FCPS

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Dear London Towne Family,

We are looking forward to launching into winter break with our upcoming "Days of Cheer" spirit week for staff and students.  Thanks to your generous donations and contributions, we will be able to honor our dedicated staff with a variety of treats each day.

Each day will have a different theme, so get creative with your outfits and let's have some fun!

• Monday: Tacky Sweater Day - wear festive, holiday themed, fun, and/or colorful and sweaters!
• Tuesday: Mad About Plaid Day - wear ALL the plaid patterns, the more the merrier!
• Wednesday: Don't Sweat the Holidays Day - wear comfy and cozy athletic wear!
• Thursday: Winter White Out Day - Let's paint the Towne white and create a snowy wonderland with everyone dressed in white!
• Friday: PJs and Peace Out Day - wear your favorite pair of PJs!

We wish you and your families a wonderful winter break filled with rest, joy, peace, and hope. We look forward to seeing you all back in the new year, refreshed and ready to learn!

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore, Assistant Principals

Events Around the Towne

👨🏻‍👩🏾‍👧🏽‍👦🏻  Monday, December 16:  Family Life Education Lessons this week (Grades 4-6)

🎻  Wednesday, December 18:  3:15-5:30 Strings Club Performance

🎶  Friday, December 18:  9:00 and 2:15 Winter Holiday Sing Along 

☃️  Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3:  No School - Winter Break-Main Office Closed 

🏫 Monday, January 6:  Students Return to School!  Happy 2025!

📚 Friday, January 10:  iReady Reading Screener (Gr 3-6)

🗣️ Tuesday, January 14:  6:30 p.m. PTA Meeting 

🐣 Wednesday, January 15:  PTA Spirit Day at Chick-Fil-A

🍩 Friday, January 17:  7:45-8:15 a.m. Donuts with Grownups!

🏀 Friday, January 17:  5:30 p.m. SACC Family Basketball Game

Looking ahead: 

🕰️ Monday, February 24:  Early Release Monday

• Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
• Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)

🚗🚗Morning Arrival

Important Information Regarding Morning Arrival

To ensure the safety and efficiency of our Kiss and Ride program and maintain the flow of traffic on Billingsgate Lane, we kindly request your cooperation with the following:

• Right Turn Only: During morning arrival, parents are permitted to turn right only into the school parking lot from Billingsgate Lane.
• Traffic Flow and Safety:
• Left turns into the parking lot from Billingsgate Lane can block traffic and disrupt the Kiss and Ride line.
• It is crucial to keep Billingsgate Lane clear for the smooth flow of traffic and to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles.
• Accessing Billingsgate Lane:
• Billingsgate Lane can be accessed from Stone Road at two different intersections.
• To avoid the need for left turns or U-turns to join the Kiss and Ride line, we encourage you to use the intersection closer to Braddock Road and further from Lee Highway.

Cereal Boxes Needed, Please!

Mrs. Sirota is collecting cereal boxes for an upcoming student project!  Please send in any empty cereal boxes you can contribute with your student to give to Mrs. Sirota in Room 110.  Thank you!

Formed Families Forward Training

Formed Families Forward is pleased to offer a new training for parents and caregivers to boost family safety and wellness as you prepare for all of the excitement and disruptions of your children’s break from school and their expectations for winter holiday celebrations. Join us for an interactive workshop and get new strategies for managing the winter break and for starting the new year strong!

December 16, 2024

11:45 am-1:00 pm (with a light lunch provided) OR 

6:45 - 8:00 pm (with a light dinner provided) 

Location: Charles Houston Recreation Center

Address: 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Simultaneous SPANISH interpretation is available upon request.   Register Here. 

Full-Time Advanced Academics Services

Families with students in grades 2-6, if you are interested in referring your child for full-time services for the upcoming school year, the deadline for referrals is Sunday, December 15th, 2024. For more information, please visit the FCPS county side by clicking HERE.

Return Federal Impact Aid Form

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. Paper forms were sent home.  Please return them as soon as possible! 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

The form is also available online in SIS ParentVUE. Please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. 

Use these videos to help!  

• Video Directions (English)
• Video Directions (Spanish)

2024-25 LTES Yearbooks On Sale

📸 London Towne ES 2024-2025 yearbooks are on sale now!

• Use this yearbook order link by April 1st to get your yearbook for only $16.
• You will have the option to have your child’s picture and name on the front cover of the yearbook for an additional $5 (online orders only).
• After April 1st the yearbook will be sold for $20 cash until sold out – a limited number of copies will be available.

Food Assistance and 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 Break Library Book Events

Bundle up with books over break!  Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

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.

Get outdoors for winter fun!  The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Preparing for Winter Weather

❄️ Preparing for 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.

❄️ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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, please 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.

Winter Break Dates

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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Events Around the Towne December 16-20: Winter Cheer Spirit Week 

🕰️ Monday, December 9:  Early Release Monday

• Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
• Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)

🗣️ Tuesday, December 10:  5:30 p.m. PTA Meeting: Power of our Words 

🏫 Tuesday, December 10:  Grade 2 In-House Field Trip

🐼 Thursday, December 12:  PTA Spirit Day at Panda Express

🎄 Friday, December 13:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar

👨🏻‍👩🏾‍👧🏽‍👦🏻  Monday, December 16:  Family Life Education Lessons this week (Grades 4-6)

🎻  Wednesday, December 18:  3:15-5:30 Strings Club Performance

🎶  Friday, December 18:  2:00 Winter Holiday Sing Along 

☃️  Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3:  No School - Winter Break 

🏫 Monday, January 6:  Students Return to School!  Happy 2025!

📚 Friday, January 10:  iReady Reading Screens (Gr 3-6)

Return Federal Impact Aid Form

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. Paper forms were sent home.  Please return them as soon as possible! 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

The form is also available online in SIS ParentVUE. Please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. 

Use these videos to help!  

• Video Directions (English)
• Video Directions (Spanish)

Full-Time Advanced Academics Services

Families with students in grades 2-6, if you are interested in referring your child for full-time services for the upcoming school year, the deadline for referrals is Sunday, December 15th, 2024. For more information, please visit the FCPS county side by clicking HERE.

2024-25 LTES Yearbooks On Sale

A reminder for families in grades 2-6. If you are interested in referring your child for full-time services for the upcoming school year, the deadline for referrals is Sunday, December 15th, 2024. For more information, please visit the FCPS county side by clicking HERE.

📸 London Towne ES 2024-2025 yearbooks are on sale now!

