Dear Families,
SOL testing has been going very well, and we are proud of the effort our students have shown. We currently have a strong pass rate, and many students will have the opportunity to re-take assessments after receiving targeted remediation and practice sessions with their teachers and support staff. Please continue encouraging your child to do their best. While passing is certainly something to celebrate, growth and perseverance are equally important accomplishments that deserve recognition!
As the end of the school year approaches and summer break gets closer (hopefully with consistent sunshine☀️!), there is naturally an increased level of excitement and energy in the air. Sometimes that excitement can also lead to an increase in student behaviors. We ask that you please speak with your child about the importance of continuing to arrive on time, come prepared to learn, and demonstrate respect and kindness to their peers and all staff members they interact with throughout the day — including our bus drivers, who have the extremely important responsibility of transporting students safely to and from school each day.
Rambunctious behavior on buses can be extremely dangerous, as it may distract drivers and compromise the safety of everyone on board. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home.
We are also excited that our 8th grade students will celebrate their end-of-year Beach Bash next Thursday, 5/28! Please see the SignUpGenius link below if you are able to volunteer your time or donate items for the event. We also want to remind students to keep the “3-strike rule” in mind — students must remain in good standing in order to attend.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the school year. Have a wonderful long weekend, and Happy Eid to all who celebrate!
 Mark Your Calendars!
May 25- Holiday (Memorial Day)
May 26- Teacher Workday -No School- Student Holiday
May 27- Holiday (Eid Al-Adha)
May 28- 8th Grade "End of the Year" Beach Bash- 2:30-4:30pm
June 1- Chorus Spring Concert-7pm @ Luther Jackson
June 2- Band Spring Concert-7pm @ Falls Church High School
June 3- Orchestra Spring Concert-7pm @ Falls Church High School
June 17- Last day of School (2 hour early release)
The entire 2025-2026 FCPS Calendar can be found here.
Families, remember that when coming to the school to pick up your student, an official photo ID must be presented to the Main Office staff. Please understand that this is for security purposes. Driver’s licenses, passports, and military IDs are appropriate examples of official IDs.
Director of Student Services, Nick Zubieta-onzubieta@fcps.edu
Expunging a High School Credit
Students who take a high school credit-bearing course in middle school can request that the grade be omitted from the student's high school transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course. High school courses offered at the middle school level include World Languages, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Academic Language, Beginning ELD, Developing ELD. If your middle school student earned a grade in a high school level course that they would not like to be counted toward their overall high school GPA, the attached form must be completed and returned to your student’s counselor. Students have up until the first 9 weeks of the upcoming school year to return the completed form. Please note that students would need to retake the expunged course if they would like to earn credit for it.
Luther Jackson is on social media! Check out our Facebook and Instagram @lutherjacksonms for all things LJ.
On-Time Attendance
If you drop your student off at school, make sure that they do not have to rush and arrive late to school. Help our students develop the habit of being punctual. Also encourage your student to arrive at each class on time. Arriving late is a classroom interruption and distraction for the teacher and all students.
We will begin to reinforce our school’s tardy policy, which includes tardy sweeps, detention, and parent contact for repeated tardiness. We will also recognize punctuality with fun incentives for our students. Thank you for your support.
Updated Attendance Codes
Attendance Codes have been updated for the 2025-26 school year. These updates will allow schools to better identify the primary reasons for student absences, which will help school teams identify patterns of absenteeism, make informed decisions, and develop effective strategies to improve attendance. Please note which codes qualify as “Excused” and which are “Unexcused.”
Codes no longer used:
- EXC-Excused
- PRE-Prearranged Absence
- UNL-Unexcused Local
Updated Code:
- MED-Illness or Injury Related
Excused Codes:
- COL-College Visit
- FAM-Family Emergency
- FRL-Funeral
- LGL-Legal Obligations
- MAP-Medical Appointment (Prescheduled)
- MIL-Deployment Related
- OEX-Other-Excused
Unexcused Codes:
- NON-Non-School Activity
- OUN-Other- Not Excused
- VAO-Vacation, Outing, or Non-Emergency Family Travel / Visit
When students need to miss school, it is important for parents/guardians to communicate those absences with the school. This can be done by calling the attendance phone line at 703-204-8282.
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that support can be provided if needed. Also, keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
📋 Permission Forms
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed. Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. See how to use the tool.
 Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
Community Meetings: Skyview HS and Western Pyramids Boundary Study
We want to ensure you are aware of the upcoming community meetings for the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study. Revised draft scenarios will be shared at the events, which will be held in person at Skyview and virtually via Zoom on:
Please register to attend by clicking the appropriate link above based on how you would like to participate. The same information will be shared at both meetings.
As mentioned in a recent message from the school division, FCPS has eliminated adjustments to elementary school boundaries from this study based on community feedback. While feeder patterns — the middle and/or high schools that some elementary schools would attend — may change, elementary school boundaries will not be adjusted at this time.
