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Dear TLES Community,
This week marked our first full five-day week in quite some time, and it was wonderful to see students and staff settle back into a consistent routine. There is something powerful about a full week of learning—momentum builds, connections deepen, and everyone benefits from the rhythm of being together each day.
On Friday especially, our building was filled with love. Students arrived carrying flowers, handwritten notes, and thoughtful treats for our staff. Thank you for partnering with us to show appreciation for our incredible educators. Your kindness means more than you know.
Our staff also enjoyed a special surprise from the administrative team as we welcomed back Bruster's Ice Cream, who set up in our front lobby. It was a sweet way to celebrate the heart of our school—our people.
Today, and every day, there is so much love within our walls. There are so many people here to care for and support, and the kindness shared among students, staff, and families is truly inspiring. That spirit of love and respect extends beyond our building and into our community. It serves as a model for the compassion and understanding we hope to see in the world.
Looking ahead, next week will not be a full week of school.
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Monday: No school in observance of Presidents Day
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Tuesday: No school in observance of Lunar New Year (Teacher Workday)
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Wednesday, 2/18: Three-hour early release (dismissal at 12:35 p.m.)
The following week, we’ll return to another full five-day week and continue the great momentum we’ve built.
Sending lots of love,
Mr. Chiet
Mrs. Buchanan
Mrs. Duch
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Mrs. Siu and Ms. Jawad's students celebrate their reading progress and achievements!
🌴Warm Up FCPS – Divisionwide 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.
Student Fasting Meal Kits
From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Important Meal Kit Information:
- Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
- Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
- Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
- Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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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.
🐾 P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff)
When you see a staff member go above and beyond for your child or family, please take a moment to fill out the PAWS form to show your appreciation! We will then hand deliver your anonymous message to the staff member so they know they are appreciated. 😊
Lunch Bunch time with 5th graders!
🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
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. For more information, call our student information assistant, Michelle Vasquez at (703) 206-5300 or email mvasquez1@fcps.edu.
💻 Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.
📆 Kindergarten Orientation
Orientation will take place on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come meet the Kindergarten teachers and learn about Kindergarten at Timber Lane.
Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
Mr. Chiet makes a positive phone call home as a part of our ROAR Referral Process, recognizing students demonstrating ROAR!
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs
Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.
The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.
Click to edit this placeholder text.
FCHS Theatre Enrichment Day
Calling all future thespians! The Falls Church High School International Thespian Honor Society is hosting a THEATRE ENRICHMENT DAY on Tuesday, February 17th, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. There will be sessions in Improv, Makeup, Choreography, Costumes and Props, and Tech Design. We invite all 3rd-6th grade students who want to learn more about the process of getting a show from the page onto the stage. A pizza lunch will be provided to all students. Sign up online now! Space is limited. The cost is $100/student, payable via MySchoolBucks. For questions, please contact the FC Jaguar Theatre Boosters at jaguartheaterboosters@gmail.com.
Family Resource Center Webinars
FCPS Family Resource Center is offering a variety of webinars for families. Click on the titles to register!
 Screening & discussion of the movie Screenagers: Elementary Edition
Hosted by the Franklin Sherman PTA (film info & trailer available here) Monday, March 9 at 7 pm (likely until 8:45 pm ish). Come to learn more about the benefits of delaying smartphones and other technology safety initiatives, as well as the success of the Wait Until 8th campaign at Franklin Sherman. We have 5 grades with active pledges, and 88 total pledges in the first month alone! We will have copies of The Anxious Generation available to borrow, as well as links to other resources that PTAs and Principals can share with their communities. Together we can help delay smartphone use for a greater number of kids in the broader McLean community, and have more of a lasting impact for kids as they enter Longfellow and MHS.
Middle School Transition Fair
You are invited to FCPS' Middle School Transition Fair, an evening for families of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services to learn about planning for the future.
At this event, families can meet Career and Transition Services (CTS) representatives and other support staff, learn about postsecondary education, employment, and community supports, and hear from a student and parent panel sharing real transition experiences.
The fair will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. Language support will be available.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect with resources, and feel more confident about your child’s next steps. We hope to see you there!
Event Flyer and Translations
Event registration link
Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!
Pre-order your yearbooks through Strawbridge.
Upcoming Events
SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar
February
Feb 16: Holiday - Presidents' Day (No School)
Feb 17: Teacher Workday (No School)
Feb 18: 3-Hour Early Release at 12:35pm
- Ramadan Begins & Ash Wednesday
Feb 27: Principal's Coffee at 8:30am
March
Mar 5: McLean Pyramid Art Show at MPA from 4:00-6:00pm
Mar 12: Family Market from 4:00-5:15pm
Mar 18: 3-Hour Early Release at 12:35pm
- Roar and Explore from 5:30-7:00pm
Mar 20: Nowruz Holiday (No School)
Mar 27: End of Quarter 3 - Early Release at 1:35pm
March 30-April 3: Spring Break (No School)
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