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The Weekly Roar
Monday, September 14, 2026
A Week of Color, Clean-Up, Community, and Commemoration
Now that the new school year is in full swing, the weeks have gotten busy with special events and activities, inside and outside the classrooms. Take a look at some of the happenings last week.
Kindergarten Turns Up the Color!
The Lane hallways were awash in color last week thanks to our kindergarten students, who are celebrating Color Weeks. Each day is dedicated to a different color. Staff and other students across the school are also joining in. Check out the pictures from Green Day below and review the article below for the schedule for this week.
 
Fall Garden Clean-Up
Students in many different grade levels have been working hard weeding and cleaning up our school garden after the hot summer days. Students also were able to harvest some vegetables and herbs.
There's an ongoing friendly competition between grade levels and between Mrs. Carlson's and Ms. Xena’s classes to see who can get the biggest weed pile. Second grade won last Friday, but 4th and 6th grade weren't far behind!
    
The students were thrilled to find worms and a praying mantis in the garden. Last year's 2nd graders named a praying mantis GiGi, so here's a picture of GiGi's son or daughter. Spotting such wildlife means we have a very healthy and biodiverse garden.
1st Grade Families Share Food and Friendship at "Breakfast Bites"
Our popular “Breakfast Bites” grade-level potlucks are back this year and going strong! First-grade families turned out last Friday for their event, bringing lots of smiles and delicious dishes to share. Second-grade families are invited to join us on September 25, and higher grades will come together in October.
 
Patriotism and Remembrance
The Kindergarten colors for last Friday were red, white, and blue in honor of Patriot Day and remembrance of the American heroism, bravery, and unity on September 11, 2001.
Mrs. Sperry's and Mrs. Merwin's 4th grade class made a Patriot Day “Quilt,” taking time to learn about and reflect on the helpers and heroes of 9/11 and committing to always remember their courage and bravery on that fateful day.
Upcoming Events
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Continuing through Friday, 9/18 – Kindergarten Color Week 2
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Tuesday, 9/15: Yellow
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Wednesday, 9/16: Black and/or White
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Thursday, 9/17: Fun Run Color Day (new date)
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Friday, 9/18: Orange (new date)
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Tuesday, 9/15 – Advanced Academics Family Information Session, 6 p.m., Library
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NEW DATE! Thursday, 9/17 – PTA Lane Lion Loop Fun Run Fundraiser kickoff pep rally (students only)
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Monday, 9/21 – Yom Kippur Holiday, school, office, and SACC CLOSED
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Friday, 9/25 – Potluck “Breakfast Bites” for 2nd Grade Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Monday, 9/28 – PTA Cub Clubs enrichment program registration closes
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Tuesday, 9/29 – Blue Star Welcome Week Potluck Breakfast for Military Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Tuesday, 9/29 – PTA Restaurant Night at Crumbl Cookies
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Friday, 10/2 – Virtual “First Friday” with the Principals: Being Socially and Emotionally Present Throughout the Year, 8:30 a.m. on Zoom
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Friday, 10/2 – PTA Lane Lion Loop Fun Run
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Friday, 10/9 – Potluck “Breakfast Bites” for 3rd & 4th Grade Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
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Monday, 10/12 – Indigenous People’s Day Student Holiday/Staff Development Day, students do not report
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Friday, 10/16 – “Breakfast Bites” for 5th & 6th Grade Families, 8:30 a.m., Cafeteria
In This Issue
- Kindergarten Color Weeks Continue Through Friday
- Advanced Academics Program News: Identification Information and Deadlines, Family Overview Information Session Tomorrow Night!
- Yom Kippur Begins Sunday at Sundown; No School Monday, September 21
- 2nd Grade “Breakfast Bites” Next Friday, September 25
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Share Your Culture with Your Lane Family!
- 2026 Student Rights and Responsibilities: Parent Signature Sheet Due September 30
- Do You Want Your Child to Bring a Laptop Home Every Night?
- PTA News: Membership drive, Lane Lion Loop Run fundraiser kickoff
- Parent Resources: Back-to-School greetings from FCPS leadership, flu vaccine information, Special Education Conference, free webinars from the Family Resource Center
- FCPS Events & Activities: Superintendent Community Conversations, reporting discrimination and/or harassment, Strategic Plan Goal 2
News & Notes
Kindergarten Color Weeks Continue Through Friday
Thanks to all of our students and staff members who’ve been sharing the colorful fun with our kindergarten classes as each day celebrates a different stripe of the rainbow and other hues. We hope the participation will continue!
