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Dear Westbriar Families,
We are already on Day 3 of the new school year, and what an exciting start it has been! Our hallways are full of energy, our classrooms are alive with learning, and our students are settling into new routines with confidence and enthusiasm.
As we move through these first days, our focus is on building strong connections, establishing expectations, and fostering a sense of community where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. Teachers are engaging students in meaningful activities that set the tone for a year of growth and discovery.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us make this a smooth transition for all. Together, we are laying the foundation for a successful year of learning, growth, and joy.
Warm regards,
Sallie Burch
Principal, Westbriar Elementary School
- Login to ParentVUE to Read and Accept the Student SR&R
- The SR&R includes the technology agreement which allows your child access to use his/her school laptop and FCPS approved software.
- Login to the Parent Digital Consent System *Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
- Technology Permission
- Feel free to toggle all as we will not be using the HS tools in elementary
- Early Release Wednesdays
- Opt-In indicates your child will remain at school until 4:05 PM. This should only be the choice if there is a critical child care need.
- Opt-Out indicates your child will be dismissed at 1:05 PM
Fairfax County Public Schools welcomes volunteers to support student learning and school activities. Whether you have a few hours or more, your time and talents enrich our school community.
Important: All Volunteers Must Preregister Prior to Volunteering for an Event
All opportunities must be preregistered through Volunteer FCPS. Volunteers complete a short orientation, and requirements vary by level:
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Level 1 — One-time or Large Events - No background check required. Must scan government-issued ID at sign-in.
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Level 2 — Ongoing/Regular Contact or Day Trip Chaperones - Background check required (FCPS covers fees).
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Level 3 — Unsupervised or Overnight Trip Chaperones - Background check + Virginia Child Abuse & Neglect check required (FCPS covers fees).
How to Register for WES Volunteer Opportunities
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Visit Volunteer FCPS.
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Click Schools and select Westbriar Elementary.
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Browse opportunities listed for Westbriar.
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Click the opportunity, then Sign Up.
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Returning users: click Login.
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New volunteers: click New Volunteer to register.
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Follow the application instructions (watch the orientation video, complete background checks if required, and submit materials as needed).
📌 Please note: if you receive a volunteer invitation by email but do not see the opportunity listed, you may need to use the sign-up link provided in your email.
At Westbriar, we love celebrating our students’ birthdays and know how meaningful these moments are for both children and families. This year, we are updating our birthday celebration practices to move away from edible treats such as cupcakes, donuts, and cookies, and instead encourage non-food celebration items such as pencils, bookmarks, stickers, or small school supplies.
Why the Change?
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Student Safety: We have many students with food allergies, and even small amounts of allergens can cause serious reactions. By eliminating shared food items, we help ensure that all children remain safe during classroom celebrations.
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Healthy Habits: This adjustment also supports healthier choices for our students, aligning with our commitment to wellness and learning.
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Inclusive Celebrations: Non-food items allow every child to participate in the celebration, regardless of dietary restrictions, medical needs, or family preferences.
Planning a Classroom Celebration
If you would like to send in items for your child’s birthday, please contact your child’s classroom teacher at least two school days in advance. This notice gives teachers time to plan appropriately, balance classroom activities, and ensure that the celebration runs smoothly without disrupting the instructional day.
Daily Snacks vs. Shared Treats
Students are still welcome to bring their own individual daily snack from home to enjoy during snack time. However, we kindly ask that families do not send in food to share with classmates, including edible birthday treats.
We appreciate your support in helping us create a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment for all of our Falcons. Together, we can make every birthday feel special while keeping the focus on fun, community, and student well-being.
The safety of our students is our highest priority. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring that all children arrive to-and-from Westbriar Elementary in a safe and orderly manner. Please carefully review the procedures below.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Kiss & Ride (Morning Drop-Off)
- Entrance & Route: Cars enter by the drive opposite Westwood Drive, proceed to the left side of the school, and stop to drop off your child at the side cafeteria door.
- Drop-Off: Pull as far forward as possible. School staff will be present to assist students safely from vehicles.
- Exit: After drop-off, proceed to the rear of the school, turn in the loop, and exit by the same drive.
- Safety:
- Use extreme caution—walkers will be crossing at designated crosswalks.
- A staff member will use a stop sign to halt traffic when walkers are present.
- Do not block the bus lane, and always yield to walkers and buses exiting from the bus loop.
Bus Riders
- Students should arrive at their assigned stop 5–10 minutes early.
- Buses will unload students at the designated bus lane, with staff on duty to assist.
Walkers
- Westbriar does not have a crossing guard. For this reason, we strongly encourage families to walk with their child to and from school.
- Staff members will be present on school property to assist at designated crossing areas.
- Walkers should always use sidewalks and cross only at marked crossings on school property.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Kiss & Ride (Afternoon Pick-Up)
- Student Exit: Students will exit the building through the cafeteria.
- Pick-Up: Parents/caregivers must remain in their cars. Staff will help students load vehicles safely.
- Traffic Flow: After pick-up, proceed to the rear of the school, turn in the loop, and exit by the same drive.
