Timber Lane Times 9/12/25


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Principals' Message

Dear TLES Families,

We can't believe we've already wrapped up our fourth week of school! Time truly flies when you're having fun. 🤩

Thank you to everyone who attended our Back to School Night this past Wednesday, September 10th. It was wonderful to see so many of you connect with our teachers and staff. For those who were unable to attend, you can find links to the grade-level presentations below this message.

Our students have already dived deep into their learning. We've started our beginning-of-year assessments in reading and math, and it's been so exciting to see the rich learning experiences already in motion across all our classrooms.

This past Wednesday, September 10th, was our first early release day of the school year. We will follow all dismissal plans shared with us on every early release day for the remainder of the school year. Make sure to check the Talking Points app often to stay in touch with your child's teachers. If your child's dismissal plan changes, please let their teachers know through the app well before the date of the new dismissal time.

This year, our new homework policy is designed to reinforce classroom learning and support growing independence. Your child will receive purposeful assignments, such as reading and projects, directly connected to what they've learned in class. These assignments aim to build strong academic habits and confidence. For daily homework, including reading, we recommend 10–20 minutes for grades K-2, 20–30 minutes for grades 3-4, and 40–60 minutes for grades 5-6. You can help by providing a consistent time and quiet space for homework, and by encouraging your child's best effort. As shared at Back to School Night, please note that homework start dates were provided by your child's grade level team.

It is a privilege to partner with your children and to serve this community!✨

Ben Chiet, Principal

Sarah Buchanan, Assistant Principal


Back to School Night Presentations

If you could not attend Back to School Night, please find grade level presentations on the grade level pages on our school website


After-School Clubs Are Coming Soon!🤸‍♀️🧠

Get ready for some exciting opportunities after the school day ends! This fall, we're thrilled to offer a variety of clubs to spark your child's interests and help them grow. From physical activity to academic challenges, there's something for everyone. Keep an eye out for more information on how to sign up for these amazing clubs:

  • Girls on the Run: A program that uses running to inspire and empower girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.

  • Chess Club: Students will learn strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Science Olympiad: Get hands-on with science and engineering through competitive events.

  • Math Olympiad: A fantastic way for students to develop their problem-solving abilities and love for math.

  • Young Scholars (Engineering): Our future engineers will design, build, and innovate.

  • Newspaper (Journalism) Club: Students will hone their writing skills, report on school events, and create our school's very own newspaper.


✔️ Checklist of Important Forms

The multiple school forms parents and caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year. 

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact our front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure that your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Tuesday, November 18, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to our front office. Find more information on immunizations

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch a video to see how to use the tool

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned to our front office by Tuesday, September 30.


🏗️ School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4

The $460 million School Bond Referendum — supporting the division and county’s commitment to providing safe and welcoming learning environments for all students — will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.

The funding provided by voter-approved bonds is expected to fund projects identified in the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the School Board in February. 

The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Watch this video that explains, “What Is a bond?” 

Make sure you have a voting plan! Learn more about registering to vote.


🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6 to 8 p.m.:

  • Monday, September 29
  • Friday, October 3
  • Friday, December 5
  • Tuesday, December 9
  • Thursday, December 11

Locations and registration links will be shared in future issues of FCPS This Week. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.


Back-to-School Edition of Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The Back-to-School issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. The newsletter is sent by FCPS’ Department of Special Services, which provides a network of support to staff, students, and families to break down barriers to learning and help students succeed as individuals.

Topics in this issue include:

  • Building a Culture of Belonging - Inclusive Education at FCPS
  • ESY Updates
  • Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities
  • Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies
  • Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners
  • Assistive Technology Services

Upcoming Events

SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar

September

Sept 15: 1st PTA Meeting at 6:00pm in the cafeteria

  • Beginning of school year meeting & presentation in English & Spanish 
  • All families welcome to attend
  • Please enter through Door #3

Sept 23: Rosh Hashanah (No School)

October

Oct 2: Yom Kippur (No School)

Oct 9: Family Market @ 4:00-5:15pm (Door #3)

Oct13: Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday (No School)

Oct 13: AAP Parent Information Session @ 6:00-7:00pm (Door #3)

Oct 20: Diwali (No School)

Oct 29: 3-Hour Early Release @ 12:35pm