FCPS

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Principal's Message

It is hard to believe that it is already December and moving into winter break. I enjoyed welcoming parents for our parent coffee this week on literacy and realize some of you may have wanted to join us but the schedule does not always allow. Reading Specialist, Teresa Foeckler, was able to share information on our new instructional program and ways parents can support their child at home. Please find the materials from the session listed below.  

Chesterbrook Office Closure Over Break - The front office will be closed over the next two weeks as we will all take this time to be with our family and recharge over this winter break. If you have an urgent issue, please email me and I'll be checking email periodically throughout the break. 

It has been great to see so many parents in recent weeks to support field trips, events, enjoy our winter concert and help our students celebrate the upcoming winter break. Your support and volunteerism is what makes our school so special and helps our student thrive. The words of appreciation and notes from the students mean so very much to all of us. Thank you for your partnership and collaboration. Wishing each of our Chesterbrook staff and student families a blessed and joyful holiday. We will see you in the new year!

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Parent Coffee Information

Literacy Instruction and Family Resources 

Slides from Parent Coffee

Literacy Resources for Families 
Family-Facing Curriculum

Outstanding Employee Awards

We are grateful to those parents across our community who took time to nominate our amazing staff for recognition this year.  In our staff meeting last week, we were able to recognize staff and announce our school winners.  Please see all nominees below.

Chesterbrook Outstanding Employees 

Outstanding Operational Employee: Holley Remer, Office Assistant

Outstanding Teacher: Leanne Strubhar, Kindergarten Teacher

Outstanding New Teacher: Brandon Morris, Music

Outstanding Professional Employee:  Aleia Lee, SBTS

Outstanding Principal:  Stacy Kirkpatrick

Chesterbrook Nominations

Outstanding Operational Employee: Holley Remer, Office Assistant; Angel Malarin, Asst. Bldg. Supervisor, Mayra Quintanilla, Monitor; MJ Long, Instructional Assistant, Danny Le, Building Supervisor.

Outstanding Teacher: Leanne Strubhar, K; Taylor Hutchins, 2nd; Tiffany Hudler, 3rd; Carly King, 5th; Ethan Gaba, 6th; Courtney Kuduk, K; Lauren Leneave, 2nd; Stacy Wei, 1st; Ashely Schorr, Librarian.

Outstanding New Teacher: Brandon Morris, Music; Madison Russo, Special Education Teacher; Cassandra Moffitt, 1st grade.

Outstanding Professional Employee:  Aleia Lee, SBTS; Amy Vallath, AART; Heather Lomelin, School Counselor.

Outstanding School Based Leader:  Lara Macdonald, Assistant Principal
*Candidates must serve in their position one year before they can be a school based winner.  We were thrilled to receive multiple nominations for Ms. Macdonald.

Outstanding Principal:  Stacy Kirkpatrick

Important Upcoming Dates

December 23 - January 5 - Student Holiday/Winter Break

January 9th - PTA Meeting 9:15 AM in the Cafeteria

January 20 - Student Holiday/Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

January 29 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

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

• Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
• Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
• Fall 2024 Sports Champions

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Chesterbrook December Spirit Events Join us for a Parent Coffee: Tuesday, December 17th
9:15 AM

Literacy Instruction and Family Resources 

Please join our Reading Specialist, Teresa Foeckler, and our administrative team as we share information on our literacy resources and ways families can support their child's growth at home. We look forward to talking with our families and answer any questions you may have.

Attendance Matters: Attendance Report Cards

Our goal is to partner with families to minimize the number of days students are absent. Please review FCPS Attendance Policies and resources to encourage regular school attendance.

Attendance report cards will be emailed to parents this week to help communicate your child's attendance at this point in the year. We want to do all we can to support your child being in school regularly. Please reconsider vacations which extend over the days we are off, which increase the likelihood of Chronic Absenteeism which is required to be reported to the state. Students missing a total of 18 days for any reason are deemed chronically absent. Sick students should still stay home and we understand there can be extenuating circumstances.

Chesterbrook's school day officially begins at 8:50 AM and any child entering after 8:50 is marked tardy.  Please make every effort to have students arrive by 8:45 so they are on time for class.

Chesterbrook CARES Toy Drive Dec 2-17

Our Chesterbrook Student Ambassador Philanthropy Committee is organizing a toy drive to benefit Woodburn Elementary School in Annandale. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys to support our neighbors in need. Toys will be collected in the office from December 2-17. Let’s teach our students the joy of giving and helping others this holiday season!

PTA News 

Sweet Treats for the Staff - Fri, Dec 20th
Sign Up Here

Please consider sharing homemade treats for our staff to participate in a cookie exchange and take home a holiday treat box of goodies. Keep in mind things that are easy to stack in a cookie box - cookies (obviously), brownies or bars (pre-cut please!), fudge, bark, wrapped caramels or chocolates, etc

Activity Registration on the PTA Website

Winter Before & After School Activities Registration

Chesterbrook Theatre Registration  

Spelling Bee Registration

Important Upcoming Dates

Dec 2 - 17 - Toy Drive supporting local elementary school 

Dec 10th - Winter Concerts for 5th and 6th
6 PM Chorus; 6:30 PM Band; 7 PM Strings

December 12th - 2nd Quarter Interims sent home

December 15- Deadline for submitting AAP full time referral forms- 2nd through 6th grades (late submissions will not be accepted by FCPS)
AAP Program Information; Contact Amy Vallath, AART, with Questions

Week of December 16th - 4-6th grades will participate in Family Life Education (FLE). More information on FLE including opt out information.

December 17th - Parent Coffee 9:15 Literacy and Family Resources

December 23 - January 5 - Student Holiday/Winter Break

January 9th - PTA Meeting 9:15 AM

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

FCPS Family Resource Center Webinars/Course

Register for these upcoming webinars:

December 13: "Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation"

December 20: Youth Mental Health First Aid (In-person Course)

A Peek into Kindergarten

Student engagement was very high in Ms. Kuduk's class this past week as students learned about patterns in math. Eager student volunteers made a pattern for peers to clap and stomp out, a read aloud book, "Pitter Patterns," helped students understand the concept and then they completed a variety of stations to practice their skills. Way to go Kindergarten students! Every Day is a Chance to Grow!

