FCPS

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Thank you for making the past week special - the PTA, parents, students, and teachers made Ms. Ulsh and feel so appreciated to be a part of the Lemon Road community!  We welcomed visitors from the ESOL Office, received puppy snuggles from our monthly therapy dogs, showcased POG learning with School Board Representative Elaine Tholen, held our PTA meeting, ate at Bolay Kitchen, celebrated January birthdays in pajamas, and played at BINGO Night.  Each of these events remind me what an inclusive, welcoming, and engaged school we lead. 

Next week wraps up the final days of the 2nd quarter! We can’t believe we are already halfway through the 22-23 school year.  As a reminder, we have an unusual schedule this week:

• Wednesday - Early Release Day - Dismissal 12:55
• Thursday - District-wide Professional Development Day for Teachers. There is no school for students. Teachers will be involved in a variety of workshops around FCPS specific to their content area.
• Friday - Teacher Workday. There is no school for students. Teachers will be completing Q2 grades and planning for the third quarter. 

Our staff is also busy preparing the yearbook.  Parents may order the 2022 - 2023 yearbook from Lifetouch online. Click this link and use the Lemon Road code:  Yearbook ID: 12302523

Finally, a big thank you to the families who continue to drop off snacks & drinks for the staff.  It is a huge lift to have something to grab and enjoy each Friday.  We appreciate any donations, just drop them off in the office!  Have a great week!

PTA Updates

Thank you to everyone who attended the PTA meeting and the Bingo Night - we hope you all had fun! And huge thanks to all the volunteers across our community who helped to make the events happen, we truly do appreciate your time and support!

• The slide show from the PTA meeting including the information on Summer Camps is available on MemberHub for all PTA members - please contact us direct at [email protected] if you are having any difficulties accessing it.

• In February we will be delivering the "Smart Talk" as part of Lemon Road's Portrait of a Graduate night - more information will be coming out soon but please contact us if you are interested in supporting this project!

• Committees for the following events are now being formed - please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to support or be involved! 
• Smart Talk Grant (February) - digital use and wellness
• Basketball Game (March)
• Spring Fair (April)
• Staff Appreciation Week (May)

Message from Kilmer Middle School PTA President

Dear Parents of Rising 7th Graders

It’s not too early to welcome you to Kilmer Middle School - we are nearly there! What a milestone!  I am the parent of a rising 8th and 10 grader myself and I appreciate these transitions can be an emotional time for all - please don’t worry- we at Kilmer are here to help you and your students navigate it with ease and comfort .

The Kilmer PTA is currently looking for a VP for the board for the 2023-2024 school year. We would like to encourage any rising 7th grade parents who are interested to get in touch and discuss how they can support the PTA whilst fitting it to their schedule.

The VP role (for the 2023-2024 school year) involves shadowing the President and then assuming the role of president for the following school year. This helps to make the transition process smooth as they will have already navigated their way through an entire school year with the support of the then President.

Kindly email us at [email protected] if you are interested in this role or if you have any other questions about the PTA at Kilmer - we are here to help!

Many thanks for your consideration,

Fatima Latif

PTA [email protected]

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• FY 2024 Budget Highlights
• Draft School Year Calendar Options
• FAFSA Help

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today. 

Positivity Project: Social Intelligence

This week, students will learn and discuss the character strength of social intelligence.  This means you are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.  Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It is distinct from a person’s IQ or “book smarts.” It includes an individual’s ability to understand, and act on, the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of other people. This type of intelligence can take place “in the moment” of face-to-face conversations but also appears during times of deliberate thinking.

Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, January 23: A Week
• Tuesday, January 24:  Full Band Rehearsal Grades 5 & 6 (8:25)
• Wednesday, January 25: End of Quarter 2; 2-Hour Early Release; Mentor/Mentee Winter Celebration (12:55)
• Thursday, January 26:  County-Wide Staff Development Day; No School
• Friday, January 27:  Teacher Work Day; No School
• Monday, January 30:  B Week
• Wednesday, February 1: Full Band Rehearsal (8:25)
• Thursday, February 2:  Marshall Pyramid Drug & Alcohol Presentation
• Friday, February 3: Navy & Yellow Spirit Day; Grade 6 Volleyball Tournament
• Thursday, February 9:  Winter Band/Strings/Chorus Evening Concert
• Friday, February 10:  Winter Band/Strings/Chorus Daytime Concert
• Thursday, February 23:  POG Night
• Friday, March 24:  LRES Staff Basketball Game @ Marshall HS
• Saturday, April 22: LRES/PTA Spring Fair

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

I hope you've enjoyed the long weekend and had a moment to reflect on the profound impact of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.  The rest of this month is filled with exciting school activities - read on and be sure to mark your calendars!

A reminder students go outside nearly every day - even in winter months. Please make sure you send your child in with a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat (all labeled) so they are ready to be outside.  If you need support obtaining any cold weather wear, please contact our family liaison Mabel Morales at [email protected].   

Thanks again to any parents who have helped Stock the Staff lounge this school year!  Each Friday we try to stock the lounge with snacks or drinks in the refrigerator.  If you are able, pick up an extra family favorite next time you are at the store and drop it off in the Lemon Road main office.  The staff is very grateful for these Friday treats!  

Cultural Shares in Counseling

We are celebrating our wonderfully diverse cultures during the month of February through our weekly grade level counseling lessons.  You and/or your child are invited to share your culture during our 30-minute grade level classroom lesson (dates/times on the sign-up).  Presentations can be virtual or in person.  Some ideas to share include:

• Special celebrations/customs/dress
• Cultural history (age appropriate)
• Music/dance/arts/games
• Pictures/artifacts
• Maps/flags

We thank you in advance for supporting diversity at Lemon Road and look forward to learning about your wonderful culture.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Erica McKinney: [email protected]  OR Taylor Coleman: [email protected].  Thank you for your support!  LINK HERE

LRES PTA Updates

We are getting ready for our first PTA meeting and community event of 2023 and are continuing to build our committees for several events for later in the year - please find below some of the upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. 

• PTA General Meeting:  January 17th - we will be joined by 7 local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options. We hope to see many of you there either in person or online - the online link can be found on the PTA MemberHub email, on the PTA google calendar or email, or the flyer from Wednesday folders.  

• Restaurant Night at Bolay: January 19th - give yourself a night off cooking and support the PTA at the same time! Quote Lemon Road Elementary School when ordering. 

• Bingo Night: January 20th - Doors open at 6 pm.  Limited seats, so come early to ensure a spot! The event is free to attend and play. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale as well as bingo "dotters". We need adult and student volunteers to help run the event! Click here to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-lres9

• Committees for the following events are now being formed - please contact us at [email protected]  if you would like to support or be involved! 
• Smart Talk Grant (February) - digital use and wellness
• Basketball Game (March)
• Spring Fair (April)
• Staff Appreciation Week (May)

• As always please follow the PTA's social media accounts to keep up to date with all of the fun things happening! 

• https://www.facebook.com/LemonRoadElementaryPTA/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/lemonroadschool/?hl=en    
• https://twitter.com/lemonroadpta

Positivity Project: Perseverence

You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.  The concept of perseverance can most often be found in one’s active pursuit in overcoming obstacles.  Perseverance is a uniquely human characteristic that identifies an individual’s ability to spend long periods of time devoted to a single goal or set of goals.

Magnet School Application and Lottery Information

The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Wednesday March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, 2023.  No late applications are accepted.

To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Informational Nights:

• Hunters Woods Elementary, February 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In-person
• Snow date: February 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
• Bailey’s Upper, February 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - Virtual only
• Bailey’s Primary, February 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In person
• Snow date: February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

https://www.fcps.edu/registration/elementary-magnet-school-lottery.

