Panther Press- March 27, 2026

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Dear Panther Family,

We’ve made it to the finish line of a fantastic third quarter! As the final bell rings this Friday, we want to wish all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful, relaxing, and safe Spring Break.

Whether you are heading out on a grand adventure or enjoying a quiet "staycation" at home, we hope you find plenty of time to recharge, play outside, and maybe even dive into a good book.

During this week away from school, we’d like for our students to give their brains a break from technology. We are sending home Academic Choice Boards with many activities for students to engage in. Please encourage your students to participate in this activities and return their BINGO Boards to school on April 7th, showing which activities that completed.

Calendar reminders: 

  • School Closed: Monday, March 30th – Monday, April 6th.

  • Classes Resume: Tuesday, April 7th.

Our teachers and staff will also be taking time to relax and unplug over spring break. Please note that any messages sent to teachers and staff during the break will be responded to once school resumes.

Thank you for all your hard work and for making our school community so bright!

 

Sincerely, 

Ms. O'Neal, Principal 

Ms. Berry, Assistant Principal

Mr. Heron, Assistant Principal


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March 27- End of Quarter 3, Early Dismissal 1:15pm 

March 30- April 3- Spring Break, School closed

April 6- Teacher Workday- Student holiday

April 10- School Planning Day- Student holiday

April 21- School closed for statewide election


Women's History Month

In the month of March, we recognize the valuable contributions of women to American history. We are thrilled to share the accomplishments that women have made in the FCPS community. #OurFCPS


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Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April

Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.

Students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details. 


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Provide the County Government With Feedback on Its Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).

You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget. 


Phones Off, Learning On

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:

  • Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
  • Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-619-2800. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.


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FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.


Discover What’s New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
  • Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
  • Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
  • Vegetarian options, like the meatless Philly melt, which are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available. 


family engagement survey

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.


Dr. Reid high-fives student

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: 

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 banner

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 Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.

 



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