Weekly Wave: November 8, 2024


Principals' Message

Hello Dolphin Families,

We hope you all are having a fantastic November! Here at Lake Anne Elementary School we definitely are!

Our 4th grade Dolphins made waves at the Kennedy Center, experiencing the magic of "Let's Build an Orchestra."

A big fin-tastic thank you to our PTA and all the Dolphin Pod Squads who joined us for our monthly Walk & Roll. Your support continues to make our school community stronger.

We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in our Veterans Day observance. It was a heartwarming event that honored our heroes. The musical selections from our Band and Chorus students brought the ceremony to life, filling the room with beautiful melodies and patriotic spirit.

Looking Ahead:

On November 14th at 9:30, we will be celebrating Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. We would love for our Lake Anne Families to join us for the unity walk. Let's come together as a community to celebrate diversity and kindness!

As we dive into the winter months, please remember to stay warm and safe. We look forward to many more exciting adventures together.

Mrs. Jill D. Stewart, Principal

Ms. Melanie N. Porter, Assistant Principal


Calendar Reminders

November Calendar Reminders

11- Veterans Day, schools will be closed for students.  

11-15- National School Psychology Week

13- Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Parent Information Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm

14- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day @9:30- Please join us!

18-22- American Education Week

20- Picture Retakes

21- Thanksgiving Luncheon, Family Life Education Preview Night via Googlem, National Family Engagement Day

27-29- Thanksgiving Break, schools and offices will be closed

2024-25 Lake Anne Elementary School Events Calendar

2024-25 FCPS Standard School Calendar


Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Parent Information Meeting

Families of students in Grades 2-6 interested in having their child screened for full-time services in the FCPS Advanced Academics Program are welcome to attend the AAP Parent Information Meeting on Wednesday, November 13th from 6:00-7:00 pm in the cafeteria.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Asghedom via email: sgasghedom@fcps.edu

Please enter through the cafeteria doors. 


Picture Retakes- November 20th

Photo retakes is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th.  This day is for new students, absent students, or who did not like their first pictures. 

Any students that are getting their picture retaken, they will need to bring their original pictures in with them and give them to the photographer.


Thanksgiving Luncheon- November 21st

Thanksgiving Luncheon is back at Lake Anne!  We have missed this wonderful event and are excited to have it back.  Thanksgiving Luncheon will be on Thursday, November 21st.  A flyer will be distributed to students next week with more information. 


Parent Parent Project Workshops for the South Lakes High School Pyramid in January of 2025

The FCPS Office of Family and School Partnerships are offering a 10-week course designed to empower families and transform teens. In taking this course, participants will walk away with tools to learn (1) how to build a positive relationship with their child, (2) ways to prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use, disruptive behavior at home and gang affiliation, and (3) ways to explore concrete solutions for active supervision. Classes are free, once a week and 2 hours each class. Use the link above to register. 

South Lakes Pyramid 10-week parent workshop: Empowering Parents. Transforming Teens flier

Langston Hughes Theater Expo 2024

Rising 6th Graders are invited to attend the LHMS Theater Expo on November 21st from 6-8pm. Join Ms. Dewenter and her Advanced Theater Students to see what Theater is all about in Middle School! There will also be LHMS teachers and parent volunteers there. You can anticipate enjoying:

✨ A guided tour of our theater space

🎬 Hands-on sessions in improv and acting

💄 Tutorials on special effect theater makeup

💃 A choreography workshop from the upcoming Matilda Jr. Musical

Come  explore your inner performer, meet new friends, ask about the classes, and see why theater at Langston Hughes is something special!

Don't forget to register for the event!

Calling all Rising 7th Graders for the LHMS Theater Expo

Catch the Wave of Appreciation!

This week, which Lake Anne Elementary staff member(s) did you see making a SPLASH doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way?! Please help us in recognizing their outstanding contributions by submitting an FCPS CARES for them.

For questions, please email employeeawards@fcps.edu.


📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.


IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance


Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.


Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.


Community Events & Information

Disclaimer: These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, Superintendent or Lake Anne Elementary. 

Medicaid and Medicare Changes

Starting December 18, 2024, the State of Virginia is changing how Medicaid and Medicare work together for some  Anthem members. This change will affect members who have both Medicaid and Medicare. The State of Virginia is finalizing the review of remaining Medicaid members for eligibility. Thousands of individuals may lose their benefits in the coming months due to incorrect addresses or other reasons. Please be aware that these changes may impact your access to healthcare services. It's crucial to stay informed and take necessary actions to maintain continuous coverage.

What's Changing?

  • One Health Plan: Starting January 1, 2025, one health plan will manage both your Medicaid and Medicare benefits.
  • Potential Disruptions: This change may disrupt your current health services, especially if you receive home health care.

What Can You Do?

If you have Anthem Medicaid and your Medicare is with another company, you can take action now to avoid disruptions:

  1. Change Your Medicare Plan: By changing your Medicare plan, you can keep your Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Medicaid on January 1 and beyond.
  2. Update Your Address and Verify Your Eligibility
    • Contact your local social services agency or call Cover VA at 833-522-5582 to report any changes to your mailing address
    • If you have lost your Medicaid coverage and believe you are still eligible, contact Cover VA at 833-522-5582 to inquire about reinstatement.

For more information or assistance, please contact:

  • Cover VA: 833-522-5582
  • Contact Anthem: Anthem is available to answer questions and provide support. Call before December 18th to get an Anthem Medicare Advantage D-SNP plan
    • 844-252-0627 (TTY: 711)
    • REF ID 1LI0Q |
    • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday
Anthem Medicaid Flier: Important news about your Medicaid coverage ENGLISHAnthem Medicaid Flier: Important news about your Medicaid coverage