FCPS

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Thanks You from the LTES Staff...

Dear London Towne Families,

Our school community is very fortunate to have so many dedicated and caring students and families who support our staff each and every day. During Staff Appreciation Week, our LTES community showed us how important and appreciated we are.

Special thanks to:

• All of you for the notes, cards, flowers, and treats 
• Our PTA for the fabulous lunch from El Paso, the scrumptious desserts, and the gift cards
• Grace Covenant Church for their care and the delicious Crumbl Cookies

It was a great week around the Towne! We so appreciate all of you and thank you for making the 2024 Teacher/Staff Appreciation week such a great week around the Towne. It is a pleasure to work with our Lions daily and to partner with families and our LTES community. 

Many thanks to the PTA and all the families who support the efforts of the LTES staff and students each day.  You are much appreciated by us!

💙 LTES Staff 

Final Family Coffee of the Year, Join Us!

All are welcome to attend our Final Family Coffee of the 23-24 school year.  Come to the SACC room on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast treats and resources!  Our May topic is Strategies for a Successful Summer Break! Come learn about free summer activities in the area, tips for maintaining family schedules and reducing stress, and more!

We can't wait to see you! 

LTES Yearbooks for Sale | Order by May 17 for Reduced Rate

FINAL CALL for $16 yearbooks!  May 17th will be the last date to pre-order a yearbook for $16. Yearbooks will be delivered the week of June 3.  A limited number of yearbooks will be available to sell at $20 each, first come, first served.

Do not wait – order now! Send cash or a check for $16 payable to London Towne PTA to the main office. Not sure if you ordered one already? Email Mrs. Kawchak at [email protected] with questions. 

Summer Opportunities | Registration Open

Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 7. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Bus transportation is available from select FCPS high schools and middle schools.

Learn more about Summer Learning and Fun for Students.

FCPS 2025 Budget | What's Happening Next?

The next steps in FCPS’ budget process are:

• Tuesday, May 14: School Board holds a public hearing on the budget. Register to speak by 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 13.
• Wednesday, May 15: Second day of School Board public hearings, if needed.
• Tuesday, May 21: School Board budget work session.
• Thursday, May 23: School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

For more details on our budget, view FCPS budget documents.

For Rising 7th Graders Only Required Immunizations Prior to 24-25 School Year

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

 

Middle School Start Times | Opportunity to Share Your Thoughts 

Attend a forum to hear about adolescent sleep research from an expert, learn about FCPS’ ongoing middle school start times study, and participate in small group discussions. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Breakout sessions will be held for middle school students to share their voices. Students are encouraged to attend! 

Register by clicking on one of the following dates: 

• Monday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., virtual forum. 
• Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
• Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School. 

While registration is not required, it does help with planning. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.

Important Dates May 14

Gr 5 Science SOL 

PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library  or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:

1. lms.fcps.edu
2. Parent/Guardian Login
3. Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
4. If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
5. Zoom > Join

May 15

LTES Family Coffee | 8:30 | Back SACC Room

May 17

Last day to order the 23-24 LTES Yearbook 

May 18

LTES Community Day | 1:00-3:00 p.m.

May 20

PTA Fundraiser Boosterthon Begins

May 23

Band and Choral Showcase

May 27

Memorial Day | School Closed 

May 29

Boosterthon Fun Run

June 1

PTA Family Fun Fair 

June 4

Westfield High School Graduation 

June 5 | New PTA Meeting Date

PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library  or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:

1. lms.fcps.edu
2. Parent/Guardian Login
3. Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
4. If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
5. Zoom > Join

June 6 

Strings Concert

June 11

Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony

June 12

Last Day of School | 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:05 p.m.

 See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

 

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

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

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LTES Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

Each year, the first full week of May is set aside to recognize and celebrate our educators at LTES and across the United States. Families are encouraged to celebrate the educators that work with and support their child during the week of May 6. Please join us in celebrating the absolutely amazing, creative, and caring educators (teachers, specialists, instructional assistants, etc.) who inspire our students each day. Staff appreciate emails or notes with favorite memories from the year, encouraging words, cards, or pictures created by our Lions. 

