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Messages from Mr. Morris
What a wonderful start to our school year.
Our teachers have been working since the end of last school year to get ready for this school year! All that hard work has showed since the moment our doors opened and welcomed students this past Monday. Walking into classrooms this week was an absolute joy for me to see our teachers and students already at their best. I even got to jump in on a few activities myself. I enjoyed sharing some of my memory artifacts with second graders.
Students were all smiles diving right back into school. And those that weren’t all smiles or might have felt a little homesick or anxious about the day were tended to with love and special care. One of my favorite parts of a school day is watching an adult have a private, meaningful conversation with a student going through something. It’s a reminder of the care and attention our adults here provide to all our dolphins, young and older.
I've been so impressed watching our veteran students take our new dolphin friends under their wing, showing them the ropes and living out our Dolphin Decree. Inside the classrooms, our teachers are taking the time to really get to know each student, building safe, environments where everyone feels welcome. I want to share a special hello to all of our Riverside Rockets. These are students that have joined us from Riverside Elementary in FCPS. Although we welcome students joining us from all over the world each school year, this was a special, unique change for our former Riverside students and families. New boundary changes in FCPS sent us new students from Riverside Elementary school, a place they loved and miss very much. You’ve made our school a better place already, and we’re so lucky to have you as new dolphins. Thank you and a big welcome to each of you!
Good things are happening here at The Landing. We’re off to a great start.
Kevin Morris, Principal
- September 1 - Back to School Night | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- September 4 - Labor Day Break (No School)
- September 7 - Labor Day Break (No School)
- September 17 - Military Parents Coffee | 9:30 a.m. | Cafeteria
- September 17 - PTA Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Library
with Special Guest - Mr. Davis, Assistant Principal
We work hard to ensure a safe dismissal and make sure all students arrive home safely. Clear transportation plans to and from school are critical to support this effort.
If you need to make a change in transportation plans, please use this link.
Please do not communicate day of changes directly with our classroom teachers as there is no guarantee they will see the communication.
If the change in transportation request is after 12:00 p.m., please call 703-619-3600.
Last-minute changes and inconsistent transportation plans create unsafe conditions for our school and students. Frequent changes to arrival and dismissal also make it difficult for our school to establish safe routines and procedures for school dismissal.
Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your child’s bus.
If your child’s bus is delayed, you may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Please contact the Transportation Office at 703-446-2150 with any additional questions. For concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact the FCPS Office of Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE to make sure you receive email messages about bus delays.
Tuesday, September 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
We are looking forward to welcoming families to Back to School Night next Tuesday, August 26. Here are some important details:
- All grade levels, K-6, will be presenting together as a team.
- We will offer two formal presentations from our grade level teams, K-6, from 6:10 – 6:40 and then again from 6:50 – 7:20. You will have an opportunity to visit your child’s classroom in between these formal presentations.
- Our Specialists will be in the cafeteria to meet with families throughout Back to School Night.
- Our preschool teachers will be in their classrooms ready to welcome families.
Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources
Families can now easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Read about the Safety Patrol Training experience for new Stratford Landing student patrols, hosted by the FCPS Office of Transportation Services each summer.
Volunteering at Stratford Landing Elementary!
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Learn more about volunteering in FCPS here.
Welcome back SLES families! I hope your summer was great. I had a wonderful summer but am happy to be back with the SLES staff, students, and back to my routine. From the Stacks is meant to keep you updated about what is going on in our school library. So, to start of our school year...
We have added many new book titles to our collection over the summer. I have made a display so the kids can look through them and check them out. I will be creating a Request a Book form on my Schoology website so that students can let me know what books they wish to add to our collection. Our student volunteer program will continue. What a help the group from last year was!!
Speaking of volunteers, we can always use help in the library. There is book shelving, checking out students, helping with inventory, and creating bulletin boards. Please reach out to me at fegresham@fcps.edu for more information. You may sign up to help out in the library through this Volunteer FCPS link for Stratford Landing Elementary.
What a great, busy week in the library. We focused on the very basic library expectations and setting up our routine. With our younger guest we began The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
Until next time,
Ellen Gresham, Librarian
FCPS invites new and returning military-connected families to celebrate the start of the 2026–27 school year at a Welcome BBQ. Families can enjoy food, activities, and an opportunity to meet and connect with other military-connected families from across FCPS.
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Date: September 9, 2026
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Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Location: Lake Braddock Secondary School, 9200 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015
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Registration: Register by August 28
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Contact: militaryfamilies@fcps.edu
For more events supporting military families please be sure to sign up for the FCPS News You Choose - Family Engagement - Military Families.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Nueve Idiomas
Padres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS. Vea la lista de números de teléfono.
Each year three exceptional teachers in each state are recognized by the National Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW annually recognizes each state's top classroom elementary, junior high, and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics—at least half of the school day in a classroom environment—and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively.
The VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (Teacher of the Year) include the following items:
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Recognition/Award at the Post level
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Recognition/Award at the District level
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Recognition/Award at the State/National level
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION:
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements for the 2026-2027 year here.
Download the 2026-2027 entry form here and fill it out.
Application forms and nomination packets are due to your local VFW Post by October 31st. Nomination packet should include the following: a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages, including the resume, as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: resume, references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and shoulder photo of themselves, if available.
Note: Nominations can be submitted by self-submission, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.
Family Literacy Program
Free English Classes at West Potomac High School
Improve your English and learn how the school systems works to support your children's education. Your school aged children are also welcome! Classes begin Tuesday, September 22.
