SARATOGA CONNECTION
October 1, 2026
Principals’ Corner
On Wednesday, September 30, Saratoga proudly hosted visiting principals from across the Lewis Pyramid for classroom walkthroughs focused on High Quality Instruction. Our guest principals were deeply impressed by our school community and highlighted several outstanding strengths:
- Caring & Safe Classrooms: Students feel supported, valued, and safe in their learning environments.
- Clear Learning Goals: Students can articulate what they are learning, why it matters, and how their work connects to learning targets.
- Student Voice & High Rigor: Classrooms offer rich opportunities for students to explain their thinking while tackling challenging, grade-level tasks.
- Strong Routines: Well-established classroom systems maximize active learning time.
We are incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and wonderful students for showcasing the exceptional learning that happens at Saratoga every single day!
Be the Change,
Abby Ragan Abby Lower Jordan Perry
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
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, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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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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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join a session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
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Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With LightspeedThe free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
- Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Stallion Carnival is next week!
The PTA invites all Saratoga families to join us for our annual Stallion Carnival on Friday, October 9, from 5:30-7:30pm for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and a great time for all! Proceeds from this event help Saratoga PTA fund field trip bus support, school beautification projects, classroom materials, and more! Visit www.saratogapta.org for pre-sale tickets or wristbands, and opportunities for volunteers.
Fall 2026 Afterschool Programs sponsored by the Saratoga PTA
Saratoga PTA is sponsoring afterschool programs for 8 week courses starting in October.
Program fees apply, some scholarships are available.
https://saratogaespta.givebacks.com/w/afterschoolprograms
"These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent of this School."
It's time to start creating your Reflections masterpiece!
Saratoga PTA is hosting the Reflections program, which provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme, "What my culture means to me".
Students can submit one entry in six different categories. Entry forms and rules are available online or in the school office & library. Saratoga Student entries are due November 11. .
https://saratogaespta.givebacks.com/w/reflections
www.saratogapta.org or email saratogaespta@gmail.com for rules and more info about creating an entry.
Reminders
- October 9: Saratoga Carnival
- October 12: No School
- October 21: Early Release Wednesday
- October 29: Watch D.O.G.S. and M.O.M.S. Pizza Party
Stay Connected
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