Principal's Message January 19, 2026

Dear Stone Families,

We had a great week. Students have re-established their routines and adjusted after returning from winter break.

As a reminder, winter often brings fluctuating weather, with cold and warmer days from one day to the next. At Stone, we aim to provide students with an outdoor break each day as long as the temperature is above 40 degrees. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather so they can participate comfortably.

Let’s have a great week, 

Sonya Williams

Principal


frozen

Stone Middle School Presents Disney's Frozen Jr. 

Experience the magic of Frozen Jr. as our talented Stone Middle School cast brings Arendelle to life! Join us for a heartwarming, high-energy production filled with beloved songs, laughter, hygge, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

Location: Stone Middle School Theatre

Dates: Friday, February 6th @ 7:00pm

Saturday, February 7th at 2:00pm and 7:00 pm

Ticket Link


Upcoming WIDA Testing

Did you know our multilingual learners will be taking the WIDA assessment in February? This assessment allows students to demonstrate their growth in English language development across four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

The testing schedule is as follows:

  • Beginning learners: Monday–Wednesday, 2/2–2/4
  • Intermediate learners: Monday–Wednesday, 2/9–2/11
  • Advanced learners: Monday–Wednesday, 2/23–2/25

If you have a multilingual learner, we are excited for them to show how much they have grown. Families can help by ensuring students get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive to school on time, and feel encouraged to do their best. With your support, our students will shine and proudly show their growth in the English language with Panther Pride.

General Testing Reminders

Testing season is coming up soon, and we appreciate your help in making sure students are prepared each day for testing as well as prepared for the school day when there is no testing. Please remind your child to bring their Chromebook to school fully charged every day, along with their charger and wired headphones. These items are essential for a smooth and successful testing experience.

If your child has lost their Chromebook charger, replacements can be purchased through MySchoolBucks or by bringing $27.75 to the front office (cash or check made out to Stone MS). A receipt will be provided, and your child can then pick up the new charger from the Tech Office.

If your child needs headphones, here is a reliable, student-friendly option that is affordable and works well for testing. If you are unable to provide headphones for your child, please let us know and we will gladly work with you to provide what they need.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students feel confident and ready to show their Panther Pride by doing their very best on upcoming testing!


Stone MS Library News

The library will hold its next Winter MakerSpace on February 12, 2026 in the library. We will have multiple stations so that students can ‘make and create’ items centering Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. To support this event, we are asking for donations. More information can be found here.

Please submit donations to the library by February 1, 2026.


Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website. 

  • When Should Your Child Stay Home?

Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed. 

  • Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs


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Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals

FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.

 

FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

 

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.


Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology

 

Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.

Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.


student sleeping

Strategies for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair. 

This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.


Safety & Security

  • Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device? 

For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.

Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:

  • Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
  • Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
  • Consequences for cell phone policy violations.

 

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.

  • Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


flag

BRYC Girls Flag Football

Brand new girls only flag football leagues is launching. 

Sundays only!

Register at https://clubs.bluessombrero.com/


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Superintendent Updates on Boundaries and AI
  • Healthy Habits to Avoid Illness
  • Access Schoology to Support Your Child

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today


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