🩅 Westlawn Feather Report: Volume 2, Issue 22

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/06/2026 07:00 PM EST

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The Feather Report

Volume 2, Issue 22

two students look through a book in the library

Visiting the library is the best part of the day for many students at Westlawn! Students learn so much about themselves as readers and as people by searching for and selecting “just right” books that meet their interests.

Leadership Ledger

Westlawn Families,

What a week it has been as we found our rhythm again after what many are calling the worst snowstorm in 30 years! Returning to school after days of snow and icy conditions reminded me just how special this community is—flexible, patient, and always ready to support one another as we get back into the swing of things.

I want to begin with a huge thank you to our incredible custodial staff. Long before students and staff returned, they were here early and late, clearing snow, salting walkways, and making sure our building was safe, warm, and welcoming. Their behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed, but it is absolutely essential to everything we do. We are so grateful for their dedication and care for our school!

This week also brought moments of celebration and reflection. Congratulations to Alanna Dushok, who was recognized with Best in Show at the FCPS Communications Conference! This is a tremendous honor, and one that reflects the outstanding work she does telling the Westlawn story through our website, newsletter, and social media. We are so proud of her and thankful for the way she keeps our families informed and connected. Read more about this award and why Westlawn was recognized! In addition, we gathered to dedicate a memorial bookshelf for Judy LeClair, a former Westlawn employee remembered for her dedication, kindness, and love of crafts. The bookshelf will serve as a lasting tribute and a quiet reminder of the impact she had on our community.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your patience, and your continued support. Even after a stormy start, it feels good to be back together—and there is so much to look forward to as we move ahead as one Westlawn community!

In partnership,

Christoph Hill, Stephanie Carpenter, and Erin Theiss

Proud Principals

News

WhatsApp with Westlawn?!

¿Sabías que WhatsApp es una de las plataformas mås populares que la gente usa para mantenerse conectada en todo el mundo, especialmente en el Caribe, Latinoamérica y Sudamérica? Estamos lanzando canales de WhatsApp en español como una forma adicional de conectar con las familias. Los canales se enumeran a continuación. Hay uno para cada nivel escolar.

Did you know that WhatsApp is one of the most popular platforms that people use to stay connected around the world, particularly in the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America? We are launching Spanish-language WhatsApp channels as another way to meet families where they are. The channels are listed below. There is one for each grade level.

Check In with Your Child about Food at Lunch

We have noticed that more students are taking food from the sharing refrigerator and sharing basket in our cafeteria over the past few weeks. This happens every year, and the reason behind the shift is that the students are growing! It can be so easy for us to think about school years like static chunks of time, but that isn’t accurate. The students grow and change each day!

Please take a few minutes this weekend to chat with your child about lunch at school. If you send food from home, do they need to be sent with more? Would you like them to get lunch each day as a supplement? And if they usually get school lunch, encourage them to take more fruits and veggies! Students serve themselves fruits and veggies as they go through the line, and they might not realize they can take more!

Finally, if your family needs support to get more food on the table at home, we can help! Contact Ms. Reyes (family liaison) or Ms. Cortez (social worker) to be added to our food distribution lists. Their contact information is located at the very bottom of the newsletter.

Ramadan and Fasting Students

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:

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • 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.

At Westlawn we recognize that students who are fasting may not feel comfortable sitting in the cafeteria at lunch. Like in years past, students who are fasting are welcome to spend their lunch period in the library. While in the library students may read books, work on their laptops, or use quiet library centers, such as board games. Students are also welcome to bring a friend so they are not sitting alone.

Spirit Wear is Available Now

Good news! The wait is over: Westlawn gear is now available to purchase online through our new Westlawn store! Gear is available in Spanish and English, with many different designs and products available!

Families of Rising 7th Graders: Connect to Luther Jackson MS

It’s hard to believe that our sixth graders are officially in the last half of their final year at Westlawn! If your child is transitioning to Luther Jackson MS next year, it’s time to start connecting to Luther Jackson publications so you know what’s happening.

Kindergarten Registration

It’s time to register students for kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year! Students who will be 5 years old on or before September 30, 2026 are eligible. We have created a special registration announcement on our website that contains information about registration, including the link to the online registration portal, the date for kindergarten orientation, and information about parent accounts. We are asking current families to help us spread the word about registration! If you have a neighbor with a child who is ready for kindergarten, would you please text them the link to the special registration announcement?

Reminder: February Fun Clothing Wednesdays – Kindness Month

Westlawn Elementary is celebrating Kindness Month with Fun Clothing Wednesdays in February!