We are so thankful for the outrageous love, curiosity and skill the LTES teachers and staff bring to our Lions every day. Their efforts make London Towne a great place to learn and work! 🦁💪🏽

This year, the London Towne PTA will honor our staff with an appreciation lunch on Friday, May 10th and have provided snacks for the Staff Lounge. Many thanks from the LTES staff, your generosity is much appreciated❣️

Standard of Learning (SOL) Information

Our Lions have worked hard this year and are looking forward to sharing all they know on the SOL Assessment. The SOL assessments started last week.  The Reading SOL Assessment was given on Thursday, May 2. All students in Grades 3-6 will test on the following dates:

• Thursday, May 9 | Math
• Tuesday, May 14 | Grade 5 Science 

For more information on the Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized test in reading, mathematics, and science, please visit the SOL assessments webpage.

If you have questions, please speak with your classroom teacher or contact Ms. Moore, our School Test Coordinator, at 703-227-5400 or via email at [email protected]. 

Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

• Check your child’s attendance record.
• Help your student stay engaged at school.
• Report future absences.
• Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources. Click here elementary resources. 

If your child doesn't want to attend school, please contact a member of our mental health team or an administrator for additional support. Our mental health team:

• Emily Habermeyer, counselor | [email protected]
• Alex Hunter, counselor | [email protected]
• Alyssa Teitsma, counselor | [email protected]
• Mercedes Tikoyan, school social worker | [email protected]
• Muna Yusuf, school psychologist | [email protected]

Join Us for our Final Family Coffee | May 15 @ 8:30 a.m.

Please plan to join us for our last Family Coffee of the school year!  Come to the SACC room on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast treats and resources!  Our May topic is Strategies for a Successful Summer Break! Come learn about free summer activities in the area, tips for maintaining family schedules and reducing stress, and more!

We can't wait to see you! 

Introducing Lion Leaders for the 24-25 School Year | Current Fifth Graders May Apply 

We are excited to announce that our current student leadership groups will be shifting away from our current model. Traditionally, our oldest Lions had the choice of campaigning in a school-wide election to be part of the Student Council Association (SCA) or applying to be a member of our daily WLTS News Show Crew. 

Next school year, we will shift to one unified leadership group: Lion Leaders. Interested current fifth graders may apply to be a part of this team of student leaders for their sixth grade year. This team of students will meet daily at the beginning of the school day and may participate in a variety of leadership roles throughout the year such as:

• Representing London Towne at community events
• Planning fundraisers and school spirit weeks
• Writing content for and producing our daily news show
• Planning and implementing ways to improve our LTES learning environment and community

Interested current fifth grade students must apply by 3:05 p.m. on Friday, May 17th by completing a paper permission form (available at school) and this 2024-25 Lion Leaders Interest Form (students must be signed into their FCPS Google account). The Google form can also be accessed in the All Students Course in Schoology.  Selections will be made based on student qualifications, family and teacher recommendations, and an in-person interview during the school day. Depending on the number of interested applicants, students may be selected to participate for the entire year or a portion of the year. 

We expect our Lion Leaders to lead by example, promote school-wide initiatives that help create a welcoming environment for all Lions, and model the Portrait of a Graduate attributes of Communicator, Collaborator, and Ethical and Global Citizen! We are so excited about this new structure and anticipate our Lion Leaders will have a wonderful year and a large impact on the Towne! 

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines. Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.

Important Dates May 6 - 10

LTES Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 

May 9 

Gr 3-6 Math SOL

May 14

Gr 5 Science SOL 

PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library  or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:

1. lms.fcps.edu
2. Parent/Guardian Login
3. Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
4. If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
5. Zoom > Join

May 15

LTES Family Coffee | 8:30 | Back SACC Room

May 18

LTES Community Day | 1:00-3:00 p.m.

May 20

PTA Fundraiser Boosterthon Begins

May 23

Band and Choral Showcase

May 27

Memorial Day | School Closed 

May 29

Boosterthon Fun Run

June 1

PTA Family Fun Fair 

June 4

Westfield High School Graduation 

June 6 

Strings Concert

June 11

Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony

June 12

Last Day of School | 2 Hour Early Release @ 1:05 p.m.

