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Dear Westbriar Families,
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we’ve navigated several unexpected challenges within our building over the past week. From last week’s broken water pipe, which impacted three classrooms, to yesterday’s water main break that temporarily limited our water usage for 30 minutes, it’s been a busy time for our operations and maintenance teams.
Please know that I will continue to keep you informed of any future updates regarding building operations. Your support and flexibility during these situations are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure minimal disruption to our students’ learning experience.
Here’s hoping for some warmer weather ahead! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our Westbriar community.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sallie Burch
Principal
January 29th - 🐍 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
Wishing good fortune to everyone in our community celebrating Lunar New Year! 🌙🎉 This cherished holiday, observed in many East and Southeast Asian countries as well as among Pacific Islanders, is a time for families to come together and welcome luck, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! 🧧✨
This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.
Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.
The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.
We have noticed an increase in students misusing technology, including accessing unapproved websites and software. Please be aware that many of FCPS's protections and firewalls only apply when students are connected to the Westbriar network.
To ensure safe and appropriate use of technology, please remind your child of the following guidelines:
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Laptops should only be taken home to complete a classroom activity or assignment.
- Students should keep laptops in their backpacks while traveling to and from home.
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Charge laptops fully before returning to school each day.
- Students should only use student links provided through Schoology or as directed by their teacher.
Thank you for your support in promoting safe and appropriate use of school technology!
Last week’s very cold temperatures led to some classrooms experiencing inconsistent heating. Please know that we continue to submit work orders and are actively addressing maintenance needs within the building to ensure a comfortable learning environment for all students and staff.
In the meantime, we encourage families to help their children dress appropriately for the weather. For students sensitive to cooler temperatures, long sleeves and/or a sweatshirt may provide additional comfort while in the classroom.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to resolve these issues promptly!
Our goal is to partner with families to help minimize the number of days students are absent. Getting your student into the habit of daily attendance helps reduce stress and makes it easier to connect with friends and teachers.
We understand that each year presents different extenuating circumstances that lead to missed days. However, we hope to increase communication in regards to absences to reduce impact on your child’s well-being. FCPS has created a Health Flyer for Parents indicating when a parent should keep their child home from school. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance.
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, parents/legal guardians can report up to two consecutive absences through SIS ParentVUE. Learn more about attendance reporting through ParentVUE HERE. Families can also report absences by emailing WestbriarElem.Attendance@fcps.edu or calling 703-937-1717 before 10:00 a.m. each day.
Students, families, and staff throughout FCPS and in our school community will use Schoology (pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/) as our learning management system. Here is what you need to know:
You need a SIS/ParentVUE account to log in to Schoology.
We are excited to welcome you to enjoy lunch with your child! Please follow these procedures to ensure a smooth and safe visit:
- Enter at Door 1 and report to the Main Office.
- Sign in using a government-issued photo ID and receive a visitor sticker.
- Wear your visitor sticker at all times during your visit.
- Report directly to the cafeteria to meet your child(ren).
- After enjoying lunch, return to the Main Office to check out using your visitor sticker.
Please Note:
- For safety and to avoid disruptions, parents/family members are not to visit classrooms or recess during your visit.
- Do not bring fast food for lunch.
- Do not bring food to share with other children due to safety protocols and allergy concerns.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and structured environment for all our students!
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be $1.75. Lunch will be $3.25, milk $0.60. Money can be added to your child(ren)’s accounts using www.myschoolbucks.com. You may also write a check to Westbriar Food Services and deliver it to our Food Services Manager. During the school year, you can find the menu for breakfast and lunch at Westbriar Linq Connect.
Free and Reduced-Price Status
A new application must be completed each new school year. Forms are available online now: https://www.fcps.edu/frm. Applications are accepted at any time, but we encourage you to apply or renew your application before the end of September. Call (703) 813-4800 if you need help. This application must be completed for eligible students to receive free meals.
🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits
Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.
The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.
📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meeting will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
Click on the date above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that the virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- SOL Score Reports
- Upcoming Budget Presentation
- Science Fair Judges Needed
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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