The Weekly Roar - Monday, March 2, 2026
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/02/2026 09:05 PM EST
In This Issue
News & Notes
March Administrators’ Message
March is here, and with it comes the promise of spring, fresh starts, and renewed energy. Thank you for your flexibility and patience during our winter weather delays and closures. Adjusting schedules is never easy, and we appreciate the partnership you show in keeping learning moving forward—even when Mother Nature has other plans. As we move into this new month, I want to underscore something powerful: attendance matters—every single day. Students who miss just two days a month can lose nearly a full month of learning over the course of the school year. Research consistently shows that strong attendance is directly connected to reading achievement and overall academic success. We are so proud to share that our chronic absenteeism rate has improved compared to this time last year—down 5.9% to 8.7%. That change reflects your commitment, our staff’s outreach, and our shared belief that being present matters. Thank you for prioritizing school attendance. Let’s keep the momentum going—every day counts, and every student counts.
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Celebrating the Power of School BreakfastThis week, March 2 through 6, is National School Breakfast Week. Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. |
FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals, including breakfast! New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.
National School Social Work Week
National School Social Work Week is March 2 through 8. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS. Lane’s social worker is Mrs. Earl. Please reach out to her at krearl@fcps.edu if you have questions or concerns.
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Daylight Savings Time Begins This Sunday, March 8
This Sunday, March 8, it’s time to “spring forward” when daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.
Seeking Representatives for New Family Advisory Committee
At Lane, we believe that strong family-school partnerships contribute to success for all students. The admin team is looking for family representatives to support our school community by serving on a new Family Advisory Committee.
Family representatives would speak on behalf of students and families in their grade level about experiences and hopes, learn about and support implementation of the school plan and other initiatives, and provide feedback to the school team. For the remainder of the year, there will be two virtual meetings in the evening, one halfway through each of the remaining 3rd and 4th quarters.
If you would like to be considered for the committee, please fill out this form.
Thank you!
Calling All Kindergarteners for the 2026-27 School Year! Registration Is Open Now!
Do you have a child at home ready to start kindergarten next year? If so, now is the time to let us know your little lion will be coming to Lane! Registration for the 2026-27 school year is now underway, and we want to hear from you!
If you don’t have a rising kindergartener yourself, please share this information with friends and neighbors who do.
There’s an easy five-step process to register a child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
We will be hosting at least a couple of Kindergarten Registration/Orientation events in the coming months. Starting the registration process now will put you on the list for all the latest news and updates.
You can read more about the registration process here.
Try Online Registration!
Online registration for the 2026-27 school year is open for all grades, kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s the quickest way to start the process! Learn how to begin the online registration process here.
When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.
If you’d like more information, please visit Lane’s Kindergarten Registration page on our school website:https://lanees.fcps.edu/announcements/kindergarten-registration-2026-27-now-open.
If you need further assistance or have questions, please feel free to contact:
- Registrar: Sook Fan Simpson — sksimpson@fcps.edu
- Family Liaison: Melanie Crosby Hardy — macrosby@fcps.edu.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Lane Elementary School soon!
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start Now Accepting Applications for 2026-27 School Year
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start are now accepting applications for School Year 2026-27!
This is a high-quality Early Childhood Program for eligible families. PreK (which stands for Pre-Kindergarten) is a full-day program, and spaces are limited. The PreK program prioritizes children who will be 4 years old by September 30 but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30.
Your family may qualify for PreK or Early Head Start if you:
- Live in Fairfax County
- PreK: Have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30
- Early Head Start: Have a child who is 0-2 years of age and pregnant women who live in the Reston, Herndon, and Springfield areas
- Have a student(s) with economic and educational risk factors such as:
- Income eligibility
- Homelessness or Foster Care
- A Parent with Limited Education
- Student receives Special Education Services.
For more information or to apply, visit the FCPS PreK website, email fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu, or call the PreK Office at 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
¡El programa PreK y Early Head Start de FCPS ya está aceptando solicitudes para el año escolar 2026-27!
Somos un programa de educación infantil de alta calidad para familias que cumplen con los requisitos. El programa de PreK es dia completa y los espacios son limitados. El programa PreK prioriza a los niños de 4 años cumplidos antes del 30 de septiembre, pero también acepta solicitudes para niños de 3 años cumplidos antes de esa fecha.
Su familia puede calificar para PreK o Early Head Start si:
- Vivir en el condado de Fairfax
- PreK: Tiene un hijo que tendrá 3 o 4 años antes del 30 de septiembre
- Early Head Start: Tiene un niño de 0 a 2 años de edad y mujeres embarazadas que viven en las áreas de Reston, Herndon, y Springfield
- Tiene un estudiante(s) con factores de riesgo económico y educativo como:
- Elegibilidad por ingresos
- Sin hogar o acogida temporal
- Un padre con educación limitada
- El estudiante recibe servicios de educación especial
Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web, llame a la Oficina de PreK: 703-208-7900 (Inglés), 703-208-7901 (Español), o envia un correo electrónico: fcpsprekoffice@fcps.edu.
PTA News
Basket Bingo Tickets Now on Sale! Volunteers Play for Free!
Mark your calendars for March 13! Lane PTA’s Annual Basket Bingo Fundraiser is coming soon, and this year’s theme is celebrating Lane’s 30th birthday.
