GovDelivery | Stratford Landing Elementary School

SLES News You Choose

GovDelivery5 days 8 hours ago

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Important Dates:

Mar 10 Early Release Monday- Dismissal at 12:55 PM

Mar 12 Middle School Transition Fair (Luther Jackson Middle School)

Mar 14 Family Identity Night

Mar 17 PTA Organized School Board Member Mateo Dunne

Boundary Discussion 6-8 pm

Mar 28 Last Day of the Third Quarter

Mar 31 No School-Holiday- Eid al-Fitr

Apr 1 No School for Students- Teacher Workday

Message from Principal Morris The Recess “Red Zone”

We are in our second year of implementing Zones of Regulation school wide. We’ve seen significant improvement in our students’ ability to understand and regulate their emotions.

We are starting to see an uptick in recess incidents and accidents. Nearly all our incidents and accidents don’t come from a place of malice or aggression. Accidents occur when students are over excited / over-stimulated or demonstrating intense competition. When we communicate “the zones” to students, they typically think of the “red zone” as being a “bad place” to be in and that the red zone means you are angry. While that is one indicator of the red zone, additional indicators of red zone emotions include elation, feeling wild, feeling over-joyed and feeling out of control (even with positive emotions). For example, “I am having so much fun playing this game, and I have lost control of my body and emotions.”

Accidents occur when students display intense competitive emotions, or intense elation or exuberance. We are having conversations with our students about these “positive red zone feelings” during recess, and we are helping our students identify when they might need to take a breath, calm down and maybe take a break from the game they are playing. I appreciate any deeper conversations you can have about this at home with your child. Over-excitement and over-stimulation can lead to accidents. We want to help our students help themselves and help each other stay safe during recess.

Door 4 Arrival Reminders

If your child enters Stratford Landing through Door 4, a few kind reminders.

Students are not permitted inside of the building until 8:55 am
Adults that are entering the building should do so at Door 1 and check in at the main office before entering the building
A SLES adult must be present for safety patrols to open the doors
Please do not ask safety patrols to make exceptions or ask patrols to open the door early
Please do not use the call button for Door 4 to be opened before student arrival

We appreciate our families adhering to these safety measures.

🍎Our SLES Staff "Meme" the World to Us!

Help us stock the staff lounge - go to this link: https://signup.com/go/FhxNJmH

Please drop off your donation in the main office March 3-7th or email [email protected] to arrange for pickup.

SLES 6th Grade Spirit Day

Please help raise funds for the 6th grade class by in store dining, pick up or carry out at McAlister's Deli on March 10th, Monday from 11am-8pm.

🌍Volunteers Needed for Family Identity Night!

Our second annual Family Identity Night is Friday 3/14 from 6-8 PM! Ms. Shaker and Ms. Roop put on an amazing event last year! We are looking forward to learning more about the family identities of our school community this year. We need a few parents to help support by reaching out to businesses/restaurants that could provide food or a performance group who’d like to be part of our event. Please email [email protected] if you can help out. Thank you!!

🌍Friday March 14 Family Identity Night!!!

We will be having our Family Identity Night on March 14th, Friday from 6-8 pm. We need more SLES families to create displays, posters, or donate food to make it a memorable event!

Please sign up using this form if you are interested in contributing a display, performance, and/ or food at the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Roop or Ms. Shaker.

Ms. Roop: [email protected]

Ms. Shaker: [email protected]

📚Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the 24-25 school year. The next Lexia Parent Night will be held on March 18, 2025. Information regarding the Lexia Parent Nights can be found on Family Academy Site “

🌙Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Students observing Ramadan are welcome to come to the library during their lunch. Please have something to read or work on while you are here and be respectful of classes that are going on in the library. This would be a great time to check out a book and learn more about Ramadan.

Also thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.

School meal kits will provide complete, healthy meals that include protein, fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, and whole grains—just like the meals served at school. The food will be kept cold so it stays fresh, and you can heat it at home. The meals are made to fit different food preferences.

Here's how it works:

Parents/Guardians: Fill out a Fasting Meals Request Form for each week your child will pick up school meal kits.A separate form must be filled out for each week and for each student.
Student Pick-up: Students can pick up one breakfast meal kit and one lunch meal kit at the end of the school day.
Who can get a meal kit? Any student who is fasting can get a meal kit. If a student gets lunch or breakfast at school, they can't get a meal kit that day. Only students can pick up the meal kits – no adults.
When? These meal kits are only available from February 28 to March 28, 2025 at the end of the school day.

To receive meal kits for the week of March 10th, please reach out to the FNS Central Office at 703-813-4800 or email [email protected]

To receive meal kits after March 17th, deadlines for request forms are as follows:

March 10, 2025 for the week of March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025 for the week of March 24, 2025

Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions.

Food and Nutrition Services email: [email protected]
Food and Nutrition Services phone: 703-813-4800

EVERYONE'S INVITED SLES 2024-2025 Yearbook is on sale now!

Don't miss out on the SLES yearbook! We've sold nearly 400 copies -- WOW!

Yearbooks are $25 each. Order online here today.

If you are interested in donating a yearbook to SLES Care & Share, you can do so by using the "Donate-A-Book" option on the ordering website. (Note that there is no option for cash donations.)

The final deadline to order is April 1, 2024. Please send questions to [email protected].

Kindergarten Student Orientation April 1, 2025 1pm- 5pm

Dear Rising Kindergarten Families

Please join us for our Kindergarten Student Orientation. Here your child can experience Kindergarten before the first day of school. There will be 2 sessions by last name: A-K 1:00pm-2:00 pm and L-Z from 2:30pm-3:30pm. There will be a parent orientation in the cafeteria from 4pm-5pm.

Please take this opportunity to have your child experience various Kindergarten activities since we will not be hosting the August Jumpstart this year. Please RSVP by March 22nd.

If your student is not registered for Kindergarten yet, please email Ms. McDade at [email protected].

Spring State Assessments (SOL)

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Students in grades 3-8 participate in state assessments each year. State assessments measure how students are learning the state standards. Format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below.

Grade

SOL Content Areas Tested

(Spring)

LAA Content Areas Tested

(Ongoing)

3rd

Reading, Mathematics

Science, Social Studies

4th

Reading, Mathematics

Social Studies

5th

Science, Reading with IRW, Mathematics

Not applicable

6th

Reading, Mathematics

Social Studies

More information about the assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools (https://www.fcps.edu/node/42716).

The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/50045) provides information by grade level about the division wide assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Please refer to the calendar below for the Stratford Landing tentative SOL schedule (this is always subject to change).

