Principal's Message
This is the time of year as we are planning for a strong year end, we also begin to plan for next school year. Please take time to read through this newsletter and provide us requested information if you are planning to move or would like to put in parent input for class placements next year.
This week we have two opportunities for spirit days, Dressy Dress Up day on Thursday for our school photos and Odd Sock day on Friday to show support for Down Syndrome Awareness.
I have also included information on last week's parent coffee with slides and a book recommendation for our community. I hope you will take a few minutes to take a look at this information.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, March 18th - Last Day Book Fair 11 - 3:30;
Craft Night and Captain Cookie and the Milkman 5 - 7:30PM
Thursday, March 20th - Spring Picture Day; Dressy Dress Up Day
Friday, March 21st - World Down's Syndrome Day - Show your support by Wearing Odd Socks to Raise Awareness
Monday, March 31st - No School; Eid Al Fitr
Tuesday, April 1 - Rising Kindergarten Orientation 10AM - 12PM
*Spread the word for our new kinder families!
Wednesday, April 2 - Rising 7th Student and Parent Longfellow Panel at Chesterbrook (more info below)
SAVE THE DATE: 6th Grade Promotion - Monday June 9th 5PM
FCPS 2024-25 School Year Calendar
Principal Coffee Information from 3/13
It was wonderful to meet with so many families during our Principal Coffee last Thursday following the PTA Meeting. You will find the slides here.
During this meeting, Principal Kirkpatrick also recommended a book read, "The Anxious Generation." Bill Gates shares his take on the book in this article.
March in the Library
We are excited to celebrate Read Across America this month in the library with some fun events.
Book Fair- Tuesday, March 18th we will be hosting a craft night. Come and try out some of the craft activities from the books offered at this year’s book fair and stop by Captain Cookie and the Milkman food truck for a delicious ice cream sandwich.
Battle of the Books
We will also be hosting a Battle of the Books competition where classes will vote for their favorite picture book. Ask your child if they have a favorite Virginia Readers’ Choice picture book? Finally, we will be offering a Bingo Board Challenge this month that can be picked up in the library. Students can complete different reading challenges and turn in their boards at the end of the month to receive a prize. We hope everyone finds something fun to do in the library this month!
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Rising 7th Grade Longfellow Lancer Families!
Please join our Chesterbrook families for an informative and engaging Parent & Student Panel on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Chesterbrook cafeteria. You will hear from current Longfellow students and that came from Chesterbrook Elementary along with Longfellow administration. They will share what to expect as you transition to 7th grade such as classes, homework, clubs and activities, making new friends, and managing lockers. Parents will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about resources available to support their child's transition to middle school. This is a fantastic chance to get a head start and ease any anxieties about the exciting journey ahead. We look forward to seeing you there!
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21st
In 2013, the theme of Wearing Odd Socks was initiated to raise awareness. The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
- Chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome.
- People all over the world wear colorful, attractive, crazy socks on WDSD to get noticed.
- From the USA to Australia, the unique talents and abilities of people with Down syndrome are celebrated.
- Students and Staff are encouraged to wear brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, long socks, printed socks, one sock. Maybe even three socks, one for each chromosome
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It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Kindergarten Orientation will be held April 1st at 10AM! Registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage.
Additional Chesterbrook specific information can be found on our webpage.
CES Preschool Peer Model Enrollment Interest
The CES peer inclusion model program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (must be at least 4 years old by September 30th) to participate in our daily AM or PM preschool program.
Our Preschool hours for this year are Monday - Friday as follows:
AM Preschool 9:20 am - 12:40 pm; PM Preschool 12:45 pm – 4:05 pm
If you are interested in expressing interest in Chesterbrook’s Community Peers Program, please complete this google form.
Please reach out to Assistant Principal, Lara Macdonald (LHMacdonald@fcps.edu) with any questions and also to indicate your interest in the program for your preschool aged child.
2025 - 2026 School Year Planning
Intent to Not Return for the 25-26 School Year
If you are NOT planning to return to Chesterbrook or Longfellow MS next school year, please complete this intent form letting us know of your plans.
Parent Input for 25-26 Class Placement
Parents that wish to contribute information towards class placements for the new school year, may submit this information on this form.
No requests for a specific teacher may be made. These requests will be deleted. Our teachers know your students well and a lot goes into building great classes for the new year.
Completion of the form is optional, however, the deadline for submission is April 25th. Thank you for your partnership.
We will resend this form to parents of rising kindergarteners over the summer. Kindergarten class placement takes place in August when we have completed our pre-assessments of all students.
Chesterbrook PTA Information
Summer Quest Camp Registration is Open
3 Weeks of Camps Running from July 7 - 25th
Click here to check camps and register
'Denim and Diamonds' Parent Social April 5th 7 - 10PM
Northside Social Falls Church
Event will offer opportunities to fundraise and support our classrooms
Click here to purchase tickets or find more information
FCPS News In Case You Missed It
FCPS This Week
🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
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