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The Weekly Roar
Monday, September 8, 2025
“Breakfast Bites” Are a Great Way to End the Week!
Thanks to all of the Kindergarten families who joined us for our first “Breakfast Bites” of the school year. The food was delicious, and all the smiling faces were a great way to end the week! First grade families are invited to join us this Friday, September 12, with 2nd grade following on Friday, September 19. See the article below to sign-up to join us! (To see more of these smiling face from Friday’s Kindergarten “Breakfast Bites,” check out our posts on Facebook and Instagram tomorrow! )
Thanks for the Celebration Support!
Another big “Thank You!” to all of the families who donated dozens of cupcakes and frozen fruit bars or made monetary contributions through the PTA’s website to support our 30th birthday celebration last Friday. We literally could not have done it without you! The PTA raised more than $500, which not only ensured we had enough treats for all but also gives us a great start for planning our big community anniversary celebration in April.
Upcoming Events
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Monday, 9/15 – Friday, 9/19 – Kindergarten Color Week 2
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Monday, 9/15: Pink/Brown
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Tuesday, 9/16: Yellow
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Wednesday, 9/17: Black and/or White
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Thursday, 9/18: Orange
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Friday, 9/19: Rainbow
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Monday, 9/15 – Hispanic Heritage Month begins
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Tuesday, 9/16 & Wednesday, 9/17 – PTA Restaurant Nights at Hangry Burger, 4 – 8 p.m.
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Wednesday, 9/17 – Early Release Wednesday, dismissal at 1:05 p.m. (See the article below for details and childcare offering for families that require it. Pre-K students are NOT released early.)
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Friday, 9/19 – Family Friday Potluck “Breakfast Bites” for 2nd Grade Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Tuesday, 9/23 – Rosh Hashanah Holiday, School and Office CLOSED
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Wednesday, 9/24 – Fall Picture Days begin (Individual portraits will be taken by class on library days; see article below for details and specific dates.)
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Thursday, 9/25 – Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Overview Family Session, 6 p.m., Library
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Friday, 9/26 – Family Friday Potluck “Breakfast Bites” for 3rd & 4th Grade, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Monday, 9/29 – Blue Star Welcome Week Breakfast for Military Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Thursday, 10/3 – Yom Kippur Holiday, School and Office CLOSED
In This Issue
- No School Tomorrow – Tuesday, September 9 – Due to Special Election
- No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9
- First Early Release Wednesday Is Next Week on September 17! Please Let Us Know Your Child’s Dismissal Plan!
- Important Safety Reminder for Morning Arrival
- Kindergarten Color Weeks – Help Our Littlest Lions Learn Their Colors!
- Patrol Application Has Been Reopened for New 5th and 6th Graders; Deadline Is This Friday, September 12!
- Attention 6th Grade Parents: Is Your 6th Grader Curious about Choir in Middle School?
- 1st Grade “Breakfast Bites” This Friday, September 12
- 9/11 National Day of Service
- Fall Picture Days Start September 24; Volunteers Needed!
- Advanced Academics Family Information Session – Thursday, September 25, 6 p.m.
- School Health Room Needs Clothing
- PTA News: Registration for Fall Cub Clubs begins Wednesday, fall spiritwear free shipping offer ends Friday, Restaurant Nights at Hangry Burger next week
- Parent Resources: Cell phone policy, safety drills, attendance tips, immunization reminders, free parenting webinars
- FCPS News & Activities: Strategic Plan Goals 1 – 3
News & Notes
No School Tomorrow – Tuesday, September 9 – Due to Special Election
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set Tuesday, September 9, as the date for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Because more than half of our schools serve as polling locations, the Fairfax County Office of Elections asked us to consider closing for the day. Therefore, all FCPS schools will be closed that day.
Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s message about this change to the 2025-26 school year calendar.
No-Cost Meals Available for Students on September 9
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:
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- Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 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. The closest one to Lane is Springfield Estates Elementary. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.
First Early Release Wednesday Is Next Week on September 17! Please Let Us Know Your Child’s Dismissal Plan!
