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As we welcome the fall season, it’s hard to believe we’re already a month into the school year! Our Tigers are settling into their routines, and we’re excited to see so many students demonstrating our ROARsome attributes each day.
With LJ After Hours getting into full swing, students taking initiative, and our Tigers coming to school prepared and excited to learn, there is so much to celebrate at Jackson! As the leaves begin to change, we look forward to watching our students continue to grow, build connections, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Here’s to a wonderful fall season and a ROARsome school year!
Principal Megan Sherrill
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Every Tuesday in September is Spirit Night at Bartaco! Eat out between 5-7pm any Tuesday in Mosaic and mention Luther Jackson.
You can still join the PTA or support one of our fundraisers on our Givebacks site!
Please support our teachers by signing up to participate in our faculty fairy program starting this month.
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The BEST place to stay up to date is our LJ After Hours/Activities Schoology page. This is our one-stop shop for parents, students, and sponsors throughout the year.
LJ After Hours Schoology Page
📁 Check Materials for activity information, schedules, and important resources.
📢 Check Updates for announcements, changes, cancellations, and other time-sensitive information.
LJ After Hours- (After-School)
All Activities Are LIVE this week!
All clubs officially begin THIS WEEK! Reminder- Your student must be registered for LJ After Hours in order to attend ANY after school program. Register for LJ After Hours.
Be sure to visit the LJ After Hours Schoology page and check the Materials section for our Quarter 1 Activity Schedule. Schoology is also your go-to place for all after-school updates, cancellations, reminders, and important announcements! Especially with weather, cancellations may happen day of so please be sure to check Schoology!
🏃 Cross Country Update: Practice will now take place Monday–Thursday during B Session (3:35–4:30 p.m.).
👉 Check Cross Country eligibility requirements:
We can't wait to see our Tigers getting involved, trying new activities, and having fun after school!
🔔 Don’t forget to enable Schoology notifications! This will help ensure you receive real-time updates whenever important information about after-school activities is posted.
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Schoology keeps families connected to classes, assignments, announcements, and school activities.
To Log In:
- Go to FCPS Schoology.
- Sign in using the email and password associated with your SIS ParentVUE account.
- Need help? Reset your ParentVUE password.
- You can also download the Schoology app. When searching for your school/district, select Fairfax County Public Schools.
For additional help, visit the SIS Parent Account Overview.
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Get the Schoology App on your device. Download the Schoology App on your mobile device today and login*.
*When searching for school - Search for Fairfax County Public Schools to get to our district login page.
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We are proud to announce that Luther Jackson Middle School, under the direction of Mr. Mike Klucker, has earned the 2025–26 Program of Honor recognition from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA)!
Jackson is one of 55 FCPS secondary band and orchestra programs to receive this prestigious recognition, which celebrates consistent musical excellence and superior performance ratings.
Congratulations to Mr. Klucker and our talented student musicians for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievement!
We ROAR as ONE! 🐯
Please join us for Multilingual Learner Parent Night on September 30 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. Come connect with other families, ask questions, and learn how we can support your multilingual learner’s success. Pizza will be provided, and children are welcome! Activities will be available for them. We hope to see you there—every family is welcome!
Order your yearbook pictures today! Order Online: https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/shop/login/?ac=0037724IN
🐯 You Asked, We Delivered! LJMS Spirit Wear is HERE!
Jackson families, our Spirit Wear Store is officially OPEN! 🎉
Check out the attached flyer to see all of our awesome Tiger swag! The store is open to students, families, staff, and our entire Jackson community.
🛍️ How to Shop:
Visit: shop.burkesports.com
Enter Store Code: TIGERS2026
⏰ Order Deadline: Thursday, October 1
This is our ONLY spirit wear store of the school year, and the deadline is firm—no exceptions!
Grab your Tiger swag before the seasons change, and spread the word to your family and friends!
🐯 We ROAR as ONE!
The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) online application portal will open Monday, October 5th and remain open until Friday, October 30th. Representatives from TJHSST will be giving an informational presentation on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 6:00 PM in the LJMS auditorium. The presentation is approximately 30 minutes with additional time for questions and answers. Both students and parents are invited to attend. For more information about admissions requirements, please go to the TJ Admissions webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/tjadmissions. Please contact Ms. Engel at caengel@fcps.edu or 703 204 8145 for questions or for help with the application process.
Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2026-2027 school year. AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $21.77 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to AVID@fcps.edu.
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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
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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 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
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Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
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.
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Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
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.
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Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive What does belonging look like in our school? At Jackson, 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. |
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.
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Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
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Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family ConferenceThe 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.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our school nurse at Jackson is Lina Ezzeddine. Contact them at 703-204-8100 or lezzeddine@fcps.edu for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
Virtual Mental Health Services Now Available to Middle School Students
Since 2023, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to offer virtual mental health services to FCPS high school students. These services became available to students enrolled in all FCPS middle schools on July 1.
Parents are encouraged to contact Hazel Health directly if they are seeking mental health support for their child, have noticed changes in their child’s mood or behavior, or are having difficulty connecting with a therapist in the community.
To make it easier for families to access services, FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to streamline the referral process. Parents can visit the Hazel Health in FCPS website to enroll their child in services or visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
⚠️ 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.
Earn High School Credit for World Language Skills
Students who are fluent in another language may earn up to three high school world language credits by
taking the World Language Credit Exam. The exam will be offered in November at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Registration closes October 16. Families should complete the registration form and return it to the Student
Services office or email it to their child’s counselor. Visit the FCPS World Language Credit Exam webpage for more information.
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Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform
Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:
- View what is being served each day.
- View the nutritional information for each meal.
- See if any specific allergens are being served.
- Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.
Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
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Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to [AART Name], Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at [AART email] by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services
At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please contact Laura Ballou, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at liballou@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-week-september-2-2026, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
- Weather Safety
- Attendance Resources for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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