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 Volume 1, Issue 34
Leadership Ledger
Westlawn Families,
This week, we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time to honor the amazing educators who make Westlawn such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Our teachers work hard every day to nurture, empower, and advocate for each and every student. Whether they are teaching lessons, encouraging young minds, or offering a listening ear, their impact is felt far beyond the classroom.
We are so grateful for their dedication, creativity, and heart. Our staff goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where all children can succeed. This week, I invite you to take a moment to say thank you to the teachers who have made an impact on your child. Even a TalkingPoints message means the world!
To our incredible teachers: thank you for all you do. You are the heart of Westlawn, and we appreciate you today and every day.
Sincerely,
Christoph Hill, Stephanie Carpenter, Erin Theiss
Proud Principals
 Second grade students in Mr. Stuebner’s art class practice weaving as part of the fiber arts curriculum. Many students enjoy weaving because it gives them an opportunity to showcase skills that they may have learned from a family member at home, such as threading a needle or making different types of stitches.
🩹 Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th grades.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. Additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and the Fairfax County Health Department.
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Reminder: Summer Camps Still Have Openings!
Are you still looking for ways to keep your child learning and growing this summer? We got you! We have a pop-up page for summer camps on our website, and many camps still have openings! This year we are also excited to feature a STEAM camp by our very own Ms. Burke, Mrs. Maxwell, and Ms. Winters.
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Last Call! Join the Handbell Club!
Students in grades 3-6 have an opportunity to join the Handbell Club and even play in a real handbell show with our partners, the VA Bronze Handbell Ensemble, on June 8. Learn about the opportunity and register your child today.
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 Update
- Required Immunizations
- Mental Health Resources
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9. Remember to show some love to the teachers who have made a positive impact on your child’s life! We have ideas for great last-minute low-cost (and no-cost) ways to show appreciation further down in this newsletter.
May 10: The Addams Family
A limited number of free tickets are available for the 2:00 PM production of The Addams Family at Falls Church HS thanks to Theatre 4 Kids. Apply for free tickets today.
May 13: PTA Meeting
The last PTA Meeting of the year will take place at Westlawn from 6:30-7:30 PM.
May 14: SOL Testing
Grades 3-6 students will take the math SOL. Learn how to support your child during SOL season. Learn about SOL logistics at Westlawn. See other SOL testing dates.
May 14: Restaurant Night at Badd Pizza
The final Restaurant Night of the year will be held at Badd Pizza. Stay tuned for more details on our social media feeds!
May 17: Dangers of Vaping Presentation
Girl Scout Troop 2387 is working toward their Silver Award and will present about the dangers of vaping at the George Mason Library on Little River Turnpike from 1-2 PM. The presentation is geared toward students in grades 3-6 and their families.
May 17: Techstravaganza
Thomas Jefferson High School’s Techstravaganza is a FREE hands-on STEM fair that attracts thousands of attendees from the DMV area every year. Over 300 TJ student and teacher volunteers engage students in STEM activities, which include lava lamps, banana DNA extraction, robotics, rocketry demonstrations, programming workshops, and other STEM exhibits. Reserve your tickets now. The event is at TJHS from 10 AM-4 PM.
 May 22: Family Sports Night Under the Stars
Join us for Family Sports Night Under the Stars from 4:30-6:00 PM on May 22! There will be soccer, lawn games, and Popsicles! Rain date is May 29.
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.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Last-Minute Ways to Show Some Love
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9, so tomorrow is the last day! Here are some last-minute ways to show your child’s teacher some love.
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Write a thank-you note – A handwritten message from your child (or you!) means so much. Just a few kind words go a long way.
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Send a kind email or TalkingPoints message – If you don’t have paper or time to deliver a note, a quick email or message to say “thank you” is just as meaningful.
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Draw a picture – Have your child draw a picture of their teacher or classroom. It’s personal, sweet, and makes a great keepsake.
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Make a short video – Record your child saying something they love about their teacher. Even a 15-second video can brighten a teacher’s day!
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Create a compliment chain – Have your child write a few kind words about their teacher on slips of paper and tape them into a paper chain.
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Bring a flower from your yard – One single bloom in a cup or jar can make a teacher smile.
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Make a “thank you” sign – A homemade sign or banner with drawings or messages can be a fun surprise when your child walks into school.
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Donate a classroom supply – If you have an extra pack of tissues, markers, or pencils at home, many teachers would appreciate it!
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Have your child write a poem or acrostic – For example, write the teacher’s name down the side and think of a kind word for each letter.
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Give a heartfelt hug or high five – A simple, “You’re the best teacher!” from a smiling student can mean more than anything money can buy.
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.
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