CSMS News You Choose March 16
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/16/2026 11:43 AM EDT
Dear Families,
We have a busy and exciting month ahead! Here are the key updates you need to know for the coming weeks:
💃 Spring AttenDANCE Initiative
We are currently mid-challenge for our Spring AttenDANCE! To qualify for the celebration on March 26 (2:30–4:30 p.m.), students must maintain fewer than 3 tardies per week through March 24.
We are focusing on our D.A.N.C.E. values: Diligence, Attendance, Nobility, Conduct, and Enthusiasm. Let’s keep that positive energy going!
🎓 8th Grade Families: Date Change
Please update your calendars! The 8th Grade Dance has been rescheduled to June 10, 2026.
📱 Cell Phones & Earbuds Reminder
To maintain a focused learning environment, please remind your child that cell phones and earbuds must be powered off and stored in backpacks from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
If you need to reach your student for an emergency, please call the Main Office directly. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our hallways and classrooms distraction-free.
SUMMER LEARNING
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 and Institute for the Arts Camps 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.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!
Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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Honor Roll Celebration – 2nd Quarter
On Thursday, March 19th, we will recognize our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll students!
During these celebrations, we will honor groups of students in each house who earned:
- Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence – All A Honor Roll
- Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement – All AB Honor Roll
The celebrations will take place in the auditorium at the following times:
- 8th Grade: 7:55 AM – 8:55 AM (1st Period)
- 7th Grade: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM (7th Period)
An email invitation was sent to the families of award recipients on Tuesday, February 24. Families of students receiving awards are welcome to attend. Please enter through the outside door leading directly to the auditorium. Signage will be posted to guide you.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our Panthers! 🐾
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
John Grey: Assistant Principal jrgrey@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!
March 19- Honor Roll Celebration for 2nd Quarter
March 20- School's Closed
March 24- AttenDANCE
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