• Use this yearbook order link by April 1st to get your yearbook for only $16.
• You will have the option to have your child’s picture and name on the front cover of the yearbook for an additional $5 (online orders only).
• After April 1st the yearbook will be sold for $20 cash until sold out – a limited number of copies will be available.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Now Available 

🙂😐😕 Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results 

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.

Families can now 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 your child’s school. 

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

Middle School Start Time Study

Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Food Assistance and Resources

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

Winter Break Library Book Events

Bundle up with books over break!  Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

Fairfax County Winter Fun

Get outdoors for winter fun!  The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Preparing for Winter Weather

❄️ Preparing for 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.

❄️ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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, please 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.

Winter Break Dates

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Events Around the Towne

 

🎄 Friday, December 6:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar

🕰️ Monday, December 9:  Early Release Monday

• Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
• Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)

🗣️ Tuesday, December 10:  5:30 p.m. PTA Meeting: Power of our Words 

🐼 Thursday, December 12:  PTA Spirit Day at Panda Express

🕯️ Friday, December 13:  Kindergarten Las Posadas Event

👨🏻‍👩🏾‍👧🏽‍👦🏻  Monday, December 16:  Family Life Education Lessons this week (Grades 4-6)

🎻  Wednesday, December 18:  3:15-5:30 Strings Club Performance

🎶  Friday, December 18:  2:00 Winter Holiday Sing Along 

LTES Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Mrs. Breslin's 4th grade STEAM Classes recently learned about the history of New York City's famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and designed floats from upcycled materials.  Our 6th grade Lion Leaders helped produce our own LTES "Macy's" Thanksgiving Parade for our morning news show!  Click the image below to watch!  

LTES Employee Award Honorees

Last week, we honored several staff members at our Employee Awards breakfast!  These honorees were nominated for colleagues or families and one recipient in each category will move on to the regional level.  

Outstanding Professional

• Stacey LaFountain  (Special Education Department Lead)
• Rachel Lanier  (School-Based Technology Specialist)  ⭐

Outstanding Operational Employee

• Cecilia Benavides  (Building Supervisor)
• Lisa Raisbeck  (Main Office Staff)
• Tracy Fleming  (Main Office Staff)  ⭐

Outstanding Teacher

• Hae Sun Lee  (Kindergarten)
• Kelly Baldino  (2nd Grade) 
• Maddie Sirota  (Advanced Academics)
• Deb Christiano  (Kindergarten)  ⭐

Outstanding New Teacher

• Yvonne Kil  (2nd Grade)  ⭐ 

⭐= Nominee will move on to regional level

2024-25 LTES Yearbooks On Sale

📸 London Towne ES 2024-2025 yearbooks are on sale now!

• Use this yearbook order link by April 1st to get your yearbook for only $16.
• You will have the option to have your child’s picture and name on the front cover of the yearbook for an additional $5 (online orders only).
• After April 1st the yearbook will be sold for $20 cash until sold out – a limited number of copies will be available.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

🙂😐😕 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 your child’s school. 

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

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield 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.

🗓️ We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.

The best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get that education is in school. Every day. On time. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Preparing for Winter Weather

❄️ Preparing for 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.

❄️ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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, please 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.

⭐ National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

⭐ Special Education Resources for Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs. 

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and  students.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear London Towne Family,

As we reflect on the incredible work happening within our school community, we are filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. Our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community truly define who we are. It is the power of "WE" that makes our school a special place.

A Friendly Reminder

As the school year progresses, we want to remind you of the importance of student safety, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Our dedicated crossing guards and staff work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all students. PLEASE help us out.

We have noticed an increase in vehicles stopping on Stone Road and Billingsgate Lane to drop off students. This practice can create safety hazards and makes it more difficult for our crossing guards to do their job effectively. Additionally, residents of London Towne II have expressed concern about vehicles parking in fire lanes and blocking homeowners from exiting their community.

To address these issues, we kindly remind all families to utilize the Kiss n' Ride lane during drop-off and pick-up times. This will help ensure the safety of our students and the community. We will also have increased police presence during arrival and dismissal times over the next few weeks to support our crossing guards and staff and guarantee the safety of all students.

We are deeply thankful for the trust, collaboration, and open communication that we share. Together, we strive to create the best possible learning environment for all our students.  Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate and a peaceful and reflective day to those that may not.

Thank you for being a part of the London Towne Family!

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore, Assistant Principals

Events Around the Towne

• 📣 Tuesday, November 26:  LTES Pep Rallies (during school)
• 🦃 Wednesday, November 27-29:  Thanksgiving Holiday
• 🎄 Thursday, December 5:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar
• 🎄 Friday, December 6:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar
• 🕰️ Monday, December 9:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🗣️ Tuesday, December 10:  5:30 p.m. PTA Meeting: Power of our Words 
• 🐼 Thursday, December 12:  PTA Spirit Day at Panda Express 
• 🕯️ Friday, December 13:  Kindergarten Las Posadas Event

Eventful November Website Feature

November was an eventful month around the Towne!  Check out the Features page on our LTES website for video of our 1st and 2nd graders musical showcase performance and snapshots from our Family Literacy Glow Night and Thanksgiving Luncheon! 

2024-25 LTES Yearbooks On Sale

📸 London Towne ES 2024-2025 yearbooks are on sale now!

• Use this yearbook order link by April 1st to get your yearbook for only $16.
• You will have the option to have your child’s picture and name on the front cover of the yearbook for an additional $5 (online orders only).
• After April 1st the yearbook will be sold for $20 cash until sold out – a limited number of copies will be available.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

🙂😐😕 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 your child’s school. 

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

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield 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.

🗓️ We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.

The best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get that education is in school. Every day. On time. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Preparing for Winter Weather

❄️ Preparing for 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.

❄️ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

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, please 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.

🦃  From our London Towne family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

See the complete school year calendar.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Events Around the Towne

• 🎶 Tuesday, November 19:  6:30 p.m. Gr 1 and 2 Choral Showcase 
• 🍿 Friday, November 22:  PTA Movie Night
• 📣 Tuesday, November 26:  LTES Pep Rallies (during school)
• 🦃 Wednesday, November 27-29:  Thanksgiving Holiday
• 🎄 Thursday, December 5:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar
• 🎄 Friday, December 6:  5:00-8:00 p.m. PTA Holiday Bazaar
• 🕰️ Monday, December 9:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)

2024-25 LTES Yearbooks On Sale!

📸 London Towne ES 2024-2025 yearbooks are on sale now!