Makeup testing will occur the week of May 19 and retakes will occur the week of May 27.

Please avoid scheduling appointments or trips on testing dates if possible. Ensuring that your student is well rested, has eaten breakfast, and is on time to school on testing dates will greatly set your student up for success.

If you have further questions about state assessments, please contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator, Ms. Rose Stephens at [email protected].

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors offers a variety of free services to all FCPS students: on-demand chat tutoring, live group classes, essay review, college and career ready resources, and assessment and self-study resources. These are all free and students automatically have access to these services through Clever. For the “on-demand chat tutoring,” tutors are matched with students based on their subject of choice and can work through homework problems or a review for an upcoming test with the tutor providing visual problem solving. This would not be a consistent tutor as it functions more like open office hours where students can drop in at any time and work with one of the tutors that are currently available.

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

📢 Stay Connected with Stratford Landing Elementary on Instagram! 📢

Want to stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening at Stratford Landing Elementary? Follow us on Instagram! 📸✨

From classroom highlights and special events to important school updates and fun behind-the-scenes moments, our Instagram page is the perfect way to stay engaged with our school community.

📍 Follow us today: @stratfordlandinges 💙 Like, comment, and share to show your Dolphin Pride!

#StratfordLandingES #WeLoveOurDolphins #StayConnected

💕Thank you so much for your kind donations to the Family Resource Center

Thank you so much for all the generous donations made to the Family Resource Center in the last couple weeks! The items are being shared with SLES families and we are so grateful for your generosity!

Our Family Resource Center provides clothing items to all students throughout the school day whenever they need a change of clothes or winter items to keep the students warm during outdoor recess. Also non-perishable food items are donated directly to families needing food support at home.

This can only be possible with the help of your generous donations. There are still a few items that we need in our Family Resource Center. We would greatly appreciate it if you could please consider donating clothing items or donating items from our Family Resource Center Wish List.

For any questions or need for resources from our Family Resource Center, please contact Haruka Hopp, our Family Liaison.

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in FCPS Meet the Sandburg MS Family Liaison via Zoom on March 11th 6-7PM In this event, families can:

-ask questions and feel more comfortable about their transitioning students.

-get suggestions on staying engaged during middle school, as their students practice independence.

-get to know the family liaison, Ms. Arlene Tunon, so families can know a friendly face in the school

-submit questions for the liaison (anonymously) before the event, or they can ask during the Zoom meeting.

There will be simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.

Middle School Transition Fair

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.

This event also includes two speakers who will discuss IEP transition planning, special education services, and postsecondary options for younger students as they navigate FCPS and plan for their future. A questions/answer session will follow.

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/3Cjke4b

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging!

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Literacy Event by West Potomac Leadership on March 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This event is designed to promote a love for reading among K–3 students through engaging, hands-on activities. Highlights include: One-on-one read-aloud sessions with high school students, and Interactive literacy stations filled with fun educational games!

Programs in the Community Gum Springs Community Center After School Program

Gum Springs Community Center offers FREE after school program Monday-Friday from 3:30-6pm. They also offer activities on days FCPS has Early Release and they are open from school dismissal time until 6pm. They are also open on Teacher Workdays from 9am-5pm. The programs are offered for free but registration is required to participate in these programs. I

If you are interested in registering or have questions, please contact Ms. Jess Fuller the Assistant Director of Youth Program at Gum Springs.

[email protected]

703-360-6088

Art Camp at St. Lukes Day School

Summer art camp opportunity at St. Lukes Day School from August 4th-8th from 9am-1pm. Please refer to the flyer below for more details.

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Instagram

SLES News You Choose

GovDelivery1 week 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates:

Mar 10 Early Release Monday- Dismissal at 12:55 PM

Mar 12 Middle School Transition Fair (Luther Jackson Middle School)

Mar 14 Family Identity Night

Mar 28 Last Day of the Third Quarter

Mar 31 No School-Holiday- Eid al-Fitr

Apr 1 No School for Students- Teacher Workday

Message from Mr. Morris

We are experiencing some great school days here at Stratford Landing. With the choppy January and February behind us, I know we are all looking forward to consistent school routines. We know our students thrive on routines, and we are excited for the learning ahead. I’m also hopeful we’re enjoying this great weather. For those new to Northern Virginia, we hope you are enjoying one of our 12 weather seasons. We affectionately refer to this season as, “False Spring.” Fluctuating weather and temperatures also mean more massive pile ups in our Lost and Found. Talk to your child about utilizing our Dolphin Decree and showing responsibility when it comes to their own belongings. They can show kindness and remind a friend to make sure they have all their items with them when they come back inside from recess. They can demonstrate empathy and help a friend find a missing item. As a reminder, we regularly donate. With March and spring on the horizon, I wanted to highlight a few save the dates for our community. We are looking forward to these exciting engaging events for our students, family and community. See you there!

SLES Family Identity & Culture Night Friday, March 14, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Please join us to celebrate the many wonderful family traditions, backgrounds and cultures we have here at SLES. Displays, stories, food and performances are planned for the evening. We are looking forward to welcoming all of our families to this special event.

25-26 School Year Kindergarten Student & Family Orientation Tuesday, April 1, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Attention new kindergarten families! Join us on Tuesday, April 1 for our student and family kindergarten orientation. Rising Kinders will have the opportunity to visit kindergarten classrooms and participate in a few activities to learn about what their school day will look and feel like. Our teachers also provide a brief screener activity for students to help inform class placements for the upcoming school year. Families will attend a presentation to learn more about our kindergarten program here at Stratford Landing. Feel free to stay at Stratford Landing the whole time for playground fun and students and families can connect with one another.

Students A-K 1:00 – 2:00 pm (students only in classrooms)

Students L-Z 2:00 – 3:00 pm (students only in classrooms)

All Families 4:00 – 5:00 pm (adults only in the cafeteria; presentation from teachers)

SLES Curriculum Night, Thursday, April 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Building off our successes of Young Authors Night and Young Artists Night, we are offering our families and students a new evening event, our 1st annual SLES Curriculum Night. Like our previous Young Authors and Artists Nights, we will provide students an opportunity to showcase all their learning across subject areas with their families. Kind of like a “year in review,” join us to celebrate the academic and social successes of your child. There will work samples to review, student presentations and fun games, activities and resources for families and students to access. We are hopeful many families and students join us for this new, exciting event.

🌙Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Ramadan, one of the holiest times on the Islamic calendar, begins on February 28th at sundown. If your child needs an alternative space for lunch or prayer during this time, please reach out to your child's teacher for accommodations and needs.

