The Westbriar Weekly

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/14/2026 05:35 PM EDT

The Westbriar Weekly

Notes from the Nest đŸȘ¶

Welcome Back, Westbriar Families!

We hope you have all had a wonderful, restful, and fun-filled summer! On behalf of the entire Westbriar Elementary Administrative Team, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome our returning Falcon families back and extend a warm greeting to all our new families joining us this year.

Our teachers and staff have been working tirelessly to prepare classrooms and design exciting, engaging learning experiences. We can’t wait to fill our hallways with your children’s energy, laughter, and bright minds!

 

📅 Mark Your Calendars: Key Dates

To help you plan for a smooth start to the school year, please keep these upcoming dates in mind:

Open House: Thursday, August 20th - Come meet your child’s teacher, explore the classroom, and drop off school supplies!

  • 2:45–3:15 PM | Early Visit (Kindergarten and New to WES Students)

    This quieter window is specifically designed for new students or those who benefit from a calm, lower-stimulation environment before the main crowd arrives.

  • 3:15–4:15 PM | Open House (All Families)

    All Westbriar families are welcome to stop in, explore the space, and connect.

First Day of School (Grades K–6): Monday, August 24th - We can't wait to officially kick off the school year bright and early!

Back-to-School Night (Grades K-6): Wednesday, September 16th - Staff members will be sharing information about curriculum, academic and behavioral expectations, available student supports, etc.

  • 6:00-6:20 PM | Optional Administrative Team Presentation (Cafeteria)
  • 6:30-7:00 PM | Classroom Session #1
  • 7:10-7:40 PM | Classroom Session #2
  • 7:45-8:00 PM | Optional Meet & Greet with Specialists and Support Staff (Cafeteria)

🎒 What to Expect Next

Keep an eye on your inbox over the next week. 

  • Class teacher assignments

  • Transportation and bus route information

  • Arrival and dismissal procedures

Partnering with our families is at the heart of everything we do at Westbriar. Together, we are going to make this an extraordinary year of growth, discovery, and community.

Enjoy these final days of summer break, and we look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, August 20th!

Warmly,

Sallie Burch, Principal ‱ Katie Blomquist, Assistant Principal ‱ Erin Lear, Assistant Principal

📝 School Supply Lists

If you purchased a PTA Sprout Supply Box, great news, your child’s supplies will be delivered directly to their classroom prior to Open House.

For families who did not order a box, grade-level supply lists are available on our website: WES Supply Lists.

If purchasing supplies presents a challenge for your family, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Sallie Burch at srburch1@fcps.edu or our school social worker, Beth Jackson, at btjackson@fcps.edu. We’re here to ensure every Falcon is fully equipped for the school year!

📅 2026–2027 FCPS Calendar

As you plan for the year ahead, we encourage all families to review the 2026–2027 FCPS School Year Calendar to take note of holidays, early release days, and teacher workdays. Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and successful year for your family.

🍎 Teacher Assignments

Teacher Assignments
We know students and families are excited to learn who their classroom teacher will be for the upcoming school year! Families will be to access teacher assignments online starting Thursday, August 20 through SIS ParentVUE. If you do not yet have a ParentVUE account, please contact the WES Front Office. Instructions for accessing ParentVUE can be found on the FCPS website.

Accessing SIS ParentVUE
To view your child’s teacher assignment on August 20, log in to your SIS ParentVUE account. If you need assistance accessing your account or creating one, please contact the WES Front Office at 703-937-1700. This is the same platform used throughout the year to view grades, attendance, and other important student information. We encourage all families to ensure their login is up to date prior to August 20 to avoid delays.

Celebrating Our Staff: Fond Farewells & Exciting New Beginnings!

As we prepare for the start of the 2026–2027 school year, we have the bittersweet tradition of saying goodbye to some cherished team members while opening our doors to fantastic new educators and support staff joining our Falcon family.

💙 Warm Wishes to Our Departing Staff

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff members who are moving on to new chapters. They have made a lasting impact on our students, classrooms, and community. Please join us in wishing them the absolute best:

  • Brigid Hamilton-Lawhorn (Librarian)

  • Eve Cunningham (5th Grade Teacher)

  • Paige Ryan (Kindergarten Teacher)

  • Shakira Vega-Muniz (Office Assistant)

  • Kristen Cusato (Art Teacher)

  • Caroline Dana (Instructional Assistant)

Thank you for your years of dedication and care for our Westbriar students—you will always be part of the WES family!

🎉 Welcoming Our Newest Westbriar Team Members!

