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Dear Families,
Welcome to the fourth quarter! We hope you and your family had a relaxing and enjoyable spring break. As we enter the final stretch of the school year, it’s time to stay focused, work hard, and finish strong together.
Please join us for a Spirit Week next week, April 13-18, to celebrate Purple Star Week. We want to honor, support, and recognize the resilience of military-connected children and their families.
Liz Noto and Jennifer Condra
The Sunshine Scoop
 
Bus Passes for Students
A reminder about our bus pass procedures to help ensure a safe and efficient dismissal for all students:
At Louise Archer, we understand that occasional changes in dismissal plans are sometimes necessary. However, we are currently experiencing a high volume of daily bus pass requests, which can create challenges with timely communication, supervision, and available seating on buses.
To help us better support all students, please keep the following in mind:
- Bus passes should be requested only when absolutely necessary.
- All arrangements should be confirmed between families in advance—school staff are not able to coordinate plans between parents during the school day.
While no changes will be made to procedures for the remainder of this school year, school administration is reviewing current practices and considering improvements for next year. Should you have feedback about our current practices, please submit it here.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders
FCPS is required to provide information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine to the parents and guardians of all rising 7th grade students. The Rising 7th Grade Newsletter Message, available in the Immunization Toolkit, should be shared with parents and guardians via school newsletters. Similar information will also be distributed via eNotify beginning in March.
2026 STEAM Extravaganza
- Wednesday April 22
- 6:00pm-7:30pm (Cafeteria)
Do you want to do an experiment or research a STEAM topic and share the results with your classmates? Sign up to display a project at the Louise Archer STEAM extravaganza.
What is the STEAM extravaganza?
This event is a PTA sponsored extracurricular activity to celebrate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The event is similar to a traditional science fair but projects aren’t limited to experiments and can be about any STEAM topic.
No project? No problem, all are welcome! Even if you don’t create a project, you are still welcome to attend to check out the displays and do other activities including:
- Madison Robotics Club Demonstration
- Mathnasium Prize Wheel
- Other hands on STEAM activities
Sign up to display a project.
More information:
Please contact steamfair@louisearcherpta.org with questions.
Advanced Academics Updates
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time AAP Services:
Students can be screened for subject specific and part time AAP services at any time in the school year. In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year.
Screening for Full-Time Services:
Screening for Full-Time AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools.
- If your student was referred for Full-Time Services this past winter, eligibility decisions were sent via email to the enrolling parent in early April.
- If you wish to appeal this decision, appeals are due May 1 the AAP Office. The appeal form may be found by searching “AAP Forms” at https://fcps.edu/.
For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for Full-Time AAP services occurs during two specific screening cycles:
- Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January. Fall referrals are due October 15, annually.
- Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student. The referral window is from the first day of school - December 15, annually.
Please contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Tera Crenshaw tecrenshaw@fcps.edu, if you have any questions about Advanced Academic Services.
Madison Pyramid Day of Service
In the Madison Pyramid, we believe our schools and neighborhood are "Our Shared Home." To celebrate this, we are excited to share that we will have a Day of Service on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
This day moves learning beyond the classroom, helping students grow as Ethical and Global Citizens. Through hands-on service, students will learn that they have the power to strengthen their community through intentional, compassionate action. Each school will participate in unique ways tailored to their students' ages and interests.
We are asking for your support by donating supplies for our service projects. Some classes have created Amazon Wish Lists, and you can view and purchase items here.
Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Learn About Kindergarten at Louise Archer!
Our kindergarten open house is being rescheduled to April 21st at 10:00 AM since April 22 is now a full day of school. This will be an opportunity to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school.
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for registering your child for kindergarten. Register your child today!
Upcoming Calendar Dates
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April 21: No School | Statewide Election Day
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April 21: Kindergarten Orientation, 10:00 AM
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