Laurel Ridge Update 10/18/2026

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Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events

Wednesday October 21 - 3-Hour Early Release - 12:55 

Thursday, October 29 - Fall Picture Day (see below)

Friday, October 30 - 2-Hour Early Release 1:55pm - End of Quarter

Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3 - Student Holidays

Friday, November 6 - Fall Field Day 


counts

Principal's Message

Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,

Last week at Laurel Ridge was full of fall fun!  Our littlest pumpkins (kindergarteners) enjoyed a fun-filled field trip to Cox Farms, and we saw so many creative costumes at PTA’s Trunk or Treat last night!  This week promises more excitement as we kick of the annual Boosterthon!  Not only is the Boosterthon the main fundraising event for our amazing PTA, but the event also builds community and pumps up our school spirit!  Additionally, the PTA uses the raised funds to support so many school initiatives including monthly family events, field trips, and school improvement projects.  Please consider supporting the Boosterthon fundraiser and joining the Laurel Ridge PTA.

As we continue to analyze arrival and dismissal routines, I’d like to remind Kiss & Ride families that the parking lot exit is “right turn only” during Kiss & Ride times.  While it may be a small inconvenience, adhering to this procedure will increase efficiency and safety during arrival and dismissal.

This Wednesday, October 21st, is our first 3-hour early release.  Please make sure your child knows their dismissal plan.  And if you have not signed up for a 1st quarter conference with your child’s teacher, please reach out to schedule.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Megan Counts
Laurel Ridge Principal


outstanding employee awards

FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards

It’s time to recognize our phenomenal Laurel Ridge staff! Nominate a Laurel Ridge employee for an FCPS Outstanding Employee Award.

Every year, Fairfax County Public Schools celebrates the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of both school-based and non-school-based employees across the district. To nominate a Laurel Ridge employee in one of the categories below, please complete the Google nomination form. You may nominate ONE individual per category:

  • Outstanding Teacher (3 or more years of teaching)
  • Outstanding New Teacher (up to 3 years of teaching)
  • Outstanding Principal
  • Outstanding School-Based Professional Staff Leader (includes Assistant Principals)
  • Outstanding Educational Services Employee (IAs and Office Support Personnel)
  • Outstanding Operational Services Employee (Custodians and Food Service Staff)

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 30, 2026.

If you are unsure which category your nominee falls under or have questions concerning the nomination process, please contact Cathy Durfey, Laurel Ridge ES Awards Liaison, at cldurfey@fcps.edu.  More information concerning the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Program can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/careers/recognition-programs.  Thank you for your support of our Laurel Ridge staff!


Picture Day reminder

School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416969

📧 Questions about Ordering? www.vosphoto.com/contact-us


LRES PTA

PTA Update

The PTA's Boosterthon fundraiser kicks off this week!  If 20% of students register by our kick-off on Monday, there will be a fun reward: The principals will parade the hallways in inflatables costumes! Sign up today at www.mybooster.com.

Our goal is to raise $45,000. Funds raised will go toward our plans for the year, including field trip support, assemblies, classroom materials, school improvement projects such as the tunnel mural, and 9 family events! Learn more about our fundraiser on the PTA's website: click here


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


Lexia

Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader:
Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities

Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you. Lexia Family Information Sessions

Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.

Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:

  • Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.


Literacy Webinar Series

Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.

  • October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
  • December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
  • February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
  • May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer

Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.

 

Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home. Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.    


Special Education Conference

Annual Special Education Family Conference: We Need You!

Register now to attend FCPS’ annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference. 

Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success! 

Find out how to volunteer:

  • Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS. 
  • Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time. 
  • Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.

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


Renovation Queue Survey

Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey

The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements. 

Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.

Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31. 

Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations

FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.

Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.


Robinson Trunk or Treat

The Robinson Rambassadors are hosting a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, 10/24 from 2-4pm in the front parking lot at Robinson.  There will be decorated cars, face paint, lawn games, a bake sake and more!

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