SARATOGA CONNECTION
September 24, 2026
Principals’ Corner
Classroom instruction is underway, and our students are engaged in hands-on learning every day! For example, this week, I had the pleasure of joining a 3rd-grade class for a place value matching game, where students connected base-ten models, expanded form, and standard form. It was inspiring to hear them confidently explain and defend their mathematical thinking! I was honored to have students invite me to join their game. In literacy, classes have launched their first language arts unit in Benchmark, turning their focus toward exploring and analyzing nonfiction texts.
This morning, our teachers met in Schoolwide Support Teams that are led by teachers to begin planning and setting goals for the school year that support our mission at Saratoga and align with the FCPS Strategic Plan. Here is an overview of each team, its focus, and the part of the strategic plan it directly supports:
-
Employee Awards Team: Identifies and recognizes staff members who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, families, and the community by coordinating nominations for FCPS recognition programs, including Outstanding Employee Awards, Impact Awards, and FCPS CARES. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Diverse, Adaptive, and Supported Workforce
-
Equity & Cultural Responsiveness (ECR) Team: Supports professional learning and guides Saratoga’s growth in equitable practices across all aspects of our work. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity
-
Family Engagement Team: Focuses on building deeper relationships and strong connections between Saratoga Elementary, our families, and the broader local community. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Pillar: Vibrant Home, School and Community Partnership
-
Get2Green: Drives student-led environmental action, manages food sharing and recycling programs, and promotes a strong culture of sustainability throughout the school. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation
-
Portrait of a Graduate (POG) Team: Fosters learning experiences that build collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and student agency, ensuring Portrait of a Graduate skills are deeply embedded in daily instruction. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation
-
Tier 1 Behavior Supports: Utilizes community-based approaches—including Second Step, Responsive Classroom, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)—to design strategies that promote positive social and communication skills across the entire Saratoga community. FCPS Strategic Plan Support: Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included and Empowered
Be the Change,
Abby Ragan Abby Lower Jordan Perry
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Carrie Cleary at 703-440-2600.
Superintendent 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, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
-
Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
-
Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
-
Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
-
Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take 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. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Reminders
-
October 1: AAP Continuum of Services Information Meeting 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
- October 1: Full-Time AAP Identification Information Meeting at 5:45 p.m. in the cafeteria
- October 9: Saratoga Carnival
- October 12: No School
- October 21: Early Release Wednesday
Stay Connected
|