FCPS News - In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Salad Bars Returning to Elementary Schools
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Tutor.com for Free College Prep

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today. 

Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, January 16: MLK Holiday (No School); B Week
• Tuesday, January 17:  ESOL Office Visitors to Lemon Road; PTA General Meeting (7 PM)
• Wednesday, January 18:  SCA Officer Meeting (8:30)
• Thursday, January 19:  Orthodox Epiphany Recognized; Bolay Restaurant Night
• Friday, January 20:  Freaky Friday - Pajama Day; POG Visit from Elain Tholen; Therapy Dog Visit (11:30); PTA Bingo Night (6 PM)
• Monday, January 23: A Week
• Tuesday, January 24:  Full Band Rehearsal Grades 5 & 6 (8:25)
• Wednesday, January 25: End of Quarter 2; 2-Hour Early Release; Mentor/Mentee Winter Celebration (12:55)
• Thursday, January 26:  No School; County-Wide Staff Development Day
• Friday, January 27:  No School; Teacher Work Day

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Register Today for Lemon Road Afterschool Enrichment

Afterschool Enrichment Programs begin Tuesday, January 17.  Classes are managed by Baroody Camps and taught by Lemon Road teachers or educational companies.  Most classes begin immediately after school and dismiss at 4:10.  Register today as some classes are at risk of being cancelled for low enrollment and others are filling up! 

See the flyer above for programming and registration details or click on this link:  https://bc-ffx-lemonroad.jumbula.com/#/home 

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Lemon Road had a fantastic first week of school in the New Year!  Ms. Ulsh and I had the opportunity to visit each of the classrooms to support and observe powerful teaching & learning.  A huge thank you to all our parents who donated, brought in food, or volunteered at the PTA Welcome Back Breakfast - teachers & staff enjoyed breakfast as well as snacks throughout the day on Thursday.  Lastly, Lemon Road celebrated its 67th anniversary on Friday!  Thank you for sending your children in Lemon Road spirit wear or colors to help us celebrate.  This Friday is Polo Day, so please be sure all students (and staff) show spirit by wearing their polos!

We will be cleaning out the Lost & Found at the end of the 2nd Quarter.  Please stop by the Lost & Found locations (near both entrances to our gym in the next two weeks to claim your childrens’ items.  All remaining items will be donated to a local childrens’ center.

We are back to stocking the staff lounge on Fridays.  Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks for our staff - if you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any of your favorite family snack. 

Fall SEL Screener reports are on the way!

Your child’s SEL screener results from the Fall window will be delivered by mail soon. Please keep in mind that these results reflect your student’s feedback at one moment in time. The scores are not meant to diagnose or assess a student’s mental health. The results provide us with a view of students’ perceived strengths in three domains of their social and emotional development. FCPS has developed a Family Guide to Understanding SEL Strengths to support you. The guide has been translated into 7 languages. In addition, Lemon Road clinical team members or your student’s teacher are available to discuss results with parents.

LRES PTA Updates

We hope everyone had a great first week back. Thank you to everyone who contributed to, and volunteered at, our staff welcome back breakfast - we appreciate your support so much and we know the staff appreciate it too! 

We are continuing to build our committees for several upcoming events and need more helping hands - please find below some of the upcoming events as well as opportunities to get involved. Thanks!

• The next PTA General Meeting will be January 17th 2023 - we will be joined by local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options. We hope to see many of you there either in person or online! 

• Registration for Baroody after school enrichment classes has been extended until Jan 14th - register your students spot now to avoid disappointment!  http://bc-ffx-lemonroad.jumbula.com/

• Our first community event of 2023 will be our Bingo night on January 20th - Mark your calendars now, more information will be coming out soon!

• Committees for the following events are now being formed - please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to support or be involved! 
• Basketball Game
• Smart Talk Grant - digital use and wellness
• Spring Fair
• Staff Appreciation Week

As always please follow the PTA's social media accounts to keep up to date with all of the fun things happening! 

• https://www.facebook.com/LemonRoadElementaryPTA/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/lemonroadschool/?hl=en    
• https://twitter.com/lemonroadpta

Positivity Project: Prudence

You plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.  Prudence is the ability to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. It's a future-oriented way of thinking that helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. It is cognitive – more a strength of the head than of the heart.

FCPS Family Math Week: Jan 9-13

Families with students in grades K-8 are invited to come together for a special week of family time with FREE stories, games, and math activities - all from the comfort of your home. Through rich story-based mathematics experiences, math week offers families an opportunity to experience math, literacy, history, and geography in a positive way. The games and stories feature several countries including Lesotho, Madagascar, Ghana, and China. Content will be available in both English and Spanish starting January 9 on the FCPS Math Week website. To access the games, families simply click on the day of the week and find their child's grade and language. Our goal is for FCPS to experience 1,000,000 minutes of math outside of the school day and hope you will join us!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• FCPS Building and Renovation Plans
• Upcoming Webinars for Parents/Caregivers
• Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
• Academy Open Houses
• Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, January 9: A Week
• Wednesday, January 11: Grade 4 Reading VGA Assessment; Longfellow Middle School Transition Event (6 PM)
• Thursday, January 12:  Grade 3 & 5 Reading VGA Assessment
• Friday, January 13: PTA Board Meeting (8:30); Grade 6 Reading VGA Assessment; Region 2 Executive Principals Visit LRES (AM); Polo Day
• Monday, January 16: MLK Holiday (No School); B Week
• Tuesday, January 17:  PTA General Meeting (7 PM)
• Wednesday, January 18:  SCA Officer Meeting (8:30); Grade 3 & 5 Math VGA Assessment
• Friday, January 20:  POGPOL Visit from Elain Tholen; Grade 4 & 6 Math VGA Assessment; Therapy Dog Visit (11:30); Freaky Friday - Pajama Day; PTA Bingo Night (6 PM)
• Wednesday, January 25: End of Quarter 2 - 2 hour early release
• Thursday, January 26:  Student Holiday/Professional Workday
• Friday, January 27: Student Holiday/Professional Workday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Happy New Year!

Today has been a gorgeous morning to return to school!  We sincerely hope every family had a joyous winter break and was ready to send your children back to school.  Welcome 2023!

LRES January Testing

Students in Grades 3-6 will be taking the Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) starting next week.  The purpose of these assessments is to measure student growth and progress in reading and mathematics content standards.

• Jan. 11 = 4th Grade Reading VGA
• Jan. 12 = 3rd & 5th Grade Reading VGA
• Jan. 13 = 6th Grade Reading VGA
• Jan. 18 = 3rd & 5th Grade Math VGA
• Jan. 20 = 4th & 6th Grade Math VGA

Combined Fall and Winter VGA score reports will be delivered to families via U.S. Mail as soon as possible after all Winter VGA tests are completed. The anticipated delivery timeline is late February or early March 2023. The intention of combining this VGA reporting is to make it easier for families to view growth in the Vertical Scaled Scores (VSS) from fall to winter and to compare the student’s VSS results to the end-of-year proficiency target. More information pertaining to the VGA can be found here.

The VSS range for VGA for grades 3-6 stretches from a low of 900 to a high of 2000. Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) analysis for the Winter 2022 VGA window is expected around the end of April 2023. Percentile ranges show where students are in comparison to all the other students that took this same assessment. Below is the VSS for VGA testing from the Fall 2022 Window:  

Students enrolled in the Advanced Mathematics Grade 6 course will be participating in the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) on January 17th. Results from this assessment are used as one component of the course placement process for Algebra 1 Honors in Grade 7.

