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

In This Issue

• Upcoming Dates
• Join the PTA
• School Readiness
• Multilingual Learners Summit 8/8
• We are fully staffed. Meet some of our new team with more to follow soon!

Upcoming Dates

Aug 7 10- 11AM  New Family Tours  

Aug 16 10AM - 11:30 AM  Open House 

Alpha Split to help with parking and flow: 10-10:30  A-G 10:30-11  H-N 11-11:30  O-Z

Aug 19  1st Day of School

September 5th Back to School Night

Aug 30 - Sept 2 Labor Day Holiday Weekend 

2024-25 FCPS School Year Calendar

Join the Chesterbrook PTA!

We would love to have your support. Please consider joining the Chesterbrook PTA! Click here to Join the PTA

School Readiness

School Supplies that were purchased through the PTA will be here before Open House and ready. If you prefer to shop for supplies, please check the grade level list on our website.

Kiss N Ride - We encourage families to begin working with younger students to buckle and unbuckle independently to get ready for drop off and pickup.

Registration Paperwork - If you have items for our registrar, please come in soon to finalize registration.

Multilingual Learners Summit August 8th 5PM

Keynote speaker Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya
Student panel will dialogue with Dr. Zelaya following the keynote.  

Registration is open for students, families, or staff planning to attend.    

Welcoming a Few New Teachers

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

Opening Day is Here!!! We look forward to welcoming everyone back this morning for the 2024-25 school year. Our theme this school year is "Everyday is a Chance to Grow." We look forward to supporting each of your children as they dive into learning, explore new opportunities to gain new skills and build new friendships.  A wonderful new school year lies ahead filled with tremendous possibilities. 

We will work to keep communications as streamlined as possible. In order to stay informed, please try to skim each weekly school email and grade level communication. We will also use talking point texts to communicate as efficiently as possible.

Looking forward to a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

School Year Updates

Verify Pick Up Patrol
Each family need to confirm your Pick Up Patrol account or it will expire. Verify your account and set your child's default way home ASAP.  Only 56% of families have verified at this time. Let's hit 75% before 2PM today!!!

Lunch Volunteers
We are looking for a few volunteers that can consistently support our students at lunch. Building relationships with kids throughout the year further supports positive behaviors during lunch time, so ask parents to commit to weekly support or regular subbing if taking on this opportunity. If you are interested in supporting in this role, please fill out this google form. 

Free and Reduced Price Meal Application 
Complete the application here: Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. 

Kiss N Ride Procedures
Hang Tags will be used to identify all K&R families. Until we are able to distribute, we ask all families to have a paper with last name written large to display at dismissal. Students will wait in the gym until your car has arrived. We will announce the name of the child and they will meet you at the K&R loop.

Walker Drop Off and Pick Up
We will continue with two areas for parent drop off and pickup- Flag Pole & Trailers by the Gym. Having a sign with your last name (especially at the gym) will help us identify you quickly.

Parent Permission Form: Walkers and Bike Riders
Older students in grades 4th – 6th with parent permission may complete a request to walk/ride without an adult. Download Form Here

Breakfast and Lunch Account
Add money to your child's account using www.MySchoolBucks.com
Once the account is open, parents can check update on the account at anytime. More information can be found here.  

CES Grade Level Parent Information Directory
Each year teachers are asked by many families to provide parent contact information, which can be very helpful in planning class activities, playdates or parties outside of school. All families will be included unless you would choose to opt out on this form. The PTA directory is a separate opt in system.

Meet Our Additional New Teachers

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

What a wonderful first week! It is a collaborative effort between our staff, students and families that made it a wonderful week. Thank you! Welcoming all of our student back and watching them settle into the start a new, promising school year brings so much joy. So many great things are in store with new curriculum, new friends and an amazing staff ready to support each of your children.

Students participated in morning meetings with peer greetings, upper grade students were introduced to opportunities in strings, band and chorus and we all went over the basic routines for the school year in new grades. We quickly watched our newest Chipmunks find their way as some of our wonderful upper grade students served as leaders to help them during dismissal.

We are rolling out ourStudent Ambassador and Patrol appplications so our student leaders can be appointed in their roles to help our school community thrive. Fifth and Sixth grade teachers will be sharing information with students on these opportunities so they can apply for opportunities this week. 

This Tuesday evening we will host our annual Back to School BBQ with hotdogs and potluck meals from families.  Please join us and bring your favorite dish to share. We ask that any item brought is nut free for the safety of our community. Sign up here to bring a dish and join us. I hope to see many of our families at our community event. 

We encourage our Chipmunks to show their spirit this Thursday by wearing their spirit gear or our colors - blue and yellow/gold. Show your Chipmunk Pride and joy to be back for a new year.

Sincerely,

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Principal

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, 8/27 - CES Cookout & Potluck 5 - 6:30PM; Sign up to Share a Dish

Thursday, 8/29 - CES Spirit Day - Show off your CES spiritwear or Blue/Gold

Thursday, 8/29 - Celebrate McLean

Aug 30 - Sept 2 Labor Day Holiday Weekend 

Thursday 9/5  Back to School Night; 5:45 PTA Meeting; We will hold three classroom session opportunities following the PTA meeting. 

Monday 9/23 3 Hour Early Release Monday at12:35; Bag Lunch Day

2024-25 FCPS School Year Calendar

Parent Action Items & Reminders

Give Consent for Digital Resources for Your Child:  Student consent forms previously available on ParentVue have been moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). 

3 Hr Early Release Student Childcare Survey - We require 100% response to this survey to ensure we can plan for all students who cannot go home early on our Early Release Mondays for state required teacher training. Childcare will be provided by CES staff until our 3:35 dismissal. We are currently at a 70% response rate and working to plan for this support which is averaging 200+ children. COMPLETE form ASAP if you have not done so.

Chesterbrook Grade Level Contact Director - Last call, Opt Out due 8/28
All families will be included unless you would choose to opt out on this form. 
*note this is not the PTA directory which families will need to opt-in.

Free and Reduced Price Meal Application  Complete the application here: Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. 

Breakfast and Lunch Account  www.MySchoolBucks.com

Join our Chesterbrook PTA -Click Here
1st meeting will be at 5:45 prior to Back to School Night

Celebrate McLean

Please save the date for August 29, 2024 for Celebrate McLean. It will run from 4pm-6:30pm, prior to our football home opener vs Meridian. We will have games, food, DJ and tables from our clubs and sports. We look forward to another amazing day!

 

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones and watches off during the school day helps students focus and learn. All smart watches should be in School Mode or Airplane mode during the school day. Having a phone free environment also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If an urgent matter arises during the day and you need to reach your child, please call our office at 703-714-8200.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents and caregivers to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available: a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2024-25 Opt-Out Booklets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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