FCPS

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

Panther Press for March 23, 2025

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

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Scope

During the March 13, 2025 School Board Meeting, The School Board voted to approve the scope for the boundary study to include the following schools: Parklawn ES, Annandale Terrace ES, Bailey’s ES, Bailey’s Upper ES, Beech Tree ES, Belvedere ES, Braddock ES, Bren Mar Park ES, Columbia ES, Glen Forest ES, Mason Crest ES, Sleepy Hollow ES, North Springfield ES, Weyanoke ES, and the AAP boundaries for Canterbury Woods ES and Belvedere ES.

FCPS will develop potential boundary and program change scenarios for public input.

Community meetings to review these scenarios will be held: 📅 Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Virtual via Zoom) – Registration required 📅 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (In-person at Parklawn ES Cafeteria)

Language interpretation will be available. Stay informed and sign up for updates by visiting the Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study webpage. Additional updates will be shared by the school and School Board Representative Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• communication
• fine and/or gross motor skills
• self-help skills
• problem solving 
• attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.

Upcoming Dates

March 28: End of Third Quarter

March 31: HOLIDAY: Eid al-Fitr

April 1: Student Holiday (teacher work day)

April 1: Kindergarten Orientation, 1 pm

April 1:  Parklawn Boundary Review Virtual Community Meeting, 6:30 pm

April 9: Parklawn Boundary Review Community Meeting at Parklawn, 6:30 pm

April 14-18: Spring Break

April 21: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for March 16, 2025

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

Celebrating the Arts in March!

 

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Observation
• Communication

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12. Our Justice Pyramid Art Show is Thursday, March 27 at 6 pm!

March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study Scope

During the March 13, 2025 School Board Meeting, The School Board voted to approve the scope for the boundary study to include the following schools: Parklawn ES, Annandale Terrace ES, Bailey’s ES, Bailey’s Upper ES, Beech Tree ES, Belvedere ES, Braddock ES, Bren Mar Park ES, Columbia ES, Glen Forest ES, Mason Crest ES, Sleepy Hollow ES, North Springfield ES, Weyanoke ES, and the AAP boundaries for Canterbury Woods ES and Belvedere ES.

FCPS will develop potential boundary and program change scenarios for public input.

Community meetings to review these scenarios will be held: 📅 Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Virtual via Zoom) – Registration required 📅 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (In-person at Parklawn ES Cafeteria)

Language interpretation will be available. Stay informed and sign up for updates by visiting the Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study webpage. Additional updates will be shared by the school and School Board Representative Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process. 

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Upcoming Dates

March 20: PTA Meeting, 5-6 pm in the library

March 20: Nowruz

March 28: End of Third Quarter

March 31: HOLIDAY: Eid al-Fitr

April 1: Student Holiday (teacher work day)

April 1: Kindergarten Orientation, 1 pm

April 1:  Parklawn Boundary Review Virtual Community Meeting, 6:30 pm

April 9: Parklawn Boundary Review Community Meeting at Parklawn, 6:30 pm

April 14-18: Spring Break

April 21: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for March 9, 2025

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

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Did you remember to spring your clock forward one hour? Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. ! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

Early Release Monday is March 10!

Monday, March 10 is Parklawn's Early Release Monday with a 12:30 dismissal. Mrs. Forgy sent out eNotify reminders of confirmed dismissal plans. If you have any questions, please call the main office at (703) 914-6900.

Perfect 10 Panthers!

At Parklawn, we’re dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a culture of consistent attendance. This means encouraging every student to be here, every day. Through our "Perfect 10" program, we look forward to recognizing students who achieve ten consecutive days of perfect attendance without tardies. 

Our February Perfect 10 winners will be surprised with their awards on Monday! Our March competition will run March 10-March 21st. We are excited to see all of our Panthers each and every day!

Monthly Market is March 13!

Come visit Parklawn’s Monthly Family Market , March 13 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

Reminder: Attendance and Tardies

Our doors open at 8:25am for student arrival. At that time, students can go directly to the classroom. The morning bell rings at 8:45am. Students who arrive at school after 8:45am are considered tardy and must be accompanied into the building by a parent or guardian to ensure safety and to discuss the nature of the tardy arrival.

Tardies will be marked as excused when the parent provides a valid reason for being late, such as a medical appointment. All other tardies will be unexcused. Oversleeping or missing the bus are not considered excused tardies. Children arriving on delayed FCPS school buses are not considered tardy.