• Use this yearbook order link by April 1st to get your yearbook for only $16.
• You will have the option to have your child’s picture and name on the front cover of the yearbook for an additional $5 (online orders only).
• After April 1st the yearbook will be sold for $20 cash until sold out – a limited number of copies will be available.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield 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

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 22. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

You can complete one of these ways:

• Online through ParentVue
  • Video Directions (English)
  • Video Directions (Spanish)
  • Follow steps in image below
• On paper: 
  • Request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. Need to Register for ParentVUE?

⭐ Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

🗓️ We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.

The best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get that education is in school. Every day. On time. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Supporting Children in Politically Charged Times

Fairfax County has shared this guidance published by The National Association of School Psychologists to help teachers and families support students in politically charged times.  As you are aware, educators and families play a crucial role in helping students feel safe and learn how to engage with others with differing perspectives in a peaceful and respectful manner.

 

For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our London Towne community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.

👨🏽‍👩🏻‍👧🏻‍👦🏾 National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Events Around the Towne

• ⭐Monday, November 11:  Veteran's Day Holiday for Students/Staff
  • SACC Closed, Main Office Closed
• 🤝Tuesday, November 12: 6:00 PM PTA Meeting
• 📸 Thursday, November 14: Fall Makeup Pictures
• 📚 Thursday, November 14: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Glow Literacy Family Night
• 🦃 Friday, November 15: LTES Thanksgiving Luncheon
• 🎶 Tuesday, November 19:  6:30 p.m. Gr 1 and 2 Choral Showcase 
• 🍿 Friday, November 22:  PTA Movie Night
• 📣 Tuesday, November 26:  LTES Pep Rallies (during school)
• 🦃 Wednesday, November 27-29:  Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving Lunch Volunteers Needed!

🦃 Our Thanksgiving Luncheon is November 15th, and we need your help to make it a success!  Please sign up here!  

Here's how the SignUp tool works in 3 easy steps: 

1) Go to our SignUp.   

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

 

Note:  SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Lisa Raisbeck in our main office, who can sign you up manually.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

You can complete one of these ways:

• Online through ParentVue
  • Video Directions (English)
  • Video Directions (Spanish)
  • Follow steps in image below
• On paper: 
  • Request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. Need to Register for ParentVUE?

⭐ Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

National School Psychology Week

This week we celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive.  This year, we welcome our new school psychologist, Ms. Neyra at right in the photo above with our school social worker. Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists. 

🗓️ We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.

The best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get that education is in school. Every day. On time. Visit our website for more attendance resources.

⭐London Towne thanks the veterans in our community for their service today and every day. Monday, November 11, is a holiday and schools will be closed for students. See the complete school year calendar.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

👨🏽‍👩🏻‍👧🏻‍👦🏾 National Family Engagement Month

This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success. 

FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.

Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.

If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives. 

Supporting Children in Politically Charged Times

Fairfax County has shared this guidance published by The National Association of School Psychologists to help teachers and families support students in politically charged times.  As you are aware, educators and families play a crucial role in helping students feel safe and learn how to engage with others with differing perspectives in a peaceful and respectful manner.

 

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear London Towne Family,

In an effort to make sure everyone in the London Towne community is aware of our School Improvement and Innovation plan this year, please see below for London Towne’s academic achievement goals in the focus areas of literacy and math for the 2024-2025 school year.

London Towne Elementary Literacy Goal: By June 2025, the percentage of all students in grades 3-6 demonstrating proficiency in Reading as measured by the Reading SOL test will increase by at least 5 percentage points.

London Towne Elementary Mathematics Goal: By June 2025, the percentage of all students in grades 3-6 demonstrating proficiency in Math as measured by the Mathematics SOL test will increase by at least 5 percentage points.

Additionally, London Towne’s Title 1 Family Compact outlines how we plan to partner with our community to achieve the goals above.  It is currently in draft form and we would appreciate the community’s feedback.  

Please take a moment to give us feedback on the School Improvement and Innovation Plan and the Family Compact by using the links below. We look forward to hearing from you!

English - SIIP and Family Engagement Policy

Spanish - SIIP and Family Engagement Policy

At the PTA meeting on November 12th, first quarter progress towards our goals will be shared.  We hope to see you there!

Thank you for being a part of the London Towne Family!

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• 📝 Monday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 5:  Staff Development -  No School for Students
  • November 4: SACC Open
  • November 5: SACC Closed; PTA/Grade 6 Bake Sale in tent
• 🧠 Wednesday, November 6:  5:30 p.m. AAP Full Time Information Meeting 
• 🎶 Thursday, November 7:  4th Grade Kennedy Center Field Trip 
• ⭐ Monday, November 11:  Veteran's Day Holiday-No School for Students/Staff
  • SACC Closed
• 🤝Tuesday, November 12: 6:00 PM PTA Meeting
• 📸 Thursday, November 14: Fall Makeup Pictures
• 📚 Thursday, November 14: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Glow Literacy Family Night
• 🦃 Friday, November 15: LTES Thanksgiving Luncheon
• 🎶 Tuesday, November 19:  6:30 p.m. Gr 1 and 2 Choral Showcase 
• 🍿 Friday, November 22:  PTA Movie Night

Thanksgiving Lunch Volunteers Needed!

🦃 Our Thanksgiving Luncheon is November 15th, and we need your help to make it a success!  Please sign up here!  

Here's how the SignUp tool works in 3 easy steps: 

1) Go to our SignUp.   

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

 

Note:  SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Lisa Raisbeck in our main office, who can sign you up manually.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

You can complete one of these ways:

• Online through ParentVue
  • Video Directions (English)
  • Video Directions (Spanish)
  • Follow steps in image below
• On paper: 
  • Request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. Need to Register for ParentVUE?

⭐ Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When?  November 5th:  9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who?  The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Participants will:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
• Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
• Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
• Play games and have fun!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where?  Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Register Online!

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

THURSDAY Folders

To ensure that office staff and teachers have time to organize documents for the weekly Family Communication folder, starting in Quarter 2:   

• Family Communication folders will now come home on THURSDAYS. 

• The first THURSDAY folder will come home on Thursday, November 7.

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

⌚ This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

🗓️ Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. 

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS..  

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear London Towne Family,

Last week was truly a magical time filled with joy, community, and school spirit! We're still buzzing with excitement from all the wonderful events that took place.

Storybook Character Parade

Our youngest lions: preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, brought smiles to everyone's faces with the adorable Storybook Character Parade. It was a delightful sight to see our little lions dressed as their favorite characters, marching with pride and enthusiasm and our older students cheering them on.

Westfield High School Homecoming Parade

We were thrilled to join forces with the Westfield high school pyramid and celebrate Westfield High School’s homecoming in the parade. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our school spirit and community pride. 