- Safety: Walkers will be crossing at various times; please use extreme caution and follow staff directions.
Bus Riders
- Students will be dismissed directly to their buses under staff supervision.
- Please review bus safety expectations with your child: remain seated, use a quiet voice, and follow the driver’s directions.
Walkers
- Walkers will be released to walk home once staff confirm that dismissal traffic is clear.
- Staff will remain on duty at crossing areas on school property to ensure safety.
Front Door Entry
- The front door is for student entry only. Adults should not accompany students into the building.
- Kindergarten Exception: On the first day of school only, kindergarten parents/guardians may enter the cafeteria with their child to say goodbye before students join their class.
In the interest of student safely, please DO NOT:
- Make illegal U-turns on Pine Valley Drive
- Park in the bus lanes (yellow area) during arrival/dismissal
- Walk across the road or bus lanes (please use the crosswalk)
- Park on the street and have your student walk to or from school
- Block community mailboxes
Like last year we anticipate most students will be dismissed at 1:05 PM. We also recognize that some families may require childcare during the limited Early Release Wednesdays. Please note that supervision will not be provided by your child's classroom teacher and that no new instruction will take place during this time.
Directions to Opt In/Opt Out ERW
Parents are to log in to the Parent Digital Consent to review and provide consent to a variety or resources/services to include Early Release Wednesday Childcare.
⇒ OPT OUT, if your child will go home at the Early Release Time, 1:05 PM
⇒ OPT IN if you have a childcare hardship and require childcare on our limited Early Release Wednesdays.
⇒ The consent form serves as a year-long commitment to either opt in or opt out of childcare. If your needs change during the school year, please contact the office at least two weeks in advance.
Early release days for elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. Three-hour early release days for Westbriar are:
- September 10
- October 29
- November 12
- December 10
- February 18
- March 18
- April 22
- May 13
Read more about early release Wednesdays on the FCPS website.
This year, all FCPS elementary schools will be assigning purposeful homework assignments designed to reinforce classroom learning and support growing independence and time management. Homework might include reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, or health practice such as reflection questions, activities, projects, or tasks connected to what they’ve learned in class. Families will learn more about the homework expectations for each grade level during Back to School Night.
Why It Matters
- Homework helps to develop strong academic habits like responsibility and problem‑solving
- Reinforces skills already taught in class
- Builds confidence and supports independent learning
How Families Can Help
- Choose a quiet, consistent spot and time for homework—reading right before bed works well.
- Help your child make a simple plan: “First I read, then I finish the math sheet.”
- Encourage your child’s best effort—and let us know if something feels too hard. That feedback helps teachers adjust instruction.
- Read together, or talk about what your child is reading. This builds vocabulary and curiosity.
The SIS (Student Information System) ParentVUE Account is an online tool parents can use to access information about their child’s attendance, report cards, discipline incidents, health information, and more. In ParentVUE, you can also view student progress reports/report cards and SOL scores.
Your secure SIS ParentVUE Account offers you the ability to use one username/password to login to both the SIS ParentVUE Account and Schoology.
Using the SIS ParentVUE account, parents will also be able to view school information, including teacher e-mail addresses, the FCPS calendar, and emergency contact information. Visit the FCPS website and use the search function and keywords “SIS Parent Overview” for more information.
Many of you have already activated your SIS ParentVUE account with the activation key. If you are unable to login to your account, you may need to reset your password on the SIS Parent Account login page (https://sisparent.fcps.edu):
- Select the “Forgot Password” button.
- Your username is the primary email address you have on file with us in our Student Information System.
- More information is available here.
Newly enrolled families should have received an activation key for your account. If you have not yet activated your account, please reach out to Mrs. Revelo at 703-937-1700.
Please take action now to ensure your account is active!
The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2025-26 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
- Join the PTA to connect with other parents, stay informed and support our teachers and students! No time commitment required! CLICK HERE to join! Parents who join by Sept 2nd will be automatically entered in the membership raffle for a $50 Gift Card and the classroom with the most PTA members will win a pizza party!
- Fall Enrichment Registration is Open now until Sept 10th! To register and learn more about our exciting before and after school classes CLICK HERE
- Annual Fall Festival is September 12th - Bring the whole family to celebrate with food trucks, face painting, music, carnival games and more! Volunteers needed to make this event successful. CLICK HERE to help!
- Field Day T-Shirts On Sale Now! Each Grade has a team color! Order By September 30th - CLICK HERE
Dependable and caring adults are needed to serve as crossing guards, helping students safely bike and walk to and from our schools. This is a great opportunity for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking to make a difference in their community. Crossing guards will earn $16.50 per hour and receive bonus time: Work 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after school for a total of one hour a day and earn $33.00.
The Fairfax County Police Department has engaged a company, ACMS, to recruit crossing guards. Please visit their website to learn more and apply.
- August 29 - Sept 1 - No School, Labor Day Weekend
- September 4 - Back to School Night for Parents, 6-8PM
- September 9 - No School for Students (Election Day)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 🎉 Countdown to the First Day of School
- 📞 Family Information Phone Lines
- 🩹 Update Your Child’s Immunizations and Records
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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