Sandburg News Your Choose March 5, 2026
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/05/2026 03:36 PM EST
A Message from Principal Laxton:
Sandburg Families,
As we move into March, we are excited to launch a special initiative focused on one of the most important predictors of student success — attendance — while continuing to uplift student voice and community engagement at Sandburg.
📣 The Importance of Student Voice
At Sandburg, we value student voice and believe that our students should have meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives, advocate for causes they care about, and contribute positively to our school culture. We encourage students to use appropriate channels such as clubs, classroom discussions, and meetings with administrators to express their ideas and concerns.
However, please be advised that student protests and walkouts are not permitted during the instructional day.
Regulation 2612 permits demonstrations before or after school, but only with prior approval from the principal. We ask that you please speak with your student and encourage them to follow school regulations and remain in class during instructional time.
Our priority is maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment while ensuring students feel heard and respected.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
🎉 Spring AttenDANCE – Attendance Initiative
Spring AttenDANCE is a community-building celebration designed to encourage students to be present, punctual, and productive throughout the month of March.
Event Details:📅 Thursday, March 26, 2026⏰ 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
🎯 Purpose
This PBIS initiative reinforces the importance of daily attendance and consistent effort while celebrating students who demonstrate responsibility and commitment.
✅ How Students Qualify
Students who accrue fewer than 3 tardies per week from March 2 through March 24 will be eligible to attend.
Our Focus: D.A.N.C.E.
Throughout this initiative, we will emphasize the core values that spell D.A.N.C.E.
- Diligence – Showing up every day and putting in the effort.
- Attendance – Being present and on time, consistently.
- Nobility – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Conduct – Maintaining a professional and respectful attitude.
- Enthusiasm – Bringing positive energy to our school environment.
These values reflect who we are as a Sandburg community and reinforce the habits that lead to long-term success.
🎓 8th Grade Families – Save the Dates!
We are already looking ahead to celebrating our 8th grade students:
- 💃 8th Grade Dance – June 11, 2026
- 🎓 8th Grade Promotion – June 15, 2026
More information will be shared soon regarding details for both events.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting strong attendance, positive student voice, and a thriving school community.
With appreciation,
Your Sandburg Administration Team
Honor Roll Celebration – 2nd Quarter
On Thursday, March 19th, we will recognize our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll students!
During these celebrations, we will honor groups of students in each house who earned:
- Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – All A Honor Roll
- Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement – All AB Honor Roll
The celebrations will take place in the auditorium at the following times:
- 8th Grade: 7:55 AM – 8:55 AM (1st Period)
- 7th Grade: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM (7th Period)
An email invitation was sent to the families of award recipients on Tuesday, February 24. Families of students receiving awards are welcome to attend. Please enter through the outside door leading directly to the auditorium. Signage will be posted to guide you.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our Panthers! 🐾
🎖️ 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
Important Update Regarding Outside Lunch Policies
To maintain a safe and secure learning environment and ensure compliance with district regulations, we would like to clarify our policies regarding outside lunches:
- Food Delivery Services: Students may not order food from delivery services (such as Uber Eats or DoorDash) during school hours. This is a significant safety concern, as delivery drivers are often directed to unauthorized entrances. Furthermore, these deliveries disrupt the educational process. Please help us support a secure building by not allowing these deliveries.
- Drop-Off Procedures & Location: Any outside food brought to the school must be dropped off in the main office by a parent or guardian. To prevent distractions and ensure cafeteria harmony, these meals must be consumed in the main office rather than the cafeteria.
- Family Lunch Visits: Parents are welcome to have lunch with their students; however, due to limited seating, these lunches will take place in the main office. Alternatively, you may sign your student out for lunch. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly so that lunch does not cut into instructional time and students return before their next class begins
- Compliance with Regulations: We have noted a steady increase in fast-food deliveries for students. We encourage students to utilize the healthy food choices available in our cafeteria. Per FCPS Regulation 5003.4, no food or beverages may be offered for sale to students by outside providers in competition with the school food service department.
- Support for Every Student: Our priority is to ensure every child is fed. If a student forgets their lunch or is without funds, our Cafeteria Manager, Ms. Sabrina Clarke, ensures that no student goes hungry. Students should feel free to speak with Ms. Clarke or the front office, and she will work with them to provide a meal.
Please note that these policies are in place to maintain school schedules and security. If we notice a consistent pattern of outside food being brought in, our Administrators will reach out to those families individually to discuss any specific needs.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school safe and supporting our food services program!
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
John Grey: Assistant Principal jrgrey@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!
2nd Quarter Honor Roll Ceremony- March 19
AttenDANCE- March 26
Spring Break - Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Teacher Work Day- April 6
PTA Meeting - April 16
PTA Meeting- May 21
Memorial Day FCPS Closed- May 25
Teacher Work Day- May 26
Eid al-Adha- May 27 Student Holiday
8th Grade Dance – June 11, 2026
8th Grade Promotion – June 15, 2026
Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17