms and learn about students’ exciting learning opportunities this year! From 4:30-5:00 families will be welcomed into classrooms and have the opportunity to meet specialists. Then, at 5:00 and 5:30 there will be two sessions for families to hear grade-level presentations about what their child will experience this year at Westlawn. Learn more here.
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September 24: Advanced Academics Program Information Session
Westlawn’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Gretchen Maxwell, will share information about Westlawn’s AAP program with interested families in the Westlawn library from 5:00-6:00 PM.
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.
Spread Joy Opportunity: Nominate a Westlawn Staff Member for an FCPS CARES Award
We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with families and work hard to make sure we partner with you to help your child succeed. Now, we are asking for your help. Has your child or your family experienced a “WOW” moment when working with one of our staff members since school began? If so, please nominate them for an FCPS CARES award! All nominated staff members receive an official email announcing their nomination, and each month a handful of nominees “win” and are officially recognized by FCPS, sometimes with flowers. Spread some joy and nominate someone today!
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Volunteer Opportunity: Keep the Paint Shirts Sparkling Fresh
We are looking for a few volunteers to help keep our paint shirts sparkling fresh for students in art! The task involves picking up a basket of paint shirts on Friday afternoon, washing and drying them, and bringing them back to school on Monday morning. If your family would like to help, please contact our art teacher Ms. Terrell.
Social Media Opportunity: Be a Blue Star Featured Family!
We are looking for a few military families to be featured on social media during Blue Star Welcome Week. Featured families will be interviewed by Ms. Dushok and asked to share a few favorite family photos that show what life is like for military families. Interviews and photos will be highlighted on our social media channels during Blue Star Welcome Week (September 21-29, 2024). Please contact Ms. Dushok if your family would like to participate.
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.
 FCPS’ Advanced Academic Programs Philosophy
Did you know that FCPS is officially committed--on paper--to developing the strengths and talents of all students? It’s true! In the FCPS Advanced Academic Program Philosophy it states that all students deserve engaging learning experiences and a rigorous education that meets their personal needs. At Westlawn, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Mrs. Maxwell works tirelessly to ensure that every student has access to rigor through the AAP continuum of services. Learn more about how your child accesses advanced academics at Westlawn by attending our family information session on September 24.
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