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Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,
Happy Friday! It’s been a musical week as we celebrated the incredible talents of our students during the Winter Strings Concert and the Robinson Pyramid Chorus Concert. Seeing our Lions collaborate with students from across the pyramid was a wonderful reminder of the strong, supportive community we share. As we head into this three-day weekend, I hope you find time to rest, recharge, and celebrate these wonderful student achievements.
With the winter chill in the air, this weekend is a perfect time for some seasonal learning at home! I encourage you to try a "Kitchen Science" activity: grab a thermometer and track how quickly different liquids freeze outside, or head to the library to find books about how local animals adapt to the Virginia winter. These small moments of curiosity help bridge the gap between classroom concepts and the real world.
When your child comes home next week, try swapping the question "How was your day?" with "What was a challenge you tackled today?" or "Who did you help today?" These specific prompts often lead to deeper insights into their social dynamics and their developing resilience.
We have a thrilling week ahead with our PTA Chili Cook-off and Bingo Night on Thursday, followed by our Lightning Lions performing at the Robinson Girls’ Basketball game on Friday night!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events
Monday, January 19, 2026 - Holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - PTA Chili Cookoff and Bingo Night
Wednesday, January 28 - 2 Hour Early Release 1:55pm
Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30 - Student Holidays
Tuesday, February 3 - PTA meeting
Wednesday, February 4 - Body Safety Parent Session (Virtual)
Monday, February 16 - Holiday Presidents' Day
Tuesday, February 17 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, February 25 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Friday, March 20 - Holiday Eid al-Fitr
Wednesday, March 25 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Friday, March 27 - 2 Hour early Release 1:55pm
Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3 - Spring Break
Monday, April 6 - Student Holiday
Friday, April 10 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, April 29 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Wednesday, May 20 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Monday, May 25 - Holiday Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26 - Student Holiday
Wednesday, May 27 - Holiday Eid al-Adha
Wednesday, June 17 - Last Day of School 1:55 Dismissal
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Preorder Your Yearbook!
Sales for our 2025-26 yearbook are open!
If you would like a copy of the 2025-26 Laurel Ridge Yearbook, preorder here: yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 29286.
Yearbooks cost $22 and will be sent home with students the last week of school.
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Apply for Your Child to Learn in Two Languages
FCPS’ 2026-27 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program lottery opens on Monday, January 12. The program offers students in kindergarten and first grade the opportunity to learn in English and another language — French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish — for half of each instructional day.
The online, countywide lottery is open to Fairfax County residents. Families must have a SIS ParentVUE account. Students not currently enrolled in FCPS should register at their base school before applying for the immersion program.
Families applying for first grade must do so by Thursday, February 12, at 4 p.m. Those applying for kindergarten must do so by Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m.
Informational meetings will begin in January. View dates and details on the FCPS calendar. If you have questions, please contact Brigid Williams at 571-423-4600.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
Emergency Response Buttons
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Attendance and Illness
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning. If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
County Flu Letter
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. 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.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
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Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
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