GMS 09/24/2026

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Blue Star

Important Dates

September 26-October 6                       Blue Star Welcome Week

Wednesday, September 30                   Band Fall Concert

Friday, October 2                                   Orchestra Concert at Justice HS

Saturday, October 3                              Cross Country Meet at Key MS 

Monday, October 12                              NO SCHOOL for students

Tuesday, October 20                             PTA meeting 

Wednesday, October 21                        Picture Day

Thursday, October 22                            Picture Day

Wednesday, October 28                        Multilingual Learner Parent Night 

Friday, October 30                                 2 hour early release, end of Quarter 1

Friday, November 13                              SAVE THE DATE for Heritage Night 

Message from the Principal

Hello Glasgow Families!  Thank you for joining us at Back to School Night last week.  If you didn’t have a chance to hear from Dr. Ricardy Anderson, our School Board member, you can find it here. We are looking forward to the Cross Country running season with our first meet at Key Middle School on October 3!  Go Panthers!

Thank you for your continued partnership-  


Lisa Barrow
Principal

Blue Star Welcome Week For Military Families

“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”

Glasgow PTA 

Glasgow PTA Restaurant Fundraiser @ Taco Zocalo on Oct. 13 (Barcroft Plaza, 6343-D Columbia Pike). Portions of all lunch and dinner orders benefit GMS PTA from 11am-9 p.m. Mention Glasgow PTA for any dine-in or take-out orders. 

SAVE THE DATE

Next PTA Meeting will be Tuesday, October 20th followed by the Title I Annual Parent Meeting. 

Your PTA Support at Work: School Mini-Grants

Thanks to the support of the Glasgow community, the PTA was able to support nine staff funding requests, providing more than $3,000 in resources and experiences for our students!

  • 🌱 Glasgow Garden - Kevin Hill, Evan Dundon & Jimmy Rea (English 8, Special Education & Civics): Beautifying Glasgow’s indoor courtyard and beginning outdoor garden projects.
  • 📚 Yearbooks -  Adrienne Cooper (Student Services): Free yearbooks to students in need.
  • 🎨 Library Makerspace - Laura Murray (Library): Adding a button-making machine and supplies for creative, hands-on projects.
  • 🦗 7th Grade Science - Matthew Hobbs: Grasshopper dissections for hands-on biology learning.
  • 🐟 Aquatic Ecosystems - Isobel Cobb (7th Grade Science): Supplies for students to design and build a classroom ecosystem.
  • ⚽ Recess - Lisa Barrow (Administration): More equipment for active play.
  • 🪑 6th Grade Math - Thoan Nguyen: Stools, privacy shields, and sensory tools to support small-group learning.
  • 🧪 8th Grade Science - Czar Mendoza: Hands-on chemistry experiments, including crystal-growing and chemical reactions.
  • 🪑 6th Grade Math - Eunice Lim: Math game, clicker, and a document camera to increase engagement and provide immediate feedback.

Thank you to our Glasgow families for making these opportunities possible! ❤️

  • Join the PTA!  As an educator ($5), individual ($15) or GMS family ($25) –  joining the PTA allows you to vote on important issues and shows support for the PTA’s work. There is no further commitment! https://glasgowms.givebacks.com/store

Questions? Ideas! Email the Glasgow PTA any time at glasgowpta.va@gmail.com

News from Student Services

Thank you to our families for attending Back to School Night and the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) admissions presentation.  If you were unable to attend the TJHSST presentation and would like access to the presentation materials, you can find them posted on the GMS website here: https://glasgowms.fcps.edu/announcements/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-presentation-and-admissions

Applications Open October 5 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eighth graders who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2031 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST).

The application will be available Monday, October 5, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, with a submission deadline of 4 p.m. Friday, October 30. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information, including a schedule of upcoming information sessions at middle schools. 

World Language Credit Exam – REGISTRATION OPEN

On November 10, 2026, Glasgow will host the World Language Credit Exam. The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, students can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 world language credits. Find more information on the Credit Exam Website. Reminder- 6th grade students are not able to take the exam until they are in 7th grade.

Registration is OPEN, and will close on Friday, October 16th. Late registrations will not be accepted.

For questions, your student should see their School Counselor:

Assignment

Counselor

6th grade 

Rebecca Greenwald, last names A-L, rgreenwald@fcps.edu

Sydney McNamee, last names M-Z, semcnamee@fcps.edu

7th grade

Adrienne Cooper,  last names A-L  amcooper2@fcps.edu

Hina Zafar, last names M-Z   hzafar1@fcps.edu

8th grade 

Mike Isner, last names A - F, mgisner@fcps.edu

Rachel Margolis, last names G-M, rdmargolis@fcps.edu

Emily Wasserman, last names N-Z, ebwasserman@fcps.edu

Multilingual Learners Levels 1 & 2

Betis Sorto-Rojas, bsortosanche@fcps.edu

 

IB at Glasgow MS

At Glasgow, we highlight one IB learner profile trait per month. Students learn about the month’s IB learner profile trait during their Panther Time lesson. This month, students have learned about the IB learner profile trait PRINCIPLED.