Dates/Times: Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria
Contact: Rosa Rapavi | rarapavi@fcps.edu
Katherine Lodge | klodge@fcps.edu
🆕➡️FCPS Adult and Community Education (Registration Open)
Adult ESOL Fall Term
Registration is open for the Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) fall term. Scholarships are available for adults who want to strengthen their English language skills.
🆕➡️HealthWorks (Available Now)
Free School Physicals
HealthWorks offers free school physicals for uninsured children ages 3 to 18 who are entering a Virginia school for the first time. Appointments include a physical exam, dental screening, hearing and vision tests, TB screening, and immunizations. Sports physicals are not available, and a parent or legal guardian must attend.
English Empowerment Center
Fall 2026 English Classes (Registration Open)
The English Empowerment Center is offering Fall 2026 English classes for adults age 18 and older, with in-person locations across Northern Virginia as well as online options. Classes include beginning English, practical writing, conversation, family learning, English for work, and workforce-focused opportunities.
Most classes cost $85, including books, assessments, and supplemental services, with several in-person classes offered free. Online registration is open through Friday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m., and in-person registration dates vary by location.
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Mark your Calendar:
September 1 - Back to School Night | 6:00 p.m.
September 17 - Military Parents Coffee | 9:30 a.m.
September 17 - PTA Meeting | 7:00 p.m.
Special Guest - Mr. Davis, Assistant Principal
September 25 - Movie Night | 6:30 p.m.
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Come join the fun and be a part of the ‘26-‘27 Stratford Landing Elementary School PTA! We have so much to share with you about the upcoming school year!
PTA members receive newsletters with information regarding upcoming events, clubs and volunteer opportunities. When you join the PTA, there is no obligation. Becoming a member is the BEST WAY to know about the amazing activities we have planned for the year. Your PTA membership fee helps us cover the Virginia and National PTA dues that we pay annually in order stay active.
https://stratfordlandingespta.givebacks.com/shop
Check out the new slpta.org!
The PTA website has a fresh new look for the 2026–27 school year! Everything got simpler and faster: announcements now appear right on the homepage, the PTA calendar is one click away, and all payments — membership, donations, registrations, and spirit wear — are handled by trusted platforms built for schools, so card details are never entered on our website.
SLES Back to School Night - Tuesday, September 1st
Stratford Landing Parents, come hear about the school year ahead from your students’ teachers at the SLES Back to School Night! While you’re there, stop by the PTA table for information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities as well as a DIY charm kit for your student.
● What: Back to School Night
● When: Tuesday , September 1, 2026, 6-7:30pm
● Where: Stratford Landing Elementary School
Please also bring the community school supplies you signed up for. School supply lists for srudebts are posted by FCPS here: Stratford Landing school supply lists.
SLES Full Membership PTA Meeting - Thursday, September 17th at 7pm
Join us for the Stratford Landing Elementary School PTA Full Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 PM in the school library to approve the PTA budget, learn about upcoming events, and explore great ways to get involved. We are thrilled to host our newest Assistant Principal, Mr. Davis, as our special guest, so come out to say hello and get to know him!
Help us, help Stratford Landing Elementary School!
Volunteer as a Room Parent, Family Volunteer Room Helper, Library Helper or School Events Volunteer.
Volunteering as a Room Parent, Family Volunteer Room assistant, Library helper, or event volunteer is a fantastic way to stay connected and make a direct impact at Stratford Landing Elementary. Whether you can lend a hand regularly or just for a single event, your time and support enrich our entire school community. Please take a moment to fill out our quick volunteer form to discover how you can get involved and support our SLES students and staff this year!
Stratford Landing ES Movie Night - Friday, September 25th
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a fantastic evening under the stars at Stratford Landing Elementary School’s Movie Night on Friday, September 25th! We will be showing The Super Mario Odyssey Movie! It’s the perfect opportunity to relax with neighbors, catch up with friends, and enjoy a fun-filled Friday night with the whole school community. We’ll have Timber Pizza serving up fresh, delicious, hot pies to take care of dinner for the family. Top off the night with a refreshing, icy snow cone from Kona Ice for a sweet weekend treat you won't want to miss! The SLES field/food trucks will open at 6:30pm for concessions/food and the movie will start at 7:15pm.
Stratford Landing ES Fall Clubs Registration coming soon!
Fall Club registration is right around the corner, so be sure to check the Stratford Landing PTA website soon at slpta.org/clubs to explore all of our exciting upcoming offerings. This season features a fantastic variety of activities, including Chess, STEM, Garden, Drama, Pokémon, Bloom Club, and Dungeons & Dragons, with full program descriptions and payment links available directly on the PTA website. Scholarships are available! Email clubs@slpta.org with any questions.
Become a Stratford Landing Elementary School Sponsor!
Would you like to be a Sponsor of Stratford Landing Elementary School? Would you be willing to help our Fundraising Chairs with contacting local businesses and inquiring about their interest in being a Sponsor?
Visit https://slpta.org/sponsors/to learn more about becoming a Sponsor or contact fundraising@slpta.org to be a part of the Sponsor Committee.
Help lead the PTA in ’26–’27 — board and volunteer roles open
We are currently looking for a volunteer to be the Vice President on the SLES PTA Board for ’26–’27. The Vice President’s role includes assisting the President with PTA events, meetings, and communication.
Our Chairs would love to have volunteers assist them this year — roles that help with planning school events, communications, student enrichment, and staff appreciation. Please email president@slpta.orgif you are interested in being a part of the PTA Board this school year or just want to volunteer.
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