See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

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

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

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

Around the Towne

It was a great week of learning around the Towne:

• Some sixth graders attended a field trip to George Mason University and learned all about the college application process, the courses available and had a grand tour of the campus. Best of all was eating in the cafeteria.😂It was so fun! 
• High School Musicians visited the Towne and are providing additional lessons and practice to our aspiring musicians through the Itz Art 4 You Program. 

• Our Music Teachers, Ms. Perez and Ms. Vazquez, led our 3rd and 4th grade Lions in a musical showcase last week. Check out their cheerful singing voices in our newest website feature!

• Eight students represented London Towne at the Sixth Grade All County Choral Festival on Saturday, April 27, 2024. 650 students from across FCPS under the direction of Anna Lenti sang for joy and performed beautifully. Keep an eye out on Channel 21 to view this beautiful concert. Special thanks to our music teachers, Ms. Perez, and Ms. Vazquez for their work with our Lions.  

 

Right Place, Right Time: Springing into Action with Respectful Energy!

Spring has sprung! As the sunshine warms our classrooms and playgrounds, we've noticed a surge of happy, energetic students. This vibrant energy is wonderful, but it's important to channel it in the right way, in the right place.

This month, we're focusing on the concept of "right place, right time" with our students. We'll be reminding them that some activities are better suited for certain spaces:

• High-Energy Fun: The playground is a fantastic place to run, jump, and release some pent-up energy! We encourage games like tag, jumping rope, or basketball in this designated zone.
• Calmer Activities: Classrooms are for focused learning. Here, activities like quiet games, drawing, or reading help keep everyone concentrated.
• Respectful Meals: The cafeteria is for enjoying delicious food and socializing politely. We'll be working on keeping voices at a reasonable level and using good table manners.

Helping at Home:

Here are some ways you can reinforce this concept at home:

• Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different activities. Maybe the living room is for calmer play, while the backyard is for active games.
• Set Expectations: Talk to your child about what kind of behavior is appropriate in different settings, like the park versus the library.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Role-play different scenarios – how would we act at a friend's house versus the grocery store?

Fueling Focus: Brain Breaks and Movement Breaks

Our teachers understand that even the most enthusiastic learners need a break sometimes. To keep students engaged and focused throughout the day, we incorporate brain breaks and movement breaks into our classroom routines. These short bursts of activity help students refocus their energy and improve their ability to learn. Brain breaks might involve quick riddles, jokes, or even short stretches. Movement breaks can get students up and moving with simple exercises or fun classroom games.

By working together, we can help our children learn to express their energy appropriately and navigate the world with respect for themselves and others. Let's make this a spring full of happy, respectful activity!

LTES Yearbooks for Sale | Order by May 17 for Reduced Rate

FINAL CALL for $16 yearbooks!  May 17th will be the last date to pre-order a yearbook for $16. Yearbooks will be delivered the week of June 3.  A limited number of yearbooks will be available to sell at $20 each, first come, first served.

Do not wait – order now! Send cash or a check for $16 payable to London Towne PTA. Not sure if you ordered one already? Email Mrs. Kawchak at [email protected] with questions.

Westfield High School Theatre Presents Freaky Friday, A New Musical | May 2 & 3 @ 7 p.m. and May 4 @ 2 (Mother/Daughter Matinee) & 7 p.m.

All are welcome to Freaky Friday, A New Musical at Westfield High School. The music is appropriate for all ages.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

Our matinee performance will feature various mother-daughter themed events including a dress like your mother, dress like your daughter fashion show, pre-show & intermission shout-outs to your mom or daughter, and a photo booth!

We are also hosting a FREE theatre workshop for 4th-8th graders on the next teacher workday, May 3 from 2-4 p.m. at Westfield.

All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com

May Family Coffee | Strategies for a Successful Summer 😁

Please plan to join us for our last Family Coffee of the school year!  