Here's how it works:

Parents/Guardians: Fill out a Fasting Meals Request Form for each week your child will pick up school meal kits.A separate form must be filled out for each week and for each student.
Student Pick-up: Students can pick up one breakfast meal kit and one lunch meal kit at the end of the school day.
Who can get a meal kit? Any student who is fasting can get a meal kit. If a student gets lunch or breakfast at school, they can't get a meal kit that day. Only students can pick up the meal kits – no adults.
When? These meal kits are only available from February 28 to March 28, 2025 at the end of the school day.

To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please reach out to the FNS Central Office at 703-813-4800 or email [email protected]

To receive meal kits after March 10th, deadlines for request forms are as follows:

March 3, 2025 for the week of March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025 for the week of March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025 for the week of March 24, 2025

Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions.

Food and Nutrition Services email: [email protected]
Food and Nutrition Services phone: 703-813-4800

🎖️Purple Up T-shirts for Month of the Military Child in April!

We will be having Purple Up Wednesdays (4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30) to recognize and to support the military connected students here at SLES as part of our Month of the Military Child celebration in April!

Students are welcome to wear anything purple on Purple Up Wednesdays but below is the link if you would like to purchase a SLES customized Purple Up t-shirt kindly designed by Mrs. Saunders from the PTA!

Click here to order your Purple Up shirts by March 5th

Please make your orders by March 5th to ensure delivery to your child's classroom by the end of March.

🍎Our SLES Staff "Meme" the World to Us!

Help us stock the staff lounge - go to this link: https://signup.com/go/FhxNJmH

Please drop off your donation in the main office March 3-7th or email [email protected] to arrange for pickup.

🌍Volunteers Needed for Family Identity Night!

🌍Friday March 14 Family Identity Night!!!

We will be having our Family Identity Night on March 14th, Friday from 6-8 pm. We need more SLES families to create displays, posters, or donate food to make it a memorable event!

Please sign up using this form if you are interested in contributing a display, performance, and/ or food at the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Roop or Ms. Shaker.

Ms. Roop: [email protected]

Ms. Shaker: [email protected]

📚Volunteers Needed in the Library!

Our librarian, Ms. Gresham, could really use volunteers in the library to help make a maker space in the SLES library along with helping with check outs, returns, shelving books...the list goes on. Volunteering during your child's class is a fun and engaging way of getting to know their classmates as well.

Please email Ms. Gresham at [email protected] with any questions or use this link to sign up for a time to volunteer https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf

📗SLES Yearbook Early Bird Sale

Don't miss the SLES yearbook’s EARLY BIRD SALE! We've already sold nearly 200 copies -- WOW!

Yearbooks are $20 from now until February 28, 2025. The price per yearbook increases to $25 after that. Order online here today.

If you are interested in donating a yearbook to SLES Care & Share, you can do so by using the "Donate-A-Book" option on the ordering website. (Note that there is no option for cash donations.)

The final deadline to order is April 1, 2025. Please send questions to [email protected].

📢 Stay Connected with Stratford Landing Elementary on Instagram! 📢

Want to stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening at Stratford Landing Elementary? Follow us on Instagram! 📸✨

From classroom highlights and special events to important school updates and fun behind-the-scenes moments, our Instagram page is the perfect way to stay engaged with our school community.

📍 Follow us today: @stratfordlandinges 💙 Like, comment, and share to show your Dolphin Pride!

#StratfordLandingES #WeLoveOurDolphins #StayConnected

💕Thank you so much for your kind donations to the Family Resource Center

Thank you so much for all the generous donations made to the Family Resource Center in the last couple weeks! The items are being shared with SLES families and we are so grateful for your generosity!

For any questions or need for resources from our Family Resource Center, please contact Haruka Hopp, our Family Liaison.

[email protected]

703-619-3690

✏️Kindergarten Registration🎒 Online registration is open for the 2025-26 school year!

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Below is the five-step process if you would like to register your child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Ms. Kris Rakes, our school registrar.

Inscripción para el Kindergarten: Es tan fácil como 1-2-3...

Hay un proceso fácil de cinco pasos para los padres que deseen inscribir a su hijo para el kindergarten:

Determinar la elegibilidad.
Identifique su escuela local.
Reunir documentos.
Completar formularios.
Programar una cita.

Más información sobre el proceso de inscripción.

❄️Winter Weather

Please watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

You can also call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

Programs in FCPS Meet the Sandburg MS Family Liaison via Zoom on March 11th 6-7PM In this event, families can:

-ask questions and feel more comfortable about their transitioning students.

-get suggestions on staying engaged during middle school, as their students practice independence.

-get to know the family liaison, Ms. Arlene Tunon, so families can know a friendly face in the school

-submit questions for the liaison (anonymously) before the event, or they can ask during the Zoom meeting.

There will be simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.

Middle School Transition Fair

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/3Cjke4b

Literacy Event by West Potomac Leadership on March 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

LMVSC Walk Up Registration March 1st 10:30AM- 1:30PM

LMVSC will be hosting a walk up registration on March 1st, from 10:30AM-1:30PM at their Club House, 6212 Cameron Farms Place, Alexandria, VA 22310. (Reality Church entrance). They will be helping families to register their kids for Spring Rec Soccer, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Spring and Summer Camps.

Registration will close on March 17th.

Financial Aid is available.

To register online, please visit: Spring 2025 Rec Soccer Registration

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Instagram

SLES News You Choose

GovDelivery2 weeks 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates:

Feb 27 Spelling Bee

Mar 10 Early Release Monday- Dismissal at 12:55 PM

Mar 12 Middle School Transition Fair (Luther Jackson Middle School)

Mar 14 Family Identity Night

Mar 28 Last Day of the Third Quarter

Mar 31 No School-Holiday- Eid al-Fitr

Apr 1 No School for Students- Teacher Workday

🌍Volunteers Needed for Family Identity Night!

🌍Save the Date! Friday March 14 Family Identity & Culture Night!!!

We will be having our Family Identity & Culture Night on March 14th, Friday from 6-8 pm. Please save the date and join us to celebrate the many wonderful family traditions, backgrounds, and cultures we have here at SLES!

Please sign up using this form if you are interested in contributing a display, performance, and/ or food at the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Roop or Ms. Shaker.

Ms. Roop: [email protected]

Ms. Shaker: [email protected]

📚Volunteers Needed in the Library!

Please email Ms. Gresham at [email protected] with any questions or use the following link to sign up for a time to volunteer https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf

📗SLES Yearbook Early Bird Sale

Don't miss the SLES yearbook’s EARLY BIRD SALE! We've already sold nearly 200 copies -- WOW!

