Sandburg News Your Choose Jan. 30
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 01/30/2026 05:03 PM EST
A Message from Principal Laxton
Dear Sandburg Families,
We hope everyone stayed safe and warm during our recent snow days. While the unexpected closures disrupted our usual routines, we appreciate your flexibility as we transition back into the school week. We are excited to welcome students back and reestablish strong routines for learning.
❄️ Snow Days & Moving Forward
After several days out of school due to weather, our focus will be on helping students settle back into routines, expectations, and instructional momentum. Consistent engagement and reinforcement of school-wide expectations will be key as we move forward.
Thank you for your continued support in helping students readjust.
🌍 WIDA Testing Begins Thursday
WIDA testing for our multilingual learners will begin on Thursday. To support students during testing, adjusted schedules will be in place on designated days.
Students should check their school email for:
- Testing locations
- Non-testing locations
This will help ensure a smooth testing process for all students.
📅 Updated Quarter 2 & Quarter 3 Timeline Changes
Due to recent calendar adjustments, several grading and reporting dates have been updated:
Grading Windows
- End of Quarter 2: February 3 (previously January 28)
- End of Grading Window: February 6 at 11:59 PM (previously February 4)
ParentVUE / StudentVUE
- Second semester schedules will be visible on February 3 at 4:00 PM
Semester & Course Transitions
- Second Semester and Quarter 3 classes begin on February 4 (previously February 2)
Thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate these changes and return to our regular learning schedule.
⏰ Getting to Class on Time & Prepared
We ask for your support in continuing conversations with your child about the importance of arriving to class on time and ready to learn. Recently, we have noticed an increase in the number of students in the hallways during instructional time. Being in class promptly helps students stay engaged and maximizes valuable learning opportunities.
📱 Cell Phone & Device Reminder
As a reminder, cell phones, earbuds, and headphones are not permitted for use during the school day from 7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Students should store devices out of sight during this time so they can fully focus on learning. Thank you for reinforcing this expectation at home.
🐾 Get Ready for Spirit Week! 🐾
Parents and Guardians, it’s time to help your students show their school spirit! We have an exciting week ahead, and we can’t wait to see our Panthers' creativity shine.
Here is the daily lineup to help you prep:
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🧦 Monday: Mix-Match Monday
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Time to ditch the matching socks! Encourage your student to wear their wildest patterns and colors.
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🌈 Tuesday: Tie-Dye Tuesday
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Bring on the swirls and bright colors.
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✨ Wednesday: Fancy Pants (1920s Style!)
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We’re going back in time! Think dapper trousers, sparkles, or anything inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
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🏀 Thursday: Sports Day
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Students can wear their favorite jersey, team colors, or athletic gear.
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💖 Friday: Be Bright & Bold
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Let’s end the week with a pop! Wear your most vibrant neon or boldest outfits.
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Thank you for helping us make this a week to remember for the kids. Let’s bring that Panther energy! 💙🖤
On Your Mark: Spring Track & Field is Here!
Ready to hit the dirt? Registration for the 2026 Spring Track and Field season officially opens this Monday, February 2. Whether you're a sprinter, a distance runner, or a jumper, we want you on the team!
📋 Participation Requirements
Before you can lace up your spikes, ensure you are cleared to play:
- Physicals: All students must have a current 2025-2026 sports physical on file.
- Need a form? You can download one from the FCPS website, pick one up in the Student Services Office, or grab a hard copy from Mr. Carter during any lunch period.
📞 Have Questions?
For more information regarding the season, schedules, or events, please reach out to our lead coach:
- Contact: Coach Ty Augustin or Jamaal Carter
- Email: tlaugustin@fcps.edu / jlcarter3@fcps.edu
- Phone: 703-799-6200
Celebrating Our Student Services Team! 🌟
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible Student Services Department. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students’ academic success, mental health, and overall well-being.
Please join us in showing appreciation for:
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Our School Counselors: Tiffany Clemons, Oshin Wilson, Melinda Wilkerson, Claire Majors, and Vania Espichan.