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Congratulations Mr. Beau Buchanan! 

Mr. Buchanan has received a promotion and will be moving to the FCPS Chief Equity Office supporting schools across our district.  

Mr. Buchanan has worked closely with students, staff and families to support the social and emotional health of our students while developing deep connections to support their academic success. We know that his work at Chesterbrook has positively impacted the success of our students and this transition, while a great step in his career, will be hard for many of our students and staff.  

Mr. Buchanan shared the following statement, "While I am excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead, it is certainly hard to leave such an amazing school building and community. It is especially hard to leave my students mid-year and I will be letting them all know in person as I see them over the next few weeks." 

Mr. Buchanan will begin transitioning to his new role next week, however, he will continue working at Chesterbrook up until winter break. His last official day with us will be Friday, December 20th.

I will be working on hiring a new counselor as we move into the new school year. We are blessed to have two counselors so that we can provide continuity to our students. Mrs. Lomelin will be supporting our Chesterbrook grade levels during this transition. 

Important Upcoming Dates

Dec 2 - 17 - Toy Drive supporting local elementary school 

December 9 - Three Hour Early Release at 12:35-  GOOGLE LINK

December 12th - 2nd Quarter Interims sent home

December 15- Deadline for submitting AAP full time referral forms- 2nd through 6th grades (late submissions will not be accepted by FCPS) AAP Program Information; Contact Amy Vallath, AART, with Questions

Week of December 16th - 4-6th grades will participate in Family Life Education (FLE). More information on FLE including opt out information.

December 23 - January 5 - Student Holiday/Winter Break

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to your child’s school counselor.. 

Any questions, please reach out to Chesterbrook School Counselor: 
Heather Lomelin, [email protected]

PTA Information

Next PTA meeting will be in January

• Winter Enrichment Classes - Register Now!
• Chesterbrook Theatre Registration  

  Performances May 7th, 8th, and 9th

  Chesterbrook Theatre is proud to present “Newsies”, a Disney musical about a group of newsboys in New York City at the turn of the century who strike against unfair conditions. Students will learn collaboration and team-building skills, and get the opportunity to express themselves in a musical and creative way. Sign up through the PTA website HERE! Director: CES Teacher, Ms. Cody Boehm
  Who: Space is limited for Students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.
• Spelling Bee Registration

  Chesterbrook Elementary is participating in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee process. This opportunity is open to students in Grades 1 - 6.

  Written Test: Afterschool - Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025
  Practice Session: Afterschool - Tuesday, Jan. 21 & 28, 2025
  School Bee: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at 4:15 pm
  County Bee:   Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Lake Braddock
  National Bee:  May 25 – 30, 2025

Toy Drive to Support local Elementary School

The student philanthropy committee is organizing a toy drive to benefit Woodburn Elementary School in Annandale. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys to support our neighbors in need. Toys will be collected in the office from December 2-17. Let’s teach our students the joy of giving and helping others this holiday season!

School Pictures

Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc and use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions  [email protected]

Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. The next meeting is December 9th, 6:30PM at Mount Vernon High School.
Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

FCPS News Falls Church High School Presents The Phantom Tollbooth

Buy tickets here :  December 6th and 7th at UMCF at 7pm

FCPS Family Resource Center Webinars/Course

Register for these upcoming webinars:

December 6: "Stress Less, Enjoy More."

December 13: "Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation"

December 20: Youth Mental Health First Aid (In-person Course)

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break! We look forward to seeing all our students back on Monday, December 2nd. Important Upcoming Dates

November 27 - 29 - Student Holiday/Thanksgiving Break

Dec 2 - 17 - Toy Drive supporting local elementary school 

December 9 - Three Hour Early Release at 12:35-  GOOGLE LINK

December 15- Deadline for submitting AAP full time referral forms- 2nd through 6th grades (late submissions will not be accepted by FCPS) AAP Program Information; Contact Amy Vallath, AART, with Questions

December 23 - January 5 - Student Holiday/Winter Break

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

3 Hour Early Release on December 9th

Our next three hour early release is on December 9th.  ALL Kinder through 6th grade families are asked to complete this Google Form to let us know the plan for your student(s).  One form for each student is needed.

SACC will take their students at 12:35 pm and an afternoon snack is now provided for everyone through food and nutrition services. 

Impact Aid Forms are Past Due

All families are required to fill out an impact aid form.  Below are steps to access the form via ParentVue to submit online.  If you need a paper copy, please call the office.

Toy Drive to Support local Elementary School

The student philanthropy committee is organizing a toy drive to benefit Woodburn Elementary School in Annandale. Please consider donating new, unwrapped toys to support our neighbors in need. Toys will be collected in the office from December 2-17. Let’s teach our students the joy of giving and helping others this holiday season!

School Pictures

School pictures are now viewable online.

Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc and use your student ID when prompted for the online code.

For questions regarding school pictures please email: [email protected]

FCPS In Case You Missed It

In FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Preparing for Winter Weather
• SEL Screener Results
• Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

FCPS News Falls Church High School Presents The Phantom Tollbooth

Buy tickets here

Performance Dates include:

December 4th at Woodburn ES at 7pm

 December 6th and 7th at UMCF at 7pm

FCPS Family Resource Center Webinars/Course

Register for these upcoming webinars:

December 6: "Stress Less, Enjoy More."

December 13: "Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation"

December 20: Youth Mental Health First Aid (In-person Course)

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Principal's Message

We have two wonderful family engagement opportunities for parents to join their students at Chesterbrook during the upcoming weeks. Brighten your child's day and meet up with other parents at these events.

Thursday we will host Thanksgiving lunch. Parents are invited to join their child(ren) during their lunch time. Please note lunch times have been revised to account for the additional people purchasing lunch. Please arrive very close to the start of the lunch time so we can balance spacing for all classes.