Our monthly early release days this year will be on Wednesdays. These shortened school days for students allow teachers to attend critical professional development sessions and participate in other collaborative work. Our first Early Release Wednesday is next Wednesday, September 17.
Thank you to all of the families who have already let us know what their child’s dismissal plans will be for those days. If you have not yet provided this information, please do so as soon as possible using this form: https://forms.gle/4uoiFTAAimJxa2pH9. In order to ensure the safety of all students, all families must let us know about their early dismissal childcare needs, even if the child does not need to stay after the 1:05 p.m. dismissal time. If you have more than one child at Lane, you will need to submit multiple forms.
Please note that we will follow these dismissal plans on Early Release Wednesdays throughout the year.
We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their student take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) at 1:05 p.m. on these days, but we will ensure that every student has supervised activities at the school and returns home at the regular time, if necessary.
Important Safety Reminder for Morning Arrival
We have noticed a number of students are being dropped off too early for school. Our doors do not open until 9:05 a.m. Prior to that time, there is no adult supervision in our outdoor areas. Please do not drop your child off before 9:05 a.m. It is not safe!
Kindergarten Color Weeks – Help Our Littlest Lions Learn Their Colors!
Our kindergarten classrooms are getting really colorful, as our youngest students celebrate and learn about a different color every day. Staff and students in other grades are encouraged to showcase the rainbow along with them these two weeks by also wearing the designated color of the day.
We kicked Color Weeks off today with a profusion of purple across our school! Here’s the schedule through next Friday.
- Wednesday, 9/10: Green
- Thursday, 9/11: Red
- Friday, 9/12: Blue
- Monday, 9/15: Pink/Brown
- Tuesday, 9/16: Yellow
- Wednesday, 9/17: Black and/or White
- Thursday, 9/18: Orange
- Friday, 9/19: Rainbow.
Please encourage your child – no matter what grade level – to join the colorful fun!
NOTE TO KINDERGARTEN PARENTS: Because Kindergarten is also working on listening skills, students will be told what color to wear before the following day. Our hope is that students will listen and tell you the color at home. Please don’t share the secret!
Patrol Application Has Been Reopened for New 5th and 6th Graders; Deadline Is This Friday, September 12!
Would your child like to be a Safety Patrol next year? If so, now is the time to apply! The application has been reopened for a limited time to allow new students to apply. If your child is in 5th or 6th grade and interested in applying, please follow this link to fill out the application.
Students and parents are encouraged to complete the application together so they are both aware of the requirements, duties, and responsibilities. Applications are due THIS FRIDAY, September 12, 2025.
Attention 6th Grade Parents: Is Your 6th Grader Curious about Choir in Middle School?
Hayfield Middle School will be hosting an after-school pyramid choir to help build community across the Hayfield pyramid and in the music departments, and all 6th graders are invited to join! Students do not have to currently be in choir at Lane to take part in this activity.
Participants will get to see what it’s like to sing in a large, balanced choir and get a head start in middle school music, if that is where their interests lie. Through participation, students will become familiar with the middle school choral facilities and the Hayfield Chorus Director, Ms. Torres, and make friends from other schools. This program will also prepare the students for a small concert on Wednesday, October 8, and all participants will get a T-shirt.
The pyramid choir will meet at Hayfield in the Hayfield Choir Room from 5 to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays September 10 through October 8. The concert will take place on October 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hayfield Middle School Lecture Hall. An additional optional performance opportunity will take place at the beginning of the Hayfield football game on Friday, October 17, when the pyramid choir participants will join in singing the National Anthem (more details on that will be given out during pyramid choir rehearsals).
If your child is interested, please sign up on this Google form by TONIGHT, Monday, September 8. Please have your child bring $10 (cash or check to Hayfield Chorus Boosters) to the first rehearsal. Parents must provide transportation.
Questions? Contact your general music teacher or Ms. Torres at mmtorres@fcps.edu.
1st Grade “Breakfast Bites” This Friday, September 12
Thanks to all of the kindergarten families that joined us this past Friday for a fun and flavorful first “Family Friday Breakfast Bites” of the new school year! We had more than 25 families turn out as well as several staff members. And there was so much delicious food! It was a wonderful way to start building community with our newest families.
