GBE Happenings - March 11, 2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/11/2026 05:28 PM EDT

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students sit together coloring bookmarks in library

 

Sixth-grade students sit together in the library, coloring bookmarks featuring an illustration by author and illustrator Peter Catalanotto, who recently visited GBE.

Calendar Reminders

  • Friday, March 20 - Student Holiday - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 - Early Release Wednesday 
  • Thursday, March 26, 6:00 - Spotlight on Learning 
  • Friday, March 27, 2:00 - Early Release for ALL Students 

Early Release Wednesday - March 25

Thank you for another successful 3 Hour Early Release in February! Your student will keep the same dismissal time for the 3 Hour Early Release on Wednesday, March 25. 

If an emergency comes up and you need to request a change to your student’s dismissal time, please email Mr. Pietzman at djpietzman@fcps.edu as soon as possible. If approved, the new dismissal time will remain in place for the remaining early release dates listed above. If you would like to change it back later, you will need to email again before the next early release day.

Please be sure to submit any dismissal change requests to Mr. Pietzman by Friday, March 20. 

Join Us for Spotlight on Learning - March 26

We are excited to invite our families to A Spotlight on Student Learning on March 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30, so you can grab dinner from food trucks and shop at the book fair. The event will begin at 6:00.

This special evening will highlight how our students are developing as collaborators and resilient learners. Throughout the event, see student work samples and hear from students about how they have grown this school year.

📚Be A Book Fair Volunteer

Two smiling women and a young boy look at a Bluey book together at a Scholastic Book Fair. Text: Be a Scholastic Book Fair Volunteer.

 

We are excited to be partnering with Scholastic for our Spring Book Fair from March 23-27. Students will visit the Book Fair with their classes on March 23 and 24. There will be special family hours from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 following the early dismissal, and 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, during Spotlight on Learning.

Prefer a cashless Book Fair? Set up a Scholastic eWallet for your student here: https://bit.ly/GBESpring26eWallet. At the conclusion of the Book Fair, any unspent funds will become a Scholastic eGift balance.

Interested in volunteering with the Book Fair? Email Mr. Lotz at gblotz@fcps.edu or sign up at https://bit.ly/GBESpring26BookFair. We can't do it without you!

Yearbooks on Sale Now

Order your GBE yearbook

Yearbook Cost: $20.00

Yearbooks can be purchased online through Barksdale now until April 30, 2026. 

Click here to order through www.barksdalephoto.com GBE Yearbook code: 0037259YB

You may send your payment in with your student via cash (exact change) or check (Made Payable to: Greenbriar East ES or GBE).

Family Engagement Survey Opened 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.

Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Students building with blocks

 

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.

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.

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.

PTA News & Notes 

PTA Meeting - Thursday, March 12

PTA Meeting: March 12 at 6:30 PM in the GBE Library. Illustration of a small bee included.

 

Join us for our monthly hangout where we chat all things Greenbriar East along side Principal Pietzman and the PTA Board. We look back at STEAM Fest and we look forward to One Greenbriar, PTA elections and what's left for the year.

Apply to be on the PTA Board!

Apply today for the 2026-2027 PTA Board. Image shows paper hands reaching toward a heart. Accepting applications today.

 

The GBE PTA acts as a community advocate for students and staff, supporting the Greenbriar East community through engagement, events, programs, and services. The PTA plays a key role in fostering inclusive opportunities for the entire school community.

Why serve? Get ready for an incredible journey of giving, creating, collaborating and making a huge difference in the lives of the GBE community.

Quick things to consider:

  • No PTA experience needed.
  • Serve with your friends.
  • Supported by a GBE PTA playbook

Link: https://gbe.givebacks.com/shop/items/7c442f9a7282