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Principal's Note

Dear London Towne Community,

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Tuesday evening for our first PTA meeting. We had a HUGE turnout, and your energy, engagement, and support set a fantastic tone for the year ahead. We are so grateful for this amazing community!

📅 Save the Date: Next PTA Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 13th

Where: London Towne Library

Here is what we have lined up for our next gathering:

• AVID & Executive Functioning Support: Our AVID Site Coordinator will give a quick overview of the AVID program and share practical strategies families can use at home to support student organization and executive functioning.

• Trunk or Treat Planning: During the second half of the meeting, we’ll be finalizing details for our annual Trunk or Treat event! 🎃👻

🚲 E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety & School Policy Reminders

We have noticed an increase in students riding bikes, scooters, e-bikes, and e-scooters to school! To keep all our students and families safe, please review these key safety guidelines and school policy:

Important Safety Requirements

Safety starts before hitting the pavement. Please make sure your child follows local e-bike and recreational vehicle safety requirements, including proper helmet use and traffic rules. You can review the full safety standards here: FCPD E-Bike and Recreation Safety Guide.

London Towne Policy: Walk It, Don't Ride It

To ensure the safety of all students, staff, and families during busy arrival and dismissal times:

• Bikes, scooters, e-bikes, and e-scooters may NOT be ridden on school property during school hours (including arrival and dismissal).

• Once students reach school property, they must dismount immediately and walk their bike or scooter all the way to the bike rack.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Towne safe for everyone!

We look forward to seeing many of you on Thursday for our annual Title I Meeting and an opportunity for you to hear from and connect with your child's classroom teacher (more details below).

Warmly,

Shele Banford, Principal

Jordan Moore, Assistant Principal

Lucy Zamora, Assistant Principal

Save the Date!

📚 Tuesday, September 15:  iReady Reading Screener (Grades 4, 5)

📚 Wednesday, September 16:  iReady Reading Screener (Grades 3, 6)

🧮Wednesday, September 16:  MAP Math Screener (Grade 2)

🍎Wednesday, Septemeber 16:  5:45 pm-6:30 pm 4th Grade Immersion (Bonilla/Lopez-Czmiel) Back to School Night.

🧮Thursday, September 17:  MAP Math Screener (Grade 1)

🍎Thursday, September 17:  5:00 p.m. FLE Parent Preview

🍎Thursday, September 17:  5:30-7:30 p.m. K-6 Back to School Night

🕯️Monday, September 21:  No School - Yom Kippur

🧠Wednesday, September 23:  5:30 p.m. Advanced Academics Info Session

🐶Friday, October 2:  4:30 p.m. Westfield Homecoming Parade (near Stone)

London Towne Events and News

🏫 London Towne ROAR into the New Year! 🏫

All families are invited to join us for our "Roar Into the New Year" Back to School Night on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The evening includes a Title I Annual Meeting in the cafeteria and opportunities for families to meet with teachers for grades K-6.

• Dinner & Childcare: Both dinner and childcare will be provided for families in attendance beginning at 5:30pm.

• Grade-Level Sessions: Each grade level will offer two identical sessions to accommodate families with multiple children, with one session presented in English and Spanish.

  • Session 1: 6:15-6:45

    • Towne Hall w/ Admin in Cafeteria in English and Spanish
    • Kinder-3rd Grade: Presentations in English and Spanish
    • 4th - 6th Grade:  Presentation in English only
  • Session 2:  6:55-7:25
    • Towne Hall w/ Admin in Cafeteria in English and Spanish
    • Kinder-3rd Grade:  Presentations in English only
    • 4th-6th Grade: Presentations in English and Spanish

• Admin "Towne Hall": Join the administration team for a Towne Hall session in the cafeteria where we will share details about what it means to be a Title I School, present our LTES school mission and vision, review county-wide updates, and gather your valuable input on our Title I Family Compact and School Improvement and Innovation Plan.

• NOTE:  4th Grade Immersion's Back to School Night for Sra. Bonilla and Mrs. Lopez-Czmiel will be on Wednesday, September 16th from 5:30p-6:30p.  Dinner and childcare will be provided.  Dinner will start at 5:15p.  The presentation will start promptly at 5:45p.  

🌎 Hispanic Heritage Month 🌎

We are excited to celebrate the rich cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions of Spanish-speaking countries, September 15 to October 15! 

Let's kick off our month of celebration in style!  On Tuesday, September 15, your child is invited to wear clothing, colors, patterns, or accessories that represent a Spanish-speaking country!

Predictive Assessment Pilot Program

In the 2026-27 school year, select FCPS schools, including London Towne, will be participating in a predictive assessment pilot program. The goal of this program is to help students master grade-level standards. The pilot uses short reading and/or math assessments to help teachers understand where students are strong and where they may need extra help. Results will give teachers a personalized roadmap for student support. 

Schools participating in this pilot substitute short predictive assessments for some or all systemwide common assessments in Grades 3-8 English/Language Arts courses. In some pilot schools, including London Towne, predictive assessments also substitute for systemwide common assessments in Grade 5 Mathematics and Grade 5 Advanced Mathematics courses. If you have questions about this pilot, please contact the central support team at PredictiveAssessmentPilot@fcps.edu.

Advanced Academics Programs

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs. 

⭐ Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:

• Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15.
• Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 7 may be referred by December 15.

⭐FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services:

• All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
• Students in Grades 3 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
• Students in Grades 3 to 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Rachel Lanier at relanier@fcps.edu, school testing coordinator or Maddie Sirota at masirota@fcps.edu, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher by September 30.

