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Principal's Note |
Dear London Towne Families,
With the recent frigid temperatures and wintry weather, we want to start by saying a huge thank you for your continued partnership. Whether you are navigating the Kiss n' Ride line or walking the neighborhood, your heightened awareness and patience during arrival and dismissal ensure that all our students get to and from school as safely as possible.
Stay cozy out there—we have an incredibly busy and exciting week ahead!
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Monday: Kindness Week Kickoff – We are starting strong with "Kindness Starts with Me." Students are encouraged to wear their favorite color or an outfit that makes them feel their most confident!
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Tuesday: Family Science Night – Join us for dinner beginning at 5:45 PM. Starting at 6:00 PM, families can engage in hands-on STEAM activities and experiments hosted by the Family Science Center.
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Thursday: 6th Grade Field Trip – Our 6th graders will head to Stone Middle School to hear from the admin team, counselors, and a student panel about what middle school life is all about.
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Friday: Donuts with Grown Ups – We invite families with last names beginning with M–Z to join us for treats starting at 7:45 AM. Our Wellness team will share some information about conflict resolution and bullying.
Your participation in these events and your active engagement are truly what make The Towne the very best place to learn and grow. We appreciate you braving the cold to support our students and our community!
Have a wonderful week!
Shele Banford, Principal
Jordan Moore, Assistant Principal
Lucy Zamora, Assistant Principal
Events Around the Towne
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📚 Monday, February 9 - Friday, February 13: Book Fair/Kindness Week
🌎 Monday, February 9: WIDA Testing for Multilingual Learners Continues
🗣️ Monday, February 9: PTA Enrichment Clubs Begin (after school)
🔬 Tuesday, February 10: 5:45-7:30 Family Science Night
📸 Wednesday, February 11: Clubs/Candids Pictures Day
🔥 Thursday, February 12 - Friday, February 27: Attendance Hot Streak
🚌 Thursday, February 12: 9:15 a.m. Grade 6 Field Trip to Stone MS
🍩 Friday, February 13: 7:45 a.m. Donuts with Grownups (Last Names M-Z)
🏫 Monday, February 16: Presidents' Day: School/SACC Closed
🏫 Tuesday, February 17: Teacher Work Day: No School for Students
🍩 Friday, February 20: 7:45 a.m. Donuts with Grownups (Last Names A-L)
💗 Friday, February 20: 6:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Sweetheart Dance
🗣️ Tuesday, February 24: 6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
🕰️ Wednesday, February 25: Early Release (12:05 Dismissal) (K-6 ONLY)
🎵 Thursday, February 26: 6:30 p.m. Grades 3 and 4 Musical Showcase
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Mr. Watkins in the FCPS Spotlight |
As we wrap up National School Counseling Week, we are excited to share that our own counselor, Mr. Watkins, was recently in the FCPS spotlight as he reconnected with his own 5th grade teacher who inspired him. She still works in FCPS and was excited to hear from a former student who now works to support our London Towne students!
Check out our newest website feature to learn their story!
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Spring Book Fair! |
Our Spring Book Fair is this week! It will be sponsored again by Bookworm Central. The Book Fair runs from February 9-13, 2026.
We will be open after school during Science Night on the Tuesday, February 10th and right after school February 12, from 3:00-4:30. We have many opportunities to volunteer during the fair. If you would like to help, please sign up here! Thank you!
💗💗London Towne Kindness Week is February 9-13!💗💗
Students are invited to participate in the following spirit days:
🌈 Monday, February 9: Kindness starts with me! Wear your favorite color, outfit, or something that makes you feel confident!
👕 Tuesday, February 11: Team up for kindness! Wear your favorite team shirt or colors or your London Towne gear!
🎽 Wednesday, February 12: We take care of our hearts and each other's hearts! Wear workout clothes and/or something red with hearts!
😴 Thursday, February 12: Dreaming of a kinder world! Wear school-appropriate pajamas or comfy clothes!
💗 Friday, February 13: We are a community who chooses kindness! Wear your "We Choose Kindness" shirt or pink or black!
🧪🔬🌱 Family Science Night 🧪🔬🌱
You're invited to London Towne's Family Science Night on Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.!
🍕 Dinner provided starting at 5:45 p.m.!
🔬 Hands-on Science Activities!
🍩🍩🍩 Donuts with Grown-Ups 🍩🍩🍩
Our “Donuts with Grown-ups” dates for this quarter are:
🍩 Friday, February 13: Families with last names M-Z
🍩 UPDATED DATE: Friday, February 20: Families with last names A-L
Donuts and coffee will be served beginning at 7:45 am for students and their families. Students will dismiss to class by 8:20 am.
