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Good evening Stone Families,
We have reached our final week of the first quarter. As we finish this week, please check ParentVue to for missing assignments and encourage your student to see their teacher for any missing or any available re-take opportunities.
Math Competition
The weekend of October 18th, a small group of Stone students participated in the Thomas Jefferson HS Annual Math Competition. Congratulations to one of our teams led by Declan E. who won 3rd place in the competition! Thank you to Mr. Bohall who chaperoned our team at the competition.
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Iker M.! Iker won our Spanish Language Spelling Bee this past week! Our 2nd place winner was Ivana H., and Cecilia R. was our 3rd place winner! They all won gift cards to local stores. All students did a fantastic job at the Bee today. Other contestants were: Trinidad R., Andrew N., Fatima C., Adriana V., Teresa G., and Alejandra V. They each received a reading incentive pack (book, bookmark, scented pen).
Cross Country 10/25
Our Stone Panthers competed over the weekend at Franklin MS for their second cross country meet of the season. Congrats to Cooper C & Lexie J who came in the top 20 finishers. The majority of students who partcipated in the first meet of the season decreased their finishing time this meet...WAY TO GO!
Let's look ahead to this week....
Wednesday 10/29 will be our annual Pink Out for Breast Cancer.
We have two opportunities for you for this spirit day:
- Free Pink Ribbons will be available to write a message of support
- $2.00 spirit packs will be available for purchase (pink ribbon pin, pink ribbon tattoo, pink beaded necklace, pink ribbon bracelet)
Friday 10/31 will be our annual Costume Spirit Day! Have some fun and plan costumes with your colleagues or simply show off your own amazing costume. There will be prizes for the best dressed!
Please see below for the after school program calendar for this week. Please note there is no after school programming this Friday due to the 2 hour early release schedule.
Let's have a great week Panthers,
Sonya Williams
Principal
 Our Winter Clothing Drive to help our community is here!
Our Leadership classes are running a winter clothes drive to help our Stone MS Community. Any items donated will support families in our school community during our next Stone MS-Winter Boutique! Our Boutique allows families in our community, that may need warm winter items, to come shop for their family for free…and we know that it is especially helpful during the winter months!
Please see the flyer for a list of items that would be helpful. Donations must be dropped off at the front office by November 7th. 8th graders may earn Civics Service Hours for their donation, ask your teacher for more information 😊
Thank you for your donations, this event has been very successful in the past, and families are always very appreciative.
Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee Nominations are open
October 22 - November 5
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Stone Middle School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this google link.
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Teachers or librarians with at least three full years of teaching experience
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Teachers or librarians with up to three full years of teaching experience
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: Administrator with at least one year in their current position at their current work location including Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: Non-instructional position that supports school leadership and has completed at least one year in their current position, including School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist.
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: Currently work as a Schedule-A, Schedule-H, or Classroom Instructional Support (CIS) employee who has completed at least one contracted year of employment working with FCPS in their current position at their current work location, or an hourly employee who has been working regularly in one position for more than one year, administrative and office assistants, custodial staff, food service staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, all parent liaisons and hourly employees
The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday, November 5, 2025
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Levy, Assistant Principal, at edlevy@fcps.edu
Update on IEP Progress Reports: Transition to Letter Codes
Why the Change?
Beginning October 31, 2025, the end of the first quarter of the 2025-26 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will begin using letter codes instead of number codes to report progress on your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
This update aligns FCPS with the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) statewide system, ensuring that families across the state see the same format for reporting progress.
Please note: This change does not affect your child’s services, supports, or instruction. It only changes how progress is reported.
What Do the New Letter Codes Mean?
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Old FCPS
Number Code
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New Virginia Letter Code
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New Code Language
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Meaning
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5
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M
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The student has mastered and consistently demonstrated concepts and skills of this goal.
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Mastered- The student has met the IEP goal.
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4
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SP
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The student is making sufficient progress to achieve this goal within the duration of this IEP and usually demonstrates concepts and skills of the goal.
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Sufficient Progress- The student is expected to meet the goal by the end of the IEP year.
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3
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ES
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The student demonstrates emerging skills but may not achieve this goal within the duration of this IEP and sometimes demonstrates concepts and skills of the goal.
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Emerging Skill- The student is beginning to demonstrate the skill but does so inconsistently.
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2
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IP
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The student has demonstrated insufficient progress to meet this goal during the duration of this IEP and seldom demonstrated concepts and skills of the goal.
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Insufficient Progress - The student is not making enough progress to meet the goal without changes to instruction or supports.
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1
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NI
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The student has not been provided instruction on this goal this quarter.
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Not Introduced- The goal has not yet been introduced during this reporting period.
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What Does This Mean for You?
- You will now see letters instead of numbers on your child’s IEP progress
- Until a new annual IEP is written, you will see both number and letter progress
- The meaning behind progress reporting has not
- Your child’s IEP services and supports remain the
If you need more details or have questions, contact your child’s case manager. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth and success!
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Friday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 3, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 4, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar. |
1st Quarter Report Cards
Parents/Caregivers,
All report cards will be mailed each quarter for parents who have not opted in for Paperless Report Cards. They will not be printed and handed out to students. This is an FCPS School Board decision.
All non-paperless report cards will be mailed by Friday, November 14th.
Going paperless is a more environmentally friendly and expedient option for receiving your child’s report cards.
Here's how you can opt-in to Paperless Report Cards for immediate access:
- Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
- All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
- Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
- If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!