Participation in morning routines is essential for a student’s academic success.  Teachers use the first few minutes to review the day’s schedule, collect assignments, and begin instruction. Thank you for your support in making sure that your child arrives at school on time.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. 

Upcoming Dates

 

March 10: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

March 13: Monthly Family Market; 5-7 pm

March 20: PTA Meeting, 5-6 pm

March 20: Nowruz

March 28: End of Third Quarter

March 31: HOLIDAY: Eid al-Fitr

April 1: Student Holiday (teacher work day)

April 1: Kindergarten Orientation, 1 pm

April 1:  Parklawn Boundary Review Virtual Community Meeting, 6:30 pm

April 9: Parklawn Boundary Review Community Meeting at Parklawn, 6:30 pm

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for March 2, 2025

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

Parklawn Boundary Review Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide boundary review, with ongoing community engagement. Separately, the Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study aims to address capacity challenges.

On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope, with a final decision expected on March 13, 2025. Once approved, FCPS will develop potential boundary and program change scenarios for public input.

Community meetings to review these scenarios will be held:

📅 Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Virtual via Zoom) – Registration required

📅 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (In-person at Parklawn ES Cafeteria)

Language interpretation will be available. Stay informed and sign up for updates by visiting the Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study webpage. Additional updates will be shared by the school and School Board Representative Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Celebrating Read Across America!

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Parklawn will be celebrating Read Across America all week: March 3-7!  Students will have the opportunity to read a book at school that goes along with a daily theme.  Feel free to participate with your child at home. On Friday, March 7th students will come home with a book to keep and receive a bookmark. 

National School Social Work Week!

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week! Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. We are so fortunate to have our wonderful social worker, Catherine Lartey, at Parklawn each and every day! She does so much to support our school community!. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Daylight Saving Begins March 9!

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

Early Release Monday is March 10!

Monday, March 10 is Parklawn's Early Release Monday with a 12:30 dismissal. Last week, Mrs. Forgy sent out eNotify reminders of confirmed dismissal plans. If you have any questions, please call the main office at (703) 914-6900.

Monthly Market is March 13!

Come visit Parklawn’s Monthly Family Market , March 13 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Upcoming Dates

March 5: Ash Wednesday

March 9: Daylight Savings Time

March 10: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

March 13: Monthly Family Market; 5-7 pm

March 20: PTA Meeting, 5-6 pm

March 20: Nowruz

March 28: End of Third Quarter

March 31: HOLIDAY: Eid al-Fitr

April 1: Student Holiday (teacher work day)

April 1: Kindergarten Orientation, 1 pm

April 1:  Parklawn Boundary Review Virtual Community Meeting, 6:30 pm

April 9: Parklawn Boundary Review Community Meeting at Parklawn, 6:30 pm

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for February 23, 2025

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

Math Night is February 27!

Parklawn's Math Night is Thursday, February 27 from 6-7:30 pm. Come as a family and enjoy math games and learning fun! The book fair will also be open during this time. We hope to see you there!

Book Fair is Here!

The book fair is being held from Thursday, February 20 - Friday, February 28. Each class will visit the book fair twice, once to preview items and the second time to purchase. 

Families are welcome to shop at the book fair Tuesday, February 25 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm or Thursday, February 27 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Join us from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm  on February 27 for math night as well! 

The book fair will accept cash, check (payable to the school), credit cards and eWallet. eWallet is a cashless payment option where money can be added to a virtual account for students to use. Please note that tax WILL NOT be charged on items this year. More information about setting up an eWallet account and our fair is available at the book fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/parklawnes This link can also be used to shop the fair online until 3/5.

The book is always in need of volunteers. Sign up for a slot at https://bit.ly/parklawnbf25, and information about the positions are available at that link as well. Again this year: ALL adult volunteers will get a free item of choice for their volunteering. Remember all proceeds from the book fair support our school! Any questions about the book can be directed to Rachel Zamudio at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of our book fair!

Ramadan

Ramadan Mubarak to those in our community who observe! In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity, and good deeds. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up cannot take place after school. See the complete school year calendar. Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact Mrs. Forgy regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

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

Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.

To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

You may also contact our family liaisons, Khalida Jawaid and Afifa Bolte, for support.

