Timber Lane Times 5/17/26


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3 staff members standing behind 2 cakes

Ms. Wray and Ms. Stievater (left, right) awarded the FCPS Cares Awards, and Mrs. Darwich awarded the Region 2 Outstanding Operational Employee


Principals' Updates

Last week’s staff meeting was a celebration of the incredible people who make TLES such a special place for students and one another. 🐯💙

We began by recognizing and appreciating the many staff members who continuously go above and beyond — supporting students outside of the school day, stepping in to help colleagues at a moment’s notice, and always lending a helping hand to support our TLES Tigers. The collaboration, care, and teamwork within this building were truly something special.

We also celebrated several outstanding members of our TLES family:

✨ Congratulations to Libby Wray and Ms. Julia Stievater, recent FCPS Cares Region 2 Award winners, for the incredible Peer Buddy inclusive program they helped bring to TLES — a full-circle moment as former students now creating meaningful opportunities for today’s Tigers.

✨ Congratulations to Ms. Souhair Darwich, Region 2 Outstanding Operational Employee, for the countless ways she supports our students and staff each day.

✨ Congratulations to Vivienne Goldstein, our Public Health Nurse and Nurse of the Year, for the care, compassion, and dedication she brings to our students and staff.

✨ And congratulations to Yazmin Ardila and our TLES Chess Club students, with three Tigers competing nationally and earning an impressive 3rd place finish at nationals! ♟️

We closed the afternoon by celebrating the incredible work of our Vertical Teams — Reading, Math, Science, Equity, Behavior/Wellness, and Inclusion. Across 6–7 collaborative meetings this year, teams engaged in peer observations, developed resources to support schoolwide success, shared instructional best practices, and learned from one another across grade levels and content areas. Their presentations of learning highlighted the power of collaboration, staff voice, and continuous growth as we worked together to strengthen teaching and learning for all students.

So much to celebrate at TLES — and so much to be proud of. 💙🐯

With gratitude,

Ben Chiet, Sarah Buchanan & Lindsay Duch


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Field Day Volunteers

Field Day will be June 3! We are asking for help from our community members by signing up to volunteer.

Kindergarten through 2nd grade will have their field day in the morning from 9:20 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sign up to help with grades K-2 field day

3rd grade through 6th grade will have their field day in the afternoon from 12 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Sign up to help with grades 3-6 field day.


Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update

On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget. 

Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.


New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.


Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance! 

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong. 

Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.

If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.

If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.


🐾 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. 😊


flyer for taco Mondays event

JUNE: Taco Mondays @ Bartaco Mosaic 

Join us at bartaco Mosaic every Monday in June from 5–7 PM — mention Timber Lane Elementary PTA and 15% of your dine-in check will be donated back to our school. No promo code needed — guests just need to mention Timber Lane Elementary PTA to their server when they dine in. This does not apply to takeout or delivery.


Upcoming Events

SY2025-2026 Academic Calendar

May

May 20: 5th Grade Science SOL

May 151st 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)

May 29: 1st Grade Market from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in classrooms

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 9: Family Heritage Night from 5 p.m. to 7 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.

  • 6th Grade Promotion