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The Feather Report

Volume 2, Issue 33

Photo of the Week

To close out the Month of the Military Child, many classes visiting the library learned about Morse code and had the chance to practice it using beeps, hand gestures, and flashlights. The activity was paired with the book “Hero Dad” by Melinda Hardin.

Leadership Ledger

Westlawn Families,

As we move into an important stretch of the school year, our students have already begun showing their focus and determination with the start of SOL testing this week—beginning with our fifth graders taking the reading SOL! I am so proud of the way our students are approaching these assessments with confidence and perseverance. On Tuesday, May 5, our fifth graders will take the science SOL, while students in grades 3, 4, and 6 will complete their reading SOL. We are grateful for the continued partnership of our families during this time—your support, encouragement, and flexibility truly make a difference in helping our students do their very best. Learn more about SOL testing at Westlawn.

Next week also brings one of my favorite celebrations of the year—Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4–8! Our PTA has planned a thoughtful and joyful week to honor our incredible staff. If you’d like to contribute, there are opportunities to donate items or help support the events, and staff wish lists are now available on our website. You’ll find everything from classroom supplies to special items like decorations for our 6th grade promotion ceremony. At the same time, I want to emphasize that appreciation does not need to come with a cost—a heartfelt note, a drawing, or a kind email recognizing a staff member goes a long way and means so much.

As we look ahead, we’re also excited to end the year with spirit and pride! On June 17, we’ll celebrate our final Fun Clothing Wednesday with a Westlawn Colors Day. If your child doesn’t yet have Westlawn gear, our online store is open and ready!

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and for helping make Westlawn such a special place to learn and grow! 

In partnership,

Christoph Hill, Stephanie Carpenter, and Erin Theiss

Proud Principals

News

April: Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

This April, our school community proudly celebrated Autism Acceptance Month. While the month has come to a close, the lessons of inclusion, respect, and belonging continue every day in our classrooms.

How Our Students Participated

Throughout the month, students engaged in meaningful discussions about neurodivergence—the idea that all brains work differently and that these differences are a natural and valuable part of the human experience. Here is how we brought these concepts to life:

• The Infinity Symbol: Students decorated infinity symbols, which represent the vast spectrum of experiences and the infinite possibilities within the autistic community.
• Inclusion Banners: We created interactive posters and banners where students shared, in their own words, what inclusion means to them.
• Kindness & Community: Our lessons focused on how we can all be better friends by leading with kindness and ensuring everyone feels they have a seat at the table.

Understanding Communication & Behavior

At our school, we celebrate the many ways students share their ideas and feelings. Acceptance means understanding that "one size does not fit all" when it comes to interaction.

• Diverse Voices: We have many students who communicate in unique ways! Some use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices—like tablets that speak for them—while others use visual schedules and picture boards to express their needs.
• Behavior as Communication: We teach our students that sometimes, behavior is a form of communication. When a peer interacts differently or needs extra space, it is an opportunity for us to respond with patience and support rather than judgment.

Continuing the Conversation at Home

Inclusion doesn’t stop at the school gates. We encourage you to talk with your children about how to be inclusive members of the community. You might ask:

1. "How can you make sure a friend who communicates differently feels included at recess?"
2. "What is one thing that makes your brain unique, and what is one thing you appreciate about how someone else thinks?"
3. "How can we show respect to people who experience the world differently than we do?"

By fostering a culture of acceptance over awareness, we ensure that every student—regardless of how they think, move, or speak—is a valued member of our family.

Family Tip: When you see someone using a communication device or acting differently in public, use it as a moment to model respect. Remind your children that different isn't "broken"—it’s just different! 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, we will share copies with you directly.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Seeking Parent Feedback for Class Placement in 2026-2027

We invite families to share information with us to help us better place students in classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year. Note that specific teacher requests will not be considered. We are looking for information from families about academic concerns and social-emotional needs. Share your feedback with us via this form between now and May 20.

Reminder: Rising 7th Graders: Go to Luther Jackson’s Boot Camp This Summer

Luther Jackson Middle School is hosting a “How to Survive Middle School” program for rising 7th graders on July 27–28, 2026, from 9 AM–1 PM. Students will participate in fun activities, learn about life at LJMS, and get to know the school before the year begins. Transportation is available from elementary schools, and the $40 registration fee includes bussing, a t-shirt, and lunch. Register now or contact Mr. Ertekin with questions. 

FCPS News

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

• FCPS Named One of the Best Communities for Music Education
• Thank You, Lunchtime Legends!
• Thank You, Bus Drivers and Attendants!

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

Dates and Events

April 30 - May 2: Buy tickets for The Wizard of Oz at Luther Jackson MS. Note: Theatre 4 Kids has reserved some free tickets for Westlawn families. Use this form to request free tickets. If the form is closed, then the free tickets have already been claimed.

