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Greetings Laurel Ridge Families, Laurel Ridge has enjoyed celebrating Read Across America Week!  The energy in our hallways reached a new high following Monday’s kickoff assemblies for our Every Lion, One Book program. It is truly magical to see our entire community diving into the same adventure: Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat. I have been so impressed by the dedication of our students as they eagerly turn in their reading trivia each morning; their enthusiasm for Plum’s journey is a wonderful reminder of the power of a shared story. As we look forward to the "spring forward" this weekend, it is also a great time to reset our bedtime routines to ensure our Lions are rested and ready for school. Consistent school attendance is the foundation of your child’s success. Every day a student is in class is an opportunity to build not just academic skills, but the social-emotional stamina they need to thrive. When students are here, they don’t just learn the curriculum—they learn how to be part of a community. We miss your children when they are gone, and we want them here for every moment of learning! Finally, as you chat about Lotus Island or school in general this week, try using open-ended prompts to spark deeper conversation. Instead of asking "How was your day?", try asking, "What was a moment today where you had to be brave like Plum?" or "What is something a friend did today that made you smile?" These specific questions help children process their social dynamics and academic challenges more effectively than a simple "good" or "fine." Have a wonderful weekend. Megan Counts Laurel Ridge Elementary Principal

Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events Saturday, March 14 - Run for the Ridge!  Wednesday, March 18 - Family Math Night (see below) Friday, March 20 - Holiday Eid al-Fitr Wednesday, March 25 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm Friday, March 27 - 2 Hour early Release 1:55pm Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3 - Spring Break Monday, April 6 - Student Holiday Friday, April 10 - Student Holiday - Rising Kindergartener Orientation 9am Wednesday, April 29 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm Thursday, April 30 - LRES Talent Show 6:00pm - 8:00pm Wednesday, May 20 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm Monday, May 25 - Holiday Memorial Day Tuesday, May 26 - Student Holiday Wednesday, May 27 - Holiday Eid al-Adha Wednesday, June 17 - Last Day of School 1:55 Dismissal

Join us on Wednesday, March 18th  from
6:00pm to 7:30pm for a night of math fun!

Math Night is a night of math games and activities designed to bring families, students, and teachers together while reinforcing concepts being learned in school.

Come enjoy the math, snacks, and fun and leave with great ways to support math skills at home!

Talent Show Info

The annual Talent Show, a Laurel Ridge tradition, is back again this year! We are excited for another great year of showcasing our Lions' talents!

Auditions for the Talent Show will be held Tuesday, March 24^th from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The LRES Talent Show will be held on Thursday, April 30^th in the LRES gym from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will feature 30 acts, no longer than 3 minutes each.

Auditions will be in 4-minute increments. To participate, the sign-up link will be available on Monday March 16^th. Sign-ups are first come first serve. All students who audition will be allowed to participate in the talent show as long as the act is school appropriate.

Audition time slots are first come, first served. If all time slots have been claimed, please sign up for the waitlist. The deadline to sign up to audition is Monday March 23^rd . 

Students needing music can send Ms. Morgan a link to the YouTube video, bring a CD, or download the music as an mp3 (preferred) and email it to kmorgan1@fcps.edu by Monday March 23^rd  so they can have it for auditions. All music must be school appropriate. Students should also plan to bring their own instruments (except for piano) and any necessary props to the audition.  

Questions? Please email Ms. Morgan at kmorgan1@fcps.edu. We can't wait to see what our Lions have in store for us this year!

Preorder Your Yearbook!

Sales for our 2025-26 yearbook are open!

If you would like a copy of the 2025-26 Laurel Ridge Yearbook, preorder here: yearbookordercenter.com  and use school code 29286.

Yearbooks cost $22 and will be sent home with students the last week of school.  

Countdown to Kindergarten: Supporting a Smooth Transition Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.  Kindergarten Registration There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten: Determine eligibility.  Identify your local school.  Gather documents.  Fill out forms.  Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present). Read more about the registration process.

Burke School Fundraiser On March 10, the Wendy's on Burke Commons Rd (by Walmart) will donate 20% of your purchase to the Burke School PTA!  Just let them know you are there to support the Burke School PTA.

Black History Month Event Rooted in Resilience, Echoes of Excellence: FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration The spirit of heritage and the promise of the future filled the air at Carter G. Woodson High School as FCPS held its second annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence. This year’s event was especially significant as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month. Students from across the division took center stage as the true "echoes" of this excellence. The program featured student-led Moments of Pride that connected local and national history to contemporary achievements. Vernon Walton, senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered a spirited keynote speech. Another highlight of the night was the FCPS Black Excellence video tribute. Read more about the Black history event.

Nominations Open for A. Heath Onthank
Award of Merit

Nominate a standout Fairfax County operational employee for the A. Heath Onthank Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions that strengthen public service across county government and Fairfax County Public Schools. 

Anyone may nominate a full-time FCPS operational employee with at least one year of service (teachers and instructional assistants are not eligible). Awardees will be recognized at a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting, and receive a plaque and $2,500. 

Nominations will close Friday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m. Visit the Fairfax County Onthank page to learn more and submit a nomination.

Purple Up! Store Now Open (Orders due March 9) Fairfax County Public Schools will celebrate Purple Up! Day on April 15, 2026 in honor of the Month of the Military Child.  Purple Up! spirit wear is now available through our Custom Ink pop-up store. Items include T-shirts, hoodies, pajama pants, key chains, and yard signs. Store open: February 16 through March 9 Spirit Wear Store https://www.customink.com/s/fcps-purple-up-spirit-wear-store

Family Engagement Survey to
Open March 9

FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Monday, March 9, to Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools. 

Survey topics include:

• Welcoming environment.
• Communication.
• Student success.
• Advocacy.
• Family and school partnerships.
• Community partnerships.

The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. 

Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.

Summer Learning

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports. 

If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations. 

Sleep Awareness Week

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

• Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
• Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
• Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
• Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
• Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.

2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled

FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the