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Important Dates
Tuesday, November 11: Veteran's Day Holiday - No School
Thursday, November 13: Picture Day -- Fall Retake
November 17-21: School Book Fair Week - Library
November 18: Thanksgiving Luncheon - School Cafeteria
November 19: 3hr Early Release Wednesday - 1pm
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
FCPS 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar
📣 Important Update for Families!
The GBW Family Links site is your one-stop resource for links families commonly need! We've gathered quick access to essential resources on topics like Digital Consent, ParentVUE and so much more, all in one convenient spot.
Please note our web address has recently changed!
You can now find us at our new home:
https://greenbriarwestes.my.canva.site/family-links
We look forward to continuing to support your family!
Application for Free and Reduced Program
Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. If you have children eligible for the federal Free and Reduced-Price Meals program, they may also be eligible to participate in other Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) fee-based programs without paying a fee or by paying a reduced fee. Application for Free and Reduced Program: https://www.fcps.edu/frm
Additional Food Resources for families:
Please reach out to Megan McAndrew (msmcandrew@fcps.edu) or Brooke Varma (bevarma@fcps.edu) if you need additional resources. We are here to help!
Also, the Family Resource Center has posted additional helpful links:
https://padlet.com/FCPSFamilyResourceCenter/community-public-supports-9mvo535ba8lafu5
GBW Progress Reports:
Dear GBW Families,
An important part of our collaborative communication between GBW and our families is our process for teachers sharing students’ current progress using progress reports. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses Standards-Based Reporting for elementary schools. This system focuses on reporting how students are meeting expected curriculum standards for their grade level. It reports separately on both academic progress on specific skills and effort/work habits (often called Life, Work, and Citizenship skills).
Timeline for GBW Progress Reports:
- Monday, November 10: Parents can see student's marks in SIS ParentVue account at 6:00 a.m.
- Thursday, November 13: Report Cards sent home in Thursday folders
If you have any general questions about the FCPS Progress Reports, please reach out to Mr. Blount. For more detailed questions about your child’s performance, please reach out to your classroom teacher.
GBW Testing Updates:
English Language Development:
- November 17- December 19 (for Multilingual Learners)
Measures of Academic Progress for Math (MAP):
- December 9- January 28 (Grades 1-6)
iReady (Reading Assessment):
- December 9- January 28 (Grades 3-6)
Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLS):
- January 8th to February 6th (Grades K-6 students who tested high risk in the fall)
Benchmark Advance Grade Level Assessments in 2nd Quarter
Grade 1:
- No Unit assessments; Weekly Spelling Assessments
Grade 2:
- Unit 2 and 4 Assessment- No Assessment
- Unit 3 Assessment- Dec. 9-12th
- Spelling Assessments- Weekly
Grade 3, 4, and 5:
- Unit 2 Assessment: Nov. 12-18th
- Unit 3 Week 2 Assessment: Dec. 5-12th
- Spelling Assessments- Weekly
Grade 6:
- Unit 2 Assessment: Nov. 12-18th
- Unit 3 Week 2 Assessment: Dec. 5-12th
Websites for Support:
Resources for Families | Virginia Literacy Partnerships
Benchmark Support: Families
Greenbriar West Book Fair
It’s almost time for the Scholastic Book Fair! The Book Fair will be open from November 17th – November 21st in the GBW Library.
Please visit the GBW Book Fair Homepage to:
- Set up an eWallet for your students. Cash, check, and credit cards will also be accepted, but eWallet is the easiest and safest way for kids to shop!
- Contribute to Share the Fair, a giving program that benefits kids at our school who need help buying new books.
- Get a sneak peak and explore the Book Fair virtually
We need volunteers to help the Book Fair run smoothly.
Greenbriar West Elementary School: Book Fair Volunteers 2025
Family Shopping Opportunities:
- Tuesday, November 18th before or after joining your child for the GBW Thanksgiving Luncheon
- Thursday, November 20th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Teachers will be setting up eWallet accounts of their own. If you wish, you can contribute to the classroom eWallet accounts so teachers can buy books of their choice for their classroom libraries. Be on the lookout for links to contribute.
We can’t wait to see your child at the Scholastic Book Fair!
Save the Date: Thanksgiving Lunch
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Join us at GBW for the Thanksgiving Lunch and enjoy time with your student while celebrating a wonderful school event.
Adult/Guest meals are $5.00 each. (Including younger siblings)
Student meals are $3.25 each
All lunch payments for both students and guests will ONLY be through MySchoolBucks so please be sure to add extra funds to your child's Meal Accounts accordingly.
