Greenbriar West 10/09/2025 -- Thursday Folders Bulletin
Greenbriar West 10/09/25 -- Thursday Folders Bulletin

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Important Dates

Monday, October 13: Indigenous Day Holiday, No School

Wednesday, October 15: 3hr Early Release Wednesday - 1pm

Monday, October 20: Diwali Holiday, No School

Friday, October 31: End of Quarter, 2-hour Early Release

Monday-Tuesday Nov 3-4: Teacher Workdays, No School

Tuesday, November 11: Veteran's Day Holiday - No School

November 17-21: School Book Fair Week - Library

November 18: Thanksgiving Luncheon - School Cafeteria

November 19: 3hr Early Release Wednesday - 1pm 

November 26-28: Thanksgiving Holiday - No School 

FCPS 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar

boosterthon

 

Principals’ Message:

 

Dear GBW,

 

Thank you for your strong support of our Boosterthon fundraiser where we were able to raise over $25,000 towards our new soccer goal, assemblies, and new lobby furniture!  As a rewards for surpassing our fundraising goals the students were treated to a special assembly today where staff and PTA members dressed up in silly inflatable costumes to compete in a few events.  We had a blast at this event and a special congratulations to Becky Anderson (4th Grade Teacher) who won the Music Chairs event which was our culminating event! 

 

Pictured from left to right:

  • Gingerbread Person w/Santa Hat- Steve Smith (4th Grade AAP Teacher)
  • Fox- Whitney Landry (6th Grade Teacher)
  • Blue Alien- Liz Dalton (1st Grade Teacher)
  • Cat- Amy McPherson (PTA President)
  • Blue Alien 2- Sara Strohl (3rd Grade Teacher)
  • Blue Unicorn- Briana Odom (Assistant Principal)
  • Ride On a Boxing Kangaroo- Andrew Blount (Principal)
  • Upside Down Clown- Seau Ly (PTA Treasurer)
  • Santa- Lisa Scott (5th Grade Teacher)
  • Avocado- Justin Crede (PE Teacher)
  • Boxing Kangaroo- Becky Anderson (4th Grade Teacher)

 

Thanks again GBW for making this a very successful fundraising event!

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Blount, Mrs. Odom, and PTA Executive Board

Blue Star Week Family Celebration

blue star
cookie

To celebrate Blue Star Week, we invited our Military-Connected families for a small breakfast to welcome them back to the school year.  We also provided them with a small token of our appreciation for all they do.  We were lucky to have the Family Partnerships Specialist for Military-Connected Youth & Families, Katie Server join us to welcome our families. 

GBW Book Character Spirit Day- Friday, October 31st

panda

Dear GBW,

We are thrilled to host our first schoolwide

Book Character Spirit Day on Friday, October 31st! 

As a school we are excited to combine our love of reading with our joy for school spirit days by hosting this Book Character Spirit Day!  As we plan to make this a fun spirit day, we also have some guidance to help ensure we keep students safe and engaged in learning.  Please see below for guidance on Book Character Costumes.

 

Safety and Security Restrictions:

  1. No weapons (real or fake/toy): No toy guns, swords, knives, bats, or any prop that resembles a weapon.
  2. Costumes must be safe/manageable: Students must be able to move, sit, see, and participate in all school activities (including recess and P.E.) without the costume posing a tripping hazard or being overly distracting.
  3. No wheeled items: Items like skateboards, roller skates / blades, or bicycles (even if part of the character- are not allowed)
  4. Masks- will be permitted for kindergarten students participating in the parade.  All other students are not permitted to wear masks. 

 

Content and Appropriateness:

  1. Age Appropriate- No gore, blood, or excessive face paint: Costumes should not be overly scary, violent, inappropriate, or depict blood, gore, or horror elements.
  2. No Costume Props: Please do not bring any props / accessories that may distract from learning.
  3. FCPS Dress Code Considerations: All costumes should adhere to appropriate dress code guidance provided in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. 

 

Focus on Books:

The costume should be connected to a book character:

The character should be tied to a published book as suggested in the spirit day theme, “Book Character Spirit Day.”

 

 

 October Community Boundary Review Meetings

FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our area will be covered at the meeting on [Insert date, location, in person w/ link, and virtual w/ link]. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.

At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the [Insert the pyramid your school is partnered with]. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.

If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings. 

Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.

 

Upcoming Bond Referendum

The 2025 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in the upcoming election on November 4. Bond Referendums are how FCPS pays for capital improvement projects, like much needed school renovations. Bond funds are critical for our schools to continue evolving with the needs of our students and communities. 

To learn more about the bond, please visit the Bond Referendum 2025 webpage. 

award

 

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE NOMINATIONS

Do you know an amazing employee at Greenbriar West Elementary School? Starting on October 13th, Greenbriar West will be accepting nominations to recognize an Outstanding Employee for the 2025-2026 school year.

Nominations for:

*Outstanding Teacher

Recognizes teachers or librarians with 3+ years of experience who inspire a love of learning, understand and support students’ individual needs, demonstrate deep content knowledge, and build strong relationships within the school community. Must teach or provide direct instruction to students 50% or more of the time.

*Outstanding New Teacher

Honors teachers or librarians in their first 3 years who demonstrate exceptional instructional skills, connect deeply with students, and collaborate effectively with staff and families. Must teach or provide direct instruction to students 50% or more of the time.

*Outstanding Principal

Celebrates principals with 3+ years of experience as building principals who inspire excellence, lead with vision, and cultivate inclusive, collaborative school cultures. Assistant/Associate Principals should be nominated as Outstanding Leaders.

*Outstanding New Principal

Highlights principals in their first 3 years who lead with clarity, communicate effectively, foster safe and engaging environments, and center equity in all aspects of their work.

*Outstanding Leader

Honors leaders such as Assistant/Associate Principals, Directors of Student Services or Activities, and other Schedule C administrators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to equity. Must have served in their current role and location for more than one year.

*Outstanding Professional Employee

Recognizes staff in non-instructional roles (e.g., AARTs, SBTS, Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Instructional Coaches, Department Chairs) who make outstanding contributions through leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Must have served in their current role and location for more than one year.

*Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee

Honors employees such as Administrative Assistants, Office Staff, Custodians, Food Services, Instructional Assistants, and Family Liaisons who keep our schools running smoothly and create welcoming, supportive environ