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

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Parklawn's Kindergarten Orientation, being held April 1st at 1 pm!  Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Lanh Nguyen, our school registrar.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Upcoming Dates

February 20-28: Bookfair

February 21: PTA Bingo Night!

February 27: Math Night and Evening Book Fair

March 10: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

March 13: Family Market, 5-7 pm

 

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for February 16, 2025

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

Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Presidents Day, officially recognized in the United States, is celebrated on the third Monday in February each year. It is a time to honor and remember the birthdays and achievements of the country's most distinguished leaders, and to reflect on the president's role in shaping the nation's history and development. Students should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and enduring learning experiences that explore the remarkable history and impactful contributions of American presidents.

Book Fair is Almost Here!

The book fair is starting this week at Parklawn! The book fair will be held from Thursday, February 20 - Friday, February 28. Each class will visit the book fair twice, once to preview items and the second time to purchase. 

Families are welcome to shop at the book fair Tuesday, February 25 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm or Thursday, February 27 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Join us from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm  on February 27 for math night as well! 

The book fair will accept cash, check (payable to the school), credit cards and eWallet. eWallet is a cashless payment option where money can be added to a virtual account for students to use. Please note that tax WILL NOT be charged on items this year. More information about setting up an eWallet account and our fair is available at the book fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/parklawnes This link can also be used to shop the fair online until 3/5.

The book is always in need of volunteers. Sign up for a slot at https://bit.ly/parklawnbf25, and information about the positions are available at that link as well. Again this year: ALL adult volunteers will get a free item of choice for their volunteering. Remember all proceeds from the book fair support our school! Any questions about the book can be directed to Rachel Zamudio at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of our book fair!

Math Night is February 27!

Parklawn's Math Night is Thursday, February 27 from 6-7:30 pm. Come as a family and enjoy math games and learning fun! The book fair will also be open during this time. We hope to see you there!

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

PTA Meeting and Bingo Night!

Bingo Night is on Friday February 21 from 6pm - 7:30pm! We are collecting many exciting items for our raffle and are looking for volunteers to help during the event—check out our sign up sheet here Parklawn PTA Volunteers: 2025 Bingo Night and let us know if you can help. All volunteers will receive five raffle tickets for each 30-minute slot they sign up for!  This year we are accepting pre-sale orders on our Givebacks website. Avoid the lines and be able to pick up your BINGO cards and raffle tickets when you arrive. All Bingo winners will be able to select a prize.This is a fun tradition at Parklawn that you won't want to miss!

Also, join us for the February Parklawn Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting! The meeting will be Thursday, February 20, from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. It will be held virtually. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81738483643?pwd=tquufdsCOol3OaamoTJEBhEO1R2jLb.1

Upcoming Dates

February 17: Presidents Day; No School

February 20: PTA Meeting; Virtual 5 -6 pm

February 20-28: Bookfair

February 21: PTA Bingo Night!

February 27: Math Night and Evening Book Fair

March 10: Early Release Monday; 12:30 dismissal

 

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for February 9, 2025

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

February 10: Early Release Monday

Reminder! Monday, February 10 is Parklawn's Early Release Monday with the three-hour early dismissal at 12:30 pm. Student dismissal plans confirmed for this Monday will be followed.

Perfect 10 Community Meetings!

Last week Parklawn Panthers participated in our first quarterly community meetings! Students across grade levels came together to kick off the third quarter. We discussed how attendance matters and celebrated our monthly grade level attendance winners throughout the school year. We are excited to announce that third grade was a January grade level winner!

In the month of January, we once again had over 500 students  at school for 10 consecutive days without being absent or tardy. They joined our raffle with our December Perfect 10 recipients. Fourteen students in grades PreK-5th grade are joining Mrs. Forgy for an ice cream celebration scheduled for February 11. 

Our February Perfect 10 competition will run from February 10-February 24. Let's see if we can beat our record of 543 Perfect 10 award winners!

February Family Coffee: Math Time!

Join us for the next Parklawn Parent Coffee on February 13th from 4:00-4:45 in the library.

The Math Team will share a little bit about what math instruction looks like in Parklawn classrooms as well as presenting ideas on how to promote a love of mathematics.

Come join the fun as we engage in math games together and learn games that you can play with your student at home.

Monthly Market is February 13!

