Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, 12/5
Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Zoom
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99422113822?pwd=evltKCBc64JqddKquodrYaFrfbeECq.1
Tuesday, 12/9
Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview Night
6-6:30 pm for grades K – 3; and 6:30 – 7:30 pm for grades 4 – 6
Wednesday, 12/10
3-Hour Early Release (12:55 pm)
Monday, 12/15
AAP Referrals Due (Details below)
Thursday, 12/18
Virtual PTA Meeting 7 pm
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Outstanding Employee Nominees (in no particular order):
Ellie Mun, 2nd grade; Stephanie Oden, Librarian; Bethany Layton, 3rd grade; Joie Verheul, Music; Stacey Bershadsky, 3rd grade; Sara Phillips, 2nd grade; Lori Alterman, 5th grade; Ann Pritz, 4th grade; Cassie Casne, 6th grade; Kari Olson, 3rd grade; Ashley Wells, 5th grade; Patti Belcher, Kindergarten; Adeela Lashari, 1st grade; Tobe Pesature, Kindergarten; Laura Bryan, Kindergarten; Lynne Paraiso, 6th grade; Linda Biberaj, AART; Kim Schweizer, Kinder IA; Coretta Britt, Office; Jiji Joo, Dining Assistant; Ana Chavez, Kinder IA; Jennifer Sidewand, Office.
The school winners in each category will be announced soon! These winners will then move on to be considered at the Pyramid level next.
A huge thank you to Meghan Buckles, ESOL, for organizing and executing this wonderful event.
Attention Parents of Students in Grades 2-6:
Attend the Friday, Dec. 5, AART Zoom Office Hours for Full-Time AAP Referrals
This is a drop-in session where you can ask the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Linda Biberaj, any questions about the Full-Time AAP referral process. Feel free to pop on anytime during the window to get the support you need!
Date & Time: Friday, December 5th 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99422113822?pwd=evltKCBc64JqddKquodrYaFrfbeECq.1
Some advanced learners require a full-time advanced academic program (AAP) that offers differentiated instruction across all four core content areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster-grouped with peers who have similar academic needs and receive a curriculum that is specifically designed for acceleration, depth, and complexity in these subjects. Full-time AAP services continue through Grade 8, and students do not need to be reevaluated each year.
Can’t Make It to the Office Hours?
Connect with Ms. Biberaj anytime at LBiberaj@fcps.edu.
Link to Full-Time AAP Referral form: https://www.fcps.edu/system/files/forms/2023-08/aap-fulltimeservicesreferralform-english.pdf
Deadline Alert: Full-Time AAP Referrals Due December 15 by 11:59pm. Email completed referral forms to both LBiberaj@fcps.edu and JARedford@fcps.edu.
Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Preview Night Tuesday, Dec. 9
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.
Sangster Spirit Week Dec. 15-19
 Get excited for the winter holiday break with this fun Sangster Spirit Week!
Monday, Dec. 15: Wear Sangster Spirit Wear or something blue or yellow!
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Wacky Hair Day!
Wednesday, Dec. 17: Holiday hat or headwear!
Thursday, Dec. 18: Winter Character Day!
Friday, Dec. 19: Cozy Winter PJs!
West Springfield Breakfast With Santa
 The West Springfield High School Choral Department presents Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. - noon. Enjoy holiday sing-a-longs, Santa photos, make ornaments and feast on bagels, muffins, fruit and coffee.
Advance tickets required. Buy your tickets:
https://www.spartanchoir.com/shop/p/breakfast-with-santa-tickets-6afjb
Lake Braddock Band Children's Holiday Concert & Open House
 On Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 11 a.m., the Lake Braddock Band Program invites you to a (free) special Holiday Concert and Open House designed for children and young band students! Join the Bruin Symphonic Band as they play some festive holiday tunes, see the Marching Bruins Halftime Show, and listen to various small instrumental ensembles. Children can explore the “Bandieland” trail through the Music Department wing, collect treats and stickers at the various stops, and learn more about instrumental music program along the way. Treats will end your tour!
The concert will take place in the Lake Braddock Little Theater (door 14).
Click here for a video preview of Lake Braddock Band!
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Attention 6th Graders: 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, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Paula Augentein, School Counselor, with any questions! phaugenstein@fcps.edu. Both Lake Braddock and Irving will send communication to families, too. For a chart of upcoming middle school transition dates click here. Please let Mrs. Augenstein know if your child is planning on going to a middle school outside of the West Springfield and Lake Braddock Pyramid next year so she may assist you.
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Week of December 8th - 12th
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. LBSS students will receive a paper course selection sheet which should be completed and signed by parents.
December 15
Lake Braddock Curriculum Night for Rising 7th and 8th Grade Students - Families are invited to visit Lake Braddock Secondary School to learn more about course offerings.