This Friday, September 12, we invite all 1st grade families to join us from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the cafeteria. We just ask that each family bring a breakfast dish or item to share (muffins, donuts, casseroles, etc.). If you are a 1st grade family that would like to attend, please RSVP here and let us know what you’ll be bringing.
Next Friday, we look forward to welcoming 2nd grade families (you can RSVP now here),
Please note that we’ve changed the date for our 3rd & 4th grade breakfast – it will now be held on Friday, September 26. Our final “Breakfast Bites” will be held on Friday, October 10, for 5th and 6th grade families. Sign-up forms for these events will be posted soon.
We hope to see your family at one of these events!
9/11 National Day of Service
With the upcoming 24th anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.
Fall Picture Days Start September 24! Volunteers Needed!
This year we are once again taking our student pictures for the yearbook in house rather than having a photography company come to school to take them. Students’ individual Picture Day will be their class library day. Here is a list of dates by grade level and class:
Pre-K
Kindergarten
- Black – Friday, 9/26
- Crouch – Monday, 9/29
- Furfaro – Friday, 9/26
- Schadle – Monday, 9/29
1st Grade
- Dawkins – Monday, 9/29
- Goldner – Friday, 9/26
- Kaine – Monday, 9/29
- Parton – Friday, 9/26
2nd Grade
- Gallery – Wednesday, 9/24
- Pradko – Wednesday, 9/24
- Shipley – Tuesday, 9/30
- Song – Tuesday, 9/30
3rd Grade
- Durkin – Monday, 9/29
- Hartbarger – Friday, 9/26
- Slomka – Friday, 9/26
- Stoddard – Thursday, 9/25
4th Grade
- Araujo – Wednesday, 9/24
- Barbiere – Tuesday, 10/7
- Winiewicz – Wednesday, 10/1
- Zubieta – Tuesday, 9/30
5th Grade
- Benzelock – Tuesday, 10/7
- Kipkemboi – Monday, 9/29
- Jenkins – Thursday, 10/9 (time to be determined)
- Lopes – Thursday, 9/25
- McGregor – Tuesday, 9/30
6th Grade
- Lewis – Tuesday, 10/7
- Morris – Wednesday, 9/24
- Thomas – Wednesday, 10/1
- Wilson – Tuesday, 9/30
Multiple Abilities Classes
- Acoine – Wednesday, 9/24
- Ferguson – Friday, 9/26
- Khalid – Wednesday, 9/24
- Roberts – Monday, 9/29
After Picture Days are complete, all families will receive a digital file of their child’s portrait for FREE! Once you receive it, you can use it to have prints made in any size or style you choose. There are many professional portrait studios in the Alexandria/Springfield area that families can visit if they wish to have a professional portrait taken.
Thursday, October 9, will be a make-up day for students who are absent on their assigned class day.
We will need some volunteers to help this process run smoothly. Watch next week’s Weekly Roar for links to sign up!
Advanced Academics Family Information Session – Thursday, September 25, 6 p.m.
Lane’s Advanced Academics Program (AAP) Overview Family Session will be held on Thursday, September 25, at 6 p.m. in the Lane Library. At this meeting, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Linda Simon, will:
- Provide information on the continuum of AAP services.
- Explain the screening processes.
- Answer questions about advanced academic services.
For more information about the FCPS Advanced Academics program, read the Fall AAP newsletter.
School Health Room Needs Clothing
During the school day, many students have mishaps that mess up their clothes from spilled milk in the cafeteria to mud on the playground, and many things in between! In these situations, our School Health Room supplies a change of clothes, which students then wash and return.
Our current supply is wearing thin, so we’re reaching out to request donations of new or gently used clothing. There’s an especially big need for pants. Sizes for students of all ages – kindergarten through 6th grade – are welcome! Items should be clean and free of tears or other major damage. Underwear should be new, if possible.
If your fall cleaning has you clearing out clothes that no longer fit your child, please send them to Lane! Just bag them up and send them in!
Thank you!
PTA News
Registration for Fall Cub Clubs Begins This Wednesday!
