CES Weekly Newsletter 5.11.2026

Congratulations Chesterbrook Musical Theatre
Finding Nemo was Amazing!

Finding Nemo Collage

Principal's Message

Dear Chesterbrook Families,

Thank you for recognizing our instructional staff last week during Teacher Appreciation Week. PTA provided lunches, snacks and the personal notes and tokens of thanks from students meant so much to our teachers and assistants. We also recognized our nurse and clinic aide for their contributions in supporting our students. 

Congratulations to our Finding Nemo cast and crew on a truly fabulous performance! This year marked a special milestone in our musical theatre program, as we hosted our first-ever schoolwide assembly performance. It was wonderful to see our students so highly engaged as they watched their peers showcase their incredible talents. With immense pride and admiration, I watched our students shine on stage. It is truly amazing to see the hidden talents that emerge when students are provided with opportunities, encouragement, guidance, and training.

A special thank you goes to our musical director, Brandon Morris, who took over our musical theatre program this year and has helped our students continue to grow and thrive in the arts. I would also like to recognize the dedicated Chesterbrook staff members—Mrs. Schulien, Ms. King, Mrs. Lee, and Mrs. Bradley—for their hard work and support of both our performers and stage crew. Finally, this production would not have been possible without the incredible support of our parent volunteers. Thank you for helping make this show such a tremendous success!

In the classroom, our students are focusing on their end of year assessments. Primary students are taking VALLSS, iReady Math and our upper grade students are entering their second week of SOL testing. Students are well prepared, so we only ask that you help us with ensuring they are rested, have a great breakfast in the morning and check the schedule to avoid appointments. We appreciate your support!


It was a joy to attend the recent Women's Club of McLean luncheon with Mr. Levesque, Safety Patrol Sponsor, to recognize two outstanding patrols who have served Chesterbrook students. Ethan and Tabitha were recognized for their outstanding character, strong leadership skills and dedication to their role. Congratulations Ethan and Tabitha! Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick
Principal

Patrol Awards 2026

Wednesday 3 Hour Early Release

This Wednesday is our next 3 Hour Early Release at 12:35. If you need to update your child's afterschool plan, please do so by Tuesday evening at 8PM. Any updates after that time need to be put in PUP by 9AM Wednesday morning. Click here to Update Afterschool Plan


🚲✨ Chesterbrook Bike to School Day – Wednesday, May 20th! ✨🚲

We’re excited to celebrate Bike to School Day at Chesterbrook! Students and families are encouraged to bike, scoot, ride, or walk to school and start the day with some healthy fun. 🌞 We’d love to see as many members of our community as possible participate—bring the whole family and enjoy the ride together! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 
Safety first! Please remember to wear a helmet if you’re riding. 🪖💙

Let’s roll into school together, Chesterbrook! 🚴‍♀️🛴👟


6th grade

High School Senior Graduating Class of 2026!

Senior Clap Out
Monday, June 8th at 12:30 PM

Spread the Word!  We look forward to welcoming back our 2026 seniors this year for a special clap-out before they graduate. Our high school seniors are the group of 6th grade students that left Chesterbrook in March 2020 during the Covid Pandemic and missed their last days in person at Chesterbrook, as well as their final clap-out and in person promotion. We look forward to celebrating them as they return to walk the halls in June. We will hold an outdoor reception following the clap out.


Important Upcoming Dates

May 13 - 3 hour early release at 12:35 - Update Release Plan Here

May 15 - Kinder Parent Tea *Parents should preregister in Raptor App for event for quick entry.

May 21 - 5th Grade Field Trip

May 25 - No School, Memorial Day Holiday

May 26/27 - No School, Teacher Workday and Eid-al-Adha Holiday

June 3 - 3rd Grade GRECO Day

June 4 - 4th Grade Virginia History Day

June 5 - Field Day

June 8 - High School Senior Walk 12:30 | Gather at 12:15 Entrance 1
*Outdoor senior reception out front after the walk.

