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Messages from Mr. Morris
In my messages so far I’ve celebrated our staff and celebrated our families and community. Now it is time to shine a spotlight on our incredible students. Every day as I walk our halls, visit classrooms, and step out onto the playground, I am reminded of how special this school community is because of them.
Here are just a few ways our students are leading, growing, and supporting one another:
- Academic Grit: From our younger students persevering through beginning-of-the-year assessments to our 22 Algebra students pressing through high-level rigor, our kids are setting goals, correcting behaviors, and putting in the hard work. In classrooms, they are engaging in rich academic discourse and learning through meaningful conversations with their peers.
- Emotional Growth & Conflict Resolution: Students are actively using their Zones of Regulation tools to navigate big feelings, resolve conflicts, and show up as supportive listeners for their classmates when emotions run high.
- Kindness & Empathy: I constantly see our students making room for others—inviting peers to join games, inviting to sit together on the bus, and helping our brand-new students feel welcomed and included.
- Safe & Responsible Play: At recess, students are reflecting on their play to keep things safe. Student leaders are actively advocating for fair sportsmanship, and our returning Safety Patrols are thoughtfully guiding our new patrols.
- Leadership in Action: Our students are stepping up as leaders across the building, from hosting our morning news show to volunteering in the library.
Today, we proudly celebrated our Distinguished Dolphins for September! Every day, our students are living out the Dolphin Decree by showing kindness, being safe, and giving their absolute best effort.
Thank you for sending us such thoughtful, hardworking, and compassionate children every day. We are so proud of the start of this school year.
Kevin Morris, Principal
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September 26 to October 4 - Blue Star Welcome Week
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October 5 - Dine Out with SLES at Five Guys
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October 15 - AAP Continuum of Services | 6:00 to 6:45 pm. | Virtual
https://meet.google.com/ott-tzpp-iac
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October 15 - Full-Time AAP Identification | 6:45 to 7:30 pm. | Virtual
https://meet.google.com/ott-tzpp-iac
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October 21 - Early Release Wednesday | Dismissal 12:55pm
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October 23 - Rock N' Run
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and schools are a primary way they get integrated into their new location. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 26 through October 4, 2026, and throughout the year!
#BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
We all Belong
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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-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:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 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 2-7 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 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Ms. Alison Wilison, School Testing Coordinator, at AMWillison@fcps.eduby September 30.
Families are invited to attend the AAP Information Meetings, led by Mrs. McBee and Mrs. Fouad, our Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs):
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AAP Continuum of Services: October 15, 2026 from 6:00 to 6:45 pm. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: October 15, 2026 from 6:45 to 7:30 pm. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
- Meeting Link https://meet.google.com/ott-tzpp-iac
For more information, please contact email Mrs. McBee and Mrs. Fouad or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
Fairfax County Public Schools is presenting a literacy webinar series to help families understand reading assessments, reading plans, and how to support your child at home.
Series Topics:
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October 20 | 10:00 a.m. - Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
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December 15 | 10:00 a.m. - What is a Reading Plan?
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February 19 | 10:00 a.m. - How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
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May 14 | 10:00 a.m. - Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer.
Can't attend at these dates? Register now and a link will be emailed to you after the webinar is presented.
This week, we’re putting our library skills to work! Students will continue learning where to find the books they’re looking for and, just as importantly, how to decide whether a book is the right fit for them.
My goal is to maximize the time students have to explore, browse, and discover books they’re excited to read. I’m also working to make sure students, especially our K–2 readers, get the support they need along the way.
Volunteers are still needed. If you have just 30 mins or several hours please considering helping out in the library!
Ellen Gresham, School Librarian
To maximize student safety, we want to remind families and emergency contacts that identification is required when checking out students during the school day.
While many of our staff members know members of our community, not all staff members are familiar with adults that pick students up from school. Additionally, substitute staff members may be on duty and monitoring student check outs. Those staff members may not be familiar with the adults checking students out of school.
This is a particularly important safety mechanism for our younger students and non-verbal students. Please be aware, whether you are a parent or an emergency contact, you will be asked to provide identification to check your child out of school.
School laptops are the property of Fairfax County Public Schools. They are provided for school-related learning and should be used only under the direction of teachers.