Yearbooks are $20 from now until February 28, 2025. The price per yearbook increases to $25 after that. Order online here today.

If you are interested in donating a yearbook to SLES Care & Share, you can do so by using the "Donate-A-Book" option on the ordering website. (Note that there is no option for cash donations.)

The final deadline to order is April 1, 2025. Please send questions to [email protected].

💕Care & Share Donations for the Family Resource Center

This can only be possible with the help of your generous donations. We would greatly appreciate it if you could please consider donating clothing items or donating items from our Family Resource Center Wish List.

For any questions or need for resources from our Family Resource Center, please contact Haruka Hopp, our Family Liaison.

[email protected]

703-619-3690

✏️Kindergarten Registration🎒 Online registration is open for the 2025-26 school year!

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Below is the five-step process if you would like to register your child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Ms. Kris Rakes, our school registrar.

Inscripción para el Kindergarten: Es tan fácil como 1-2-3...

Hay un proceso fácil de cinco pasos para los padres que deseen inscribir a su hijo para el kindergarten:

Determinar la elegibilidad.
Identifique su escuela local.
Reunir documentos.
Completar formularios.
Programar una cita.

Más información sobre el proceso de inscripción.

🔍Lost & Found Do you have any missing sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, or lunch bags? Please take a moment to ask your child to check the Lost & Found station set in front of the office for any missing items! ❄️Winter Weather

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in FCPS Middle School Transition Fair

Click here to register: http://bit.ly/3Cjke4b

February 2025 National Engineers Week

National Engineers Week, February 16-22, 2025, is an opportunity to engage preK-12 students in career pathway exploration and STEAM. Visit the FCPS Google page Engineering Week Resources to explore engineering activities, career exploration, and opportunities to share with students and families.

Contact

Christopher Scaptura [email protected] 571-423-4551

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

Programs in the Community Join Girls on the Run

Registration to join Girls on the Run is now open for their upcoming season from March 3rd to May 18th. Registration closes Feb. 23rd. Program scholarships and additional supports are available. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] for more details.

Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre Summer Camp Opportunity

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Feb 17 No School- Presidents' Day

Feb 18 SLES Class Photo Day

Feb 27 Spelling Bee

Presidents' Day Holiday: Monday, February 17

School will be closed for all staff & students on Monday, February 17 for Presidents Day.

❤️SLA Kindness Spirit Week❤️

Please join us in wearing red, pink, hearts, or whatever brings your heart joy tomorrow for our last day in our SLA Kindness Sprit Week! Let's spread kindness here at SLES❤️

🐝 SLES Spelling Bee Thursday, Feb. 27th at 6pm

Join us for the annual Spelling Bee this February! The Bee will be schoolwide, with all students participating the evening of Feb. 27th. Please use the link to sign your student(s) up and please also consider volunteering to help make this Bee great! Registration will close: Feb. 14th at 8pm.

https://forms.gle/eYEnL4BdzAHesaZ77

💌PTA needs your help for National Acts of Kindness Week!💌

When: Feb 18 - 21

Use this link to sign up to deliver a note, card, or letter to an SLES staff member. Let’s show our staff how much they are appreciated!

https://signup.com/go/WpWDsVF

📗SLES Yearbook Early Bird Sale📗

Don't miss the SLES yearbook’s EARLY BIRD SALE! We've already sold nearly 200 copies -- WOW!

Yearbooks are $20 from now until February 28, 2025. The price per yearbook increases to $25 after that. Order online here today.

If you are interested in donating a yearbook to SLES Care & Share, you can do so by using the "Donate-A-Book" option on the ordering website. (Note that there is no option for cash donations.)

The final deadline to order is April 1, 2025. Please send questions to [email protected].

Care & Share Donations for the Family Resource Center

This can only be possible with the help of your generous donations. We would greatly appreciate it if you could please consider donating clothing items or donating items from our wish list.

For any questions or need for resources from our Family Resource Center, please contact Haruka Hopp, our Family Liaison.

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Save the Date! Friday March 14 Family Identity & Culture Night!!!

Please email Ms. Roop and Ms. Shaker if you can contribute a display, performance, and/ or food at the event.

Ms. Roop: [email protected]

Ms. Shaker: [email protected]

📗Volunteers Needed in the Library!

A maker space in the SLES library is going to be built with some of the funds raised from the book fair. Our librarian, Ms. Gresham, could really use volunteers in the library to help make this happen along with helping with check outs, returns, shelving books...the list goes on. Please email Ms. Gresham at [email protected] with any questions or use the following link to sign up for a time to volunteer https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf

✏️Kindergarten Registration🎒 Online registration is open for the 2025-26 school year!

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Below is the five-step process if you would like to register your child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Ms. Kris Rakes, our school registrar.

Inscripción para el Kindergarten: Es tan fácil como 1-2-3...

Hay un proceso fácil de cinco pasos para los padres que deseen inscribir a su hijo para el kindergarten:

Determinar la elegibilidad.
Identifique su escuela local.
Reunir documentos.
Completar formularios.
Programar una cita.

Más información sobre el proceso de inscripción.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in FCPS Student Voice Opportunity 2025 FCPS Family Summit

We are excited to invite FCPS students to showcase their projects and advocacy efforts on inclusivity at the 2025 FCPS Family Summit on March 15, 2025, at South Lakes High School. This is a great opportunity for students to share their voices, earn service hours, and build their resumes. Please help us amplify this opportunity by sharing it with your students. More details, including how to participate, can be found in this document. Please note that the deadline to submit proposals for students is February 17, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Iona Spikes [email protected] for more details.

February 2025 National Engineers Week

Contact

Christopher Scaptura [email protected] 571-423-4551

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

Programs in the Community Join Girls on the Run

Registration to join Girls on the Run is now open for their upcoming season from March 3rd to May 18th. Registration closes Feb. 23rd. Program scholarships and additional supports are available. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] for more details.

Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre Summer Camp Opportunity ⚽LMVSC Spring Sports

LMVSC is a local non-profit organization that provides fun and affordable sports programs for kids in our community. They are currently registering kids for their programs in the flyer below. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

They also offer financial aid to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.

Please contact Ms. Jennifer Deems at [email protected] from LMVSC for any questions you may have regarding this opportunity.

