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Important Dates

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 

Message from the Principal

Celebrating their 70th anniversary, Apple Federal Credit Union is giving back to the communities they serve.  Today, they surprised Glasgow MS 6th grade teacher Emma Moore by fulfilling her Amazon Wishlist! 

Calendar Change

FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place. 

Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff. 

Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day. 

A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.

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

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

News from Student Services

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 CLOSES ON 10/16/26

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- 6^th grade students are not able to take the exam until they are in 7^th grade.

Registration is OPEN, and will close on Friday, October 16^th -  Late registrations will not be accepted. Students must return forms to their School Counselor by October 15^th!

For questions, your student should see their School Counselor:

Cultural Heritage Night

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

IB at Glasgow MS

October is the month when we are celebrating the IB Learner Profile trait Communicators!

At Glasgow, we encourage our students to be confident and creative communicators who can express their ideas, listen to others, and work together effectively. Being a communicator is about more than simply talking—it also means listening, understanding different perspectives, and choosing the right way to communicate in different situations.

When your child shares an idea, try asking:

"What makes you think that?" "What is another perspective someone might have?"

Thank you for helping us develop students who don't just have something to say, but who also know how to listen, connect, collaborate, and make others feel heard.

Happy October, Glasgow families! Let's grow as Communicators together!

Glasgow MS After School Program

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 second 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 🏃 Second Cross Country Meet: Saturday, October 10, 2026 ⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Twain Middle School 4700 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

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!

Picture Day at Glasgow MS

News from the Clinic

7th Grade Vision and Hearing Screenings

Annual vision and hearing screenings for all 7th-grade students will take place on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22 along with picture day.

If your child wears prescription glasses or contact lenses, please make sure they wear or bring them to school on both days so their screening can be completed accurately.

Dr. Reid's 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 any of the following events:

Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School

Annual Special Education Family Conference

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

• Attend: Register as a family member or educator using the Registration Form. 
• Students Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project.
• Volunteer: Adult volunteers can sign up in Volunteer FCPS to support the event. 

Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.

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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

• Understanding the FCPS Calendar

Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.

Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed. 

If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

New Menu Items

• 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.

Transportation Survey 

• Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey

As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns. 

Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15. 

Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.

AAP Expansion

• FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP CentersFCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.

Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

• Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
• Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
• Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.

Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.

Justice HS Youth Night

Justice High School Youth Night!

Join us Friday, October 23^rd as Justice Football takes on the Edison Eagles! Bring the family and help us celebrate our Justice Pyramid and future Wolves! Students 13 and under are FREE with a paying adult! All middle-school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with them throughout the event.

6:45 PM – Kids Fun Run Through The Wolves Tunnel

6:50 PM – Justice HS Combined Choirs to sing the National Anthem

7:00 PM – Kickoff!

Skip the line and purchase tickets ahead of time: BUY HERE!

Know Before You Go: All spectators will pass through weapons screening upon entry. FCPS also has a clear bag policy for all Varsity Football Games. Clear bags (up to 12" x 6" x 12") and small clutch bags (up to 4.5" x 6.5") are permitted; backpacks, purses, fanny packs, tote bags, outside food/beverages, and sporting equipment are not permitted. Medical and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to inspection.

We hope to see our Justice Pyramid families there!

Pedestrian Safety Operation

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!

4101 Fairfax Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Main Phone: 703.813.8700
Attendance: 703.813.8787 | Web | Twitter | Facebook