Come to the SACC room on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast treats and resources!  Our May topic is Strategies for a Successful Summer Break! Come learn about free summer activities in the area, tips for maintaining family schedules and reducing stress, and more!  The May Family Coffee will be the final Family Coffee with Ms. Padmore.  She would love to see you.

Information will be translated into Spanish.    

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.

London Towne will host a Kindergarten Orientation on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Come hear from the Kindergarten team and tour the building! Click here to view our information page. 

Important Dates May 2 

Gr 3-6 Reading SOL

May 3 

Teacher Workday | No School for Students | Kindergarten Orientation | 9:00 a.m.

May 6 - 10

LTES Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 

May 9 

Gr 3-6 Math SOL

May 14

Gr 5 Science SOL

May 15

LTES Family Coffee | 8:30 | Back SACC Room

May 18

LTES Community Day | 1:00-3:00 p.m.

See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

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

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

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

Our Lions participated in two water-related field trips this week!  6th graders visited Walney Pond to observe and interact with our local watershed. Our 4th graders visited with Get2Green representatives and presented about our Trout in the Classroom initiative at the SEAS Conference at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus.  We are so proud of our Ethical and Global Citizens learning and sharing about their community around them! 

Check out our new website feature to see more photos! 

Your Feedback is Needed  and Appreciated

Your voice is important. See below for a survey on School Health Services and on the FCPS Budget.

Upcoming School Health Services Satisfaction Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Health Services invites parents/guardians of FCPS students to participate in a survey requesting feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community.

FCHD employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in FCPS. To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians who interact with the school health rooms. The survey will open on April 15, 2024 and will remain open until April 26, 2024. The survey should take approximately five minutes to complete.

Submit your survey.

FCPS Budget Process

We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:

• Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS. 
• Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
• Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.

Principal Selection Information Session | Wednesday, 4/24 @ 5:30

The search for London Towne's next principal will begin in the coming weeks. Join us for the virtual Principal Selection Information Session on Wednesday, April 24th at 5:30 p.m. This session will provide you with information about the principal selection process. Click here to access the session. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available. View this video developed by our Department of Human Resources providing an overview of the principal selection process.

Additionally, your individual, written input regarding the skills, experience, and leadership characteristics needed for London Towne Elementary School is needed.  Please include any challenges or issues that a new principal will need to address.  Input is confidential and will not be discussed at the meeting. Your input can be provided on this form by April 29th. This form also offers the opportunity to express whether you might be interested in serving as a member of the advisory panel. The London Towne Principal Advisory panel will be held on Thursday, May 9th. Staff and community members selected to be panelists or alternates for this panel will be contacted by the Human Resources department overseeing this process.

Thank you for your input on this important endeavor for London Towne. 

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

FCPS students in grades 3-12 took the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener during March, providing updated information on skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. 

In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available for families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail. 

Get more information about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s counselor.

Spring SOL Schedule

The Virginia Standard of Learning (SOL) Assessments will begin in May and we ask that students in Grades 3-6 make every effort to be in school on the day of a scheduled SOL assessment. So our Lions are ready for their assessment, please ensure that your student gets a good night's sleep and gets to school by 8:20 a.m. so they are not rushed. As always, breakfast will be provided at school if your little one so desires.

Our SOL Schedule:

• Gr 3-6 Reading | Thursday, May 2
• Gr 3-6 Math | Thursday, May 9
• Gr 5 Science | Tuesday, May 14

If you have any questions about the schedule, please contact your child's teacher or the school office at 703-227-5400.

Summer Arts Camp

Don’t miss out on this summer’s most exciting arts enrichment program! At Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA), students take art, music, theater, and dance classes daily. E-IFTA is for current second through fifth grade students. Learn more on the E-IFTA webpage. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Nominate Someone Today for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award

Do you know of an outstanding person or group that has worked for equity in an FCPS school? There’s still time to nominate a candidate for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award.

This award recognizes staff, students, or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any FCPS employee, student, or community member may nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1. Full details are available on the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

Important Dates April 27

All County Chorus | Select 6th Graders | Hayfield Secondary | 3:00 p.m.