We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Westbriar staff! Whether they are bringing years of experience from other schools or starting fresh in Fairfax County Public Schools, each of these professionals brings incredible talent, passion, and energy to our school.

Please join us in giving a warm Westbriar welcome to:

đŸ« Administrative & Support Team

  • Lori Smith – Office Assistant

  • Jungwook "Jenny" Kim – Family Liaison

  • Megan Rayes – Public Health Nurse (Clinic)

  • Cuong Lieu – Custodian (FT/Evening)

🎹 Specialists & Fine Arts

  • Brandi Bertoni – Librarian

  • Esther Jeong – Art Teacher

đŸ„ Early Childhood Team

  • Shole Karimi Mozarmi – Pre-K Teacher

  • Rana Elmaslar – Pre-K Instructional Assistant

📚 Classroom & Specialized Instruction

  • James Stone – 5th Grade Teacher

  • Asja Butler – Kindergarten Teacher

  • Benjamin Aiken – Learning Disabilities (LD) Teacher

  • Christopher Kidd – Learning Disabilities (LD) Teacher

  • Margarita Lipkina – Special Education Instructional Assistant

  • Connor Dunfee – EAC Instructional Assistant

  • Jinha Park – Physical Disabilities/Higher Accessibility (PHTA)

🌟 We are so excited for you and your children to meet our new team members! If you spot them around the building during Open House or on the first week of school, please give them a warm hello and show them what makes our Westbriar community so special.

📆 Mark Your Calendars

OpenHouse–Thursday,August20

This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and connect with classmates.

Open House Schedule:

2:45–3:15 PM | Early Visit (Kindergarten and New to WES Students)

This quieter window is specifically designed for new students or those who benefit from a calm, lower-stimulation environment before the main crowd arrives.

3:15–4:15 PM | Open House (All Families)

All Westbriar families are welcome to stop in, explore the space, and connect.

*If you ordered a PTA supply box, it will be delivered to your child’s classroom in advance.

BacktoSchoolNight–Wednesday,September16

Join us from 6:00–8:00 PM for our annual Back to School Night.

  • 6:00–6:20 PM: Optional Parent Meet & Greet with Administrative Team (Cafeteria)
  • 6:30–7:00 PM: Classroom Session 1
  • 7:10–7:40 PM: Classroom Session 2 (Repeat presentation for families with multiple children)
  • 7:45–8:00 PM: Optional Parent Meet & Greet with Specialists & Support Staff (Cafeteria)

Please note: Childcare will not be provided. We encourage families to make arrangements for children to stay at home.

Early Release Wednesdays at Westbriar

Westbriar will observe several Early Release Wednesdays with dismissal at 1:05 PM. On these days, we strongly encourage families to follow their child’s regular dismissal plan, bus, walker, or Kiss & Ride, for consistency.

While we understand some families may have unique childcare needs, the option for supervision at school until 4:05 PM is intended only for those who cannot make alternate arrangements. Students remaining at school will engage in supervised, quiet activities such as reading, homework, board games, or educational technology use. No academic instruction will be provided, and staffing will be limited.

2026–2027 Early Release Dates:

  • September 30

  • November 18

  • January 13

  • April 7

🚌 Transportation Updates

Arrival & Dismissal Information

🚌 Bus Riders

Be on the lookout prior to the first week of school for communication from the FCPS Transportation Department regarding your child's bus route. Bus route details will also be available in your ParentVUE account prior to the first day of school.

  • New for 2026–2027: All bus riders will receive a new FCPS Student ID card to tap on and off the bus. Further details will be shared during the first weeks of school.

  • Kindergarten Families: A parent, guardian, or designated adult must be present at the bus stop to meet kindergarten students.

  • Account Assistance: If you need help accessing ParentVUE, please contact Mrs. McGrady at skmcgrady@fcps.edu.

  • Transportation Questions: Contact the FCPS Transportation Office directly at 703-249-7100.

đŸš¶ Walker Dismissal

Walkers will exit the building through Door 9. For the safety of our walking students and to prevent traffic hazards, families MAY NOT drive to pick up students from the walker area. If you plan to drive your child home, you must use our Kiss & Ride system.

đŸš« Front Door Pickup – No Longer Permitted

The main entrance and lobby area are reserved exclusively for bus dismissal. Parents will not be permitted to pick up students from the front door or lobby during dismissal.

🚗 Kiss & Ride Registration

To ensure a safe, organized, and efficient dismissal process, ALL families planning to use Kiss & Ride for the 2026–2027 school year must complete a new Kiss & Ride Application, even if you held a number in previous years.