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Feb 10 Early Release Monday- Dismissal at 12:55 PM

Feb 17 No School- Presidents' Day

Feb 18 SLES Class Photo Day

Feb 27 Spelling Bee

❤️SLA Kindness Spirit Week❤️

Please join in our SLA Kindness Sprit Week next week! We will kick of the spirit week with Pajama Day on Monday❤️ Let's spread kindness here at SLES❤️

✏️Kindergarten Registration🎒

Online registration is open for the 2025-26 school year!

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

Below is the five-step process if you would like to register your child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Ms. Kris Rakes, our school registrar.

Inscripción para el Kindergarten: Es tan fácil como 1-2-3...

Hay un proceso fácil de cinco pasos para los padres que deseen inscribir a su hijo para el kindergarten:

Determinar la elegibilidad.
Identifique su escuela local.
Reunir documentos.
Completar formularios.
Programar una cita.

Más información sobre el proceso de inscripción.

Save the Date! Friday March 14 Family Identity & Culture Night!!!

Please email Ms. Roop and Ms. Shaker if you can contribute a display, performance, and/ or food at the event.

Ms. Roop: [email protected]

Ms. Shaker: [email protected]

📗Volunteers Needed in the Library!

📃Lexia Parent Reports

In the upcoming 2nd Quarter Progress Report envelopes, you will receive a parent copy of your child’s Lexia Skills Report. The purpose of this report is to share information about the progress your student is making in Lexia. Lexia Reading (CORE5 and PowerUp) is our computer program designed to supplement literacy instruction and it is just one component of the literacy block. This report will contain your student’s progress since they started using Lexia. It is a snapshot of the different levels they have completed. For clarification, you will see - Rate and Accuracy. Rate tells the speed that students go through each task. Accuracy tells how correct (high, medium, low) they were on a task. Please remember we are in the 3rd year of implementation of the Lexia Reading computer program and so you may note some discrepancies. Therefore, the data from the 2024-2025 school year is most beneficial for informing instructional next steps and that is our focus.

Please keep an eye out for a FAQ sheet in your student's newsletter from their teachers or contact Ms.Liz Wegner, Reading Specialist ([email protected]) with any questions you may have.

https://forms.gle/eYEnL4BdzAHesaZ77

❄️Winter Weather

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in FCPS 📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

Family Resource Center Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a wide range of webinars helpful for families. The next webinar will be tomorrow, February 7th and will be discussing effective strategies at home with children in upper elementary. Please click HERE to register for the 2/7 webinar.

For more information, please visit Family Resource Center Webinars

Programs in the Community Join Girls on the Run

📖FCFT Reading Opens the World Event

Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) will be holding Reading Opens the World event at the Lorton Community Center on Saturday, February 8th from 10 AM- 2 PM. They will be giving away over 30,000 books to the Fairfax Community, with up to 10 books for each student and 50 books for each educator to add to their classroom library!

Parent Project- Loving SolutionsFamily Workshop-Loving Solutions

Loving Solutions is a FREE 10-week family workshop for families with 5-10 year old children. The workshop will provides tips on how you can create a space of harmony at home to help families support strong-willed children in a positive and loving way.

To learn more about Loving Solutions, please visit Loving Solutions – Parent Project. Please click HERE to register.

Lunar New Year Celebration Event

There will be a Lunar New Year Celebration Event on Saturday, February 8 from 6-8 PM at the Twin Lakes Golf Course. There will be live performances, dazzling demonstrations, and foods from local food trucks.

For more details, please visit Lunar New Year Celebration.

⚽LMVSC Spring Sports

They also offer financial aid to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.

Please contact Ms. Jennifer Deems at [email protected] from LMVSC for any questions you may have regarding this opportunity.

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Jan 30 Beginning of 3rd Quarter

Feb 10 Early Release Monday- Dismissal at 12:55 PM

Feb 17 No School- Presidents' Day

Feb 18 SLES Class Photo Day

Feb 27 Spelling Bee

🐬Message from Our Principal, Mr. Morris

As we end the second quarter of school, I wanted to make sure we continue to highlight our successes as a school community and celebrate the positives. Check out Stratford Landing’s “Top 10” List. What makes your top ten list for Stratford Landing? Let us know if we missed anything on our list!

https://stratfordlandinges.fcps.edu/10-things-makes-stratford-landing-special

📗Volunteers Needed in the Library!

📃Lexia Parent Reports

Please keep an eye out for a FAQ sheet in your student's newsletter from their teachers or contact Ms.Liz Wegner, Reading Specialist ([email protected]) with any questions you may have.

https://forms.gle/eYEnL4BdzAHesaZ77

👟Exciting Opportunity! Join the Girls on the Run Program: Coaches Needed!

Dear SLES Community

We are thrilled to announce that the Girls on the Run program is coming to us this Spring. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization designed to empower girls by using running as a tool to build social, emotional, and physical skills through interactive lessons and activities and ends with a celebratory 5K race at the end of the season. It is considered more than just a running program, focusing on life skills development through a supportive community environment.

The program will be held after school at Stratford Landing Elementary and we are seeking volunteers to join us as coaches for the upcoming season. Practices will be held twice a week for one hour each day. Ideally, we’d love to have 4-6 coaches. If you’re only available for one practice day instead of two, our site coordinator can work with you (coaches can be assigned to one practice day and another set of coaches assigned to the other practice day).

Season Details:

March 3rd-May 19th

4:15-5:15pm on Monday and Tuesday. Please note these practice days are still tentative
5K Weekend: May 17 or 18 (dates and locations are tentative)

If you’re interested in becoming a coach for the upcoming season, reach out to Michelle Jones, our site coordinator and former SLES teacher. Please contact her by January 28th with your interest and details. Below is her contact information:

(757)-839-5484
[email protected]

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our SLES students!

Best,

Michelle Jones

📝Tutoring Resource: Varsity Tutors

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

Overview of Varsity Tutors- FCPS Page
Overview of Varsity Tutors- Varsity Tutor Page

Family Resource Center Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a wide range of webinars helpful for families. The next webinar will be on February 7th and will be discussing effective strategies at home with children in upper elementary. Please click HERE to register for the 2/7 webinar.

For more information, please visit Family Resource Center Webinars

❄️Winter Weather

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

📱Student Cell Phone Use and Family Texts

As a reminder, FCPS has an off and away cell phone policy. Additionally, Smartwatches with texting features should be disabled during the school day. Families should not text their child during the school day. Please, we need your help and support enforcing our policy. In some instances, families are texting information, such as how a child should dismiss and go home, to their child and not communicating with our front office. This can create confusion for our staff during school dismissal and can impact student safety. Please adhere to FCPS policy and do not text your child during the school day. Share with your child there should be not text communication from them during the school day. Families should contact the front office with any emergencies or if you have a need to connect with your child during the school day. It is important this policy is followed.