Students should not use school devices for personal activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Visiting unauthorized websites
- Emailing friends
- Playing games that have not been assigned
- Using distracting tabs or applications
- Using headphones without permission
- Accessing restricted, inappropriate, or unsafe content
- Sharing another student’s work or account without permission
- Deliberately damaging a device
When device misuse occurs, the school may contact the student’s family or caregiver and document repeated or significant incidents. Serious safety, privacy, harassment, discriminatory, illegal, or dangerous concerns will be referred to school administration and addressed according to Fairfax County Public Schools procedures.
Repair or Replacement Costs
Families are financially responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any school-issued device damaged by their student, in accordance with Fairfax County Public Schools policies and procedures.
If a device can be repaired, the family may be responsible for the repair cost. If the device cannot be repaired, the family may be responsible for the replacement cost.
Thank you for partnering with us to help students use school technology safely, responsibly, and appropriately for learning.
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 the upcoming event:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Conversaciones Comunitarias Directamente con la Dra. Reid
Acompáñenos en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes lugares de la división escolar. Estas reuniones están abiertas a todos, incluyendo familias, estudiantes, y miembros de la comunidad. Puede asistir al evento que le resulte más conveniente, aunque no se lleve a cabo en su escuela o comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad para compartir sus opiniones, conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid y hacerle preguntas sobre temas importantes para nuestra comunidad de FCPS.
No es necesario inscribirse, pero hacerlo nos ayuda con la planificación.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Se necesitan voluntarios para la Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias
Acompáñenos en la Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial para Familias: Comunidades Conectadas, Estudiantes que Prosperan, el sábado, 14 de noviembre, en Hayfield Secondary School.
Familias, educadores y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a este evento presencial y gratuito para conectarse, aprender y conocer los servicios, apoyos y recursos de educación especial disponibles. Se ofrecerá almuerzo a todos los participantes.
Cómo participar
Visite la página de la Conferencia de Educación Especial para Familias para obtener más información. Si tiene preguntas, escriba a SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
Food Assistance
Local family food markets are starting in October. Family Food Markets are open to anyone that knows about them. Families do not need to register or have income verified.
October 5, 2026 | Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
(first Monday every month)
October 7, 2026 | Walt Whitman Middle School | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
(first Wednesday every month)
October 27, 2026 | Hybla Valley Elementary School | 4:15pm until they run out of food, enter at Door #2
(Fourth Tuesday every month, varies)
Free Language Assistance for Medicaid applicants
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
Cardinal Care Language and Disability Access Plan provides free language assistance and reasonable accommodations for Medicaid applicants and members with limited English proficiency or disabilities. Support is available throughout the Medicaid process, including applying for coverage, accessing medical services, and participating in appeals.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
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.
La importancia de la vacuna contra la influenza
Tener las vacunas de su estudiante al día le ayuda a:
- Reducir las ausencias escolares: Mantener a los estudiantes saludables significa más tiempo para aprender y compartir con sus compañeros.
- Proteger a nuestra comunidad: La vacunación también ayuda a proteger a familiares, vecinos y otras personas vulnerables durante la temporada de influenza.
- Promover el bienestar general: La vacunación anual contra la influenza es una parte muy importante del cuidado preventivo de la salud de los estudiantes.
Próximos eventos de vacunación contra la influenza
FCPS. en colaboración con Inspire Health Alliance, ofrecerá vacunas contra la influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS de 18 años o menos, sin costo para las familias. Se realizarán varios eventos en diferentes instalaciones de FCPS y se agregarán nuevas fechas a lo largo del año escolar. Los padres y tutores pueden consultar los próximos eventos y programar una cita para su estudiante.
La participación es voluntaria.
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Mark your Calendar:
September 25th - Movie Night | 6:30 p.m.
October 5th - Dine Out SLES & 6th Grade
FIVE GUYS | 4:00-8:00 p.m.
October 23rd - SLES Rock N Run!
October 29th - Fall Festival
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Stratford Landing ES Fall Clubs Registration is closing soon!
