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The Lion's Roar

Monday, April 28, 2025

Back from Break and Ready to Go!

Lane Lions came roaring back from Spring Break last week rested up and ready to go, and it was a busy week!

Older students continued their work with Mrs. Carlson on new murals around the school, including the upstairs hallway and at the library entrance.

At the end of the day on Friday, all students and staff came together to kick off testing season with a rocking Pep Rally. Grade levels battled it out in a loud and proud spirit competition to win the coveted new Spirit Stick. Third grade ultimately triumphed.

Lane would like to thank the 21 Girl Scouts from its kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade troops who participated in a Lane Beautification Day this past Sunday. They picked up trash and raked mulch to help make our school shine for spring (and enjoyed popsicles too). We appreciate all of their hard work. If you have a child interested in joining a troop, please plan to attend the interest meeting this Wednesday evening at 5:45 in the Lane cafeteria.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday, 4/30 – “Muffins with Military Lions” Breakfast Potluck, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
• Wednesday, 4/30 – Wear blue for Autism Acceptance
• Thursday, 5/1 – SOL Testing begins (see article below for details)
• Thursday, 5/1 – PTA Meeting (in person), 6:30 p.m., Cafeteria
• Monday, 5/5 through Friday, 5/9 – Staff Appreciation Week
• Wednesday, 5/7 – Bike to School Day
• Friday, 5/9 – Family Input Form for class placement due
• Monday, 5/12 – Early Release Monday, dismissal at 1:05 p.m.
• Thursday, 5/15 – NEW DATE for PTA Family Fitness Night, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, 5/22 – Spring Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, 5/26 – Memorial Day Holiday, school, office and SACC CLOSED

In This Issue

• Greetings from Our New Proud Principal!
• SOL Testing Begins This Week
• Help Us Celebrate Our Amazing Staff and Teachers!
• Military Lions Breakfast Wednesday, April 30
• Wear Blue on Wednesday, April 30!
• Family Input Form for Class Placement Next Year
• Lane Safety Patrol Applications Now Open for Upcoming School Year!
• New Lane PreK Program for Eligible Families for 2025-26 School Year
• PTA News: Open leadership positions, new date for Family Fitness Night
• Parent Resources: SEL Screener reports, measles, middle school algebra, free webinars
• FCPS News & Activities: Summer Extravaganza, Health Department survey, and more!

News & Notes

Greetings from Our New Proud Principal!

Dear Lane Families,

I am thrilled and honored to continue the journey at Lane as your permanent principal! Serving this incredible community over the past months has been a great privilege, and I am truly excited for all that lies ahead.

Partnering with our families, working alongside our talented staff, and supporting our amazing students has been both inspiring and energizing. Lane is such a special place, filled with pride, perseverance, and heart — and I am so proud to be an official Lane Lion with all of you!

In the upcoming weeks, there will be opportunities for you to share your voice, connect with me, and help shape our continued path forward together. Your partnership is essential to our success, and I am committed to fostering open communication, strong relationships, and a shared vision for our students’ growth and achievement.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Lane community with such warmth and trust. I am excited for what’s to come — and even more excited to continue building a school where every student thrives.

Together, we will continue to make Lane a place where Lions learn, lead, and grow every day!

With great enthusiasm,

Ebony Opie
Proud Principal
Lane Elementary School

SOL Testing Begins This Week

If you have a child in grades 3 through 6, please remember that required Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) testing begins this week on Thursday, May 1. Here is the full schedule by grade level:

Grade 3:

• Reading – Thursday, May 8
• Math – Friday, May 16

Grade 4:

• Reading – Wednesday, May 7
• Math – Thursday, May 15

Grade 5:

• Reading – Thursday, May 1
• Science – Friday, May 9
• Math – Tuesday, May 13

Grade 6:

• Reading – Monday, May 5
• Math – Wednesday, May 14

You can help your children be physically prepared for testing by ensuring that they have a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a healthy breakfast in the morning, and come to school with a positive attitude. We also ask that you avoid scheduling appointments that will take your child out of school on test days. Make-up days will be available, but it’s best for students to take the tests on the scheduled day with their class. Retakes for certain students who qualify will start later in May.

Please see the full SOL Testing Notification for more details about these tests, answers to frequently asked questions, and retake permission forms.

