CSMS News You Choose Feb 20 2026
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 02/20/2026 03:23 PM EST
A message from Principal Laxton
Dear Sandburg Families,
We hope you are having a wonderful week! Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and school community.
FCPS Student Experience Survey
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 6–12, except those who previously 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 on February 25th. Any student may take the survey at home if they are unable to take the survey during the school day.
We believe it is important to hear directly from our students about what we are 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 division goals.
We encourage families to speak with their children about the importance of providing thoughtful and honest feedback.
WIDA Assessment – Tuesday
We will continue the WIDA assessment on Tuesday.
Students should:
- Check their FCPS email for their specific testing or non-testing location.
- Review their schedule for the day.
- Arrive to school on time and ready to do their best.
Thank you for ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep and arrives prepared for testing.
As always, we appreciate your support in making Sandburg a place where every student feels valued, supported, and heard. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Have a great week!
Middle School Transition Fair – Planning for the Future
Families of students receiving special education services are invited to attend the Middle School Transition Fair on March 4, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School (Falls Church).
Hosted by FCPS Career and Transition Services (CTS), this event will provide valuable information about planning for life during and after high school. Families will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about transition planning and high school options
- Explore employment and postsecondary education supports
- Connect with CTS staff and community agencies
- Hear from a family panel and participate in a Q&A session
It’s never too early—or too late—to begin planning for your child’s future.
Be sure to register using the event link shared in the flyer.
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 lpwade@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!
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
Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17