Thursday, November 21st

  Lunch Time Homeroom Teacher 5th Grade 10:35 – 11:05 Scrabis, King 10:40 – 11:10 Glass 4th Grade 10:50 – 11:20 Phelps, Bobeck 10:55 – 11:25 Fleming Kindergarten 11:15 – 11:45 Strubhar, Kuduk 11:20 – 11:50 Soulos 6th Grade 11:35 – 12:05 Mabile, Treacy 11:40 – 12:10 Leblanc, Gaba 2nd Grade 12:15 - 12:45 Hutchins, Gales 12:20 – 12:50 Leneave 1st Grade 12:30 – 1:00 Wei, Ruhmel 12:35 – 1:05 Moffitt, Hanock 3rd Grade 1:10 – 1:40 Hudler, Jankowski 1:15 – 1:45 Hamsher-King, Nisonson

 

Turkey Trot will be held on Tuesday, November 26th
We invite parents to visit to cheer on their student(s) during their run time. All grades will enjoy an extended recess along with the run time for their grade. Top lap scorers from each grade will earn a winner medal and all students will receive finisher medals. 

Turkey Trot Schedule - Tuesday, November 26th 4th & 5th Grade: 9:55 - 10:40 6th Grade: 12:10-12:55 2nd & 3rd Grade: 1:30-2:10 Kinder & 1st Grade: 2:20-3:00

 

We look forward to seeing you all in the coming days prior to our Thanksgiving holiday break. Thank you for your continued support this school year. We appreciate the collaboration and feedback as we work hard to see your children thrive.

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick

Important Upcoming Dates

November 19th - Family Life Education Parent Preview Night; 5:30PM

November 21st - Family Thanksgiving Lunch, click here for lunch schedule 

November 26th - Turkey Trot, click here for the schedule

November 27 - 29 - Student Holiday/Thanksgiving Break

December 9 - Three Hour Early Release 12:35

December 15- Deadline for submitting AAP full time referral forms- 2nd through 6th grades (late submissions will not be accepted by FCPS) AAP Program Information; Contact Amy Vallath, AART, with Questions

December 23 - January 5 - Student Holiday/Winter Break

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

4th - 6th Grades FLE Parent Preview Night

Students in grades 4-6 will participate in Family Life Education (FLE) through their classroom teacher beginning the week of Dec 16th.  We will hold a parent preview night on Tuesday, November 19th from 5:30pm to 6:15pm in the library.  More information on FLE including opt out information.

December 9th 3HR Early Release

Our next three hour early release is on December 9th.  ALL Kinder through 6th families are asked to complete this Google Form to let us know the plan for your student(s).  One form for each student is needed.

SACC will take their students at 12:35 and an afternoon snack is now provided for everyone through food and nutrition services. 

FCPS In Case You Missed It

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

• Veterans Day Recognitions
• Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, and Community Leadership
• Teacher Hiring Event

Boundary Review Community Meetings

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Community News Additional Opportunities for Families Langley High School Presents Beauty and the Beast

One of Disney’s most well-known movies, which has captivated audiences since 1991, was turned into a staged musical in November 1993. This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Remaining Showtimes and ticket link 

Saturday, November 16, 2 pm & 7 pm. 

Sunday, November 17, 2:30 pm

Falls Church High School Presents The Phantom Tollbooth

Buy tickets here

Performances: November 18th at Westlawn ES at 7pm

November 20th at Fairhill ES at 7pm

November 22nd and 23rd at FCHS at 7pm

December 4th at Woodburn ES at 7pm

 December 6th and 7th at UMCF at 7pm

FCPS Family Resource Center Webinars/Course

Register for these upcoming webinars:

November 22: "Starting the Conversation About Drugs Webinar"

December 6: "Stress Less, Enjoy More."

December 13: "Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation"

December 20: Youth Mental Health First Aid (In-person Course)

A great week learning and celebrating at Chesterbrook

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Last Call - All Nominations are due by the end of this weekend Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations 
Recognize a Chesterbrook Employee

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! Let's celebrate and honor the work of our amazing Chesterbrook Staff.

Recognize someone on our amazing team in categories like Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Principal, Leader, Professional Employee, and Operational Employee.

The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements. You are able to nominate one staff member per category.

Outstanding Teacher  Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Principal Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee  Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Outstanding Operational Employee  Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Holley Remer at [email protected]

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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

Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations 
Recognize a Chesterbrook Employee

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! Let's celebrate and honor the work of our amazing Chesterbrook Staff.

Recognize someone on our amazing team in categories like Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Principal, Leader, Professional Employee, and Operational Employee.

The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements. You are able to nominate one staff member per category.

Outstanding Teacher  Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Principal Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee  Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Outstanding Operational Employee  Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Holley Remer at [email protected]

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

 

Spirit Day Friday

Chesterbrook Elementary Welcomes Veterans and current military men and women on Friday, November 8th in honor of Veteran's Day.

Wear Red, White and Blue to Honor their Service

Principal's Message

The end of first quarter came to a close this past week. Thank you for all your support as we work to collaborate and support your child's academic and social emotional growth. While our weeks have been shorter and there are many special events in November, we continue to work hard each and every day. I'm so proud of our students and thankful for such a hard working staff that collaborates to do what is best for our students. As we enter the season of thanks, consider recognizing our staff members for an Outstanding Employee Nomination. 

CHALLENGE TO OUR STUDENTS!!!

November is a month of Gratitude and I would LOVE to shower our staff with notes of gratitude from our students this month. I would love to challenge each student to write at least three notes of gratitude to a staff member that has helped them in some way this school year. Even if you child is still working on writing sentences, a hand drawn picture can easily share he same message of gratitude. Please join me in showering our staff with LOVE this month of Thanksgiving. Remember that staff go beyond the classroom to our aides, food services, custodians, aides and specialists. Every Chesterbrook employee makes a difference and is a very special part of our team! 

Teachers have been finalizing progress reports and holding conferences as we have ended the quarter. Report cards will be posted in SIS Parent Vu on Tuesday 11/12 and we will send hard copies home on Thursday 11/14 in Thursday folders. 

Welcome to our new Band teacher, Mr. Zach Sellers who started with our 5th and 6th grade students this week. Mr. Sellers is jumping in to get our students ready for their winter concert in early December. 

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick

Important Upcoming Dates

November 8th - Veterans Day Celebration; Spirit Day - Wear Red, White & Blue

November 11th - Student Holiday/Veteran's Day

November 12th - Make up picture day; Order Fall Pictures Here (use student ID when prompted for online code.)