English Language Learners in Grades K-6, will participate in the World- Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA), to provide annual assessment of students' English language development. The results of the WIDA testing determines a students eligibility for English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) services. The WIDA window for testing is January 23-March 1. More specific information on testing dates will be forthcoming.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TESTING: Get a good night’s rest the night before, eat a healthy breakfast the morning of, dress comfortably, and most importantly, try your best!

If you have any questions regarding testing, please reach out to Ms. Angela Ulsh ([email protected]), Assistant Principal and School Testing Coordinator.

PTA Updates

Welcome back and Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all enjoyed some relaxing time with your families over the winter break and feel rested and recharged for the new year. We are excited for 2023 and all the fun events that are already planned in, we are building our committees for several of these events and need more helping hands - please find below some of the upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. 

• We will welcome our wonderful Lemon Road staff back in the New Year with our traditional January Welcome Back Breakfast on January 5th - please signup here to volunteer for the event or provide breakfast items, we currently have quite a few gaps to be filled - thank you for your support!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-welcome4

• The next PTA General Meeting will be January 17th 2023 - we will be joined by local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options. We hope to see many of you there either in person or online! 

• Our first community event of 2023 will be our Bingo night on January 20th - Mark your calendars now, more information will be coming out soon!

• Committees for the following events are now being formed - please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to support or be involved! 
• Basketball Game
• Smart Talk Grant - digital use and wellness
• Spring Fair
• Staff Appreciation Week

• As always please follow the PTA's social media accounts to keep up to date with all of the fun things happening! 

• https://www.facebook.com/LemonRoadElementaryPTA/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/lemonroadschool/?hl=en    
• https://twitter.com/lemonroadpta

Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, January 5:  PTA Welcome Back Breakfast; Marshall Pyramid Chorus Event (Evening)
• Friday, January 6:  Three Kings Day; Navy & Yellow Spirit Day
• Wednesday, January 11: Longfellow Middle School Transition Event (6 PM)
• Friday, January 13: Region 2 Executive Principals Visit LRES (AM); Polo Day
• Monday, January 16: MLK Holiday (No School)
• Tuesday, January 17:  PTA General Meeting (7 PM)
• Friday, January 20:  Freaky Friday - Pajama Day; PTA Bingo Night (6 PM)

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Variety Show - Friday

Lemon Road looks forward to hosting our Annual Variety Show on Friday!  Students Kindergarten through Sixth Grade auditioned for the opportunity to either have their act recorded and played in the classrooms on Thursday or performed live on the stage on Friday.  The show on Friday will begin promptly at 9 AM and will last approximately 90 minutes.  Parents of performers are welcome to attend the show in person or any parent may log in to our LiveStream:  https://youtu.be/NUv7rzvycD4

Thank you to all our parents who supported the performers or volunteered to support the process.  Parents joining in person should arrive between 8:30 - 8:45 to give time for parking and check in using their photo ID in our lobby.  

Winter Parties

All classes are looking forward to their Winter Parties this Friday afternoon!  Any materials or treats being donated for parties should be labeled with the classroom teacher's name.  Adults joining class parties should arrive 15 minutes early to ensure time for parking and scanning their photo ID in the school lobby prior to joining a classroom.  

Level IV Referral Deadline

A final reminder that today, December 15 is the county-wide deadline for Level IV AAP Referrals. Questions about the process should be emailed to Mrs. Avery Straw directly ([email protected]).  The required Referral Form can be found here.  

Science Olympiad

Congratulations to the Lemon Road students that competed this fall representing our school through Science Olympiad!  We recently received the results from our Science Olympiad, Division A ( Grade 3-5) competitions and many of our students placed in the different events. Thank you for all the support this season from parents, community, and staff! 

FCPS Devices over Winter Break

To support a healthy media balance and to encourage students to spend time away from screens, FCPS devices in general will not be going home over winter break. If you have a need for your child to have their device with them over break, please copy and paste the following sentence and email it to your child’s teacher.  "My child, <insert name>, needs access to their school-assigned device over winter break. I will take responsibility for my child’s activities on the device and make sure they are following the FCPS SR&R guidance and acceptable use policy.  Thank you, <insert parent name>"

Upcoming Important Dates

Thursday, December 15: Festive Sweater & Accessories Day; Ledo’s Pizza Restaurant Night

Friday, December 16:  Variety Show (9:00 AM); Class Winter Parties; December Freaky Friday - Stuffed Animal Day (must fit in backpack)

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2:  Winter Break (School Closed)

Monday, January 5:  Winter Welcome Back Staff Breakfast

Tuesday, January 17:  PTA General Meeting

Friday, January 20: PTA Bingo Night

 

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Message from Mrs. Castillo

Thank you to our PTA for the Mad Science assembly on Thursday!  It was so much fun for students and staff alike.  

Next Thursday is our Annual Staff Winter Luncheon.  We extend all staff's typical lunch break by 15 minutes to offer a catered lunch, play games, and present a gift to staff.  To make the day a success, we need help!  Consider volunteering one shift of coverage to supervise a class and/or drop off a white elephant gift or gift card to be used as a prize during the lunches.  Any store, present, or amount are appreciated!  Thank you for helping us create a special event for the staff! 

Also next week is our annual Variety Show beginning Friday after 8:30 (more details shared midweek) and our winter class parties.  Thank you to all our parents and volunteers supporting each event. 

Looking forward to a fantastic final week of 2022! 

LRES PTA Updates

Thank you to our wonderful Lemon Road community for the amazing level of engagement and support; it has been a fantastic close to the 2022 year! We’re encouraged by the fresh new faces getting involved, and so grateful for the dedication of our seasoned volunteers. Your support has already enabled us to hold 4 community events, 1 service event, 4 staff appreciation activities, 2 student assemblies (and book 2 more for the Spring) and 3 general meetings with Guest Speakers - all since August! That is on top of the day-to-day PTA business of supporting the teachers, students, and staff.  We are excited for all that 2023 will bring, and hope you will join us! See below for some of the upcoming events as we close out 2022 and enter into 2023. We hope you have a lovely December and Winter Break and we wish you all Happy Holidays!

• We would like to thank Mad Science for providing the Science themed Assemblies for our students this week - follow the PTA's social media accounts to see some of the fun! 

• https://www.facebook.com/LemonRoadElementaryPTA/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/lemonroadschool/?hl=en    
• https://twitter.com/lemonroadpta

• Counting down the days to Winter Break? Take a night off from cooking and join us for our December Restaurant night at Ledo's pizza! December 14 & 15 4pm to 9pm - just mention "Lemon Road" when ordering for dine in or carry out!

• Class Winter Parties are December 16 - please reach out to the room parents for your students class to ask if they need any support with running the party or supplies! 

• We will welcome our wonderful Lemon Road staff back in the New Year with our traditional January Welcome Back Breakfast on January 5 - please signup here to volunteer for the event or provide breakfast items, thank you for your support!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-welcome4

• The next PTA General Meeting will be January 17, 2023 - we will be joined by local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options. We hope to see many of you there either in person or online! 

FCPS Devices Over Winter Break

To support a healthy media balance and to encourage students to spend time away from screens, FCPS devices in general will not be going home over winter break. If you have a need for your child to have their device with them over break, please copy and paste the following sentence and email it to your child’s teacher.  "My child, <insert name>, needs access to their school-assigned device over winter break. I will take responsibility for my child’s activities on the device and make sure they are following the FCPS SR&R guidance and acceptable use policy.  Thank you, <insert parent name>"

Marshall Pyramid Parent Presentation Positivity Project: Self Control

This week we will be focusing on the character strength of Self-Control. Self-control is the act of managing behavior in a way that positively influences goal attainment and living up to standards. Possessing this strength protects people from destabilizing emotional extremes. Those with self-control can limit impulsive behavior. They are able to experience and navigate difficulty while remaining poised. Self-control does not mean a lack of thoughts, feelings, or impulses; it just means you have command over them.

