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A Message from Mr. Morris
Our School Community Shines Brighter Because of Our PTA!
We are filled with gratitude for our amazing Parent Teacher Association (PTA), a group that has supported our school with heart, creativity, and dedication for decades. This year, their efforts have once again made a meaningful and lasting impact on our students, staff, and families. With a robust volunteer program, our PTA has supported our Family Volunteer Room, saving teachers time and energy. There’s also not a school day that goes by where you’ll find a family volunteer supporting learning in our school. Our PTA also supports the effort of our Family Resource Center, providing our families with meaningful resources.
They’ve truly kept our staff feeling appreciated all year long! On Early Release Wednesday they celebrated our staff with treats which included a custom trail mix bar, Thanksgiving pies, and even a rolling snack cart. For “Feel Good February”, our PTA made sure every week had something special to look forward to including a Super Bowl snack bar, delicious Valentine’s mini bundt cakes, a relaxing wellness bar, and even mini succulents to brighten classrooms and workspaces. March brought more funwith the March Munch Madness Cookie Challenge, where staff casted their votes as Oreos and Chips Ahoy went head-to-head.
Our students also benefited tremendously from PTA-sponsored experiences. Highlights included a visit from the Leesburg Animal Park and a mobile planetarium as part of the Rock N Run prizes. Delivery of interactive books for our preschool classrooms sparked curiosity for our youngest learners.
The PTA’s commitment to enriching student life was evident in so many ways. From hosting a successful Spelling Bee, to offering engaging student enrichment clubs like Chess, Drama, Cooking, and STEM/Robotics. Our Running is Elementary program is up and “running” from PTA. Our families continue to create opportunities for students to explore new interests and talents. Our families contribute directly to the Stratford Landing experience.
Our PTA also helped strengthen our school community by partnering with Stratford Landing Elementary School for a meaningful Family Identity/Culture Night, celebrating the diversity that makes our community so special. And of course, events like Bingo Night and the Winter Wonderland brought families together for fun, laughter, and connection. Our Month of the Military Child is in full swing, and our PTA also supported another successful Veterans Day program this year.
This incredible work doesn’t just happen. It takes time, energy, and a deep commitment to our school. PTA, on behalf of all the students and staff at Stratford Landing thank you for everything you do. Your creativity, generosity, and tireless support make our school a better place every single day. We are so fortunate to have you as partners in this important work. Here’s to celebrating you and what you do for our Stratford Landing dolphins!
Important Dates
- Friday, April 10 | Student Holiday
- Monday, April 13 | Principal’s Hour, 6:30 – 7:30 pm; Use this link to join. No need to RSVP.
- Tuesday, April 21 | Student Holiday
Principal’s Hour
This is an excellent way our families can stay connected to the work of Stratford Landing. You'll get to hear from me on a variety of important topics, and you'll also have plenty of time for your questions and discussion. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and connected with what's happening at our school.
At these upcoming meetings, we will reflect on our current school year and preview our upcoming school year. You will be able to offer feedback regarding this school year and ask questions as it relates to next school year. There is so much to celebrate this year. I also want to ensure a forum for our families to provide feedback so we may continue to strengthen and improve our work here at Stratford Landing.
Our two remaining Principal’s Hour Meetings:
Monday, April 13, 6:30 – 7:30 pm; Use this link to join. No need to RSVP.
Monday, May 18, 6:30 – 7:30 pm; Use this link to join. No need to RSVP.
Stratford Landing Class Placement Information for the 2026-2027 School Year
Many families value having a role in their child’s class placement. Parents and caregivers have the best overall knowledge of your child and her/his unique traits. The class placement process is approached very carefully and thoroughly at Stratford Landing, and we consider the academic and social needs of each student. To provide the best environment for your child, we seek input from both staff and families. Our teachers drive the class placement process, and we trust their judgement and expertise when creating class placements. We ask that you do not reach out directly to teachers to make requests for next school year. Parents and caregivers can provide their input through this process. When completing the form, please share the qualities of a teacher and classroom environment that would best meet your child’s needs.