May 2 

Gr 3-6 Reading SOL

May 3 

Teacher Workday | No School for Students | Kindergarten Orientation | 9:00 a.m.

May 6 - 10

LTES Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 

May 9 

Gr 3-6 Math SOL

May 14

Gr 5 Science SOL

May 18

LTES Community Day | 1:00-3:00 p.m.

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

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

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Total Solar Eclipse on April 8

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. This is a rare and exciting astronomical phenomenon, and one that requires important safety reminders. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyes. 

Here's what you need to know:

• Don't look at the sun without approved eyewear. This applies to students and staff, and we encourage you to reinforce this at home.
• Regular sunglasses are not good enough. The NASA website has more information about eye safety.  
• Eclipse timing: The eclipse starts around 2:04 p.m., peaks at 3:20 p.m. (which coincides with dismissal LTES), and ends around 4:32 p.m. Please remind your child to be especially vigilant about eye safety during dismissal. If you have concerns about your child walking or riding the bus home, please arrange for alternative transportation. Please contact the school office if you would like to pick your child up before 2:15 p.m.
• There will be no outside activities for LTES students after 2:00 p.m. Students and staff will be provided with the NASA livestream link as an option to safely observe the eclipse.
• Dismissal will occur like normal. Because there will be some overlap of the expected eclipse window and dismissal, students will be reminded to not stare at the sun, and to go directly home. Families are encouraged to remind their children that it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. 

For more details, visit the FCPS Solar Eclipse webpage.

  April Family Coffee Supporting our Learners with Test Taking 

• April 17
• 8:30 am | SACC Room

Spring can be a stressful time of year for students, as they take many end-of-year assessments before wrapping up a year of learning and growing before beginning a relaxing summer. 

While these assessments, such as statewide Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, iReady screener, and benchmark assessments, are opportunities for our learners to show their growth from the school year coming to an end, they can also cause anxious feelings in our students.  Students may feel performance anxiety, pressure to do their best, or fear of failing.  Come to our next family coffee on Wednesday, April 17, at 8:30 a.m. in the SACC room with our Coaching and Counseling Teams to learn more details about our end-of-year testing, strategies for reducing anxious feelings, and resources to help your child feel confident!

Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship School Recognition 

Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, has recognized London Towne as a Common Sense School.

London Towne has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. With the right support, kids can take ownership of their digital lives, engage with real issues, and change their communities for the better. The recognition acknowledges our school's commitment to creating a culture of digital citizenship.  Check out our website announcement for more details!

No School on Wednesay, April 10th

In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.

Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar. 

Important Dates

April 8th | Solar Eclipse

April 9th | PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m. in the Library 

April 10th | Student Holiday - Eid al Fitr

April 17th | Supporting Students with Test Taking (Parent Coffee) - 8:30 a.m.

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

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

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

We’ve been busy around the Towne!  Recently, our youngest Lions provided a musical evening of singing and families gathered to share about their own cultural traditions and learn about each other's for our annual Culture Heritage Night.  Food, games, crafts, and activities from around the world were enjoyed by all. Check out our latest blog posts on the LTES website of recent fun events:  Kindergarten Musical Showcase and Cultural Heritage Night! 

Happy Spring Break!

We wish you and your family a wonderful Spring Break! As a reminder, there will be no school March 25- April 2. We hope that you enjoy this time and have time to relax and recharge!

We will see you on Wednesday, April 3!

Love,

The London Towne Admin Team

Seeking Your Feedback- Reminder | Principal Padmore Feedback

On Monday, March 18, London Towne  parents/guardians were sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. If you have not already, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!

With much appreciation, 

Wiatta Padmore

Principal 

Digital Citizenship

Connecting with friends is a priority of our teens and preteens and many do this using social media.  Common Sense Media reports that, as of 2021, 38% of tweens (8-12 year olds) use social media, a statistic that is rising every year.  Teens and tweens report that the most popular social media platforms are YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.  While these platforms can provide opportunities for young people to connect with peers with common interests, social media usage can also result in feelings of isolation, FOMO (fear of missing out), and anxiety, as well as being exposed to inappropriate content. 

