 NO SCHOOL Monday, November 3rd and Tuesday, November 4th, 2025
Stone Families,
Welcome to the 2nd Quarter! This is a fresh start for students as they enter another grading cycle. Transitioning to middle school from elementary comes with it's challenges. We can talk about these transitions at the next Principal's Coffee on Friday, November 7th at 8:30am.
Reminder...no school on Monday, Nov. 3rd and Tuesday, Nov. 4th as teachers and staff prepare for the start of 2nd quarter.
SIS ParentVUE End-of-Quarter ClosureThe Gradebook in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed for the end of the first quarter from Friday, October 31, at 4 p.m. to Monday, November 10, at 6 a.m. Activate your ParentVUE account to easily access grade reports.
🗳️ Election Day is Next Week. Make a Voting Plan!
The 2025 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4. Remember to vote. Learn how bonds help build strong communities.
Parents, want to know what your child is accessing on their FCPS computer?
We are pleased to remind you about the availability of the weekly Lightspeed Parent Reports, a valuable tool designed to keep you informed about your student's online activity while using their school-issued device.
These reports are automatically delivered to your inbox each week and provide a clear overview, including:
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Top Websites Visited: See where your student is spending their time online.
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Search Terms Used: Understand what topics your child is researching or looking up.
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Blocked Activity: Be aware of any attempts to access filtered or restricted sites.
This transparency is key to promoting digital citizenship and encouraging important conversations about safe and responsible technology use at home.
To learn how to access, navigate, and interpret these weekly reports and the full Lightspeed Parent Portal, please review the comprehensive guide:
FCPS Parent Guide for Lightspeed Parent Portal
We encourage you to utilize this resource as a partner in supporting your child's success in a digital learning environment. More resources can be found in your All Parent Schoology course updates.
Let's have a great week Panthers,
Sonya Williams
Principal
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.
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
Student Impact: Important Information About Virginia SOL Changes and Accountability
It is important that families are aware of the startling impact that new SOL cut scores (what number indicates proficiency in a subject) will have on our students. When looking at FCPS pass rates, 26% of our students who passed their math SOL in the spring of 2025 would no longer be considered passing if they took the same test with these new cut scores. For reading, it’s 28% fewer students.
During the October 23 School Board meeting, Dr. Reid shared some of the impacts that the Virginia Board of Education’s proposed changes will have on our students.
For our students in younger grades, these changes signal that their achievement now falls short, which can harm their beliefs about themselves as learners and future school success.
These changes aren’t about raising expectations for our children, they simply move the finish line for students. Raising expectations means we change the learning experience for our students, something FCPS is deeply committed to as is evidenced by our focus on increasing access to high school mathematics courses in elementary and middle school and ensuring all students have access to rigorous high school courses that prepare them for the future.
The Virginia Board of Education will be taking action on the plan to implement the changes to cut scores on November 13. Community members are able to provide feedback on these changes through November 6.
The state will also host a listening session for families on November 5 from 5:30-6:30pm where you can share your thoughts. You can join the the listening session with this information:
Link to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 230 998 444 924 3
Passcode: ui9mv9Nz
There are also several legislative changes that will take effect in the 2026-27 school year including additional requirements for SOL testing and requiring SOL testing results to count as a portion of the students final grade in middle and high school.
In addition to these cut score changes, the state is also changing how they measure schools. This means that many Virginia families will now see their schools marked as failing. Superintendent Reid explains more in this short video and greater detail can be found on the FCPS website.
We will continue to keep our community informed about these state changes that will have an impact on our students and our schools.
STONE PTSA News
STONE PLANNERS FOR SALE:
Stay organized all year long with a planner made just for Stone students. Each planner includes Fairfax County holidays, Odd/Even day schedules, and plenty of space to track assignments, goals, and activities. Don’t miss out—grab yours today! Planners can be purchased for ONLY $10 via Givebacks (https://ormondstoneptsa.givebacks.com) or in the Main Office (Checks/Cash Accepted). Please make checks payable to Stone Middle School PTSA."
FUNLAND FUNDRAISER NIGHT:
Save the Date! : Thursday, November 13th, 4:00 to 9:00 PM
Enjoy over 100 amazing arcade games, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Ropes Course, and Rock Climbing. Guaranteed fun for all! Each participant receives a 3 HOUR UNLIMITED ATTRACTIONS PASS LONG WITH A $10 ARCADE CARD
FOR ONLY $20 PER PERSON! Purchase at the door! Must say you are with Stone Middle School. The Tailgaters Restaurant will be open!
Sponsored by the PTA!
Visit Funland.com/Fairfax-Home
5111 Westfields Blvd. • Centreville, VA 20120
Lexia/FCPS Family Info Night
Lexia PowerUp usage continues to be an important part of literacy skill development in FCPS. Students who have not completed the program should continue use. Teachers are also asked to use Lexia data to inform small group instruction via Lexia Lessons and Skill Builders.
Parents, you are invited to join Lexia® Learning for a family information night to learn how FCPS is using Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp in classrooms across the district in the 25-26SY to support students' Literacy growth.
Topics to be covered during this session include:
- What is Lexia Core5 and PowerUp and how do the programs support your students individual learning needs?
- How does Lexia support teacher planning and instruction?
- How is Lexia data being used for progress monitoring and goal setting by educators
- Tips for supporting your student at home.
Sessions will take place on Thursday, November 6 2025, Tuesday, February 3 2026 and Wednesday, May 6 2026 @ 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Families can register for an FCPS/Lexia Parent Information Night via this link: bit.ly/familyinfo2526.
Family Academy Offers Opportunities to Support Parents and Guardians
The FCPS Family Academy offers resources and in-person and virtual classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. The following webinars and workshops will take place in November:
- ABA Family Training: Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes (in Spanish)
- Supporting Your Military-Connected Student in Secondary School
- Moving on to Life in the Community
Other Family Resource Center webinars will cover topics such as communication with twice exceptional children, family engagement in the special education process, restorative justice practices in schools and at home, and improving routines.
Visit the Family Academy Catalog to learn more about these and other resources.
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
Questions? Contact Laura Cudahy at lqcudahy@fcps.edu
Impact of Federal Shutdown on Local Community
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and thousands of federal contractors. Its Federal Workforce Resource Hub is intended to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes, or disruptions to federal services or employment.
Community Resources for Families in Need
Through partnerships with community-based organizations and other Fairfax County agencies, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) provides information, referrals, and advocacy to help individuals connect with services, including: basic needs (food, shelter, clothing), financial assistance, health care services, and referrals to services and resources.
Visit the CSP website or call 703-222-0880 for assistance.
How to Access or Donate Food to Those in Need
View the Emergency Food Access Providers webpage to see where to access food or donate to your local food bank.
Is your family in need of food, clothing or school supplies?
Stone Middle School is committed to ensuring that all our students have the resources and support they need throughout the school year to reach their full potential in school and within the community. The questionnaire below is entirely optional and confidential. You only need to complete and return the questionnaire if you are interested in receiving assistance to address the needs below.
https://stonems.fcps.edu/resources/needs-based-questionnaire
📱 Download the New FCPS Mobile App!
The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.”
With the app you can:
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Stay up-to-date: Get the latest news from our school and FCPS.
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View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
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Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
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Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
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Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.
Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed.
Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents TeAndra Nelson and Roy Dykes.
Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students
Students with sensory disabilities require special services and support to access instruction that is typically presented auditorily (by means of hearing) and visually. FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school site or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.
The Virginia Department of Education also provides information about Additional Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.
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:
- The FCPS Mobile App
- Understanding the Annual Youth Survey
- Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Stone Quick Links
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