November 19th - Lexia Parent Night Register Here

November 21st - Family Thanksgiving Lunch (schedule below)

November 26th - Turkey Trot (Schedule TBD) - Parents will be invited to cheer on students

November 27 - 29 - Student Holiday/Thanksgiving Break

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations Are Open

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! Let's celebrate and honor the work of our amazing Chesterbrook Staff.

Recognize someone on our amazing team in categories like Outstanding Teacher, New Teacher, Principal, Leader, Professional Employee, and Operational Employee.

The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements. You are able to nominate one staff member per category.

Outstanding Teacher  Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Principal Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader  Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal). Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee  Eligibility: 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. Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Outstanding Operational Employee Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee. Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaisons

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Holley Remer at [email protected]

Thanksgiving Lunch Schedule November 21st   Lunch Time Class 5th Grade 10:35 – 11:05 Scrabis, King 10:40 – 11:10 Glass 4th Grade 10:50 – 11:20 Phelps, Bobeck 10:55 – 11:25 Fleming Kindergarten 11:15 – 11:45 Strubhar, Kuduk 11:20 – 11:50 Soulos 6th Grade 11:35 – 12:05 Mabile, Treacy 11:40 – 12:10 Leblanc, Gaba 2nd Grade 12:15 - 12:45 Hutchins, Gales 12:20 – 12:50 Leneave 1st Grade 12:30 – 1:00 Wei, Ruhmel 12:35 – 1:05 Moffitt, Hanock 3rd Grade 1:10 – 1:40 Hudler, Jankowski 1:15 – 1:45 Hamsher-King, Nisonson Safety First!!!!

To close out Safety Month in October, Chesterbrook installed "See Me Flags" at both of our crosswalks. Pedestrians grab a flag to help stop traffic so they can safely cross the street in the crosswalk. Flags are to be returned to the bin on either side of the street. 

Federal Impact Aid Form Due 11/8

All families must complete the Impact Aid form in ParentVUE! Directions 
Parent Tech Help line at 833-921-3277. 

We have a few families left that need to complete the electronic Federal Impact Aid Survey form.  It is accessible through your ParentVUE account. We hope the following instructions will help you resolve any possible issues. 

• If you see Online Registration, please delete it or click “Remind me later”. You don’t have to do it as the student is registered already.
• If you see Online Verification packet, click it to access the Impact Aid form. If you have any changes to make, you can update through the online verification. Then Save and Continue until you see the Impact Aid form.

Community News FCPS In Case You Missed It

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

• Fall Testing Results
• Boundary Review Community Meetings
• Resources for Families 

If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

McLean Community Events

Join other Chesterbrook and McLean families for some fun outside of school.  Here are links to a few community calendars:

Safe Community Coalition Events 

McLean Community Center

Patch McLean Community Calendar

Disney Day to Thrilling Thursday

We had a wonderful last week of October to close out 1st Quarter.
Thank you for helping us celebrate a great start to the year. 

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Principal's Message

We have a short, but action packed, week coming up for our Chipmunks. Along with their instructional day, we look forward to sharing all our school spirit.  

Monday Blackout Day
Tuesday Disney Day; 1st Grade International Celebration
Wacky Wednesday Swap Day - Students Dress like the teachers, Teachers Dress like the students
Thrilling Thursday with Costumes Galore! Costumes must be school appropriate and allow students to participate in all learning activities. Be creative, but no masks or weapons.

This Monday is our 3 hour early release.  No changes to student afterschool plans will be accepted during the day. If you need to pick up your child after dismissal, you will need to wait until all students are accounted for and buses have been dismissed. Parents that need to pick up students remaining afterschool are asked to wait until after 1PM for pickup. SACC students will be in SACC after our 12:35 dismissal. 

Thursday will be a regular 1:35 dismissal for all students and we will be closed on Friday for Diwali and All Saints Day.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on Wednesday, November 6th.

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick

Important Upcoming Dates

October 28th - 3 HR Early Dismissal at 12:35PM

October 29th - Last day of PTA Sponsored Book Fair; Taco Night 5-7:30PM

October 31st - 2 Hour Early Release for All Students 1:35PM

November 1st - Student Holiday/Diwali/Dia de los Muertos/All Saints Day

November 4th & 5th- Student Holiday/Election Day

November 8th - CES Veterans' Day Celebration

November 11th - Student Holiday/Veteran's Day

November 12th - Make up picture day; Order Fall Pictures Here

November 19th - Lexia Parent Night Register Here

November 21st - Family Thanksgiving Lunch in CES Cafeteria

November 27 - 29 - Student Holiday/Thanksgiving Break

More Info: Family Academy Site (including translations)

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Time Change November 3rd

  Don't forget to move your clocks back one hour!

Veteran's Day Speakers Needed

Chesterbrook will celebrate Veteran's Day on Friday, November 8th. We need speakers for the morning of 11/8 for all classes. If you have served or are currently serving in the military, our students would love to hear about your experience. Complete this form to sign up to speak.

We will be creating our "Hero Wall" so please have your student fill out the "My Hero" sheet and bring into school before our celebration on 11/8.  

No Smart Watch Use at School Reminder

As a reminder, Smart Watches (on cellular) are not to be used by students during the school day. Students choosing to wear a smart watch, must put them in airplane mode/school mode during the school day. Any cellular phone must be off and stored in the student's backpack during the school day.

If students need to communicate with parents or guardians during the school day, they should come to the front office.  Further, if students are not feeling well, they should come to the clinic and not contact home via a Smart Watch (or cell phone). The full policy regarding cellular devices can be found in the SR&R.

Lost & Found

Please check when you are in for book fair. Upon return from Winter Break, any items still in lost & found will be donated to a local charity.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

All families must complete the Impact Aid form in ParentVUE! 
Directions here: https://www.fcps.edu/impact

Reminders

Tutoring Resources
Chesterbrook staff are available for private tutoring. See pdf for list of teachers.

The Family Resource Center maintains a current list of all FCPS staff available for private tutoring. Contact [email protected] to request that listing.

Varsity Tutors -Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors here.