  • February 11 – Wear Blue for Helpfulness: At home, talk about ways to help others without being asked and try helping a family member with a chore or task.
  • February 18 – Wear Workout or Comfy Clothes (Caring for Yourself): At home, talk about ways to care for your body and mind, and try going for a walk, getting active, or relaxing together.
  • February 25 – Wear Neon or Rainbow Colors (Words and Actions Matter): At home, talk about how words and actions can make a difference and try writing or saying a thank-you note to brighten someone’s day.

Participation at home is optional but encouraged. Small acts of kindness make a big difference!

FCPS News

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

  • How to Get Weather Updates ASAP
  • Celebrating Students and Staff
  • Kindergarten Open Houses

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

Dates and Events

February 7: Health Fair at the James Lee Community Center from 10 AM - 12 PM. Local organizations, healthcare providers, and wellness experts offer free resources, health screenings, educational information, and interactive activities.

February 10: PTA Restaurant Night: Lebanese Taverna Note that this is the food drop Restaurant Night! Order your food now for pickup on February 10 at 4:00 PM at Westlawn.

February 11: Fun Clothing Wednesday: Wear Blue

February 11: PTA Meeting from 6:30-7:30 (virtual on Zoom)

February 16 - 17: No School for Students

February 17: Theatre Enrichment Day at Falls Church High School - Join the Falls Church High School International Thespian Honor Society for a Theatre Enrichment Day. Open to 3rd–6th graders, students will explore different aspects of theatre while learning how a show goes from page to stage. Pizza lunch included. Cost: $100/student (MySchoolBucks). Space is limited—sign up online! Questions? Email jaguartheaterboosters@gmail.com.

February 18: Fun Clothing Wednesday: Wear Exercise Clothes or Comfy Clothes

February 18: 3-Hour Early Release; students dismiss at 12:30 PM

February 19: Warm Up FCPS Divisionwide Spirit Day - 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.

February 21: VT STEM Discovery Fair - Registration is now open for your child to participate in the STEM Discovery Fair at the Virginia Tech campus in Alexandria. All K-12 students and families are invited to go to learning sessions, visit with VT partners, and have a delicious lunch! The fair takes place on February 21 from 10 AM - 2 PM, and families should register now to guarantee their spot!

To see more schoolwide and community events, remember to check out our website calendar! You can also subscribe to our calendar to make it even more convenient. Click on the little calendar icon in the top right corner of the calendar page of our website to add all current and future events to your cell phone calendar.

Engage with Westlawn

LinkedIn “Likes” Requested

We have partnered with TalkingPoints and are sharing the story of how we use their product to stay engaged with families on LinkedIn this week. If you are on LinkedIn, please check it out! Your engagement with the posts (liking them, reposting them, leaving comments, etc.) will help spread our story even more widely!

Join a Community Conversation

Join us on Wednesdays at 11 AM on Zoom to hear the important news from the school from Principal Hill! If you miss a Community Conversation, you can catch up with slides and recordings on our website.

Volunteering in FCPS in 2025-2026 requires you to fill out an online application, and then select the school(s) where you want to be. Learn more and apply today!

Soaring Staff Spotlight

Sarah Jacoby selfie

This week the Soaring Staff Spotlight is on Sarah Jacoby!

Ms. Jacoby is a school counselor at Westlawn. Let’s learn more about Ms. Jacoby!

What is your favorite children’s book?

I love the book Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson. She is a beautiful writer.

What is one talent or skill that you have that most people don’t know about?

I played volleyball and basketball when I was growing up.

If you weren’t in education, what other job would you want?

I would love to try being a baker or pastry chef.  I love sweet things, especially cinnamon rolls, so that would be the dream!

What is your favorite memory from elementary school?

I loved celebrating Valentine's Day in elementary school.  We made boxes for our Valentines and had so much fun passing them out and eating lots of candy.

If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be?

I would like to learn another language, like Spanish or French.  Learning a language with a different alphabet, like Greek, would be very interesting too.

Early bird or night owl?

I am definitely an early bird.  I wake up before school to go to the gym and love taking time for a full breakfast in the morning.

Is there someone you hope to see featured in an upcoming Soaring Staff Spotlight? Tell us by text to 571-355-2321.

Connect with Westlawn

  • Contact the main office: 703-241-5100
  • Submit an absence: 703-241-5151 | email the absence box | using ParentVUE
  • Contact Ms. Caballero (student information assistant): email Ms. Caballero | 703-241-5100 | TalkingPoints: Silvia Caballero
  • Contact Ms. Reyes (family liaison): email Ms. Reyes | 703-241-5125 | TalkingPoints: Hilda Reyes
  • Contact Ms. Cortez (social worker): email Ms. Cortez | 703-241-5190 | TalkingPoints: Pamela Cortez

Westlawn website | Westlawn Instagram | Westlawn Facebook | TalkingPoints

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