Programs in the Community Fairfax County Park Authority Spring & Summer Break Day Camps

The Fairfax County Park Authority offers a large selection of spring and summer break day camps for kids aged 3-16. Registration for these camps starts Tuesday, February 4th or Thursday, February 6th, at 9:00 a.m., depending on the location of the camp. Find the location lists here. Create or update/recover your account prior to February 3 at 9:00pm. Many popular camps fill up quickly! Please check the camp website for the most updated information and contact the camps team at [email protected] with additional questions. Summer camps are scheduled for the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center.

📖FCFT Reading Opens the World Event

Kindergarten Readiness Program

Please register for the Kindergarten Readiness Program if you're interested in learning more about Fairfax County Public Schools, Teacher/ Parent Dialogue, and how to register for School Age Child Care (SACC).

Parent Project- Loving SolutionsFamily Workshop-Loving Solutions

To learn more about Loving Solutions, please visit Loving Solutions – Parent Project. Please click HERE to register.

Lunar New Year Celebration Event

For more details, please visit Lunar New Year Celebration.

⚽LMVSC Flag Football & Soccer

LMVSC is a local non-profit organization that provides fun and affordable soccer programs for kids in our community. They are currently registering kids for their flag football and recreational soccer program. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

They also offer financial aid to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.

Please contact Ms. Jennifer Deems at [email protected] from LMVSC for any questions you may have regarding this opportunity.

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Jan 28 End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 29 No School- Student Holiday/ Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year

Jan 30 Beginning of 3rd Quarter

Feb 17 No School- Presidents' Day

Feb 27 Spelling Bee

Message from Our Librarian, Ms. Gresham

Greetings from the library. I am excited to announce that we will be building a maker space at SLES with some of the funds we raised from the book fair. We could really use volunteers in the library to help make this happen, help students with check out, shelve books...The list goes on. Please email Ms. Gresham at [email protected] with any questions or use the following link to sign up for a time to volunteer https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf

🐝 SLES Spelling Bee Thursday, Feb. 27th at 6pm 🐝

https://forms.gle/eYEnL4BdzAHesaZ77

Exciting Opportunity! Join the Girls on the Run Program: Coaches Needed!

Dear SLES Community

Season Details:

March 3rd-May 19th

4:15-5:15pm on Monday and Tuesday. Please note these practice days are still tentative
5K Weekend: May 17 or 18 (dates and locations are tentative)

(757)-839-5484
[email protected]

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our SLES students!

Best,

Michelle Jones

Family Resource Center Webinars

Winter Weather

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Student Cell Phone Use and Family Texts

Programs in the Community

Youth Basketball Night TOMORROW!

The Youth Basketball Night hosted by the West Potomac Boys Basketball will be tomorrow Friday, January 24th. Please join and cheer on your Wolverines!

Chinese New Year Festival

Asian Community Service Center, a non profit organization, will be hosting their annual Chinese New Year Festival on January 25th, Saturday from 10am-5:30pm.

Since 2008, the Asian Community Service Center (ACSC) has endeavored to spread the spirit of traditional Chinese culture and values to our diverse community in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland by holding an annual Festival right before the Chinese New Year.

There will be traditional dragon and lion dance,classical and ethnic folk dances, dances, musical instruments and vocals, arts and crafts, children’s games, as well as ethnic cuisines. Children learn a little Chinese and how to play Chinese games. At past events, some lucky children even learned how to do the dragon dance!

Please see the flyer below for more deails.

Kindergarten Readiness Program

LMVSC Flag Football & Soccer

They also offer financial aid to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.

Please contact Ms. Jennifer Deems at [email protected] from LMVSC for any questions you may have regarding this opportunity.

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Jan 16 Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night

Jan 17 Stratford Landing Appreciation Day- Wear School Colors!

Jan 20 No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Inauguration Day

Jan 28 End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 29 No School- Student Holiday/ Teacher Workday, Lunar New Year

Jan 30 Beginning of 3rd Quarter

Thank You to Our SLES Building Team!!! Thank you so much to our wonderful SLES Building Team for all their hard efforts in taking such good care of Stratford Landing during the break ensuring safety for everyone! Tomorrow is Stratford Landing Appreciation Day!

Tomorrow is Schoolwide Spirit Day, "Stratford Landing Appreciation Day"!

Dress in SLES spirit wear and other fun swag and SLES school colors (green, blue, white)! Let's get creative and show our school spirit!

Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night

For families with rising 7th graders, this is a reminder that TONIGHT is the Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night. This will be an informative event where you can hear about the 7th grade curriculum and the electives available.

SLES After School Clubs Winter Clubs start this week, but it’s not too late to enroll! The following clubs still have space available!

Wednesdays:

Chess

https://chessacademy.com/products/stratford-landing-elementary-chess-club

Thursdays:

Lego https://starbrightenrichment.jumbula.com/Winter2025/JrStructuralEngineeringwithLEGOBricksStratfordLandingThursdays

PianoLab

https://studentslovepianolab.com/stratford/

Mudskippers

https://www.hisawyer.com/mudskippers-pottery/schedules/activity-set/1170021

All clubs are directly after school and pick-up is at 5:10 at the school front door.

Student Cell Phone Use and Family Texts

Winter Weather

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in the Community

Youth Basketball Night TONIGHT!

The Youth Basketball Night hosted by West Potomac Girls Basketball will be held TONIGHT! Also the West Potomac Boys Basketball will be hosing next Friday, January 24th. Please join and cheer on your Wolverines!

Fort Hunt Little League

Registration for Fort Hunt Little League is open and will be closing soon on January 18th!

Kindergarten Readiness Program

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Dec 23- Jan 3 Winter Break

Jan 6 School Resumes

Message from Principal Morris

And just like that, the 2024 school year has come to an end. I wanted to express my appreciation to our entire school community. The energy, excitement, and joy that have filled our hallways and classrooms, especially these past three weeks, makes me feel so great about the work we are doing here at Stratford Landing.

We are committed to student academic progress and our students are making strides in learning and we are closing achievement gaps. We believe in educating the whole child, and our approach to social-emotional learning at SLES resonates with our students. Be sure to check in on feelings and emotions with your children during the winter vacation. I encourage families to norm conversations about big feelings and emotions. The more children trust adults and find safe spaces at home and at school, the more impact we can have on our children to develop into their authentic little selves!

It has been wonderful to witness our students embracing new learning opportunities, building strong relationships with their teachers and peers, and discovering their passions. The dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff have been instrumental in creating such a positive and engaging learning environment for all here at SLES.

