The Liberty Ledger

Weekly newsletter providing families with the important updates and report of events happening at Liberty Middle School.

Important Dates:

• Wednesday, March 18 - IRW Testing 

• Friday, March 20 - School Closed (Holiday)

• Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - School Closed (Spring Break)

New Visitor Management System

We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. 

For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office.

But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school. 

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!

Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

• Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Liberty Middle School. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Fairfax County History Conference Student and Teacher Opportunities:

The Fairfax County History Commission presents: Revolutionary Ideas: Fairfax County’s American Revolution. What defines a revolution? Join them for #Fairfax250, a community conference exploring Fairfax County’s unique legacy in the American Revolution.

• Discover how our local landscape shaped the fight for independence.
• Uncover stories of famous figures and everyday heroes.
• Reflect on the lasting impact of the ideas that changed history.
• Explore hands-on artifacts and an interactive archeology challenge
• Participate in the “It’s Revolutionary!” trivia show
• Use AI and digital tools for history research
• Find your roots in an interactive genealogy session
• Learn about the African American cemeteries in Fairfax
• View the past and present historic sites
• Engage in interactive research and local history
• Connect with local history nonprofits
• Reflect on student research and poster exhibits

Students, are you a history enthusiast? Sign up to showcase a display tied to your school or community! Please note that middle school students are not eligible to participate in the trivia show.

The conference will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Ramadan Observance:

As we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances throughout the year, we are pleased to provide accommodations, including spaces for lunch, prayer/meditation, and silent reflection during Ramadan February 18–March 19, 2026.

Ramadan Cafe:

We have reserved a supervised calming space at Liberty Middle School during all lunches for students who are in observance of Ramadan.

Prayer, Mediation, and Silent Reflection Space:

We have also reserved a space for prayer, mediation, and silent reflection at Liberty Middle School during the school day for students who are in observance of Ramadan. To adhere to county guidance around student use of this space may only be outside of school instruction unless a request for accommodation is made using the form linked below:

Click here for the link to request accommodations during instructional time

To prioritize student safety this space is available as supervision permits. If supervision is unavailable, Liberty Middle School will make all efforts to work with all students to accommodate prayer, meditation, and silent reflection needs as it becomes available.

We appreciate partnership with community in supporting student well-being and fostering an inclusive school community.

For questions, please contact Interim Assistant Principal, Caitlyn Gomes at CMGomes@fcps.edu.

Meal Kits for Fasting Students:

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

• Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
• Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

SOL Testing: 

Students in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. State assessments measure how students are learning grade level standards. Format and timing of state assessments vary by subject and grade level. See the table below. Test formats include:

• Standards of Learning (SOL) mathematics, science, and reading standardized tests with an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component;
• Ongoing local alternative assessments (LAAs) completed as part of classroom instruction in science and social studies;
• Growth assessments completed as part of classroom instruction using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for mathematics and iReady for reading.

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools (https://www.fcps.edu/node/42716). The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045) outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade. School staff will contact you with the specific dates your student is scheduled to take spring SOL tests.

The state allows elementary and middle school students who fail a spring SOL test to have another attempt before the end of the school year. Retests are not offered for the integrated reading and writing (IRW) component. Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record. 

If you believe your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application (https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent). This application uses your SIS ParentVUE login. If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE Account, you may complete and return the form below to the school to give permission for retesting. 

If you have questions about state assessments or about SOL retesting, contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator.

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SOL Parent/Guardian Permission to Retest Form (for Parents without a SIS ParentVUE Account)

Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-8. If you believe your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, complete this permission form and return it to your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator. Please return a separate form for each student in grades 3-8.

Student Name ______________________________FCPS ID #________________ Grade Level ________ 

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name (Printed) _____________________________________________________________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature ______________________________________________________ Date _______________

 _____ No, do not retest my student even if their first attempt is close to a 400 passing score. 

 _____ Yes, provide my student with the opportunity to retake any spring SOL tests if they fail the first attempt.

 _____ Yes, provide my student with the opportunity to retake only the following spring SOL test(s) if they fail the first attempt  (see table above for SOL subjects tested at your student’s grade level):

Rising 8th Graders:

Important Dates!

Last Day for Course Change Requests

March 19, 2026

This is the final day to submit any course change requests for the 2026–2027 school year.

Counselor Assignments:

• Last Names A–F, Cat B, CSS

               Counselor: Mr. Wigfall – qjwigfall@fcps.edu

• Last Names G–Moo, ELP Levels 1–2

               Counselor: Ms. Alvarez-Leon – salvarezleon@fcps.edu

• Last Names Mop–Z

               Counselor: Ms. Hart – rlhart@fcps.edu

Mark your calendars and get ready — exciting curriculum events are on the way!

