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💐Spring Fling💐

TONIGHT! 6-8 pm

Please join us at the Spring Fling tonight from 6-8pm at the Stratford Landing playground! There will be Basket Raffles, Cake Walk, and a DJ, oh my! 

Class Placement Family Input Form

Now Live

Would you like to provide input for your child’s class placement for the 2025-2026 school year? Please use this form: https://forms.gle/PrBN1btZqqdhv2bA6

Many families value having a role in their child’s class placement. Parents and caregivers have the best overall knowledge of your child and their unique traits. The class placement process is approached very carefully and thoroughly at Stratford Landing and we consider the academic and social needs of each student. In order to provide the best environment for your child, we seek input from both SLES staff and families.

We ask that you do not reach out directly to teachers to make requests for next school year. Parents and caregivers can provide their input through this process. Our teachers drive the class placement process, and we trust their judgement and expertise when creating class placements. When completing the form, please share the qualities of a teacher and classroom environment that would best meet your child’s needs. The form is meant to be open-ended to provide our families a space to share whatever information they think is relevant to assist in our class placement process. 

Requests for specific teachers, or to be grouped with specific students, will not be honored. Instead, this is an opportunity for families to share information about their child that would support learning. To create equitable and dynamic class groupings, it is impossible to honor every request from a family to place a child in a specific classroom with specific students. Please be assured that with or without family input, each child's needs will be carefully considered to ensure the selection of a classroom in which your child will learn best.

Class assignments will not be finalized or communicated to families until close to the start of the 2025-2026 School Year later in August 2025. Please share your thoughts on the needs of your child by answering the questions in this form.

This form will close on Friday, May 23, 2025.   

🦓Tomorrow is Wildlife Day🦒

Tomorrow April 25th is the last day for our 🌍Earth Week Celebration. Please join us in wearing a nature print for Wildlife Day!

📚Opt-In Forms Due TOMORROW

Summer Reading Program

In Wednesday Folders, information about our Opt-In Summer Reading program was sent home. We are excited to announce that we have some changes to our Summer Reading Program. In the past, all students received a new book to read during the summer months. When reading, students completed activities about the assigned book. This year, we will have an Opt-In Summer Reading Program. If you opt-IN to the summer reading program, you MUST return this form OR Complete this Google Form by April 25^th.

🎖️Month of the Military Child🎖️

💜Purple Up Wednesdays💜

April is the Month of the Military Child. Please join us in honoring and recognizing the military connected students we have at Stratford Landing Elementary School by wearing purple next Wednesday the 30th for our last Purple Up Wednesday! Please see the flyer below to learn more about the other activities we have planned for this month.

📗Message from Our Librarian

Ms. Gresham

Hi SLES parents,

Thanks for your support throughout this school year.  We could really use your continued support as we wrap up the school year. There are a lot of different things we could use your help for in the library: check in and out books, reshelve books, help to setup/ put back out maker space activities, create bulletin boards and more.  Please use our sign up genius link - https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf if you are able to help. 

Staff Appreciation Week

Hi SLES Community! 👋

Get ready to spread some colorful cheer! To kick off Staff Appreciation Week, join us on Sunday, May 4th anytime between 4-6pm in front of SLES. 

Bring your brightest chalk and let's create a vibrant masterpiece of thank you messages, drawings, and well wishes for our incredible staff.

This is a fun, family-friendly way to show our appreciation and make staff feel extra special as they enter the building Monday morning!

See you there! 💖🐬

Spring State Assessments (SOL)

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Students in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. State assessments measure how students are learning the state standards. Format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below.

More information about the assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools (https://www.fcps.edu/node/42716).

The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045) provides information by grade level about the division wide assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). 

Please refer to the calendar below for the Stratford Landing tentative SOL schedule (this is always subject to change).

Makeup testing will occur the week of May 19 and retakes will occur the week of May 27.

