CSMS News You Choose March 23
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 03/23/2026 10:50 AM EDT
Dear Sandburg Families,
Attendance Celebration Announcement
We’re excited to share that we will have our first attendance celebration this Thursday! Students who qualified by having few to no tardies are invited to participate.
Thank you for your continued support as we encourage all students to arrive to class on time and build strong attendance habits.
As we approach the final stretch before spring break, we appreciate your continued partnership in supporting a strong, positive learning environment for all students.
📅 Save the Date – Updated Grade Level Events
Please note the following updates to our end-of-year activities. We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause and appreciate your flexibility. More detailed information will be shared after spring break.
- June 9 – AM: 7th Grade Awards & Celebration
- June 10 – AM: 8th Grade Awards & Celebration / Evening: 8th Grade Dance
- June 12 – All Day: 8th Grade Field Day/BBQ (two houses)
- June 15 – All Day: 8th Grade Field Day/BBQ (two houses)
- June 16 – AM: 8th Grade Field Day/BBQ (one house)
🌸 Spring Break Reminder
Spring Break begins March 30. We hope this time provides students and families an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your child active and engaged during the break, here are a few ideas:
- Get outdoors: Take advantage of local parks, trails, or neighborhood walks and bike rides.
- Stay physically active: Encourage your child to play a sport, practice skills, or try something new like yoga or a fitness challenge.
- Explore together: Visit a museum, library, or local attraction to keep minds engaged.
- Limit screen time: Set healthy boundaries and encourage creative activities like reading, drawing, or building.
- Family time matters: Plan simple activities like cooking together, game nights, or day trips.
Thank you for your continued support of Sandburg Middle School. We look forward to a strong finish to the school year!
We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
On Monday, April 6, parents and guardians of Sandburg will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:
✅ Instructional leadership
✅ School climate
✅ Management (human resources and organizational)
✅ Communication and community relations
✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
✅ Professionalism
The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!
West Potomac Girls Basketball Spring Clinic
The WABC sponsored West Potomac Girls Basketball Spring Clinic is back for another year! Please share the attached flyer and the website below with your schools, communities, teams, and organizations. This weekly clinic, which will take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights at West Potomac beginning in April, is open to all girls in Grades 5-8.
https://www.supportwestpotomac.com/girls-basketball-clinic.html
Thank you for your continued support!
Joe Petrucelli
Head Girls Basketball Coach
West Potomac High School
jrpetrucelli@fcps.edu
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 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.
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.
Cell Phone Policy
When phones can be used:
- Before first bell at 7:30 am
- After the last bell at 2:15 pm
Student Expectations:
- Phones are off and stored between 7:30 am - 2:15 pm
- Phones may be stored in a backpack, locker, or pencil bag
- AirPods, earbuds, headsets, etc. must be off and stored
- Smartwatches may be worn, but texting, internet, and call features must be off
- Phones are never allowed in restrooms or locker rooms
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
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!
AttenDANCE after school- Thursday March 26
Early Release- Friday March 27
Spring Break - Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Teacher Work Day No School for students- April 6
Personal Development Day, No School for students- April 10
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