FCPS News

FCPS News In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Outdoor Learning Spaces
• Job Opportunities for Bus Drivers and Food Services Workers
• Strategic Planning Community Forums

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.  

Level IV AAP Referral Deadline

As a reminder, if you’d like your child to be considered for AAP level IV full-time placement, please submit the parent referral form by December 15 at 3 pm via email to [email protected]. It is optional to submit the parent questionnaire and 2 pages of work samples. At this time, the second grade universal screener (formerly known as the screening pool) has been released. If you have not heard from the county, your child will not be considered unless you submit a referral.

Some resources to help you:

• AAP Forms
• Level IV presentation
• I need help! - Sign up to meet with Ms. Straw (limited to Monday, Dec 12), email is always open!

Longfellow Middle School

Longfellow Middle School is excited to invite you to the Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 11 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This night will be full of information about Longfellow and the transition to middle school. Our core and elective teachers will highlight their exciting classes. There will be students and staff members to answer any questions you might have. The inclement weather date is Wednesday, January 18 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

Work at Lemon Road!

Are you or someone you know interested in working hourly to support our school? We are looking for student monitors to work either partial or full days to support our students in the cafeteria, classroom, specials and at recess. Please send me an email if you are interested in joining our staff at [email protected]!  

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, December 12: Orthodontist Presentations in Grade 3 

Wednesday, December 14: SCA Officer Meeting (8:20); Therapy Dog Visit; Ledo’s Pizza Restaurant Night

Thursday, December 15: Festive Sweater & Accessories Day; Ledo’s Pizza Restaurant Night

Friday, December 16:  Variety Show (8:30 AM); Class Winter Parties; December Freaky Friday - Stuffed Animal Day (must fit in backpack)

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2:  Winter Break (School Closed)

Monday, January 5:  Winter Welcome Back Staff Breakfast

Tuesday, January 17:  PTA General Meeting

Friday, January 20: PTA Bingo Night

 

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Lemon Road was bursting with excitement from our team building events and learning this week!  Thank you to Mrs. Callanen and Ms. Ender for collaborating with The Edge with George Mason University to share this experience with all lions.  See photos above and below that highlight the student experience.  

Over the past few weeks I had the opportunity to chat with several student representatives in grades K-6 to obtain feedback about Lemon Road and contribute to the FCPS’ Strategic Plan work (grades 3 - 6).  It was a wonderful opportunity to hear student voices articulate what is going well at Lemon Road and their ideas for improvement.   

Below also are photos of our third grade students sharing their non-fiction books with our kindergarten classes.  Both grade levels benefitted from this experience.  

As a safety reminder, students may not be dropped off in front of the school or in the parking lot before school.  Parents must park in a legal parking spot and walk their child to the front door (before 8:15) or into the front office (after 8:15).  Students may not cross the parking lot or bus loop without their grownup.  Parents are encouraged to use Kiss & Ride or send their children on the bus to minimize traffic delays on the way to school.  

Thank you to all our parents that continue to drop off snacks for our staff lounge, we all really appreciate your generosity.  There are a lot of special events between now and the new year - check out our important dates below!

Portrait of a Graduate Principals Coffee

Thank you to all our parents who joined our Principals Coffee Friday either in-person or through Zoom.  Mrs. Argue shared how Lemon Road students access and use their Portrait of a Graduate attributes on a consistent basis.  Check out the POG page on our website to view the recording and resources from the meeting. Here’s the direct link: https://lemonroades.fcps.edu/pogpol

LRES PTA Updates

The next PTA General Meeting will be January 17th 2023 - Lemon Road will be joined by local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options.  

The PTA Winter Service Project - Our first Winter Service Project, aimed at supporting local families in need over the holidays, is underway! The PTA will be hosting the Lemon Road Winter Service Event on December 8th from 4-5pm in the school cafeteria, as well as running a food donation drive until December 8th. All of our LRES Community are welcome and encouraged to attend and get involved in whatever way suits them, including children and extended family members, you do not need to signup to attend. Please sign up here to volunteer to help participate in the event! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AE2FA5FD0-winter

AAP Full-Time (Level IV) Referrals Due December 15

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs (level IV AAP services) may submit the AAP Level IV Referral Form to our AART, Avery Straw, @ [email protected] no later than December 15. 

The window to submit an AAP Level IV Referral Form is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Level IV services can be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for AAP Level IV will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of professionals from various schools review materials to determine eligibility for level IV placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April.

Referrals for AAP Levels II-III (part-time services) are screened at the local school. 

For more information, there are parent presentations available on the FCPS AAP website (under “Presentations”).

Staff Winter Luncheon - Help Needed

Each December, our staff enjoy a holiday luncheon put on by our administrators and office staff.  We extend their typical lunch break by 15 minutes to offer a catered lunch, play games, and present a gift to staff.  To make the day a success, we need help!  Consider volunteering one shift of coverage to supervise a class and/or drop off a white elephant gift or gift card to be used as a prize during the lunches.  Any store, present, or amount are appreciated!  Thank you for helping us create a special event for the staff! 

FCPS Winter Weather Plans

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made. 

FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).

FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during 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 sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in [email protected], bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.

Work at Lemon Road!

Are you or someone you know interested in working hourly to support our school? We are looking for student monitors to work either partial or full days to support our students in the cafeteria, classroom, specials and at recess. Please send me an email if you are interested in joining our staff at [email protected]!  

P2: Supporting Others When They Struggle

Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical piece of being human. There are many different approaches to helping people who are struggling. These can include: listening while they describe an event and their feelings about it, taking action to help people in need, or simply just being there and sitting together in silence. Talking through a problem is a common way to help a person who is going through a tough time. 

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, December 5: B Week; Full SCA Meeting (8:20 AM)

Thursday, December 8:  Cultural Observance Day:  Bodhi Day; Mad Science Assemblies (thank you PTA); PTA & SCA Winter Community Service Project 4-5pm

Friday, December 9: Polo Day

Monday, December 12: Orthodontist Presentations (Grade 2 & 3)

Wednesday, December 14: SCA Officer Meeting (8:20); Therapy Dog Visit; Ledo’s Pizza Restaurant Night

Thursday, December 15: Festive Sweater & Holiday Accessories Day; Staff Holiday Luncheon (10:45 - 1:35); Level IV AAP Referrals Due; Ledo’s Pizza Restaurant Night

Friday, December 16:  Variety Show (8:30); Class Parties; December Freaky Friday - Theme TBD

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Principals' Coffee 8:30 Today!

Join us in person or virtually this morning at 8:30 AM for our Principal’s Coffee! This month, our focus is Portrait of a Graduate, as well as the shift to presentations of learning in the coming years for FCPS. Ms. Argue, a 5th grade teacher, will share her experience with Portrait of a Graduate, how using POG can amplify student voice, and how Lemon Road is supporting Portrait of a Graduate learning in all grade levels (K – 6). Join to learn firsthand how this will impact instruction and what conversations you can start with your children at home to further their learning and application.

We welcome parents/caregivers in person from 8:30 - 9:30 or virtually using this link:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91645803600

Thank you for spending part of your morning with us!

