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 Our Kiss & Ride line is almost ready. With so many sidewalks still covered with ice, we're preparing for an increase in car riders. If you're new to Kiss & Ride, please see important safety steps below.
Snow Day Update from the Den
February 2, 2026
A Message from Ms. Consolla
Thank you for your patience as we work through the "snowcrete" to get back to school after such cold temperatures. Even though we have not had an official announcement, I've prepared this to help families make plans for the return to school.
Use the bus or Kiss & Ride if you can. There are still icy sidewalks that make it really hard to walk to school. FCPS has been working with VDOT to clear bus stops.
Please see below for information about:
- Two-hour Delay Reminders
- How to use our Kiss & Ride at arrival
- Phrases to use with your child regarding dismissal
- How to use our Kiss & Ride at dismissal
- Where to pick up Walkers at dismissal--NEW
If your kids need something to do this afternoon, there are some houses across from school that have sidewalks that still need shoveling. We've cleared out our crosswalk where the crossing guard stands, but it's tricky getting to that crosswalk.
Again, no announcement from FCPS has been made yet. Please stay tuned, stay safe and stay warm.
Jean
Jean Consolla, Principal
Two-Hour Delay Reminders
We will open our doors at 10:30am. All students will remain outside until that time, so please do not drop off before 10:30am.
If your bus typically arrives at 8:15am, plan to be at the stop at 10:15am.
Plan for extra travel time.
Breakfast in a bag is served.
Students will have their regular lunch and dismiss at 3:40pm.
ARRIVAL: Kiss & Ride
Our Kiss & Ride is a well-oiled machine! Follow these steps:
DO:
- Approach school from Elkins and turn onto Linton Lane. Stay in the right lane.
- Pull all the way forward as far as you can. You will probably pass the front door. That's okay. We'll help your child out and make sure they get into the building.
- Only let students out on the passenger side AND at a cone with a patrol.
- As you exit back out onto Linton, turn right.
- Smile and wave at patrols and staff who are helping out in the cold. :-)
DO NOT:
- Do not park anywhere on Linton Lane. The street cannot handle the volume. And never block a driveway.
- No U-turns on Linton.
- Do not park in our parking lot. We have already lost spaces because of the snow.
- Never drop your child off in the street. Do not walk them across and then return back to your car. Use the Kiss & Ride.
- Do not turn left as you leave the school. We need traffic moving away from school.
- Do not lose patience. We will get everyone in and out as quickly as possible.
Phrases to Use with Your Child About Dismissal
We know that you might be using a different routine for your child's dismissal. Please make sure your child knows what the dismissal plan is. We use certain phrases at school that will help cue your child where to go. Please use this language:
“Go to Kiss & Ride.”
“Go out with Walkers.” (followed by "I will meet you." or "Walk home.")
“Go home on the bus or van.”
“Go to SACC.”
DISMISSAL: Kiss & Ride
We will run our regular, well-oiled Kiss & Ride routine. Again, line up on Linton and turn right into the circular driveway. Once you give the child’s name to our staff member, we will escort them to your car.
Be patient and wait to pull forward.
DISMISSAL: Walkers
Go to the Blacktop!
If your child is a Walker, we are NOT using Door 11 by the bike racks.
Instead, walk around the side of the school to the right of Door 11, past the gardens and meet your child at the blacktop. We will send them out through the gym.
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather is here! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
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Your Partners in Education
We are honored to work with your family this year and will work everyday to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. We can't do it alone. Please contact us when there is a question or concern, especially related to bullying. As a parent, you will often hear about something before staff might. Thank you for all your support.
Jean Consolla, Principal
jtconsolla@fcps.edu
Patty Settel, Assistant Principal
pasettel@fcps.edu
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