October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

From the Principal’s Pen

Dear Laurel Hill Families,

We are preparing for our next early release Wednesday next week. Last month we had many parents changing dismissal plans at the last minute which led to confusion. We are asking ALL parents to fill out a new form documenting your plans for the rest of the early release days. Please fill out this form to determine if your child will be staying at school or going home on the Early Release Wednesdays throughout the school year ASAP! Teachers send this form out on Monday, and as of this morning, we only had 397 responses. Please respond asap so we can be fully prepared for the early release on Oct. 15. Please call the front office if you have questions.

Additionally, please remember that schools will be closed for students on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous Peoples' Day which honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Sincerely,

Janice Dalton, Principal

Thmeaka Traylor, Assistant Principal

Addison Smith, Assistant Principal

Save the Date

October 13- Indigenous Peoples Day- Student Holiday

October 15- 3 hour early release @ 1:05pm

October 17- Screen on the Green 6:00pm

October 20- Diwali- Student Holiday

October 31- End of 1st Quarter-2 hour early release @ 2:05pm

2025-26 school year calendar

New Volunteering Requirements

Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe. These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.

All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, after school activities and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.

ALL Field Trip chaperones are Level 3 volunteers and WILL need a Background Check and Fingerprinting. If you plan to chaperone any time this year, please start this process as soon as possible.

We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.

We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.

As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their driver's license at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.

No Cost Meals Available for Students on October 13 at Select Schools

FCPS will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13, at participating schools. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on October 13.

Here’s what you need to know:

Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.

We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope that many of our families will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.

Federal Shutdown Support

We know that the federal shutdown adds stress to many in our community, especially in Fairfax County, where many serve in government and military roles. Please know that we are here to support you and provide stability for students. Families can access meals, mental health sessions, financial and housing assistance, reduced transportation fares, and free county resources. Visit the FCPS site for links and the superintendent's full message: https://bit.ly/4pRv4Cg