Here’s the schedule for the remaining days in the second Kindergarten Color Week. Please note that there's been a change for Thursday and Friday because our Fun Run pep rally has been moved to Thursday.
- Tuesday, 9/15: Yellow
- Wednesday, 9/16: Black and/or White
- Thursday, 9/17: Wear your grade color for the Pep Rally! (Kindergarten is Orange)
- Friday, 9/18: Orange.
Please encourage your child – no matter what grade level – to be colorful too!
Advanced Academics Program News: Identification Information and Deadlines, Family Overview Information Session Tomorrow Night!
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in grades K through 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. For Full-Time AAP services, there are two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 through 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in grades 2 through 7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
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 Tests (NGAT).
- Students in grades 3 through 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in grades 3 through 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Kristie Cohen, School Testing Coordinator, at kmcohen@fcps.edu no later than September 30.
Upcoming AAP Information Sessions
Parents/guardians are invited to attend two AAP information sessions led by Linda Simon, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services: TOMORROW! Tuesday, September 15, at 6 p.m. in the Lane ES Library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students. This session is open to all families with students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services. Full-Time AAP begins in 3rd grade, and students can be screened for it starting in the middle of 2nd grade. As a result, this session is geared towards families in grades 2 through 6.
If you'd like to preview the information that will be presented tomorrow evening, you can view a PDF of the slides here or download the accessible PowerPoint presentation here.
Please Note: The slides cover AAP services for K through 12 students, but tomorrow's meeting will only cover AAP services for students in grades K through 6. The 7 through 12 slides are included for reference only.
For more information, please contact Linda Simon, AART, at lesimon@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Yom Kippur Begins Sunday at Sundown; No School Monday, September 21
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism. According to Jewish tradition, this is when God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year.
On Monday, September 21, schools, offices, and SACC will be closed in observance of this holiday. See the complete school year calendar.
2nd Grade “Breakfast Bites” Next Friday, September 25, 8:30 a.m.
First-grade families had a blast at last week’s “Breakfast Bites,” and next Friday—September 25—week it’s 2nd grade’s turn! All 2nd grade families are invited to join us from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the cafeteria. We just ask that each family bring a breakfast dish or item to share (muffins, donuts, casseroles, etc.). If you are a 2nd grade family that would like to attend, please RSVP here).
Hispanic Heritage Month: Share Your Culture with Your Lane Family!
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration starts tomorrow and runs through October 15.
We are planning to observe this special month more than ever this year. Did you know that almost 10% of our students at Lane speak Spanish at home? And we bet there are even more who come from a Hispanic heritage. We want to celebrate all of them!
We invite all families of Hispanic heritage to send in pictures of their Lane students so we can post them near our Hispanic Heritage Month bulletin board display. You can email the photos to our family liaison, Melanie Crosby Hardy, at macrosby@fcps.edu, or send it to her through TalkingPoints. Be sure to let us know where your family is from so we can add you to our map!
Please send photos in by Friday, October 2.
2026 Student Rights and Responsibilities: Parent Signature Sheet Due September 30
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) 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 through 3, 4 through 8, and 9 through 12.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to school by Wednesday, September 30.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Do You Want Your Child to Bring a Laptop Home Every Night?
FCPS provides electronic devices to help students access learning tools and complete digital homework at home as needed. To ensure that all students have digital access, all FCPS-issued laptops will be sent home each night UNLESS parents choose to opt-out of this service through the Parent Digital Consent System.
PLEASE NOTE: The default response is sending home the laptop; if you take no action, your child will bring the device home each night.
If you would like to have your child’s laptop stay at school: Please log in to the Parent Digital Consent system, click on the FCPS-Issued Student Device Take-Home Opt-Out Form, and move the toggle button to the right until you see a checkmark. Click Save Selection. Your screen should look like this:
If you would like your student to continue bringing their device home, no toggle action is needed.
Save the Date for Blue Star Welcome Week “Muffins for Military Lions” – Tuesday, September 29!
Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging in their school communities. We are honored to have many military-connected lions in our school community and look forward to celebrating them during this special week. On Tuesday, September 29, we will host a Blue Star Welcome Week “Muffins for Military Lions” reception from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
We recognize that all Lane Lions are connected to these students as classmates, friends, neighbors, and more! All Lane Lions – military and non-military – and their families are welcome!
We ask that each family bring a dozen mini muffins or half a dozen full-size muffins to share with others. Muffins can be store-bought or homemade. We just ask that if you make your own you provide an ingredients list so that our families with allergies can choose safely. If you’d like join us that morning, please fill out this RSVP form and tell us what you’ll bring.