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Principals' Coffee - Friday

Join us in person or virtually on Friday, December 2nd at 8:30 AM for our next Principal’s Coffee! This month, our focus is Portrait of a Graduate, as well as the shift to presentations of learning in the coming years for FCPS. Ms. Argue, a 5th grade teacher, will share her experience with Portrait of a Graduate, how using POG can amplify student voice, and how Lemon Road is supporting Portrait of a Graduate learning in all grade levels (K – 6). Join to learn firsthand how this will impact instruction and what conversations you can start with your children at home to further their learning and application.

We welcome parents/caregivers in person from 8:30 - 9:30 or virtually using this link:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91645803600

Thank you for spending part of your morning with us!

FLE Parent Preview - Curriculum

Thank you parents for joining Mr. Van Trees last night to ask questions and discuss upcoming Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum on Zoom.  See above for directions for parents to preview lessons and content in Schoology.  Remember to log into Schoology as a parent and not using your child's account information.  Questions can be directed to your child's classroom teacher or Mr. Van Trees ([email protected]).  

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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FLE Parent Preview - Tonight

Tonight, Monday, November 28 at 6:30 PM, Mr. Van Trees will lead an information session via Zoom about Family Life Education (FLE) for interested Lemon Road parents.  Participants will have the opportunity to talk about the program and learn how to preview FLE materials. If interested, join the meeting using the link below:

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94913244368 

Meeting ID: 949 1324 4368

Additional information on the curricula, as well as Opt-Out forms are available on the Family Life Education (FLE) page.  The public may review recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and share feedback through Thursday, December 1. Recommended changes are based on leading education and child development research, and expert advice. The goal is to create a more inclusive learning environment, support higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.  Please review the recommended changes on the FCPS website and complete the brief feedback form. Public feedback will be shared with the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee and the School Board. FCPS staff and the Board will consider all feedback but are unable to provide replies to individuals.

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Last week was packed of family engagement activities!  Thank you everyone who joined our PTA meeting, chaperoned a field trip, came to the Book Fair & Family Night, Buddy Ran with Girls on the Run, supported our Science Olympiad teams, or came this afternoon to help our community grounds! 

Another thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks for our staff.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack.  Mrs. Castillo tries to stock the lounge each Friday with donations.  

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  

LRES FLE Parent Preview Night

Due to technical difficulties, we are rescheduling Lemon Road’s FLE Parent Preview Night for Monday, November 28 at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Van Trees will lead an information session via Zoom.  Parents will have the opportunity to talk about the program and learn how to preview FLE materials. If interested, join the meeting using the link below:

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94913244368 

Meeting ID: 949 1324 4368

Additional information on the curricula, as well as Opt-Out forms are available on the Family Life Education (FLE) page.  The public may review recommended changes to the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum and share feedback through Thursday, December 1. Recommended changes are based on leading education and child development research, and expert advice. The goal is to create a more inclusive learning environment, support higher academic achievement for students, and improve school climate.  Please review the recommended changes on the FCPS website and complete the brief feedback form. Public feedback will be shared with the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee and the School Board. FCPS staff and the Board will consider all feedback but are unable to provide replies to individuals.

The Edge Teambuilding Experiences

One use of our ESSER-III Wellness Funding will be used for team building activities led on LRES grounds from The Edge on Wheels out of George Mason University.  All classes will have the opportunity to participate in this team building activity before winter break.  We look forward to these fun and engaging experiences to build relationships within and across classes at Lemon Road!

PTA Updates

Thank you Mary Smith for being the PTA Guest Speaker for the November General Meeting -  Mary was generous with her time and expertise and shared many wonderful tips and resources for parents. The links to resources Mary shared can be found on the PTA social media accounts and the full presentation is available to all PTA Members on MemberHub - we strongly encourage you all to check out her website at https://www.marysmithparentcoach.com/speaking for more information.

The next PTA General Meeting will be January 17th 2023! - we will be joined by local vendors offering student enrichment and summer camp options. We hope to see many of you there. 

The PTA Winter Service Project - detailed information came home in the last Wednesday folders about our first Winter Service Project aimed at supporting local families in need over the Holidays. The PTA will be hosting the Lemon Road Community Service Event on December 8th from 4-5pm in the school cafeteria, as well as running a food donation drive for the week prior to this. All of our LRES Community are welcome and encouraged to attend and get involved. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions or to volunteer to help with running the event!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• FCPS Calendar Survey
• How to be involved in the Strategic Plan
• Post-Thanksgiving COVID Testing
• Recommended Changes to Family Life Education Curriculum 

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, November 21:  B Week

Tuesday, November 22:  Freaky Friday - Crazy Hair Day; SACC Friendsgiving (4:30)

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

Monday, November 28:  A Week; TableTop Safety Exercise; Food Donation Drive Begins; The Edge on Wheels Team Building Sessions; FLE Parent Preview Night (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, November 30:  SCA Officer Meeting (8:30 AM); The Edge on Wheels Team Building Sessions

Thursday, December 1: The Edge on Wheels Team Building Sessions

Friday, December 2:  Navy & Yellow Spirit Day; Principals’ Coffee - POG/POGPOL (8:30); The Edge on Wheels Team Building Sessions

Thursday, December 8:  Mad Science Assemblies; PTA Winter Community Service Project 4-5pm

Friday, December 16:  Variety Show (8:30); Class Parties; December Freaky Friday 

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

FLE Parent Preview - Rescheduled

Sorry for the inconvenience, but we have to reschedule the Parent Preview to FLE through Zoom due to technical difficulties.  We will share an updated day/time tomorrow.  In the meantime, parents can access information about the curriculum and Opt-Out forms through the Family Life Education (FLE) page.  Thank you for your patience ~ Mrs. Castillo

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Message from Mrs. Castillo

We had an awesome week at Lemon Road!  Our Kindergarteners and families enjoyed their annual Squirrel Walk where classes hiked through the trails looking for squirrels, dreys, and basic needs of squirrels.  Thursday was exciting as we celebrated our community Veterans and active members of the military.  Finally, students in each class were selected to spend time with our Therapy Dogs in the courtyard.  

Thank you families who enjoyed dinner from Basic Burger last Thursday evening - small acts of support like that allow our PTA to help our school in so many ways!

This week will be busy day and night with the Scholastic Book Fair, sixth grade field trip, PTA meeting, FLE Parent Preview Night, Family Night, and Principal lunch bunches with our SCA Officers and Representatives.  Have a great rest of your Sunday! 

Parent Reminders: 

- If your child is interested in participating in the LRES Annual Variety Show on December 16, complete the permission slip and have your child begin practicing their act.  Performers in grades 4 - 6 may access the upper grade Flip audition here.  

- Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack.  

FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards

Nominations are closing soon for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Lemon Road Elementary School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one or more employees at our school! 

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. 

• Outstanding Teacher: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
• Outstanding New Teacher:  Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
• Outstanding Principal: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal 
• Outstanding Leader:  At least one year of experience in their current position as an Assistant Principal
• Outstanding Professional Employee:  At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership such as School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor
• Outstanding Operational Employee:  At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee such as Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 16, 2021.

Lemon Road Family Night

We look forward to hosting Family Night at Lemon Road on Thursday, November 17.  From 5:30 - 7:30 PM, families are encouraged to come by the school for math games, literacy games, read alouds, Book Fair shopping, cider & donuts from the PTA, and dinner!  All students will have visited the Book Fair to create a wish list prior to Thursday.  Parents may also purchase a book from their teachers’ Wish Lists as a gift for the classroom.  Dinner is available for pre-order from Chick-fil-a and Jimmy Johns. 