The PTA and Lane admin have organized an entertaining and educational line-up of before- and after-school enrichment programs, known as “Cub Clubs,” for its fall session. Registration opens this Wednesday, September 10, on the PTA website and runs through Thursday, October 2. Sessions begin Tuesday, October 14, and will run through Tuesday, December 9.
Offerings this session include chess, sports, ceramics, STEM, and piano. Some sessions will be taught by Lane staff. Sessions often fill up fast, so be sure to register as soon as possible once the portal opens on Wednesday.
Fall Spiritwear Sale with Free Shipping Option Continues Until September 12
If you weren’t able to purchase your new Lane wardrobe at one of our events before school started or you couldn’t find exactly what you were looking for, visit the PTA’s online store for even more options. You can have your order shipped to your home now, or you can wait until the end of the month and get free shipping to the school. Details are on the website.
Restaurant Nights at Hangry Burger September 16 and 17!
Next up in the PTA’s tasty Restaurant Night line-up is Hangry Burger in Springfield (6699 Frontier Drive, Suite G) on Tuesday, September 16, and Wednesday, September 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. each night. A percentage of all sales during those hours will be donated back to the school. |
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Watch Wednesday Folders this week for the flyer with more details (although no flyer is needed at the restaurant).
Parent Resources
Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact our school’s front office to reach your child during class time.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level.
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success
September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
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 health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
Special Education Virtual Workshop for Military Families Tuesday, September 30; Register by This Wednesday, September 10
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Family and School Partnerships (FSP) will be facilitating a virtual workshop given by the Office of Special Education Procedural Support on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m.
The Office of Special Education Procedural Support will present information on the IEP/504 process within FCPS, provide resources to help families navigate receiving these services in accordance with the Military Interstate Compact, and answer questions from workshop participants. The presentation will be geared towards military families, and parents/guardians may submit questions beforehand.
This virtual event will be held via Zoom. To register for the workshop, as well as submit questions, please fill out this Google form by Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
FSP will be facilitating monthly workshops, webinars, or family engagement events for military families throughout the school year. Please check the Family Academy catalog under “Military-Connected Families Offerings” for more information on these events as they are posted.
For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
Free Webinars and More from the FCPS Family Resource Center
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) offers webinars, consultations, a lending library, open house events, and guides to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
You can contact the FRC by phone at 703-204-3941, by text at 571-496-8210, or by email at frc@fcps.edu. Or, you can visit in person at 2334 Gallows Road, Room 105 (Door 1) in Dunn Loring, VA.
Families and staff members are encouraged to make an appointment for consultations, especially when requiring an interpreter.
Here are the remaining FRC webinars for September.
Together is Better: Building Collaborative Relationships Between Caregivers and Educators
September 12, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Research shows that when families partner with their children’s school, their children have more positive school experiences and academic success. Join us for some tips on how to build a strong collaborative relationship with educators as your child embarks on this new school year.
Register here
Worried Parents, Anxious Kids: How to Help Your Student Manage School-Related Anxiety
September 19, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Anxiety rates in children are at an all-time high, and it’s getting in the way of schoolwork. When kids feel anxious, their happiness, well-being, and ability to learn can all suffer. With the right tools, parents can help their kids thrive—academically and emotionally. In this webinar, Educational Connections Founder and President Ann Dolin, M.Ed., and Executive Function Coaching Rachael Moss, MA, M.Ed., will share insights on:
- The specific academic challenges anxious students face, like feeling overwhelmed, concentration, procrastination, and perfectionism
- The connection between anxiety and executive function skills (and why it matters)
- How to nurture a growth mindset and reduce school-related stressors
- Research-based communication techniques to support your child through fear and worry.
Register here
What Families Need to Know About Drugs for Their Student with Disabilities
September 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Students with disabilities may be at a higher risk for substance use (SAMHSA); therefore, special populations require special care. Join us as we discuss the risk factors for drug misuse and how you can reduce the likelihood of your child using alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids. We will pay special attention to addressing the needs of students with ADHD.
Register here
FCPS News & Activities
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan
Goal 1: Strong Start, PreK–12
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.
The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success. See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Goal 2: Schools Build Belonging So Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our schools? Fairfax County public schools are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence
Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
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