Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, 11/17-Friday, 11/21
Food Drive: Donation boxes in the lobby
Tuesday, 11/18 - Friday, 11/21
Book Fair! Details below
Wednesday, 11/19
Family Math Night for Students with Last Names A-L: Order Pizza below!
Thursday, 11/20
Family Math Night for Students with Last Names M-Z: Order Pizza below!
Tuesday, 11/25
Pajama Day!
Wednesday, 11/26 - Friday, 11/28
Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, 12/9
Family Life Education Parent Preview Night (Details below)
Wednesday, 12/10
3-Hour Early Release
Thursday, 12/18
Virtual PTA Meeting 7 pm
 On Monday, Nov. 10, Sangster welcomed military veterans from all branches to celebrate Veterans Day. Fourth through sixth graders were outside to listen to speakers, music and the meaning of Veterans Day, while it was live-streamed inside to the rest of the school. Proud family members colored flags and submitted photos to celebrate their military connection.
 Military speakers visited every classroom to share about their experiences.
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Students had a chance to ask questions and hear about all sorts of military life adventures! |
It was a day for military families and veterans.
 (Above) Sangster has many proud military families representing! Here are just a few.
 Check out Sangster's Instagram page for more coverage of this wonderful celebration!
Fall Book Fair Nov. 18-21
 Sangster's Fall Book Fair will run Tuesday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 a.m.
The Book Fair will also be open on Math Nights on Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6-7:30 pm.
Again this year we will be using E-Wallet for your Book Fair payments.
Cash and checks will not be accepted.
You can preload your student’s E-Wallet account with a limit, and your credit card will only be charged the amount they use, up to that limit. Click the following link for more details and to set up your E-Wallet: E-Wallet Link/Registration
eWallet Update: Check the Directions Below
If you had previously set up an eWallet, several of you may have gotten an unexpected notice that you do not have a credit card linked or have the limit set at zero.
Unfortunately, accounts may have been included in a mass reset (i.e. your cc information was cleared and the limit was set at zero to help protect student accounts). If you have an email that says there is no credit card attached, or your limit is at zero and you are planning to let your student shop, double check the directions to make sure to attach a credit card and set a spending limit. Click the graphic to go to the directions.
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Family Math Nights
 Sangster's 6th Annual Family Math Nights are here!
Wednesday, November 19 (A-L families), 6-7:30 pm
Thursday, November 20 (M-Z families), 6-7:30 pm
This fun and engaging event is for the whole family:
- Math Games
- Hands-on Activities
- Estimation Station
- Problem-solving Tasks
Whole pizzas are available for PRE-ORDER.
You can preorder a whole pizza for your family that can be picked up/eaten in the cafeteria starting at 5:15 pm.
To order a whole pizza for Wednesday, click here
To order a whole pizza for Thursday, click here
Food Drive November 17-21
 Sangster is hosting a Food Drive to benefit the Salvation Army. Donation boxes will be in Sangster's Lobby all next week (Nov. 17-21). Any shelf-stable donations are appreciated!
Pajama Day November 25!
 Wear your (school-appropriate) PJs to school on Tuesday, Nov. 25, to kick off the Thanksgiving weekend holiday!
🖥️New Parent Controls in the Lightspeed Parent Portal
FCPS has enabled new parent controls within the Lightspeed Parent Portal to support families in managing screentime on FCPS devices at home. Parents can now manage their child's access to YouTube and pause web browsing on district-issued devices, during designated "After School Hours" while students are off the FCPS network.
These parental controls are only active Monday-Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 AM, and all day on weekends and student holidays when students are off the FCPS network. Parental controls do not interfere with district filtering policies during the instructional day. Parents can register for the Parent Portal using the link provided in their weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
For more information on Parent Portal, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Portal page on the FCPS website.
 Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview Night
FLE Parent Preview Night will take place in person, at Sangster, on Tuesday, December 9, from 6-6:30 pm for grades K – 3; and 6:30 – 7:30 pm for grades 4 – 6 (room locations TBD).
