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Grades 4 through 6 students performing for the strings and band assembly.
Principals' Updates
Dear TLES Families,
It has been a truly special and joy-filled week at TLES. On April 30th, our 4th–6th grade musicians gave us something to be incredibly proud of during our Band & Strings concert. During the day, every student and staff member had the chance to experience their performance—and they absolutely wowed us. That evening, we welcomed families for a standing-room-only concert filled with energy, pride, and celebration. Under the guidance of Mr. Gorham and Ms. McCormick, our students shined in a way that reminded all of us just how talented and dedicated they are. It was a moment our community won’t soon forget!
Next week is Staff Appreciation Week, and while our PTA and Administration are excited to share some well-deserved treats, we want to take a moment to express a deeper kind of gratitude. The dedication our staff shows every day leaves a permanent mark on our students’ hearts. We all remember our first school experiences—the teachers who saw our potential before we did and whose voices still encourage us today. That same quiet, powerful influence is happening right now in our classrooms. We know our families join us in feeling incredibly lucky to have such a committed team; they truly are the heart of TLES.
We also begin SOL testing next week. We want our students to walk into each day feeling calm, supported, and confident. These assessments are simply an opportunity for them to show their growth and what they’ve learned this year. Our teachers continue to surround them with encouragement, reminding them that they are capable, prepared, and ready.
At home, your support makes all the difference—helping maintain calm routines, ensuring a good night’s sleep, and offering reassurance and positivity. And as always, please remember that SOLs are just one measure. They do not define a child, nor do they prevent students from moving on to the next grade. They simply help us better understand how to continue supporting each learner.
Thank you for being such an important part of our TLES community. Together, we are helping our students grow, believe in themselves, and shine in ways that truly matter.
With gratitude,
Ben Chiet, Sarah Buchanan & Lindsay Duch
SOL Dates
Starting next week students in grades 3 through 6 will take their Standard of Learning (SOLs) assessments.
Schedule
Grade 3: Reading SOL on May 7, Math SOL on May 14
Grade 4: Reading SOL on May 6, Math SOL on May 12
Grade 5: Reading SOL on May 7, Math SOL on May 12, Science SOL on May 20
Grade 6: Reading SOL on May 5, Math SOL on May 14
If your child is absent on the day of the SOL, they will be tested the day they return to school. Please contact your child’s teacher immediately if your child has a planned absence.
After the first attempt on an SOL, some students will qualify for a retake. Parent permission is required for retakes. If you have not already returned the Parent Notification of Testing and Retest Permission Form, please contact Sarah Buchanan.
Preparing for Test Day
Prioritize Physical Wellness: Ensure they get a full night's sleep, eat a balanced dinner, and stay hydrated to keep their brain in peak performing condition.
Prepare the Night Before: Pack all necessary supplies and clothes in advance to eliminate morning stress and prevent a frantic start to the test day.
Foster a Calm Environment: Replace high-pressure talk with positive reinforcement and light review to build their confidence while calming any anxiety.
Establish a Digital Sunset: Turn off all electronic screens at least an hour before bedtime to help their mind wind down for deeper, more restorative rest.
🚶♂️➡️Walk and Roll to School Day🚲
Join children and adults around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling. Bikers and walkers will enter through Door 1. Bikes will be left out in front of Door 1 and students waking or biking to school will be dismissed first that day. All participants will receive a certificate.
SY27 Enrollment Intent
TLES Families, we need your help in projecting our total enrollment for the next school year. For families NOT returning to Timber Lane ES for the 2026-2027 school year, please complete the student intention form. Thank you!
SY27 Class Placement Input
As we make class placements for next year, we consider many factors including individual student information, teacher input, and social relationships. Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning interests. Due to the many factors we must consider in creating classroom placements, including the reassignment of some teachers to a different grade level and the hiring of new teachers, requests for a specific teacher cannot be honored. Please complete the SY27 Class Placement Input form if you have information you would like us to consider by Friday, May 8th. Please complete a separate form for each child.
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.
Longfellow Trivia Night CANCELED
Longfellow Trivia Night has been canceled due to lack of team entries.
🐾 P.A.W.S. (Parents Appreciating Wonderful Staff)
When you see a staff member go above and beyond for your child or family, please take a moment to fill out the PAWS form to show your appreciation! We will then hand deliver your anonymous message to the staff member so they know they are appreciated. 😊
 South Block East Falls Church Event
From April 24 to May 3, treat yourself to something sweet at South Block East Falls Church. 20% of purchases go toward Timber Lane.
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May 3: Chalk the Walk - Teacher Appreciation Week
Come be part of something special at Chalk the Walk! Join us outside Timber Lane Elementary School and help cover the walkways with colorful messages of encouragement and gratitude for our amazing teachers in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Bring your family and friends, get creative, and help us create a heartwarming surprise that teachers will see when they arrive on Monday morning—it’s sure to make their day!
We’ll provide the chalk—just bring your smiles and kind words.
Starts at 5 PM. We can’t wait to see you there!
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May 8: Sip & Shop at Kendra Scott Mosaic
Join the TLES PTA at Kendra Scott in Mosaic for complimentary snacks, sips, and a shopping spree! You'll enjoy 15% of your entire purchase from 5pm to 7pm and 20% of all sales made in store during this time will be donated back to TLES.
Tell your friends, family, and come stop by to see us! It's the perfect opportunity to pick up a Mother's Day gift.
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May 13: Family Restaurant Night @ Elevation Burger
Join the TLES PTA at Elevation Burger in Falls Church for dinner on Wednesday May 13th. When you mention Timber Lane 20% of all proceeds will be donated back to the school for all orders placed between 4 and 9pm! Not valid on delivery orders or orders placed through third party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats.
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Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!
Pre-order your yearbooks through Strawbridge.
Upcoming Events
SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar
May
May 4: 6th Grade Field Trip to GMU
May 5: 6th Grade Reading SOL
May 6: 4th Grade Reading SOL
May 7: 3rd and 5th Grade Reading SOL
May 12: 4th and 5th Grade Math SOL
May 14: 3rd and 6th Grade Math SOL
May 20: 5th Grade Science SOL
May 15: 1st Grade Field Trip to Wolf Trap
May 19: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Glen Echo Park
May 25 to 27: No School for Students (Memorial Day, Teacher Workday, Eid al-Adha)
June
June 3: Field Day
- Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: 9:20-11:00
- 3rd Grade through 6th Grade: 12:00-2:15
June 5: Honors Chorus Field Trip to Hershey Park from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 10: End of Year Chorus Concert at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
June 11: Family Market from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
June 17: Last Day of School Early Release at 1:35 p.m.
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