Timber Lane Times 12/20/25


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Students singing carols

Dear Families,

As we wrap up the year, our school has truly been filled with the magic of the season. 💙❄️ Yesterday, students were greeted with music at arrival thanks to our incredible Band & Strings teachers. The TLES Chorus filled the halls with song, winter celebrations took place in classrooms, students shared presentations, families visited, and smiles were everywhere—it was the perfect way to close out the year. Our building was filled with cheer, love, and the warmth of community, and we are so grateful for these special moments as we head into winter break. ✨

Our school is special because of your children and the families who support them. Each child brings something unique—joy, curiosity, culture, and heart—that makes our community stronger. We cherish the diversity of our families and honor every story represented here. Thank you for trusting us during these formative years and for partnering with us in your child’s growth.

As you plan ahead, please note the following important dates:

  • Students return from winter break on Monday, January 5th

  • There will NOT be a 3-hour early release at any point in January

  • January 19th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School

  • January 28th: 2-Hour Early Release at 1:35 p.m. (End of Quarter 2)

  • January 29–30: Teacher Workdays – No School

We wish you a wonderful winter break and joyful holidays to those celebrating. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 5th and beginning the new year together.

Warmly,

Ben Chiet, Sarah Buchanan & Lindsay Duch


collage of photos from the Pre-K winter family event

Prek-K families joined the classrooms to make gingerbread houses and candy cane-inspired bead bracelets, as well as sang a few winter songs. We had a great turnout, and it was such a joy to have our families celebrate with us!


📖Winter Literacy Choice Boards and Activities

Timber Lane's Language Arts team has designed optional choice board for your children to continue practicing literacy skills at home. Once complete, please return to school with your children the week after winter break. Choice board are available on our Timber Lane Website

Additionally, the county has provided 10 fun family activities to help ensure students return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. 


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First grade students had the opportunity to play a variety of games at their winter parties.  Here, students were learning how to spin the dreidel! :)


Next Principal's Coffee

At TLES, strong schools start with strong partnerships. Please join Mr.Chiet in a relaxed setting to:

  • Celebrate Success: Share the positive things you see in our classrooms.

  • Share Input: Offer suggestions on school programs and environment.

  • Ask Questions: Get clarity on policies and upcoming events.

Your voice is vital to our community. Come grab a cup of coffee and chat!

Dates

  • January 23 at 8:30am
  • February 27 at 8:30am

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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.

As we shared last week, Timber Lane ES was recognized as being On Track.

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:

  • Thursday, December 18, 2025 - The Virginia Governor introduced the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget. 
  • 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. 
  • Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Dr. Reid will present the proposed FCPS budget to the School Board. 

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One of our favoriate traditions - the Kindergarten Gingerbread Man Run!


🐾 P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff) 

When you see a staff member go above and beyond for your child or family, please take a moment to fill out the PAWS form to show your appreciation! We will then hand deliver your anonymous message to the staff member so they know they are appreciated. 😊


Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!

Pre-order your yearbooks through Strawbridge.


thank you note for mclean community foundation grant

Grant Award from the McLean Community Foundation

It's been a very important goal of the PTA Board to secure funding to purchase a language interpretation system (headsets) that will allow us to provide simultaneous translation services at ALL our meetings.

Today, we're thrilled to announce that thanks to a generous grant from the McLean Community Foundation  it has finally happened!!!

*And a very special thanks to Madeline Taylor Diaz for shepherding the grant application process.

Click to edit this placeholder text.


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The TLES Office Team show off their spirit on Pajama Day!


A percentage of your purchase at Harris Teeter is donated to Timber Lane when you link your VIC Card

It's time!! Your Harris Teeter VIC card needs to be re-linked EVERY YEAR. It's quick and easy and helps contribute money back to the TLES PTA every time you shop!

Re-link your card by clicking here: https://tie.harristeeter.com/together-in-education


Join the PTA

The TLES PTA is 126 members strong this year, so far! We hope you’ll consider renewing your annual membership, or joining for the first time. Joining the PTA comes with no obligation to volunteer or attend meetings. But annual dues help fund things like TLES field trips, family engagement events, and support our fantastic TLES teachers and staff. Registering is simple, visit www.timberlanepta.com and click JOIN.


Upcoming Events

SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar

December

Dec 22 - Jan 2: Winter Break (No School)

January

Jan 12-23: Student artwork showcased at Rare Bird Coffee Shop

Jan 19: Holiday - MLK Jr. Day (No School)

Jan 23: Principal's Coffee at 8:30am

Jan 28: Early Release at 1:35pm (End of Q2)

Jan 29-30: Teacher Workdays (No School)

We will not have a 3-Hour Early Release in the month of January.