6- 6:30 pm: AAP Information Session
6:30-8 pm: Curriculum Night Program for all
December 19th
Signed Lake Braddock course selection sheets are due to Mrs. Augenstein so we may support all students with academic advising. We will walk students through how to enter their course selections into SIS/StudentVue.
January 5th - 29th - Mrs. Augenstein provides academic advising, as needed, and supports student course registration in SIS/StudentVue.Lake Braddock Counselors will be on hand January 7th and 9th to assist.
January 29th - Deadline for entering course selections into SIS/Student Vue for LBSS. After this date - any course changes must be made through Student Services at LBSS.
Washington Irving Middle School
December - Students receive lessons on the middle school course selection process.
January 12, 6–8 pm
Irving Curriculum Night for families
January 14th - 9:45 am - 12:00 pm - 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.
 Lake Braddock Middle School Curriculum Fair Monday, Dec. 15, 6-8 pm!
3rd-6th Graders: Spelling Bee Registration Closes Dec. 21
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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Family Events
Santa Trains (VRE) – Santa Trains are offered by the Virginia Railways Express for local routes on December 13th. Tickets on sale now.
For December, families in Fairfax can enjoy several holiday light displays and festive events like the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Mosaic Holiday Village. Other options include Mount Vernon by Candlelight, Winter Wonderland at The Boro, and various craft workshops or holiday-themed events around the county.
Holiday light displays and festivals
Family Resources
The Beyond the Bell pilot program now has a page highlighting program design and evaluation information. Families seeking program details such as registration information, inclement weather policy and snack menus can visit the main Beyond the Bell Pilot page.
FCPS Early Literacy and HIPPY -Highlight this month are two new Early Literacy sites in the Mt. Vernon area at Fort Belvoir Primary School and Sequoyah Community Center (both Wed./Fri. 10am-12pm). Families can learn more about these and other opportunities through the brand new FCPS Family Academy .
Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and their families - Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. To make a referral, please visit the link below. To find out about walk-in services, please call or email below. Link: Referrals Please see the attached flyer or contact Youth Care Navigation at (youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org or 703-468-0040) for further assistance
Resources Available for Immigrants In Fairfax County The One Fairfax office has compiled a flyer available in English, Spanish, and Korean to share information on local resources for legal assistance, education support, local policies and more. Click here for more information.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area's (LSSNCA) legal team has expanded its immigration legal services to now serve individuals who are not current or former LSSNCA program participants. To become an LSSNCA immigration legal client, visit here.
Beginning English Classes offered by English Empowering Center teach the foundation skills adult English language learners (ELLs) need to learn to speak, understand, read, and write English. Offered at several locations through the region, classes are held at least two nights a week for two hour class sessions and are closed enrollment. The curriculum focuses on American culture and life skills important to the workplace, community, and family, which includes an introduction to technology through blended learning.
Military Families
Military Child Care: A National Model: The military child care system is a national model for quality and affordability, designed to provide a range of options to address the unique child care needs of DOD and military-connected families, wherever the mission takes them.
Our Military Kids is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children, ages 1-18, of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. Learn more about you how to apply for a grant or how to support Our Military Kids visit Our Military Kids.
National Guard/Reserve Families: If you are a member of the National Guard/Reserve or a family member, you may find the following resources helpful.
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National Guard Relief Foundation (NGRF) – Provides emergency financial relief and essential resources to Guard members and their families across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
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Military OneSource – Offers 24/7 confidential assistance, including financial counseling, non-medical counseling, family support, and more.
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The National Guard Family Program – Each state and territory has a state family program director, staff, and volunteers to carry out the program’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for National Guard members, their families, and their communities. Locate your state and Family Assistance Center here.
United Through Reading (UTR) is a non-profit program that helps military families stay connected by allowing a service member or veteran to read a book to their child via video. The service member records themselves reading, and the video is sent home so the child can watch and follow along with the book. The program aims to maintain emotional bonds, reduce separation-related stress for both children and parents, and promote literacy.
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How it works: Service members record a storytime video, which is then sent to their family back home. Children can watch the video and follow along with the physical book.
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Benefits:
- Helps children feel a greater sense of closeness to their deployed parent.
- Reduces stress and anxiety for both the child and the service member.
- Maintains family bonds and provides a sense of normalcy.
- Encourages a love of reading and strengthens literacy skills in children.
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Availability: The program is available to all branches of the military, including active duty, veterans, and their families. A free app is available for service members and veterans to record and send stories.
ZERO to THREE: The Military Family Projects Team at ZERO TO THREE works to develop resources and tools that support the health and development of infants, toddlers and their families. Their work ranges from supporting young children in military-connected families through the creation of parent tools to developing professional development content for those who engage in military family support around the world.
Early Release Wednesdays (12:55 pm dismissal)
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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