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Principal Note |
Dear London Towne Families,
As we step into the heart of the fourth quarter, there is a palpable energy in our hallways. As you are aware, this last quarter, we are leaning into our focus on being Ready to Learn, and I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible growth we are seeing in our students.
Learning isn't a straight line; it’s often a zig-zag of trial, error, and breakthrough. This week, we watched our students embrace the messiness of learning. Whether it was tackling a complex math problem or navigating a social challenge, our students showed remarkable agency—taking ownership of their journey and persisting through challenges even when the answers didn’t come easily. We are so proud of their grit!
Celebrating the Leaders of our Pride
While our students are the heart of the school, our staff members are the backbone. This week, we shift our spotlight to the Leaders of our Pride: our dedicated LTES staff.
Their tireless efforts ensure that every single member of our community has the tools, support, and encouragement needed to be successful. They don’t just teach; they mentor, advocate, and inspire.
Staff Appreciation Week is here! With the incredible support of our PTA and our community partners, we are looking forward to "showering" our staff with the appreciation they deserve. Keep an eye out for the special events planned to honor their commitment to our students.
There’s No Place Like the Towne
Every day, I am reminded that what we have here is unique. It is the partnership between our resilient students, our hardworking staff, and our supportive families that makes this community thrive.
Thank you for being part of the "Towne" family. Let’s make this a week to remember!
Warmly,
Shele Banford, Principal
Jordan Moore, Assistant Principal
Lucy Zamora, Assistant Principal
Events Around the Towne
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📚Wednesday, May 6: Grades 4 and 6 Reading SOL Test
🌮 Wednesday, May 6: 5:00-9:00 PTA Spirit Night - Chipotle
🚌 Thursday, May 7: Grade 1 Field Trip to Leesburg Animal Park
🧮 Friday, May 8: Grade 3 Math SOL Test
🔬 Friday, May 8: Grade 5 Science SOL Test
🚌 Monday, May 11: Trout Release Field Trip (select students)
🚌 Tuesday, May 12: Preschool Field Trip
📅Tuesday, May 12: PTA Meeting, 6pm in the Library
🔥 Wednesday, May 12 - Friday, May 29: Attendance Hot Streak
🧮Wednesday, May 13: Grades 4 and 6 Math SOL Test
🧮 Friday, May 15: Grade 5 Math SOL Test
⏰ Wednesday, May 20: 12:05 Early Release Wednesday (K-6 ONLY)
🍔 Thursday, May 21: ALL DAY PTA Spirit Night - Five Guys
🎲 Thursday, May 21: 5:45 p.m. SEL Family Dinner/Game Night
🍩Friday, May 22: 7:45 a.m. Donuts with Grownups (Last Names A-L)
💻Friday, May 22: PreK, K and At Home Loaners Device Collection
🚌 Thursday, May 28: Grade 2 Field Trip to Gunston Hall
📚 Thursday, May 28: Centreville Public Library Visit
🍩Friday, May 29: 7:45 a.m. Donuts with Grownups (Last Names M-Z)
💻Friday, May 29: Reading SOL Retakes
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LTES Identification Safety Reminder |
Please be sure to bring your ID any time you enter the building. We cannot let you go to the cafeteria for lunch with your child unless you sign in with your ID. And we cannot release your child to you without an ID.
🎃🎃🎃 Halloween Costume Donations Needed 🎃🎃🎃
To celebrate Earth Week, we will be collecting Halloween costumes and costume parts! Please start sending them in on Monday, April 20th! Costumes will be accepted through May 15th when they will be donated to Westfield. Be on the lookout for information on how you, as a family, can shop this coming fall!
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Lion Leaders Application: Rising 6th |
Mrs. Lanier and Mrs. Sirota are beginning the process of selecting our 6th Grade Lion Leaders Team (combination of WLTS News Crew and Student Council) for next school year. We plan to select a team of 12-15 strong student leaders to meet daily, 8:05-8:45. These students may participate in a variety of leadership roles throughout the year: representing London Towne at community events, planning fundraisers and school spirit weeks, writing content for and producing our daily news show, and planning and implementing ways to improve our LTES learning environment.
Interested current 5th grade students must apply by Friday, May 22 at 3:05 p.m. by completing a red paper permission form (available at school) and this 2026-27 Lion Leaders Interest Form (students must be signed into their FCPS Google account). This form can also be accessed in the All Students Course in Schoology starting on May 12. Selections will be made based on qualifications, family and teacher recommendations, and an in-person interview during the school day. Depending on the number of interested applicants, students may be selected to participate for the entire year or a portion of the year.
We are excited for our Lion Leaders to lead by example, model Portrait of a Graduate attributes of Communicator, Collaborator, and Ethical and Global Citizen, and promote school-wide initiatives that help create a welcoming environment for all Lions! We are so excited to facilitate the growth of new Lion Leaders in the coming school year and anticipate these students having a wonderful year and a large impact on the Towne!
