CSMS News You Choose May 15
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 05/15/2026 02:01 PM EDT
A message from Principal Laxton:
We will have our last PTA meeting this Tuesday at 6:00 PM. We appreciate your continued support, involvement, and commitment to making our school community stronger. Your partnership helps create a positive and successful environment for all of our students.
As we move toward the end of the school year, this is an important time to stay focused, motivated, and consistent. We encourage all students to continue putting forth their best effort each day. Together, let’s keep pushing through and finish the year strong!
A few reminders for the weeks ahead:
- Encourage students to complete assignments and stay organized.
- Make attendance a priority as we wrap up important learning activities.
- Continue checking communication from teachers and the school for upcoming events and updates.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement at home. We are proud of all our students and look forward to celebrating a successful end to the school year together.
Have a wonderful week!
A Week of Gratitude: Teacher Appreciation Recap
Our Teacher Appreciation Week was a resounding success, and we are overflowing with thanks! It truly takes a village, and our community showed up in the most beautiful way to celebrate the hard-working staff at Sandburg.
We would like to extend a massive Thank You to our generous sponsors and contributors:
- Bagel Uprising (Alexandria Mount Vernon): For providing a delicious start to our staff's morning.
- The PTA: For organizing and hosting a fantastic lunch from Los Tio's.
- New Song Assembly Church: For their generous donation of a full breakfast for the staff.
- Roberta Masters-Cullen & Alexandria Children's Theater: For the magic of the stage! We are so grateful for their donation of four tickets to the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.
- Our Amazing Parents & Community: To everyone who donated gift cards for our daily raffles and the many families who stopped by to drop off "little treats" throughout the week—your kindness made every day special.
A final, heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared beautiful messages for our Wall of Gratitude. Reading your words of encouragement meant the world to our educators and reminded them why they love what they do.
Check out some photos below for a look at all the highlights from this wonderful week! If you have any, please feel free to send them to Sandburg to share with staff!
Wall of Gratitude
Cookies made by Pully Center & a sweet desert made by our Family Liaison
Bagel's from Bagel Uprising Mount Vernon
📝 SOL TESTING: FINISHING STRONG
We want to share how incredibly proud we are of our students who have been participating in SOL testing and retakes. Your hard work and focus are showing!
As we get ready for more testing, please remember these "Success Essentials":
- Rest: Get a good night’s sleep before testing days.
- Fuel: Eat a nice, full, and healthy breakfast.
- Tech Ready: Keep your laptops charged overnight and remember to bring your chargers to school every day!
Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year for Sandburg Middle School | Apply Now
Sandburg Middle School is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or instructional assistant. Able to inspire, enable and empower students to meet high academic standards. The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule
✔ Make a difference in your local community
✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the West Potomac pyramid posting.
🌱 OUR COURTYARD IS GROWING!
Sandburg has officially teamed up with Fairfax County Stormwater Management and their Watershed Education and Outreach program to plant 500 native species in our large courtyard!
This area is a wonderful compliment to our new outdoor classroom space, where raised beds are currently sprouting fresh veggies and strawberries. Look for information on volunteer gardening opportunities soon!
🎉 END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Please mark your calendars for the following award ceremonies and events.
Awards Ceremonies:
- 7th Grade Awards: June 9 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
- 8th Grade Awards: June 10 2026 | 7:45 AM – 8:55 AM (Invitations will be sent directly to the families of participating students.)
8th Grade Dance:
- June 10 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Volunteer opportunities are forthcoming!
🍔 FIELD DAY & BBQ SCHEDULE Field Day and BBQ events are organized by "House."
Friday, June 12:
- House Wonderers: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM activities (11:00 AM lunch)
- House Navigators: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM activities (11:30 AM lunch)
Monday, June 15:
- House Ascenders: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM activities (11:00 AM lunch)
- House Vanguards: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM activities (11:30 AM lunch)
Tuesday, June 16:
- House Innovators: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM activities (11:00 AM lunch)
⭐ PARTICIPATION & EXPECTATIONS
The 8th Grade Dance, Field Day, and BBQ are student privileges for those who continue to show their best effort in attendance and positive decision-making.
Students with disciplinary action or excessive cuts and tardies during the months of May and June will not be able to participate. We are fortunate to have so many students who are committed to finishing this school year strong!
Links for volunteers will be going out next week! Keep an eye out in your inbox for an e-notify with links!
Quick Links & Phone Numbers
Attendance Phone Line: 703-799-6131
Attendance Email: sandburgmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu
SIS Parent Vue Account Set-Up Video
Parent Information Phone Lines: Phone lines available in different languages to assist families.
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Sandburg MS Administration
Jennifer Laxton: Principal jklaxton@fcps.edu
Frank Steventon: Assistant Principal fbsteventon@fcps.edu
Amber Richard-Kleeschulte: Assistant Principal alrichard@fcps.edu
Rob Kerr: Assistant Principal rjkerr@fcps.edu
John Grey: Assistant Principal jrgrey@fcps.edu
Ryan Espinoza-Gray: Interim Assistant Principal rnespinozagr@fcps.edu
Eugena Weaver: Director of Student Services ejweaver@fcps.edu
Counselors
Tiffany Clemons - tnclemons@fcps.edu
Vania Espichan- vpespichan@fcps.edu
Claire Majors- clmajors@fcps.edu
Melinda Wilkerson- mlwilkerson@fcps.edu
Oshin Wilson- otwilson@fcps.edu
May 19: PTA Meeting (previously on May 21)
May 20: Spring Band Concert (7:00 PM)
May 21: Spring Orchestra Concert (7:00 PM)
May 25: Memorial Day (FCPS Closed)
May 26: Teacher Work Day (Student Holiday)
May 27: Eid al-Adha (Student Holiday)
June 2: Spring Chorus Concert & Reception (7:00 PM)
June 5: Music Dept. Spring Trip to Busch Gardens
June 9:Guitar Concert (7:00 PM)
June 9: 7th Grade Awards During School Hours
June 10: 8th Grade Awards During School Hours & 8th Grade Dance
June 12–16: House Field Days & BBQs
June 17: Last Day of School (Early Release)