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2nd Graders In Ms. Holt's General Music Class Enjoy A Musical Mystery Game!

Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus

Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system. 

FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.

Have you already downloaded the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.

Bus Delays 

Check the FCPS Bus Delay portal to stay informed of all transportation delays. For more information about transportation, please visit the FCPS Transportation page. 

Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive

What does belonging look like in our school? At Timber Lane, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS.

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.

🥪🐯 Lunch Bunches with TLES Admin have begun! Lunch Bunches give students a chance to catch up with friends from different classes while enjoying a quieter lunch with our administrators. It’s also a great opportunity for us to check in and hear directly from students about how school is going—their classes, favorite subjects, teachers, friendships, the lunch menu… all the things! 😊 Building relationships and student voice, one lunch at a time! 💛

Digital Literacy Lessons Available on Schoology

This year, all students will receive explicit instruction around Digital Literacy. Digital literacy includes the knowledge, skills, and mindsets students need to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. These lessons help students learn, create, connect, and participate in a digital world. The curriculum builds shared language, responsible decision-making, and skills that will support students as they grow. At Timber Lane, these Digital Literacy lessons will be delivered through Library or specials with the School-Based Technology Specialist.

To see what your students will be learning about, parents and caregivers now have access to these lesson on the All Parents/Guardians Schoology Course for Timber Lane. Currently, lessons for Quarter 1 is available. Materials for Quarters 2-4 will be added at the beginning of each quarter. 

For questions regarding these lessons, please reach out to Librarian, Lisa Russell, or School-Based Technology Specialist, Caroline Park. 

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.

📚 The best literacy habits start early! Our PreK students in Ms. Nelson’s class are already building the foundations of lifelong reading by developing independent reading habits, stamina, and a love for books! 🐯📖

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

• Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
• Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

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.

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

• Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
• Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
• Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.

🍦PTA ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Join the PTA for our annual back to school celebration on September 23 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the playground! Families, teachers, students and staff are all welcome to join us for free ice cream and an opportunity to connect with new and old friends. We can't wait to see you there!

🔬Science Night — October 15

Help support Science Night, sponsored by the Children’s Science Center, from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. Volunteers will help make this fun, hands-on evening a success for our students and families.  The Children’s Science Center will send out information to volunteers as the event gets closer.

Sign up to volunteer:  Science Night Volunteer Signup

Election Bake Sale — November 3

Our Election Bake Sale is a great PTA fundraiser, and there are two ways to pitch in:

• Bake or donate treats for the sale Sign up: Volunteer to Bake
• Volunteer to sell at the bake sale Sign up: Volunteer to Sell Baked Items

CONNECT WITH THE PTA

Please consider renewing your PTA membership for the 26-27 school year (or joining for the first time!) by visiting our website: www.timberlanepta.com.

PTA Members now also have the option to subscribe to the PTA calendar and have calendar updates pushed automatically to their personal calendars!

You can now follow the PTA on Instagram and Facebook.

Upcoming Dates

2026-2027 Standard School Year Calendar

🏫September 

• Sept 21: NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur Holiday)
• Sept 23: PTA Ice Cream Social from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sept 29: AAP Info Night from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Sept 30: 3-Hour Early Release at 12:35 p.m.

🎃October

• Oct 5 to 16: Fall Read-A-Thon
• Oct 12: NO SCHOOL (School Planning Day)
• Oct 15: Science Night from 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
• Oct 21: Fall Picture Day (more info soon to come)
• Oct 29: AAP Info Night from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Oct 30: 2-Hour Early Release at 1:35 p.m. (End of Q1)

2737 West Street Falls Church, VA 22046  | Main Office: 703-206-5300
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