⭐ Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings led by Maddie Sirota our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):

• AAP Continuum of Services: Wednesday, September 23^rd at 5:30 p.m. in London Towne ES Library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
• Full-Time AAP Identification: Wednesday, November 18^th at 5:15 p.m. in London Towne ES Library Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.

⭐ Upcoming Deadlines for FCPS Families:

• September 30^th, 2026, deadline for the one-time abilities test retake
• Contact our School Testing coordinator, Rachel Lanier and Assistant Principal, Lucy Zamora with the request
• October 15^th, 2026, full-time referral deadline for students new to FCPS as of January 1^st, 2026
• Referral forms can be found HERE.

⭐ Supporting 2E Learners:

Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.

⭐ What do 2e students need?

2e students can thrive when:

• Individualized and flexible instruction and accommodations are responsive to students’ strengths, disabilities, and challenges.

• Supports, accommodations, and/or services ensure access to instruction and demonstrate understanding.

• Social-emotional learning and accompanying strategies build their confidence, skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

• Collaborative teams (including the student, teachers, all support staff, and families) design and adjust plans that affirm their identities and experiences.

• Clear expectations and predictability in all aspects of school are established including, but not limited to, assignments, scheduling, and social interactions.

⭐ How do families and FCPS staff partner?

Strong partnerships and active communication between schools and families are critical to supporting 2e students.

Together, we:

• Collaborate in the identification, evaluation, and instructional planning processes to understand student strengths, needs, and goals.

• Communicate regularly about progress, supports, strategies, and wellness.

• Engage in decision-making processes about course selection, accommodations, and specialized instruction and/or services (when applicable).

• Assume collective responsibility to co-create environments where students can thrive.

⭐ What are some ways adults can support 2e

students?

Adult engagement and empathy are critical components of student success. Adults are encouraged to:

• Prioritize and acknowledge individualized efforts over public recognition, peer comparisons, or grades.

• Support each child’s strengths and empower them to navigate struggles using a variety of strategies and techniques.

• Provide opportunities for each child to consider and express ways in which they learn best.

• Teach and encourage self-advocacy skills that can be applied across environments.

• Partner with families, school staff, and community resources providers to address signs of stress, withdrawal, or burnout at home or at school.

• Have fun with students! Support exploration and deeper learning related to the student’s areas of interest.

• Listen to and validate student concerns and collaborate with the student in problem solving and decision making.

For more information, please contact our Special Education Department Chair, Stacey LaFountain, at slafountain@fcps.edu, or Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Maddie Sirota, at masirota@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage or the FCPS 2e Website. 

Meet Our New Staff!

We are excited to welcome 8 new staff members to the Towne this year!  We will feature several each weekly newsletter, so you can learn a little about them!  This week, we welcome our new strings teacher, Claire Roque, coming to us with 20 years experience working with Multilingual Learners, and Marty Sarisky, our new Band teachers, who will be working with 5th and 6th graders!

🧭 Baroody Enrichment Classes 🧭

🎒✨THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! 🎒✨

Fall 2026 enrichment is coming to London Towne!

From STEM and sports to arts, cooking, games, and more, there’s something for every curious kid to explore. 🔬🎨🏀🎮

📅 Registration is open through Sunday, October 4! 

🔗 https://bc-ffx-londontowne.jumbula.com/

What will they discover this fall? The adventure is waiting! ⭐

📩 Questions? Email info@baroodycamps.com

PTA News and Happenings

Come join us for our next PTA meeting! Everyone’s welcome! 🎉

Meet other families and staff, hear what’s coming up, and find out how you can get involved!

📅 Date: October 13

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: London Towne Library or join us virtually on Zoom

(Zoom link will be sent the evening before.)

We’d love to see some new faces—and plenty of familiar ones too!

Follow the LTES PTA on Instagram to stay to date with all the fun, upcoming events! 

FCPS Events and News

Review and Sign SR&R

Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.

Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 

Parent Digital Tools Consent

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. 

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming

We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available within our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support.

You can also visit the FCPS 2e webpage for additional information and resources.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Maddie Sirota, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, at masirota@fcps.edu, or Stacey LaFountain, Special Education Department Chair, at slafountain@fcps.edu.  

School Board Welcome Videos

Please enjoy the following welcome videos to learn updates from our Fairfax County School Board members: 

• Seema Dixit   - for Sully District Schools
• Kyle McDaniel - represents all schools
• Ryan McElveen - represents all schools
• Ilryong Moon- represents all schools

Safety Drills During the Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

Special Education Conference

The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.

Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.

Help Your Child Navigate the Lunchline

Check out some tips to help your child get through the lunch line quickly and have more time to eat:

• Teach your child their student ID number to receive meals at school.
• Sign up for and add money to MySchoolBucks to purchase meals at school.
• Apply for free and reduced-price meals. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should submit a new application as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

If your child has any food allergies, learn how to submit accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergens. 

Access menus for breakfast, lunch, and other school meals, as well as allergen and nutrition information.

Volunteer FCPS Update

💗 Register Today With Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at London Towne. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

2026-27 Early Release Wednesdays

FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. The number has been reduced from eight to four days. 

Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with their peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students. 

Our school’s early release Wednesdays: 

• October 21

• December 2

• February 10

• May 5

Visit the FCPS website for more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Monday September 21, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed.

See the complete school year calendar.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

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