Most of the SLES clubs start in about a week! Some Fall clubs are sold out…others are filling up quickly! Please register for clubs soon if you plan to participate! Be sure to check the Stratford Landing PTA website at slpta.org/clubs to explore all of our exciting upcoming clubs. This season features a fantastic variety of activities, including Chess, STEM, Garden, Drama, Pokémon, Bloom Club, and Dungeons & Dragons, with full program descriptions and payment links available directly on the PTA website. Don't let financial barriers stand in the way of joining the fun—scholarships are available so every student has the opportunity to participate! Email clubs@slpta.org with any questions.
Stratford Landing ES Movie Night - Friday, September 25th
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a fantastic evening under the stars at Stratford Landing Elementary School’s Movie Night on Friday, September 25th! We will be showing The Super Mario Galaxy Movie! It’s the perfect opportunity to relax with neighbors, catch up with friends, and enjoy a fun-filled Friday night with the whole school community. We’ll have Timber Pizza serving up fresh, delicious, hot pies to take care of dinner for the family. The SLES Fourth Grade will be selling candy, popcorn and drinks to earn funds for their upcoming field trip to Jamestown! Top off the night with a refreshing, icy snow cone from Kona Ice or a hot chocolate from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck! Field and Food Trucks/Concessions will open at 6:30pm. The movie starts at 7:15pm.
Dine Out for SLES at Five Guys
October 5th
The October “Dine Out for SLES and the 6th grade” will take place at Five Guys Restaurant (7622 Richmond Hwy) from 4-8pm on Monday, October 5th! Online orders: when checking out, please use the code: FGGIVESBACK. In store orders: please inform the cashier you are here for the Stratford Landing ES fundraiser. Five Guys will donate 20% of all sales that use the code or mention the fundraiser to the Stratford Landing ES 6th Grade Committee! Funds raised from “Dine Out for SLES and the 6th grade” will go towards helping the 6th grade raise money for the graduation activities planned for their final year at Stratford Landing Elementary School. Let’s come together, show them our support…and enjoy some yummy Five Guys!
Get Ready for the SLES Rock N Run on October 23rd!
Get ready, Stratford Landing Dolphins—the SLES Rock N Run is almost here, and it’s going to be the absolute highlight of the year! As our school’s biggest and most exciting fundraiser, this is your chance to lace up your favorite sneakers, run or walk with your best friends, and move to awesome music playing all around the track. Every donation helps support our school, but best of all, Rock N Run is all about having fun with your classmates, showing off your school spirit, and celebrating how amazing our Dolphin community is. Start practicing your high-fives, because this year's Rock N Run is going to be unforgettable!
Stratford Landing Elementary School Fall Festival - Thursday, October 29th
Join your friends and SLES community for a memorable autumn evening at the Stratford Landing Fall Festival on Thursday, October 29th from 6-8pm. Families can enjoy classic treats like warm popcorn and fluffy cotton candy, participate in games and activities, and collect candy from the trunks set up for Trunk or Treat! Don’t miss a walk through the SLES Discovery Garden to admire the whimsical, student-crafted tiny villages featuring fairies, dinosaurs, gnomes and more! Plus the SLES 6th Grade will soon be taking pre-orders for delicious Chick-Fil-A meals to help fundraise for their final year events and field trips. Stay tuned for updates and Chick-Fil-A pre-order information - we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
Become a Stratford Landing Elementary School Sponsor!
Thank you to Nina Berkowitz Homes for being a Signature SLES Sponsor this year! Would you like to be a Sponsor of Stratford Landing Elementary School? Would you be willing to help our Fundraising Chairs with contacting local businesses and inquiring about their interest in being a Sponsor?
Visit https://slpta.org/sponsors/ to learn more about becoming a Sponsor or contact fundraising@slpta.org to be a part of the Sponsor Committee.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Breakfast/Lunch Menu Options
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Novedades de FCPS
En caso de que no haya visto el boletín Esta Semana en FCPS, la división escolar compartió novedades sobre los siguientes temas:
- Seguridad vial cerca de nuestras escuelas
- Firme y entregue el SR&R
- Conozca las nuevas opciones del menú
Lea “Esta Semana en FCPS” para que conozca más acerca de estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, por favor, suscríbase hoy.
Volunteering at Stratford Landing Elementary!
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
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