During this evening, teachers will share grade-level specific lessons and answer any questions related to the FLE curriculum.
All students in grades K-6 participate in teacher-led social emotional lessons throughout the school year, unless opted-out by a parent.
Additionally, students in grades 4-6 will participate in Human Growth and Development lessons the week before Winter Break, unless opted-out by a parent.
Opt-out forms were available via Parent Digital Consent (PDC) at the beginning of the year. Parents still looking to opt their child out of one or more FLE lessons, should complete, print, and return the paper forms, available on the FCPS Web site, ASAP.
3rd-6th Graders: Spelling Bee Registration Open
Registration for the 2026 Sangster PTA Spelling Bee is now open! The Sangster PTA Spelling Bee is open to 3rd through 6th grade students and will be held in the Sangster Cafeteria on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (6:00–9:00 p.m.).
All interested students must register in advance for the Bee. Final day of registration is Sunday, December 21, 2025. No registrations will be accepted after Sunday, December 21, 2025.
The winner of the Sangster Spelling Bee will go on to compete with the other local school spelling bee champions at the Fairfax County Spelling Bee on March 22, 2026, at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
To register for the spelling bee, please submit your registration form here:
https://forms.gle/UcXJFtALmHyJAqsV8
******Download the Spelling Bee words here please******
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qB9C0RrncChGA6YWXyiSSxuBGrxm0gCv?usp=drive_link
Questions? Please contact our Sangster Spelling Bee Coordinator, Danielle Aromando, at danielle.aromando@gmail.com.
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Winter Dance Clinic
The West Springfield High School Dance Team will host a Winter Wonderland Dance Clinic Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-9 pm. Cost is $55 and includes a craft and snack. Register at www.wshssportscamps.com/dance-team-winter-clinic.cfm
6th Grade Updates from the School Counselor
 Monday, November 17: Fairfax County Youth Survey Administration.
The Fairfax County Youth Survey for 6th Graders has been scheduled for Monday, November 17th at Sangster. This anonymous, comprehensive survey is modified for 6th grade and is taken electronically. Students are given a total of 82 questions related to behaviors, experiences and other factors that influence the health and well-being of the county’s youth. Results are used for School Innovation and Improvement Plan Goals, the allocation of community services and resources, and for monitoring of division wellness needs. This is a voluntary survey. Additional information, including opt out forms and survey questions, can be found here.
November 17- 25: Sexual Harassment Prevention Lesson - Students will participate in learning activities to support understanding of sexual harassment and gender-based harassment. Please reach out to Paula Augenstein, School Counselor, with any questions. phaugenstein@fcps.edu
Transition to Middle School - We are starting the exciting time of preparing for the transition to middle school. This information will be sent in your child’s classroom newsletter each week as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Paula Augentein, School Counselor, with any questions! phaugenstein@fcps.edu
Lake Braddock
Week of December 8: Lake Braddock Rising 7th Grade Video Presentation- Students will watch a video created by Lake Braddock counselors about course selections. There will be a google form students can use to ask any questions they may have before academic advising begins January 5th. Students will receive a paper course selection sheet at the time of the video presentation.
December 15 - Lake Braddock Curriculum Night for Rising 7th and 8th Grade – 6:00-6:30pm AAP Sessions, 6:30 – 8:00 – Curriculum Night Program
Families are invited to visit Lake Braddock Secondary School to learn more about course offerings. At 6:00, there will be an optional rising 7th grade Advanced Academic Center Meeting.
December 18 – Signed course selection sheets due to Mrs. Augenstein
Irving
January 13 or 14, TBD – Student morning field trip to Irving Middle School to tour the school and observe elective course options. This is a student only event for students planning on attending Irving next year.
January 15, 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Irving Curriculum Night for families
 FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC)
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. The FRC provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. FRC offers a padlet (digital bulletin board), a lending library, webinars, and other resources for military-connected families.
