The Sunshine Scoop

We were pleased to have such a huge turnout for our Louise Archer Historical Marker dedication in September! There was a mix of current students and families, former students and staff, and many community members. Here is a link to a story on our website sharing some photos from the ceremony. Please stop by the front of the school to see the beautiful marker about Louise Archer.

Michelle Makrigiorgos, Principal

Jennifer Condra, Assistant Principal

New Food Items Include Hearty Homestyle Favorites

Our new menu items debuting in September and October feature hearty homestyle favorites — including veggie chili, pictured above — and fresh global inspiration! Other new additions include:

Breakfast: Cinnamon apple overnight oats, mini blueberry pancakes, French toast sticks, egg and cheese breakfast quesadillas and tacos, and turkey sausage and cheese bagels.
Lunch: Teriyaki chicken stir-fry, teriyaki chickenless bites stir-fry, cheesy turkey pepperoni pasta, cheesy pasta with marinara sauce, deep dish pizza, and cheesy fiesta nachos.

Check our online menu to see when your child can try new recipes developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts, based on student feedback.

Advanced Academics Programs Fall Newsletter

Please go to this link to view the Advanced Academics Fall Newsletter with information about AAP services in FCPS.

Volunteer Update

There have been some updates to the Volunteer Fairfax system. From Dr. Reid, she specifies, for Level 3 volunteers awaiting background checks, provisional approval may be granted to meet schools’ time-sensitive needs. While fingerprinting is expected before starting Level 3 activities, provisional approval may be used when delays occur due to the backlog. All volunteers must still sign in at the school’s visitor kiosk before each volunteer activity. To simplify the background check process, volunteers may use fieldprint, allowing them to complete fingerprinting at nearby locations rather than traveling to Gatehouse or scheduling virtual appointments.

⏰ Take the School Start Times Survey

FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any costs associated with this change, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.

Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. A new School Start Times Survey is open and includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs.

Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. The survey deadline has been extended to Monday, October 6. Find more information on adjusting school start times on the FCPS website.

Reflections Arts Contest

All Louise Archer students are encouraged to participate in the Reflections Arts Contest, a National PTA Program. Students can submit original works in six different categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. This year’s theme is “I Belong.” Submissions will be accepted through Friday, October 17, 2025.

We will celebrate all Louise Archer entries and participants in a special reception in December! Learn more about this fun opportunity on the PTA website: https://louisearcherpta.org/reflections.