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 Volume 1, Issue 6
Leadership Ledger
Westlawn Families,
We are excited to welcome families back into the building tonight for Back to School Night! Doors will open at 4:30 PM, grade level sessions begin at 5:05 and 5:30 PM. Enjoy the hallway decor, reconnect with former teachers, and explore your child’s classroom. Different grade level academic sessions will be located throughout the building - there will be signage posted and staff present to guide you in the right direction.
We’d like to extend our thanks to the entire school community for your flexibility and empathy as we worked through the first early release Monday of the school year. We hope your experience was smooth, and we look forward to streamlining the dismissal process in the future.
Ms. Carpenter and I are forever thankful and honored to lead this beautiful community. We will look forward to seeing families tonight!
Christoph Hill and Stephanie Carpenter
Westlawn Principals
 Each day all classes start with a Morning Meeting, an opportunity for students to greet each other and settle into the day. During some Morning Meetings, students have the opportunity to share about their own lives and make interpersonal connections. During others, students review academic topics or discuss social-emotional learning skills and strategies.
 Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
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The Feather Report Reader Survey
We are curious to learn about you, the readers of The Feather Report! Please take this brief, anonymous survey to let us know what you look forward to in the newsletter and what suggestions you might have to make it better for you! We will share the data in a future issue of The Feather Report.
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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:
- Caregiver Checklists
- New Food Options in FCPS
- Early Release Mondays
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TONIGHT! 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.
September 27: Westlawn Students Sing the Star Spangled Banner
Select students will represent Westlawn by singing the Star Spangled Banner with students from other Falls Church High School pyramid schools before the football game. The game starts at 7:00 PM. Families are encouraged to go cheer on the Jaguars and our Eagles!
October 3 - October 4: Student Holidays
There is no school for students on October 3, in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, and October 4, which is a staff work day.
October 9: Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
Students are encouraged to use human-powered systems to come to school on October 9 via walking, biking, or rolling. Participating students will receive a special prize!
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: Be the Laps for Learning Queen or King
Laps for Learning is Westlawn’s annual PTA fundraising event, with an emphasis on the fun. In this role you will get to work with PTA President Simone Rose and PE teacher Grant Maloney to help structure and deliver a positive and enjoyable lap-running event on March 27. This role is a great fit for someone who believes in the importance of fitness and wants to help students fall in love with running.
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.
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.
 What Exactly is CCT?
Ever wondered what in the world your child is talking about when they say they had their “CCT Special” that day? CCT stands for Creative and Critical Thinking, and there are 9 identified CCT skills in FCPS. All 9 have one thing in common: they help children develop creative, unique thinking as they reason and problem solve. CCT skills help students in ALL subjects and in the real world. The CCT special at Westlawn is just one way most students are able to access the AAP curriculum on a regular basis, and it’s taught by our veteran CCT teacher, Kate Flegal with support and occasional co-teaching by our AART, Gretchen Maxwell.
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