During winter break, I encourage families to embrace opportunities for learning and growth at home. Reading together, writing stories, and engaging in thoughtful activities and conversations can foster a love of learning and strengthen family bonds.

Some things you might try:

Write a poem together as a family highlighting your traditions and culture.
Write a story with a beginning, middle and end describing your winter break adventures.
Make smaller words from holiday phrases like, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Holidays”
What holiday math can you solve together as a family? For example, estimate how many yards of wrapping paper was used. If you’re traveling, consider math during the trip. For example, about how long does it take to drive 10 miles? If we are ¼ miles away from the exit, are we close or far?

I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating winter break. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school refreshed and ready to learn in the new year!

Thank you.

Kevin Morris, Principal

Important Information During Winter Break

Our SLES school building and front office will be closed from Monday, Dec 23 – Friday, Jan 3. If there is an immediate need during this timeframe, please email Kevin Morris, Principal, at [email protected]. He will be monitoring email periodically over the FCPS winter break and will respond in a timely manner. Our school building and front office will reopen Monday, Jan 6 at 8:00 am. Students will report back to school at the regular scheduled bell time of 8:55 am. We wish all our families a joyful holiday season.

Message from Our Librarian, Ms. Gresham

There is much excitement and anticipation in the library over the new titles we were able to add thanks to the success of our book fair! I wanted to say once more we couldn’t have done it without your help. Please consider volunteering in the library during calmer times. We could always use the help. Below is the link to sign up.

https://signup.com/go/YQPzMuf

Wishing everyone happy holidays and a joyful new year!

Tomorrow is Festive Friday/ Ugly Sweater Day!

Tomorrow is the last day of our holiday spirit week. Please join by dressing in your favorite holiday attire, sweaters, dresses, accessories, the works!

Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night

For families with rising 7th graders, please mark your calendars for the upcoming Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night on January 16th, 2025. This will be an informative event where you can hear about the 7th grade curriculum and the electives available.

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
SEL Screener Results
New Accessibility Resources
Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
Executive Functioning Webinars
Early Literacy Resources
ESY and Assessment Webinar
COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in the Community

Here are some wonderful holiday programs happening in our community along with some great fun ideas during the winter break!

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Dec 15 Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referrals Deadline

Dec 16-20 Holiday Spirit Week

Dec 23- Jan 3 Winter Break

Jan 6 School Resumes

Message from Ms. Gresham

Thank you so much for those of you who helped make our book fair a success! We couldn’t have done it without you. We have been able to gain some great titles for our library because of the proceeds!

SLES Holiday Spirit Week!

The Student Leadership Association will be presenting a holiday spirit week next week! Let's enjoy the last week before winter break by participating in the festive spirit week!

Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Tene’ McBee and Jo-Anne Fouad at [email protected] and [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024.

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Tene’ McBee & Jo-Anne Fouad at [email protected] and [email protected].

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall.

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Dear Stratford Landing Families,

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is available to complete online. Please complete as soon as possible. Paper copies have been sent home as well and the deadline for submission is December 17th.

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:

Military families.
Federally connected families.
Families living on a military base.

Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible. Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form.

Step 1: CLICK HERE or use the QR Code to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter.

2. After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

3. Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page:

If you have multiple children in Fairfax County Public Schools, please fill out a form for each child. You will know you have completed all of the forms when you get to the final page, and see a green check next to each of their names.

Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Thank you.

Mr. Morris

Literacy Resources for Families

Each Benchmark unit has accompanying letters and activity calendars to inform families about the unit of study to support their children at home with practicing reading and writing skills. Translations of the letters in the top 6 languages are in process and will be made available in Schoology, as they are ready. Below are some links for some more helpful information.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ms. Melissa Bosman [email protected] 571-423-4774

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us.

Register for ParentVUE Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

The Bully Buster 101 Seminar

The Bully Buster 101 Seminar is an opportunity for families to learn how to advocate for children and friends who are experiencing bullying and how to get help from parents, teachers and counselors inside and outside the school environment. Families will learn strategies to prevent bullying and effectively respond to it in advance. The seminar will be held on Thursday, Dec 12th at 7pm via Zoom. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to sign up quickly using this registration link: https://forms.gle/cVfsaoiNFHdZqD5c9

Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Programs in the Community

Here are some wonderful holiday programs happening in our community along with some great fun ideas during the winter break!

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

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Important Dates:

Dec 2-6 Book Fair

Dec 15 Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referrals Deadline

Dec 23- Jan 3 Winter Break

SLES Book Fair- Last Day is Tomorrow!

Hello Families,

Tomorrow is our last day for the book fair. Today we are open until 6pm and we close tomorrow when the last bus leaves. Thank you for your support and making it such a success so far!

Food Drives at Stratford Landing

Student Leadership and Be the Good are joining forces to collect non-perishable food items to support our families here at Stratford Landing. In addition, the Girl Scout Troop 53103 will also be helping to collect food items to be stocked in our Family Resource Center at Stratford Landing.

Your generous contributions will be helping our SLES families directly. Any support will be greatly appreciated.

Girl Scout Troop 53103 Food Drive

SLES families - please help one of our Girl Scout troops help restock the Family Resource Room. Sign up below, and the girls will come pick up the non-perishable food from your house and then will work with Mrs. Hopp to sort, organize, and get the food to Stratford Landing families who need it! The most requested food items are: rice, pasta, mac & cheese, cereal, canned soup, healthy school snacks, but we will be grateful for anything you can donate!

A message from SLES's fifth grade Girl Scouts: Did you buy too much Thanksgiving food? Well... guess what! Girl Scout Troop 53103 will get it off your hands and donate it to families in need. Please sign up, and then leave non-perishable food items out by 9 am on Sunday, December 8. Troop 53103 is doing this because some people cannot afford food, and we want to help them while earning our Bronze Award. Please sign up below. Thank you!

Girl Scouts Food Drive

Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. The date and time for our region will take place as below:

Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Dear Stratford Landing Families,

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is available to complete online. Please complete as soon as possible. Paper copies have been sent home as well and the deadline for submission is December 17th.

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:

Military families.
Federally connected families.
Families living on a military base.

Step 1: CLICK HERE or use the QR Code to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter.

2. After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

3. Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page:

Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Thank you.