Please avoid scheduling appointments or trips on testing dates if possible. Ensuring that your student is well rested, has eaten breakfast, and is on time to school on testing dates will greatly set your student up for success.

If you have further questions about state assessments, please contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator, Ms. Rose Stephens at rwstephens@fcps.edu.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

May 22nd, Thursday

To all of you who have kindly dedicated your time in volunteering and helping us throughout the school year, please rsvp for our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. We will have lunch prepared for you to show our appreciation for all of your support. Please come during your child's lunch time so you can enjoy the luncheon with your child's teacher.  If you can join us, please rsvp by May 9th by submitting this form: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

The PTA needs your help! 

The Mobile STEAM museum is coming to Stratford Landing NEXT Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30, but to make it happen we need some volunteers to help out during those two days. This Rock n' Run "prize" is our favorite and should be a lot of fun for kids and adults. If you can't take a whole shift, split shifts are welcome. The class schedule for visiting the museum is below. Sign up HERE to help out! Thank you so much.

Bloombox Fundraiser

Planning some spring gardening?  The PTA's final fundraiser of the year will begin on May 1, and we will be offering all sorts of spring plants, flower baskets, herbs, veggies, and more. Please save the date, and look for more information to come!

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors offers a variety of free services to all FCPS students: on-demand chat tutoring, live group classes, essay review, college and career ready resources, and assessment and self-study resources.  These are all free and students automatically have access to these services through Clever.  For the “on-demand chat tutoring,” tutors are matched with students based on their subject of choice and can work through homework problems or a review for an upcoming test with the tutor providing visual problem solving.  This would not be a consistent tutor as it functions more like open office hours where students can drop in at any time and work with one of the tutors that are currently available. 

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

• Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
• Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

📢 Stay Connected with Stratford Landing Elementary on Instagram! 📢

Want to stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening at Stratford Landing Elementary? Follow us on Instagram! 📸✨

From classroom highlights and special events to important school updates and fun behind-the-scenes moments, our Instagram page is the perfect way to stay engaged with our school community.

📍 Follow us today: @stratfordlandinges 💙 Like, comment, and share to show your Dolphin Pride!

#StratfordLandingES #WeLoveOurDolphins #StayConnected

💕Thank you so much for your kind donations to the Family Resource Center  Thank you so much for all the generous donations made to the Family Resource Center in the last couple weeks! The items are being shared with SLES families and we are so grateful for your generosity!  Our Family Resource Center provides clothing items to all students throughout the school day whenever they need a change of clothes or winter items to keep the students warm during outdoor recess. Also non-perishable food items are donated directly to families needing food support at home.  This can only be possible with the help of your generous donations. There are still a few items that we need in our Family Resource Center. We would greatly appreciate it if you could please consider donating clothing items or donating items from our Family Resource Center Wish List. For any questions or need for resources from our Family Resource Center, please contact Haruka Hopp, our Family Liaison. hhopp@fcps.edu 703-619-3690

Programs in FCPS

🛑 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”). 

Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
• FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
• FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed. 
• Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach out to our wonderful family liaison, [name], at [email and/or phone number].

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!

Be a Part of the FCPS Summer Extravaganza 2025 

Imagine the Possibilities of Summer Learning

Help us show the community all the fantastic things that make FCPS a premiere school division! The Summer Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

FCPS departments, schools, and teacher groups are invited to participate at the Summer Extravaganza. This dynamic, family-friendly event highlights engaging and innovative learning opportunities. It has been designed to support student well-being, academic growth, and community connections.

What to Expect:

• Interactive activities to spark curiosity and joy in learning
• Resources to empower families and caregivers to support their students’ learning
• A showcase of the amazing work happening across FCPS

Who Should Sign up to Exhibit?

Any FCPS office, department, school, or teacher-led group that wants to share:

• Summer programs or enrichment opportunities.
• Creative learning games and hands-on learning experiences.
• Health, wellness, or family engagement strategies.

