CSMS News You Choose May 25
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 05/25/2026 09:30 PM EDTA message from Principal Laxton:
Dear Families,
Happy Memorial Day weekend! As a reminder, there will be no school Monday through Wednesday. We hope your family enjoys the long weekend and takes time to relax and reflect.
As we wrap up the month of May, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support at home. We have many exciting activities and events planned for June, but it is important that we continue to finish the school year strong both academically and behaviorally.
A few important updates for this week:
- Math SOL retakes will take place on Friday. Please encourage students to come prepared, well-rested, and ready to do their best.
- We recently implemented a new hallway procedure aimed at reducing students wandering the halls and cutting class. We are happy to share that we have already seen a significant decline in hallway disruptions as a result.
- Thank you to all the families who had conversations at home to support this work. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference and helps us maintain a safe, focused learning environment for all students.
We appreciate all you do and look forward to a strong finish to the school year!
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!
Volunteers can sign up now through the volunteer portal. Any questions can be emailed to Ms. McGhee at kemcghee@fcps.edu
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
Mark your calendars!
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)