We look forward to celebrating our military families together in two weeks!
PTA News
Join the PTA Today!
The Lane PTA worked hard all summer planning events and programs for the upcoming school year. Their membership portal is open! Please consider joining this dedicated group of volunteers who do so much to support our students, staff, and families!
You can find more information and become a member using this link.
Registration for Fall Cub Clubs Now Open!
The PTA and Lane admin have organized an entertaining and educational line-up of before- and after-school enrichment programs, known as “Cub Clubs,” for the fall session. Registration is now open and continues through Monday, September 28.
Offerings this session include Dance & Move Fitness Fun, Crochet Club, Arts & Crafts Club, Ceramics Club, Flag Football, Sports Club, and Chess Club. Sessions begin in October and will run through early December.
Sessions often fill up fast, so be sure to register as soon as possible.
Lane Lion Loop Fun Run Coming Friday, October 2! Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off Wednesday!
The Lane PTA is excited to announce its second Lane Lion Loop Fun Run, coming Friday, October 2! This fun run will be one of the group’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Please watch Wednesday Folders this week for more information about how you can support this campaign.
The fun kicks off with two pep rallies on Thursday, September 17, to get the energy going. All grade levels should wear their Fun Run color:
- Kindergarten: Orange
- 1st Grade: Indigo
- 2nd Grade: Blue
- 3rd Grade: Green
- 4th Grade: Yellow
- 5th Grade: Purple
- 6th Grade: Red.
Your child can get a special Loop Run T-shirt in their grade-level color for just $15! You can order online or use the paper form included in last week’s Wednesday Folder. Orders must be placed by TOMORROW, Tuesday, September 15.
Parent Resources
Back-to-School Greetings from FCPS Leadership
At Lane’s Back-to-School Night last week, you got to hear from our school leaders and our amazing teachers working with your children this year. leadership would also like to welcome you to the new school year. Please check out these videos from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid and Franconia District School Board Member Marcia St. John-Cunning.
(NOTE: To change the language for captions, visit YouTube's official guide to watching videos in your preferred language.)
Click the photo above to view remarks by FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
Click photo above for greetings from Marcia St. John-Cunning, our Franconia District School Board member.
Mira el vídeo en español
You can also view back-to-school messages from At-Large School Board members (who represent all schools) Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon on YouTube.
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 be taking 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 nearby 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.
Free Webinars from the Family Resource Center
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) offers webinars, consultations, a lending library, open house events, and guides to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
You can contact the FRC by phone at 703-204-3941, by text at 571-496-8210, or by email at frc@fcps.edu. Or, you can visit in person at Pimmit Hills Center, 7510 Lisle Avenue, in Falls Church.
Families and staff members are encouraged to make an appointment for consultations, especially when requiring an interpreter.
Here are the webinars for the rest of September and early October.
Digital Wellness and Cyber Threat Indicators in K-12: When Online Behavior Becomes a Safety Concern
Friday, September 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This session will provide FCPS parents/guardians with a broad understanding of how digital wellness concerns can overlap with cybersecurity, student safety, behavioral risk indicators, and emerging online threats. This session focuses on awareness, early identification, and appropriate escalation pathways.
Register here
Navigating the Digital Age: Creating Digital Balance as a Family
Friday, September 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This session offers caregivers practical strategies for establishing healthy relationships with technology at home. We will explore how to model balanced digital habits, foster open communication, and work as a family to find a healthy balance. You will leave this session with steps on how to create healthy technology habits for the whole family, and how to keep kids connected without technology.
Register here
Navigating Section 504 – Essential Knowledge for Families
Friday, October 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This webinar will guide participants through the essentials of Section 504:
- who qualifies
- what to expect during the evaluation process
- how accommodations are determined
- the difference between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Register here
How to Get Kids to Open Up to You, Now and for Years to Come
Friday, October 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
We want to know what's going on in our children's lives—about school, their friends, their successes, and their struggles. But what should you do when your kids won't tell you what's going on in their lives? What if you ask questions and all they do is shrug and mumble “It was fine” or “I don't know”? In this workshop, you'll learn specific strategies for getting your children to open up and come to you when they need support.
Register here
The Nuts and Bolts of the Special-Education Process
Friday, October 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This webinar will guide participants through the special-education identification process, including:
- an overview of the local screening process and the initial consideration of eligibility for special education
- an overview of the essential components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Register here
FCPS News & Events
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. Click on the date to register for any of the following events, which be held at
6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
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Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
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Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School.
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
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.
Schools Build Belonging So Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our school? At 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.
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