Weekly Wave: March 6

Principal's Message

Lake Anne Families,

We had a wonderful week of learning and connection at school! A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Math & Literacy Night on Thursday evening. We had a great turnout and truly enjoyed spending time with our families. It was exciting to see students and caregivers participating in fun activities and games that support learning both at school and at home. Your partnership makes a difference!

As we continue through March, classrooms are filled with rich discussions, hands-on learning, and opportunities for students to strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills. Our Dolphins are working hard, and we are proud of their effort!

Attendance Update:
Our current chronic absenteeism rate is 13.4%, and our goal is to keep it under 10%. Every school day matters. When students are here consistently and on time, they build strong routines, stay connected to learning, and feel more confident in class. Thank you for helping us prioritize daily attendance. If your family needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we are here to help.

We appreciate your continued partnership and all you do to support our school community!

Warmly,

Mrs. Jill Stewart, Principal

Mrs. Valencia Chenier, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Leslie Grumbach, Assistant Principal

ECOECO

Important School Events

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  • March 9 - 13th
    • Penny Showdown
  • March 10th
    • Family Science Night
  • March 18th
    • 3-hour Early Release 
    • Dining for Dollars
      • Noodles & Company
  • March 20th
    • Student Holiday
  • March 30th - April 3rd
    • Spring Break

Family Science Night

Join us for Family Science Night on Tuesday, March 10th! Please note: There is no food at this event to protect the activity stations. 

Science NightScience

Penny Showdown

Penny Showdown

Penny Showdown

Dining for Dollars

noodles

Language Arts Updates

📚 Finishing Up Our Exploration of Technology and Society in Language Arts 📚

Students are finishing Benchmark Unit 5 in Language Arts! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about why and how we use technology.  

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: What do you think life would be like if we didn’t have cell phones or the internet?
  • Activity: Ask your child to predict the next big invention in transportation, communication, or entertainment. Have them sketch it, name it, and explain how it works.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.


📚 Terminando nuestra exploración de la tecnología y la sociedad en Artes del Lenguaje 📚

¡Los estudiantes están terminando la Unidad 5 de Benchmark en Artes del Lenguaje! Durante las últimas semanas, nuestros estudiantes han aprendido, leído y escrito sobre por qué y cómo usamos la tecnología.

Conéctese con el aprendizaje de su hijo/a en la escuela con estas preguntas divertidas y actividades prácticas para hacer en casa:

Pregunta: ¿Cómo crees que sería la vida si no tuviéramos teléfonos celulares o internet?

Actividad: Pídale a su hijo/a que prediga cuál será el próximo gran invento en transporte, comunicación o entretenimiento. Que haga un dibujo de su invento, le ponga un nombre y explique cómo funciona.

Al final de la unidad, su hijo/a llevará a casa la revista de la unidad. La revista incluye un calendario de actividades con formas divertidas de ayudar a los estudiantes a seguir desarrollando lo que están aprendiendo en cada nivel de grado.

También puede encontrar información sobre cómo apoyar la lectura de su hijo/a en casa en el sitio web de Benchmark Families.


Order Yearbooks!

Order Your Child’s Yearbook by April 10th for $15.00.

Online Code: YB32349 at www.strawbridge.net.

For security, you will need your child’s last name and student ID number.


Ordene el anuario de su hijo(a) antes del 10 de abril por $15.00.

Código en línea: YB32349 en www.strawbridge.net.

Por razones de seguridad, necesitará el apellido de su hijo(a) y su número de identificación estudiantil.


Emergency Response Buttons

Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


Mejorando la Seguridad y Protección para el Personal y los Estudiantes

La seguridad escolar se está fortaleciendo en todas las escuelas de FCPS con un nuevo sistema de gestión de emergencias. Este sistema incluye sensores instalados en las escuelas y un botón portátil de respuesta de emergencia (ERB, por sus siglas en inglés) para el personal.

El botón permite que el personal solicite ayuda de manera rápida y discreta y, al presionarlo, proporciona información sobre su ubicación dentro de la escuela. El ERB solo funcionará dentro de las instalaciones escolares y no depende del servicio celular. No está diseñado para reemplazar una llamada al 911, sino como una herramienta adicional de seguridad que puede utilizarse cuando llamar al 911 no sea seguro o práctico.

Obtenga más información sobre el sistema de gestión de emergencias. También puede enviar sus preguntas a la Oficina del Jefe de Seguridad y Protección de FCPS.


Family Engagement Survery

Family Engagement Survey to Open March 9

FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment.
  • Communication.
  • Student success.
  • Advocacy.
  • Family and school partnerships.
  • Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.


Measles

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.

Actualización sobre el sarampión del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax

El sarampión es un virus altamente contagioso que infecta a 9 de cada 10 personas que están expuestas si no están vacunadas o no tienen inmunidad. Ha estado en las noticias recientemente debido a casos en el norte de Virginia y entre personas que han viajado a través de aeropuertos locales.