Valerie Peters

Director of Student Services

Liberty Middle School

Empowering Parents Transforming Teens 10-week Parent Workshop:

Immunization Events for FCPS Students:

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year. 

Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website. 

Spanish: Eventos de Vacunación para los Estudiantes de FCPS

FCPS, en asociación con la organización Inspire Health Alliance, estará ofreciendo sin costo alguno vacunas obligatorias para la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la “flu” o influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS. Se realizan múltiples eventos en lugares determinados de FCPS. Se programarán fechas adicionales a lo largo del año escolar. Padres y tutores podrían revisar las fechas de los próximos eventos y programar citas para vacunar a sus estudiantes. La participación es completamente voluntaria.

Hay disponibles recursos adicionales para la vacunación. 

Graduation Status Now Available in ParentVUE & StudentVUE:

A new Graduation Status section is now available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The Graduation Status is a tool that helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. This feature includes progress towards the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new graduation status section is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. To view the graduation status section, please take the following steps:

1. Login to your SIS ParentVUE Account
2. Go to “Course History” for your middle or high school student
3. Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on” 

For questions about graduation requirements, please contact your school counselor. Additional information about ParentVUE is available on the following website:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview 

Additionally, a resource guide with frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the Graduation Status section is available for school counseling professionals on the Graduation Requirements site.

FCPS 2 E Series Registration: 

FCPS is having a twice exceptional (2e) information series presented by Dr. Nonye Oladimeji, our AAP Twice Exceptional Specialist.   Here are the blurbs. Question: Should I target 2e families or should this go out to all families? Can the following information be included in the community newsletter and the school webpage?

February 20: The Social Lives of Twice exceptional (2e) Students: Friendship, Belonging, and Identity

Families will understand how some 2e students navigate peer relationships and how to support them establishing authentic connections.

May 15: Beyond High School: Preparing Twice exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills.

Families will learn strategies to support 2e students in developing executive functioning skills and essential life skills while empowering them to navigate college career, and independent adult life successfully.

Register here for the webinar series

Liberty Yearbook:

Don't miss out on capturing all the great memories from this school year! Now's the perfect time to order your yearbook and lock in the best price.

Yearbook prices will increase throughout the year, so the sooner you order, the more you'll save. Here are the deadlines and pricing:

Payments can be made online in MySchoolBucks:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/postlogin.action

• September 16, 2025 – January 9, 2026: $26

• January 10, 2026 – April 10, 2026: $30

• April 11, 2026 – June 30, 2026: $38

Materials Review Committee:

We are seeking parent volunteers to serve on our Materials Review Committee. Committee members will read or watch the texts that teachers submit for approval to ensure that it is age appropriate for students. We will also meet monthly to discuss the texts prior to completing the required forms.

Please reach out to Maggie Wickham at mpwickham@fcps.edu if interested in serving on the committee this year.

Liberty Library:

Want to know what's happening in the Liberty Library? Check us out on the Liberty Middle website! Click here to visit our website!

After-School Program:

AFTER-SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Student Services Team

Shirley Alvarez-Leon, Liberty Counselor (Last names G-Moo)

Valerie Peters, Director of Student Services 

Quesuan Wigfall, Liberty Counselor (Last names A-F)

Raychal Hart, Lead Liberty Counselor (Last Names Mop-Z)

Free and Reduced Meal Eligibility

If your children qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM), they may also be eligible for:

• Waivers or reduced fees for other FCPS fee-based programs.
• Information about scholarships, classes, and services from non-FCPS agencies and organizations.

To receive these additional benefits, you must give written consent allowing FCPS staff to share your children's meal eligibility status with administrators, school counselors and the school's finance technician. This information will not be shared with any other parties.

The Consent to Share is available here in multiple languages.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, feel free to contact our Family Liaison, Jaime Fajardo, at jefajardo@fcps.edu or 703-988-8234. All applications and related conversations will be handled confidentially.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions regarding resources like food and family assistance, please contact Sarah Hughes, School Social Worker at shughes@fcps.edu or visit our Social Worker Page. 

Helpful Resources

• Get more information about food distribution
• Watch this video to learn how to set up SIS ParentVUE
• Liberty MS Staff Directory
• Technology Help Desk:1-833-921-3277

Liberty MS Website Blogpost:

Check out what’s happening at Liberty! Read our latest website blogposts: https://libertyms.fcps.edu/features

LMS Administrative Team

Interim Principal: Gregory Hall |  GHall3@fcps.edu 

Director of Student Services: Valerie Peters |  VCPeters@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Jennifer Filsinger | JLFilsinger@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Sarah Letina |  SCLetina@fcps.edu

After-School Specialist: Sandy Donlon | SLDonlon@fcps.edu

6801 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA 20124 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Main Office: 703-988-8100 | Attendance:703-988-8181