FCPS In Case You Missed It

FCPS This Week- updates on the following topics and others:

• Federal Impact Aid Survey
• Football Players Tackle Literacy
• Tips to Keep Children Safe

If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

Community News TJHSST Girls Who Math Tutoring Program

Girls Who Math is a nonprofit based in TJHSST that offers free online courses to help teach or tutor girls in STEM. Classes include various levels of Math, Science, and CS, open to all students (boys too despite our name). This is the link to our programs offered: https://girlswhomath.net/programs 

The 2024-2025 school year tutoring program is currently open. It will start on 11/3 and continue through the first semester or until the end of the year, depending on the course. Tutors are highly qualified, including college students, TJHSST students, and certified teachers nationwide.

More information about Girls Who Math can be found on our website (https://girlswhomath.net/) or our Instagram (@_girlswhomath)

McLean Community Events

Safe Community Coalition Events 

Join other Chesterbrook and McLean families for some fun outside of school.  Here is a list of some McLean Community Events.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Principal's Message

After months of planning and collaboration with the PTA, it was wonderful to see our Lego wall installed last Friday, thanks to the planning and coordination from Mrs. Sick and our PTA. Thank you so very much for your donations and support of this project to benefit our students. We will soon be rolling out our new cart of Legos to support our students and provide opportunities for exploration and creativity. You will find the Lego wall off the central pod and cafeteria hallway. 

Our 5th grade students took part in a five phase project, "The Big Dig," involving research, collaboration, individual planning, design and discovery. The activity concluded on our playground where students buried their artifact for another peer to unearth. Parent volunteers then questioned to help them reflect on their newly found artifact. Our students showed creativity and a deep understanding while enjoying this learning experience.

Moments of joy exist all around our building daily, however, this one touched me as we kicked off this week. The beautiful fall weather allowed some of our first graders to enjoy simple moments with friends as they jumped in the leaves and rolled on the hill with laughter. 

Remember Chipmunks, Every day is a chance to Grow and I love watching this in action daily!

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Important Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, October 22nd - PTA Family Fun Science Night 6-7:30PM

October 24 - 29th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair

October 28th - 3 Hour Early Release for Teacher Professional Dev;
Free Immunization Clinic  at Frost MS 3 to 7PM  (see info below)

October 31st - 2 Hour Early Release for All Students

November 1st - Holiday for Diwali - Staff and Students

November 12th - Make up picture day

November 19th - Lexia Parent Night Register Here

More Info: Family Academy Site (including translations)

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Join us Tonight for Science Night

Join fellow Chipmunks for Family Science Night on Tuesday, October 22nd from 6pm-7:30pm in the Cafeteria.  There will be lots of hands on activities brought to you by Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation.

Fall Book Fair is Here!

PTA sponsored fall book fair starts Thursday. 
Find the full list of book fair activities here.

Thursday, 10/24 4 - 7:30 PM
Friday, 10/25 11 am - 3:30 pm and 4 - 5 pm
BOOKS & BREAKFAST - Saturday, 10/26, 9 - 12PM
Monday, 10/28 -- 8- 9 am
Tuesday, 10/29 11 am - 3:30 pm
TACO NIGHT - Tuesday, October 29 - 5 - 7:30 pm Preorder Tacos by 10/25

FCPS Immunization Clinic New Date Added

An additional clinic date was added: Monday, October 28, 3 to 7 p.m.

Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.  Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times.

Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations 

Parent Survey

We would love feedback to better support your student and family.  Please complete the following survey which will help us to plan parent coffees and better support the growth and well being of your student and family.

Click here to take parent survey

 

FCPS offers the following resources for tutoring:

 

- Chesterbrook staff are available for private tutoring. See pdf for list of teachers.

-The Family Resource Center maintains a current list of all FCPS staff available for private tutoring. Parents may contact the Family Resource Center at [email protected] to request that listing.

- Varsity Tutors offers every FCPS student services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors here.

School Pictures Available Online

School pictures are now online.  If you did not receive an email from Victor O'Neill Studios, go to vosphoto.com/underclass.  Use your student ID when prompted for the online code.  For questions regarding school pictures, please email: [email protected]

Health Information & Emergency Care Forms

Please make sure you fill out the Health Information Form (HIF) (SS/SE-71) and the Emergency Care Information form (SS/SE-3).  provides valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.

These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet. 

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 

Federal Impact Aid Survey

On October 21st the electronic version of the Federal Impact Aid Survey will open to parents in ParentVUE.  Please complete the survey ASAP.  Thank you!

FCPS News

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

• All FCPS Schools Accredited
• How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
• Become a Special Education Teacher

SPANISH FCPS This Week, 

Community News Giant Food Community Bag Fundraiser

Give Thanks & Go Green!  Purchase a $2.75 reusable Community Bag this November from Giant Food at the Chain Bridge Road location, and $1 will be donated to our school. 

McLean Community Events

Trivia Night at Longfellow Middle School

 

Join other Chesterbrook and McLean families for some fun outside of school.  Here is a list of some McLean Community Events.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Principal's Message

Thank you to all of our Chipmunk Families that joined us for our 4th Annual Kickball Kickoff at McLean High School last week. While I had to miss the big event this year due to the rescheduling, I am thankful for all the support of staff and our PTA as we come together to support our community and have so much fun while doing so.  Thank you for our PTA leads that helped make this possible. 

We have a staff development day Monday, as our students are on holiday for Indigenous People's Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday. 

Looking toward the end of the month, we will end October with a few spirit days scheduled by our Student Ambassador Spirit Committee. We wanted to send these out so you can prepare for our students to show their spirit with fun and festive outfits. 

I can use your feedback on ways we can support you and your child(ren) this school year.There is a survey below and linked here. Please complete this as soon as you are able.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our PTA meeting this Thursday.  We will begin at 9:15 in the cafeteria. We would love to see you!

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Important Upcoming Dates

Monday, October 14th - Student Holiday Indigenous People's Day; Staff development day

Wednesday, October 16th - National School Lunch Week Event, "X Marks the Tray" 

Thursday, October 17th - PTA Meeting 9:15 Cafeteria

Tuesday, October 22nd - PTA Family Fun Night - Science Night with the Children's Science Center (Sign up to Volunteer)

October 24 - 29th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair

October 28th - 3 Hour Early Release for Teacher Professional Dev;
Free Immunization Clinic  at Frost MS 3 to 7PM  (see info below)

October 31st - 2 Hour Early Release for All Students

November 1st - Holiday for Diwali - Staff and Students

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Parent Survey

We would love feedback to better support your student and family.  Please complete the following survey which will help us to plan parent coffees and better support the growth and well being of your student and family.

