 Weapons Detection System at Jackson MS – Wednesday, October 22, 2025
This is to make you aware of the weapons detection system that FCPS started to roll out last school year. Some middle schools have already begun to use the system, and the Jackson roll-out is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Before Jackson begins using the system in an official capacity, we will provide students and staff a chance to test it out and see it in person; we want our students to be fully prepared. Details on the training for students is below:
- Wednesday, October 15 – Video for students in Advisory; teachers will explain what students must remove from backpacks: laptops, 3-ring binders, metal eye glass cases, some metal water bottles and lunch boxes, umbrellas, steel-toe shoes,
- Thursday, October 16 - Practice
At arrival, towers out at Door 1 and Door 4 in cafeteria; system is not live/activated; students walk through towers.
Demonstration in gym during PE classes; show students how to clear the towers—what needs to be removed from backpacks.
- Friday, October 17 - Practice
At arrival, towers out at Door 1 and Door 4 in cafeteria; system is not activated; students practice backpacks in front while walking through towers.
Demonstration in gym during PE classes; show students how to clear the towers—what needs to be removed from backpacks.
- Tuesday, October 21 - Practice
At arrival, towers at Door 1 and Door 4: system is not activated; students practice backpacks in front and removing laptops, 3-ring binders, metal eye glass cases.
- Wednesday, October 22 – At arrival, Weapons Detection System is Activated / LIVE
Several of our high school students joined Dr. Reid for a video discussion about school safety and to test out the new system. You can also learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions on our website or watching this explainer video. And if you have additional questions after reading the FAQs, you can submit them online to our Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Please talk to your student about the weapons detection system and that is an extra layer of safety. Also, review the objects that need to be removed from backpacks so that your student is prepared to go through the detection system without any complications. Thank you for your support.
Oct. 13th- Staff Development Day- No students
Oct. 20th- Holiday (Diwali) Building Closed
Oct. 31st- End of First Quarter- 2 hour early release
Parents, a bonus meal day will be provided for students up to age 18, on Monday, October 13 from 9am-1pm in the Jackson cafeteria. Meals must be eaten on site and there will also be enrichment activities provided as well. Students may leave after they are finished eating. While this is a free service, transportation will not be provided.
On-Time Attendance
We are off to a great start to the school year. Now students are settled in their classes and know the routines. We stress to our teachers bell-to-bell instruction to maximize instructional time and learning. If you drop your student off at school, make sure that they do not have to rush and arrive late to school. Help our students develop the habit of being punctual. Also encourage your student to arrive at each class on time. Arriving late is a classroom interruption and distraction for the teacher and all students.
We will begin to reinforce our school’s tardy policy, which includes tardy sweeps, detention, and parent contact for repeated tardiness. We will also recognize punctuality with fun incentives for our students. Thank you for your support.
Updated Attendance Codes
Attendance Codes have been updated for the 2025-26 school year. These updates will allow schools to better identify the primary reasons for student absences, which will help school teams identify patterns of absenteeism, make informed decisions, and develop effective strategies to improve attendance. Please note which codes qualify as “Excused” and which are “Unexcused.”
Codes no longer used:
- EXC-Excused
- PRE-Prearranged Absence
- UNL-Unexcused Local
Updated Code:
- MED-Illness or Injury Related
Excused Codes:
- COL-College Visit
- FAM-Family Emergency
- FRL-Funeral
- LGL-Legal Obligations
- MAP-Medical Appointment (Prescheduled)
- MIL-Deployment Related
- OEX-Other-Excused
Unexcused Codes:
- NON-Non-School Activity
- OUN-Other- Not Excused
- VAO-Vacation, Outing, or Non-Emergency Family Travel / Visit
Counselor On Leave As a reminder, Dr. Simmons, our counselor for students with last names Re–Z, is currently on leave. We hope for her return soon. In her absence, please reach out to any of the other counselors or Mr. Zubieta for support.
- Jessica DeVault (A–D) – jmdevault@fcps.edu | 703-204-8295
- Tracy Marquina (E–Li) – tmarquina@fcps.edu | 703-204-8136
- Brian Tickle (Lo–Ra) – brtickle@fcps.edu | 703-204-8124
- Nick Zubieta (Director of Student Services) – onzubieta@fcps.edu | 703-204-8122
- We appreciate your understanding and will ensure students continue receiving full support during her absence.
