SARATOGA CONNECTION
October 22, 2026
Principals’ Corner
On our first early release Wednesday of the school year, our staff dedicated time to meaningful professional learning aligned directly with our School Innovation and Improvement Plan. Our learning supported progress toward our schoolwide math goal, with an emphasis on strong Tier 1 instruction centered on Shift 4, as well as the intentional implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports for students who need reteaching or targeted intervention during the math block. Shift 4 focuses on utilizing talk structures that reveal students' thinking, fostering a strong math community anchored in mathematical discourse and problem-solving rather than solely finding the right answer.
Our team engaged in targeted learning across multiple roles:
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Classroom Teachers and Special Education Teachers deepened their understanding of Shift 4 and understanding of a math community that is focused on students sharing and comparing their ideas.
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Specialists explored the Portrait of a Graduate attribute of being a Global and Ethical Citizen alongside the WIDA speaking domain to support academic language development.
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Instructional Assistants participated in professional development centered on proactive strategies to support students engaging in positive behaviors throughout the school day.
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All Instructional Staff began examining one of our High Quality Instructional Indicators—HQI 2, which focuses on teacher clarity and the intentional use of learning targets. Clear learning targets act like a GPS for our students, ensuring they understand what they are learning, why it matters, and what success looks like before they even begin. Rather than simply completing assignments, this indicator empowers students to monitor their own progress and take active ownership of their learning.
Next week, we officially close out the first quarter and celebrate our hard work and learning with a schoolwide spirit week! In honor of Red Ribbon Week, we will focus on the importance of making healthy choices every day. All students and staff are encouraged to join our SCA-sponsored Spirit Week:
Saddle up, Stallions! Red Ribbon Week is October 26–30
Making Healthy Choices All Week Long
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Monday: Team Up for Healthy Choices (Wear a matching outfit with a friend or two)
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Tuesday: Sock It to Germs Tuesday (Wear your favorite silly, bright, or mismatched socks)
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Wednesday: Wear Your Team Gear Wednesday (Show your team pride by wearing a jersey or sports shirt)
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Thursday: Put a Cap on Unhealthy Choices Thursday (Wear your favorite hat)
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Friday: Healthy Sleep = Sweet Dreams (Celebrate a great first quarter in cozy, school-appropriate pajamas)
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and we look forward to a spirited and joyful week ahead!
Be the Change,
Abby Ragan Abby Lower Jordan Perry
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
- 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.
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FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.
Survey Extended! Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
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 survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be open through Tuesday, October 20.
Please note that parents may now submit more than one response to provide feedback regarding different schools. 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.
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Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue SurveyThe 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.
- 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:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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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.
- 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, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
Reminders
- October 26 - 30: Red Ribbon Spirit Week
- October 29: Watch D.O.G.S. and M.O.M.S. Pizza Party
- October 30: End of Quarter 1; 2 hour early release
- November 2 - 3: No School
Stay Connected
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