A limited number of tickets are on sale now. Buy them as soon as possible if you'd like to attend.
- Adult Tickets: $27
- Student/Child Tickets: $9
Purchase tickets here:
https://lanepta.givebacks.gives/3f0da2/Event/Details.
Volunteer to Play for Free!
Volunteers receive free admission to Basket Bingo. Volunteers do not need to purchase a ticket to play. You’ll only need to buy extras like raffle tickets, extra bingo cards, or food if you’d like.
Sign up to volunteer here:
Help Fill the Basket Bingo Basket Prizes
Each grade level is sponsoring a themed basket to be raffled off at Basket Bingo. You can donate an item from your child’s grade wishlist, or make a direct donation and let us do the shopping for you.
Grade-Level Basket Themes and Wishlist Links
- Kindergarten – Family Game Night https://a.co/j5VoTwb
- 1st Grade – Movie Night https://a.co/0PRSjwf
- 2nd Grade – Sports & Fitness https://a.co/1LjAgVC
- 3rd Grade – Crafting Fun https://a.co/hVzTfIt
- 4th Grade – Spa Day https://a.co/7uyfFHK
- 5th Grade – Cooking https://a.co/2QlMlLk
- 6th Grade – Outdoors Adventure https://a.co/4tIhoPV
Prefer to skip the shopping? Make a direct donation here, and we’ll take care of the rest:
https://www.givebacks.com/causes/lanepta/campaigns/basketbingocollections.
Thank you for helping make Basket Bingo a fun and successful night for our Lane community. We can’t wait to see you there!
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 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.
Take a look at this Summer Camp Summary handout for a list of FCPS and county opportunities, including both academic and recreational options. Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services’ Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) provides supports and programming for people with special needs and offers several options for students during the summer. On Thursday, February 19, at 6 p.m., TRS will host a virtual information session on its summer opportunities. View this TRS flyer for more information.
The FCPS Family Resource Center also has summer camp guides on its website, including adaptive camps for students with disabilities. These guides are updated regularly to provide the most up-to-date information for families.
Stay tuned to The Weekly Roar in the coming weeks for more information!
Registration for VIP (Values in Prevention) Summer Camp for Rising 7th Graders Opening Soon!
Values in Prevention (VIP) summer camp brings together multiple middle school communities in a coordinated effort to offer recreation, leisure, wellness, and prevention programming specifically focused on tweens. Held in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), the camp is not curriculum-focused but instead focuses on building positive relationships with peers and caring adults while introducing students to new hobbies and activities in a safe and supervised environment.
The VIP camp for this part of the county will be held at Whitman Middle School in Alexandria from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the month of July, except on July 3 (Independence Day holiday) and July 31. Transportation to and from VIP camp is available, with most bus stops at feeder elementary schools. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided to all students at no cost, but students are welcome to bring their own lunches.
This camp does have a modest fee for each student. The fee for this year is not yet confirmed, but it has consistently been $100 for the entire month. Students who receive Free and Reduced Fee lunches can have that fee reduced to half. Additional financial assistance is also available on a case-by-case basis. Financial burden will not be a barrier for students to attend. The camp schedule includes at least four field trips, most of which are intentionally planned to promote socialization and offer worthwhile recreational experiences. There are additional fees for these field trips.
VIP Camp staff consists of After-School Program Specialists at area middle schools, teachers/instructional assistants who normally work in the After-School Program, School Resource Officers from the Fairfax County Police Department, and staff from NCS’ community and teen centers. All individuals have background checks and are badged.
Registration for VIP Camp will open on March 17 at 6 p.m. A link will be sent out closer to that date.
Middle School Transition Fair for Families of Students Receiving Special Education Services—Wednesday, March 4
FCPS will host its 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 on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School.
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.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, connect with resources, and feel more confident about your child’s next steps. Language support will be available.
Flyer translations:
Upcoming Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center
Tips to Reduce Parent Stress and Anxiety
Tuesday, March 3, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Rachel Bailey for a workshop on why modern parenting feels so overwhelming— and how to manage it. Learn practical strategies to reduce stress, respond calmly instead of reactively, and parent with more confidence and ease.
You’re Not Doing It Wrong: Parenting Through “Bumps” with Neurodivergent Kids
Friday, March 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Parenting a neurodivergent child evolves in stages, often in unexpected ways. This webinar explores how parental roles shift over time and introduces a three-phase framework to help parents navigate change with clarity, curiosity, and intention—building more confident, responsive leadership along the way.
Why Smart Kids Struggle
Wednesday, March 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Many students struggle not because of ability, but because of executive function. This session helps parents recognize these challenges and learn simple strategies to reduce overwhelm and help kids get unstuck—without nagging or doing it for them.
BIS Part 3: How to Develop Emotional Regulation with Your Child
Friday, March 13, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Join us to explore how to move beyond stopping challenging behavior and instead focus on teaching the core skills of recognizing, understanding, and responding to emotions in healthy ways. Walk away with tools leading to a calmer family life.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Friday, March 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Is your preschooler heading to kindergarten this fall? Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition!
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support your child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools.
FCPS News & Events
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
- Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
- Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
- Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
- Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
- Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School.
- Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
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7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria, VA 22315 | Phone: 703.924.7700 |