Student Services Closed on 10/13
LJMS Student Services will be closed on Monday, October 13. We will not be taking guests until the beginning of October 14th. For immediate support, please reach out to our front office at 703-204-8100.
World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE) Opportunity
Students in grades 7–12 who are proficient in another language (spoken, written, or signed) are invited to take the World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE). This optional fall assessment allows students to:
- Earn up to 3 world language credits, depending on proficiency level.
- Potentially satisfy requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma or the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
To participate, a signed and completed registration form must be submitted to your student’s school counselor by Oct. 17th no late submissions will be accepted.
Questions? Please contact your student’s school counselor.
SOS Screener
Luther Jackson Middle School will present the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program on October 22nd during Advisory 7. This evidence-based program teaches students about depression, suicide prevention, and how to seek help for themselves or a friend using the ACT message (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). Students will view a video, join a guided discussion, and complete a short screening tool (not a diagnosis).
Parents can learn more at sossignsofsuicide.org/parent. Lesson materials will also be available for preview on October 9th, 8–9am. If you wish to opt your child out, please email Mr. Zubieta at onzubieta@fcps.edu.
World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE) Opportunity
Students in grades 7–12 who are proficient in another language (spoken, written, or signed) are invited to take the World Languages Credit-by-Exam (WLCBE). This optional fall assessment allows students to:
- Earn up to 3 world language credits, depending on proficiency level.
- Potentially satisfy requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma or the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
To participate, a signed and completed registration form must be submitted to your student’s school counselor by Oct. 17th no late submissions will be accepted.
Questions? Please contact your student’s school counselor.
SEL Screener
On October 10th, LJMS students will take the FCPS Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. This short survey, given twice a year, helps schools understand how students feel about their school experience, relationships, and social-emotional skills.
The results are used to support student well-being and strengthen school programs. Individual student information is kept private, and families will receive a report through ParentVUE about a month after the window closes.
For more details, including sample questions and opt-out information, please visit the FCPS SEL Screener webpage.
7th Grade SOS Screener
Luther Jackson Middle School will present the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program on October 22nd during Advisory 7. This evidence-based program teaches students about depression, suicide prevention, and how to seek help for themselves or a friend using the ACT message (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). Students will view a video, join a guided discussion, and complete a short screening tool (not a diagnosis).
Parents can learn more at sossignsofsuicide.org/parent. Lesson materials will also be available for preview on October 9th, 8–9am. If you wish to opt your child out, please email Mr. Zubieta at onzubieta@fcps.edu.
No-Cost Meals Available for Students on October 13 We’re excited to share that our school will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students and school staff on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 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.
All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop during non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
FCPS Buildings Benefit All Community Members
In addition to our students and teachers, we estimate millions of visits by students and community members to Fairfax County schools through more than 500,000 events. Most of the public meeting and recreational facilities available in the county are FCPS facilities.
FCPS works with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and with the Fairfax County Park Authority to ensure that school facilities and athletic fields are available to the public after school hours.
The 2025 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 4. Learn more about registering to vote and make a voting plan.
When Cell Phones Are Down, Learning and Engagement Are Up: Help Keep Our Schools Phone-Free
Cell phones can significantly impact academic performance — research has shown that it takes students 10 minutes or more to shift their focus back to learning after being interrupted by a single cell phone notification! You can help keep our schools phone-free (and your child focused on learning) by:
- Reminding your child about FCPS’ cell phone policy and telling them why you support it.
- Contacting your school’s front office (rather than your child directly) if there is a family emergency during the school day.
- Contacting your child about non-urgent matters before or after the school day.
- Waiting to respond to non-urgent texts from your child until the school day is over.
Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy. Also, view our Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for resources to help your child maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with technology at home.
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 pyramid will be covered at the meeting on Thursday, October 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Falls Church High School, (Marshall and Falls Church Pyramids) in person or virtual. 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 Marshall HS Pyramid. 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.
The Family Resource Center together with the Office of Student Safety and Wellness cordially invites you to our inaugural Red Ribbon Awareness Open House. Recognizing that many families may feel uncertain about discussing substance use with their children, this event aims to equip attendees with essential resources and confidence.
The event will feature current, age-appropriate information on common substances of abuse, along with practical communication techniques. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity of receiving a private tour of the FRC library and browse through our pre-selected resources. Narcan training will be offered. No registration needed.
When students need to miss school, it is important for parents/guardians to communicate those absences with the school. This can be done by calling the attendance phone line at 703-204-8282.
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
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