Laurel Ridge Newsletter 05/01/26

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A Lion's Tale

Counts

Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,

My heart is still full after last night’s Talent Show. From soulful piano solos and high-energy dance routines to some truly impressive magic tricks, our Lions certainly proved they have heart and courage to spare! Seeing our students cheer one another on from the wings was a beautiful reminder of the supportive community we’ve built together. As we transition from the stage to the classroom, please remember that Standard of Learning (SOL) testing is now underway and will continue over the next few weeks. To help our Lions feel confident and focused, please ensure they are getting plenty of rest each night and starting their day with a hearty breakfast.

Megan Counts
Laurel Ridge Elementary Principal


lucky pointing

Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events

Wednesday, May 20 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Monday, May 25 - Holiday Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, May 27 - Holiday Eid al-Adha
Wednesday, June 17 - Last Day of School 1:55 Dismissal


2026-27 Parent Input Form

Welcome to the 4th quarter of the 25-26 school year!  While we still have many exciting plans for the remainder of this school year, we are already beginning to plan for the 2025 – 2026 school year.  Parents and caregivers can help our planning by completing this Parent Input Form


car parking

Parking and Safety Reminders

We know some people elect to park and walk their students to the building.  We ask that you use the crosswalk, stay on sidewalks, and refrain from walking across the bus loop. We have noticed an increase in students crossing Commonwealth Blvd without an adult escort and we are concerned for their safety. 

We have also noticed that several students are being dropped off from cars that are still in an active traffic lane or improperly stopped while blocking the bus loop.  These are huge safety concerns and we ask that you refrain from these practices and use our Kiss and Ride system to ensure everyone's safety.  

We also ask that you park legally. Please be mindful of our neighbors by avoiding parking that obstructs driveways, mailboxes, or lines of sight. We value our neighbors and want to maintain a positive, welcoming community for everyone. Below are the Fairfax County Regulations.  Violators are subject to ticketing.

  • Parking not allowed within 10 feet of driveways.
  • Parking not allowed within 15 feet of hydrant.
  • Parking not allowed in or within 20 feet of the intersection.
  • Parking not allowed in or within 20 feet of designated crosswalk.
  • Parking not allowed within 30 feet of stop sign.

picture day

Spring Pictures Available!

Hello, Laurel Ridge Elementary School Families! Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at our school and pictures are now online.

Please use the link below to view your student's Spring photos.

https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001356049

Please remember, the online code is your Student's ID Number. 

For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com


school supplies

Order your school supply kit for next school year!

Laurel Ridge’s School Supply Store is already open for business. Each kit is customized to match your child’s grade-specific classroom supply list for the 2026-27 school year and they will be delivered to the classroom before the start of the school year. Order your kit at sproutsupplies.com using code LRES002. Sales end July 7, 2026.


yearbook

Preorder Your Yearbook
by May 5

Sales for our 2025-26 yearbook are open until May 5!  To guarantee a yearbook, please order one now.  We cannot guarantee that we will have extra copies after the preorders are distributed.

If you would like a copy of the 2025-26 Laurel Ridge Yearbook, preorder here: yearbookordercenter.com  and use school code 29286.

Yearbooks cost $22 and will be sent home with students the last week of school.  


☀️ Optional Summer Laptop Checkout

Keep those digital skills sharp this break by checking out an optional FCPS laptop for summer academic fun! Please remember these devices are for student academic use only—keep them safe from food, pets, and DIY repairs! If you run into any "glitches," visit the FCPS Technology Page or call the Help Desk at 833-921-3277. Note that families are responsible for the care of the equipment, and replacement fees apply for lost or damaged items. Ready to dive into summer learning? Use this link to opt-in for a device to use over the summer. Please complete one form per child. To ensure we have enough devices to meet student needs, please ensure you complete the form on or before May 22nd. Summer devices will be updated and ready for families to pick up at Door 2 on June 23rd 8 am – 3 pm!


attendance

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources


Summer Extravaganza

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
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.


Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.


Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.