Requests for specific teachers, or to be grouped with specific students, will not be honored. Instead, this is an opportunity for families to share information about their child that would support learning. To create equitable and dynamic class groupings, it is impossible to honor every request from a family to place a child in a specific classroom with specific students. Please be assured that with or without family input, each child's needs will be carefully considered to ensure the selection of a classroom in which your child will learn best and thrive socially.
Class assignments will not be finalized or communicated to families until closer to the start of the 2026-2027 School Year, likely just a few days before the new school year begins.
Complete this Class Placement Family Input Form to provide your input for the 2026-2027 school year. This form will close on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Thank you.
Your Principals,
Kevin Morris and Shea Hestmark
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her 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. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Attention 6th grade families!
The FCPS Office of Family and School Partnerships is hosting a virtual event: Partnering with Your Child’s Middle School!
Families of rising middle school students will explore ways to stay connected to learning and maintain strong family-school partnerships throughout their secondary education.
Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
FCPS is excited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a good, old-fashioned field day! We invite all military-connected families with FCPS students to a special field day to honor our military-connected children. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community at Annandale High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 - 2 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to connect with other military families across the Division!
Registration link for the Military Family Field Day
FCPS CTE Summer Learning Opportunity!
We're thrilled to invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience at one of the CTE summer enrichment programs! These week-long programs will introduce you to the wonderful world of Career and Technical Education, help you develop new skills, and make new friends.
Our programs offer a wide range of activities designed to spark your curiosity and keep you engaged. You will have the opportunity to learn coding, problem solving, cooking, and more! Our experienced and enthusiastic teachers are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment where you can challenge yourself and discover new passions.
You can find more details about our programs on our camp websites below:
We are able to offer a limited number of students currently in grades 2-11 at a Code UP! grant school with a one-week registration at no cost! If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out the interest form linked below by April 15th.
CTE Summer Enrichment Interest Form: https://forms.gle/ytfQWmR4MQ6FuvrBA
Families will be notified by the end of April to confirm whether they will receive one of the sponsored seats—students will be chosen by a lottery if there are more interested families than seats available.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Beth Mehr, CTE Educational Specialist at bgmehr@fcps.edu. We'd be happy to chat with you and your family.
Pages of Possibility is a student-led organization at West Potomac High School dedicated to bridging literacy gaps and expanding book access on the Route One feeder schools.
The second annual Literacy Event will take place on Saturday, April 11th, from 11 am-2 pm! All feeder schools are invited, grades K-3, and it's completely FREE!
This event is designed to promote a love for reading among K–3 students through engaging, hands-on activities. Highlights include: One-on-one read-aloud sessions with high school students, and Interactive literacy stations filled with fun educational games!
Scan the QR code above or click this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time Service
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.
Screening for Subject Specific and Part-Time 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 Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
Multiple criteria are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent or guardian input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom.
Appeals Process for Subject Specific and Part-Time Services
If a parent or guardian wishes to appeal an ineligible decision, they may submit an appeal with new data for consideration by the local school screening committee. This new information should be submitted to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher or Assistant Principal.
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services Overview
Subject Specific and Part-Time Services in Elementary School
FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach allows for a focus on matching services to students’ needs rather than labeling students.
Students have:
- Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.
- A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to support student learning and growth.
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs) work together to provide the following levels of school-based services at the elementary level:
Access to Rigor, Grades K-6
All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.
- All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons
- Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter.
Because Access to Rigor services are for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process.
Subject Specific Advanced Differentiation, Grades K-6
Some students require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in at least one specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these areas by:
- Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
- Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
- Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.
Student needs for subject specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.
Part-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-6
Some students have advanced academic abilities in multiple subject areas and require differentiation beyond the needs of age-level peers in their class in multiple content areas.
- Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher.
- Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.
Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.
Screening for Full-Time Services
Screening Timeline for Full-Time Services
Screening for Full-Time AAP services happens at the district/central level rather than by local schools. For your planning for next school year, please know that screening for Full-Time 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.
For more information, please visit the AAP website at: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/advanced-academics-identification-and-placement/current-fcps-students.
Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs, Grades 3-8
Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science). Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive:
- Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and
- Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.
Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year
Inova Cares, in collaboration with Partnership for Healthier Communities, is hosting their Annual Pediatric Health Fair!
This event is designed for uninsured or Virginia Medicaid covered children ages 5 and up who need vaccinations and school physicals completed for the upcoming 2026-27 school year, for free.
Appointment slots are limited and REQUIRED, so we strongly encourage early registration to secure a spot.
Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment
Summer Camp at Nativity Lutheran Church
Camp is for everyone, regardless of ability to make a donation! Join us for a week of summer fun: water games, crafts, science, snacks, bible exploring, and more!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
Summer Camp Dates: June 22-26 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Summer Camp Address: 1300 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria, VA
Contact us at: 703-768-1112
Messages from PTA
SLES Discovery Garden Volunteer Day - Saturday, April 11th, 9am-1pm!
A beautiful day of weather was ordered up for the SLES Garden Volunteer Day tomorrow. Come for an hour…but I bet you will want to stay longer! Students and adults are welcome..we have tasks for all abilities! Please sign up so we know how much pizza to order. Hope to see you there!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050B4CABAC22A3FE3-
63045509-garden
Stratford Landing Spring Fling - Thursday, April 16th, 6-8pm!
Bring your family and join your SLES friends for Spring Fling on April 16th! There will be basket raffles, a silent auction, music, games, Chick-Fil-A, temporary tattoos, Kona Ice and lots of terrific SLES memories!
The fun has already begun! You can purchase tickets for the basket raffles right now. You can also check out the items (teacher/staff experiences, club tuitions and more!) up for bid in the Spring Fling Silent Auction. Don’t forget to pre-order your Chick-Fil-A meal and sign up for a volunteer shift! We would love your help!
All links and details are in one convenient place: https://slpta.org/spring-fling
Spring Enrichment After School Clubs
Spring Chess and STEM club will start soon! Visit slpta.org/clubs for details and links to register for clubs Clubs fill up fast, so please don’t hesitate to register!
Dine Out For SLES!
The Stratford Landing ES PTA has teamed up with some neighborhood
restaurants to offer you a night off from cooking and a way to help Stratford
Landing Elementary School. These restaurants have generously offered to donate a percentage of orders that come in during the designated event to the Stratford Landing ES PTA. These donations go towards the planning of community events such as Movie Night and Winter Wonderland, showing appreciation to our SLES teachers and staff, and assisting with educational enrichment opportunities such as the upcoming Spelling Bee, Clubs and the Discovery Garden.
Check out our upcoming “Dine Out” Nights! https://slpta.org/dine-out-for-sles/
McAllister’s Deli on Wednesday, April 29th.
More details to come!
Panera Bread on Thursday, May 14th.
Come Join us at Panera on Thursday, May 14th!
Join your Stratford Landing Friends for a fun evening at Panera on Thursday,
May 14th! Panera will donate 25% of all online orders made from 6am-9pm (all day!) and use the code FUND4U when checking out at panerabread.com, in the Panera App. Panera will donate 25% of all in-store orders that show the Panera flyer at https://slpta.org/dine-out-for-sles/ (paper copy or electronic copy) to the cashier or use the code FUND4U at the in-store kiosks made between the hours of 4pm-8pm. The event is only valid at the 6670 Richmond Highway location in Alexandria, VA.
Stratford Landing Elementary School needs your help!
Check out all the SLES Volunteer opportunities on the PTA website!
https://slpta.org/volunteer/
Library Volunteers
The library needs you! There are many opportunities to help in the library during this school year doing things like shelving books, checking out books, creating bulletin boards or helping to set up activities. If any of this seems interesting to you and you have a ½ hour of time to give, please consider coming to the library. The April Library Volunteer Sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BADAA2EA1FA7-63132
365-april
Stratford Landing ES Swag
What better way to show your school spirit than to sport some amazing SLES swag! We have new designs up now..and more to come over the next few weeks! We hope to give you lots of options and designs throughout the year!
Check out the SLES PTA SWAG store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/stratford-landing-es/
We also have 2 designs of car magnets available for pre-order here: https://slpta.org/product/sles_magnet
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