June 9 - Brain Show School Assemblies

June 10 - Kinder Olympics

June 12 - PTA Meeting 9:15

June 15 - 6th Grade Promotion - Longfellow MS 5:30 PM 

PTA Links

Summer Quest Registration


REMINDERS

Intent to Not Return for 2026-27 School Year

Please complete this intent form letting us know of your plans if your child will not return.


bike

Walk/Bike to School Permission Form

With the weather getting nice out, more students like to walk or bike to and from school.  For 4-6 grade students who will walk/bike without an adult, please complete and submit this form to the front office for principal approval.  Once approved, please update PUP for days your student(s) will walk/bike.


Spring Portraits Available

Spring Portraits are available online at vosphoto.com/uc

Online code is the Student ID Number. Questions can be directed to underclass@vosphoto.com


SOL DATES

Parents and guardians of students in grades 3-6: Throughout the month of May students will participate in Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. Please take note of Chesterbrook’s spring testing schedule.

3rd Grade Test Dates:   Thursday, May 14th: Math SOL

4th Grade Test Dates:   Monday, May 11th: Math SOL

5th Grade Test Dates:   Monday, May 11th: Math SOL | Tuesday, May 19th: Science SOL

6th Grade Test Dates:   Tuesday, May 12th: Math SOL


Community & Family Opportunities

McLean Day Community Festival - Join the fun on Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th at Lewinsville Park located at 1659 Chain Bridge Road. McLean’s biggest and best annual festival is back?  Live music, carnival rides, food, games, petting zoo and more!  Information and ticket details here.


Beyond High School: Preparing Twice- exceptional Students for College, Career, and Adult Life Through Executive Functioning and Essential Life Skills - May 15  10 to 11:30 a.m. Families will learn strategies to support 2e students in developing executive functioning skills and essential life skills while empowering them to navigate college, career, and independent life successfully.  Register here


Fairfax County Summer Camps & Programs (FCPS Breaks) Fairfax County offers a variety of engaging, healthy, and affordable programs for students during school breaks. Free meals and snacks are provided.Therapeutic Recreation Services for Preschool ages 2 to 5 Camp Fairfax - Rising 1st – 7th grade youth; VIP Camp for Middle Schoolers Begins May 14


summer

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 is 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.

Registration is open for FCPS summer camps and learning opportunities.


County Resources for Summer

Falls Church Academy offers specialized, hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Dive into the world of health sciences with hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and foster skills. Students will engage in dynamic activities and learn from professionals in the field, preparing them for future careers.

We are hosting a weeklong Health Sciences Exploration Camp from June 22 -26, 2026.

This camp is designed for rising 6th through 9th grade students and offers hands-on exposure to programs such as:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Dental Careers
  • Medical Assistant
  • Practical Nursing

This is a fantastic way for students to explore healthcare careers and preview our Academy programs before they are eligible to formally enroll in high school.

Registration details:

  • Fee can be paid via  MySchoolBucks or QR code in the flyer
  • Cost: Single Session is $90, Both sessions are $160
  • Enrollment: enroll in one session to participate in two programs, enroll in both sessions to experience all four programs. Students enrolled in both sessions will remain on campus and must bring a lunch.
  • Transportation: none is provided
  • Note: Space is limited, registrations close on June 1st or when spots are filled
  • Session 1: 8:30AM- 11:30 AM. Sessions available are: Medical Assistant and Dental Careers
  • Session 2: 12:00 PM-3:00 PM. Sessions available are: Emergency Medical Technician and Practical Nursing
  • Any questions, please contact Academy School Counselor- Emarinn Oundee, EAOUNDEE@fcps.edu.
  • Academy address is 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church, VA

FCPS News
 FCPS This Week,  the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • FCPS Caters to Food Allergies
  • Immunizations Needed Before 7th and 12th Grade
  • Thank you Teachers and Staff!

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