Come visit Parklawn’s Monthly Family Market , February 13 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

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

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Parklawn's Kindergarten Orientation, being held April 1st at 1 pm!  Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Lanh Nguyen, our school registrar.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Book Fair is Coming this Month!

We’re so excited the book fair is coming soon to Parklawn Elementary! The book fair will be held February 20 - February 28 in the library, with set-up taking place Wednesday, February 19. Each class will visit the book fair twice. Once on Thursday, Friday, or Monday to preview the selection and a second time Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to purchase items. Hours of the book fair will be coming in a Panther Press and letter home soon! 

The book fair will accept cash, check (payable to the school), credit cards and eWallet. eWallet is a cashless payment option where money can be added to a virtual account for students to use. Please note that tax WILL NOT be charged on items this year. More information about setting up an eWallet account and our fair is available at the book fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/parklawnes This link can also be used to shop the fair online until March 5.

The book fair is always in need of volunteers. There are a variety of positions available, including assisting students, cashiers, set up and clean up. Sign up for a slot at https://bit.ly/parklawnbf25. Students in grade 5 or older are welcome during set up and clean up slots for assisting. Mrs. Zamudio can sign off on community service forms for middle or high schoolers as needed. Again, this year: ALL adult volunteers will get a free item of choice for their volunteering. Remember all proceeds from the book fair support our school’s classroom libraries and the school library. Any questions about the book fair can be directed to Rachel Zamudio at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of our book fair!

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

Upcoming Dates

February 10: Early Release Monday; Dismissal at 12:30

February 13: Family Coffee, 4-4:45 pm

February 13: Monthly Market; 5-7 pm

February 14: Valentines Day

February 17: Presidents Day; No School

February 20: PTA Meeting; Virtual 5 -6 pm

February 20-28: Bookfair

February 21: PTA Bingo Night!

February 27: Math Night and Evening Book Fair

 

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for February 2, 2025

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

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week!

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Parkawn is lucky to have three of the BEST! Thank you Ms. Fobert, Mr.Kim, and Ms. Sharpton for all you do for our community! Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

February 10: Early Release Monday

Monday, February 10 is Parklawn's Early Release Monday with a 12:30 dismissal. Last week, Mrs. Forgy sent out eNotify reminders of confirmed dismissal plans. If you have any questions, please call the main office at (703) 914-6900.

February Family Coffee: Math Time!

Join us for the next Parklawn Parent Coffee on February 13th from 4:00-4:45 in the library.

The Math Team will share a little bit about what math instruction looks like in Parklawn classrooms as well as presenting ideas on how to promote a love of mathematics.

Come join the fun as we engage in math games together and learn games that you can play with your student at home.

Monthly Market is February 13!

Come visit Parklawn’s Monthly Family Market , February 13 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

Book Fair is Coming this Month!

We’re so excited the book fair is coming soon to Parklawn Elementary! The book fair will be held February 20 - February 28 in the library, with set-up taking place Wednesday, February 19. Each class will visit the book fair twice. Once on Thursday, Friday, or Monday to preview the selection and a second time Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to purchase items. Hours of the book fair will be coming in a Panther Press and letter home soon! 

The book fair will accept cash, check (payable to the school), credit cards and eWallet. eWallet is a cashless payment option where money can be added to a virtual account for students to use. Please note that tax WILL NOT be charged on items this year. More information about setting up an eWallet account and our fair is available at the book fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/parklawnes This link can also be used to shop the fair online until March 5.

The book fair is always in need of volunteers. There are a variety of positions available, including assisting students, cashiers, set up and clean up. Sign up for a slot at https://bit.ly/parklawnbf25. Students in grade 5 or older are welcome during set up and clean up slots for assisting. Mrs. Zamudio can sign off on community service forms for middle or high schoolers as needed. Again, this year: ALL adult volunteers will get a free item of choice for their volunteering. Remember all proceeds from the book fair support our school’s classroom libraries and the school library. Any questions about the book fair can be directed to Rachel Zamudio at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of our book fair!

Upcoming Dates

February 10: Early Release Monday; Dismissal at 12:30

February 13: Family Coffee, 4-4:45 pm

February 13: Monthly Market; 5-7 pm

February 14: Valentines Day

February 17: Presidents Day; No School

February 20: PTA Meeting; Virtual 5 -6 pm

February 21: PTA Bingo Night!

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for January 26, 2025

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

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.