This process expedites check-out through the lunch-line with your student.
If students have free or reduced lunch, their guests may add funds to the MySchoolbucks Meal Account to cover the adult/guest meal.
There are no pre-event ticket sales or day-of-event ticket sales.
Modified lunch schedules has been sent out via e-notify messaging and via paper copy in Thursday folders!
***For safety reasons, we will be requiring all parents / guardians to check into the main office using a valid driver’s license or government issued ID. Please add ample time for parking and visitor check-in procedures to ensure you are on time for the lunch. See our website for guidance on legal parking.
Picture Retake Day
Thursday, November 13th
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Your student is eligible to have a picture taken on retake day if:
· Your student was absent on the first picture day (9/19)
· Your student was new to GBW after 9/19
· Your student do not like his/her picture
· Your student paid for a picture package and wish to have the picture retaken. **
**Original package must be returned and given to the photographer on retake day.
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Benchmark Advance Updates:
Benchmark Advance is our core reading program, designed to build strong literacy skills in all students. It offers a balance of reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities that support learners at every level. Each unit includes assessments to help us track progress—some units use weekly assessments, while other units include an end-of-unit assessment instead. Below you’ll find the assessment dates for Quarter 2.
Benchmark Advance Grade Level Assessments in 2nd Quarter
Grade 1:
- No Unit assessments; Weekly Spelling Assessments
Grade 2:
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Unit 2 and 4 Assessment- No Assessment
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Unit 3 Assessment- Dec. 9-12th
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Spelling Assessments- Weekly
Grade 3, 4, and 5:
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Unit 2 Assessment: Nov. 12-18th
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Unit 3 Week 2 Assessment: Dec. 5-12th
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Spelling Assessments- Weekly
Grade 6:
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Unit 2 Assessment: Nov. 12-18th
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Unit 3 Week 2 Assessment: Dec. 5-12th
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, November 12.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. This year, FCPS expects to receive approximately $4 million in Impact Aid funding. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or submitting the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type “Federal Impact Aid Survey” in the Issue Description section. You may also call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE NOMINATIONS
Do you know an amazing employee at Greenbriar West Elementary School? , Greenbriar West will be accepting nominations to recognize an Outstanding Employee for the 2025-2026 school year.
All Nominations are Due in by Friday, November 7, 2025
Nominations for:
*Outstanding Teacher
Recognizes teachers or librarians with 3+ years of experience who inspire a love of learning, understand and support students’ individual needs, demonstrate deep content knowledge, and build strong relationships within the school community. Must teach or provide direct instruction to students 50% or more of the time.
*Outstanding New Teacher
Honors teachers or librarians in their first 3 years who demonstrate exceptional instructional skills, connect deeply with students, and collaborate effectively with staff and families. Must teach or provide direct instruction to students 50% or more of the time.
*Outstanding Principal
Celebrates principals with 3+ years of experience as building principals who inspire excellence, lead with vision, and cultivate inclusive, collaborative school cultures. Assistant/Associate Principals should be nominated as Outstanding Leaders.
*Outstanding New Principal
Highlights principals in their first 3 years who lead with clarity, communicate effectively, foster safe and engaging environments, and center equity in all aspects of their work.
*Outstanding Leader
Honors leaders such as Assistant/Associate Principals, Directors of Student Services or Activities, and other Schedule C administrators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to equity. Must have served in their current role and location for more than one year.
*Outstanding Professional Employee
Recognizes staff in non-instructional roles (e.g., AARTs, SBTS, Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Instructional Coaches, Department Chairs) who make outstanding contributions through leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Must have served in their current role and location for more than one year.
*Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee
Honors employees such as Administrative Assistants, Office Staff, Custodians, Food Services, Instructional Assistants, and Family Liaisons who keep our schools running smoothly and create welcoming, supportive environments for all. Must have served in their current role and location for more than one year.
Outstanding Employee Nomination Form: Open October 13th
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for detail
Rocky Run Middle School Exchange Program Opportunity for the 2026-27 School Year
Will your child be attending Rocky Run Middle School as a 7th Grader during the 2026-2027 school year? We have a unique opportunity for adventurous students to participate in an “exchange” program with students from the Warriner School in Bloxham, England. There will be an interest meeting for parents and students to learn about the program on November 19th at 6:30 pm in the Rocky Run Library. This program is open to all current 6th Grade students who will be attending Rocky Run as 7th Graders next year. Please see the attached flyer and video for more information. Questions? Contact Laura Robertson at lsrobertson@fcps.edu, 703-802-7700
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