Consider discussing some of the following questions with your child:

  • When did you have an opportunity to be principled this week?
  • What did you choose to do, and what did you learn from the experience? 
  • What does it mean to do the right thing when no one is watching?

Thank you for partnering with us to encourage principled behavior in everyday choices.

 

Is your child a critical and creative thinker? Do they think outside the box? Then maybe Advanced Academic Programing is the right course placement for them. The Fall Screening for Advanced Academic placement closes on October 15. If your child is new to FCPS as of January 1, 2026 and you want them to be considered for AAP, submit a parent referral available on the district's website an linked here.

Glasgow MS After School Program

After-School program will begin on Monday, September 14, 2026. All students must be registered prior to attending the After-School Program.

Please remind your student(s) of the following:

  • Sign up for the day if they plan to stay after school.
  • Transportation is provided Monday–Thursday at 4:45 p.m. (We will be assisting students with obtaining their late bus numbers.)
  • A snack is provided free of charge!

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

Does your student want to participate in Middle School Sports - Cross Country (starts the week of 9/14), Volleyball(Winter), Track & Field(Spring) against other schools? There are steps to take!

  1. Most critical & NEW this year - Look for "Final Forms" invite email coming through Parent Vue TOMORROW, 9/2. Accept the invite & register. Access to Final Forms is REQUIRED to participate in any interscholastic sport.
  2. Complete MS Athletics Physical Form (requires physician appointment) and upload to Final Forms
  3. Complete Emergency Care Card & additional forms and training as directed in Final Forms.

Questions? Contact Greg Williams at gwilliams2@fcps.edu / 703-813-8670.

Fall Cross Country Volunteer & Donation Request

Our Fall Cross Country season is underway, and we are excited for our first meet of the 2026–2027 school year! Our student-athletes have been working hard and preparing for a great start to the season.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with meet support, as well as donations of water and snacks to help keep our runners fueled and hydrated during practices and meets.

📅 Practice: Tuesdays & Thursdays 🏃 First Meet: Saturday, October 3, 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Key Middle School

If you are available to volunteer at our meets or are able to donate water, snacks, or other needed items, we would greatly appreciate your support! Every contribution helps us provide a positive and successful experience for our athletes.

Thank you for supporting our Cross-Country team! We truly appreciate our amazing families! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💙

Picture Day at Glasgow MS

picture day

News from the Clinic

As cold and flu season starts, here's a resource that can help you decide whether or not to send your child to school.

Can My Child Go to School?

The recommendations below are for children 5 to 18 years of age. Recommendations may be different for infants and younger children. Recommendations may change if your child’s school has an outbreak. 

Symptoms and Illnesses

Can My Child Go to School?

Parent is Sick, Stressed, Hospitalized

YES

If you are sick, your child still needs to attend school. Your illness does not excuse your child from attending. Plan for these days. Ask a neighbor, relative or spouse to take your child to and from school.

Chronic Illnesses (Asthma, Diabetes, Sickle Cell, Epilepsy etc.)

Chronic illness is a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured

YES

As long as your child’s symptoms are controlled, your child should attend school. School personnel are trained to assist children with chronic illnesses and related health care requirements.

Child Doesn’t Want to go to School

Frequent crying, fear, anger, not wanting to socialize, behavior change, stomachache, nausea

(These can be signs of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or fear)

YES

You should keep your child in school but try to determine what is causing the changes. Talk to school personnel and consult a health care provider. Your child may be experiencing bullying or trauma, may be behind in schoolwork or not getting along with others. Persistent Indicators of distress may require support from school person- nel or health care professionals.

Cold Symptoms

Stuffy nose/runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, mild sore throat, earache

YES

If your child can participate in school activities school should be attended.

Head Lice

Intense itching of the head; may feel like something is moving

YES

Your child can be in school if an initial treatment of shampooing of hair with a product for lice has been completed.

Menstrual Issues

YES

In most cases, menstrual issues (periods) can be managed at school. If severe pain is interfering with your child attending school, consult with a health care provider.

Strains, Sprains and Pains

YES

If there is no known injury and your child can function (walk, talk, eat), school should be attended. If pain is severe or doesn’t stop, consult a health care provider.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

The white of the eye is pink and there is a thick yellow/green discharge.