February 10: Early Release Monday

Monday, February 10 is Parklawn's Early Release Monday with a 12:30 dismissal. Mrs. Forgy will send out an eNotify to all families this week reminding them of their confirmed dismissal plan for students.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

The proposed budget reflects FCPS’ continued focus on providing a world-class education for each and every student while recognizing the hard work and commitment of our outstanding employees. The budget focuses on competitive compensation — including a 7% salary increase for all staff — investing in students who require additional support, and the continuation of multiyear investments. It reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. Learn more on the Budget website.

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting

Upcoming Dates

 

January 28: End of 2nd Quarter

January 29: Student Holiday; Teacher Work Day

February 10: Early Release Monday; Dismissal at 12:30

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for January 19, 2025

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.  Today On this day we honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to equality and serving others.See the complete school year calendar.

Second Quarter Ends

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. This is NOT an early release day. Wednesday, January 29 is a Teacher Workday and a student Holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaisons, Afifa Bolte, at [email protected]  and Khalida Jawaid at [email protected] .You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Upcoming Dates

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day: No School

January 28: End of 2nd Quarter

January 29: Student Holiday; Teacher Work Day

February 10: Early Release Monday; Dismissal at 12:30

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for January 12, 2025

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Parklawn’s “Perfect 10” Panthers!

At Parklawn, we’re dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a culture of consistent attendance. This means encouraging every student to be here, every day. Through our "Perfect 10" program, we look forward to recognizing students who achieve ten consecutive days of perfect attendance without tardies. 

With the snow this week, round two will be January 13-January 27! Let’s see if we can have even more Panthers receive a Perfect 10. Let’s start 2025 strong as we return from winter break!

Monthly Market is Now January 16!

Due to the snow, our monthly market is rescheduled for January 16 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

Parklawn PTA Meeting: New Time!

Our PTA meeting is this Thursday, January 16! With the monthly market now being held on the same day, The PTA meeting will be from 4-5 pm. We hope you join us in the library!

Upcoming Dates

 

January 16: PTA Meeting, 4-5 pm in the library

January 16: Monthly Family Market; 5-7 pm

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day: No School

January 28: End of 2nd Quarter

January 29: Student Holiday; Teacher Work Day

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for January 5, 2025

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

 

Happy New Year to our entire Parklawn Family! May 2025 be a year filled with good health, family, friends and fun for all!

Parklawn’s December “Perfect 10” Panthers!

At Parklawn, we’re dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a culture of consistent attendance. This means encouraging every student to be here, every day. Through our "Perfect 10" program, we look forward to recognizing students who achieve ten consecutive days of perfect attendance without tardies. 

During our first round of Perfect 10 from December 6th-December 19th, we had 543 students awarded this honor! Congratulations! We can’t wait for round two, January 6-January 17! Let’s see if we can have even more Panthers receive a Perfect 10. Let’s start 2025 strong as we return from winter break!

January's Family Coffee: Math Time!

Join us for the next Parklawn Parent Coffee on January 9th from 4:00-4:45 in the library.

The Math Team will share a little bit about what math instruction looks like in Parklawn classrooms as well as presenting ideas on how to promote a love of mathematics.

Come join the fun as we engage in math games together and learn games that you can play with your student at home.

Monthly Market is January 9!

Come visit Parklawn’s Monthly Family Market , January 9 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

Upcoming Dates

January 6: Return to school

January 9: Family Coffee with the math team, 4 pm

January 9: Monthly Family Market

January 16: PTA Meeting, 5 pm

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day: No School

January 28: End of 2nd Quarter

January 29: Student Holiday; Teacher Work Day

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for December 22, 2024

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

Winter Break 12/23 - 1/3

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. 

Parklawn's main office will also be closed during the entire winter break.

We hope you all have a wonderful break filled with fun, family, and friends! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year for all who are celebrating!

We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Parklawn’s December “Perfect 10” Panthers!

At Parklawn, we’re dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a culture of consistent attendance. This means encouraging every student to be here, every day. Through our "Perfect 10" program, we look forward to recognizing students who achieve ten consecutive days of perfect attendance without tardies. 

During our first round of Perfect 10 from December 6th-December 19th, we had 543 students awarded this honor! Congratulations! We can’t wait for round two, January 6-January 17! Let’s see if we can have even more Panthers receive a Perfect 10. Let’s start 2025 strong as we return from winter break!