LTES Community Day

Saturday's Community Day was a resounding success! We were honored to partner with many of our amazing community partners to provide essential winter gear, fun activity bags, information about local activities, healthcare resources, delicious snacks, exciting fire engine tours, and even balloon animals. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and togetherness.

Please note calendar changes for the next 2 weeks as we wrap up the end of the quarter.  Beginning in quarter 2, weekly information will be sent home in “Thursday Folders” rather than on Tuesdays.  

It is hard to believe that quarter 1 is quickly coming to an end.  We are incredibly grateful for the support and participation of our entire community. Your involvement makes a significant difference in the lives of our students. Let's continue to build upon this momentum and create even more unforgettable moments together.  Please reach out as questions and/or concerns arise.  

Thank you for being a part of the London Towne Family!

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• 🕰️ Monday, October 28:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Thursday, October 31:  Field Day!
• 🕰️ Thursday, October 31:  Quarter 1 Ends
  • Students released 2 hours early (1:05)
• 🕯️ Friday, November 1:  Diwali Holiday-No School for Students/Staff
  • SACC Open
• 📝 Monday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 5:  Staff Development -  No School for Students
  • November 4: SACC Open
  • November 5: SACC Closed; PTA/Grade 6 Bake Sale in tent
• 🧠 Wednesday, November 6:  5:30 p.m. AAP Full Time Information Meeting 
• 🎶 Thursday, November 7:  4th Grade Kennedy Center Field Trip 
• ⭐ Monday, November 11:  Veteran's Day Holiday-No School for Students/Staff
  • SACC Closed
• 📸 Thursday, November 14: Fall Makeup Pictures
• 📚 Thursday, November 14: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Glow Literacy Family Night
• 🦃 Friday, November 15: LTES Thanksgiving Luncheon

Field Day Spectators Welcome!

Field day will be on October 31st!  Please come and enjoy some fun outdoor games with your students!  Field day times are:

• Grades K-2: 8:50-10:00
• Grades 3-4: 10:15-11:25
• Grades 5-6: 11:40-12:50

Federal Impact Aid Survey

⭐ Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

You can complete one of these ways:

• Online through ParentVue
  • Video Directions (English)
  • Video Directions (Spanish)
  • Follow steps in image below
• On paper: 
  • Request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information. Need to Register for ParentVUE?

⭐ Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When?  November 5th:  9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who?  The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Participants will:

• Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
• Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
• Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
• Play games and have fun!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where?  Pulley Center 6500 Quander Rd, Alexandria, VA 22307

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Register Online!

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

THURSDAY Folders

To ensure that office staff and teachers have time to organize documents for the weekly Family Communication folder, starting in Quarter 2:   

• Family Communication folders will now come home on THURSDAYS. 

• The first THURSDAY folder will come home on Thursday, November 7.

LTES Employee Awards Nominations

🏆 Nominations will be/are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a London Towne Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

🏆 Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

🏆 Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)              

🏆 Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

🏆 Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Special Education Department Chairs, Reading Specialists 

🏆 Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Family Liaisons

 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, October 31.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Zamora at [email protected]. 

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

🗓️ Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

🕯️Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

🗓️ Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Events Around the Towne

• 🏈 Friday, October 25:  Westfield HS Homecoming Parade
• 💟 Saturday, October 26: 1:00-3:00 p.m. LTES Community Day 
• 🕰️ Monday, October 28:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Thursday, October 31:  Field Day!
• 🕰️ Thursday, October 31:  Quarter 1 Ends
  • Students released 2 hours early (1:05)
• 🕯️ Friday, November 1:  Diwali Holiday-No School for Students/Staff
  • SACC Open
• 📝 Monday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 5:  Staff Development -  No School for Students
  • November 4: SACC Open
  • November 5: SACC Closed
• 🧠 Wednesday, November 6:  5:30 p.m. AAP Full Time Information Meeting 
• 🎶 Thursday, November 7:  4th Grade Kennedy Center Field Trip 
• ⭐ Monday, November 11:  Veteran's Day Holiday-No School for Students/Staff
  • SACC Closed
• 📚 Thursday, November 14: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Glow Literacy Family Night

Field Day Spectators Welcome!

Field day will be on October 31st!  Please come and enjoy some fun outdoor games with your students!  Field day times are:

• Grades K-2: 8:50-10:00
• Grades 3-4: 10:15-11:25
• Grades 5-6: 11:40-12:50

LTES Employee Awards Nominations

🏆 Nominations will be/are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a London Towne Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

🏆 Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

🏆 Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)              

🏆 Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

🏆 Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Special Education Department Chairs, Reading Specialists 

🏆 Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Family Liaisons

 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, October 31.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Zamora at [email protected]. 

Digital Citizenship Spirit Week Photos!

💻 This past week, we celebrated Digital Citizenship Spirit Week! While London Towne students and staff work to create a positive culture around how they use media and technology and make responsible choices every day, we had fun dressing up to remind ourselves and reflect on specific skills during the special week!  Check out our website feature to view all the fun photos from the week! 

🗓️ Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

🕯️Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed.

🗓️ Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Disability History and Awareness Month

In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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Dear LTES Community,

We hope this message finds you well. So many wonderful things happened around the Towne this week, here are some highlights:

• Playdough Night! Kindergartners and their families had a blast learning about the benefits of “playing” with playdoh.  They even had the opportunity to make their very own batch!  HUGE thank you to the Kindergarten team for organizing such a wonderful and engaging event.  Kindergarten wrapped up the week by going on a “Number Hunt” around the Towne.
• The first PTA meeting for the 2024-2025 school year:  PTA has some wonderful events and fundraisers planned for the year, including the upcoming “Trunk or Treat.”  Be on the lookout for more information in next week’s Tuesday folder.  Our technology specialist, Mrs. Lanier also shared tips for families on how they can support their children in making safe and responsible digital decisions and in forming healthy digital habits.
• Hispanic Heritage Month:  Celebrations continued with community lunches to learn more about Hispanic culture and food.  
• 3rd graders wowed us with their science presentations. They shared their knowledge on ecosystems, and we were so impressed with their hard work and enthusiasm.
• 6th graders celebrated their own Spirit Week!  
• We launched Digital Citizenship Week on Friday with a “Digital Rest”  and will continue into next week. Tuesday is about “Finding Balance.”  Encourage your child to wear something that shows off a hobby or something they enjoy doing that doesn’t involve a screen.

