 Weapons Detection System Coming Soon
This is to make you aware of the weapons detection system that FCPS started to roll out last school year. To recap, this weapons detection system is the latest effort to strengthen our layered safety and security programs. It is similar to ones that have been used at sporting events and concerts for many years. The system roll-out at all high schools began last year, and it is being rolled out to all middle schools this fall. Some middle schools have already begun to use the system, and the Jackson roll-out is scheduled for this month, October.
Before Jackson begins using the system in an official capacity, we will provide students and staff a chance to test it out and see it in person; we want our students to be fully prepared. Details on the training for students and when we will officially start using the system will be shared soon.
Earlier this year, several of our high school students joined Dr. Reid for a video discussion about school safety and to test out the new system. You can also learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions on our website or watching this explainer video. And if you have additional questions after reading the FAQs, you can submit them online to our Chief of Safety and Security Office.
FCPS is taking every precaution necessary to provide every student, including the students here at Jackson safe and secure learning environment. More information about our implementation plan and the live date will becoming shortly. We will provide information on how you can help your student be prepared.
Oct. 2nd- Holiday ( Yom Kippur) Building Closed
Oct. 13- Staff Development Day- No students
Oct. 20th- Holiday (Diwali) Building Closed
Oct. 31st- End of First Quarter- 2 hour early release
On-Time Attendance
We are off to a great start to the school year. Now students are settled in their classes and know the routines. We stress to our teachers bell-to-bell instruction to maximize instructional time and learning. If you drop your student off at school, make sure that they do not have to rush and arrive late to school. Help our students develop the habit of being punctual. Also encourage your student to arrive at each class on time. Arriving late is a classroom interruption and distraction for the teacher and all students.
We will begin to reinforce our school’s tardy policy, which includes tardy sweeps, detention, and parent contact for repeated tardiness. We will also recognize punctuality with fun incentives for our students. Thank you for your support.
Updated Attendance Codes
Attendance Codes have been updated for the 2025-26 school year. These updates will allow schools to better identify the primary reasons for student absences, which will help school teams identify patterns of absenteeism, make informed decisions, and develop effective strategies to improve attendance. Please note which codes qualify as “Excused” and which are “Unexcused.”
Codes no longer used:
- EXC-Excused
- PRE-Prearranged Absence
- UNL-Unexcused Local
Updated Code:
- MED-Illness or Injury Related
Excused Codes:
- COL-College Visit
- FAM-Family Emergency
- FRL-Funeral
- LGL-Legal Obligations
- MAP-Medical Appointment (Prescheduled)
- MIL-Deployment Related
- OEX-Other-Excused
Unexcused Codes:
- NON-Non-School Activity
- OUN-Other- Not Excused
- VAO-Vacation, Outing, or Non-Emergency Family Travel / Visit
Counselors are assigned by alphabet and your first point of contact for any question or concerns you might have.
World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE) Opportunity
Students in grades 7–12 who are proficient in another language (spoken, written, or signed) are invited to take the World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE). This optional fall assessment allows students to:
- Earn up to 3 world language credits, depending on proficiency level.
- Potentially satisfy requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma or the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
To participate, a signed and completed registration form must be submitted to your student’s school counselor by Oct. 17th no late submissions will be accepted.
Questions? Please contact your student’s school counselor.
SEL Screener
On October 10th, LJMS students will take the FCPS Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. This short survey, given twice a year, helps schools understand how students feel about their school experience, relationships, and social-emotional skills.
The results are used to support student well-being and strengthen school programs. Individual student information is kept private, and families will receive a report through ParentVUE about a month after the window closes.
For more details, including sample questions and opt-out information, please visit the FCPS SEL Screener webpage.
7th Grade SOS Screener
Luther Jackson Middle School will present the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program on October 22nd during Advisory 7. This evidence-based program teaches students about depression, suicide prevention, and how to seek help for themselves or a friend using the ACT message (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). Students will view a video, join a guided discussion, and complete a short screening tool (not a diagnosis).
Parents can learn more at sossignsofsuicide.org/parent. Lesson materials will also be available for preview on October 9th, 8–9am. If you wish to opt your child out, please email Mr. Zubieta at onzubieta@fcps.edu.
The Family Resource Center together with the Office of Student Safety and Wellness cordially invites you to our inaugural Red Ribbon Awareness Open House. Recognizing that many families may feel uncertain about discussing substance use with their children, this event aims to equip attendees with essential resources and confidence.
The event will feature current, age-appropriate information on common substances of abuse, along with practical communication techniques. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity of receiving a private tour of the FRC library and browse through our pre-selected resources. Narcan training will be offered. No registration needed.
When students need to miss school, it is important for parents/guardians to communicate those absences with the school. This can be done by calling the attendance phone line at 703-204-8282.
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that support can be provided if needed. Also, keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
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