FLE Parent Preview Night

Lemon Road will be hosting a virtual Family Life Education (FLE) Parent Information Night on Thursday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.  Parents will have the opportunity to talk with school staff about the program and learn how to preview FLE materials. If interested, join the meeting using the link below:

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98894730317

Meeting ID: 988 9473 0317

Additional information on the curricula, as well as Opt-Out forms are available on the Family Life Education (FLE) page.

LRES PTA Updates:

Thank you! The Annual Lemon Road coat drive has now ended with a record 88 coats donated! Thank you all for helping keep our lions warm this winter.

We are excited for our PTA General meeting on November 15th which will feature Mary Smith, a parenting coach, talking about tips to resolve power struggles and anxiety in children. All of the LRES community are very welcome to attend either in person or virtually - we hope to see you there! Mary Smith's website can be found here.

Join us for the Lemon Road Family Night (and Book Fair) on Thursday November 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. For guaranteed dinner, please pre-order and pay by Monday, Nov 14th. There will be limited quantities to purchase on site. Drinks will be available for purchase ($1). Cider and donuts will be provided for free by the PTA. We look forward to seeing everyone for a fun family evening! Click here to order dinner for Family Night. 

Save the Date! More information coming soon but the PTA will be hosting a Lemon Road Community Service Event on December 8th from 4-5pm, all are welcome.

Positivity Project: Gratitude

This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means you are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.  Gratitude is the quality of feelings and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world and that we have received that goodness. People with the strength of gratitude have a readiness to show appreciation for kindness and also to return kindness.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Calendar Survey, Coming Soon!
• Student Performance in Language Arts (Grades 1-6)
• Family Engagement Resources
• School Board Presentation: Academic Matters

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today. 

Upcoming Important Dates:

Monday, November 14: A Week; Scholastic Book Fair Opens

Tuesday, November 15:  Deadline to submit Outstanding Staff Nomination; PTA General Meeting featuring Guest Speaker Dr Mary Smith (7 PM)

Wednesday, November 16: Grade 6 Udvar-Hazy Field Trip;  Virtual FLE Parent Preview Night (6:30 PM)

Thursday, November 17: Book Fair & Family Night (5:30 - 7:30)

Friday, November 18: Polo Day; Principal & SCA Officers/Representative Lunch Bunches 

Saturday, November 19:  GOTR 5K Race

Monday, November 21:  B Week

Tuesday, November 22:  Freaky Friday - Crazy Hair Day

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Message from Mrs. Castillo

We have had another wonderful week of learning and exploration. Both first and fourth graders attended their first field trip of the year - thank you for the PTA for funding the buses for each grade level’s 1st trip!  Thank you also to the PTA for movie night - it was a lot of fun and the weather was perfect!  On Thursday, Lemon Road welcomed our Room Parents for a brief orientation and on Friday, our Principals’ Coffee featured Mrs. Straw who shared how to refer your child for the Level IV AAP services.  

Our school staff is looking forward to hosting Family Night on Thursday, November 17.  Not only will families be able to purchase items from the book fair, but we will have math games, read alouds, literacy games, dinner available for purchase, and free cider and donuts from our PTA!  Be sure to mark your calendars!  

Parent Reminders: 

- Students demonstrating any of the following symptoms in FCPS will be sent home from school: fever (100.4 or greater), chills, cough, shortness of breath,  loss of taste/smell, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose/congestion, stomachache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and/or headaches.  While some of these symptoms may be indicative of COVID-19, these symptoms also prevent your child from being able to learn in class.  For more information, please check this website.

- If you need to pick up your child early, please email your child's classroom teacher and the front office to alert them of the day and time. If you call when you are 5 minutes away, we can begin the pack-up process for your child and cut down on your wait time once you arrive.  

- Veterans, retired, and active military community members are encouraged to join us and/or submit a photo to support our recognition of Veterans Day.  Please complete this google form to participate.  Any questions can be directed to Ms. Dana Vaughn

- Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack. 

Outstanding Employee Awards

Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! Would you like to celebrate the work of a staff member who has gone above and beyond welcoming students back to school this year? To submit a nomination for a Lemon Road Elementary School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. If you are unsure of which category to use for an employee, please read the criteria in the Google Form or email Abby Doble or Erin Dickey-Dunn! 

• Outstanding Teacher: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
• Outstanding New Teacher:  Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
• Outstanding Principal: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal 
• Outstanding Leader:  At least one year of experience in their current position as an Assistant Principal
• Outstanding Professional Employee:  At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership such as School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor
• Outstanding Operational Employee:  At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee such as Administrative and Office Staff, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 16, 2021.

LRES PTA News:

Thank you to everyone who attended our Spooky Movie Night on Friday & an especially BIG thank you to our wonderful volunteer crew who made the event possible! We hope you all had a Spooktacular time!

Don't feel like cooking? Order in or eat out to support the PTA! - Basic Burger are hosting our November Restaurant night and donating a huge 25% of the profits, so give yourself a break from cooking and support the PTA at the same time on November 10th! Take out and eat in order's all support the PTA.

We are excited for our next PTA General meeting on November 15th which will feature Mary Smith, a parenting coach, talking about tips to resolve power struggles and anxiety in children. All of the LRES community are very welcome to attend either in person or virtually - we hope to see you there! Mary Smiths website can be found here 

Support Outdoor Education by Volunteering! - Please click on this link to find some volunteering opportunities to support our wonderful Outdoor Education Program. 

Positivity Project: Bravery

Next week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.  Bravery refers to voluntary action in the face of a dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgement; the brave person must have an understanding of the risks and consequences involved in acting. According to Socrates and Plato, forethought separates acts of valor from acts of rashness. This means that bravery isn’t simply fearlessness, but instead the overcoming of fear.

The Variety Show is Coming

All students are invited to audition to perform in the annual Lemon Road Variety Show!  The live event will take place the morning of Friday, December 16.  See information below regarding auditions and planning for the big event!

• Permission slip: Lemon Road's Variety Show Permission Form 2022
• Flip Audition: FlipGrid Auditions for Grades 4-6 only

FCPS News: In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Purple Star Schools Support Military-Connected Families
• $2 Million Grant Supports STEAM
• FCPS Calendar 
• Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?
• Virtual Job Fair

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today. 

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, November 7: B Week; Full SCA Meeting; Kindergarten Squirrel Walk

Tuesday, November 8:  Election Day (No School); Progress Reports available on ParentVue

Wednesday, November 9:  Lifetouch Retake Individual Photos 

Thursday, November 10:  Recognition of Veterans Day; November Therapy Dog Visit; Basic Burger Restaurant Night in Vienna

Friday, November 11:  Veterans Day (No School)

Monday, November 14: Scholastic Book Fair Opens

Tuesday, November 15:  Deadline to submit Staff Nomination; PTA General Meeting featuring Guest Speaker Dr Mary Smith (7 PM)

Wednesday, November 16: FLE Parent Preview Night (ZOOM)

Thursday, November 17: Book Fair & Family Night (5:30 - 7:30)

Friday, November 18: Principal & SCA Officers/Representative Lunch Bunches 

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Principals' Coffee - Join Today

Good morning!
A reminder of our Principals Coffee this morning featuring Mrs. Avery Straw (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher) sharing the process to refer students for the Level IV Advanced Academics Program.  We welcome parents/caregivers in person from 8:30 - 9:30 or parents may join virtually using this link:  https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91645803600

Thank you for spending part of your morning with us! ~ Mrs. Castillo

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Message from Mrs. Castillo

Friday was a very spirited day!  So many students and staff participated in Costume Day and our 3rd graders also shared their personal narratives with parents/grown ups during an Author's Tea.  The students had a wonderful time.  