It was great connecting with new and returning families at the PTA meeting.  Please join our next meeting on November 12th at 6PM in the LTES Library as we will be sharing London Towne’s school improvement plan and Title I Family Compact and seeking feedback on both.  If you are unable to join in-person, please consider joining virtually via Zoom.  Your input is invaluable to us as we work to create a strong partnership between our school and families.

Thank you for your continued support of our school. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• 📝 Monday, October 14:  Staff Development Day -  No School for Students
  • SACC Open
• 📸 Thursday, October 17:  Fall Picture Day
• 🎃 Thursday, October 17:  Kindergarten Field Trip to Cox Farms
• 🎃 Friday, October 18: 6:00 PM PTA Trunk or Treat, LTES Parking Lot
• 🏈 Friday, October 25:  Westfield HS Homecoming Parade
• 💟 Saturday, October 26: 1:00-3:00 p.m. LTES Community Day 
• 🕰️ Monday, October 28:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Thursday, October 31:  Field Day!
• 🕰️ Thursday, October 31:  Quarter 1 Ends
  • Students released 2 hours early (1:05)
• 📝 Monday, November 4 - Tuesday, November 5:  Staff Development -  No School for Students
  • November 5: SACC Open
• 🧠 Wednesday, November 6:  5:30 p.m. AAP Full Time Information Meeting 

LTES Employee Awards Nominations

🏆 Nominations will be/are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a London Towne Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

🏆 Outstanding Teacher  

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

🏆 Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

🏆 Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)              

🏆 Outstanding Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

🏆 Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Special Education Department Chairs, Reading Specialists 

🏆 Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Family Liaisons

 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, October 31.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Zamora at [email protected]. 

Support Your Digital Learner

💻 Technology is a huge part of our everyday lives.  Our students use devices daily in school as a communication and creation tool and outside of school for fun, connection, and relaxation.  As a school-family partnership, this week we are celebrating our shared responsibility to support our young Lions as they grow as ethical digital citizens in our increasingly digital world. 

This past week at our first PTA meeting of the year, Mrs. Lanier, our School-Based Technology Specialist, shared resources for families to use as we support our kids growing up in the technology-infused world we live in.  She focused on three main tips:

• CHOOSE quality, age-appropriate games and apps with your child.
• Easy-to-read reviews from Common Sense Media for movies, TV, books, games, podcasts, apps, and YouTube grouped by age
• Parents’ Ultimate Guides from Common Sense Media for the most popular social media sites
• CHECK privacy controls.
• iPhone parental controls from Apple are free, built in and include: content restrictions, ask to buy for App Store, downtime, and communication controls
• Android parental controls from Google allow you restrict choices in Google Play for apps, games, movies, and TV
• CHAT with your child.
• Common Sense Media Family Tech Planners for different ages provide conversation starters that facilitate creating family technology expectations and parameters
• FCPS Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit has activities and discussion topics for families

Oct 14-18: Digital Citizenship Spirit Week

💻 October 14-18 is Digital Citizenship Week nationwide and at LTES!  While Digital Citizenship skills are embedded in our daily practices and routines year-round, it’s always important to shine an extra spotlight on these essential skills for a special week…especially one that includes fun outfits!  

Our daily spirit week themes and fun outfits will encourage students and staff to reflect on questions such as:

• 🌙 🛏️ Last Friday: Pajama Day -- How can I be kind online so others feel safe and comfortable?   
• 🏈🎨Tuesday: Hobby Day -- How do we balance our time with technology? 
•  🟡 Wednesday: Yellow Day -- How can we use caution to stay safe online? 
• 👟 Thursday: "Leg" Sneakers and Sweats Day -- How can we stand up for others online? 
• 🧦 Friday: Awesome Sock Day -- How does our online activity affect the digital footprint of ourselves and others?  

These reflection questions will be discussed in classrooms and on our daily student-run news show next week.  We invite you to check out the series of short videos we will use to reinforce these tenets of quality digital citizenship:  Meet the Digital Citizens, produced by Common Sense Media, a comprehensive resource for parents and educators who teach safe media and technology choices. 

Our Own Restorative Practices Celebrity

We so appreciate how our Restorative Practices Resource Teacher, Chris Kawchak, has facilitated such huge reflective and collaborative growth in our Lions over the past two years with Pride Lab and other Restorative Practices.  

FCPS produced a video celebrating how RJ work around the county is fostering a positive and welcoming learning environment and she and our students are prominently featured!  Check it out! 

Oct 14-18 is National School Lunch Week

🥪 Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

🍪On Wednesday, October 16, to show our appreciation to students, Food and Nutrition Services staff will be hiding "X Marks the Tray" stickers under random entree containers. Students who find one will receive a free sweet treat!

☀️ Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

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Events Around the Towne

• 🗣️ Tuesday, October 8: 6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
  • Library
• ♟️ Tuesday, October 8: After School Clubs Begin 
  • Every Tues/Wed/Thurs until Dec 12
• 🧸 Wednesday, October 9: 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Playdoh Night
• 💻 Wednesday, October 9 - Friday, October 11:  CogAT Testing
  • All Grade 2 students
  • Select Grades 3-6 students
• 📝 Monday, October 14:  Staff Development Day -  No School for Students
  • SACC Open
• 📸 Thursday, October 17:  Fall Picture Day
• 🎃 Thursday, October 17:  Kindergarten Field Trip to Cox Farms
• 🏈 Friday, October 25:  Westfield HS Homecoming Parade
• 💟 Saturday, October 26: 1:00-3:00 p.m. LTES Community Day 
• 🕰️ Monday, October 28:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Thursday, October 31:  Field Day!
• 🕰️ Thursday, October 31:  Quarter 1 Ends
  • Students released 2 hours early (1:05)

Picture Day Volunteers Needed!

We need volunteers to assist us with Picture Day on October 17. 

All volunteers will assist the teacher and photographer with matching the class lists with the correct student and picture envelope.  They will also assist the teacher with lining students up and making sure hair, shirts, and smiles are camera ready!  

All volunteers will receive a $15.00 voucher to use toward a picture packet. 

Please click here to sign up!

Support Your Young Digital Learner

💻 Technology is a huge part of our everyday lives.  Our students use devices daily in school as a communication and creation tool and outside of school for fun, connection, and relaxation.  As a school-family partnership, it’s our shared responsibility to support our young Lions as they grow up in an increasingly digital world.  Teaching technology habits now will help our students make smart and safe decisions as they grow.

Curious to find out…

• How we support digital citizens in school?
• How to set limits for a healthy media balance at home?
• How to set parental controls on your children’s devices?
• How to check out and chat with your child about the games and apps they are using?