If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please email Mrs. Amy Copeland at alcopeland1@fcps.edu or call 703-631-5500.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student.
 Westfield High School Halloween Festival
Westfield High School Halloween Festival is Saturday, November 1st at Westfield High School from 4-8pm! The carnival in the auditorium (for ages 4-10) will feature games, face painting, and princess and pirate meet and greets! Costumes encouraged. Come anytime! The escape room (for ages 10+) in the Blackbox classroom. Sign up for the escape room with the QR code on the flyer or this LINK. Baked goods will also be available for purchase.
 Coffee with the Principal
Mrs. Williams will be hosting her 2nd quarter “Coffee with the Principal” for parents and guardians on Friday, November 7 at 8:30 a.m. Topics to be discussed are: Quarter 1 Grading, Report Cards, Next Steps, and School Wide Updates. Please use the QR code found here or on the flyer to RSVP and submit any questions you may have.
Virtual College 101
Tuesday, November 18 at 7 PM – Hosted by Westfield High School!
Don’t miss College 101 this evening, presented by Dante Evans, Assistant Director of Admissions at UNC-Greensboro. Learn how colleges make admissions decisions and what they look for in applicants. This session is the perfect introduction to college admissions for students and families!
📅 Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 18 at 7 PM 🔗 Join via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94316191410
Want to get involved at Stone MS? Parents and guardians are invited to volunteer and support our school community! Sign up easily using this link: Volunteer FCPS and help make a difference.
Questions? Contact Laura Cudahy at lqcudahy@fcps.edu
 GCC Fall Festival 2025
Location: 4600 Brookfield Corporate Dr., Chantilly, 20151
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 6 PM - 8:30 PM
This is a FREE event with the exception that food can be purchased from the available food trucks on site.
Keeping Kids Safe with Generative AI
You’ve probably heard of generative AI—but what exactly is it, and how does it affect your family? From helping with homework to creating art or answering questions, AI tools are becoming part of everyday life for kids both at school and at home.
Talking about AI can help children use it safely and responsibly. Even if you’re not an expert, starting the conversation makes a big difference. Check out Common Sense Media’s Parent Guide to Generative AI for helpful tips and resources to navigate this new technology safely with your family: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-generative-ai
FCPS Students Rights & Responsibilities has a section on the expectations for responsible AI integration for our students: “Responsible AI Integration: The utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is not inherently a violation of the honor code; however, students are required to consult with their teachers to ascertain permissibility for specific assignments and to provide proper attribution or citation as necessary. Regardless of AI utilization, all source materials, including those obtained from the internet, must be appropriately cited and credited.”
(https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/leadership/district-performance-transparency/policies-regulations-notices/student-rights)
Red Ribbon Open House: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Substance Abuse
The Family Resource Center (FRC) and Office of Student Safety and Wellness will host a Red Ribbon Awareness Open House on Friday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m.
This event aims to equip attendees with essential resources and confidence to discuss substance use with their children. Narcan training will be offered. After the presentation, participants can tour the FRC library and browse through pre-selected resources.
🏗️ How Bond Projects Are Selected
Each year, the School Board and FCPS staff members work with the community to develop an updated, five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for school building and renovation projects. To develop the CIP, the school system assesses changes in expected enrollments, academic programs, and facility conditions to determine priorities for new construction, renovations, and other capital facility projects. The School Board then evaluates the affordability of these school needs against other countywide requirements to determine the bond proposal.
Because of this, while FCPS and the School Board generally try to follow the CIP, changes can be made year-over-year depending on the evolving needs of the school division.
The School Board is committed to protecting the community’s investment in schools and other buildings, which have a combined present value approaching $9 billion. Not only do these facilities wear out over time, but they also become outdated, both technologically and instructionally. FCPS renovates its schools to ensure that students, countywide, have effective and efficient learning environments to thrive and grow.
Read more about the FCPS 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a voting plan and vote on Tuesday, November 4.
SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter Closure
The Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
Fairfax County Youth Survey on Physical and Mental Well-Being
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The survey is given each fall to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. It provides information about a variety of topics related to our students that influence their physical and mental well-being, from sleep, physical activity, and nutritional habits to protective factors, substance use behaviors, and symptoms of depression.
The 2025 Fairfax County Youth Survey will be taken by students between Monday, November 10, and Friday, November 21. Parents and caregivers can opt their student out of participating in the survey if they so choose.
Visit the Fairfax County Youth Survey webpage for more information and to review the opt-out forms.
✨ Providing students with access to the necessary emotional, behavioral, mental, and physical health services to support their successful engagement in school is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
💯 Changes to Middle and High School Report Card Feedback
With the first quarter of the school year ending on Friday, October 31, families can expect student report cards to be available the week of November 10.
FCPS has revised the way teachers provide feedback on report cards, so you may notice some new comments. Specifically, comments have been revised to provide more detailed feedback for students and families.
Also, teachers will now include a Work Habits mark each quarter for each student. This scale provides feedback on students’ time management, organization, assignment completion, and overall effort in class. This is meant as feedback to families and will not appear on a student’s transcript.
View the Middle and High School Grading and Reporting webpage for more information.
 Winter Basketball & Wrestling for children ages 5-18. Register at syasports.org before November 1st.
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- ⏰ School Start Times Update
- 🎖️ 75% of FCPS Schools Recognized for Supporting Military Families
- Return Your Impact Aid Survey
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
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