Principal's Message
We hope everyone had a lovely winter break. It was nice to get our students back in school last week and back into a routine.
Over the next few weeks, students will be engaged in midyear assessments to gauge their academic growth so far this school year. These will include the iReady Reading and Math MAP for grades 3 - 6. Students in 1st and 2nd grades will take the math MAP and in K-2 teachers will give the Virginia Language and Literacy Assessments.
We are looking forward to our first assembly this school year on Tuesday which is STEM based. Students will be immersed in the Magic of Science and hear the scientific explanation behind experiments that seem more like magic. We look forward to a great morning of fun and learning on Tuesday.
We have two new office systems that have been updated. Below you will see information on updated drop of of forgotten items and our new visitor check in system. Please familiarize yourself with these updates.
Sincerely,
Stacy Kirkpatrick and Lara Macdonald
Important Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, January 14 - Spelling Bee Afterschool Assessment for registered students; Longfellow MS Curriculum Night (info below)
Monday, January 19 - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 28 - All Yearbook Cover Contest Entries Due (info below)
Wednesday, January 28 - End of Quarter, 2 Early Release
January 29-30 - Teacher Workdays, No School
FCPS 2025-26 School Year Calendar
Parking Reminder at the End of the School Day
Please refrain from parking on Kirby road in front of the school from 3:20 - 3:45. We want to keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible and need everyone on board to provide this as a way our kiss-n-ride line can wait to pick up students.
Reminder to not pick up or drop off your student on Kirby. Let's all work together to keep our students safe and pickup running smoothly.
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New Afterschool Activity for 4th - 6th
McLean Dance Team Club
Click here to sign up
Registration is open now through January 21st. Space is limited!
Build dance skills that may help you explore an interest in dance. Class will be taught by two McLean High School dancers, Breelle and Emma. The girls will be volunteering their time to run the class, and it will be supervised by a Chesterbrook teacher, Mrs. Wei. This after-school program is open to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Registration is $40 and open until January 21st. Dance Team Class will meet from 3:45-4:45 on the following Thursdays (not every week):
- January 22
- February 12
- February 26
- March 12
- March 26
New Forgotten Item Drop off Procedure
We encourage all students to remember their items and develop a home system to ensure everything is packed and ready for the day. However, we know at times an item may need to be dropped off during the day.
In the office there is a new bookshelf for forgotten items. Parents will fill out the google form, which will send an email to the classroom teacher to notify your child. This will increase efficiency for our staff while we support your child.
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Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night Jan 14th
Longfellow Middle School will be hosting a Curriculum Night for rising 7th grade families (current 6th grade students) at Longfellow MS on Wednesday, January 14th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 7th grade student with the transition to middle school. Families will have the opportunity to explore elective course offerings and hear from a variety of Longfellow staff about the courses and programs offered to 7th grade students. Students and staff will also be available to answer questions. If inclement weather occurs, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
FCPS Math Week: January 12- 16th
FCPS invites you to experience a full week of family time with FREE stories, games and math activities - all from the comfort of your home.
Math Week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a fun and positive way. All content will be available for families in English and Spanish beginning Monday, January 12.
Visit the Math Week website for games, stories, and other interactive activities for the whole family.
Yearbook Cover Contest 2026
Our Annual Yearbook Cover Contest is here!
Finished artwork should be turned into the main office by January 28 (end of the 2nd quarter).
All Entries Must:
- Be fully made by students
- Be Hand designed, No AI designed work will be accepted.
- Relate to this year’s theme "Chipmunks Chip In and Climb High"
- Include Mascot, Chester
- Oriented vertically on 8.5 x 11 White Paper
- Lettering Spaced, Bold, Legible (Check all spelling)
- Use Bright, Bold Colors
- Design Should Fill Paper
- Include Artist Name in Pencil on the back of design
- Be Creative and Have Fun!
Family Resource Center - Free Workshops
How to Develop Motivation with Your Child
January 16, 10 to11:30 a.m.
Join us to learn strategies for teaching your child adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving. We'll cover practical ways to navigate unexpected changes, manage disappointments, and help your child thrive in uncertainty.
Register here
Tips to Reduce Parent Stress and Anxiety
January 27, 10 to11:30 a.m.
Join Rachel Bailey as she discusses how parenting today can feel like a constant cycle of pressure, guilt, and second-guessing. In this workshop, you will learn why certain situations feel so overwhelming (it’s not just the situation itself!) as well as specific strategies to reduce the overwhelm. You’ll also learn how to respond from a place of steadiness rather than reactivity, resulting in less anxiety, more confidence, and a greater sense of ease in everyday parenting.
Register here
❤️ FCPS Cares ❤️
Take a moment to acknowledge and affirm a Chesterbrook staff member when they go above and beyond in demonstrating care and dedication that ensures every one of our students is seen, heard, and valued. FCPS Cares. All FCPS Cares nominees are considered for an additional monthly award.
ICYMI - News from FCPS
FCPS This Week
The FCPS Budget Process | Course Selection | Language Immersion Lottery
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