Come to the first PTA meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the London Towne library to learn about these digital citizenship topics from our Technology Specialist, Rachel Lanier.  Bring your questions and leave with ready-to-use resources!

Oct 7-13 is Digital Inclusion Week

💻 FCPS has partnered up with Fairfax County Government to help our FCPS families discover valuable resources and learning events!  Check out the Fairfax County Government Digital Equity websites for how you can:    

• Find Free WiFi

• Borrow a Computer

• Visit Fairfax Access Locations

• Take Free Tech Classes

• Sign up for an ACP Internet Discount or possibly qualify for free internet!  

Additional Resources:

• Check out the Computer Core Website for more learning opportunities! 

🕎 Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

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Dear LTES Community,

Happy Fall!!  We hope this email finds you well. Some of the highlights from the past week:

• Monday's Pep Rally: Our students were thrilled to have the George Mason University Men's Basketball team join us for a fun and energetic pep rally!
• Assessment Completion: Huge congrats to our students and teachers as they are  successfully wrapping up the beginning-of-year assessments, providing valuable insights into our students' progress so we can ensure their continued growth.
• Paw Prints in the Cafeteria: Our students have been earning paw prints in the cafeteria for their positive behavior.  Ask your child to share how they help their class earn a pawprint and what they are working towards?
• Kindness in Action: We're so proud of the way our students are demonstrating kindness and compassion towards one another with their words and actions.  
• Choosing to be an upstander: We have been stressing to students the importance of being an upstander, a lion who is brave, speaks up, and takes action when they notice something is not fair or right.  

Please note that we have a short week ahead. School will be closed on Thursday to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. We wish all those who celebrate a Happy New Year! Friday there will be NO SCHOOL as it is a student holiday and teacher workday.

We invite you to join us for our PTA meeting on Tuesday, October 8th. I'll be sharing information about the FCPS Strategic Plan and some ways you can see this in action at London Towne. Our technology specialist will also be providing valuable insights on how families can support their children in navigating the digital world safely and appropriately.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and please reach out with any questions or concerns!

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• 🧠 Wednesday, October 2:  5:30 p.m. Advanced Academics Information Meeting
  • Library
• 🍎 Thursday, October 3:  Rosh Hashanah -  Holiday for Staff and Students
  • SACC Open
• 📝 Friday, October 4:  Teacher Workday -  No School for Students
  • SACC Open
• 🗣️ Tuesday, October 8: 6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
  • Library
• ♟️ Tuesday, October 8: After School Clubs Begin 
  • Every Tues/Wed/Thurs until Dec 12
• 🧸 Wednesday, October 9: 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Playdoh Night
• 📝 Monday, October 14:  Staff Development Day -  No School for Students
  • SACC Open
• 📸 Thursday, October 17:  Fall Picture Day
• 🏈 Friday, October 25:  Westfield HS Homecoming Parade
• 💟 Saturday, October 26: 1:00-3:00 p.m. LTES Community Day 
• 🕰️ Monday, October 28:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)

Meet MORE New LTES Staff!

Our 6th grade Lion Leaders have been busy interviewing our new staff members to welcome them to the Towne.  Check out these slides of 6 more new staff members they created to help us get to know them better!  You can view all of the new staff slides on our London Towne website!

Support Your Young Digital Learner

💻 Technology is a huge part of our everyday lives.  Our students use devices daily in school as a communication and creation tool and outside of school for fun, connection, and relaxation.  As a school-family partnership, it’s our shared responsibility to support our young Lions as they grow up in an increasingly digital world.  Teaching technology habits now will help our students make smart and safe decisions as they grow.

Curious to find out…

• How we support digital citizens in school?
• How to set limits for a healthy media balance at home?
• How to set parental controls on your children’s devices?
• How to check out and chat with your child about the games and apps they are using?

Come to the first PTA meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the London Towne library to learn about these digital citizenship topics from our Technology Specialist, Rachel Lanier.  Bring your questions and leave with ready-to-use resources!

3 SEL Tips to Start the Year

Times of transition can be both exciting and challenging for kids, and going back to school is a big one. Social and emotional learning (SEL) can help parents and caregivers set the tone for a strong school year. Here are 3 ways to start.

🍎 Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

2024-25 Early Release Mondays Survey

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 23
• October 28
• December 9  ***Corrected Date!***
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form for each of your children who are enrolled at London Towne Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Events Around the Towne

• 🕰️ Mon, September 23:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early (12:05)
  • Limited supervised child care for families who requested (ends at 3:05)
• 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️ Wed, September 25:  Girls on the Run Club Begins!
  • Every Mon/Wed after school until Nov 25
• 🧠 Wed, Oct 2:  5:30 p.m. Advanced Academics Information Meeting
  • Library
• 🍎 Thurs, Oct 3:  Rosh Hashanah -  Holiday for Staff and Students
  • SACC Open
• 📝 Fri, Oct 4:  Teacher Workday -  No School for Students
  • SACC Open
• 🗣️ Tues, Oct 8: 6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
• ♟️ Tues, Oct 8: After School Clubs Begin 
  • Every Tues/Wed/Thurs until Dec 12
• 🧸 Wed, Oct 9: 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Playdoh Night

Meet Our New Staff!

Our 6th grade Lion Leaders have been busy interviewing our new staff members to welcome them to theTowne.  Check out these slides they created to help us get to know them better and stay tuned for 6 more next week! 

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 [name], our [school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker] at [phone/email], to discuss your concerns and identify resources. 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.

Grades 3-6 Social Emotional Screener 

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

2024-25 Early Release Mondays Survey

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 23
• October 28
• December 8  ***Updated Date!***
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form for each of your children who are enrolled at London Towne Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear LTES Community,

First and foremost, I want to reiterate that at London Towne Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We take this responsibility very seriously and have implemented rigorous processes and protocols in accordance with county guidelines to ensure that our school remains a safe place for all. For information, please visit this FCPS site which shares more about the steps the division has taken to partner with schools in this responsibility.  

In addition to physical safety, we must also be diligent in our efforts to help our Lions understand the importance of and impact of digital citizenship. As our children increasingly rely on technology, it is crucial that they understand the responsibilities that come with being an ethical and global citizen online. Please monitor your child's internet usage, especially social media usage, and remind them that they have a responsibility to use technology safely and responsibly.  This link provides resources curated by the FCPS Family Resource Center to support you as you navigate this digital world with your child.

I am continually amazed by our Lions everyday.  Their sense of curiosity, the empathy and kindness they demonstrate towards one another, and their ability to enjoy each and every moment inspire me to be the best leader I can be.  Our Lions are our future and because of them, I can honestly say, our future is BRIGHT.  Thank you for sending us your best everyday!