We are looking forward to the start of the 2nd quarter of the school year this week!  Friday evening the PTA will host our Spooky Movie Night and we hope everyone can join us.  In addition, we are truly excited to honor our veterans and military families at Lemon Road  We have made plans to help celebrate on November 10th.  Please sign up below to join us for breakfast and consider speaking in one or more classes! 

As we are ending our first quarter, we wanted to share that progress reports will be available in ParentVue on November 8th. Thank you for making time to conference with your child's teacher.  

Looking forward to another great week!  

Parent Reminders: 

- If you need to pick up your child early, please email your child's classroom teacher and the front office to alert them of the day and time. If you call when you are 5 minutes away, we can begin the pack-up process for your child and cut down on your wait time once you arrive.  

- Veterans, retired, and active military community members are encouraged to join us and/or submit a photo to support our recognition of Veterans Day.  Please complete this google form to participate.  Any questions can be directed to Ms. Dana Vaughn

- Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack.  

- Parents can opt to “Go Paperless” for Elementary Progress Reports. In your ParentVue account, go to “My Account” and select the “Go Paperless” checkbox just under your account details. 

- Please return your child’s Impact Aid form.  We must have one returned for each student at Lemon Road. 

Therapy Dogs at LRES

We are happy to re-introduce an exciting initiative: The Lemon Road Therapy Dog Visit program. Our special canine friends will visit with us each month delivering lots of wags and smiles.

All students will be provided an opportunity to express their interest in participating and will be selected via a lottery process.  If you would like your child's name to be added to the lottery, parents may email Mrs. Coleman and Ms. McKinney for inclusion ([email protected] & [email protected]).  

Therapy dogs have been active in schools worldwide including several in Fairfax County for some time. They have proven to have tremendous benefits for students including increased self-esteem, self-confidence, greater resilience, reduced stress and anxiety and increased social interactions. It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills and cultivate a special unconditional friendship.

We are excited about this program! It is our hope that by including therapy dogs in our school setting we will enhance mental health wellness.

Positivity Project Update:

This week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Knowing That My Words and Actions Affect Others. Everything that you say and do can affect others -- and your relationships with them.

Everything we do, say, text, tweet, snap, or post can positively or negatively impact other people. Our words and our actions are our choices to make, but they can have ripple effects long after we make them. Words and actions have the power to lift others up or tear them down, but, our words and actions also impact ourselves. When a group is comprised of individuals who are thoughtful about their words and actions -- individuals who show respect and consideration for the people around them -- we’re likely to have a happier and healthier culture.

Lifetouch Photo Make Up Day 11.9

This photo day is for students who were absent, new to the school, or who were not happy with their original package (students are required to return their original package to the photographer).  Anyone may have their photo retaken, but ensure that your child informs their teacher of your request.  

PTA Updates

Holiday Shopping Time - ends Monday!! Be a supporter, just click order! https://registercw.com/gateway?organizationMidasId=24822 Start your holiday shopping early with our catalog fundraiser and the PTA will receive 40% of all sales. There are only a few days left to place your order and support the PTA so don’t miss the deadline, MONDAY OCT 31st! 

Spooky Movie Night is almost here! Voting has started for our Spooky themed Movie Night on Nov 4th. Costumes are encouraged and we need some volunteers to help run the event please - both adults and middle schoolers:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4ca4ae2fa5fd0-lres8

We are excited for our next PTA General meeting on November 15th which will feature Mary Smith, a parenting coach, talking about tips to resolve power struggles and anxiety:  https://www.marysmithparentcoach.com/speaking

Support Outdoor Education by Volunteering! Please volunteer with our Outdoor Education Program:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4ca4ae2fa5fd0-outdoor

Dunn Loring Repurposing Project Community Meeting

Join FCPS on November 10, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. for a community meeting to learn more about the Dunn Loring repurposing project and share your views on the project and design process to date. This voter-funded renovation project will provide approximately 900 students with an elementary school rooted in history and poised to provide 21st-century learning, preparing young children for bright futures. Your voice matters and we would like to hear from you. 

You may attend the event in person at the Gatehouse Administrative Center (8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church) or virtually via Zoom. 

The November 10 meeting will focus on the proposed design and future construction. Boundary discussions will begin at the start of construction, which may be as early as spring 2024. 

Register for the November 10 community meeting

Learn more about the Dunn Loring project

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Strategic Plan Student Survey
• Early Online College Information Sessions
• Feedback Welcome on Proposed Family Life Education Changes
• November Parent Resource Webinars
• ESSER Funding Information and Feedback
• TJHSST Application Deadline, November 18
• Guidelines on Religious Accommodations for Students

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today. 

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, October 31: A Week; Teacher Workday; Parent/Teacher Conference Day

Tuesday, November 1: Cultural Observance Days: Dia de los Muertos; Eco-Defense Squad Meetings

Wednesday, November 2: Cultural Observance Days: Dia de los Muertos

Thursday, November 3:  Room Parent Coffee; Grade 4 Field Trip

Friday, November 4:  Grade 1 Field Trip; November Principals’ Coffee - AAP Level IV Screening Process (8:30 AM); PTA Spooky Movie Night (6:30 PM)

Monday, November 7: B Week; Full SCA Meeting; Kindergarten Squirrel Walk

Tuesday, November 8:  Election Day (No School)

Wednesday, November 9:  Lifetouch Retake Individual Photos 

Thursday, November 10:  Recognition of Veterans Day; November Therapy Dog Visit

Friday, November 11:  School Planning Day

Monday, November 14: Scholastic Book Fair Opens

Tuesday, November 15:  PTA General Meeting featuring Guest Speaker Dr Mary Smith

Thursday, November 18: Book Fair & Family Night (5:30 - 7:30)

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Last week was a full week of learning and a gorgeous one at that!  Monday kicked off with our SCA Officer and Classroom Representative Installation Ceremony.  We couldn’t be more proud of our students in leadership positions - their voices have an immediate impact on our school.  Also see photos of our 4th grade writing celebrations, third grade math students work on a task with Ms. Roth, and third graders reading with Mrs. Crane!

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, October 24, in observance of Diwali, and Friday, October 28, is a two hour early release (12:55 PM) for students.  It is hard to believe that the end of the first quarter is already here.

Thank you again for the donations of drinks and snacks from our parents.  The staff appreciate this treat each Friday.  See below for plans for Freaky Friday this week - Costume Day!  

Don't Forget

• Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack.  

• Consider dropping off gently used coats and Lemon Road polos in the lobby for students and families that need them.  

• Parents can opt to “Go Paperless” for Elementary Progress Reports. In your ParentVue account, go to “My Account” and select the “Go Paperless” checkbox just under your account details. 

• Please return your child’s Impact Aid form.  We must have one returned for each student at Lemon Road. 

Veterans Day

Lemon Road looks forward to honoring our Veterans on Thursday, November 10.  Veterans, active service members, and their Lemon Road students/staff are invited to join us for a light breakfast beginning at 8:30 AM.  We will use photos submitted from the community to create a slideshow both for the event and for our classroom teachers to share with their students.  Throughout the day, we encourage anyone able to visit one or more classrooms to either read a book or share about their experience.  If you can submit a photo, join us for breakfast, or visit a classroom, please complete this google form.  Any questions can be directed to Ms. Dana Vaughn.   Thank you for your service.  

Friday - Costume Day

On October 28th, we will have an early release and our Freaky Friday celebration.  Room parents will help organize birthday treats for the month of October.  Students and staff are also encouraged to wear their favorite costume this Friday.  This is a connection to our Positivity Project focus this week of creativity! 