NO

If there is yellow/green discharge from the white of the eye, your child must be evaluated by a healthcare provider before returning to school. If diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, the child should remain home while symptomatic or until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment has been completed.

Coughing

Severe, uncontrolled, rapid coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

NO

Keep your child home and contact a health care provider. If symptoms are due to asthma, provide treatment according to your child’s Asthma Action Plan. When symptoms are controlled, send your child to school.

Diarrhea

Frequent, loose or watery stool may mean illness but can also be caused by food and medication

NO

Keep your child at home until their diarrhea has improved, they are not having accidents, and they are having no more than 2 bowel movements above what is normal for your child in a 24-hour period.

If there is blood in your child’s stool, see a healthcare provider before returning to school. If your child also has a fever, keep them home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medicine.

Fever

Fever usually means illness, especially if your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher as well as other symptoms like behavior change, rash, sore throat, vomiting etc.

NO

If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, keep them at home until his or her fever is below 100.4 for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. If the fever does not go away after 2-3 days or is 102.0 or higher, consult with a health care provider.

Rash With Fever

NO

Keep your child home if they have a rash with a fever. If a rash spreads quickly, is not healing, or has open weeping wounds, you should keep your child at home and have your child seen by a health care provider.

Strep Throat

Sore throat, fever, stomachache, and red, swollen tonsils

NO

Keep your child at home for the first 12 hours after an antibiotic is begun. Your child may return to school when they have completed at least 12hours of antibiotic use, is fever free and symptoms are improving

Vomiting

Child has vomited 2 or more times in a 24-hour period. If vomiting is associated with diarrhea or fever, please reference the recommendations for those symptoms (diarrhea, fever). 

NO

Keep your child at home until their vomiting has stopped overnight and your child can keep food and liquids down in the morning.

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.
  • Please call our school health room/clinic at (703) 813-8710 to learn more.

News from FCPS

All Your FCPS Links in One Spot

There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub! 

Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.

Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Follow FCPS on WhatsApp

Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.

Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.

Review and Sign 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. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren). 

Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by next Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet to their child’s school. 

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 on the FCPS website. 

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 continue to 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.

Did you already download 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.

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways families can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include: 

  • Set 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 your school’s front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Scoliosis

Please check the link below to learn about Scoliosis:

ttps://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/school-health-services/scoliosis-fact-sheet

Pedestrian Safety Operation

safety

Mason District Fall Events

  • 10/3: Shredding Event & Donation Drive
    • Date: Saturday, October 3rd, from 11am-2pm 
    • Location: Annandale High School Parking Lot (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA, 22003) 
    • Description: Join us for our annual shredding event! An industrial shredding truck will be available in the front parking lot of Annandale High School for residents to safely dispose of old or confidential documents for free. Additionally, we are partnering with the Annandale High School Food Pantry and while not required, we encourage attendees to bring food to donate from the attached list of donations.
  • 10/10: Transportation Fair
    • Date: Saturday, October 10th, from 11am-1pm.
    • Location: Minnie H Peyton Community Center at Bailey's (5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church, VA, 22041)
    • Description: Learn about local transportation projects and different public transportation resources, programs, and services available to Mason District residents.
  • 10/11 - 10/17: Restaurant Week
    • Date: Saturday, October 10th, to Saturday October 17th
    • Location: All around Mason! 
    • Description: Celebrate the diverse restaurants throughout Mason and "eat around the world!" Participating restaurants will offer special discounts throughout the week. List of participating restaurants to come. 
  • 10/17: Mason District Arts Festival (no flyer)
    • Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
    • Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
    • Description: The 2nd Annual Mason District Arts Festival will feature local and regional artists showcasing murals, paintings, prints, poetry, jewelry, pottery, and more, including an artist material exchange space.
  • 11/14: Health Fair
    • Date: Saturday, November 14th, from 9am-12pm
    • Location: James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042)
    • Description: A free health fair offering a variety of services, information, and resources for Mason residents including flu vaccines, hearing and vision screenings, child dental screenings, HIV tests, Hepatitis C tests, and more.

Glasgow MS Boundary Study

A meeting will be held for the school communities involved in the Glasgow Boundary Study. The date and location for that meeting have not yet been determined, but it is expected to be in late September. Stay tuned and please plan to attend.

We are the Panthers! Show your Panther Pride!

justice logo

The Justice Pyramid believes that working as a collaborative community, we cultivate a strong sense of belonging and joy, fostering high expectations while providing access to opportunities that fuel the growth and success of every student, empowering families to thrive.

 Please visit our Website at  https://glasgowms.fcps.edu/

                  and Follow Us on Instagram @glasgowms.panthers!