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Principals' Update
Dear Families,
What a joyful and energizing week it has been at our school—one filled with rich learning experiences, teamwork, and creativity in every corner of the building. From our youngest learners to our oldest leaders, students truly shined.
Our kindergarteners brought magic to the week with their 2025 Fashion Show, proudly modeling outfits they designed themselves using the pattern-making skills they’ve been practicing. Their bright colors, bold patterns, and even brighter smiles reminded all of us how powerful creativity and confidence can be.
If you heard some energetic debate coming from down the hall, it was our sixth graders diving into a lively discussion on democracy vs. monarchy. Students backed up their ideas with evidence, defended their reasoning, and showcased impressive teamwork and critical thinking. Their voices, enthusiasm, and ability to engage respectfully in academic debate made this lesson one to remember. Kudos to our sixth-grade students and teachers for creating such a dynamic and inspiring learning environment!
Across classrooms this week, collaboration and critical thinking were alive and well as students worked together on a variety of hands-on learning activities. Whether moving through stations, engaging in shared reading discussions, or problem-solving side by side, students demonstrated strong communication skills and supported one another through each challenge. It was inspiring to see their teamwork and enthusiasm shine throughout the building.
This week also brought us together outside of school at our PTA meeting held at the James Lee Community Center. A heartfelt thank-you to our PTA for hosting this gathering in the community, for continuing to provide winter clothing for families, and to Madeline Taylor Diaz for her meaningful and empowering Know Your Rights presentation. We are so grateful for the dedication and care our PTA brings to our families.
Looking ahead, please note that Wednesday, December 10th is a 3-hour early release day, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. We also hope to see many of you at our Winter Concert on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and musical talents.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for celebrating each moment of growth, creativity, and connection with us. Our community is truly what makes our school special, and we look forward to another great week ahead.
Warmly,
Ben Chiet, Sarah Buchanan & Lindsay Duch
TLES Annual Days of Cheer
As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are excited to share that the Days of Cheer, TLES’s Admin Team’s annual staff spirit week and celebration, is coming up December 15th–19th! This cherished tradition is our way of recognizing and uplifting our 125 incredible staff members—teachers, specialists, cafeteria staff, custodial team, office personnel, and so many others—who support our students with dedication and heart every single day. To make this week of surprises, treats, and gratitude as joyful as possible, we are asking for our community’s help in fulfilling the special items needed for each day. If your family is interested and able to contribute, we would love for you to visit our Amazon Wishlist to help secure the treats and supplies that make this event so meaningful. We are hoping to fill this list by December 10th so we can fulfill the remaining orders ahead of the week of December 15th. Thank you for helping us celebrate the amazing people who make TLES such a caring and inspiring place for all students!
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SCA Candy Grams
The SCA is selling candy grams from Monday Dec 8 to Friday Dec 12. They will be on sale in the gym each morning from 8:30-9am. $1 for each candy necklace, along with a note from the sender. All proceeds will go towards Field Day inflatables.
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☕ Listening to the People We Have the Privilege to Serve: A Principal Coffee Meeting
We are thrilled to launch a new, recurring opportunity for parents to connect directly with Principal Chiet in a relaxed, informal setting.
Purpose: At TLES, we believe strong schools are built on strong partnerships. These "Listening to the People" coffee meetings are designed to ensure your voice is heard, celebrated, and considered as we continue to serve our TLES community.
What to Expect: This is your opportunity to bend the ear of your principal! Please join us to:
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Celebrate Success: Share some of the great things you are seeing happening in your child's classroom, in the hallways, or during school events. We love hearing about the positive impact of our teachers and staff!
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Share Input: Provide thoughtful suggestions and input on various aspects of our school environment, programs, and community engagement.
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Ask Questions: Get answers to questions you may have about school policies, upcoming events, or general operations at TLES.
This is a casual, open-dialogue forum over a cup of coffee. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to make TLES the best possible learning environment for every student.
Dates
- December 12 @ 8:30am
- January 23 @ 8:30am
- February 27 @ 8:30am
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
📚 Language Arts: Government and Citizenship
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts! Students have explored how the government works, why it's important, and how laws change.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s one rule at home or school you wish you could change and why?
- Activity: Play a short game (like musical chairs or Simon Says) but change one rule. Discuss how rules help things run smoothly.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15
Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to [name and email address of the AART or principal] no later than December 15, 2025.
Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing [name and email address of the AART].
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
🎤 Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
🐾 P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff)
When you see a staff member go above and beyond for your child or family, please take a moment to fill out the PAWS form to show your appreciation! We will then hand deliver your anonymous message to the staff member so they know they are appreciated. 😊
Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!
Pre-order your yearbooks through Strawbridge.
Join the PTA
The TLES PTA is 126 members strong this year, so far! We hope you’ll consider renewing your annual membership, or joining for the first time. Joining the PTA comes with no obligation to volunteer or attend meetings. But annual dues help fund things like TLES field trips, family engagement events, and support our fantastic TLES teachers and staff. Registering is simple, visit www.timberlanepta.com and click JOIN.
Upcoming Events
SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar
December
Dec 10: 3-Hour Early Release @ 12:35pm
Dec 11: Winter Chorus Concert @ 2:00pm, 7:00pm in the Gym
Dec 22 - Jan 2: Winter Break (No School)
January
Jan 19: Holiday - MLK Jr. Day (No School)
Jan 28: Early Release @ 1:35pm (End of Q2)
Jan 29-30: Teacher Workdays (No School)
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