November 14, 2024 Newsletter

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veterans day

November 14, 2024

From the Principal’s Pen

Dear Laurel Hill Families,

We want to send a special THANK YOU to all of our veterans in our community for their service, including our very own, Mrs. Scott. We also take a moment to appreciate our music department, Mr. Waylett and Mrs. Allen, for preparing our 1st and 2nd graders in in their Veterans Day performance. Thank you, parents, for the love and support of your students as well. 

Monday, November 18, is our next 3-hour early release. We kindly ask that you fill out a new survey for the reminder of the Early Release Mondays this school year. In addition to Monday, the remaining 3-hour early release dates for Laurel Hill are February 10th, March 10th, April 21st, and May 12th. Please fill out one survey for each of your children. This is the last survey you will need to complete.

Lastly, community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria (see details below). 

Please remember that schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. 

Sincerely,

Janice Dalton, Principal

Addison Smith, Assistant Principal

Thmeaka Traylor, Assistant Principal

Calendar reminder graphic

Save the Date:

November 18: 3-hour Early Release (school ends at 1:05pm)

November 19: FLE parent preview @ 6pm (virtual link here)

November 19: Chipotle Spirit Night 4-9pm

November 20-21: Bowling at Laurel Hill Nights 5-8pm

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2: National Special Education Day


Parents Need To Know

Did you know Laurel Hill has a journalism club?

Discover the latest news and stories about the Laurel Hill community through the student-led journalism club and the new “Laurel Hill Ledger.” Our student journalists and videographers capture school activities and interviews and edit their pictures and videos together. Student work is aired on the school’s morning news show and posted online to the “Laurel Hill Ledger.”

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m., at Lake Braddock Secondary School Cafeteria

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage

Upcoming Student Experience Survey 

Our school has been selected to participate in a pilot program for the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All classes in grades 3-6 will be selected to participate. However, all students in participating grades, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email. We will administer the survey in selected classes during the school day between Monday, December 2, and Friday, December 13. Any student may take the survey at home, if preferred. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

IEP Palooza

  • 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.

FCPS Employee Awards 2024-2025 Nominations

We are excited to invite you to join us in this year’s FCPS teacher recognition program! Do you know a teacher who goes the extra mile, inspires students, or brings a special spark to our school? Now is the time to show your appreciation and shine a spotlight on their dedication.

To nominate a teacher, just share a brief paragraph that explains how they stand out, using specific stories or examples that highlight their impact. The deadline for nominations is November 15th, 2024.  Thank you for taking the time to honor the outstanding educators who make Laurel Hill such a special place. We can't wait to read your nominations and celebrate the incredible contributions happening in our classrooms every day.

Submit your nomination here: https://forms.gle/TS29HPZYsEE2Z69TA

National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

LHES PTA

Please check out the NEW PTA newsletter.  This is a great source for details for upcoming events and how you can support our school!   If you have not yet joined the PTA, please visit https://lhes.givebacks.com/  and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lhespta.

Amazon Teacher Wish lists 

Yearbook order form- Deadline 4/4/25, $21.00


BowlingChipotle