Liberty Link: September 11, 2026

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The Liberty Link

two girls sit in the library together smiling

During lunch, students can enjoy the library by playing games, making crafts, and reading with friends.


A Note from the Principal

Dear Liberty Families,

I want to begin with a huge shout-out to our students, staff, and families for the patience and flexibility they showed this morning. Due to an unusual odor, we temporarily held students on buses while we addressed the situation. I am incredibly proud of how our staff stepped up to help and how calmly and responsibly our students handled the unexpected delay. Our families were also so understanding and flexible. I am one proud principal today!

We are excited to invite you to our first PTA meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 15, at 7 p.m. Families are welcome to join us in person in the Liberty Middle School Library. If you are unable to attend in person, you may join us through the Zoom Link.  

We will share important PTA information and details about our after school program. Families will also have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Ms. Donlon, our After School Program Specialist, and me. Joining the meeting does not mean you are committing to anything. We would simply love to see you there and hope families will find a way to be involved that works best for them. Your partnership means so much to our school community!

Our first varsity football home game for the Centreville Wildcats is coming up on Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. Liberty students who attend must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with them throughout the game. All spectators are required to pass through the weapons screening systems, and FCPS’s standardized bag policy will be in effect. Please review the FCPS football game safety information before attending.

We hope our Liberty Lions will enjoy the game, cheer on the Wildcats, and represent our school in a positive way. Making good choices, treating others with respect, and showing pride in our school are all important parts of being a Liberty Lion. We hope to see many of you there!

-Mrs. Bromberg


Important Dates

  • Monday, September 14: First Day of Late Buses
  • Monday, September 14: Summer 4 Reading Celebration
  • Monday, September 14: NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) Interest Meeting
  • Tuesday, September 15: PTA Meeting
  • Wednesday, September 16: NJHS New Member Meeting (Inducted 8th Graders)
  • Tuesday, September 22: Finance Park (Ms. Bell & Mr. Lunsford)
  • Thursday, September 24: Finance Park (Mr. Q & Mr. Hanrahan)
  • Thursday, September 24: PTA Spirit Night at Panera
  • Friday, September 25: Finance Park (Ms. Mason)

For more dates, please see the calendar on the Liberty Middle School website.


See How Students Are Making Sense of Ecosystems

students sorting and labeling images that are living and nonliving

Students explored the difference between living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem through picture sorting, interactive reading, drawing, written reflection, and conversations with classmates. Read more about how these activities helped students build their understanding of ecosystems on the school website.


Bus Pass Distribution Update

Bus passes are currently being distributed to students who ride the bus.

If your student has not received a pass or has lost it, there is nothing you or your student need to do right now.

No student will be denied bus service for not having a pass. Drivers can manually check in students as they board the bus.


Upcoming PTA Meeting

Join us for our next Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting to discuss upcoming school events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our students. All parents, guardians, and staff members are welcome.


8th Grade Finance Park Volunteers Needed

Eighth grade Civics students will visit JA Finance Park in September. Adult volunteers (18 and older) are needed to help make this field trip a success.

Volunteers commit to 4.5 hours, which includes 1 hour of training. Please email your student's Civics teacher to volunteer.

Student Trip Schedule


PTA Spirit Night at Panera

Stack of Panera sandwiches with the text "Raise Some Dough Help Support Us! 25% of sales will benefit Liberty Middle School PTA"

Support the Liberty Middle School PTA by dining at Panera Bread. A portion of all sales will go directly to support our PTA programs.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, September 24

  • Time: 4 to 8 p.m.

  • Location: Panera, 5774 Union Mill Road, Clifton

How to Order

  • Online at panerabread.com

  • In the Panera mobile app

  • At the kiosk inside the café

Use code FUND4U at checkout to make sure our school receives credit for your order.


Full-Time AAP Referral Deadlines

A picture of 3 students working in class with the text "Full-Time AAP Referral Deadlines"

Parents and guardians interested in Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services must submit a referral form before the designated deadline.

Important Dates

  • October 15, 2026: Referral deadline for students in grades 3 through 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026.
  • December 15, 2026: Referral deadline for returning FCPS students in grades 2 through 7.

Submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Rushel Grillo, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher. Late referrals will not be accepted.

Once a referral is received, Liberty compiles student academic information. A county committee of trained professionals then reviews all materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services. For  submission forms, please see the Advanced Academics Submission Forms site.


Register for the World Languages Credit by Exam (WLBCE)

3 girls sitting in a library in red chairs talking holding books. Text on image says: Speak Another Language? Earn High School Credit

Students in grades 7 through 12 who speak, read, and write a language other than English may take the World Languages Credit by Exam. Depending on test results, students can earn 1, 2, or 3 high school credits.

Important Dates

  • Sept. 8 at 8 a.m.: Registration opens
  • Oct. 16 at 4 p.m.: Registration closes (Late registrations will not be accepted.)
  • November: Exam administered at Liberty Middle School

How to Register

Interested students should complete the WLCBE Pre-Registration Student Interest Form or contact their school counselor to sign up. Visit the FCPS website to see the list of offered languages and find more details.


TheatreMania Workshop Registration Now Open

Image with text FCPS Theatre Arts Directors Association is Proud to Present: Theatre Mania! Saturday November 7th 9am-2pm Kilmer MS

Middle school students are invited to attend TheatreMania at Kilmer Middle School. This event offers a full day of hands-on theatre workshops led by working theatre professionals.

Students can choose four different workshops to explore skills in acting, dance, vocal performance, improv, technical theatre, design, directing, and more. TheatreMania is open to students of all experience levels. No prior theatre experience is required to participate.

Event Details

  • Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 24, 2026

  • Event Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

  • Location: Kilmer Middle School

  • Cost: $25 per student

Register online using the TheatreMania Google Form.


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.


Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.


Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

  • Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
  • Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
  • Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.


Applications Open Monday, October 5, for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools.


Scoliosis Information for Families

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine. A spine with scoliosis often looks like an "S" or a "C" instead of a straight line. Finding scoliosis early can help prevent it from getting worse. Untreated scoliosis can cause back pain, limited motion and other health issues.

Screening Timeline

  • Ages 10 to full growth: Screenings should begin in early adolescence during routine doctor exams.

The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown. It is more common in females than males.

Signs of Scoliosis

  • One shoulder is higher than the other.

  • One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other.

  • One hip looks higher or sticks out more than the other.

  • The waist looks uneven.

  • The spine curves to the side.

  • The head is not centered over the hips.

Treatment

Many cases are mild and do not need treatment. Other cases may require a back brace or surgery. A doctor can decide the best treatment plan.

If you think your child may have scoliosis, please schedule a checkup with a healthcare provider. For more resources, contact our school Public Health Nurse (PHN) or visit the Scoliosis Research Society website.


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Review and Sign the SR&R
  • Your Child Belongs at School
  • What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App

Student Services Team

Victoria Reyes | Student Services Assistant

Valerie Peters | Director of Student Services

Shirley Alvarez-Leon | Counselor (CAT B & CSS Students, Last Names A-G; Si-Z)

Quesuan Wigfall | Counselor (Last names H-Sh)


Administrative Team

Principal: Tracy Bromberg 

Assistant Principal: Jennifer Filsinger 

Assistant Principal: Katie Shea

Interim Assistant Principal: Justine Klena

Dean of Students: Andrea Shaw

After-School Specialist: Sandra Donlon