**Please note that there will also be non-edible treats options such as fun pencils and stickers.
**Tenga en cuenta que también habrá opciones de golosinas no comestibles, como divertidos lápices y pegatinas.
🎲🎲 SEL Family Game Night 🎲🎲
Our Wellness Team is hosting a Social Emotional Learning Family Game Night!
🎲 Date: Thursday, May 21
🍕 5:45 - 6:15 p.m.: Free Pizza
🎲 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.: SEL Game Stations
Come join us for yoga, Jenga, emotions charades, Play-Doh, mindful bubble blowing, mindful coloring, and other card game and activities! Students must attend with a family member.
🍩🍩🍩 Donuts with Grown-Ups 🍩🍩🍩
Our “Donuts with Grown-ups” dates for this quarter are:
🍩 Friday, May 22: Families with last names A-L
🍩 Friday, May 29: Families with last names M-Z
Donuts and coffee will be served beginning at 7:45 am for students and their families. Students will dismiss to class by 8:20 am.
We encourage the adults to stay after for a resource share!
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Spring SOL and Screener Dates |
Families, please make a note of the spring screener and SOL test dates for your student's grade level.
Screeners are taken several times during the school year during the language arts and math blocks and provide teachers details about students' progress and areas of mastery and needed improvement. Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are required in the state of Virginia at the end of each school year in grades 3-6. SOL tests start at 8:30 a.m.
Ways you can support:
- Avoid scheduling appointments for test days.
- Ensure your child arrives to school on time.
- Make sure your child gets a good night of sleep the night before an assessment.
- Feed your child a healthy breakfast at home or remind them to pick up breakfast at school.
- Talk to your child about the importance of taking their time and trying their best! Send them off with positivity and encouragement so they feel confident!
Grade Level Assessment Dates
0️⃣ PreK/Kinder / 1️⃣ First Grade / 2️⃣Second Grade
3️⃣ Third Grade
4️⃣ Fourth Grade
5️⃣ Fifth Grade
- Friday, May 8: Science SOL
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Friday, May 15: Math SOL
6️⃣ Sixth Grade
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LTES Yearbook on Sale! |
📖 Families, the 2025-26 LTES Yearbook is now on sale! Limited time only. Limited supply.
📢 Order online direct from the Strawbridge website.
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PTA News and Happenings |
Come join us at our next PTA Meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m.!
Follow the LTES PTA on Instagram to stay to date with all the fun, upcoming events!
🎭 Westfield High School Theatre Presents 🎭
🎭 Anastasia: The Musical 🎭
Journey to the past with us! Perfect for all ages!
- April 30, May 1, May 2, May 8 at 7 PM
- May 3 & May 9 at 12 PM
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student/senior. All seats reserved. All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com
Note: May 1st at 7pm is our American Sign Language interpreted performance.
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Required Immunizations |
The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
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Summer Extravaganza |
Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
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Updates to 2026-27 FCPS 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.
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Enrichment Opportunities |
Interested in enrichment opportunities? Check out the link below of various offerings for FCPS students and families! This includes The National Building Museum, National Gallery of Art, and The National Air and Space Museum!
Enrichment Opportunities
TJ Techstravaganza will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM - 4 PM at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. From hands-on activities to mind-blowing demonstrations, Techstravaganza inspires students to explore their passion for STEM. Past Techstravaganza exhibitors include NASA, Robotics for Youth, and the American Society for Naval Engineers. This is a self-paced event, so students are free to visit whichever booths interest them! Students can look forward to raffles, merchandise, and goodie bags.
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Pre-K and Early Head Start |
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
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FCPS Summer Camps |
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.
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Twice Exceptional Student Webinars |
Fairfax County Public Schools Twice Exceptional (2E) Series:
Friday, May 15, 2026 - 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Beyond High School: Preparing Twice-exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills.
All webinars are FREE to families, educators, and community members. This webinar is for adults only. Register using this link.
For more information, call 703-204-3941 or visit us at: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/family-resource-center Please call us to make a request for ADA accommodations.
Interpreters are available if requested at least a week before the webinar. Interpretation cannot be guaranteed. We will have closed-captioning in any chosen language if we cannot find an interpreter.
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Volunteer FCPS Update |
💗 Register Today With Volunteer FCPS
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at [School]. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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2025-26 Early Release Wednesdays |
⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools (K-6 only)
Early Release Wednesdays apply only to students in grades K-6. Preschool students still attend school for their regular hours.
While we anticipate that most students will be dismissed at 12:05 p.m. on limited early release Wednesdays, we recognize that some families may require childcare. These students will be supervised by school-based staff. No new instruction will take place, as after-school care is strictly supervision.
Remaining 3-hour early release day for our school is:
National School Nurse Day is Wednesday, May 6. It is a day to recognize the many contributions that school nurses make to student health and learning.
FCPS appreciates the role of School Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their contribution to the health and welfare of all our students. Professional school nurses support the needs of students through their delivery of healthcare, contributions to local school communities, and promotion of safety, prevention, and wellness throughout the year. They are advocates who bridge healthcare and education by supporting student health and readiness to learn. School nurses are essential to our community and work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.
Please join us in thanking the PHNs for their hard work and dedication to FCPS students.
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