Laurel Ridge Newsletter 3/19/26
A Lion's Tale

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A Lion's Tale

Counts

Greetings Laurel Ridge Families,

What an incredible week it has been for our Lions! I am still smiling thinking about the energy at last weekend’s Run for the Ridge.  Kudos to everyone who went the distance and showed such fantastic school spirit. It was also wonderful to see so many families at last night’s Math Madness Night. Watching our students engage in strategic games and seeing those Aha! moments reminds me why our community is so special. A huge thank you to the dedicated staff who volunteered their time to make the evening such a success.

As we look ahead to a busy week featuring Talent Show auditions and our PTA’s Every Lion, One Book Trivia Night, we also welcome a special celestial event: the Spring Equinox! Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, when day and night are nearly equal in length. To celebrate, I encourage you to try an Equinox Shadow Study this weekend. Have your child mark the length of their shadow at noon and again at 4:00 PM; it’s a simple, seasonal way to discuss the Earth’s tilt and orbit.  With only one more week of school before Spring Break, keeping our Lions' curiosity sharp is the perfect way to head into the holiday!

While we are all looking forward to a well-deserved rest, please remember that consistent school attendance this coming week is vital. When students are here, they don't just learn lessons—they build the connections that make our school a family.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Megan Counts
Laurel Ridge Elementary Principal

lucky pointing

Upcoming Laurel Ridge Events

Friday, March 20 - School 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
Tuesday April 7 - Thursday April 9 - LRES SOL Spirit Week (see below)
Friday, April 10 - Student Holiday - Rising Kindergartener Orientation 9am
Wednesday, April 29 - 3 Hour early Release 12:55pm
Thursday, April 30 - LRES Talent Show 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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


calendar

 

School Holiday Friday 3/20

Friday March 20 is a school holiday for Eid al-Fitr

 

12:55 Early Release Wednesday 3/25

Just a reminder that Laurel Ridge has one of our early release Wednesdays next week on 3/25.  We will dismiss students at 12:55, unless you alerted us about a childcare hardship and need your student(s) released at 3:55.  

An email was sent on 3/19 confirming your student's dismissal time. If you need to make a change, please email laurelridgeforms@fcps.edu as soon as possible.

 

1:55 Early Release Friday 3/27

Just a friendly reminder that FCPS has a 2 hour early release on Friday 3/27.  Laurel Ridge will dismiss at 1:55pm. 
 

Spring Break!

School will be closed March 30 through April 6.  Enjoy your break!


LRES SOL Spirit Week is
Tuesday, April 7 to Thursday, April 9!  

SOL Spirit Week

Educate Fairfax Student Bookmark Art Contest – “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader”

Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 education foundation that partners with the community to support Fairfax County Public Schools students and educators, is launching a divisionwide Student Bookmark Art Contest during March. FCPS students in grades K–12 are invited to design a 2” x 7” bookmark celebrating the power of learning and creativity under the theme “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.”

Artwork must be original, flat (no glitter or pop-ups), and include the student’s name, grade, and school on the back. Entries will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme, and overall effort. Four winners (K–2, 3–6, middle, and high) will each receive a $25 gift card, and winning designs will be printed and shared in schools and the community. This initiative supports FCPS Goal 3 by promoting literacy and student engagement.

Submissions may be mailed to Educate Fairfax (8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031), emailed to info@educatefairfax.org, or sent via pony mail. By submitting, students confirm FCPS enrollment and grant permission for printing and promotion (first name and grade only; parent/guardian signature required for winners).

Please click this link for instructions: Educate Fairfax Bookmark Contest Flyer and Instructions.  


military field day

FCPS is excited to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a good, old-fashioned field day! We invite all military-connected families with FCPS students to a special field day to honor our military-connected children. Join us for an afternoon of fun and community at Annandale High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 - 2 p.m.  

This is a great opportunity to connect with other military families across the Division!  

Head to the football and track stadium to play games and create crafts while food/beverage will be available for purchase to support various FCPS school clubs and organizations. 

HERE is the registration link.


2026 Special Education Family Conference banner

Special Education Family Conference:
Registration Open, Volunteers Needed

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, at Marshall High School. During this no-cost, in-person event, families will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources and other families, and participate in afternoon sessions. 

FCPS families are invited to register to attend this year’s conference. Childcare, accommodations, and language interpretation are available.

Families are also invited to register to serve as an event volunteer by Thursday, March 19. Volunteer hours will be awarded to student volunteers.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for updates and more details.


2026 Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters

Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services. The annual program celebrates individuals across Fairfax County Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.

Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.

Award recipients will be recognized at the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate those helping build more inclusive and supportive school communities. Registration details for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.



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