As always, we appreciate your continued support in helping us create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all.  Please reach out as questions or concerns arise.

Warmest regards,

🦁 Shele Banford, Principal

🦁🦁 Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• 🧮 Wed, September 18:  iReady Math Screener (Gr 3-6)
• 🧮 Thurs, September 19:  iReady Math Screener (Gr 1)
• 🌮 Thurs, September 19:  PTA Spirit Day @ El Fresco
  • 15% goes to LTES
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thurs, September 19:  6:15 p.m. Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Review Night
• 🧮 Fri, September 20:  iReady Math Screener (Gr 2)
• 🕰️ Mon, September 23:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early
  • Please fill out this survey to share if you need child care on these days or if your child will leave at early dismissal time.
• 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️ Wed, September 25:  Girls on the Run Club Begins!
  • Every Mon/Wed after school until Nov 25

Caregiver Checklist

✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations. 

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.

Family Life Education

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) provides a comprehensive, sequential Family Life Education (FLE) program for students in grades kindergarten through grade twelve.  Instruction is seen as a partnership among parents and guardians, the school, and the community in supporting the learning essential to the development of strong families, positive relationships, and a healthy community.

Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or part of the Family Life Education program.  Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, nonpunitive alternative health instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choices.  If you wish to opt your child out of all or part of FLE for this school year, opt out forms are available in Parent Digital Consent.  Paper opt-out forms have been sent home in Tuesday folders recently and are available from your child’s school.  Students receiving special education services and accessing modified curriculum will receive a printed opt-out form for modified FLE lessons. 

Detailed grade-level program descriptions are available online at Elementary (K-6) , Middle School (7-8) , and High School (9-12). FLE grade level-specific lessons and media that FCPS has streaming rights for are available for parents online in Schoology.  Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account.  Grade level-specific lessons are also available at the City of Fairfax Regional Library (this location does not have media).  Grade level-specific lessons and media that is not streamed online are available for review at your child’s school library.  Due to copyright permissions, we are unable to stream all media online.

Program questions may be addressed at your child’s school or by contacting Instructional Services at 571-423-4550 or by email to [email protected].

 

  Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Elementary Continuum of Services  

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development efforts and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of advanced learners.  

FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in Grades K-12. The continuum of services approach recognizes unique student needs and focuses on matching services, not labeling students. Through the continuum, students have: 

• Multiple entry points for deeper learning opportunities in specific areas of need as they develop.  
• A cluster group of students with similar academic needs to continue growing in their learning.  

Teachers, Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AARTs), and school administrators work together to provide the following levels of service at the elementary level:  

⭐ Access to Rigor, Grades K-6

All students have opportunities to think critically, reason, and problem-solve.  

• All teachers use critical and creative thinking strategies in their lessons. 
• Classroom teachers provide opportunities using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework a minimum of once per quarter. 

Because Access to Rigor is for all FCPS students, there is not a screening process. 

⭐ Subject-Specific Services, Grades K-6

Some students are strong in a specific subject area. Classroom teachers may adjust instruction for students in these area(s) by: 

• Providing different assignments and resources in those subjects,
• Grouping students by their strengths, interests, and readiness, and
• Providing additional challenges using materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework.

Student needs for Subject-Specific differentiation are re-evaluated each year at the local school.  

⭐ Part-Time Services, Grades 3-6  

Some students have advanced academic needs in multiple subject areas in addition to specific subject differentiation. They need Part-Time AAP services.  

• Students work with other students that have similar academic needs through weekly pull-out classes or weekly co-taught lessons with the AART and classroom teacher. 
• Teachers provide frequent opportunities to use materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, science, social studies, and/or mathematics. 

Part-Time services continue through Grade 6. Students do not need to be evaluated each year.  

⭐ Full-Time Services, Grades 3-8

Some advanced learners need a Full-Time advanced academic program with differentiated instruction in all four core content areas (Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science).  

Students eligible for Full-Time AAP services are cluster grouped on a Full-Time basis and receive: 

• Full-Time use of materials from the AAP Curriculum Framework in Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and 
• Curriculum that is differentiated through acceleration, depth, and complexity of content.  

Full-Time services continue through Grade 8. Students do not need to be evaluated each year. 

⭐ Screening for Advanced Academic Program Services 

Multiple data points are reviewed holistically to determine eligibility for all FCPS advanced academic services. Committees consider student work from opportunities with AAP lessons, examples of student reasoning or gifted behaviors from class discussions and activities, progress reports, achievement and ability scores, and parent input. Committees consider whether students have access to a group of students with similar academic needs to support academic conversations and growth in the classroom. No pieces of the data are weighted in the holistic screening process.   

Eligibility decisions for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services are made by a committee at the local school, and screening is ongoing throughout the school year. To refer for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services, submit the AAP School-Based Referral Form to the AART at the local school. 

Eligibility decisions for Full-Time services are made by the countywide central selection committee. 

Screening for Full-Time services occurs during specific screening cycles:   

• Fall screening is available for students who are new to FCPS since January. 
• The fall screening referral window is from the first day of school - October 15. 
• Spring screening is available for any Grade 2-7 FCPS-enrolled student.  
• The spring screening referral window is from the first day of school - December 15. 

Please do not wait for test scores before submitting a referral for your student in Grades 2-7. Referrals submitted after the Full-Time services referral windows noted above will not be accepted.   

Referral forms for all advanced academic program services can be found here. For more information, please visit the AAP website.   

⭐ Ability Testing 

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration of the holistic screening process for advanced academic services. Test scores are not weighted or prioritized in the holistic screening process.   

• All students in Grade 1 take the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). 
• All students in Grade 2 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).  
• NNAT and/or CogAT may be administered to students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an ability test score during the regularly scheduled testing windows.   

Parents or guardians may request a one-time retest of either the CogAT or the NNAT in grades 3-6. Requests must be made during the fall testing windows. Please contact the school testing coordinator Lucy Zamora at [email protected], no later than September 15 to request the CogAT or October 15 for the NNAT. 

⭐ Elementary Parent Information Meeting 

A parent information meeting will be held at London Towne Elementary School on October 2nd at 5:30 PM in the library. The AART will provide information about the continuum of AAP services, explain the screening processes, and answer questions about advanced academic services. 

⭐ Young Scholars 

The FCPS Young Scholars model seeks to identify and affirm, from an early age, students with high academic potential from groups historically underrepresented in advanced academic programming. The goal of the model is to eliminate barriers for Young Scholars’ access to and success in advanced academic opportunities in elementary, middle, and high school. 