While we cannot wait to see everyone’s costumes and spirit wear, costumes must:

• be appropriate and follow dress guidelines shared in Student Rights and Responsibilities
• contain no blood, gore, signs or themes of violence
• not include play guns, swords, knives or weapons of any type
• allow full participation in the day - to include recess and PE

PTA Updates

Holiday Shopping Time! Be a supporter, just click order!  Start your holiday shopping early with our catalog fundraiser and the PTA will receive 40% of all sales. We’re entering our last week so don’t miss the deadline, Friday Oct 28th. Join with a neighbor to reach free shipping on orders over $100, and don’t forget to share with family and friends. The catalog has many wonderful food and gift options as well as holiday and birthday wrapping paper. Thank you for supporting the PTA!

Thank you to everyone who attended our PTA meeting on October 18th and to our guest speakers Mrs. Straw and Ms. Ulsh. The presentations are available on MemberHub for anyone wishing to view them. Our next meeting is November 15th and will feature Dr Mary Smith, a parenting coach, talking about tips to resolve power struggles and anxiety in children. All of the LRES community are very welcome to attend either in person or virtually - we hope to see you there!

Support Outdoor Education by Volunteering! Please click this link to find some volunteering opportunities to support our wonderful Outdoor Education Program.

Positivity Project: Creativity

This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Creativity. Creativity means you come up with new and original ways to think about and do things. Creative people can look at the world in original ways. They are open to new experiences, and have an imaginative and independent thought process. They generate lots of different ideas and can pursue them with energy and enthusiasm. Creativity is a process that takes courage. Anytime you share your original ideas with the world, you risk being criticized or even ostracized.

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, October 24: Diwali Holiday (no school for students & staff)

Friday, October 28: End of Quarter 1; 2-hour Early Release for students; Freaky Friday - Costume Day; Grade 3 Writing Celebration; Last Day of PTA Fundraiser

Monday, October 31: Teacher Workday; Parent/Teacher Conference Day

Thursday, November 3:  Room Parent Coffee; Grade 4 Field Trip

Friday, November 4:  Principals’ Coffee (8:30 AM) Level IV Referral and Screening Process; Grade 1 Field Trip; PTA Spooky Movie Night (6:30 PM)

Monday, November 7: B Week; Full SCA Meeting; Kindergarten Squirrel Walk

Tuesday, November 8:  Election Day - No School

Wednesday, November 9:  Lifetouch Retake Individual Photos 

Thursday, November 10:  LRES Recognizes Veterans Day; Therapy Dog Visit

Friday, November 11:  Veterans Day - Teacher Workday

Tuesday, November 15:  PTA General Meeting featuring Guest Speaker Dr. Mary Smith

Friday, November 18: Book Fair & Family Night (5:30 - 7:30)

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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Message from Mrs. Castillo

Fall is in the air! As the leaves change and the temperatures begin to drop, our learning for the year is heating up! Check out the pictures above of our 3rd graders' very successful field trip to the Natural History Museum. Half of our 5th graders also went on their first field trip of the year to the Think-a-Bit lab on Friday!  

The PTA meets Tuesday evening and welcomes parents in person as well as virtually. This platform seems to be working well to include as many families as possible.  As we are hearing from Mrs. Straw about AAP Levels of Service and Ms. Ulsh about beginning of year testing in FCPS, we anticipate a full agenda.  Join us for a great evening of content, networking, and refreshments.  

Be sure you have a conference planned with your child’s teacher.  This is a very important practice to ensure consistent, positive two-way communication about your child that we value. 

Looking forward to a great full week of school!  

Reminders:

• Thank you to all our parents who have donated snacks & drinks.  If you haven’t yet, consider making a donation to stock the staff lounge.  Use this sign up genius or purchase any favorite family snack.  
• This year, Free & Reduced Lunch Applications are required for families to qualify not only for lunches, but also field trips, extracurricular activities, instrumental, and other scholarships. If you need assistance please contact Ms. Morales: [email protected]
• Parents can opt to “Go Paperless” for Elementary Progress Reports. In your ParentVue account, go to “My Account” and select the “Go Paperless” checkbox just under your account details. 

PTA Updates

Holiday Shopping Time!  Don’t forget to register at "https://bit.ly/3CnUmjF" and start your holiday shopping early with your Charleston Wrap catalog! LRES PTA will receive 40% of sales and you’ll be getting great home & holiday products! 

Back by popular demand! Ms Burke's Storybook Pumpkin Festival, October 11-25.  We’re growing a storybook pumpkin patch and need your help! Create a storybook pumpkin to represent a favorite book or book character. Get creative with paint, construction paper, and other craft items! Decorate your pumpkin without carving, cutting or poking holes in it.  Pumpkins should be no larger than a soccer ball. 

Thank you to everyone who attended our first PTA meeting of the year in September - our next meeting is October 18th and will feature Ms. Ulsh discussing fall testing at Lemon Road and Mrs. Straw overviewing the Advanced Academics Levels of Service.  All are welcome to attend either in person or virtually - we hope to see you there!

Positivity Project: Integrity

Next week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody's watching. People with integrity practice what they preach and maintain a consistent pattern of behavior aligned with their values. They have the courage not to follow the crowd if it means going against their beliefs. Integrity is closely aligned with the terms of honesty and authenticity. People with integrity tell the truth and have alignment in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Impact Aid Forms Coming

Lemon Road will be remitting the Impact Aid form on Wednesday, October 19th. It is required for each student to return.  Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.  For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school. If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the box in Section 3. All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 4. All results are confidential.

LRES Coat Drive

Crisp morning air means winter is on its way!!! Now is the time to donate coats, hats, and gloves to the LRES Coat Drive. We will collect used (but still good) coats and winter weather gear and swap with another local school so both schools have coats to distribute to those who need them. We want all our kids to be warm all winter on the way to and from school and playing at recess. We'll be collecting from October 14th through November 1st.  Look for a box in the Lemon Road lobby!

Upcoming Important Dates

Monday, October 17: A Week; SCA Induction Assembly (9:00 AM) 

Tuesday, October 18: Grade 5 Field Trip to Thinkabit Lab (2 classes); PTA General Meeting featuring guest speakers Ms. Straw and Ms. Ulsh (7 PM)

Wednesday, October 19: Impact Aid Forms sent home

Thursday, October 20:  Plaka Grill Restaurant Night

Friday, October 21: Polo Day; Grade 4 Writing Celebration

Monday, October 24: Diwali Holiday (no school for students & staff)

Friday, October 28: End of Quarter 1; 2-hour Early Release for students; Freaky Friday - Costume Day; Grade 3 Writing Celebration

Monday, October 31: Teacher Workday; Parent/Teacher Conference Day

Friday, November 4:  Principals’ Coffee (8:30 AM) Level IV Referral and Screening Process; PTA Spooky Movie Night

Tuesday, November 8:  Election Day - No School

Thursday, November 10:  LRES Recognizes Veterans Day - Stay Tuned!

Friday, November 11:  Veterans Day - No School/Teacher Workday

November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Holiday

FCPS School Year Calendar for 2022-23 

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter 

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

Walk to School Day Update

We wanted to share that while we always encourage families that can walk, bike, or roll to school to do so, our official "Walk to School Day" swag didn't arrive in time for tomorrow!  Please consider walking/biking tomorrow anyways, but we will announce another day when we will give away swag to participants.  We apologize for the last-minute change!  We will send an update with a new date soon!  ~ Mrs. Castillo 

7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 | Main Phone: 703.714.6400

Attendance: 703.714.6464 or email | Health Room: 703.714.6410 | Web | Twitter