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In Ms. Mocco's 5th-grade math class, a student actively shares his mathematical thinking and visual strategies for comparing decimals.
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
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Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2 - NO SCHOOL
Winter Break (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 22, to Friday, January 2. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.
Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. See the complete school year calendar.
💡Spotlight on Specials: Music with Mr. Covington & Ms. Bertha
The musicians at GBE have been busy during the second quarter! Students in the lower grades have been learning how to play percussion instruments in class, exploring different seasonal and cultural styles of music, practicing matching pitch using their singing voices, and working on their music literacy skills.
Upper grades have been focusing on improving their skills in music literacy and playing instruments (recorder, ukulele, xylophone, etc). They are working to become better communicators by listening to music and accurately describing what they hear using musical terminology. Finally, our 5th and 6th grade chorus students have been diligently preparing for their winter concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
SCA Spirit Week: Welcoming Winter Break! ☃️
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Monday: Winter Wear Day! Bundle up in your favorite hats, scarves, gloves, and cozy winter clothes.
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Tuesday: Plaid, Flannel or Cozy Day! Get comfy in your favorite plaid, flannel, or just super cozy shirt.
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Wednesday: Candy Cane Day! Wear RED and WHITE to look like a festive candy cane!
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Thursday: Tacky or Holiday Sweater Day! Dig out your most wonderfully tacky or festive holiday sweater! The brighter, the better!
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Friday: Pajama Day! Come to school in your pajamas for a comfy finish to the week!
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.
News from the GBE Clinic
Please check your children for signs of illness before coming to school & ensure they have appropriate clothing for the winter weather.
The health room does not have extra clothing for students who have soiled their clothes or are not dressed appropriately to go outside. Please have an extra set of clothing in your student's backpack.
Return to School Guidelines after Illness: Students may return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of anti-fever medicine. (Note: a fever is 100.4 or higher)
Medications: All medications must be delivered to the health room by a parent or guardian. Please do not send medicine in with your student!
Students are allowed to carry and use (without any required paperwork)
- cough drops
- cosmetic products
- saline eye drops
- saline nose drops
- lip balm
- hand lotion
- insect repellant
- sunscreen
For any questions please reach out our Public Health Nurse, Erica Meacham, emeacham@fcps.edu, or our School Health Aide, Bujare Gashi-Brito, bgashibrito@fcps.edu, or call the GBE health room during school hours at 703-633-6410
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success of the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
PTA News & Notes
Final PTA Meeting of 2025 - Thursday, December 11
 The next PTA meeting is on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the GBE Library.
All are 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 get an update on the health of the PTA. We will also look ahead to big things in 2026 and vote on a few budget amendments. We'd love to see you there!
Chipotle Night - Tuesday, December 16
Easiest dinner plan on December 16! Bring the family out to grab dinner at the Fair Lakes Chipotle between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.
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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