The superintendent will present a final recommendation for boundaries to the School Board for consideration and action at a board meeting in July. This additional time will allow the consultant to analyze feedback received after the revised draft scenarios are shared this month and prior to the community meetings being scheduled in June.
Boundary changes will go into effect for the 2027-28 school year. View the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study page for more information.
We’re excited to celebrate our amazing 8th graders at the 8th Grade Beach Bash on Thursday, May 28 from 2:30–4:30 PM! Students can enjoy games, music, food, activities, and more as we wrap up the school year together. Late buses will be available for students staying after school. We look forward to an afternoon of fun and celebration with the Class of 2030!
8th Grader Beach Bash - Call For Contributions!
A planning committee of students, staff & teachers have come up with a theme and activities for the 8th Grade End of Year Party! They are asking for parents and PTA members to help with contributions to fill in the gaps. Click the signup genius below to help contribute! Thank you.
https://tinyurl.com/8G-beachbash
El Tio in June!
Our final restaurant night of the year will be on Tuesday, June 9 from 3 pm to close at El Tio in Falls Church (7630 Lee Highway)! Please tell your neighbors and friends so they can join us for this fundraiser!
Shake Shack Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the Shake Shack restaurant night earlier this week! We very much appreciate your support of these fundraisers!
Heritage Night Thank You!
Thank you to all of the parents and community members who signed up to help with serving food and help with clean up at Heritage Night last week! We appreciate your support of this special LJMS event!
Chromebook and MiFi collection will take place on June 9th and 10th during PE class, so please make sure your child brings their Chromebook, case, and charger to turn in. If they have checked out a MiFi hotspot, please have them bring that as well. They can only keep their Chromebook and MiFi if they are attending a summer program. During the process, students will need to remove any stickers, clean their Chromebooks with a wipe, and let us know if there is any damage or problems with the Chromebook or charger.
In preparation for returning school Chromebooks:
- Please make sure your child cleans off any ink and removes any stickers that have been placed on the Chromebook, as well as all adhesive left behind
- Please make sure they bring their Chromebook, case, and charger to school on June 9th and 10th
Replacement cost info:
- The cost of replacement for chargers is $30
- The cost of replacement for cases is $34
- The cost of replacement for the Chromebook is $601
- Payments can be made on MySchoolBucks or by sending a check or exact cash to room 502
Students Attending Summer Programs
If your child is attending a summer program, they can keep the Chromebook and MiFi during the summer program. Please return them to the school when the summer program ends.
Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers and Substitute Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year for Luther Jackson MS Apply Now!
Luther Jackson MS is seeking individuals who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or substitute 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 Falls Church pyramid posting.
FCPS High Schools will be offering free sports physicals for students who will be in MS during the 2026-27 school year.
Registration for sports physicals at FCPS High Schools is now open! You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of registering for your appointment. Please do not submit duplicate registrations.
Register for an appointment by clicking here
Health Sciences Exploration Camp June 22nd-26th, 2026 For Student Entering Grades 6-10 in Fall 2026
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.
Single Session-$90 Both Sessions-$160 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 No transportation is provided Limited spots available Registrations close on June 1st or when spots are filled
Space is limited, and registration is now open through MySchoolBucks by searching "Falls Church Academy Summer Camp".
For questions, contact our Academy School Counselor,
Emarinn Oundee, at EAOUNDEE@fcps.edu
Summer Camp for Strings!
Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 6-17, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.
You can find more information and register for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s
 Oakton HS Dance Team 2026-27 Tryouts
If you love to dance and want to be involved in your school, come try out for the Oakton High School Dance Team! Tryouts will be held June 15, 16, and 17 for the 2026-27 team selection. Not sure if you have all of the skills for dance team?? At tryouts you will have the opportunity to learn skills there, and dancers are often selected based on potential ability to pick up the needed skills! Fill out the Tryout Interest Form to get more information about the team and tryouts! Filling out this link will also get you information about various Dance Team events occurring in the Spring to prepare for tryouts. Contact Coach Rowley at kmrowley@fcps.edu with questions.
Check out the attached flyer with QR codes and links to our various dance opportunities related to tryouts and preparing for tryouts this spring!
Oakton HS Dance Team Junior Summer Dance Camp
All rising 1st-8th graders who love to dance are invited to attend camp this summer on Monday-Wednesday, June 29-July 1 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at Oakton High School. Participants will learn choreography and technique with OHS Dance Team dancers and coaches. The campers will have the opportunity to perform a routine at the end of the week. Each day there will be a craft, snack time, and team building activities. For more information and to register go to bit.ly/ohsjuniordancecamp2026.
CTE Summer Academy is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to dive deeper into CTE program areas, and encourages skill development and career exploration.
Students choose 4 classes each week they participate and learn new content, discover interests, and build their skills.
New to 2026! We’re offering after care!
-
Location - Robinson SS
-
Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
-
Cost - $300 per week
Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
-
Dates -
-
Week 1: July 6 - 10
-
Week 2: July 13 - 17
-
Week 3: July 20 - 24
-
Week 4: July 27 - 31
New to 2026! We’re offering a 4th week of our programs!
Students will choose four (4) classes each week to build their own specialized summer learning program. Courses are available in all CTE program areas: Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical, Marketing, Technology and Engineering, and Trade and Industrial.
Classes offered through CTE Summer Academy are introductory and do not require previous knowledge of the content.
For the list and schedule of classes being offered, please visit our webpage!
Registration is open from February 2 to June 5, 2026.
Students can register online by visiting the CTE Summer Academy webpage and clicking on the register button.
Visit the CTE Summer Academy webpage: bit.ly/FCPS_CSA for more information! Capture this year’s memories with our school yearbook, featuring highlights from events, clubs, sports, and everyday moments. Don’t miss out on this keepsake your student will treasure! Go to this link to purchase your yearbook today.
The last day of all regular after school activities is May 22nd
Track and Field athletes- May 28th
Fairfax County Middle School VIP Camp Website and Application Link
Please review the documents linked in the website before completing the application
Please review the VIP Information packet thoroughly with all policies and procedures prior to completing the application form. Options to view in various languages are linked in the website.
Please know the following before starting the application:
- Student ID#
- Doctor & Medication information
- Emergency Contact information (2 needed)
|
Get ready for middle school with our “How to Survive Middle School” camp on July 27–28 from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM! This fun and informative program is designed to help incoming students feel confident and prepared for middle school by learning about schedules, lockers, classes, activities, and more while meeting new friends and staff members. The registration fee is $40.00, and bus transportation will be available from elementary schools. Use the Google Form on the QR code to register.
Registration is open for Oakton Dance Team's Junior Dance Camp!
The Oakton High School Dance Team’s annual Junior Dance Camp will be held June 29 - July 1 (Mon-Wed) from 8:30-12:30 at O akton High School. Camp is open to rising 1st-8th graders from any school. Participants will learn choreography and technique with Dance Team members and will have the opportunity to perform at the end of camp on July 1st! Campers will also do a craft and team-building activities each day. Register by June 18th to get a camp t-shirt included with your registration. Questions? Contact: kmrowley@fcps.edu For more information and to register: bit.ly/ohsjuniordancecamp2026.
Oakton High School Dance Team hosts Junior Dance Camp!
Who: Rising 1st-8th graders When: Mon -Wed June 29 - July 1, 8:30am-12:30 pm Where: Oakton High School What: dance, perform, craft, and have fun! Questions: kmrowley@fcps.edu
Registration: bit.ly/ohsjuniordancecamp2026
Chromebook damage, procedures, and replacement costs
Students will receive a warning for the first instance of damage to a Chromebook as long as the case is on and the damage was not intentional. If the case is off or the damage was intentional, then they will be required to pay for the damage on the first offence. When this happens, Mr. Waldren will inform the student that they will be restricted to using a classroom loaner laptop in each class. He will also let the student know that he will email their administrator about the incident. The student's administrator will then meet with the student and contact their parents. If the student is required to pay for the damage, they will receive a replacement Chromebook after they pay for the damage. Pricing for damage and replacement Chromebook costs is listed below.
|
HP Chromebook Parts
|
Cost
|
|
Chromebook replacement
|
$601
|
|
Screen
|
$90
|
|
Charger
|
$30
|
|
Case
|
$34
|
|
Keyboard and palm rest
|
$37
|
|
System Board
|
$190
|
|
Touchpad
|
$22
|
|
Daughterboard
|
$17
|
|
Top Cover
|
$23
|
|
Bottom Cover
|
$17
|
|
Bezel
|
$18
|
|
Speaker
|
$46
|
|
Webcam
|
$25
|
|
WiFi Card
|
$19
|
Lightspeed Parent Portal parent controls
FCPS has enabled new parent controls within the Lightspeed Parent Portal to support families in managing screentime on FCPS devices. Parents can now manage their child's access to YouTube as well as pause web browsing on district-issued devices, during designated "After School Hours" while students are off the FCPS network.
These parental controls are only active Monday-Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 AM, and all day on weekends and student holidays when students are off the FCPS network. Parental controls do not interfere with district filtering policies during the instructional day. Parents can register for the Parent Portal using the link provided in their weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
For more information about the Parent Portal, please visit the Lightspeed Parent Portal page on the FCPS website.
The "Discrimination and Harassment: Let's Talk" platform is an essential tool that allows anyone within our school community to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors confidentially. More information about the platform, including how to access and use it, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/submit-discrimination-and-harassment-report.
Families,
We Need Your Consent for Select Digital Resources
At Jackson Middle School, our teachers will use a variety of digital resources to support student learning and promote communication and collaboration with students and families. Some of the digital resources your child may use this year will require your consent before they can be used. Please find the link to the digital form, where you can give your consent, here:
https://digitalconsent.fcps.edu/ispb/is01/r/pdcp/
. You can find further direction here: a list of the resources that require parental consent here: https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent.
Need technical support? Call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). This will be answered by staff members from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
|
|
