The Sunshine Scoop
Dear Louise Archer Families,
This year, we begin an exciting new chapter as we launch our Louise Archer Vision, Mission, and S.H.I.N.E. framework. These are much more than words on a page—they represent who we are, what we value, and the promise we make to every student and family, and to each other. They will serve as our compass as we make decisions, build relationships, and support student learning throughout the year.
Since February, our School Leadership Team worked thoughtfully to identify the heartbeat of Louise Archer. Together, we landed on three core values that define our community: kindness, integrity, and community. From those values came our new mission and vision, along with a simple framework we can all remember and live each day.
At Louise Archer, we S.H.I.N.E.
Show Kindness
Honor Integrity
Include Everyone
Nurture Community
Empower Growth
Throughout the year, you'll see these ideas woven into our classrooms, celebrations, family partnerships, and everyday interactions. Together, we'll ensure that every student experiences a school where they are known, valued, challenged, and inspired to let their light shine.
Thank you for the heart, dedication, and joy you bring to Louise Archer. We can't wait to see how we all S.H.I.N.E. together this year!
Sincerely,
Liz Noto, Principal
Jennifer Condra, Assistant Principal
Join us for a Parent Coffee with the Principal on Wednesday, August 12, and get everything you need to know before the first day of school! Families may attend either our 9:30am or 5:30pm session in the school library. A Zoom option will also be available for those who cannot attend in person.
During this informal gathering, you'll hear key back-to-school information including information about FCPS's new student bus ID badge system. The principal will also respond to questions from families. This is also our first PTA Meeting of the school year, so you'll score double for attending!
Coffee and cookies will be provided! We hope you'll join us as we partner together for a successful school year.
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Important Dates as we Begin School
We are looking forward to seeing you and your child at Open House on Friday, August 21st from 9:00a–10:00a. Students will get to connect with classmates, see their school, see their classroom, and meet their teacher and specialists. Parking will be challenging, so you may want to plan to carpool, if possible. Here is a comprehensive list helpful dates as we begin the 2026-2027 school year:
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Friday, August 21st from 9:00a-10:00a is our Open House/Meet the Teacher event for grades K-6.
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Monday, August 24th is the first day of school! School hours are 9:15a-4:00p. Doors open for arrival at 9:00a.
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Wednesday, August 26th is our Pre-K Orientation from 2:00-3:00p.
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Wednesday, September 9th will be Back-to-School Night (parents/guardians only) from 6:00-7:30p.
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Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar Jen Hanks at jlhanks@fcps.edu if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
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New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
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New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
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Mark your calendars! We will again have limited early release days for elementary schools on certain Wednesdays for the 2026-27 school year.
Three-hour early release days for our school will take place on:
- September 30
- November 18
- January 13
- April 7
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Our family-school partnerships are one of the things that make Louise Archer Elementary such a special place—and that's no accident! When families and staff work together, our students thrive.
We invite every family to become a member of the Louise Archer PTA. Your membership helps fund enriching programs for students, support family engagement events, provide resources for classrooms, and show appreciation for our outstanding staff throughout the year. Even if you aren't able to volunteer, simply becoming a member makes a meaningful difference.
Whether you're new to Louise Archer or returning for another great year, we'd love to have you join us. Memberships are valid for one year, so you must join again even if you were a member last school year. Join now! Prices increase August 21st!
Together, we can continue making our school an amazing place to learn, grow, and belong.
Join today: https://louisearcherpta.givebacks.com/shop
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View our school supply lists here! Scroll down to see the supply lists for each individual grade level.
If you ordered a supply kit from the PTA, those supplies can be picked up during Open House.
If you have other school supplies, you may drop them off in your students' classrooms on Friday, August 21st from 9:00am - 10:00am.
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Welcome to our newest rays of sunshine!
- Amal Kabbani, Special Education (Grade 5)
- Tammy Yoo, Special Education (Grade 2)
- Kathleen Jardine, Advanced Academics (Grades 5/6)
- Laura Hays, School Psychologist
We are also pleased to announce that Maria Rodriguez will be joining us as our Family Liaison again next year, but this time she will be with us FULL TIME! We are so excited to be able to work with her throughout each day.
Our new teachers are coming to Louise Archer with a wealth of experience already under their belts. They bring unique areas of expertise that will help each of our students shine!
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In Case You Missed It:
You'll see a change to our newsletter beginning next week. Items that you read about in the Sunshine Scoop will only appear a maximum of 2 times so we can avoid sending messages that feel repetitive. If you missed something that is still relevant, you'll be able to find the necessary links right here in this handy section, but without all the fun graphics.
Upcoming Calendar Dates
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August 12: Parent Coffee in Library (choose 9:30a or 5:30p) or you can join via Zoom (link to follow).
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August 21: Open House/Meet the Teacher for grades K-6 (9:00-10:00a)
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August 24: First day of school for students
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August 26: Pre-K Orientation (2:00-3:00p)
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September 4-6: School Closed for Labor Day
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September 9: Back to School Night (6:00-7:30p - parents/guardians only)
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September 21: School Closed for Yom Kippur
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September 30: Early Release Wednesday
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