⭐ Twice-Exceptional (2e) 

Some gifted students with advanced learning needs may also have a learning disability. Twice-exceptional (or “2e”) students need strengths-based instruction while receiving advanced programming. The FCPS continuum of AAP services provides multiple entry points to meet student needs while also supporting their learning challenges. FCPS has created a 2e handbook to help schools and families understand how to identify and serve 2e students. You can find these resources by going to www.fcps.edu and searching “2e.” 

⭐ Advanced Academic Programs in Middle and High School 

Advanced coursework at the middle school level is open enrollment. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one Honors course each school year in an area of strength and/or interest.  

Students eligible for the Full-Time services have the option to attend the middle school center assigned to their address or enroll in Honors courses in the four core content areas at their base school. 

Advanced coursework at the high school level is open enrollment. All students are encouraged to enroll in at least one Honors course beginning in Grade 9. Each high school in FCPS offers AP, IB or Dual Enrollment courses which begin in Grade 10 or 11, depending on the program and the school. 

Additional information about middle and high school services may be found on the Advanced Academic Programs web page. 

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

2024-25 Early Release Mondays Survey

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 23
• October 28
• December 8  ***Updated Date!***
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form for each of your children who are enrolled at London Towne Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

September is Attendance Month! 

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

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Dear LTES Community,

When I heard about the tragedies in Georgia and Maryland, having 2 children myself, I would be remiss if I didn't admit that it is scary, heart-breaking, and a reminder that life is precious.  I wanted to personally take the opportunity to reassure you that our number one priority at London Towne is the safety of our students, staff, and community. 

Please also know that FCPS has a committed team that focuses on school safety every day. They constantly access our security protocols in partnership with local and national experts to ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep our staff and students safe in our buildings. 

The following two resources may be helpful if your child has questions about what happened and/or is expressing concern:

Helping Children Cope with Tragedy

Talking to Children About Violence

Our guidance counselors are available to support and provide additional resources; please reach out as needed.

We will continue to be diligent in our safety protocols and processes, continue to foster a community built on a foundation of respect and kindness, and continue to take care of one another.  

I look forward to seeing our Lions on Monday morning!

Warmest regards,

Shele Banford, Principal

Lucy Zamora and Jordan Moore (Assistant Principals)

 

Events Around the Towne

• 🦺 Mon, September 9:  Lockdown Drill
• 📚 Fri, September 13:  iReady Reading Screener (Gr 3-6)
• 🧮 Wed, September 18:  iReady Math Screener (Gr 3-6)
• 🌮 Thurs, September 19:  PTA Spirit Day @ El Fresco
  • 15% goes to LTES
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thurs, September 19:  6:15 p.m. Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Review Night
• 🧮 Fri, September 20:  iReady Math Screener (Gr 1-2)
• 🕰️ Mon, September 23:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early
  • Please fill out this survey to share if you need child care on these days or if your child will leave at early dismissal time.

September 11:  National Day of Service

⭐  With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. 

2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.

The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they're joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success. 

See how Goal 1 is being put into practice.

  Immunization Requirements 

🩹   Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

Gr 3-6 SEL Screener Opt Outs 

If you have a child in grades 3-6 please keep an eye out for the Fall Social Emotional Screener opt out letter. This letter was sent home in Tuesday folders on Sept 3. 

You should return this letter only if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the screener.

More information on the screener as well as screener questions can be viewed by visiting the FCPS SEL Screener website.  Thank you for your support!

2024-25 Early Release Mondays Survey

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 23
• October 28
• November 25
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form for each of your children who are enrolled at London Towne Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

Safety Drills 

⚠️ Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Check out more photos from the Pep Rally: https://londontownees.fcps.edu/features/first-pep-rally

🦁Happy Long Weekend LTES!

As we wrap up another week of learning and growth, I wanted to take a moment to recap some of the highlights. Our administrative team had the pleasure of visiting each grade level to review Student Rights and Responsibilities.

We emphasized the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our London Towne Pride. We reminded students that EVERYONE has the right to feel safe and welcome  while at the Towne and to ensure that this happens, WE must all take responsibility for our actions and choices.

As London Towne Lions, we are committed to:

• Safety: We prioritize safety in all aspects of our school community.
• Caring: We take care of each other and support one another.
• Community: We contribute to the well-being of our school and community.

We encourage you to talk with your child(ren) about how they can demonstrate these responsibilities while at London Towne. How can they make safe choices, take care of their classmates and teachers, and contribute positively to our school community?

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.  One way we are seeking to strengthen the family-school partnership is through more frequent and consistent communication through Talking Points.  This is one way that staff will communicate regarding your child’s school experience, including academic successes, challenges, and progress. As such traditional interim progress reports will NOT be sent home this quarter.  All families will have the opportunity to engage in first quarter conferences to discuss their child’s progress more in-depth.  

Please reach out as questions and concerns arise.  Take care and we look forward to week #3!

Warmest regards,

Shele Banford (Principal)

Jordan Moore and Lucy Zamora (Assistant Principals)

Events Around the Towne

• Fri, August 30:  Labor Day Holiday
  • No School for Staff/Students
• Mon, September 2:  Labor Day Holiday
  • No School for Staff/Students
• Fri, September 6:  Lockdown Drill
• Mon, September 23:  Early Release Monday
  • Students released 3 hours early
  • Please fill out this survey to share if you need child care on these days or if your child will leave at early dismissal time.

Schools Closed on Friday, Aug 30 and Monday, Sept 2 for Labor Day Holidays Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time.

Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies. 

Digital Tools Permission Form

At London Towne, we will use a variety of FCPS-approved digital tools to support in-person learning this year!  We need you to give consent for your child to use them as soon as possible so we can start using them for learning right away!  Please fill out this online permission form, using your SIS ParentVUE username (your email) and password to log in.  One form allows you to complete for all your children in FCPS!  This form also includes opportunities to opt-out of certain services.  Thanks for helping so we can use digital tools to communicate and collaborate right from the first day of school!

2024-25 Early Release Mondays Survey

The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development.  Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route.  However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families.  To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:

• September 23
• October 28
• November 25
• February 24
• March 17
• April 28
• May 19

To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form for each of your children who are enrolled at London Towne Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.

Safety Drills 

⚠️ Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

What You Can Do with SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon. 

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Complete Permission Forms

Families can now easily give permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool. 

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office. 

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

6100 Stone Road, Centreville, Virginia 20120  |  Office: 703-227-5400

Attendance: (703)-227-5454 |  Web | Instagram