 Happy Thanksgiving, Luther Jackson Community!
As I wrap up my first days as the new principal of Luther Jackson Middle School, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received. Over the past few days, I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know our students and meeting many of the dedicated faculty members who support them each day.
I am also looking forward to learning more about all the wonderful assets within our community and discovering the many ways we can partner together to make Luther Jackson the very best school it can be. Your commitment, involvement, and support make an incredible difference.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and meaningful Thanksgiving holiday.
Megan Sherrill
Nov. 26-28 Holiday (Thanksgiving) Building is closed
Dec. 10- Band Winter Concert
Dec. 16-Chorus Winter Concert
Dec. 17- Orchestra Winter Concert-7pm Falls Church High School
Dec. 22-Jan. 2- Winter Break
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Families, remember that when coming to the school to pick up your student, an official photo ID must be presented to the Main Office staff. Please understand that this is for security purposes. Driver’s licenses, passports, and military IDs are appropriate examples of official IDs.
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
Counselor On Leave
As a reminder, Dr. Simmons, our counselor for students with last names Re–Z, is currently on leave. We hope for her return soon. In her absence, please reach out to any of the other counselors or Mr. Zubieta for support.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!
WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD! Breaking news: Ms. Stacey announced at the end of an incredible run of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, that our spring musical will be the timeless classic - The Wizard Of Oz! There will be an interest meeting this Wednesday, Dec 3rd in the MPR for either session A or B (you can stay for both if you want!). We will go over the audition process, talk about rehearsal dates and answer any questions. Can’t make it? No worries- email MS. Stacey at:smjones3@fcpsschools.net
Auditions will be Wednesday, Dec 10th and Thursday , Dec 11th- you must attend both. ALL are welcome- you do not have to be a student of theatre classes.
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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