Mr. Morris

Literacy Resources for Families

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ms. Melissa Bosman [email protected] 571-423-4774

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Register for ParentVUE Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing or food, please contact our family liaison below:

Haruka Hopp (Family Liaison)

[email protected]

703-619-3690

Family Resource Center Webinars Stress less, Enjoy More. Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness: A Webinar for Families

Kids and families are under stress from so many sources, and they are suffering as a result. Achievement pressure, time pressure, social pressure, and uncertainty about a rapidly changing world are eroding the health of our youth. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Well-known parenting expert, psychologist and author (and FCPS parent) Dr. Heather Tedesco will show you:

The surprising ways stress shows up in kids
The power parents have to reduce stress (in our kids and ourselves)
How we can nurture happiness and build psychological strength in our kids long-term
Specific strategies to stress less and enjoy more

December 6, 2024 10-11:30 a.m.

Programs in the Community

Here are some wonderful holiday programs happening in our community along with some great fun ideas during the winter break!

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

SLES News You Choose

GovDelivery3 months 2 weeks ago

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Important Dates:

Nov 27-29 Thanksgiving Holiday- No School

Dec 2-6 Book Fair

Dec 15 Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referrals Deadline

A Message from Mr. Morris

With a short two-day school week and the Thanksgiving holiday next week, our next News You Choose will be published Thursday, December 5. A reminder that FCPS is closed Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29. We look forward to the stories our students will share about your family’s unique Thanksgiving traditions when they return to school on Monday, December 2. That’s right, I said December. As in December 2024! Time really does just zip!

We have enjoyed recent events to connect with our community.

We were honored to host our annual Veterans Day celebration last week. It was a heartwarming event filled with respect, gratitude, and patriotism. Our students did an outstanding job showing their appreciation for our service members that were guest speakers in classrooms. Their thoughtful questions, sincere thanks, and respectful behavior made the event even more special. We are incredibly proud of our students. That’s our Dolphin Decree at its best. I also wanted to personally thank all our special guests who showed such love and kindness to my father, a Vietnam Veteran. To say he felt appreciated is an understatement. He really enjoyed his conversation about Chinook helicopters with one of our students. The student said that was his favorite helicopter. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the service members who attended and took time out of their day to build relationships with our students. Your sacrifices and service to our country inspire us all.

I also wanted to express our gratitude for joining us for our Thanksgiving Luncheon. We were able to welcome over 500 guests! It was awesome to see so many families come together to celebrate this special occasion. The laughter, shared stories, and delicious food created a memorable experience for everyone. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our front office staff and food service team for their incredible efforts in organizing and executing this event. Their dedication and hard work made the luncheon a success and offered another great opportunity for our community and school to build relationships together.

We are thankful for your continued support and partnership.

SLES Book Fair is Coming!

Attention book lovers! The Stratford Landing ES Book Fair will be from 12/2-12/6! Here is a link for more information: Book Fair Homepage

We need your help to make it a success.

Please use this link to sign up to help set up, run, and break down the book fair: https://signup.com/go/yagsGaG

Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Referrals to Close December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7, who would like their child to be considered for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services, may submit the Full-Time Referral Form and optional materials no later than December 15, 2024.

How to Submit Referral Materials

Please submit the referral materials in one email to the Advanced Academic Resource Teachers [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line “Full-Time AAP Referral for (Your child’s initials, Teacher’s last name)”. If you prefer, you may drop off a hard copy with our office staff during regular school hours by 12/15/2024. An electronic referral submission will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 12/15/2024.

What to Submit

-Referral Form- required*

-Parent/Guardian Questionnaire- optional

-Two pages of work samples (pdf or jpg files or 8.5x11” one-sided pages)- optional

-Additional Testing or special education data if you choose and if applicable (i.e. from a previous school or an ability or achievement test administered outside of Fairfax County Public Schools that you would like included.)- optional

You should receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your file.

Please note that late referrals will not be accepted.

Tene’ McBee

Advanced Academic Resource Teacher

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. The date and time for our region will take place as below:

Monday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Mount Vernon High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Dear Stratford Landing Families,

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online. Please complete as soon as possible. Paper copies will be sent home next week if not completed online.

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:

Military families.
Federally connected families.
Families living on a military base.

Step 1: CLICK HERE or use the QR Code to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

to be taken to SIS ParentVUE.

If you don’t have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact your child’s school for an activation letter.

2. After you’ve logged into your ParentVue Account, look for the ‘Online Packets’ link at the top of the page. Click ‘Online Packets’.

3. Next, click the ‘Federal Impact Aid Survey’ button on the bottom of the page:

For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12.

Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Thank you.

Mr. Morris

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
Alcohol or drug use.
Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact our school's Wellness Team Members to discuss your concerns and identify resources.

Allison Krusinski, Psychologist, - [email protected]

Mersal Shaker, School Counselor - [email protected]

Raina Roop, School Counselor - [email protected]

Kristina Jorden, Social Worker - [email protected]

Haruka Hopp, Family Liaison - [email protected]

Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school.

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

SPANISH:🗓️ Consejo para la asistencia: Programar viajes o eventos familiares

La buena asistencia es una habilidad importante para la vida que ayudará a los estudiantes a tener éxito en la escuela y más allá.

Cuando planee viajes o eventos familiares, refiérase al calendario de FCPS y trate de usar los fines de semana y días festivos de la escuela. Cada día de aprendizaje es un día hacia el éxito. Tenga en cuenta que las ausencias se suman rápidamente. Los estudiantes que faltan el 10% del año escolar (o sólo dos días al mes) se consideran ausentes crónicos.

Cuando sea posible, programe citas para su hijo fuera del horario escolar. Si su hijo tiene que faltar a clase por enfermedad u otro motivo, debe reportar la ausencia.

Vea este vídeo con consejos para entender nuestro calendario escolar y visite nuestra página web de Asistencia para obtener información adicional. ¡Asista hoy, para tener exito mañana!

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.

Family Resource Center Webinars Stress less, Enjoy More. Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness: A Webinar for Families

Well-known parenting expert, psychologist and author (and FCPS parent) Dr. Heather Tedesco will show you:

The surprising ways stress shows up in kids
The power parents have to reduce stress (in our kids and ourselves)
How we can nurture happiness and build psychological strength in our kids long-term
Specific strategies to stress less and enjoy more

December 6, 2024 10-11:30 a.m.

Programs Available in FCPS

Two NEW Early Literacy sites in the Mt. Vernon area are at Fort Belvoir Primary School and Sequoyah Community Center (both Wed./Fri. 10am-12pm). Families can learn more about these and other opportunities through the brand new FCPS Family Academy

Programs in the Community

8484 Riverside Road Alexandria, Virginia 22308 | Main Office: 703-619-3600
Attendance: 703-619-3636 | Web | Twitter

15 seconds ago

Stratford Landing Elementary School News and announcements

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