If you have any questions about the SOLs or other academic concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Help Us Celebrate Our Amazing Staff and Teachers — A Message from the Admin Team

Dear Families,

Our staff and teachers go above and beyond every single day to support, inspire, and care for our students—and now it’s our turn to show them just how much they’re appreciated!

We’re planning a special week full of love, gratitude, and surprises to celebrate all they do. To make this week extra meaningful, we’re collecting donations to use as raffle prizes for our hardworking staff and teachers. From gift cards to goodies, every contribution helps us bring more smiles and joy to those who give so much of themselves all year long.

If you’re able to donate, we’d be so grateful. Let’s come together as a community to say thank you in a big way!

With appreciation,

Mrs. Opie, Mr. Dickens, and Mrs. Kubiak

Military Lions Breakfast Wednesday, April 30

We have enjoyed celebrating our military-connected lions this month. We’ll wrap up the recognition this week with our “Muffins for Military Lions” potluck breakfast reception on Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

The muffin breakfast is open to all families, because we recognize that all Lane Lions are connected to our military-connected students as classmates, friends, neighbors, and more. We ask that each family bring a dozen mini muffins or half a dozen full-size muffins (or other breakfast treat) to share with others. Items can be store-bought or homemade. We just ask that if you make your own you provide an ingredients list so that our families with allergies can choose safely.

If you’d like to join us on Wednesday the 30th, please fill out this form and tell us what you’ll bring.

Wear Blue on Wednesday, April 30!

Don’t forget to have your child wear blue on Wednesday to show their support for autism acceptance and awareness. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our school and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.

Family Input for Class Placement Next Year

A regular end-of-the-year task that staff work on is student groupings for class placements next year. All staff have input on groupings that can best support students within the school day. We also appreciate your input for staff to consider on how your child works and learns best. Below is our family input form.

Please do not request a teacher by name or gender. Additionally, please do NOT include negative information about past teachers, as the teachers read these forms when assisting with class assignments. If you do, please know it will be deleted.

Because of enrollment changes over the summer, class assignments will not be finalized until the middle of August 2025. Families will be contacted by the assigned teacher before the start of Open House in August.

If you are interested in sharing information, please complete the form below by Friday, May 9, 2025.

FAMILY INPUT FORM

Lane Safety Patrol Applications Now Open for Upcoming School Year!

Would your child like to be a Safety Patrol next year? If so, now is the time to apply! Any current 4th or 5th grader may apply to be a Safety Patrol for the 2025-2026 school year. Follow this link to fill out the application: https://forms.gle/QmVav32FqmffzpMk8.

Students and parents are encouraged to complete the application together so they are both aware of the requirements, duties, and responsibilities.

Applications are due Sunday, May 4, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be emailed to the student’s school account and the parent’s email by May 21.

Please contact the Patrol Sponsor, Ms. Kurtenbach (Ms. K), with any questions at CLKurtenbach@FCPS.edu.

New Lane PreK Program for Eligible Families for 2025-26 School Year

Our school will be gaining a grade level next year with the addition of our first PreK program for 4-year-olds from families who meet specific criteria.

Your family may qualify for PreK or Early Head Start if you:

• have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30,
• receive free or reduced-price school meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Income, and/or homeless per definition of the McKinney Vento Act, or
• receive resources such as from a shelter and/or the FCPS homeless liaison office.

Though families may qualify, spaces are limited and selection is based on need, not “first come, first served,” with PreK priority given to 4-year-olds.

If you would like to apply for this program, visit the FCPS website:
https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/registration/early-childhood/prek-and-early-head-start-application.

Note: The application eligibility, selection, and enrollment process is managed centrally at the Office of Early Childhood Curriculum and Grant Management located in Falls Church, not at schools. If you have a question about the application process or status please call the main English Line: 703-208-7900 or Spanish Line: 703-208-7901.

The PTA Needs You on Next Year’s Leadership Team!

The PTA is looking for volunteers to serve on next year’s Executive Board. Please take a look at the vacancies below and click here to express your interest. Elections will be held at the monthly meeting in person on Thursday, May 1.

Descriptions of Open Positions:

VICE PRESIDENT: VACANT — Do you enjoy stepping up and supporting leadership? As Vice President, you'll work closely with the President, providing support and guidance as needed, and stepping into a leadership role when the President is unavailable. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to contribute year-round. You'll play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the board, helping to drive initiatives, and support the overall mission of the organization. This position is also the liaison to ensure the Membership/Volunteer Chair, Family Liaison Chair, and Inclusivity Chair are receiving the support they need.