We encourage the adults to stay for a few extra minutes as our Wellness Team will be sharing information about bullying, teasing, and peer conflict and strategies that can be used at home, as well as school.
**Please note that there will also be non-edible treats options such as fun pencils and stickers.
**Tenga en cuenta que también habrá opciones de golosinas no comestibles, como divertidos lápices y pegatinas.
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Ramadan Accommodations at LTES |
Families, as we are approaching Ramadan (February 18-March 28), please let us know if your child will need prayer and/ or fasting accommodations. Use this Ramadan Accommodations Form to let us know what your child will need during Ramadan.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Zamora at lkzamora@fcps.edu.
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Student Experience Survey @ LTES |
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
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Parenting in a Digital Age |
Raising kids in a world full of screens can feel like a bit of a balancing act, but you don’t have to do it alone! We’re excited to share a helpful playlist of short videos from Common Sense Media designed specifically to support parents of elementary students. These videos offer quick, practical tips on setting clear device expectations right from the start, helping you establish healthy boundaries that work for your unique family rhythm.
The playlist also guides you through the process of selecting high-quality digital content, ensuring the movies, games, and apps your children engage with are both safe and enriching. You’ll also find supportive advice for addressing social media challenges, even if your child isn't on those platforms yet. It’s all about building a foundation of digital citizenship and open communication. We hope these resources give you the confidence to help your family thrive in the digital age!
🧸🧸Kindergarten Registration Open House🧸🧸
Our Kindergarten Open House is being held on Friday, April 10 at 8:45 a.m. to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school.
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for registering your child for kindergarten. Register your child today! Contact our registrar, Lisa Raisbeck, at lmraisbeck@fcps.edu or 703-227-5403 with any questions.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
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Advanced Academics Information |
⭐ Next Steps for Parents
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Madalyn Sirota at masirota@fcps.edu.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
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LTES Yearbook on Sale! |
📖 Families, the 2025-26 LTES Yearbook is now on sale! Limited time only. Limited supply.
📢 Order online direct from the Strawbridge website.
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PTA News and Happenings |
Come join us at our next PTA Meeting on February 24 at 6:00 p.m.!
Follow the LTES PTA on Instagram to stay to date with all the fun, upcoming events!
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Warm Up FCPS Spirit Day! |
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
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FCPS Student Fasting Meal Kits |
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
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February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
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February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
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March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
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March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
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FCPS Summer Tech Camps |
💻 Programs
Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - Grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes
Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_TAC
CTE Summer Academy: Current grade 6 - 11 students choose their classes and dive deeper into CTE program areas, skills, and career exploration
Visit the CTE Summer Academy webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_CSA
For questions, please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu
💻 Details
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Time - 8:30 am to 2 pm* *Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm
- New to 2026! We’re offering after care!
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Location - Robinson SS
- Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
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Cost - $300 per week Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
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Dates -
- Week 1: July 6 - 10
- Week 2: July 13 - 17
- Week 3: July 20 - 24
- Week 4: July 27 - 31
- Different weekly offerings; weekly themes and class offerings can be found on our webpages!
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Prepare for Weather Closings |
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
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Winter Resources for Families |
❄️ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter weather. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
☃️ Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during snow or inclement weather days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
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Apply for Dual Language Immersion |
FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.
The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program.
Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.
An informational meeting was held at London Towne on Wednesday, January 14 at 5:30 p.m. View additional dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
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Help Keep our Schools Phone-Free! |
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-227-5400.
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Twice Exceptional Student Webinars |
Fairfax County Public Schools Twice Exceptional (2E) Series:
Friday, February 20, 2026 - The Social Lives of Twice-exceptional (2e) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity.
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Friday, May 15, 2026 - Beyond High School: Preparing Twice-exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills.
10:00 - 11:30 AM
All webinars are FREE to families, educators, and community members. This webinar is for adults only. Register using this link.
For more information, call 703-204-3941 or visit us at: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/family-resource-center Please call us to make a request for ADA accommodations.
Interpreters are available if requested at least a week before the webinar. Interpretation cannot be guaranteed. We will have closed-captioning in any chosen language if we cannot find an interpreter.
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Volunteer FCPS Update |
💗 Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
💗 Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
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2025-26 Early Release Wednesdays |
⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools (K-6 only)
Early Release Wednesdays apply only to students in grades K-6. Preschool students still attend school for their regular hours.
While we anticipate that most students will be dismissed at 12:05 p.m. on limited early release Wednesdays, we recognize that some families may require childcare. These students will be supervised by school-based staff. No new instruction will take place, as after-school care is strictly supervision.
Remaining 3-hour early release days for our school will include:
- February 25
- March 25
- April 29
- May 20
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
See the complete school year calendar.
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