Click here to take parent survey

National School Lunch Week Promotion 10/16

On October 16th Chesterbrook will celebrate National School Lunch Week.  To promote healthy school lunch, we will have an event called "X Marks the Tray".  Lucky students who find a sticker on their tray will get a free cookie.

FCPS Immunization Clinic New Date Added

An additional clinic date was added: Monday, October 28, 3 to 7 p.m.

Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.  Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times.

Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations 

Federal Impact Aid Survey

On October 21st the electronic version of the Federal Impact Aid Survey will open to parents in ParentVUE.  Please complete the survey ASAP.  Thank you!

Reminder Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the school year. 
Register Here for one event:  Oct 15th, Nov 19th or Dec 5th

More Info: Family Academy Site (including translations)

TJ Invitational Science Fair for Grades 5-8
UPDATED date and Zoom Link

TJ Science Fair Interest Meeting has been rescheduled to Friday, October 18th, 2024 from 6-7PM. It will no longer be held in person, only virtually through Zoom. 

TJ Investigative Science Outreach will host the 12th annual invitational science fair on April 5th, 2025.  Students in grades 5-8 are free to participate. Participants who sign up will complete a research project of their choice and present at the fair in-person on April 5th, 2025. 

Join us for our first interest/brainstorming session on October 18th, 2024 at 6:00 pm via Zoom. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. More information can be found on the TJHSST Science Fair website.

FCPS News

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

• All FCPS Schools Accredited
• How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
• Become a Special Education Teacher

SPANISH FCPS This Week, 

Outside Information Giant Food Community Bag Fundraiser

Give Thanks & Go Green!  Purchase a $2.75 reusable Community Bag this November from Giant Food at the Chain Bridge Road location, and $1 will be donated to our school. 

McLean Community Events

Join other Chesterbrook and McLean families for some fun outside of school.  Here is a list of some McLean Community Events.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

Principal's Message

We are thankful for those that serve our country and welcomed our military families for a Blue Star breakfast this week. It was a wonderful morning connecting and hearing about experiences our families bring to the Chesterbrook community. Enjoy some pictures from our event this week. 

SPEED, TRAFFIC and PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK STUDY

I need to ask for help from our community over the next week. We have a traffic study being completed by the McLean District station happening over the next week, most likely early next week.  This study will evaluate the traffic flow and need for a crossing guard to support students safely walking to school.  We need to show that this is a need for our community by being present and walking/ biking to school next week. We will have a culminating event for National Walk to School Day on Friday, 10/11.

Please, spread the word of this crosswalk/traffic study - I know not everyone takes the time to ready the messages in this newsletter, so please spread the word to those living in closer proximity to our school. I have been working with Delegate Rip Sullivan's office, Vinson Hall Administration and School Board Member, Robyn Lady, as we seek safe pedestrian routes for our community. We appreciate your support and your voice. 

We are looking forward to a beautiful week ahead. Let us look forward to sunshine and outdoor play for our students in the coming week. 

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

National Walk to School Day

We are excited to announce that Chesterbrook Elementary will be celebrating National Walk to School Day on Friday, October 11th! Parents, friends and neighbors are encouraged to join their children in this walk to school day.

Get Excited!  Click on the promo link to watch our fun video.
We Will, We Will, Walk to School!

We encourage parents, guardians, and family members to join your student for this special event.   

See you on Friday 10/11!
Jay Levesque,  Physical Education Teacher

Support your Child with Reading: Lexia Parent Nights

Lexia will be offering Parent Nights throughout the school year. 
Register Here for one event:  Oct 15th, Nov 19th or Dec 5th

More Info: Family Academy Site (including translations)

Pick Up Patrol

Default Plan Needed in PUP - still missing some students! 

Afterschool Activities:  Add plan change for the date(s) they have an activity but do not change their default plan.

Attendance Updates in PUP -  Add plan changes for the day if absent, coming to school late or leaving early.  

PUP is vital for office staff and teachers to know where students are and how they are going home for the day.

Important Upcoming Dates

Friday, October 4 - Teacher Workday- no school for students 

Thursday, October 10 - PTA Meeting 9:15 Cafeteria

Thursday, October 10 - Kickball Kickoff @McLean HS Football Field 6pm; Interims sent home in Thursday folder for all students

Friday, October 11 - Walk to School Day

Monday, October 14th - Student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Tuesday, October 22nd - PTA Family Fun Night - Science Night with the Children's Science Center (Sign up to Volunteer)

October 24 - 29th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair

October 28th - 3 Hour Early Release for Teacher Professional Dev 

October 31st - 2 Hour Early Release for All Students

November 1st - Holiday for Diwali - Staff and Students

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Reminders Chipmunk Fund drive ends on October 5th 

We rely on the support of our families and 100% of the money raised through supports our teachers, students, and facilities.
Click here for more information

Outside Opportunities McLean Community Events

Join other Chesterbrook and McLean families for some fun outside of school.

McLean Community Events

Space Exploration Summer Camp

Is your 4th, 5th or 6th Grade student interested in Space Exploration?

Solar Saturdays @GMU - a 2 hour workshop designed to ignite your child’s passion for space and science. Sessions include: exploring one of the largest on-campus observatories on the East Coast, using a state of the art telescope to observe the Sun, and creating a scale model of the Solar System. More information and how to register can be found here. GMU also hosts a Mason Space Exploration Center (MSEC) Summer Camp- more information is found here with dates soon to be announced.

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Households can once again order four free COVID-19 tests to be delivered to you.

FCPS News

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

• All FCPS Schools Accredited
• How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
• Become a Special Education Teacher

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

SPANISH

En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros

Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s).

The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:  

• Tuesday, October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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

Principal's Message

Our week has been soggy, which is impacting outdoor recess and our Kickball event we had planned for this Friday. I hope the excitement for our big event will continue into October when we were able to reschedule our event on 10/10. Please see more details below. 

