GMS 10/22/2026

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Planting picture

Message from the Principal

We are thankful that Supervisor Jimenez and School Board member, Dr. Anderson, came out to plant with our students! Through a partnership with Watershed Education and Outreach from Fairfax County Stormwater Management, we brought native plants to GMS for stormwater prevention. 

Lisa Barrow/Principal 

Important Dates

Friday, October 30                                2 hour early release, end of Quarter 1

Monday, November 2                            Student Holiday

Tuesday, November 3                           Student Holiday 

Friday, November 13                             Cultural Heritage Night 

November 25 to 27                                Thanksgiving Break 

DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING EMPLOYEE?

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.

  1. 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.

Date Change in Calendar

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 

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.

Interested in supporting Glasgow? Join the PTA ($15)! Membership is an easy way to support our students and teachers, and there are many ways to get involved—big or small.

Calendar of Events -

📅 Mark Your Calendar

October 2026

  • Oct 28 (6:00-7:00PM): Multilingual Learner Night
  • Oct 30: FCPS End of Quarter 1 (2-Hour Early Release)

November 2026

  • Nov 2: FCPS Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
  • Nov 3: FCPS Student Holiday (Election Day / Staff Planning Day)
  • Nov 13 (6:00–8:00 PM): Cultural Heritage Night
  • Nov 17 (7:00 PM): PTA Meeting
  • Nov 25–27: FCPS Thanksgiving Break (No School)

December 2026

  • Dec 2 (6:00-8:00pm): Math Literacy Night
  • Dec 12 (6:30–8:30 PM): Snowball Dance
  • Dec 21 – Jan 1: FCPS Winter Break (No School)

Questions? Ideas! Email the Glasgow PTA any time at glasgowpta.va@gmail.com

News from Student Services

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  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 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 is now available. 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.

Cultural Heritage Night

Friday, November 13 (6-8pm)

Join us for an evening celebrating the many cultures that make up the Glasgow community! dressed in traditional clothing from your culture and be ready to enjoy a night of community, food, and fun!

Click here to see a video featuring clips from past years!

Want to participate? We are still looking for some volunteers to bring food to share and help with setup and cleanup! Sign up here.

Questions? Contact Cori Evans at acevans23@aol.com or Ms. Cooper at amcooper2@fcps.edu

Cultural NightHeritage Night

Glasgow MS After School Program

Reminder:

Please note the following schedule change for our afterschool program:

The afterschool program will not meet on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

 

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

We are excited for our FINAL regular season meet of the 2026–2027 school year! Our student-athletes have been working hard and preparing for a great 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 🏃 Final Regular Season Cross Country Meet: Saturday, October 24th, 2026 ⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Poe Middle School 7000 Cindy Lane, Annandale, VA 22003

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! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💙

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!

Lights On

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.

  • Annual Special Education Family Conference: Breakout Session Information Available

Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, taking place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Get Involved Today! Volunteer and Student Participation Opportunities

  • Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS using the Volunteer Registration Form by Wednesday, October 28. FCPS staff volunteers will receive MyPDE credit.
  • Student Volunteers: Complete the Student Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, October 28. Students who volunteer will receive volunteer hours.
  • Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Students serving in these roles will receive service hours. Sign up by Friday, October 30.

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.

ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here

  • Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App

New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.

For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please 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.

  • Help Your Student Stay Focused and Engaged Without Digital Distractions

Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e., in backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell.

This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.  

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.

  • 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.

Attendance

  • Encouraging Regular Attendance

Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you! 

If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Justice HS Youth Night

Yourth Night

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!

justice logo

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!