SECRETARY: VACANT — This position develops the agenda for the monthly meetings and takes minutes (notes) during the monthly meetings. The Secretary will also become familiar with the PTA bylaws and advise the rest of the Board. (Preference would be for a Lane Teacher/Staff Member to fill this role.)

TREASURER: VACANT — Are you detail-oriented and comfortable managing finances? As Treasurer, you'll play a vital role in keeping Lane PTA finances organized and transparent throughout the year. You'll be responsible for tracking the money coming in to and going out of our bank account, ensuring everything is accounted for. The budget will be established over the summer, and from there, you'll handle reimbursements, provide monthly budget updates at PTA meetings, and ensure the account remains in good standing by working with the PTA accountant to complete annual taxes. This is a year-round position that requires a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining financial accuracy. 

NEW POSITION! SPONSORSHIP CHAIR: VACANT — The PTA is excited to introduce the Sponsorship Chair position for the upcoming PTA Board! This key role is focused on securing sponsorships for events and programs, helping to strengthen partnerships within our community. This role falls under the VP of Fundraising. The Sponsorship Chair will primarily work at the start of the school year and during seasonal events, ensuring that fundraising efforts are well-supported by local businesses and organizations. This is a great opportunity to help build lasting relationships and contribute to the success of school initiatives.

PRIMARY LANE FUNDRAISER CHAIR (previously READ-A-THON): VACANT — Are you passionate about making a positive impact? Next year, the PTA will be shaking things up and exploring a new fundraiser. The PTA has learned a lot from previous fundraisers, and the groundwork is already laid, which will make the transition to a new event easier than ever! Plus, several of the amazing team members that have had a hand in previous fundraisers are still on the board, so you’ll have plenty of support along the way. This role falls under the VP of Fundraising (a returning board member), and the prime time for planning will be from July to October.

COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIR – SOCIAL MEDIA: VACANT — Do you love social media?! THE PTA WANTS YOU! Over the summer they plan to lay out what the year will look like as far as events, fundraisers, teacher appreciation, etc. Once you have that list, the options are endless! The more connection with the Lane community, the better! The PTA is looking for someone who enjoys creating graphics (Free Canva Pro account!) and has that creative knack to just make the magic happen! Prime time for this position is year-round. You will work together with the VP of Communications, as well as several others on the board.

VP OF SOCIAL: VACANT — The VP of Social is a year-round position that plays a vital role in planning and coordinating social events that bring the school community together. From Teacher Appreciation Week to the end-of-year celebration and everything in between, this role ensures our school year is filled with fun and meaningful activities. You’ll have the chance to organize events that celebrate and connect families, teachers, and staff

SOCIAL CO-CHAIR: VACANT — The Social Co-Chair is a monthly and seasonal position that works alongside the VP of Social to support and execute events. This role helps manage the logistics of various school events and ensures that everything runs smoothly. From planning monthly gatherings to seasonal celebrations, the Social Co-Chair is instrumental in making sure events are successful and enjoyable for all.

EDUCATION CO-CHAIR: VACANT — The Education Co-Chair assists the VP of Education in planning and coordinating Cub Clubs and after-school enrichment programs for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. This position involves collaborating with various instructors and teachers, managing schedules, and ensuring that programs run smoothly throughout the year. The Education Co-Chair plays a key role in offering engaging and enriching activities for students, working to ensure that each season’s programs meet the interests and needs of the school community

BASKET BINGO CHAIR: VACANT — A Lane Elementary FAVORITE! The Basket Bingo Chair, under the VP of Fundraising, will lead the planning and execution of the annual Basket Bingo event. This role is crucial from January to March and includes creating an exciting theme, designing decorations, and working closely with the Sponsorship Chair to solicit donations from local businesses. You’ll also oversee building baskets and ensure that all event details come together to create a memorable experience for attendees. If you love event planning, have an eye for detail, and enjoy working with a team, this is the perfect role for you!

BASKET BINGO CO-CHAIR: VACANT — The Basket Bingo Co-Chair supports the Basket Bingo Chair in planning and organizing the annual event, which runs from January to March. In this role, you’ll help develop a theme, coordinate decorations, and collaborate with the Sponsorship Chair to gather donations from local businesses. Additionally, you'll assist with building the baskets and contributing to the overall event planning, ensuring a fun and successful event.