January's Family Coffee: Math Time!

Join us for the next Parklawn Parent Coffee on January 9th from 4:00-4:45 in the library.

The Math Team will share a little bit about what math instruction looks like in Parklawn classrooms as well as presenting ideas on how to promote a love of mathematics.

Come join the fun as we engage in math games together and learn games that you can play with your student at home.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform. 

Upcoming Dates

 

December 23 - January 3: Winter Break (office closed)

January 6: Return to school

January 9: Family Coffee with the math team, 4 pm

January 9: Monthly Family Market

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day: No School

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for December 15, 2024

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

Winter Break 12/23 - 1/3

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. 

Parklawn's main office will also be closed during the entire winter 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.

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is overflowing!  We will have it displayed in the front hall from Wednesday through Friday and have all classes walk by in hopes of getting items returned to their owner.  Any items left at the end of the day on Friday will be bagged up and donated. 

⛄Student and Family Resources

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

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.

Honoring Parklawn's Outstanding Employees!

We have an amazing staff at Parklawn Elementary! We celebrated our nominees for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards!

Outstanding Operational Employee: Afifa Bolte, Family Liaison

Outstanding New Teacher: Robert Penn, 4th grade

Outstanding Teacher: Sheila Thompson, 5th grade

Outstanding Teacher Nominees: Bethany Farrell (ESOL) Chelsea Maddox (ESOL), and Erin Nowicki (2nd grade)

Upcoming Dates

 

December 23 - January 3: Winter Break (office closed)

January 6: Return to school

January 9: Family Coffee with the math team, 4 pm

January 9: Monthly Family Market

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Inauguration Day: No School

 

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter

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

Panther Press for December 8, 2024

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

Pajama Day and Snuggle Up and Read Night is Tuesday!

Parklawn Elementary will host our annual Snuggle Up and Read Night on  Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, from 6:00-7:30. Wear your pajamas and join us for a fun night of reading with your family and friends. Parents can learn tips to help their child with reading and writing.  All children will choose a free book to take home.

To celebrate this fun event, we will have a Parklawn Pajama Day! Students and staff are welcome to wear their pajamas to school during the day!

Parklawn Elementary School Boundary Study In-Person Community Meeting is December 11!

The public is invited to provide input on the scope of a boundary study to address capacity challenges at Parklawn Elementary School. The in-person meeting will be held Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. We will meet in the cafeteria, entering through door 1.

Additional information and a link to sign up for the Parklawn project email list are available on the Parklawn Boundary Study webpage. Communication about this ongoing work will also be shared by the school and your School Board representative, Dr. Ricardy Anderson.

Fairfax County Public Schools is also conducting a divisionwide review of school boundaries. The first set of community meetings for this larger effort will take place between mid-November and mid-December. The meetings for Parklawn Elementary School are separate from the divisionwide review. 

Monthly Market is December 12!

Come visit Parklawn’s December Family Market Thursday, December 12 at 5 pm! We’re partnering with the @Capital Area Food Bank to offer fresh produce and dry goods to members of the Parklawn school community, free of charge. Groceries are available on a first‑come first‑serve basis. We'll see you there!

FLE Parent Preview Session

Students in grades K-5 participate in Family Life Education (FLE). Students receive instruction in a human growth and development unit and an emotional and social health unit.  For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/subject-area/family-life-education-fle#:~:text=Instruction%20promotes%20parental%20involvement%2C%20fosters,at%20a%20particular%20grade%20level.

Parents/Guardians are invited to attend an opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program. The meeting will be held on December 12 at 4 pm in the Parklawn Library. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.

November Attendance Competition

Our students at Parklawn know attendance matters! Our monthly grade level competition is complete for November. Which grade level wins for the best attendance last month? Check out the video below as our social worker, Ms. Catherine Lartey, shares the winner!

https://youtu.be/2nz1qDX29kI

 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported. Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results can be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, December 10: Snuggle Up and Read Night

Wednesday, December 11: In-person Parklawn Boundary Study Meeting (cafeteria) 6:30-7:30 pm

Thursday, December 12: FLE Parent Preview; 4-4:45 pm

Thursday, December 12: December Family Market

December 21 - January 5: Winter Break (office closed)

4116 Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22312  |  Phone: 703.914.6900

Attendance: [email protected] | Web | Twitter