Si sus planes para las vacaciones de primavera o el verano incluyen viajar al extranjero o a un área de los Estados Unidos con alta actividad de sarampión, el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax recomienda asegurarse de que su familia esté protegida. Los niños de 12 meses o más deben tener 1 o 2 dosis antes de viajar. Dependiendo de sus planes específicos de viaje, su proveedor de atención médica también puede recomendar vacunar a los bebés de 6 a 11 meses de edad. Lea más sobre estas recomendaciones.


Special Education Family Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.


Black History Month Event

Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration

The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month.

Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered a spirited keynote speech. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute.

Read more about the Black history event.


Countdown to Kindergarten

Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link

Kindergarten Registration

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).

Read more about the registration process.


Cuenta regresiva para Kindergarten: Apoyando una transición sin problemas

¿Su hijo/a comenzará kindergarten este otoño? ¡Únase al personal de FCPS para Cuenta regresiva para Kindergarten, un evento virtual diseñado para ayudar a las familias a prepararse para esta emocionante transición! El seminario web se llevará a cabo el viernes 27 de marzo, de 10:00 a 11:30 a.m.

Durante este seminario web, las familias aprenderán consejos prácticos e información esencial para apoyar un comienzo exitoso y sin dificultades en kindergarten en las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax. Regístrese para recibir el enlace del evento.

Inscripción para Kindergarten

Hay un proceso sencillo de cinco pasos para los padres que desean inscribir a su hijo/a en kindergarten:

  1. Determinar la elegibilidad.

  2. Identificar su escuela local.

  3. Reunir los documentos.

  4. Completar los formularios.

  5. Programar una cita (el estudiante y un cuidador deben estar presentes).

Lea más sobre el proceso de inscripción.


Summer Learning

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for StudentsRegistration 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 CampsCareer 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.


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:

  • February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
  • February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
  • February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
  • March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
  • March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.


Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

La incertidumbre alimentaria afecta a más de 96,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Sepa cómo puede ayudar y descubra los muchos recursos que están disponibles para aquellos que necesiten asistencia alimentaria o refugio. Revise la Guía de Servicios de Recursos Humanos.

 


Food Pantries

  • South Lakes Food Pantry:
    • Where: Outside the main entrance (Door #1) at South Lake High School
    • When: Thursdays between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM
    • What: Bags of non-perishable items as well as fresh produce, meat, bread, and household items
  • Saint Anne’s Food Pantry:
    • Where: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    • When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM
    • What: One bag of groceries and one bag of personal care items to each person
  • Tzu Chi Foundation:
    • Where: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    • When: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
    • What: Food items including fresh produce and dry goods
  • Community of Faith UMC:
    • Where: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    • When: Tuesdays between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
    • What: Food items including meat and refrigerated goods
  • Food for Others:
    • Where: Draper Dr & Kingsbridge Dr, Oakton, VA, 22031
    • When: Monday and Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Capital Area Food Bank is committed to providing food for our neighbors in need, throughout the year and in unexpected moments of economic hardship.


Additional Resources

  • Despensa de Alimentos de South Lakes:
    Dónde: Afuera de la entrada principal (Puerta #1) en South Lakes High School
    Cuándo: Los jueves entre las 4:30 PM y las 5:00 PM
    Qué: Bolsas con alimentos no perecederos, así como productos frescos, carne, pan y artículos para el hogar
  • Despensa de Alimentos de Saint Anne’s:
    Dónde: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada tercer jueves del mes entre las 12:00 PM y la 1:00 PM
    Qué: Una bolsa de comestibles y una bolsa de artículos de cuidado personal por persona
  • Fundación Tzu Chi:
    Dónde: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada primer y tercer sábado del mes entre las 10:00 AM y las 11:00 AM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo productos frescos y productos secos
  • Community of Faith UMC:
    Dónde: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    Cuándo: Los martes entre las 4:00 PM y las 6:00 PM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo carne y productos refrigerados

  • Despensa de Alimentos de South Lakes
    Dónde: Afuera de la entrada principal (Puerta #1) en South Lakes High School
    Cuándo: Los jueves entre las 4:30 PM y las 5:00 PM
    Qué: Bolsas con alimentos no perecederos, así como productos frescos, carne, pan y artículos para el hogar
  • Despensa de Alimentos de Saint Anne’s
    Dónde: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada tercer jueves del mes entre las 12:00 PM y la 1:00 PM
    Qué: Una bolsa de comestibles y una bolsa de artículos de cuidado personal por persona
  • Fundación Tzu Chi
    Dónde: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada primer y tercer sábado del mes entre las 10:00 AM y las 11:00 AM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo productos frescos y productos secos
  • Community of Faith UMC
    Dónde: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    Cuándo: Los martes entre las 4:00 PM y las 6:00 PM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo carne y productos refrigerados

Community Opportunities

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FCPS News

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

  • School Board Adopts FY 2027 Advertised Budget
  • New Date for Special Education Conference
  • Celebrating Our Schools

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


En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas:

  • La Junta Escolar adopta el presupuesto anunciado para el año fiscal 2027
  • Nueva fecha para la Conferencia de Educación Especial
  • Celebrando nuestras escuelas

Lea FCPS This Week para obtener más información sobre estos temas. Si aún no está recibiendo este boletín semanal, por favor inscríbase hoy.