RESTAURANT NIGHTS CHAIR: VACANT — The Restaurant Nights Chair is responsible for coordinating 1-2 fundraiser nights each month of the school year with local restaurants, many of which are repeat partners. This low-maintenance role involves reaching out to restaurants, setting up the event, and ensuring a percentage of the proceeds are donated back to Lane. The position can be set up prior to the start of the school year, including creating flyers to advertise each monthly event.

Elite Martial Arts Hosts Kids' Night Out Games Night for Lane PTA Fundraiser This Friday!

Looking for a fun way for your kids to burn off some energy? Join us this Friday, May 2, for Kids’ Night Out at the Lane PTA Games Night Fundraiser hosted by Elite Martial Arts (EMA)! Activities include Dodge Ball, an Obstacle Course, Glow-in-the-Dark Fun, and Board Breaking.

The cost is $25 per child, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Lane Elementary PTA. Just drop your kids off at 6:30 p.m. at EMA in Kingstowne (6457 Old Beulah Street) and pick them up at 8:30. In between, you can enjoy a night out too!

Advance sign-up is required (no at-the-door registration). Payment will be collected at drop-off! Reserve your spot using the QR code on the flyer below.

Once you have reserved your spot, click here to complete the safety waiver necessary for the event.

Space is limited to just 30 children, so sign up today!

See the flyer below for more details.

Parent Resources

Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Parent Reports

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Protect Your Child from Measles: What You Need to Know

Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:

• High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.

Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade.

With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for.

Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity.

Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage.

FREE Webinars from the Family Resource Center in May

Building Self-Esteem and Stopping Bullying - Arabic Webinar
بناء تقدير الذات و وقف التنمر

Friday, May 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

تستعرض هذة الندوة عبرالانترنت تأثيرالتنمرعلى تقدير الذات وتقدم استراتيجيات لمواجهة ووقف التنمر، دعم المتضررين وتعزيز ثقافة الاحترام والمرونة. انضموا إلينا للمساعدة في خلق بيئة أكثر أمانًا وشمولية لكل طفل.

Register here

Summertime and an Idle Mind: Keeping Children Drug-Free While Home This Summer

Friday, May 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

While students look forward to summer break, families must begin to plan what their children will do with their downtime. Participants will learn basic drug safety in the home as they prepare for their children to be home for the summer and how they can reduce the likelihood of their child using mood altering substances. Participants will understand the purpose of harm reduction and how to apply it in their conversations with youth while remaining nonconfrontational.

Register here

Part 3: Using Strength-based Approach When Communicating with Twice-Exceptional Students

Tuesday, May 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Supporting families in recognizing common communication challenges for twice-exceptional students and understanding the principles of a strength-based approach and how it differs from a deficit-based perspective. As well as, applying practical strategies to communicate effectively with your 2e child by emphasizing strengths and fostering empowerment, using active listening and emotional coaching techniques to support your child’s confidence and emotional regulation and implementing strength-based communication strategies in real-life scenarios to enhance your child’s engagement and resilience.

Register here

The Effects of Bullying on the Child’s Self-Esteem – Spanish Webinar

Friday, May 30, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

El propósito del taller es ayudar a las familias a definir y reconocer los diferentes tipos de acoso escolar (bullying). El taller ayudara a informar a los padres y cuidadores de posibles señales que indican que su hijo/a pueda estar experimentando el acoso escolar, y el impacto que tiene en su bienestar. Adicionalmente, proveeremos estrategias para apoyar a sus hijos si experimentan acoso escolar.

Register here

FCPS News & Activities

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

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 and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.

An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs.

Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

Share Feedback with County Health Department on School Health Services

The Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools School Health Services invite parents/caregivers of FCPS students to participate in a survey on satisfaction with school health room services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, May 5.

School health rooms (clinics) are managed by public health nurses and school health aides. Those staff provide care for students who become sick or injured during the school day, who require medications during the school day, and/or who have a chronic health condition that requires management during the school day.

Additionally, the school health room staff:

• Provide health education, communicable disease prevention, and health screenings.
• Work with schools to help address the root causes of population health disparities so that all students have equitable access to educational and health opportunities.
• Ensure that students have care for minor injuries and illnesses, and chronic health conditions, thus helping to minimize health barriers to learning.

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of school health room services as well as inform future planning for schools.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.

This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Visit the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage to access the nomination information form.

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