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 Volume 1, Issue 31
Leadership Ledger
Westlawn Families,
If you came to PIRATES! last night, you know that Principal Hill was returned to the brig after trying to take over the ship through song. We are working to free him and have entered into negotiations with the Queen and the Stowaway. They have demanded a week without classes, delivered quickly. We are obliging.
As we work to secure Principal Hill’s release from the ship’s brig, we hope you enjoy a restful, safe, and relaxing Spring Break. When we return, we have many more events and fun activities planned, with a bit of spring testing sprinkled in. Details are below.
Thank you for being such amazing members of our community!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Carpenter, Erin Theiss, and Christoph Hill (in spirit from the brig)
Proud Principals
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 Did you catch our second annual school musical, PIRATES?! We hope so! The cast, crew, and directors did a phenomenal job putting on a high seas-worthy adventure with approximately 160 Westlawn fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students. We sure hope Luther Jackson’s theater program is ready!
How to Prepare Your Child for the SOL
SOL testing will take place at Westlawn in late April and May. Check out our tips for helping your child be prepared to take the SOL, and check out our website for more information about SOL logistics.
Before the Test
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Attend School Every Day: Regular school attendance decreases test anxiety and prepares students for the assessments.
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Sleep Well: Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before each test day.
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Healthy Breakfast: Provide a nutritious breakfast with protein and whole grains.
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Be Positive: Encourage your child with kind words like “Do your best” or “You’ve got this!”
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Stay Calm: Avoid adding pressure. Remind them it’s okay to just try their best.
During the Testing Week
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Come to School: When students are able to take the assessment with their peers and a familiar adult, performance is not impacted.
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Keep a Routine: Help your child arrive at school on time and with everything they need.
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Limit Screen Time: Encourage quiet time in the evenings to help them relax.
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Talk About It: Ask how the test went and listen with patience and encouragement. Remember that students are cautioned against sharing details about the test with anyone, even after they have finished it! If your child is reluctant to share how it went, be understanding.
After the Test
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Celebrate Effort: Show pride in their hard work, no matter the outcome.
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Have Fun: Do something relaxing or fun together after the test is over.
🎤 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 Wednesday, April 23 at Mason Crest Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on the date 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.
Reminder: Summer Camp Info is Now on Our Site
We now have a single page dedicated to sharing the summer camp information that we have received from various partners and departments within FCPS. If you need to make arrangements for your child this summer, check out Summer Camp Central!
FCPS News
Are you curious about what’s happening more broadly in FCPS? This week’s In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) FCPS roundup covers:
- FCPS Budget
- School Start Times Survey
- Month of the Military Child
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
April 11: Drama Club Performance
Families are invited to our drama club performance at 4:30 PM. It’s a great way to kick off Spring Break!
April 14-18: Spring Break
There is no school April 14-18 due to Spring Break.
April 21: 3-Hour Early Release
Heads up! On April 21, the first day back from spring break, students will be released at 12:30 PM.
 April 21-25: Earth Week Fun Clothing Week
Students and staff are encouraged to wear the fun clothing colors and themes each day during Earth Week. They are:
- Monday: blue for Watershed Day
- Tuesday: green for Earth Day
- Wednesday: white for Zero Waste Day
- Thursday: red for Climate Change Day
- Friday: animal or nature print for Wildlife Day
April 23: Falls Church HS Pyramid Art Show
Come see select student artwork at the Falls Church HS Pyramid Art show from 5-7 PM! Not only is our students’ work beautiful, visitors will also gain an understanding of the types of art experiences that students are yet to have as they grow and enter LJMS and FCHS. Face-painting, activities, and snacks for sale are also available.
April 23: Community Conversation with Dr. Reid
Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions at the Community Conversation closest to Westlawn, from 6:30-7:30 PM at Mason Crest ES. Childcare and translation will be available. They ask you to preregister in advance.
April 26: Jaguar 5K and Fun Run
Come support our Running Club or send your child out to run the mile at 8 AM, or tackle the 5K at 8:30 AM! Sign up in advance for lower prices than you’ll encounter the day of the event. The event takes place rain or shine at Falls Church HS.
April 26: Fairfax County Unified Response Day
From 10 AM - 12 PM at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy, join local public safety agencies to learn how people with disabilities can use available services. Individuals with disabilities and their families are encouraged to attend, not only to learn from the first responders, but to also help expand their understanding of ways to support the community.
April 29: SOL Testing
Grade 5 students will take the science SOL. Learn how to support your child during SOL season. Learn about SOL logistics at Westlawn. See other SOL testing dates.
April 30: Body Safety Information Session for Families
From 6-7 PM, attend this Zoom session facilitated by Fairfax County Department of Family Services to learn about a safety program called Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe. In the coming weeks, each classroom (PreK-6th) will learn about personal safety and ways to interrupt bullying and child abuse. This program is voluntary and will provide tips about keeping your child safe.
To see more schoolwide and community events, remember to check out our website calendar! You can also subscribe to our calendar to make it even more convenient.
Join a Community Conversation
Join us on Wednesday at 11 AM on Zoom to hear the important news from the school from Principal Hill! Community Conversations happen weekly barring school holidays or weather closures. If you miss a Community Conversation, you can catch up with slides and recordings on our website.
Teacher Highlight: Gretchen Maxwell, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) Hello Westlawn! I have been a member of the Westlawn community for about 19 years. I began as a parent (my daughters attended and my youngest is about to graduate college!), then volunteered, then became a substitute teacher, and about 8 years ago I went back to school to get my license to teach. I knew Westlawn was special when I toured it the first time with my 5 year old, and I never left. I taught the 6th grade full-time AAP class for several years and have been the AART for the last three. Last year I earned my Masters in Gifted Education and I love my job! My favorite part is seeing students think critically and creatively and amaze everyone with a unique perspective! There is nothing like seeing a spark of learning joy from students! I carry that in my heart. 🙂
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