Timber Lane Times 12/30/24

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🎆Happy New Year, TLES!

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Principals' Message

Dear TLES Families,

We hope you and your child(ren) are having a wonderful and relaxing break. As we soon prepare for the return to school after our two-week break, we want to share some helpful tips to support a smooth transition back to school. With a little planning and encouragement, we can make sure our students are ready for a successful start to the next term.

1. Re-establish a Consistent Sleep Routine

After some time off, it’s common for sleep schedules to shift. A consistent sleep routine is vital for your child’s focus and well-being. Try to gradually shift bedtime back to a school-night schedule a few days before school resumes. Aim for at least 9-10 hours of sleep each night for elementary-aged children. A well-rested child will be more alert and ready to learn when they return to school.

2. Streamline Morning Preparations

Mornings can be hectic, so planning ahead can make a big difference. Help your child get back into the rhythm of preparing for school by setting out clothes, packing backpacks, and organizing lunches the night before. Encourage your child to wake up with enough time to eat a healthy breakfast, which will give them the energy they need for the day. A positive, calm morning routine helps set the tone for a successful school day.

3. Continue the Habit of Reading 20-30 Minutes Every Night

Reading is a cornerstone of academic success. Keeping up with the habit of reading for 20-30 minutes each night—whether you read together or they read on their own—helps your child stay engaged with learning during the break and reinforces the importance of reading as a nightly activity. Consider making reading a cozy, relaxing part of the bedtime routine.

4. Motivate Students to Try Their Best and Hold Them Accountable

As we return to school, it's important to remind our students that their best effort is the key to growth. Encourage your child to take pride in their work and always try their hardest, whether it's completing an assignment, participating in class, or working on new skills. At school, we will continue to praise students for their effort and perseverance, and we encourage you to do the same at home. Recognizing and celebrating their hard work reinforces the importance of doing their best and helps build confidence.

5. Reinforce School-Wide Rules and Expectations

After a break, students sometimes need reminders about the school’s expectations. Take a moment to talk with your child about the school-wide rules that guide behavior and classroom conduct. Emphasize the importance of showing respect for others, listening to teachers and staff, using kind words, and following directions. By reinforcing these expectations at home, we can ensure a smooth return to school with a sense of shared responsibility for maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment.

6. Create a Positive Mindset About School

As you talk about returning to school, focus on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead—learning new things, seeing friends, and participating in fun activities. A positive, enthusiastic outlook will help ease any anxiety and set the stage for a great start to the school term.

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. We look forward to seeing your child back at school and working together to help them succeed in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or need additional support as we transition back, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Happy & Healthy New Year,

Ben Chiet, Sarah Buchanan & Ashley Vaccaro


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Mind in the Making:

The Science of Early Learning Skills

January - May 2025

Mind in the Making Series: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

 At this series of workshops, you will learn the research behind the Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. 

Learn strategies for improving these skills, the importance of them in children’s lives, and activities to promote these evidence-based executive functioning skills.

*Registration includes attendance at all sessions. *Space is limited

Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • January   30:      Introduction
  • February 20:      Focus and Self Control
  • March      06:      Perspective Taking
  • March      20:      Communicating
  • April        10:      Making Connections
  • April        24:      Critical thinking
  • May         08:      Taking on Challenges
  • May         22:      Self-Directed, Engaged Learning
  • May         29:      Snow Make-up Day

Location: Dunn Loring Center - 2334 Gallows Road - Dunn Loring, VA 22027

 Entrance 1 – Room 100

Register Here


❄️January Important Dates: 

January 1-3: Winter Break (No School)

January 6: Students return to school from break

January 15: Family Market 

January 17: Winter Chorus Concert 7:00pm (Enter through Door 2)

January 20: MLK Jr., Day & Inauguration Day (No School/Holiday)

January 23: Mclean Pyramid Chorus Concert (Time: TBD)

January 28: End of Quarter 2 Grading Period

January 29: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday/No School)

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar