CSMS News You Choose June 8, 2026
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 06/08/2026 06:29 AM EDT
A message from Principal Laxton
Dear Families,
As we enter the last full week of school, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your partnership, support, and trust throughout this school year. Your involvement has made a tremendous difference in the success of our students, and we are grateful for the strong home-school connection that helps our school community thrive.
This week will be filled with opportunities to celebrate learning, reflect on growth, and enjoy time together as a school family. We encourage students to finish the year strong by attending school each day, staying engaged in learning, and participating in our end-of-year activities.
Important Reminder
The last day of school is August 17. Students will be dismissed two hours early on this day. Please make arrangements now to ensure your child has transportation and supervision plans in place for the early release.
As we wrap up another successful year, we are proud of all that our students have accomplished. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. We wish all of our families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer.
Thank you for being an important part of our school community!
The Wizard of Oz by Alexandria Children’s Theater
Looking for a fun family activity? Follow the yellow brick road to see The Wizard of Oz, presented by the Alexandria Children’s Theatre! Performances take place at Carl Sandburg Middle School and run June 12, and 13. The audience is encouraged to come dressed up as their favorite character from the show. For tickets and details, visit www.ACTheatre.com.
Middle School After-School Program Parent Survey
The Middle School After-School Program office is conducting a survey of parents/ guardians to assess the quality and impact of the program. Below is a link for a quick survey about the Middle School After-School Program. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Participating in the survey is voluntary. Individual responses will be kept confidential, and responses will be summarized at the school and division level.
The survey is an important component of the after-school program evaluation and is critical for future funding. The more responses we receive, the more valuable and reliable the data
Thank you for considering completing the survey and for your support of the MS after-school program. This survey will be open from June 8, 2026 through June 12, 2026.
FCPS Superintendent-Exempt Seal Number 26212.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Parent_26
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Mark H. Emery at mhemery@fcps.edu.
You should exit the FCPS survey once the “Thank You for Completing this Survey” appears. The request to click on a second survey is not part of the Parent Survey.
Thank you
🎉 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 (Invitations will be sent directly to the families of participating students.)
- 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
Sandburg MS Presents: GLOW IN THE DARK Dance
- Who: Calling all 8th grade Panthers! Join your classmates to celebrate your time at Sandburg this year.
- When: June 10 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Where: Large Gym (Drop off and Pick up at Door 8)
- What's Included: Live DJ, Drinks, Glow sticks, and Snacks
Important Attendance & Behavior Policy
- The 8th Grade Dance is for students who show their best effort in attendance and positive decision-making.
- Students with disciplinary action or excessive cuts and tardies during May and June will NOT be allowed to attend.
Rules & Safety
- Bags: Cell phones are allowed, but no backpacks or large bags!
Supervision: This is a supervised after-school event on school grounds. For student safety, students are expected to stay for the entire event.
🍔 (UPDATED) 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)
- House Innovators: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM activities (11:30 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!
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!
🤝 Parent/Guardians of 8th Graders: We Need Your Help for the 8th Grade Celebrations! Our 8th grade Dance, Field Day, and BBQ will not be possible without YOU!
- Sign Up to Volunteer for one or both events HERE:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445AFAC2DA7FCC70-64296002-sandburg
- Thank you to all who donated through the Amazon Wish List. Our wish list is sold out!!!!!
Any questions can be directed to Ms. Karla McGhee (kemcghee@fcps.edu) or Ms. Amber Richard (akleeschult@fcps.edu).
Celebrating Our History: Generous Donation from Fort Hunt High School Alumni
A huge thank you to Mr. Gilliland and the Fort Hunt High School Alumni Association for their continued generosity! Fort Hunt High School is the legacy school for Carl Sandburg Middle School, having occupied our very same campus until closing its doors in 1985. The alumni group has been proudly supporting our school with an annual donation since 2015, helping us keep their legacy of community spirit alive. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and dedication to our students!
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.
West Potomac Boys Basketball Camp
July 6-10 9 am- 3 pm ( Ages 6-16)- $225
July 20-24 9 am- 3 pm (Ages 6-16)- $225
July 27-29 10 am- 2 pm (Ages 12-16)- $150
Registration: https://www.supportwestpotomac.com/summer-camps.html
To increase skill level & develop as an individual player
- 5-on-5 League Competitions
- Campers grouped by age and ability levels
- 1 on 1 competition
- Individual and Team awards
- Camp T-Shirt
- Shooting games & competitions
- A chance to play one-on-one with and be taught by the current & former West Potomac players
- Enjoy the game of basketball and HAVE FUN!!!
Basketball Camp will be held at West Potomac HS in the main gym and aux gym
Camp Directors: David J. Houston III and Tyrone Strother
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!
June 9: Guitar Concert (7:00 PM)
June 9: 7th Grade Awards
June 10: 8th Grade Awards & 8th Grade Dance
June 12-13: The Wizard Of Oz by ACTheater
June 12–15: House Field Days & BBQs
June 17: Last Day of School (Early Release)