Contact the FRC for more information:
FCPS Family Resource Center
2334 Gallows Road, Room 105 (Door 1)
Dunn Loring, VA 22027
703-204-3941
Inspire Immunization & Flu Shot Clinics for All 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:
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.
Fairfax County Park Authority
County Libraries and Parks
Fairfax County residents can take advantage of many of the free offerings the county provides to residents and students. Our incredible public libraries have a wide-selection of books and other activities that families can check out. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass through Fairfax County Public Libraries, which allows them to check-out up to 3 items for 6 weeks. And Fairfax County’s many parks and recreation areas are open and free to residents as well.
ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others)
- ECHO provides clothing, food, grade-appropriate school supplies packaged in backpacks, household items, computers and financial assistance to families that live in Burke and the greater Springfield area, including all addresses in the following zip codes: 22151, 22152, 22153 and 22015, and some addresses in 22150 and 22312.
Young Scholars is designed to identify and nurture students with high academic potential who may face additional barriers to access and success in Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) and courses. This may include students who are the first in their family to attend college in the U.S., English language learners, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students who are twice exceptional.
Information for Military Families
November is Military Family Month
Celebrate Military Family Month -it’s our opportunity every year to honor the sacrifices and resilience of our military Families. See long list of unique opportunities to celebrate and support your military family.
Educational Supports for Military-Connected Students
Varsity Tutors provides tutoring and homework help at no cost to active-duty service members and their eligible dependents.
For in-person tutoring, please contact the Family Resource Center for a current list of FCPS employees available for tutoring services. Please visit In-Person Tutors and Tutoring for more information.
The Army Educational Outreach Program provides both students and teachers a collaborative, cohesive portfolio of Army-sponsored STEM programs that effectively engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of STEM talent through K through college programs and expose them to DoD STEM careers.
Employment Opportunities at Fort Belvoir MWR
Join the team that takes care of our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families. At Fort Belvoir Family and MWR, we have multiple positions available. Don't miss this opportunity to take care of those who protect our great nation. FB MWR Job Opportunities
New to Fort Belvoir and Community?
Newcomer Orientation meets once a month!
Military Holiday Food Distribution
Skip the holiday food shopping this year, Family and MWR has your meal covered!
Nov 22 2025, 11 am - 1 pm
Army Community Service is offering a one-stop shop for all of your holiday meal needs with pre-packaged meal kits and frozen turkey to feed your family! No registration is required, simply present your valid Military ID Card and get to cooking those seasonal favorites your family will gobble right up. Happy Thanksgiving from the Family and MWR team!
Meal Kits Include:
- Frozen turkey
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Canned goods and more
Eligibility: Active Duty Military, Title 10 Reservists, Retirees and Family Members.
Cost
Free!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Armed Forces Hostess Association (AFHA), located in the Pentagon, is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to serving the personal information needs of members of all branches of the armed forces, their families and government civilian personnel. Our volunteers (past and present) are spouses of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard service members who take pride in maintaining the most complete source of non-classified information on base facilities and amenities available to our unique military family community.
THE AFHA CREED: "If we don't know the answer, we will make every effort to find it."
Operation Homefront
This program allows members to serve throughout the year at our Family Events such as including Back-to-School Brigade®, Holiday Meals for Military®, and Star-Spangled Babies®. Because of the kind of family support our events provide, our strongest need for volunteers occurs during the months of June – August and October – December. Your decision to join our Volunteer Reserves would grant us the opportunity to serve even more families at our events and spread the mission of Operation Homefront to those who need it most.
Early Release Wednesdays
December 10
February 18
March 18
April 22
May 13
Attendance
Report absences online through ParentVue, by email, or by calling 703-644-8282. Visit our attendance page for more information!
School Hours, Late Arrival Policy, Early Pick Up
School hours are 9:10 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
Students who arrive after 9:10 a.m. must be walked into the main office and signed in by an adult.
If you need to pick your student up early, come to the office with your ID, and we will call your student down. Early pick up cut-off time is 3:30 pm.
Quick Links
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