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Our Social Worker: Sara Duckery
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Our School Psychologist: Koniko Turner
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Our Registrar: Shayna Brown
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Our Student Services Office Assistant: Bia Sadiq
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Our Special Education & Accommodations Team: Denise Bridgeman, Terri White, Stacey Jones, Mary Kate Harris, and Rachel Swoope.
Whether they are helping a student navigate a tough day, coordinating vital learning accommodations, or managing the complex logistics of school records, this team is the heartbeat of our school community.
Thank you for all you do!
🎖️ Supporting Our Panthers: A Special Note for Our Military Families
Hello Panther Family!
One of the things that makes our school community so vibrant is the diversity of our families, including those who serve our country.
Did you know that we receive special funding from the U.S. Army to help power our after-school programs? These funds are vital for providing the clubs, activities, and support systems that our students love. To keep these programs running strong, we need to ensure our records are up to date!
Can you help us?
If you are currently Active Duty U.S. Army, a U.S. Army Civilian employee, or work with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), we want to hear from you.
Please take 60 seconds to do the following:
- Drop us a quick "Hello": If you haven’t confirmed with us yet this year, please send a brief email to jlcarter3@fcps.edu.
- Check the Box: Ensure you’ve selected the military-connected box on your Digital Consent Form via the link below:
By taking these small steps, you are directly helping us provide the best possible experience for our students.
Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for being such an essential part of the Panther family!
Warmly,
Jamaal Carter
After School Specialist & Building Use Coordinator
A message from Sandburg's PTA
Cell Phone Policy
When phones can be used:
- Before first bell at 7:30 am
- After the last bell at 2:15 pm
Student Expectations:
- Phones are off and stored between 7:30 am - 2:15 pm
- Phones may be stored in a backpack, locker, or pencil bag
- AirPods, earbuds, headsets, etc. must be off and stored
- Smartwatches may be worn, but texting, internet, and call features must be off
- Phones are never allowed in restrooms or locker rooms
Attendance Matters:
- Regular attendance is vital for students to reach their full potential.
- A caring school culture fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging regular attendance.
- Consistent attendance routines reduce stress and create a sense of security.
- Being in school helps students build relationships with peers, teachers, and staff, motivating them to learn.
- Schools provide access to essential resources, including meals, health services, and enrichment activities.
- Regular attendance supports proficiency in reading and math, essential for high school graduation.
- Students who attend regularly perform better academically in middle school and are more likely to graduate on time from high school.
Student Pick Up Reminder: Students must be checked out in person through the office before 1:45 p.m. to avoid disrupting bus traffic. Parents must have a photo ID and allow about 15 minutes for the process, as the student will be called from class/ HPE. Unplanned early checkouts should be avoided if possible.
Quick Links & Phone Numbers
Attendance Phone Line: 703-799-6131
Attendance Email: sandburgmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu
SIS Parent Vue Account Set-Up Video
Parent Information Phone Lines: Phone lines available in different languages to assist families.
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Sandburg MS Administration
Jennifer Laxton: Principal jklaxton@fcps.edu
Frank Steventon: Assistant Principal fbsteventon@fcps.edu
Patrice Wade: Assistant Principal lpwadei@fcps.edu
Amber Richard-Kleeschulte: Assistant Principal alrichard@fcps.edu
Rob Kerr: Assistant Principal rjkerr@fcps.edu
Eugena Weaver: Director of Student Services ejweaver@fcps.edu
Counselors
Tiffany Clemons - tnclemons@fcps.edu
Vania Espichan- vpespichan@fcps.edu
Claire Majors- clmajors@fcps.edu
Melinda Wilkerson- mlwilkerson@fcps.edu
Oshin Wilson- otwilson@fcps.edu
Mark Your Calendars!
Spirit week @ Sandburg MS- February 2 through February 6
National Counseling Appreciation Week- February 2 through February 6
Spring Track Registration Opens- February 2
Second Quarter Ends-February 3 (previously Jan 28)
Second Semester schedule visible on ParentVUE/StudentVUE
Presidents Day- February 16 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Teacher Work Day- February 17 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Spring Break - Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17