The best thing caregivers can do to help our children navigate the digital content and connections they are interacting with is to value the power of our words.  Informing yourself and chatting with your tween or teen about what platforms they are using and what content they are viewing online is an essential part of helping our kids make safe decisions about their online communication. 

Listen to what they are interested in and ask open-ended questions, such as:

• What would happen if you turned off your phone? For an hour? A day?
• What are the pros and cons of using Instagram and other social-networking apps?
• What would happen if you unfollowed or unfriended someone who was making you feel bad on social media?
• Do you notice that you have better or worse reactions to posts or messages depending on how you feel that day?

 

Check out these resources from Common Sense Media to help you feel informed and start conversations with your tween or teen:

• Common Sense Media’s Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Social Media
• Safer Social Media and Messaging Apps for Kids
• 11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About (article in English)
• Practical Tips for Easing Kids’ Social Media Anxiety (article in English)
• Consejos Prácticos para Reducir la Ansiedad en los Jóvenes por las Redes Sociales (artículo en español)

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

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

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Seeking Your Feedback | Principal Padmore Feedback

On Monday, March 18, London Towne  parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!

With much appreciation, 

Wiatta Padmore

Principal 

Equipping : The Art of Fidgets as Focus Tools

As staff and parents, we want our children to thrive in the classroom, and sometimes, that means equipping them with the right tools. In our children's learning journey, we're exploring the potential of fidgets – objects that can help some students channel their energy and enhance focus.

However, it's crucial to remember that fidgets are tools, not toys. Just like any tool (a paintbrush can make a masterpiece or a mess!), misuse can occur. Here's where your understanding and collaboration are key:

Guiding Responsible Fidget Use:

• Focus on Function: Fidgets should aid concentration, not become distractions. Encourage your child to choose and use their fidget in a way that supports their learning, not replaces their engagement with the lesson.
• Tool Time vs. Playtime: Help your child distinguish between fidget time and playtime. Explain that using fidgets during appropriate moments, like listening to the teacher or completing tasks, makes them effective tools.
• Respectful Learning: Fidgets shouldn't disrupt the learning environment for others. Discuss with your child how their fidget use might impact classmates and emphasize the importance of respectful learning.

Temporary Pauses, Not Punishments:

Remember, learning is a journey, and sometimes tools need adjustments. If a fidget becomes more of a distraction than an aid, it might require a temporary break. This isn't a punishment, but rather an opportunity to reassess and find a better approach together with your child and their teacher.

Open Communication & Teamwork:

• Talk to your child's teacher about their fidget use and any concerns.
• Collaborate to find solutions that work for both your child and the classroom environment.
• Encourage your child to communicate their needs and work with their teacher to find the most effective fidget strategy.

By working together, we can create a supportive learning environment where every child feels empowered to focus, learn, and grow with the right tools in hand. Remember, responsible fidget use is a skill, and with your guidance and the teacher's support, your child can master it

Lexia Learning is at your fingertips

Did you know your child has access to a powerful reading tool called Lexia Core5/Power Up Lexia Learning?

This fun and engaging online program helps students build strong reading skills through personalized activities and games. It's a great way to keep them sharp outside of the classroom and offers a ton of benefits, like:

• Building foundational skills: Lexia focuses on critical areas like phonics, vocabulary, and fluency, giving your child a solid foundation for reading success.
• Personalized learning: The program adapts to your child's progress, ensuring they're challenged but not frustrated.
• Boosted confidence: As your child masters new skills, they'll gain confidence and become a more enthusiastic reader.

Here's a quick reminder:

• Students can access Lexia from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Aim for 3-5 Lexia units completed each week to maximize progress and reap all the benefits!
• Encourage your child to explore the program – they'll learn while having fun!

Need to check progress?

Students can easily track their learning on their Lexia dashboard. The dashboard shows how many units they've completed, their current Lexia level, and more!