May 5: SOL - 5th Grade Science and 3rd, 4th, and 6th Grade Reading

May 6: Fun Clothing Wednesday: sports clothing

May 6: Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day

May 6: in-person PTA Meeting from 5:30 - 6:30 PM

May 7: Westlawn Talent Show from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

May 12: SOL - 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Math (including Algebra 1)

May 13: Fun Clothing Wednesday: clothing with animals

May 13: Early Release Wednesday - student dismissal at 12:30 PM

May 15: Luther Jackson MS Heritage Night from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Luther Jackson MS is opening this event to Westlawn students, too! Students are invited to visit or participate! Learn more about LJMS Heritage Night.

To see more schoolwide and community events, remember to check out our website calendar! You can also subscribe to our calendar to make it even more convenient. Click on the little calendar icon in the top right corner of the calendar page of our website to add all current and future events to your cell phone calendar.

Engage with Westlawn

Volunteer During Teacher Appreciation Week

The PTA needs your help to volunteer during Teacher Appreciation Week, next week, from May 4-8! There are opportunities to donate both food or your time. Sign up now to show our teachers and staff how much you love them!

Volunteer at Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day

The PTA could use some volunteers to cheer for students and start the day by spreading joy! Volunteer at Walk, Bike, and Roll to School!

Historian Wanted!

Westlawn turns 75 years old in 2027! As part of our planned celebrations, we want to update the history page on our website, which was last updated around 2001. If you are interested in helping with this project through research, writing, or sharing your knowledge from the past 25 years, please contact Ms. Dushok via email or TalkingPoints.

Join a Community Conversation

Join us on Wednesdays at 11 AM on Zoom to hear the important news from the school from Principal Hill! If you miss a Community Conversation, you can catch up with slides and recordings on our website.

Volunteering in FCPS in 2025-2026 requires you to fill out an online application, and then select the school(s) where you want to be. Learn more and apply today!

Mind Matters

Spring Screening

It’s May, so that must mean it’s time to consider school-based AAP services for all students!

Did you know that in May every student is evaluated using multiple measures to determine AAP service needs? It’s true! Teachers on the local AAP screening committee discuss if a student might show a need for subject-specific, or part-time services. Additionally, a Young Scholars designation is considered for these students. 

Letters come home to families in backpack mail by early June if the student is found eligible.

If you have questions, email our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher Mrs. Maxwell or send her a TalkingPoints.

Tech Talk

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

You may be thinking: technology and mental health do not always go well together. In some ways, that is true. We are learning more about how tools like social media are designed to keep our attention for long periods of time.

At the same time, technology is part of our everyday lives, and it is not going away. As parents and caregivers, our goal is not to remove technology completely, but to help children learn how to use it in healthy and balanced ways.

During the month of May, we will explore simple, practical ways to use technology to support our well-being, while also setting healthy limits so it does not take over our time and attention.

What Is Healthy Tech Use?

When we think about children and technology, the first question is often: “How much screen time is too much?” A more helpful question might be: “How is my child using technology?”

Not all screen time is the same. Some uses are passive, like scrolling or watching for long periods of time. Other uses are active, like creating, learning, or connecting with others. Both can have a place, but balance is important.

Healthy technology use is not about removing devices completely. It is about helping children learn to use technology with purpose. This includes taking breaks, choosing meaningful activities, and making time for offline play, rest, and family connection.

Try this at home: Ask your child, “How did this activity make you feel?” This simple question can help children start to notice when technology is helping them—and when it may be time for a break.

At Westlawn, we are here to support you and your family. If you have questions about your child’s well-being or would like mental health resources, please reach out to our Wellness Team. If you would like to talk about technology or healthy tech habits, Ms. Dushok is happy to help.

Is there a technology topic you want us to tackle in a future issue? Email your questions to Ms. Dushok (school based technology specialist) and Mr. Dinkins (technology support specialist).

Soaring Staff Spotlight

This week the Soaring Staff Spotlight is on Ahnika Emery! Ms. Emery is one of the strings teachers at Westlawn. Let’s learn more about Ms. Emery! What was your favorite subject in school? English What is one talent or skill you have that most people don’t know about? I teach and compete in archery Dogs, cats, or neither? Neither. I used to have rabbits. Mountains or beach? Mountains Pizza or tacos? Tacos

Connect with Westlawn

• Contact the main office: 703-241-5100
• Submit an absence: 703-241-5151 | email the absence box | using ParentVUE
• Contact Ms. Caballero (student information assistant): email Ms. Caballero | 703-241-5100 | TalkingPoints: Silvia Caballero
• Contact Ms. Reyes (family liaison): email Ms. Reyes | 703-241-5125 | TalkingPoints: Hilda Reyes
• Contact Ms. Cortez (social worker): email Ms. Cortez | 703-241-5190 | TalkingPoints: Pamela Cortez

Westlawn website | Westlawn Instagram | Westlawn Facebook | TalkingPoints

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