|
espanol
As we continue into the fall season, there is so much happening at Luther Jackson! Our Tigers are settling into their routines, building connections, and continuing to demonstrate our ROARsome attributes each day.
We also look forward to welcoming our families for Multilingual Parent Night this week and continuing to strengthen the connections between our school, students, and community.
We are proud of the energy our Tigers bring to Jackson each day and look forward to another wonderful week of learning, connection, and growth!
Here’s to another ROARsome week at Jackson!
Principal Megan Sherrill
|
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.
|
🐯 LJ After Hours is off to a ROARsome start!
In just our first two weeks, 340 unique Tigers have already participated in LJ After Hours ~ that’s nearly one-third of our entire student body!
Students have been taking advantage of a wide variety of opportunities, including academic support, STEAM, arts, leadership, recreation, and athletics. Sports have already reached 173 unique students, while STEAM opportunities have engaged 185 unique students!
We’re excited to see so many Tigers finding ways to connect, explore their interests, build relationships, and get involved beyond the school day. We can’t wait to see these numbers continue to grow throughout the year! 🐯
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.
🔔 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.
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
💡✨ LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL! ✨💡
Join us for a celebration of safe spaces, bright futures, and all the amazing things happening after school!
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Glasgow Middle School
Come reconnect with friends, celebrate our after-school community, and enjoy a night filled with fun! 🎉
🎮 Gaming Tournament
🤖 STE(A)M & Robotics Showcase
🎨 Arts & Life Skills
💡 Light Bulb Wall
🎟️ Raffles & Bring-a-Friend Challenge
🤝 VIP Camp & Teens in Action Reunions
Bring a friend and come celebrate with us! We can’t wait to see you there! 💡🐯
📍 4101 Fairfax Pkwy, Lincolnia, VA 22312
🎵 LJMS Music Department Fundraiser
The LJMS Music Department is selling Otis Spunkmeyer frozen cookie dough and cinnamon rolls to help lower student costs for the spring trip to HersheyPark!
🍪 Fundraiser: September 28–October 9
📦 Delivery: November 9
💳 Payments accepted online, by cash, or by check payable to LJMS.
Thank you for supporting our student musicians! Questions or interested in ordering? Please contact Mike Klucker, Joel Woodson, or Katie Pekala-Ballou
🐯 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!
Attention parents/guardians and students,
Current 8th grade students 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) beginning on Monday, October 5th at 4:00pm (Freshman Round Calendar) through Wednesday, October 28th at 4:00pm. The application portal, course prerequisites, GPA requirements, and deadlines can be found here: TJHSST Application Information. Some important points about the application process are included below, but it is essential that you review the TJHSST Freshman Application Process if you wish to apply.
If you have any questions about the TJHSST admissions process, make sure you review the TJ Admissions website thoroughly and review the presentation slide deck and Admissions Assessment Information that were shared during the admissions information session that was held at Luther Jackson Middle School on September 23. If you were unable to attend the admissions information session held at Luther Jackson MS, please refer to the TJ Admissions website for the complete list of dates and locations for TJ Admissions Fall Presentation Sessions which are open to the public and being held throughout the county.
TJHSST Eligibility Requirements:
- Students must be enrolled in the following courses in grade 8:
- Algebra 1 Honors or higher-level math
- Honors Science
- One additional honors course in Social Studies or English, or student is identified as a Young Scholar
- Minimum GPA is 3.5. This GPA is for final unweighted marks in 7th grade for math, science, English, social studies, and World Language (if for high school credit) as well as 1st quarter 8th grade for the same subjects. At the completion of 7th grade, should have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible to apply. It is highly unlikely that 1st quarter 8th grade marks will elevate a GPA lower than 3.5 at the end of 7th grade to a qualifying GPA. Click here to learn about GPA calculation.
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook. New information — including printable flyers — has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact laballou@fcps.edu
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.
 |
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
|
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
|
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.
|
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 Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s 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.
Understanding the Acceptable Use PolicyFCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
-
Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
-
Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
-
Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
-
Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
-
Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
|
-
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With LightspeedThe free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
-
Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
-
Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
 |
|
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.
|
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.
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.
 New ParentVUE Mobile App Is HereThe new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
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.
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.
|