Tuesday evening, Amy Vallath, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, shared information on the levels of service for students. If you missed the meeting and would like to review information, please reference our central AAP site.  We have another meeting on 10/16 to share information about the Level IV referral process.

Over the course of the first quarter, we have been collecting data through beginning of year assessments while students have started all units of instruction.  All 1st through 6th grade students will be receiving interim reports on October 10th to help provide parents information on how your student is doing and note any areas of need ahead of our first quarter conferences. We are hoping to also provide the data on the beginning of year math and reading assessments for 1st through 6th grade students at that time. Kindergarten students are just starting assessments in October. We will send more information when assessment details are coming home, including an opportunity to attend a parent coffee on assessment data and how you can support your child this school year. 

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Important Upcoming Dates

September 21 - 29 - Blue Star Welcome Week *10/2 Military Connected Families Breakfast 8 - 8:30AM (Library)

Tuesday, October 1st - Fall Picture Day (Preorder Pictures)

Wednesday, October 2nd - Military Connected Families Breakfast 

Thursday, October 3- Rosh Hashanah Holiday for Staff and Students

Friday, October 4- Teacher Workday- no school for students 

Thursday, October 10- PTA Meeting 9:15 Cafeteria
6PM  PTA Sponsored Chesterbrook Kickball Kickoff, McLean High School 

Monday, October 14th - Holiday - No School for Students

Tuesday, October 22nd - PTA Family Fun Night - Science Night with the Children's Science Center (Sign up to Volunteer)

October 24 - 29th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Chesterbroook Tutoring Team

 Chesterbrook is lucky to have three outstanding teachers join our team to support students in math and reading. Rachel Edwards (left) will be joining Teresa Foeckler, Reading Specialist, to provide reading interventions to students.  Amber Boyd Vincent (middle), joined us in January of 2024 and will continue her work as a math tutor, along with new tutor, Meredith Houff(right). We are lucky to have the experience and support they bring to our students needing intervention. Teachers will be communicating with parents if there child is receiving intervention.

PTA Information to Share

If you have not joined the PTA you may be missing information and ways you can support and get involved.  Please JOIN TODAY! Below, you will find many items that have been shared by our amazing PTA. We would love to have your support. 

Chipmunk Fund

With around 10 days left of the Chipmunk Fund drive, please don't delay - we need your donation today!

And 100% of the money raised through Chesterbrook's Chipmunk Fund directly impacts our children’s educational experience by supporting our teachers, students, and facilities. 
Click here for more information

4th Annual Kickball Kickoff Friday - Postponed

We have been tracking the incoming weather,  hoping conditions would allow for an incredibly fun Friday evening. Unfortunately, the latest forecast does not look promising for a safe and fun event.

New Date: Thursday, October 10th

Location: McLean High School Football Field.

Doors open at 5:30 PM, Event start time 6PM

• In an effort to support our families if the new date doesn't work for you, we have created this google form if you can no longer use your tickets.
• Ticket sales have been extended through Tuesday October 1st at 5pm.

Spirit Days will be held the week of the Kickball Kickoff!

Fall Enrichment

There are Still a Few Spots Left in Some Programs
Check out Programs Here

Math Olympiad (4th, 5th & 6th Grades)

Chesterbrook Math Olympiad, led by teachers Mr. Treacy and Mr. Gaba, has a strong success record. The team will meet weekly, compete in five math contests, and encourage students to expand their math knowledge and problem-solving skills, with occasional parent participation. More information is coming!

Who can join: Chesterbrook 4th*, 5th and 6th graders (*though the concepts can be challenging for 4th graders)

When: Friday mornings (7:45 am-8:30 am) starting October 11th through March 21st.

Tuition: $160/student Registration will start soon!

Questions: Contact Dmitry Chugunov at [email protected]. For further information on the Math Olympiads program, please visit their website at www.moems.org.

Continental Mathematics League (CML) 2nd & 3rd grades

Led by teachers Ms. Hamsher-King and Ms. Leneave, students will meet weekly, practice CML questions, and take part in three meets with six questions each, fostering problem-solving skills while collaborating with students from across the United States. More information is coming!

Who can join: Chesterbrook 2nd and 3rd Graders (24 students max. per grade)

When: Friday mornings (7:45 am-8:30 am) starting November 8th through March 14th TBC.

Tuition: $130/student  Registration will start soon!

Questions: Contact Dmitry Chugunov at [email protected].For further information on the CML program, please visit their website at https://www.cmleague.com/.

Family Science Night - Need for Volunteers

October 22nd the Children's Science Center Lab is bringing their Family Science Night Program to Chesterbrook.

We need SIX more volunteers to move forward with this event! Volunteers are needed from 5:15 - 7:45 PM to set up, assist students with activities, and clean up. Please sign up HERE to help with this exciting event. We hope to see you there!

Additional Opportunities

GMU Space Education Outreach Program for Students, Grades 4-8

The Mason Space Exploration Center is a scientific outreach center partnered with the George Mason University Department of Physics and Astronomy and the NASA Landolt Mission. We aim to educate local students on technological skills and code literacy and raise awareness on space exploration related matters.

I have a few activities to communicate if parents are interested in STEM activities for their children:"

(links include registration fees, etc):·        

• Fall workshops Solar Saturdays
• Summer 2025 Space Exploration Camp(dates TBD)

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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

Principal's Message

Happy Fall, Chipmunk Families! We hope this first month of school has been wonderful for all our students. Everyone is settled in and off to a great start.

Beginning of year assessments for our first through sixth grade students are wrapping up and just beginning for our preschool and kindergarten students. As we get the reports in for our student beginning of the year assessments, we will share out these reports to our families and plan to offer an upcoming session for parents on supporting your students at home. Reports will also load in SIS Parent Vue as they are finalized.

I appreciate your support of our early release days. Today, Monday 9/23 is our first early release at 12:35 PM. I know this is not easy on our families, but will significantly impact the completion of professional development (30 hours of coursework) required by the Virginia Department of Education for our teachers. It will strengthen our classroom instruction in the new framework for literacy, impacting reading and writing lessons your children receive.

Blue Star Welcome week is celebrated across FCPS this week. We look forward to welcoming and celebrating our military families at an upcoming morning breakfast on Wednesday, October 2nd.  

