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Multilingual Learner teacher, Ms. Geigel, supports students in strengthening their math skills as they explore prime factorization.
Calendar Reminders
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Tuesday, December 16, 6:30 - Winter Chorus Concert
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Wednesday, December 17, 1:00 - Early Release Wednesday
National Special Education Day - December 2
 National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
We take this moment to send a special thank you to our incredible GBE special education teachers and staff. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless effort in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for every student make a difference.
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
💡Spotlight on Specials: Art with Ms. Miller & Ms. Lucynski
 Our artists have been busy building new skills this month! Grades K-4 are exploring clay, paper collage, and portrait-making, while older grades are creating Alma Thomas–inspired landscape paintings to practice color mixing and value.
Our Enhanced Autism classes are continuing to grow their fine and gross motor skills through hands-on art activities and structured classroom routines.
We also wrapped up our Fourth Annual Glow Week, and the creativity was absolutely GLOWing! We’re so proud of the hard work and artistic growth happening in Ms. Miller’s and Ms. Lucynski’s art rooms this year!
Outstanding Employee Awards
The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional school-based and nonschool-based employees from throughout the district. We are honored to annouce this year's nominees at GBE:
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Outstanding Teacher: Hae Sun Lee, Kindergarten Teacher
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Outstanding New Teacher: Melissa Lottchea, First Grade Teacher
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Outstanding Leader: Megan Tamakloe, Assistant Principal
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Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee: Araceli Nunez,
Student Information Assistant/ Registrar
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Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee: Kathryn Probst,
Reading Specialist
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Food Drive
 Western Fairfax Christian Ministries picked up 900 pounds of food donations from our community! The Orange Stone House donated the most items!
Thank you families for your generosity!
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 Stephanie Gardner at sngardner1@fcps.edu 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 Stephanie Gardner at sngardner1@fcps.edu.
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 website.
We are excited to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week next week at GBE. The 2025 theme, “Children First,” is rooted in the powerful Maasai greeting, Casserian Engeri, which translates to “And how are the children?” This traditional salutation reflects the Maasai’s deep commitment to ensuring that their children are well, recognizing that the well-being of children reflects the health and future of the entire society.
Putting Children First means prioritizing every student’s right to learn in an environment that supports their diverse needs, embraces their unique abilities, and fosters a sense of belonging. It means recognizing that when schools are designed to support students with disabilities, they become better places for all learners.
PTA News & Notes
PTA Meeting - Thursday, December 11
 The next PTA meeting is on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the GBE Library. Everyone is welcome! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community, the PTA, and our school leaders. We will celebrate the mid-way point and look ahead at PTA events and initiatives for the new year. We'd love to see you there!
Chipotle Night - December 16
 Bring the family out on December 16 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fair Lakes Chipotle.
The best part? 20% of the proceeds come right back to support a cafeteria refresh at GBE!
Just make sure to use the code ERDZBMF when you order.
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