Weekly Wave: April 17

Principal's Message

Hi Lake Anne Dolphin Families,

We hope you’ve had a wonderful week! It was a joy to celebrate National Dolphin Day together on Tuesday. Our students had a fantastic time, and we are so grateful to our PTA for making the day so special for everyone.

We are also excited for our 6th grade basketball game against Forest Edge Elementary School this evening. We hope you’re able to join us—please see the flyer below for more information!

As we continue through the school year, we want to share an important attendance update. Our current chronic absenteeism rate is 12.4%. As you know, our goal is to stay below 10% all year, and we are working hard to get there. Please note that attendance is taken daily through the last day of school. This includes tardies and early dismissals. Every day we partner together to keep chronic absenteeism down, we provide all Lake Anne Dolphins with the environment to thrive and succeed. Let’s continue working together to reach and stay below 10% for the remainder of the year.

As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, we appreciate your support in ensuring all of our Dolphins are present, on time, and engaged in learning each day. Thank you for your continued partnership!

Mrs. Jill Stewart, Principal
Mrs. Valencia Chenier, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Leslie Grumbach, Assistant Principal

Go Dolphins!

Important School Events

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  • April 17
    • 6th Grade Basketball Game against Forest Edge
  • April 21
    • Special Statewide Election - Student Holiday
  • April 24
    • Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
  • Upcoming SOLs:
    • May 6 - Reading (Grades 4-6)
    • May 14 - Math (Grades 3-6)
    • May 19 - Science (Grade 5)
    • May 20 - Reading (Grade 3)

Basketball Challenge

bball

 

Join us TONIGHT in the South Lakes HS gym for the annual 6th Grade Basketball Game against Forest Edge. We hope to see you there!

bball spanish

Lost & Found

The lost and found will be in the front hallway from April 20-May 1st. Please come by to recover your child's lost items!

Los objetos perdidos y encontrados estarán en el pasillo principal del 20 de abril al 1 de mayo. ¡Por favor, pase a recuperar los artículos perdidos de su hijo/a!

lost and found

Earth Week: April 20-24

FCPS Get2Green is excited to host our division-wide Earth Week 2026! Earth Week is a fun way to highlight the work happening in your school, foster new learning, and develop students as environmental stewards and ethical and global citizens.

Students and Staff are invited to wear the color matching each day’s theme to show your Earth Week spirit.

  • Monday, April 20 – Wildlife Day - wear nature print
  • Tuesday, April 21 – Zero Waste Day - wear white
  • Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day - wear green
  • Thursday, April 23 – Climate Change Day - wear red
  • Friday, April 24 – Watershed Day - wear blue
Earth Week: April 20-24

New Student Safety Program

Speak Up Be Safe

Lake Anne is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Body Safety Program during the week of June 1st – June 5th. We are joining over 30 schools across Fairfax County in implementing this research-based curriculum designed to empower our students.

About the Program

Trained facilitators from the Department of Family Services (DFS) will visit our classrooms to lead age-appropriate lessons from the Speak Up Be Safe prevention education curriculum. These sessions (lasting 45–60 minutes) focus on teaching children practical skills to:

  • Identify and prevent bullying and neglect.
  • Interrupt cycles of child abuse.
  • Build the confidence to speak up to trusted adults.

Next Steps & Opt-Out Information

Next week we will begin to distribute detailed information sheets and opt-out forms to all families. Please be on the lookout for this information in your child's Wednesday Folder.

 

Habla y Mantente Seguro

La Escuela Primaria Lake Anne se complace en anunciar que ofrecerá el Programa de Seguridad Corporal durante la semana del 1 al 5 de junio. Nos unimos a más de 30 escuelas del condado de Fairfax para implementar este currículo basado en la investigación, diseñado para empoderar a nuestros estudiantes.

Sobre el programa

Facilitadores capacitados del Departamento de Servicios para la Familia (DFS) visitarán nuestras aulas para impartir lecciones apropiadas para cada edad del programa de prevención Speak Up Be Safe. Estas sesiones (de 45 a 60 minutos) se enfocan en enseñar a los estudiantes habilidades prácticas para:

  • Identificar y prevenir el acoso y la negligencia.
  • Interrumpir los ciclos de abuso infantil.
  • Desarrollar la confianza para hablar con adultos de confianza.