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick

Important Upcoming Dates

September 15-October 15- National Hispanic Heritage Month 

September 21 - 29 - Blue Star Welcome Week

Monday, September 23 - 3 Hour Early Release at 12:35PM

Tuesday, September 24 - Parent AAP Information Meeting, 5:30 PM Library

Friday, September 27- PTA Sponsored Chesterbrook Kickball Kickoff, McLean High School (Buy Tickets on the PTA Website)

Tuesday, October 1st - Fall Picture Day

Wednesday, October 2nd - Military Connected Families Breakfast 

Thursday, October 3- Rosh Hashanah Holiday for Staff and Students

Friday, October 4- Teacher Workday- no school for students 

Thursday, October 10- PTA Meeting 9:15 Cafeteria

Monday, October 14th - Holiday - No School for Students

Tuesday, October 22nd - PTA Family Fun Night - Science Night with the Children's Science Center

October 24 - 29th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair

2024-25 FCPS School Calendar

Chesterbrook Advanced Academics Program (AAP)

Please join us on Tuesday, September 24 at 5:30 PM for a Parent AAP Information Session in the CES Library.  Amy Vallath, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), will be presenting information and answering your questions about the many ways we meet the needs of each of our Chesterbrook students. Additionally, we are resending the AAP Fall Newsletter in case you missed the email last week. 

CES Kickball Kickoff is This Friday 

Grab your tickets today on the PTA website. Don't miss this special event where our Remers Rockstars compete against Strubhar's Superheroes. We will be on the McLean Football field for our 4th Annual Event this year. 

Tickets are $15 per person. Sales are limited and available for online pre-purchase only before Sept. 23. Wristbands will be distributed to your family before the big event! Adult supervision is required; this is not a drop-off event.  

Fall Picture Day Next Week

School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001132538#login

📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

FCPS Family Resource Center

Click Here for the Family Resource Center Library

Apply to be a Tutor Link

Webinar Link

"Consultation" Click here to email our staff

Click Here for Recorded Webinars

Digital Resources: Information for Families and Educators

FCPS Cares Recognitions

FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of amazing Chesterbrook staff.  FCPS Cares Program

Sharing Additional Opportunities TJHSST - Investigative Science Opportunity Grades 5 - 8 

We are TJ Investigative Science Outreach, a student-led organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. We will be hosting our 12th annual invitational science fair on April 5th, 2025.  Students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 are free to participate. 

Participants who sign up will complete a research project of their choice and present at the fair in-person on April 5th, 2025. TJ students help the elementary and middle school students prepare for this fair by holding multiple sessions to teach them important skills in STEM like brainstorming, collecting data, presenting, writing an experiment summary, using statistics, creating an experimental diagram, etc.

Join us for our first interest/brainstorming session on October 11th, 2024 at 6:00 pm. We will be holding this session both in-person at TJHSST and virtually through zoom. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. All interested students should sign up using the form at the link.

Camps Aren’t Just for Summer

When Fairfax County Public Schools close for student holidays or cultural observances — Fairfax County Park Authority has you covered with camps. Make the most of out-of-school time, meet a forever friend and move with camps this fall. Sign up for fall camps taking place on:

• Thursday-Friday, October 3-4
• Monday, October 14
• Friday, November 1
• Monday-Tuesday, November 4-5
• Monday, November 11

Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia’s (DSANV) 20th annual Buddy Walk®

Sunday, October 6, 2024 at
the WORKHOUSE ARTS CENTER!

8:30 AM - 2PM

Register Here

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook

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Principal's Message

We had a wonderful turn out last week for our beginning of the year Chesterbrook community pot luck and cookout. Ms. Macdonald and I enjoyed grilling up the hotdogs and adding to the many wonderful dishes provided by families. It was a beautiful and special night and I hope you had a chance to connect with some families in our community. Check out some of our photos below. Thank you for coming out to celebrate the start of another school year!

Tomorrow evening, Thursday, September 5th, we look forward to seeing parents at our Chesterbrook Back to School Night.  We have set up the evening to accommodate families with multiple children during our evening schedule and also welcome you to join our PTA. 

Begin the evening at 5:45 with our PTA for our first meeting of the school year. Classrooms will open for grade level and specialist sessions at 6:25. You will have three opportunities to visit your child's classroom and meet teachers throughout the night at 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30PM. Our preschool teachers will welcome there families from 6:30 - 7:15. 

We now have a new Chesterbrook fence sign in our playground area thanks to the Chesterbrook classes of 2022 and 2023.  Thank you to our former students and parent volunteers that made this happen!

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick

Back to School Night Schedule

5:45 - 6:25  PTA Meeting - Please join us in the cafeteria

6:30 - 8pm General Classroom Sessions Available, including Specialists

During any of the three sessions below you may visit your child's grade level teacher or our specialists (PE, Music, Band, Strings, Spanish and Art)

6:30  Classroom Session 1 

7:00  Classroom Session  2 

7:30  Classroom Session  3 

Preschool Families -
Teachers will be available between 6:30 - 7:15 PM

Click here to view the Back to School Night message from School Board Member, Robyn Lady.

Welcome our New Parent Liaison

Chesterbrook would like to welcome our new family liaison, Andrea Adamson.  As the family liaison, Mrs. Adamson is here to connect parents to resources needed between home and school.  If you are new to McLean, new to CES, or been here but need help finding the right resources please contact her and she will help guide you.  As a parent of a Chipmunk and a Highlander, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge to our CES community and is looking forward to working with our families.  Andrea will be in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday, September 5th  Back to School Night; 5:45 PTA; 6:30 Classroom

Monday, September 23- 3 hour early release Monday- students released at 1:05 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24- AAP Parent Information Night (5:30 Library)

Friday, September 27 - Kickball Kickoff McLean (Purchase Tickets with PTA)

Tuesday, October 1st - Fall School Picture Day

Thursday, October 3- Rosh Hashanah Holiday for Staff and Students

Friday, October 4- Teacher Workday- No school for Students 

Monday, October 14th - Staff Development Day, No school for Students

FCPS 2024-25 School Year Calendar

1753 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101  |  Main Phone: 703.714.8200 
Attendance: 703.714.8282 | Web | Facebook