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Churchill Chatter - Issue 4
October 12, 2026
Important Dates
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Thursday, October 15 - World Heritage Night
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Wednesday, October 21 - Book Fair Night 5:00 - 8:00 PM
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Monday, October 26 - Fall Picture Make-Ups
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Wednesday, October 28 - Field Day
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Friday, October 30 - Fall Parade
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Friday, October 30 - End of Quarter - 2-hr early dismissal at 1:20 PM
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Monday, November 1 - Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
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Tuesday, November 2 - Student Holiday (Election Day)
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Wednesday, November 18 - 3-hr early dismissal at 12:20 PM
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Friday, November 20 - Thanksgiving Luncheon
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Wednesday - Friday, November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break
In This Week's Issue
Dear Churchill Road families,
Crisp fall days are upon us! With cooler October temperatures settling in, please remember to layer up for chilly morning commutes and outdoor activities as temperatures may be a bit colder.
Hopefully, you received our email last week regarding Churchill Road Elementary being recognized as Distinguished under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). This rating, based on data from last school year, shows our school is Exceeding expectations set by the state for student performance. We are deeply grateful to our entire community for supporting student learning—we have so much to celebrate!
During today’s professional development, our staff has been focused on strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging in every classroom. Ensuring every student feels connected each day is a top priority for us, so please feel free to reach out if your child could use additional support in this area.
Here are a few upcoming events to keep on your radar:
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World Heritage Night (Thursday, October 15): This special evening offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our diverse families and learn from one another. Space is filling up quickly, so please be sure to register using the details below if you plan to attend.
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Field Day (Wednesday, October 28): Mr. Varhol and Mr. Taousakis are hard at work planning an exciting day. We will share additional event details in the coming weeks.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Pierson-Barr and Mr. Kilpatrick
A student's perspective
World Heritage Night
Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 6:30 - 8:00 PM
We can’t wait to celebrate the richness of our diverse community! Representatives from 30 countries will be sharing their heritage through interactive activities, traditional games, art, delicious food, and so much more. Plus, you won't want to miss our incredible community talent show!
Get your tickets: If you haven't bought yours yet, grab them today! Purchase Tickets here.
Represent your roots: We encourage everyone to show off their culture in any way they can!
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Transportation Survey
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
Grade Level / Community Conversations
We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming Grade Level Community Conversations:
- Grade 2 - October 13
- Grade K - October 14
- Grade 4 - October 16
- Grade 1 - October 21
- Grade 6 - October 23
- Grade 5 - October 29
Book Fair!
Come and browse the Book Fair from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21. The SGA will be selling pizza, cookies, and juice in the cafeteria - we hope to see you there!
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Outstanding Employee Awards
Is there a Churchill teacher, staff member, or administrator that you would like to recognize? We are accepting nominations for Outstanding Employees from October 12 - November 2. To learn more or to nominate someone, click the link below. If you have any questions, please email Samantha Amatucci, School Counselor (sramatucci@fcps.edu) or Ashley Scott, Librarian, (akscott@fcps.edu).
https://churchillroades.fcps.edu/nominations
Visitor Check-in Reminders
All visitors to Churchill Road must check via the Visitor Management System (VMS) prior to entering the building. You must bring have a photo ID to check-in. We suggest that you download the Raptor Safe App prior to visiting Churchill Road ES to shorten the check-in time. Please allow extra time to check in for larger school events.
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National School Lunch Week
National School Lunch Week (NSLW) October 12 -16, 2026
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
Throughout NSLW, FCPS social media will feature special videos created by middle and high school performing arts students around the Cafeteria Circus theme. Ask your students and staff to vote for their favorite!
On October 13, 2026, students who purchase a complete school meal will receive a free circus-themed frozen fruit cup made with 100% fruit juice.
In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Safe Routes to School Survey
- Immunization Events
- Celebrating Our Principals
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Nominate a Churchill Road Employee Today
Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. We encourage our community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated and we thank you in advance for your time!
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From Our Family Liaison
Parent Café: “Talk. They Hear You.”
October 13 and November 10, 2026 Time: 6:30 to 8pm
Join a free virtual presentation for parents and others who support young people. Learn how to start conversations early and often about alcohol and other drugs, and get information and resources to help. Contact: BuildingStrongerFamilies@FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-324-7720
Register for the English session
Register for the Spanish session
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The Nuts and Bolts of the Special Education Process
Friday, October 16, 2026 from 10 - 11:30 AM
This webinar will guide participants through the special education identification process, including:
- An overview of the local screening process and the initial consideration of eligibility for special education
- An overview of the essential components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Register here
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Introduction to Dyslexia – what is it and what does it mean for my student?”
Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10- 11:30 AM
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of dyslexia and how it can impact a student’s learning. The session will explore the different types of dyslexia, common challenges students may experience, and the supports that can help them succeed. Participants will also leave with practical strategies, activities, and tips they can use at home to support their student’s learning and build confidence. Register here
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Therapeutic Recreation Services
TRS offers recreation programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including sports, social clubs, dance, cooking, and activities that build leisure skills. Additional programs may be available.
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