Important Dates March 19

PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library  or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:

1. lms.fcps.edu
2. Parent/Guardian Login
3. Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
4. If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
5. Zoom > Join

March 22

End of 3rd Quarter 

March 25-29

Spring Break, Schools and LTES Office Closed

April 1-2

Teacher Workdays, No School for Students 

See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

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

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

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Thank You...the PTA Sweetheart Dance was Amazing!

Many thanks to our PTA for the amazing Sweetheart Dance. Our Lions had the opportunity to dance the night away, take fun photos in the photo booth, eat yummy snacks, and hang out with friends. It was a great night...we are already looking forward to the next Sweetheart Dance. 

Cultural Heritage Night @ LTES

Join us to celebrate the many cultures from around the world that make London Towne unique on Friday, March 8th!

Families are encouraged to share about their cultural heritage through displays, recipes, food, songs, games etc. Click here or the form below to sign up to share all that makes you and your family unique. 

Join us and experience Cultural Heritage Night

All LTES families are welcome to be a part of the festivities by coming to school at 6:00 p.m. to taste treats, create art, and participate in games and activities from various countries! 

To ensure this evening is enjoyable for all, adults must stay with their Little Lions for this event.

Lunchtime Visits with Your Child!

We're excited to welcome parents back to the cafeteria for lunchtime visits! Spending time with your child during lunch can be a wonderful way to connect and see them thrive in the school environment.

To ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone, please review these guidelines:

During your visit:

• Sign in at the office: This is crucial for security and student accountability
• Respect assigned seating: We encourage you to sit with your child at their designated table.
• Observe lunch bunch size: If eating at a table in the lobby or cafeteria that is not your child's designated table, please only invite one other students to sit with you and your Lion.
• Follow cafeteria expectations: Remember that school rules apply during lunchtime. Encourage your child to:
• Stay in their seat: This ensures safety and reduces disruptions.
• Eat their food: Avoid sharing food with other students.
• Clean their eating area: Students are responsible for wiping down their tables and disposing of trash properly.

Additional considerations:

• Minimize disruptions: Remember, some students may prefer quiet time during lunch. Keep conversations at a reasonable volume and avoid extended visits.
• Respect other students and families: Be mindful of limited space and avoid blocking walkways or monopolizing tables.
• Photos: Please refrain from taking photos of other students while on school grounds.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a positive experience for everyone while fostering a healthy and enjoyable lunchtime environment for all our students.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 703-227-5400.

FCPS Family Engagement Survey Available

Families received the FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey on Sunday, March 3, from independent research firm K12 Insight. Please participate — your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve practices to best support our students.

Taking this survey will also help strengthen the partnership between your family and our school. When that partnership is strong, students can experience a range of benefits including improved school readiness, higher student achievement, better social skills and behavior, and an increased likelihood of graduating high school.

Survey topics include:

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

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

The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will be available in 10 languages. Please visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information. Your voice matters!

If you need a paper survey, paper surveys are available in the main office.

Important Dates March 6 

Spring and Class Pictures 

March 7

Kindergarten Showcase | 6:30 p.m. 

March 8

LTES Cultural Heritage Night 6:00 p.m.

March 19

PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Library  or Virtual | To access our virtual session, here are the steps:

1. lms.fcps.edu
2. Parent/Guardian Login
3. Groups > 245-London Towne PTA
4. If New, Join Group > Code: TGZJ-VJT4-KM57N
5. Zoom > Join

March 22

End of 3rd Quarter 

March 25-29

Spring Break, Schools and LTES Office Closed

April 1-2

Teacher Workdays, No School for Students 

See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

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

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

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Last week was a wonderful week around the Towne...each day was filled with much joy as we celebrated Kindness Week. From tie-dye swirls to pajama coziness, and a vibrant explosion of rainbow colors, we witnessed the spirit of kindness blossom through our dress-up days. We know that Kindness Week isn't just about a one-time burst. It's about igniting a spark that carries on long after the confetti settles. So, we are thinking about and encouraging our Lions to keep that spark alive by continuing to spread kindness all around the Towne and beyond. 

