 Dear Jackson Middle School Families,
As we head into winter break, I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for my first three weeks as principal of Luther Jackson Middle School. I have felt incredibly welcomed by this community, and I am continually inspired by the students, staff, and families who make Jackson such a special place.
I’ve already seen firsthand the power of our strong community support. Our PTA’s generosity and partnership—most recently with the installation of our new marquee sign—has made a meaningful impact. Thoughtful gestures like the “faculty fairies” leaving treats for staff and our Gratitude Gathering have gone a long way in boosting morale and helping our staff feel appreciated and seen.
Our students have also truly shined. I’ve been blown away by the talent on display through our fine and performing arts programs. Band, chorus, and orchestra performances have been outstanding— the chorale performance of Carol of the Bells quite literally gave me chills.
Celebrating joy during the school day has also been a priority, and our first annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest was a huge success! Advisory classes worked together to decorate their classroom doors, and the creativity and collaboration on display were impressive. It was wonderful to see students take pride in their spaces and in one another.
As we look ahead to 2026, we will continue strengthening our Positive Behavior system at Jackson to ensure every student feels valued, connected, and supported so they can thrive academically and socially.
I look forward to meeting many of you at our first Parent Coffee on January 27, 2026, as well as our evening event, Café con Padres, later that same day. More information about these meet-and-greet opportunities will be shared in the new year.
Finally, a reminder that Fairfax County Public Schools does not assign homework over extended breaks. This time is meant for students and families to rest, relax, and recharge—and for all of us to return refreshed and ready for the months ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I am excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.
Warmly,
Megan Sherrill
Principal, Jackson Middle School
Dec. 22-Jan. 2- Winter Break
Jan. 5- School Resumes
Jan. 12- ALL after-school activities resume
Jan. 19-Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday)
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Families, remember that when coming to the school to pick up your student, an official photo ID must be presented to the Main Office staff. Please understand that this is for security purposes. Driver’s licenses, passports, and military IDs are appropriate examples of official IDs.
On-Time Attendance
We are off to a great start to the school year. Now students are settled in their classes and know the routines. We stress to our teachers bell-to-bell instruction to maximize instructional time and learning. If you drop your student off at school, make sure that they do not have to rush and arrive late to school. Help our students develop the habit of being punctual. Also encourage your student to arrive at each class on time. Arriving late is a classroom interruption and distraction for the teacher and all students.
We will begin to reinforce our school’s tardy policy, which includes tardy sweeps, detention, and parent contact for repeated tardiness. We will also recognize punctuality with fun incentives for our students. Thank you for your support.
Updated Attendance Codes
Attendance Codes have been updated for the 2025-26 school year. These updates will allow schools to better identify the primary reasons for student absences, which will help school teams identify patterns of absenteeism, make informed decisions, and develop effective strategies to improve attendance. Please note which codes qualify as “Excused” and which are “Unexcused.”
Codes no longer used:
- EXC-Excused
- PRE-Prearranged Absence
- UNL-Unexcused Local
Updated Code:
- MED-Illness or Injury Related
Excused Codes:
- COL-College Visit
- FAM-Family Emergency
- FRL-Funeral
- LGL-Legal Obligations
- MAP-Medical Appointment (Prescheduled)
- MIL-Deployment Related
- OEX-Other-Excused
Unexcused Codes:
- NON-Non-School Activity
- OUN-Other- Not Excused
- VAO-Vacation, Outing, or Non-Emergency Family Travel / Visit
Counselor On Leave
As a reminder, Dr. Simmons, our counselor for students with last names Re–Z, is currently on leave. We hope for her return soon. In her absence, please reach out to any of the other counselors or Mr. Zubieta for support.
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to complete a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete the survey as soon as possible.
Our school will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page or watch this video about why Impact Aid matters.
Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Beginning in January 2026, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.
As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:
- Current academic strengths and habits.
- Graduation requirements (high school students.
- Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
- Personal well-being.
- Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.
School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families may contact their student’s school counselor with questions.
Graduation Requirements and Planning
FCPS’ Graduation Requirements and Course Planning page provides information that students and families can preview to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
For additional support in tracking these requirements, families can now log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation.
Reviewing the Program of Studies may also be helpful. Be sure to refer to our course catalog and course selection information.
Reid Reflects: State Standards and the FCPS Budget Story
In her latest Weekly Reflections, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid thanked every member of our community for supporting FCPS as it remains fully accredited. Referencing a news release on accreditation, Dr. Reid noted how FCPS needs funding to support and maintain this excellence.
Visit the Budget Story webpage to learn more about the FCPS budget and the funding challenges that schools across Virginia, not just FCPS, face because of outdated state funding formulas.
