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Important Dates
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
It is with great pleasure that we share that the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 7, 2026, to approve Glasgow Middle School as a recipient of the 2026-2027 Purple Star Award! We are thrilled have achieved this designation from the State!
Lisa Barrow/Principal
We are now accepting nominations to recognize our outstanding employees at Glasgow Middle School for the 2026 - 2027 school year! Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Glasgow Middle School Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category.
🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal) or Schedule-B employee or Teacher Scale employee in a non-instructional position at their current location.
- Positions in this category include Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services, Resource Teacher and Special Education Department Chair and Multilingual Learners Department Chair who serves in a non-instructional role for more than 50% of their time, After-School Specialist, Assessment Coach, Instructional Coach, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Reading Specialist, Safety and Security Specialist, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, School Counselor, Systems of Support Administrator, or other employee paid as a Resource Teacher who serves in a non-instructional or administrative role in the school
Outstanding Educational Services Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A, Schedule-H, or Classroom Instructional Support (CIS) employee at their current location.
Positions in this category include Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Student Information Assistant, Finance Technician, Student Services Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, and Public Health Training Assistant.
Outstanding Operational Services Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Schedule-H employee at their current location.
Positions in this category include Custodian, Building Supervisor, Food Services staff, and Safety and Security Assistant.
🗓️DEADLINE…
The deadline to submit a nomination is October 27th. If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Wyatt at mjwyatt@fcps.edu.
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.
The next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, Oct 20, 7pm.
The next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, Oct 20, 7pm. The meeting will be virtual (Zoom link). Spanish translation will be available.
Title I Annual Parent Meeting (Oct 20 at 7:30 pm immediately following the PTA meeting, using the same zoom link). Join us to hear about Title I at Glasgow Middle School! Learn about GMS, the requirements of Title I, the rights of families and caregivers to be involved and the ways in which you can get involved.
Save the Date! GMS Cultural Heritage Night is on Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m. Sign up HERE to showcase your cultural heritage!
Interested in volunteering at an upcoming event? Share your interest in this form. Most volunteering activities entail setting up, cleaning up, and helping with concessions.
Questions? Ideas! Email the Glasgow PTA any time at glasgowpta.va@gmail.com
Student Prayer Accommodations
Wintertime is coming and with the resetting of our clocks, students who observe afternoon prayer may not make it home in time for afternoon prayer with their families. Starting on November 2nd, we will be offering afternoon prayer opportunities at school before dismissal each day for students who require accommodations. If you would like a prayer accommodation for your child during the winter months, please complete this google form. Your child will be given a pass to dismiss at a specific time before dismissal each day to use the prayer space. Please note: students who are granted prayer accommodation will miss the last 10 minutes of instruction for their last class of the day. Additionally, the accommodation can be revoked if students do not utilize it appropriately. If a prayer accommodation is revoked, you will be contacted by your child's administrator with an explanation.
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- 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. Students must return forms to their School Counselor by October 15th!
For questions, your student should see their School Counselor:
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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
 
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!
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!
Fall Cross Country Volunteer & Donation Request
Our Fall Cross Country season is midway, and we are excited for our third 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 17, 2026 ⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Robinson Secondary School 5035 Sideburn Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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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.
- 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
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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.
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
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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:
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Franklin Middle: Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m.
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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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 High School Youth Night!
Join us Friday, October 23rd 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!
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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