Join us on the journey of kindness by:

• Reflecting on acts of kindness you witnessed or performed
• Leaving positive notes and words of encouragement to those you encounter
• Checking in with your Lion about random acts of kindness they have received or provided

Many thanks for joining us and for making kindness the confetti that sprinkles joy throughout our community all year round! 🥳😃

Grades 3-6 Social and Emotional Learning Screener Information 

The FCPS Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6 during the weeks of February 26th- March 15th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: 

https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Emily Habermeyer, at 703-227-5400.

More information can be found on the SEL Screener Internal Site

LTES Celebrates 100 Days of Learning & Our Favorite School Counselors

Our Lions are 100 days smarter...we love learning together!

Celebrating our School Counselors!

The first week of February was National School Counseling Week. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, and/or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Our amazing school counselors are Alyssa Teitsma, Emily Habermeyer, and Alex Hunter. Their incredible care and impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for their dedication to the continued well-being and success of our Lions.

Please join us in celebrating our LTES counselors by sending them notes and/or drawings that demonstrate our appreciation of them. 

FCPS and LTES Honor Mrs. Miller & Mrs. Habermeyer

Each year FCPS celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of exceptional school-based and non school-based employees from throughout the district. Nominations are accepted from colleagues, supervisors, students, and parents and are part of a selection process.

The following LTES staff were nominated this year:

• Aleah Costello | Grade 4 Teacher 
• Emily Habermeyer** | School Counselor
• Michelle Miller*| Grade 2 Teacher 

* selected to represent LTES in the Westfield Pyramid

** selected as the Region 5 finalist for the Outstanding Professional Employee Award

Please join us in congratulating our nominees! We are honored to work and learn alongside them and appreciate their exceptional care of our Lions.

Parenting in a Digital Age

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.

Last month at our January Family Coffee, our Instructional Technology Coach, Rachel Lanier, shared resources for families to use at home to facilitate conversations about using devices safely and responsibly.  If you missed the event, check out:

• Parenting in a Digital Age Video (Common Sense Media)
• Common Sense Media Family Tech Planners for setting limits for a healthy media balance at home
• Common Sense Media’s Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Social Media
• How to set up free, already installed Parental Controls on your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
• FCPS Media Balance Toolkit

Come to our next Family Coffee on Wednesday, March 20, at 8:30 a.m. in the London Towne SACC Room to learn about how to support our mathematicians with our Math Resource Team, Darby Brasseur and Marinn Conklin!   

Eating Disorder Parent Information for Grade 5 & 6 Families 

In 2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system to provide information to parents annually about eating disorders with parents/guardians of students in the fifth through twelfth grades. 

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023),

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources about eating disorders.  To find out more, please visit the FCPS Eating Disorders website.

In addition to the information on the FCPS website, the National Eating Disorders Association has a toll free, confidential Helpline, 1-800-931-2237.

Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focused on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation 

At the last School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all. 

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce. 

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

• Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students. 
• Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
• Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
• Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024. 

The School Board is scheduled to adopt the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process. 

Sully District Budget Town Hall Meeting | Feb. 29 @ 7:00 p.m.

Please join Sully District School Board member Seema Dixit and Supervisor Kathy Smith for a joint town hall as they present the proposed FY 2025 Budgets and take your comments. Details of the Fairfax County budget can be found here. If you would like to ask a question regarding the FY25 Budget, please send an email to [email protected] with "Budget Town Hall" in the subject. Detailed information about the FCPS FY25 Budget can be found on our website and also detailed below.

When: Thursday, February 29, 2024 

Time: 7 - 9 pm EST

Where: Rocky Run Middle School Lecture Hall

Address: 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151 

*If American Sign Language or language interpretation is needed, please submit your request by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Important Dates February 23

PTA Sweetheart Dance | 6:00 p.m.

February 26

SEL Screener begins for students in Grades 3-6

March 5

Presidential Primary Day | No school for Students 

March 6 

Spring and Class Pictures 

March 8

LTES Cultural Heritage Night 6:00 p.m.

 

See the complete FCPS 2023-2024 school year calendar.

Save the Date | Cultural Heritage Night | 3/8/24

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

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