  • How to Register: A Google Form link will be provided in our upcoming newsletter to submit your application.

  • Tags & Placards: New vehicle dashboard placards and student backpack tags will be available for pickup during Open House or sent home with your student during the first week of school.

  • Dismissal Route: Students utilizing Kiss & Ride will exit through the cafeteria to the designated pickup lane.


Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in keeping our Westbriar students safe!

Mandatory Kiss & Ride Re-Registration

New Placard System for 2026–2027

To help make our morning and afternoon carline safer, smoother, and faster for everyone, Westbriar is updating our Kiss & Ride procedures for the upcoming school year.

What You Need to Know:

  • All Families Must Apply: Whether you are new to Westbriar or a returning family, ALL families planning to use Kiss & Ride must complete a new application for the 2026–2027 school year. Old tags from previous years will no longer be used.

  • New Vehicle Placards: Registered families will receive a new Kiss & Ride placard to display on their vehicle’s dashboard/front windshield. This helps staff quickly identify your vehicle during afternoon pickup.

  • Matching Backpack Tags: Students who use Kiss & Ride permanently will receive a corresponding tag attached to their backpack that matches their family’s assigned number.

Please take a moment to complete the online Kiss & Ride Registration Form before the start of school so we can have your placard ready! Thank you for helping us keep our carline safe and efficient.

FCPS Modernizing School Transportation

New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is rolling out a new system designed to modernize school bus transportation, enhance student safety, and keep families better informed.

If your child rides an FCPS school bus, here is what you need to know about the upcoming changes:

What’s New?

  • Student ID Cards: Every bus rider will receive a color-coded student ID card. Starting in the first few weeks of school, students will tap their card when boarding and exiting the bus.

  • Upgraded Bus Tablets: Buses are being equipped with mobile tablets to assist drivers with route navigation and keep an accurate roster of students on board.

  • New Bus Tracking App (Coming Fall 2026): Later this fall, FCPS will launch a new app to replace Here Comes the Bus. In addition to real-time bus location tracking, the new app will let parents see exactly when their child taps onto and off the bus.

Key Details for Families

  • Bus Riders Only: Only students who ride the school bus will receive an ID card. Students only need to use the card on the bus; wearing it during the school day is not required.

  • Privacy & Safety: The system tracks the location of the bus, not the student or the card itself. Tapping in simply checks the student onto that specific bus route.

  • Lost or Forgotten Cards: Don't worry if your child forgets or loses their card—bus drivers can manually check students in and out using their onboard tablet. If a card is lost, please contact Westbriar to request a replacement.

  • Back of Card Info: In compliance with Virginia law, the back of each card features a helpful QR code alongside the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

FCPS will share further updates, including full details on the new bus tracking app, as the school year begins. For questions or additional information, please visit the FCPS website or contact the FCPS Office of Transportation.

đŸ„— Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

The cafeteria offers daily breakfast and lunch:

  • Breakfast: $1.75

  • Lunch: $3.75

Families can add funds to student accounts via My School Bucks.

First-Day Ready

The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start. 

Also find out what will be new this school year. 

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. 

We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed. 

Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools. 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Westbriar PTA: Join the PTA!

EARLY BIRD PRICING Membership options:

  • One Parent/Guardian – $25

  • Family (Two Adults) – $35

  • Extended Family - $40

To join for the 2026–2027 school year, CLICK HERE.

Popsicles on the Playground!

Stop by the playground after your classroom visit and enjoy a free popsicle courtesy of the Westbriar PTA. It's a sweet way to reconnect with classmates, meet new friends, and celebrate the start of another great school year! We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Westbriar!

☕ Coffee & Donuts with the PTA!

Start the school year with coffee, conversation, and community!

Join the Westbriar PTA on the first day of school after drop-off to enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts while connecting with fellow parents, meeting the PTA Board and school administration, and learning about exciting events and volunteer opportunities for the year ahead.

📅 Monday, August 24
🕘 9:15 AM
📍 Picnic Tables – Front of Westbriar Elementary School

We can't wait to welcome both new and returning families. Stop by, say hello, and help us kick off a fantastic school year together!

WES Spirit Wear

Show your Falcon pride with customizable spirit wear through our PTA-hosted shop at WestbriarSpiritWear.com!
Choose from hundreds of items in youth, women’s, and men’s sizes—t-shirts, hoodies, polos, joggers, hats, mugs, and more.
Orders over $50 ship free, and items are delivered right to your door.

FCPS In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

  • In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
  • New Student Device Requirements
  • Math Textbooks
  • Football Game Safety Measures

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.Â