Próximos pasos e información para excluirse

La próxima semana comenzaremos a distribuir hojas informativas detalladas y formularios de exclusión a todas las familias. Por favor, esté atento a esta información en la carpeta de los miércoles de su hijo/a.


April Statewide Election

No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled. 

FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.

No hay clases para estudiantes

No habrá clases para los estudiantes el martes 21 de abril debido a las elecciones estatales de Virginia. Las actividades estudiantiles, prácticas deportivas y eventos podrán llevarse a cabo según lo programado.

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax (FCPS) ofrecerán almuerzo y un refrigerio sin costo para niños de 18 años o menos el 21 de abril en las escuelas participantes. Las comidas deben consumirse en el lugar y habrá actividades de enriquecimiento disponibles. Para más información, visite la página web de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición de FCPS.


Stuff the Busstuff

All schools in the South Lakes pyramid will be collecting donations for the South Lakes Food Pantry. On Friday, April 24, a FCPS bus will travel from school to school to pick up donations and STUFF the BUS. All donations will go to the South Lakes High School Food Pantry.


Language Arts Updates

📚 Finishing Up Journeys and Themes in Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the different lessons that stories across cultures can teach us. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: If you could go on an adventure like one of the characters you’ve read about in this unit, which one would it be and why?
  • Activity: Ask your child to imagine that they’re going on an adventure. Ask them to draw the items they’ll need to take with them. Would their supplies be different if the adventure was underwater or somewhere very cold?

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.

📚 Finalizando Viajes y Temas en Artes del Lenguaje 📚

¡La Unidad 6 de Benchmark en Artes del Lenguaje está llegando a su fin! Durante las últimas semanas, nuestros estudiantes han aprendido, leído y escrito sobre las diferentes lecciones que las historias de distintas culturas pueden enseñarnos.

Conéctese con el aprendizaje de su hijo/a en la escuela con estas preguntas divertidas y actividades prácticas en casa:

Pregunta: Si pudieras ir en una aventura como uno de los personajes que has leído en esta unidad, ¿cuál sería y por qué?

Actividad: Pídale a su hijo/a que imagine que va a una aventura. Pídale que dibuje los objetos que necesitaría llevar. ¿Serían diferentes sus suministros si la aventura fuera bajo el agua o en un lugar muy frío?

Al final de la unidad, su hijo/a llevará a casa su revista de la unidad. La revista incluye un calendario de actividades con ideas divertidas para ayudar a los estudiantes a reforzar lo que están aprendiendo en cada grado. También puede encontrar información sobre cómo apoyar la lectura de su hijo/a en casa en el sitio web de Benchmark Families.


SOL Support

test

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments 

Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning. 

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.

Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season. 

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify us as soon as possible. 

  • May 6 - Reading (Grades 4-6)
  • May 14 - Math (Grades 3-6)
  • May 19 - Science (Grade 5)
  • May 20 - Reading (Grade 3)

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters


School Calendar Update

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.


FCPS Budget

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 BudgetAbout 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.

 

Ayúdenos a Mantener la Excelencia de FCPS: Haga Escuchar su Voz sobre el Presupuesto del Año Fiscal 2027Cerca del 70% del presupuesto de FCPS proviene de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax.Usted tendrá varias oportunidades para ofrecer su opinión al condado acerca del presupuesto antes de que sea aprobado en mayo. Estas oportunidades incluyen una encuesta online

Conozca más acerca de cómo el presupuesto de FCPS nos ayuda a mantener nuestro nivel de excelencia visitando www.fcps.edu/budgetstory.


Infant & Toddler Resources

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.


Special Education Family Conference

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.


Military Family Field Day

Join FCPS for a fun-filled day to connect with other military families and celebrate our military children! The event will take place on Saturday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the Annandale High School stadium.

Military Family Field Day - April 18 - Annandale HS

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.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.


Getting to Know FCPS for Arabic Speaking Families

Visit Forest Edge on Thursday, April 23rd at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about FCPS, school staff, and ways you can support your student's success at home. 

