GBE Happenings - May 13, 2026

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Five smiling, elementary-aged students pose together on a green and tan playground structure during recess.

 

After a day of hard work completing their state tests, 5th grade students enjoyed some well-deserved fun and laughter at recess!


Calendar Reminders 

  • Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 - Early Release Wednesday 
  • Monday, May 25 - Student Holiday - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, May 26 - Student Holiday - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, May 27 - Student Holiday - NO SCHOOL

Early Release Wednesday - May 20

Our next Early Release Wednesday is quickly approaching. Your student will keep the same dismissal time for the 3 Hour Early Release on Wednesday, May 20

If an emergency comes up and you need to request a change to your student’s dismissal time, please email Mr. Pietzman at djpietzman@fcps.edu as soon as possible. 

Please be sure to submit any dismissal change requests to Mr. Pietzman by Friday, May 15


Class Placement Family Input for 2026-2027

The planning for the 2026-2027 school year has begun! Since we work in partnership with our families to provide a supportive school environment for our students, we would like to invite you to share some information about your child. If you have more than one child attending GBE, please be sure to submit an individual form for each student. This form is not intended for families to request specific teachers.  

Completion of this form is optional, but must be received by Friday, May 29


GBE Library Updates & Book Due Dates

All FCPS library books are due on or before June 3.

Did you know GBE students can check their library account from home?

  • Click this Destiny Discover link.
  • Find the log in button in the top right corner.
  • Select “Sign in with Google” to have your student sign in with their FCPS Google account.
  • Click the “My Stuff” button on the left side of the page.
  • Choose “Checkouts”.
  • Your student’s library books will be listed, including due dates.

The link for Destiny Discover can also be found at the bottom of the library page on the GBE website. 


FCPS Caters to Food Allergies

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. The FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to safe and nutritious school meals. Since 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy, FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school.

To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.

Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a safe menu for students


Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

Screenshot of the FCPS app reaguring weekly reflections and two photos of educators

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed, directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

  • Stay up to date: Get the latest news from FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.


SoCo Summer Strings Camp

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 6-17, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and register for camp on their website. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s spot!


Summer Break STEM Camp – Hands-On Science & Engineering Activities!

Looking to start summer break with an exciting and educational opportunity? Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are hosting a one-week long STEM Camp for 4th-6th graders from June 22-26 in Oakton, VA. Campers will explore engineering, coding, chemistry, physics, and biology through engaging, hands-on activities designed to make STEM fun and accessible. The camp runs from 9 AM - 4 PM, with optional extended care available.

Cost:  $300 (FREE for students receiving free/reduced lunch)

Location: Unity of Fairfax (2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124)

Lunch: Students will either buy lunch (pizza and light refreshments) or bring their own lunch and snacks.

Sign up by completing the online registration form

For more details or questions, please email springstemcamp@gmail.com


GBE PTA News & Notes

Panda Express Fundraiser all day this Thursday!

Fundraiser flyer for Panda Express supporting GBE events on Thursday, May 14th. Full details in the description below.

 

Join us for a Panda Express fundraiser happening all day Thursday at the Greenbriar Town Center location. All you have to do is eat! When ordering online, use code: 3859569, or if in person, mention the GBE fundraiser on Thursday, May 14th, then 20% will come back to GBE for events next year. These micro fundraisers are what make events like the Fall Festival possible. 


GBE PTA Meeting this Thursday!

Event flyer: PTA Meeting on May 14 at 6:30 PM in the GBE Library. All are welcome to connect with community, PTA, and school leaders.

 

Join us on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. for the monthly meeting. The session is held live in the GBE Library. Meetings are to keep you informed, meetings are to hear from you on topics impacting GBE, ideas for the PTA or general conversation. PTA meetings are open to all (members and non-members)



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