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Falcon Families,
Tomorrow—Thursday, September 4—is Back-to-School Night! We’re excited to welcome you for an evening focused on partnership, learning, and community.
Schedule
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Optional Admin Information Session: 6:00 PM–6:30 PM (cafeteria)
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Classroom Session 1: 6:30 PM–7:10 PM
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Classroom Session 2: 7:15 PM–7:55 PM
Tip: If you have more than one child, attend one class in Session 1 and the other in Session 2.
Stop by the Cafeteria (6:30 PM–7:55 PM)
Meet our ESOL Team, Specialist Team (art, music, PE, library, strings/band), and several community organizations to learn about services and supports for families.
If You Can’t Attend
No worries—classroom teachers will follow up with a copy of their slide presentation and/or key information you may have missed.
Quick Reminders
We can’t wait to see you and kick off a fantastic year—Every Child, Every Classroom, Every Day.
With gratitude,
Dr. Sallie Burch
Principal, Westbriar Elementary School
Let the adventure begin! Join us for Back-to-School Night to meet your child’s teachers, learn about classroom routines, and see how we’ll partner for a great year.
Schedule at a Glance
- Optional Admin Information Session: 6:00 PM–6:30 PM
- Classroom Session 1: 6:30 PM–7:10 PM
- Classroom Session 2: 7:15 PM–7:55 PM
Visit the Cafeteria! (6:30 PM–7:55 PM)
Stop by the cafeteria any time between sessions to connect with:
- ESOL Team (language support & resources)
- Specialist Team (art, music, PE, library, strings/band, etc.)
- Community Organizations (learn about programs and services available to Westbriar families)
Tips for Planning Your Evening
- Have more than one child? Attend one classroom during Session 1 and the other during Session 2.
- Bring your questions about curriculum, homework routines, communication, and how to support learning at home.
- Look for a quick BTSN Family Survey QR code to share feedback and topic ideas for our Coffee & Conversations series.
Reminders
- No childcare will be provided. Please make arrangements for children to stay at home.
- Parking is limited—consider carpooling and arrive a few minutes early.
We can’t wait to welcome you—see you Thursday evening!
Starting this month, FCPS elementary schools will use the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math assessment to assess grade level mathematics skills in grades 1 through 6. The MAP Math test, along with the iReady Reading test, fulfill a state requirement to measure academic growth in grades 3 through 6 over the course of the school year.
MAP Math tests are administered in the fall, winter, and spring. They help teachers identify students’ strengths and areas where they may need more support.
Families can learn more about MAP Growth assessments on the MAP Test Information webpage.
The fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October.
Students complete the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives them a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on September 9 due to a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. FCPS will provide student meals at a select number of schools at no cost.
Please keep in mind that:
- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
- Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
- Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
- Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.
View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on September 9. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
At Westbriar Elementary, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child’s education. The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by the school division to help you support your child’s needs and learning at home.
The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help ensure your child has what they need to succeed. Check out some of the upcoming Family Academy sessions:
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (available in English and Spanish)
- Loving Solutions
- Military-Connected Youth Family Advisory Council
- Parent Project
- Family Resource Center Webinars on topics including: How to Prepare for School; Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators; Worried Parents, Anxious Kids; and What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Students with Disabilities.
Visit the Family Academy catalog for more information on these sessions and to register to attend.
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. Visit the How To Submit Immunization Documents webpage for step-by-step guidance on how to check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information
Please check with your health care provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2025-26 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, there are many different types of weather events that can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. But FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Answers to those questions along with resources you can use to prepare for different weather events are now available on the new FCPS weather safety webpage.
Enrichment Programs: The enrollment numbers are currently low for several classes - signing up soon will help us avoid cancellations! To Register: CLICK HERE
Fall Festival: Volunteers Needed! Cake walk donations need to continue this fun tradition and clean up volunteers needed! To Volunteer: CLICK HERE
- September 4: Back-to-School Night 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
- September 9: NO SCHOOL
- September 10: Early Release at 1:05 PM
- September 10: PTA Meeting at 7:00 PM
- September 12: Fall Festival 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
- September 23: NO SCHOOL
2025-2026 FCPS School Year Calendar
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- ✅ Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources
- 🚨 Safety and Security Information
- 📍 Updates on Comprehensive Boundary Review
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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