Showcase your school, program, or club and connect with families while building excitement for summer! Teachers are also invited to sign up for their student groups to perform or showcase talents at the event. 

Want to sign up?

• Please complete this exhibitor interest form to sign up for an interactive booth.
• Interested in bringing students to perform? Fill out this performance interest form. 

For more information, visit our website

Community Peer Program

The community peer program provides an opportunity for preschoolers with special needs to work and play with typically developing preschoolers who model developmentally appropriate language, motor, and social skills. 

The early childhood special education program uses a child-centered approach to learning. There are established daily routines that include circle, centers, story-time, small group,  music, art, and outside play. Classes are staffed by an early childhood special education teacher and a full-time instructional assistant. We hope to have at least 2 peers per ECSE classroom that is not paired with a PreK classroom.  

Below is a Google interest form for families who would like to have their child considered to be community peer: (Families Interested in the Community Peers Program.)  

Montessori Program Coming to

West Potomac Pyramid

FCPS will offer a new Montessori program in the West Potomac pyramid. The program will begin in the 2025-26 school year, starting with multi-age classrooms at the pre-K and kindergarten levels. 

The program will be located at Bucknell Elementary School. Families of 3, 4, and 5 year olds are invited to apply through a lottery process.  Eligible families must have a verified residence in the West Potomac pyramid — Belle View, Fort Hunt, Groveton, Hollin Meadows, Hybla Valley, Stratford Landing, or Waynewood elementary schools. The program is free and transportation will be provided.

The Montessori method helps kids become curious, creative, and excited to learn for the rest of their lives. In a Montessori classroom, the whole room is set up to help students learn using Montessori-specific hands-on materials. Students have a lot of choice in their learning, which helps them stay motivated and become more independent.  

One special feature of the Montessori approach is having children of multiple ages in one classroom. Children learn valuable social skills — such as cooperation and empathy — through interactions with peers of different ages. Additionally, the multi-age environment allows students to learn at their own pace, while developing a sense of community. The Montessori classroom is carefully organized with hands-on materials, encouraging students to explore and work independently.      

The lottery application for the 2025-26 school year Montessori program at Bucknell Elementary School will be available Monday, March 10, through Thursday, May 1, 2025.  Families may learn more about the program and apply for the lottery at www.fcps.edu/montessori.

VDH Immunization Packets for 

Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

Programs in the Community

The first Future Wolverine Community Fest will be held on Thursday, April 30th from 5-6 pm at Bucknell Elementary School! This is a student created, organized, and run event to welcome the future Wolverines and have your child excited to go to West Potomac High School in the future!

Gum Springs Community Center

After School Program

Gum Springs Community Center offers FREE after school program Monday-Friday from 3:30-6pm. They also offer activities on days FCPS has Early Release and they are open from school dismissal time until 6pm. They are also open on  Teacher Workdays from 9am-5pm. The programs are offered for free  but registration is required to participate in these programs. 

If you are interested in registering or have questions, please contact Ms. Jess Fuller the Assistant Director of Youth Program at Gum Springs. 

jessica.fuller@fairfaxcounty.gov

703-360-6088

Save the Date! Thursday, May 1

Spring Special Education Family Night

Please join us Thursday, May 1 from 6:00-7:00pm in the Belle View Library for a Special Education Family Night. Learn about community resources for families of students with special needs with presenters from the FCPS Family Resource Center, Adapted Recreation Programs with the Fairfax County Park Authority and The Lorton Sensory Room.

Spanish interpretation will be available. Childcare and food will be provided, please RSVP here to help us plan! Questions? Please contact Amy Garcia, Belle View Family Liaison, ajgarcia@fcps.edu.

Art Camp at St. Lukes Day School

Summer art camp opportunity at St. Lukes Day School from August 4th-8th from 9am-1pm. Please refer to the flyer below for more details. 

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Instagram