Read more of Dr. Reid’s Weekly Reflections.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education and encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process. Several key decision dates and engagement opportunities are listed below:
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Thursday, December 18, 2025 - The Virginia Governor introduced the Fiscal Years 2026-28 state budget.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. - There will be virtual regional public hearings on the governor’s proposed 2026-28 biennial state budget.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Dr. Reid will present the proposed FCPS budget to the School Board.
We will only be holding after school activities for competition clubs and theatre the week we return from Winter Break (January 5-9) . We will resume ALL activities on January 12th.
February 20: The Social Lives of Twice exceptional (2e) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity
Families will understand how some 2e students navigate peer relationships and how to support them establishing authentic connections.
May 15: Beyond High School: Preparing Twice exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills.
Families will learn strategies to support 2e students in developing executive functioning skills and essential life skills while empowering them to navigate college career, and independent adult life successfully.
Register here for the webinar series
Wizard of OZ Auditions:
Auditions for our spring musical, The Wizard of Oz, Crew interviews for backstage will be in January after break.
Las audiciones para nuestro musical de primavera, El Mago de Oz, Las entrevistas con el equipo de backstage serán en enero, después de las vacaciones.
When students need to miss school, it is important for parents/guardians to communicate those absences with the school. This can be done by calling the attendance phone line at 703-204-8282.
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that support can be provided if needed. Also, keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
📋 Permission Forms
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed. Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. See how to use the tool.
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Chromebook damage, procedures, and replacement costs
Students will receive a warning for the first instance of damage to a Chromebook as long as the case is on and the damage was not intentional. If the case is off or the damage was intentional, then they will be required to pay for the damage on the first offence. When this happens, Mr. Waldren will inform the student that they will be restricted to using a classroom loaner laptop in each class. He will also let the student know that he will email their administrator about the incident. The student's administrator will then meet with the student and contact their parents. If the student is required to pay for the damage, they will receive a replacement Chromebook after they pay for the damage. Pricing for damage and replacement Chromebook costs is listed below.
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HP Chromebook Parts
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Cost
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Chromebook replacement
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$481
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Screen
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$90
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Charger
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$30
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Case
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$34
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Keyboard and palm rest
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$37
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System Board
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$190
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Touchpad
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$22
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Daughterboard
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$17
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Top Cover
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$23
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Bottom Cover
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$17
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Bezel
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$18
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Speaker
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$46
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Webcam
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$25
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WiFi Card
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$19
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Lightspeed Parent Portal parent controls
FCPS has enabled new parent controls within the Lightspeed Parent Portal to support families in managing screentime on FCPS devices. Parents can now manage their child's access to YouTube as well as 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 about the Parent Portal, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Portal page on the FCPS website.
Thank You Silver Diner! Thank you to the Silver Diner for sponsoring the PTA's holiday lunch for LJMS staff last Friday and providing some sweet treats for our gathering in the afternoon! The staff enjoyed a delicious holiday lunch and we are very appreciative of the Silver Diner's support!
Gratitude Gathering Thank you to all of the LJMS families and staff who were able to attend the PTA's Gratitude Gathering last Friday afternoon! It was wonderful to be able to come together to celebrate our amazing community, enjoy delicious cake, hear from an informative speaker and thank those who have supported our PTA this year!
LJMS Parents Are the Pulse of the PTA! Many thanks to our Faculty Fairies that have provided treats this year—we’ve never seen teachers so happy to start their week! It’s a blessing to receive, but an even bigger blessing to give (if you have the means). We still have many empty weeks ahead to fill, and every effort—big or small—means the world to our teachers, staff, and custodians. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A8AB22A6FFC34-57969538-faculty#/
Five Guys Restaurant Night in January Mark your calendars for the LJMS PTA's next restaurant night! Please join us on Thursday, January 22 from 4-8 PM at the Five Guys at the intersection of Gallows and Route 50! Your support of these restaurant nights helps the PTA do even more for the amazing students and staff of LJMS! To join the PTA and support our LJMS community, go to: https://ljmspta.givebacks.com/shop Please email pta@jacksonmspta.org with any questions or if you are interested in joining a PTA committee!
Fall 2025 screening is only available to students newly enrolled in FCPS after January 1, 2025, who were not screened in Spring 2025.
For information pertaining to the screening process, testing and identification timeline or identification and placement, please contact Laura Ballou at liballou@fcps.edu.
The "Discrimination and Harassment: Let's Talk" platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report.
Families,
We Need Your Consent for Select Digital Resources
At Jackson Middle School, our teachers will use a variety of digital resources to support student learning and promote communication and collaboration with students and families. Some of the digital resources your child may use this year will require your consent before they can be used. Please find the link to the digital form, where you can give your consent, here:
https://digitalconsent.fcps.edu/ispb/is01/r/pdcp/
. You can find further direction here: a list of the resources that require parental consent here: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent.
Need technical support? Call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). This will be answered by staff members from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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