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Important Dates
September 26-October 6 Blue Star Welcome Week
Wednesday, September 30 Band Fall Concert
Tuesday, October 6 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
Tuesday, October 20 Title I Parent Meeting Night
Wednesday, October 21 Picture Day
Thursday, October 22 Picture Day
Friday, October 30 2 hour early release, end of Quarter 1
Friday, November 13 Cultural Heritage Night
Hello Glasgow Families!
As we wrap up another energizing week at Glasgow Middle School we want to recognize that Friday, October 2, marks National Custodian Appreciation Day. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our extraordinary custodial team, who work tirelessly early in the morning and late into the evening to keep our building clean, safe, and welcoming for every student and staff member.
As we reach the middle of the first quarter, this is a wonderful time to sit down with your child and log into SIS ParentVUE together to celebrate their progress, look over current grades, and catch any missing assignments before the quarter slips away.
Looking ahead to next week, our students will take the Fall Social Emotional Learning Screener during Advisory on Wednesday, October 7.
We are looking forward to the Cross Country running season. Good luck and best wishes to our Cross Country Team with our first meet at Key Middle School on October 3! Go Panthers!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Lisa Barrow
Principal
“Over 14,000 military-connected students are enrolled in FCPS. Welcome new military families into your community and share your appreciation for their service and sacrifices during this year’s #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS from September 26 through October 4. Click here to find out more.”
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 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
The next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, Oct 20, 7pm.
The meeting will be virtual and everyone in the GMS community is welcome to join. The link will be shared prior to the meeting with everyone in the GMS community followed by the Title I Annual Parent Meeting.
- 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
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.
SEL Screening
The SEL screener will take place in Panther Time classes (6th period) on Wednesday, October 7th. The SEL screener asks students questions in 7 domains: supportive relationships, self-management & responsible decision making, challenging feelings, social awareness & relationship skills, emotion regulation, sense of belonging, and culture awareness. Individual students’ Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. In partnership with families, staff review this data alongside other information to plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. If you have questions or would like to opt your student out of the SEL screener, please reach out to your student’s School Counselor.
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:
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Assignment
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Counselor
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6th grade
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Rebecca Greenwald, last names A-L, rgreenwald@fcps.edu
Sydney McNamee, last names M-Z, semcnamee@fcps.edu
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7th grade
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Adrienne Cooper, last names A-L amcooper2@fcps.edu
Hina Zafar, last names M-Z hzafar1@fcps.edu
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8th grade
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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
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Multilingual Learners Levels 1 & 2
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Betis Sorto-Rojas, bsortosanche@fcps.edu
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Friday, November 13 (6-8pm)
Mark your calendars for a fun and festive evening celebrating the many cultures that make up the Glasgow community! Enjoy delicious foods, great music, and exciting displays that highlight traditions from around the world. Come dressed in traditional clothing from your culture and be ready to enjoy a night of community, food, and fun!
Want to participate? Sign up here to host a cultural table, bring food to share, or help with event setup and cleanup!
Questions?
Contact Cori Evans at acevans23@aol.com or Ms. Cooper at amcooper2@fcps.edu
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.
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!
- 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.
- Complete MS Athletics Physical Form (requires physician appointment) and upload to Final Forms
- 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! 🏃♀️🏃♂️💙
LIGHTS ON
Glasgow Middle School is proud to announce our participation in Lights On Afterschool!
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of afterschool programs and the important role they play in the lives of children, families, and communities. Each year, this special event shines a spotlight on the many ways afterschool programs support students and strengthen our communities.
We are excited to celebrate this important initiative with our Glasgow Middle School families and look forward to sharing more information about our Lights On Afterschool activities.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and afterschool programs!
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.
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Symptoms and Illnesses
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Can My Child Go to School?
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Parent is Sick, Stressed, Hospitalized
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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.
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Chronic Illnesses (Asthma, Diabetes, Sickle Cell, Epilepsy etc.)
Chronic illness is a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured
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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.
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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)
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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.
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Cold Symptoms
Stuffy nose/runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, mild sore throat, earache
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YES
If your child can participate in school activities school should be attended.
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Head Lice
Intense itching of the head; may feel like something is moving
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YES
Your child can be in school if an initial treatment of shampooing of hair with a product for lice has been completed.
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Menstrual Issues
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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.
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Strains, Sprains and Pains
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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.
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
The white of the eye is pink and there is a thick yellow/green discharge.
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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.
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Coughing
Severe, uncontrolled, rapid coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
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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.
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Diarrhea
Frequent, loose or watery stool may mean illness but can also be caused by food and medication
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rash With Fever
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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.
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Strep Throat
Sore throat, fever, stomachache, and red, swollen tonsils
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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
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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).
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NO
Keep your child at home until their vomiting has stopped overnight and your child can keep food and liquids down in the morning.
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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.
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 any of the following events:
Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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.
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
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.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
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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:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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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.
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
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.
- 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.
New Menu Items
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Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch MenuFCPS’ 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.
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10/3: Shredding Event & Donation Drive
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Date: Saturday, October 3rd, from 11am-2pm
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Location: Annandale High School Parking Lot (4700 Medford Drive, Annandale, VA, 22003)
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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.
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10/10: Transportation Fair
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Date: Saturday, October 10th, from 11am-1pm.
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Location: Minnie H Peyton Community Center at Bailey's (5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church, VA, 22041)
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Description: Learn about local transportation projects and different public transportation resources, programs, and services available to Mason District residents.
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10/11 - 10/17: Restaurant Week
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Date: Saturday, October 10th, to Saturday October 17th
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Location: All around Mason!
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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.
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10/17: Mason District Arts Festival (no flyer)
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Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
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Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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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.
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11/14: Health Fair
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Date: Saturday, November 14th, from 9am-12pm
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Location: James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042)
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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.
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!
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!
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