Getting to Know FCPS

Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

La incertidumbre alimentaria afecta a más de 96,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Sepa cómo puede ayudar y descubra los muchos recursos que están disponibles para aquellos que necesiten asistencia alimentaria o refugio. Revise la Guía de Servicios de Recursos Humanos.

 


Food Pantries

  • South Lakes Food Pantry:
    • Where: Outside the main entrance (Door #1) at South Lake High School
    • When: Thursdays between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM
    • What: Bags of non-perishable items as well as fresh produce, meat, bread, and household items
  • Saint Anne’s Food Pantry:
    • Where: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    • When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM
    • What: One bag of groceries and one bag of personal care items to each person
  • Tzu Chi Foundation:
    • Where: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    • When: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
    • What: Food items including fresh produce and dry goods
  • Community of Faith UMC:
    • Where: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    • When: Tuesdays between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
    • What: Food items including meat and refrigerated goods
  • Food for Others:
    • Where: Draper Dr & Kingsbridge Dr, Oakton, VA, 22031
    • When: Monday and Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Capital Area Food Bank is committed to providing food for our neighbors in need, throughout the year and in unexpected moments of economic hardship.


Visit the local farmers market at St. John Neumann Catholic Church for fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread and prepared foods!

Reston Farmers Market - St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Additional Resources

  • Despensa de Alimentos de South Lakes:
    Dónde: Afuera de la entrada principal (Puerta #1) en South Lakes High School
    Cuándo: Los jueves entre las 4:30 PM y las 5:00 PM
    Qué: Bolsas con alimentos no perecederos, así como productos frescos, carne, pan y artículos para el hogar
  • Despensa de Alimentos de Saint Anne’s:
    Dónde: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada tercer jueves del mes entre las 12:00 PM y la 1:00 PM
    Qué: Una bolsa de comestibles y una bolsa de artículos de cuidado personal por persona
  • Fundación Tzu Chi:
    Dónde: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada primer y tercer sábado del mes entre las 10:00 AM y las 11:00 AM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo productos frescos y productos secos
  • Community of Faith UMC:
    Dónde: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    Cuándo: Los martes entre las 4:00 PM y las 6:00 PM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo carne y productos refrigerados

  • Despensa de Alimentos de South Lakes
    Dónde: Afuera de la entrada principal (Puerta #1) en South Lakes High School
    Cuándo: Los jueves entre las 4:30 PM y las 5:00 PM
    Qué: Bolsas con alimentos no perecederos, así como productos frescos, carne, pan y artículos para el hogar
  • Despensa de Alimentos de Saint Anne’s
    Dónde: 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada tercer jueves del mes entre las 12:00 PM y la 1:00 PM
    Qué: Una bolsa de comestibles y una bolsa de artículos de cuidado personal por persona
  • Fundación Tzu Chi
    Dónde: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190
    Cuándo: Cada primer y tercer sábado del mes entre las 10:00 AM y las 11:00 AM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo productos frescos y productos secos
  • Community of Faith UMC
    Dónde: 13224 Franklin Farm Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
    Cuándo: Los martes entre las 4:00 PM y las 6:00 PM
    Qué: Alimentos, incluyendo carne y productos refrigerados

Community Opportunities

loving solutions

We are excited to share an opportunity for families of children ages 5–10! Loving Solutions is a free, 10-week workshop designed to support families with practical strategies for building positive relationships, strengthening communication, and supporting children’s success at home and school.

The workshop will be held at Dogwood Elementary, and we encourage interested families to take advantage of this valuable resource!


ESL

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is offering English classes for adults from April 6 through June 11. These classes are a great opportunity for adult learners to build English language skills in a supportive environment.

Please see the flyer for additional information on class times and locations.


Fine Arts

Registration is now open for the FCPS Fine and Performing Arts Camp! This exciting opportunity allows students to explore and grow their skills in the arts. Please see the flyer for more information. Registration closes on June 5.


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Calendar Updates
  • Teacher on The Kelly Clarkson Show
  • Support Your Student During SOLs

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

 

En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, el distrito escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas:

  • Actualizaciones del calendario
  • Un maestro en The Kelly Clarkson Show
  • Cómo apoyar a su estudiante durante los SOLs

Lea FCPS This Week para obtener más información sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, inscríbase hoy mismo.