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Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,
I cannot believe that it is the end of the third quarter! Each quarter and season of the school year bring wonderful opportunities to learn and grow with your students. This week, we were treated by the PTA to a truly inspiring assembly with Mr. Trevon Jenifer. Mr. Jenifer is a local Paralympic gold medalist in Wheelchair Basketball. His message of perseverance and dedication touched everyone in the audience.
This week also brought the finale of the PTA’s Every Lion, One Book program. We hope that your family enjoyed reading along with us and will continue to share reading time throughout the year.
Remember that Monday, March 31st is a school holiday and Tuesday, April 1st is a teacher workday. We look forward to kicking off the 4th quarter next Wednesday!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Megan Counts
Laurel Ridge Principal
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Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events
Monday, March 31 School Holiday - Eid
Tuesday, April 1 Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Tuesday, April 1 Rising Kindergarten Orientation (see below)
April 7-11 - Spirit Week - see below!
April 14- 18 Spring Break!
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Parking
We know some people elect to park and walk their students to the building. We ask that you use the crosswalk, stay on sidewalks, and refrain from walking across the bus loop. We also ask that you park in accordance with Fairfax County Regulations:
- Parking not allowed within 10 feet of driveways.
- Parking not allowed within 15 feet of hydrant.
- Parking not allowed in or within 20 feet of the intersection.
- Parking not allowed in or within 20 feet of designated crosswalk.
- Parking not allowed within 30 feet of stop sign.
Kindergarten Orientation April 1, 2025
Welcome New Laurel Ridge Lions!
We are excited to welcome our 2025 rising Kindergarten families to our Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, April 1, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.
Rising Kindergarten Students and their parents/guardians can come up to the front door to get started.
 Monday April 7: Proud to Be Day, Wear the colors of the American Flag or the flag from your country of origin.
Tuesday April 8: Favorite Branch Day! Wear the color(s) of your family's branch or your favorite branch of the military.
Wednesday April 9: Purple Up Day! Wear purple to recognize our military kids at LRES
Thursday April 10: CAMO Day, Wear Camo, brown, green or black
Friday April 11: Wear Red to Remember those who are deployed.
Yearbook Preorders Close on April 14!
If you would like a copy of the 2024-2025 Laurel Ridge Yearbook, preorder here: yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 29286.
Yearbooks cost $20 and will be sent home with students the last week of school.
LRES Talent Show
The annual Talent Show, a Laurel Ridge tradition, is back again this year! We are excited for another great year of showcasing our Lions' talents!
Auditions for the Talent Show will be held Wednesday, April 8th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The LRES Talent Show will be held on Thursday, May 1st in the LRES gym from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will feature 30 acts, no longer than 3 minutes each.
Auditions will be in 4-minute increments. To participate, the sign-up link will be sent out on Monday March 24th. Sign-ups are first come first serve. All students who audition will be allowed to participate in the talent show as long as the act is school appropriate.
Audition time slots are first come, first served. If all time slots have been claimed, please sign up for the waitlist. The deadline to sign up to audition is Friday April 4th .
Students needing music can send Ms. Morgan a link to the YouTube video, bring a CD, or download the music as an mp3 (preferred) and email it to kmorgan1@fcps.edu by Monday April 7th so they can have it for auditions. All music must be school appropriate. Students should also plan to bring their own instruments (except for piano) and any necessary props to the audition.
Questions? Please email Ms. Morgan at kmorgan1@fcps.edu. We can't wait to see what our Lions have in store for us this year!
AAP Monthly Memo
Do you know JASON? In this case, it’s not a person! JASON Learning is an Advanced Academic curriculum resource used for science in FCPS. This month, 4th graders at Laurel Ridge have been “diving” into JASON Learning activities to learn about the ocean! At Laurel Ridge, we have seen that one benefit of our Local Full-Time Program is expanded use of AAP curriculum with more students.
Janet McHale
Advanced Academic Resource Teacher
10 Things to Love About Laurel Ridge
At Laurel Ridge, we’re proud of our students, staff, and families and the ways they make our community special. Check out 10 reasons we’re proud to be Lions and why Laurel Ridge is an amazing place to learn and grow!
10 Reasons Why Laurel Ridge Shines Bright
At Laurel Ridge Elementary School, our vision is to strive for inclusion and compassion for all, resilience and perseverance in learning, and empowerment for the individual. Our mission is to work collaboratively with families and students to foster curiosity, promote global learners, and provide a safe school culture for each child.
1. Strong Community Engagement
Laurel Ridge is located in a suburban, residential area south of Fairfax City and George Mason University. It boasts a strong partnership with its PTA, which sponsors a number of popular activities, including Lightning Lions Jump Rope Performance Team, Every Lion, One Book school-wide shared reading program, and events such as STEAM Night and Passport on the World.
2. Foreign Language Is Essential At Laurel Ridge
Our foreign language program immerses students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade in the dynamic world of Spanish language and culture, nurturing their global awareness while integrating science and STEAM content.
3. Enhanced Academic Achievement Programs
Laurel Ridge supports the needs of all learners including preschool classes for students with autism, Enhanced Autism classes, and a Special Education Comprehensive Services Site (CSS).
4. Student Leadership At Laurel Ridge
Laurel Ridge Students Equity Ambassadors (SEA) provides an opportunity for students in Grade 6 to use their voices and ideas to celebrate diversity and make LRES more welcoming and accepting for all students.
5. The WLRS News Show
WLRS, or Window on Laurel Ridge School, is a live morning news broadcast produced by our talented 6th grade students. The program offers a dynamic mix of daily news, updates on school events, and special segments highlighting community happenings and collaborative projects. Our students not only share important information, but they also develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and media production.
6. Teachers Love Working At Our School!
Laurel Ridge boasts an impressive teacher retention rate, with 93% of educators returning for the 2024-25 school year.
7. Full-Time Academic Advanced Academic Services
Laurel Ridge offers a wide range of academic programs that are diverse and inclusive. Our school provides Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services for students in grades 3 through 6, tailored to support the unique needs of advanced learners.
8. Laurel Ridge Welcomes Military Families
As a Purple Star school since 2022, Laurel Ridge sponsors a Military Family Program to meet the needs of our Laurel Ridge military families. The program's goal is to connect military-affiliated families and students with each other and our school community. A variety of programs are available throughout the year. Some of the activities we organize are a family potluck dinner, Monthly Military Kids Club meetings, and Purple Up Day.
9. At Laurel Ridge, You'll Find A Supportive And Inclusive Atmosphere
Family Engagement Survey results show 96% of respondents feel that our school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures. The Robinson senior walk, where graduating seniors visit Laurel Ridge Elementary to reconnect with their elementary 'buddies' who were in kindergarten when they were in 6th grade, highlights the supportive and inclusive environment we nurture. It fosters meaningful connections and a sense of belonging across generations.
10. Student Wellness Is A High Priority
There are Strategic Wellness Spaces for students in each classroom and throughout the building, designed to promote emotional well-being and mindfulness. These designated areas provide students with a calm, supportive environment where they can take a break, regulate their emotions, or engage in activities that help them refocus.
Laurel Ridge Elementary is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where young minds are nurtured, and spirits are uplifted. Every Lion, One Roar!
⏰ Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey
Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on April 1 at Lorton Station Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click here to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
Kindergarten Preparedness
🏫 Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.
☀️ Save the Date May 10
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
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